Journal Description
Macromol
Macromol
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of macromolecular research published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20.4 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q2 (Materials Science (miscellaneous))
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Application of Annealed Bambara Starch as a Stabilizer in Ice Cream Production
Macromol 2024, 4(3), 533-543; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4030031 - 25 Jul 2024
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This study investigated the potential of annealed Bambara starch as a locally sourced stabilizer for ice cream, aimed at addressing the high cost of imported stabilizers. Annealed Bambara starch, modified at various temperatures (45, 50, 55, and 60 °C), was incorporated into ice
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This study investigated the potential of annealed Bambara starch as a locally sourced stabilizer for ice cream, aimed at addressing the high cost of imported stabilizers. Annealed Bambara starch, modified at various temperatures (45, 50, 55, and 60 °C), was incorporated into ice cream formulations and compared with ice cream stabilized using xanthan gum and guar gum. The ice creams exhibited variations in percentage overrun (77.03–124.61%), foam stability (90.88–96.61%), viscosity (24.87–33.26%), and melting resistance. Conventionally stabilized ice cream outperformed in overrun, foam stability, viscosity, and melting rate properties. Descriptive sensory tests showed high intensity scores for color, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and body attributes across all samples, with no weak intensity scores. Considering the performance of conventionally stabilized ice cream, those stabilized with Bambara starch annealed at 45 and 50 °C were recommended as potential alternatives, highlighting the potential of annealed Bambara starch as a cost-effective and locally sourced stabilizer for ice cream. Further studies should investigate the impact of annealing at different temperatures on the structural changes of Bambara starch to gain more insights into its effects on ice cream structure, facilitating its use in other food systems.
Full article
Open AccessReview
New Trends in Composite Coagulants for Water and Wastewater Treatment
by
Eleftheria K. Tsoutsa, Athanasia K. Tolkou, George Z. Kyzas and Ioannis A. Katsoyiannis
Macromol 2024, 4(3), 509-532; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4030030 - 22 Jul 2024
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Coagulation/Flocculation (C/F) process aims to efficiently eliminate turbidity, TSS, COD, BOD, toxic metals, phosphates, and UV254nm from wastewater. Both natural and synthetic coagulants, used alone or in conjunction with flocculants, play crucial roles in this treatment. This review summarizes recent trends in
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Coagulation/Flocculation (C/F) process aims to efficiently eliminate turbidity, TSS, COD, BOD, toxic metals, phosphates, and UV254nm from wastewater. Both natural and synthetic coagulants, used alone or in conjunction with flocculants, play crucial roles in this treatment. This review summarizes recent trends in coagulants for wastewater treatment, highlighting a wide array of inorganic and organic coagulants that have demonstrated significant efficacy based on reviewed studies. Notably, Crab Shell Bio-Coagulant (CS) excels in turbidity remov5al, achieving a remarkable 98.91% removal rate, while oak leaves protein shows superior performance in TSS and COD removal. Synthetic inorganic coagulants like PALS, PSiFAC1.5:10:15, and PAPEFAC1.5-10-15 demonstrate outstanding turbidity removal rates, over 96%. POFC-2 coagulant stands out for efficiently removing TSS and COD from domestic wastewater, achieving up to 93% removal for TSS and 89% for COD. Moreover, the utilization of FeCl3 as an inorganic coagulant alongside chitosan as an organic flocculant shows promise in reducing turbidity, COD, and polyphenols in wastewater from vegetable oil refineries. PE-2, a novel organic coagulant, demonstrates exceptional efficacy in eliminating turbidity, TSS, COD, and BOD from sugar industry wastewater. Chitosan shows effectiveness in removing TOC and orthophosphates in brewery wastewater. Additionally, CTAB shows high efficiency in removing various toxic metal ions from wastewater. The hybrid coagulants: PAAP0.1,0.5 and PPAZF accomplish exceptional turbidity removal rates, approximately 98%.
