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Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials 2.0

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 2180

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: polyesters; synthesis; chemical modification; thermal properties; mechanical properties; barrier properties; biodegradability; food packaging; active packaging; diffusion; permeability; bio-based and biodegradable polymers; polymers from waste; nanocomposites; biocomposites; life cycle assessment
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biopolymers and biomaterials are two interlinked key topics of interest in the field of composite materials today. The use of biopolymers and biomaterials is inevitable now or in the near future, as it has already been established that synthetic polymers and chemically synthesized materials are very harmful to both living beings and the environment. The excess use of non-biodegradable polymers has already caused severe damage to ecosystems, and, thus, biobased degradable polymers can serve as the ideal replacement. To this end, biopolymers from various natural sources, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, etc., individually or in a blend version, are being used to create composites for various purposes, such as packaging, biomedical, etc. On the other hand, chemical preservatives are very commonly used items in food items to enhance food shelf life; recently, however, numerous reports have shown their negative impact. In this context, to improve the physical properties of biopolymer-based composite materials and their functionality, biomaterials are superior to chemically produced synthetic toxic materials. Some biomaterials with value-added functional properties are bioactive compounds, plant extract, essential oils, natural colorants, etc. The combination of biobased polymers and biomaterials can be useful to the manufacture of functional composite materials.

The main goal of this Special Issue is to collect manuscripts exploring the recent progress in the preparation of biobased composite materials utilizing biopolymers and biomaterials for potential applications, including, but not limited to, packaging, biomedical regime, and cosmetics. This themed research topic is expected to provide more awareness of the use of biobased polymers and biomaterials in innumerable aspects of our daily used items.

Dr. Valentina Siracusa
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • biopolymers
  • nanomaterials
  • biomaterials
  • functional materials
  • bioactive natural compounds
  • essential oil emulsion
  • natural colorant
  • plant extract
  • bioactive compounds
  • nanocomposite
  • functional composite
  • composite film and coatings

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (3 papers)

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18 pages, 1144 KiB  
Article
Docosahexaenoic Acid-Infused Core–Shell Fibrous Membranes for Prevention of Epidural Adhesions
by Zhuo-Hao Liu, Yin-Cheng Huang, Chang-Yi Kuo, Darshan Tagadur Govindaraju, Nan-Yu Chen, Ping K. Yip and Jyh-Ping Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(23), 13012; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252313012 - 3 Dec 2024
Abstract
Avoiding epidural adhesion following spinal surgery can reduce clinical discomfort and complications. As the severity of epidural adhesion is positively correlated with the inflammatory response, implanting a fibrous membrane after spinal surgery, which can act as a physical barrier to prevent adhesion formation [...] Read more.
Avoiding epidural adhesion following spinal surgery can reduce clinical discomfort and complications. As the severity of epidural adhesion is positively correlated with the inflammatory response, implanting a fibrous membrane after spinal surgery, which can act as a physical barrier to prevent adhesion formation while simultaneously modulates postoperative inflammation, is a promising approach to meet clinical needs. Toward this end, we fabricated an electrospun core–shell fibrous membrane (CSFM) based on polylactic acid (PLA) and infused the fiber core region with the potent natural anti-inflammatory compound docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The PLA/DHA CSFM can continuously deliver DHA for up to 36 days in vitro and reduce the penetration and attachment of fibroblasts. The released DHA can downregulate the gene expression of inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) in fibroblasts. Following an in vivo study that implanted a CSFM in rats subjected to lumbar laminectomy, the von Frey withdrawal test indicates the PLA/DHA CSFM treatment can successfully alleviate neuropathic pain-like behaviors in the treated rats, showing 3.60 ± 0.49 g threshold weight in comparison with 1.80 ± 0.75 g for the PLA CSFM treatment and 0.57 ± 0.37 g for the untreated control on day 21 post-implantation. The histological analysis also indicates that the PLA/DHA CSFM can significantly reduce proinflammatory cytokine (TNF-α and IL-1β) protein expression at the lesion and provide anti-adhesion effects, indicating its vital role in preventing epidural fibrosis by mitigating the inflammatory response. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials 2.0)
16 pages, 5285 KiB  
Article
Effects of Tooth Desensitizers on Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation Using a Modified Robbins Device Flow Cell System
by Niraya Kornsombut, Shoji Takenaka, Jutharat Manuschai, Maki Sotozono, Ryoko Nagata, Takako Ida, Risako Sato, Rui Saito, Ryouhei Takahashi, Daichi Sato and Yuichiro Noiri
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10703; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910703 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 923
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the antibiofilm effects of dentin desensitizers using a modified Robbins device flow cell system. The test desensitizers were Saforide, Caredyne Shield, and Clinpro White Varnish. Standardized dentin specimens were prepared from human single-rooted premolars, treated with one of [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the antibiofilm effects of dentin desensitizers using a modified Robbins device flow cell system. The test desensitizers were Saforide, Caredyne Shield, and Clinpro White Varnish. Standardized dentin specimens were prepared from human single-rooted premolars, treated with one of the materials, and mounted on the modified Robbins device flow cell system. Streptococcus mutans biofilms were developed for 24 h at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions. Scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence confocal laser scanning microscopy, viable and total cell counts, acid production, and gene expression analyses were performed. A wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy electron probe microanalyzer was used to analyze the ion incorporations. Clinpro White Varnish showed the greatest inhibition, suggesting its suppression of bacterial adherence and transcription of genes related to biofilm formation. Saforide reduced only the number of viable bacteria, but other results showed no significant difference. The antibiofilm effects of Caredyne Shield were limited. The uptake of ions released from a material into dentin varies depending on the element. Clinpro White Varnish is effective for the short-term treatment of tooth sensitivity due to dentin demineralization. It prioritizes remineralization by supplying calcium and fluoride ions while resisting biofilm formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials 2.0)
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13 pages, 5501 KiB  
Article
Effect of Silicon Nitride Coating on Titanium Surface: Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Properties
by Akina Tani, Harumitsu Tsubouchi, Lin Ma, Yurie Taniguchi, Yasuyuki Kobayashi, Mariko Nakai, Satoshi Komasa and Yoshiya Hashimoto
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(17), 9148; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25179148 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 696
Abstract
In recent years, with the advent of a super-aged society, lifelong dental care has gained increasing emphasis, and implant therapy for patients with an edentulous jaw has become a significant option. However, for implant therapy to be suitable for elderly patients with reduced [...] Read more.
In recent years, with the advent of a super-aged society, lifelong dental care has gained increasing emphasis, and implant therapy for patients with an edentulous jaw has become a significant option. However, for implant therapy to be suitable for elderly patients with reduced regenerative and immunological capabilities, higher osteoconductive and antimicrobial properties are required on the implant surfaces. Silicon nitride, a non-oxide ceramic known for its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility, has demonstrated high potential for inducing hard tissue differentiation and exhibiting antibacterial properties. In this study, silicon nitride was deposited on pure titanium metal surfaces and evaluated for its biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. The findings indicate that silicon nitride improves the hydrophilicity of the material surface, enhancing the initial adhesion of rat bone marrow cells and promoting hard tissue differentiation. Additionally, the antibacterial properties were assessed using Staphylococcus aureus, revealing that the silicon nitride-coated surfaces exhibited significant antibacterial activity. Importantly, no cytotoxicity was observed, suggesting that silicon nitride-coated titanium could serve as a novel implant material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials 2.0)
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