Editorial

2 pages, 181 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits

by Leonard-Ionut Atanase

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(22), 16251; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242216251 - 13 Nov 2023

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The definition of the term biopolymer is often controversial, and there is no clear distinction between “biopolymers”, “bioplastics”, and “bio-based polymers” [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

Research

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16 pages, 4766 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of κ-Carrageenan-R-Phycoerythrin Hydrogel on In Vitro Wound Healing and Biological Function

by Selvakumari Ulagesan, Sathish Krishnan, Taek-Jeong Nam and Youn-Hee Choi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(15), 12358; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241512358 - 02 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1247

Abstract

Wound healing is widely recognized as a critical issue impacting the healthcare sector in numerous countries. The application of wound dressings multiple times in such instances can result in tissue damage, thereby increasing the complexity of wound healing. With the aim of tackling [...] Read more.

Wound healing is widely recognized as a critical issue impacting the healthcare sector in numerous countries. The application of wound dressings multiple times in such instances can result in tissue damage, thereby increasing the complexity of wound healing. With the aim of tackling this necessity, in the present study, we have formulated a hydrogel using natural polysaccharide κ-carrageenan and phycobiliprotein R-phycoerythrin from Pyropia yezoensis. The formulated hydrogel κ-Carrageenan-R-Phycoerythrin (κ-CRG-R-PE) was analyzed for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The wound healing potential of the κ-CRG-R-PE was evaluated in Hs27 cells by the wound scratch assay method. The hydrogel showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity and significant antimicrobial activity at 100 μg/mL concentration. κ-CRG-R-PE hydrogels promoted more rapid and complete wound closure than κ-Carrageenan (κ-CRG) hydrogel at 24 and 48 h. κ-CRG-R-PE hydrogels also filled the wound within 48 h of incubation, indicating that they positively affect fibroblast migration and wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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21 pages, 4484 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comprehensive Comparison of the Capacity of Functionalized Sepharose, Magnetic Core, and Polystyrene Nanoparticles to Immuno-Precipitate Procalcitonin from Human Material for the Subsequent Quantification by LC-MS/MS

by Thomas Masetto, Kai Matzenbach, Thomas Reuschel, Sebastian-Alexander Tölke, Klaus Schneider, Lea Marie Esser, Marco Reinhart, Laura Bindila, Christoph Peter and Matthias Grimmler

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(13), 10963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241310963 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1142

Abstract

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The fast and accurate diagnosis of sepsis by procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as an essential tool in clinical medicine. Although in use in the clinical laboratory for a long [...] Read more.

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. The fast and accurate diagnosis of sepsis by procalcitonin (PCT) has emerged as an essential tool in clinical medicine. Although in use in the clinical laboratory for a long time, PCT quantification has not yet been standardized. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry working group on the standardization of PCT (IFCC-WG PCT) aims to provide an LC-MS/MS-based reference method as well as the highest metrological order reference material to address this diagnostic need. Here, we present the systematic evaluation of the efficiency of an immuno-enrichment method, based on functionalized Sepharose, magnetic-core, or polystyrene (latex) nano-particles, to quantitatively precipitate PCT from different human sample materials. This method may be utilized for both mass spectrometric and proteomic purposes. In summary, only magnetic-core nano-particles functionalized by polyclonal PCT antibodies can fulfil the necessary requirements of the international standardization of PCT. An optimized method proved significant benefits in quantitative and specific precipitation as well as in the subsequent LC-MS/MS detection of PCT in human serum samples or HeLa cell extract. Based on this finding, further attempts of the PCT standardization process will utilize a magnetic core-derived immuno-enrichment step, combined with subsequent quantitative LC-MS/MS detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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28 pages, 27381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Curdlan Hydrogels Improved with Bioactive Compounds from Hop Exhibit Beneficial Properties for Skin Wound Healing?

by Aleksandra Nurzynska, Katarzyna Klimek, Agnieszka Michalak, Katarzyna Dos Santos Szewczyk, Marta Arczewska, Urszula Szalaj, Mariusz Gagos and Grazyna Ginalska

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210295 - 18 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1509

Abstract

Chronic wounds, among others, are mainly characterized by prolonged inflammation associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune cells. As a consequence, this phenomenon hinders or even precludes the regeneration process. It is known that biomaterials composed of [...] Read more.