Full article
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Open AccessReview
Pulmonary Drug Delivery through Responsive Materials
by
Nikolaos Politakos, Vasilis G. Gregoriou and Christos L. Chochos
Macromol 2024, 4(3), 490-508; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4030029 - 11 Jul 2024
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Drug delivery is essential to provide correct treatments in many ways. The critical points in any drug delivery method are patient compliance, maximum efficacy in therapy, minimum toxicity, and enabling new medical treatments. Pulmonary drug delivery is one way of delivering therapeutics locally
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Drug delivery is essential to provide correct treatments in many ways. The critical points in any drug delivery method are patient compliance, maximum efficacy in therapy, minimum toxicity, and enabling new medical treatments. Pulmonary drug delivery is one way of delivering therapeutics locally and systemically. The lung microenvironment and mechanical and biological barriers must be surpassed for successful drug delivery. This makes the delivery challenging. Formulations that can be delivered through the lung and have a responsive character are of great interest since they can hold the key to the successful delivery of therapeutics. This review has gathered fundamental studies related to materials (polymeric, lipidic, inorganic, and biomolecules) that are responsive to pH, enzymes, ROS, magnetism, and other variables, and it shows the advances and applications in pulmonary drug delivery for different diseases in vitro as well as in vivo.
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Open AccessArticle
Peach Gum Polysaccharide as an Additive for Thermoplastic Starch to Produce Water-Soluble Films
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Juan Vicente Miguel Guillem, Andrea Juan-Polo, Cristina Pavon and Juan López-Martínez
Macromol 2024, 4(3), 475-489; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4030028 - 8 Jul 2024
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Thermoplastic starch (TPS) has gained considerable attention during the last few years in developing starch-based biodegradable food packaging materials or edible coatings due to its high availability and low cost. TPS is manufactured from starch plasticized with food-grade plasticizers, making it suitable for
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Thermoplastic starch (TPS) has gained considerable attention during the last few years in developing starch-based biodegradable food packaging materials or edible coatings due to its high availability and low cost. TPS is manufactured from starch plasticized with food-grade plasticizers, making it suitable for food contact applications. In addition, TPS is bio-based and biodegradable, which, from an environmental perspective, closes the circle of the circular economy. However, the industrial application of TPS is somewhat limited due to its poor mechanical performance and low water resistance. However, the low water resistance could increase the water sensitivity of TPS, which could be advantageous for coating application or food encapsulation. The present work aims to tailor the water sensitivity of TPS by adding peach gum polysaccharide to obtain water-soluble films. With this aim, peach gum polysaccharide (PGP) was extracted from peach gum (PG) using the thermal hydrolysis method. Films of TPS-PG and TPS-PGP were prepared and characterized by their water sensitivity and mechanical, microstructural, and thermal properties. The results show that PGP allows the obtaining of films with water sensitivities higher than 70% but also improves TPS elongation at break, making the material more suitable for application as film.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Fabrication and Characterization of Collagen–Magnetic Particle Composite Microbeads for Targeted Cell Adhesion and Proliferation
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Daichi Tanoshiri, Sakura Inoue, Shigehisa Aoki, Akira Kimoto, Yushi Oishi and Takayuki Narita
Macromol 2024, 4(3), 462-474; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4030027 - 4 Jul 2024
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The integration of the biocompatibility of collagen and the remote-control ability of magnetic elements serves as both a cell scaffold and an actuator. We studied the preparation, characterization, and potential applications of collagen–magnetic particle composite microbeads (CMPMBs). The interplay among collagen concentration, particle
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The integration of the biocompatibility of collagen and the remote-control ability of magnetic elements serves as both a cell scaffold and an actuator. We studied the preparation, characterization, and potential applications of collagen–magnetic particle composite microbeads (CMPMBs). The interplay among collagen concentration, particle size, and surface roughness was found to influence cell adhesion and proliferation. Adsorption and desorption tests showed the reversible attachment of the particles to magnetic sheets, enabling precise spatial control and targeted cell delivery. The particles demonstrated their utility as cell carriers, supporting cell migration and proliferation. These findings showcase the potential of CMPMBs as a promising platform for advanced cell delivery and tissue regeneration applications. The ability to fine-tune particle properties and manipulate them using magnetic fields offers new possibilities for creating complex tissue constructs and controlling cellular behavior, which could contribute to the development of more effective regenerative therapies and tissue engineering approaches.
Full article
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Open AccessReview
Harnessing Brewery Spent Grain for Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production
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Robe D. Terfa, Priyanshi N. Patel, Hwidong D. Kim, Matthew D. Gacura, Gary Vanderlaan, Longyan Chen, Xiaoxu Ji and Davide Piovesan
Macromol 2024, 4(3), 448-461; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4030026 - 22 Jun 2024
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The utility of brewery spent grain (BSG), a byproduct of the beer production process, for the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), is a significant advancement towards sustainable and cost-effective biopolymer production. This paper reviews the upcycling potential of BSG as a substrate for PHA
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The utility of brewery spent grain (BSG), a byproduct of the beer production process, for the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), is a significant advancement towards sustainable and cost-effective biopolymer production. This paper reviews the upcycling potential of BSG as a substrate for PHA production, utilizing various biotechnological approaches to convert this abundant waste material into high-value biodegradable polymers. Through a comprehensive review of recent studies, we highlight the biochemical composition of BSG and its suitability for microbial fermentation processes. This research delves into different methodologies for PHA production from BSG, including the use of mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) for the synthesis of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), a critical precursor in PHA production, and solid-state fermentation (SSF) techniques. We also examine the optimization of process parameters such as pH, temperature, and microbial concentration through the application of the Doehlert design, revealing the intricate relationships between these factors and their impact on VFA profiles and PHA yields. Additionally, this paper discusses challenges and future perspectives for enhancing the efficiency and economic viability of PHA production from BSG. By harnessing the untapped potential of BSG, this research contributes to the development of a circular economy model, emphasizing waste valorization and the creation of sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Processes to Multifunctional Bioplastics and Biocomposites)
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Open AccessArticle
Viscoelastic Properties of Biscuit Doughs with Different Lipidic Profiles Fortified with a Casein Hydrolysate
by
Ricardo Troncoso, Ana Torrado, Nelson Pérez-Guerra and Clara A. Tovar
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 437-447; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020025 - 13 Jun 2024
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The effects of using a hard (artisanal) margarine (which has a higher lipidic and lower aqueous contents) and using a soft (commercial) margarine (which has a lower lipidic and higher aqueous contents), along with a casein hydrolysate, on the rheological properties of different
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The effects of using a hard (artisanal) margarine (which has a higher lipidic and lower aqueous contents) and using a soft (commercial) margarine (which has a lower lipidic and higher aqueous contents), along with a casein hydrolysate, on the rheological properties of different biscuit short doughs were examined. The characteristic parameters in the linear viscoelastic range (LVER) were analysed by stress sweep at 6.3 rad/s and 25 °C. The two margarines showed similar values of strain amplitude (γmax), but the hard margarine exhibited a significantly higher firmness in the LVER, as expected. An analogous result was found for the biscuit doughs made with hard margarine and soft margarine. The addition of a casein hydrolysate (CH) to both biscuit doughs produced an increase in the loss factor, indicating a loss of the solid-like character in the dough networks. Nevertheless, a different trend in the consistency of the dough, which depended on the type of margarine, was found. While, after adding CH, the dough made with soft margarine showed a significant reduction in rigidity, the dough with hard margarine exhibited an increased firmness upon CH addition. Yield stress tests showed that CH facilitates the transition from elastic to plastic deformation at the yield point more intensely in the dough with soft margarine.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Different Extraction Conditions on the Physicochemical Properties of Novel High Methoxyl Pectin-like Polysaccharides from Green Bell Pepper (GBP)
by
Onome Obodo-Ovie, Mohammad Alyassin, Alan M. Smith and Gordon A. Morris
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 420-436; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020024 - 8 Jun 2024
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Green peppers are massively produced all over the world; however, substantial quantities of peppers are wasted. Functional polysaccharides can be produced from pepper waste. A conventional acid extraction method was used to obtain pectin-like materials from green bell pepper (GBP). A 23