Chronic wounds, among others, are mainly characterized by prolonged inflammation associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines by immune cells. As a consequence, this phenomenon hinders or even precludes the regeneration process. It is known that biomaterials composed of biopolymers can significantly promote the process of wound healing and regeneration. The aim of this study was to establish whether curdlan-based biomaterials modified with hop compounds can be considered as promising candidates for the promotion of skin wound healing. The resultant biomaterials were subjected to an evaluation of their structural, physicochemical, and biological in vitro and in vivo properties. The conducted physicochemical analyses confirmed the incorporation of bioactive compounds (crude extract or xanthohumol) into the curdlan matrix. It was found that the curdlan-based biomaterials improved with low concentrations of hop compounds possessing satisfactory hydrophilicity, wettability, porosity, and absorption capacities. In vitro, tests showed that these biomaterials were non-cytotoxic, did not inhibit the proliferation of skin fibroblasts, and had the ability to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 by human macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, in vivo studies showed that these biomaterials were biocompatible and could promote the regeneration process after injury (study on Danio rerio larvae model). Thus, it is worth emphasizing that this is the first paper demonstrating that a biomaterial based on a natural biopolymer (curdlan) improved with hop compounds may have biomedical potential, especially in the context of skin wound healing and regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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16 pages, 2156 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Advancing PHBV Biomedical Potential with the Incorporation of Bacterial Biopigment Prodigiosin

by Marijana Ponjavic, Ivana Malagurski, Jelena Lazic, Sanja Jeremic, Vladimir Pavlovic, Nevena Prlainovic, Vesna Maksimovic, Vladan Cosovic, Leonard Ionut Atanase, Filomena Freitas, Mariana Matos and Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 1906; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24031906 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2160

Abstract

The quest for sustainable biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and tailorable properties has put polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) into the research spotlight. However, high production costs and the lack of bioactivity limit their market penetration. To address this, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was combined with a bacterial pigment [...] Read more.

The quest for sustainable biomaterials with excellent biocompatibility and tailorable properties has put polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) into the research spotlight. However, high production costs and the lack of bioactivity limit their market penetration. To address this, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) was combined with a bacterial pigment with strong anticancer activity, prodigiosin (PG), to obtain functionally enhanced PHBV-based biomaterials. The samples were produced in the form of films 115.6–118.8 µm in thickness using the solvent casting method. The effects of PG incorporation on the physical properties (morphology, biopolymer crystallinity and thermal stability) and functionality of the obtained biomaterials were investigated. PG has acted as a nucleating agent, in turn affecting the degree of crystallinity, thermal stability and morphology of the films. All samples with PG had a more organized internal structure and higher melting and degradation temperatures. The calculated degree of crystallinity of the PHBV copolymer was 53%, while the PG1, PG3 and PG3 films had values of 64.0%, 63.9% and 69.2%, respectively. Cytotoxicity studies have shown the excellent anticancer activity of films against HCT116 (colon cancer) cells, thus advancing PHBV biomedical application potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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20 pages, 2309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amphiphilic Polypeptides Obtained by the Post-Polymerization Modification of Poly(Glutamic Acid) and Their Evaluation as Delivery Systems for Hydrophobic Drugs

by Apollinariia Yu. Dzhuzha, Irina I. Tarasenko, Leonard Ionut Atanase, Antonina Lavrentieva and Evgenia G. Korzhikova-Vlakh

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021049 - 05 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1900

Abstract

Synthetic poly(amino acids) are a unique class of macromolecules imitating natural polypeptides and are widely considered as carriers for drug and gene delivery. In this work, we synthesized, characterized and studied the properties of amphiphilic copolymers obtained by the post-polymerization modification of poly(α,L-glutamic [...] Read more.

Synthetic poly(amino acids) are a unique class of macromolecules imitating natural polypeptides and are widely considered as carriers for drug and gene delivery. In this work, we synthesized, characterized and studied the properties of amphiphilic copolymers obtained by the post-polymerization modification of poly(α,L-glutamic acid) with various hydrophobic and basic L-amino acids and D-glucosamine. The resulting glycopolypeptides were capable of forming nanoparticles that exhibited reduced macrophage uptake and were non-toxic to human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B). Moreover, the developed nanoparticles were suitable for loading hydrophobic cargo. In particular, paclitaxel nanoformulations had a size of 170–330 nm and demonstrated a high cytostatic efficacy against human lung adenocarcinoma (A549). In general, the obtained nanoparticles were comparable in terms of their characteristics and properties to those based on amphiphilic (glyco)polypeptides obtained by copolymerization methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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15 pages, 8718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Properties of Salecan–Soy Protein Isolate Composite Hydrogel Induced by Thermal Treatment and Transglutaminase

by Jing Gan, Lirong Sun, Chenxia Guan, Teng Ren, Qinling Zhang, Shihui Pan, Qian Zhang and Hao Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169383 - 20 Aug 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1980

Abstract

Salecan (Sal) is a novel marine microbial polysaccharide. In the present research, Sal and soy protein isolate (SPI) were adopted to fabricate Sal–SPI composite hydrogel based on a stepwise process (thermal treatment and transglutaminase induction). The effect of Sal concentration on morphology, texture [...] Read more.