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Green peppers are massively produced all over the world; however, substantial quantities of peppers are wasted. Functional polysaccharides can be produced from pepper waste. A conventional acid extraction method was used to obtain pectin-like materials from green bell pepper (GBP). A 23 experimental design (two-level factorials with three factors: temperature, pH, and time) was used to study the relationship between the extraction conditions and the measured physicochemical properties. The extracted polysaccharides were further analysed regarding their physicochemical and functional properties. The yields were in the range of (11.6–20.7%) and the highest yield value was extracted at pH 1. The polysaccharides were classified as “pectin-like”, as the galacturonic acid content was lower than 65%. Glucose and galactose were the major neutral sugars, and their relative amounts were dependent on the extraction conditions. The degree of esterification (DE) of the pectin-like extracts was greater than 50% and they were therefore classified as high methoxyl regardless of the extraction conditions. Also, important levels of phenolic materials (32.3–52.9 mg GAE/g) and proteins (1.5–5.4%) were present in the extract and their amounts varied depending on the extraction conditions. The green bell pepper polysaccharides demonstrated antioxidant and emulsifying activities and could also be used adequately to stabilise oil/water emulsion systems. This finding shows that green bell pepper could be used as an alternative source of antioxidants and an emulsifier/stabilising agent, and furthermore, the extraction conditions could be fine-tunned to produce polysaccharides with the desired quality depending on their application.
Full article
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Open AccessReview
Recyclability Perspectives of the Most Diffused Biobased and Biodegradable Plastic Materials
by
Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Vito Gigante, Laura Aliotta and Andrea Lazzeri
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 401-419; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020023 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
The present chapter focuses on the recyclability of both renewable and biodegradable plastics, considering the recovery of matter (mechanical or chemical recycling) from the polymeric materials currently most diffused on the market. Biobased and compostable plastics are carbon neutral; thus, they do not
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The present chapter focuses on the recyclability of both renewable and biodegradable plastics, considering the recovery of matter (mechanical or chemical recycling) from the polymeric materials currently most diffused on the market. Biobased and compostable plastics are carbon neutral; thus, they do not contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Nevertheless, recycling can be beneficial because it allows a prolongation of the material life cycle so that carbon is stored for a longer time up to the final composting. The chemical or mechanical recycling option is linked both to the possibility of reprocessing bioplastics without detrimental loss of properties as well as to the capability of selecting homogenous fractions of bioplastics after waste collection. Moreover, the different structural features of biodegradable bioplastics have resulted in different chemical recycling opportunities and also in different behaviors during the reprocessing operations necessary for recycling. All these aspects are discussed systematically in this review, considering biodegradable bioplastics, their blends and composites with natural fibers.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Processes to Multifunctional Bioplastics and Biocomposites)
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Open AccessArticle
Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationship Models for the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory Activities of Short-Chain Peptides of Goat Milk Using Quasi-SMILES
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Alla P. Toropova, Andrey A. Toropov, Alessandra Roncaglioni and Emilio Benfenati
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 387-400; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020022 - 4 Jun 2024
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The inhibitory activity of peptides on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a measure of their antihypertensive potential. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models obtained based on the analysis of sequences of amino acids are suggested. The average determination coefficient for the active training sets is
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The inhibitory activity of peptides on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is a measure of their antihypertensive potential. Quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models obtained based on the analysis of sequences of amino acids are suggested. The average determination coefficient for the active training sets is 0.36 ± 0.07. The average determination coefficient for validation sets is 0.79 ± 0.02. The paradoxical situation is caused by applying the vector of ideality of correlation, which improves the statistical quality of a model for the calibration and validation sets but is detrimental to the statistical quality of models for the training sets.
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Open AccessArticle
Autoclaving Achieves pH-Neutralization, Hydrogelation, and Sterilization of Chitosan Hydrogels in One Step
by
Yusuke Yamashita, Yoshihiro Ohzuno, Masahiro Yoshida and Takayuki Takei
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 376-386; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020021 - 24 May 2024
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Conventionally, chitosan hydrogels are acidic and contain toxic chemicals because chitosan is soluble only in acidic solvents and requires toxic additives such as chemical crosslinkers and polymerization agents to fabricate chitosan hydrogels. These properties prevent chitosan hydrogels from being used for medical applications.