Salecan (Sal) is a novel marine microbial polysaccharide. In the present research, Sal and soy protein isolate (SPI) were adopted to fabricate Sal–SPI composite hydrogel based on a stepwise process (thermal treatment and transglutaminase induction). The effect of Sal concentration on morphology, texture properties, and the microstructure of the hydrogel was evaluated. As Sal concentration varied from 0.4 to 0.6 wt%, hydrogel elasticity increased from 0.49 to 0.85 mm. Furthermore, the internal network structure of Sal–SPI composite hydrogel also became denser and more uniform as Sal concentration increased. Rheological studies showed that Sal–SPI elastic hydrogel formed under the gelation process. Additionally, FTIR and XRD results demonstrated that hydrogen bonds formed between Sal and SPI molecules, inferring the formation of the interpenetrating network structure. This research supplied a green and simple method to fabricate Sal–SPI double network hydrogels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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18 pages, 11120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Drug-Loaded Polymeric Micelles Based on Smart Biocompatible Graft Copolymers with Potential Applications for the Treatment of Glaucoma

by Manuela-Ramona (Blanaru) Ozturk, Marcel Popa, Delia Mihaela Rata, Anca Niculina Cadinoiu, Frederique Parfait, Christelle Delaite, Leonard Ionut Atanase, Carmen Solcan and Oana Maria Daraba

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9382; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169382 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1848

Abstract

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Despite the fact that many treatments are currently available for eye diseases, the key issue that arises is the administration of drugs for long periods of time and the increased risk of [...] Read more.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. Despite the fact that many treatments are currently available for eye diseases, the key issue that arises is the administration of drugs for long periods of time and the increased risk of inflammation, but also the high cost of eye surgery. Consequently, numerous daily administrations are required, which reduce patient compliance, and even in these conditions, the treatment of eye disease is too ineffective. Micellar polymers are core–shell nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly of block or graft copolymers in selective solvents. In the present study, polymeric micelles (PMs) were obtained by dialysis from smart biocompatible poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(N-vinylcaprolactam-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) [PCL-g-P(NVCL-co-NVP)] graft copolymers. Two copolymers with different molar masses were studied, and a good correlation was noted between the micellar sizes and the total degree of polymerisation (DPn) of the copolymers. The micelles formed by Cop A [PCL120-g-P(NVCL507-co-NVP128)], with the lowest total DPn, have a Z-average value of 39 nm, whereas the micellar sizes for Cop B [PCL120-g-P(NVCL1253-co-NVP139)] are around 47 nm. These PMs were further used for the encapsulation of two drugs with applications for the treatment of eye diseases. After the encapsulation of Dorzolamide, a slight increase in micellar sizes was noted, whereas the encapsulation of Indomethacin led to a decrease in these sizes. Using dynamic light scattering, it was proved that both free and drug-loaded PMs are stable for 30 days of storage at 4 °C. Moreover, in vitro biological tests demonstrated that the obtained PMs are both haemo- and cytocompatible and thus can be used for further in vivo tests. The designed micellar system proved its ability to release the encapsulated drugs in vitro, and the results obtained were validated by in vivo tests carried out on experimental animals, which proved its high effectiveness in reducing intraocular pressure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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Review

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32 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomedical Applications of the Biopolymer Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV): Drug Encapsulation and Scaffold Fabrication

by Ana Isabel Rodríguez-Cendal, Iván Gómez-Seoane, Francisco Javier de Toro-Santos, Isaac Manuel Fuentes-Boquete, José Señarís-Rodríguez and Silvia María Díaz-Prado

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(14), 11674; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241411674 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer that has gained popularity in the field of biomedicine. This review provides an overview of recent advances and potential applications of PHBV, with special emphasis on drug encapsulation and scaffold construction. PHBV has shown to [...] Read more.

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer that has gained popularity in the field of biomedicine. This review provides an overview of recent advances and potential applications of PHBV, with special emphasis on drug encapsulation and scaffold construction. PHBV has shown to be a versatile platform for drug delivery, offering controlled release, enhanced therapeutic efficacy, and reduced side effects. The encapsulation of various drugs, such as anticancer agents, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, in PHBV nanoparticles or microspheres has been extensively investigated, demonstrating enhanced drug stability, prolonged release kinetics, and increased bioavailability. Additionally, PHBV has been used as a scaffold material for tissue engineering applications, such as bone, cartilage, and skin regeneration. The incorporation of PHBV into scaffolds has been shown to improve mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and cellular interactions, making them suitable for tissue engineering constructs. This review highlights the potential of PHBV in drug encapsulation and scaffold fabrication, showing its promising role in advancing biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Enhanced Health Benefits)

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