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Conventionally, chitosan hydrogels are acidic and contain toxic chemicals because chitosan is soluble only in acidic solvents and requires toxic additives such as chemical crosslinkers and polymerization agents to fabricate chitosan hydrogels. These properties prevent chitosan hydrogels from being used for medical applications. In this study, chitosan hydrogels were prepared by a simple and versatile process using urea hydrolysis by autoclaving (steam sterilization, 121 °C, 20 min). When autoclaved, urea hydrolyzes in an acidic chitosan aqueous solution, and ammonia is produced, which increases the pH of the solution, and chitosan becomes insoluble, leading to the formation of a chitosan hydrogel. The pH and osmotic concentration of chitosan hydrogels could be adjusted to be suitable for physiological conditions (pH: 7.0–7.5, and osmotic concentration: 276–329 mOsm/L) by changing the amount of urea added to chitosan solutions (chitosan: 2.5% (w/v), urea: 0.75–1.0% (w/v), pH: 5.5). The hydrogels had extremely low cytotoxicity without the washing process. In addition, not only pure chitosan hydrogels, but also chitosan derivative hydrogels were prepared using this method. The autoclaving technique for preparing low-toxic and wash-free sterilized chitosan hydrogels in a single step is practical for medical applications.
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Tacticity on London Dispersive Surface Energy, Polar Free Energy and Lewis Acid-Base Surface Energies of Poly Methyl Methacrylate by Inverse Gas Chromatography
by
Tayssir Hamieh
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 356-375; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020020 - 19 May 2024
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This research was devoted to study the effect of the tacticity on the surface physicochemical properties of PMMA. (1) Background: The determination of the surface free energy of polymers is generally carried out by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution. The dispersive,
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This research was devoted to study the effect of the tacticity on the surface physicochemical properties of PMMA. (1) Background: The determination of the surface free energy of polymers is generally carried out by inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution. The dispersive, polar and surface acid-base properties of PMMA at different tacticities were obtained via IGC technique with the help of the net retention time and volume of adsorbed. (2) Methods: The London dispersion equation was used to quantify the polar free energy of adsorption, while the London dispersive surface energy of PMMAs was determined using the thermal model. (3) Results: The results showed non-linear variations of of atactic, isotactic, and syndiotactic PMMAs with three maxima characterizing the three transition temperatures of PMMAs. The obtained values of the enthalpic and entropic Lewis’s acid-base parameters showed that the basicity of the atactic PMMA was about four times larger than its acidity. (4) Conclusions: A large difference in the behavior of the various PMMAs was proven in the different values of the polar acid and base surface energies of the three PMMAs with an important effect of the tacticity of PMMA on its acid-base surface energies.
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Open AccessReview
Microneedles’ Device: Design, Fabrication, and Applications
by
Cristiana Oliveira, José A. Teixeira, Nelson Oliveira, Sónia Ferreira and Cláudia M. Botelho
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 320-355; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020019 - 15 May 2024
Cited by 1
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The delivery of therapeutical molecules through the skin, particularly to its deeper layers, is impaired due to the stratum corneum layer, which acts as a barrier to foreign substances. Thus, for the past years, scientists have focused on the development of more efficient
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The delivery of therapeutical molecules through the skin, particularly to its deeper layers, is impaired due to the stratum corneum layer, which acts as a barrier to foreign substances. Thus, for the past years, scientists have focused on the development of more efficient methods to deliver molecules to skin distinct layers. Microneedles, as a new class of biomedical devices, consist of an array of microscale needles. This particular biomedical device has been drawing attention due to its ability to breach the stratum corneum, forming micro-conduits to facilitate the passage of therapeutical molecules. The microneedle device has several advantages over conventional methods, such as better medication adherence, easiness, and painless self-administration. Moreover, it is possible to deliver the molecules swiftly or over time. Microneedles can vary in shape, size, and composition. The design process of a microneedle device must take into account several factors, like the location delivery, the material, and the manufacturing process. Microneedles have been used in a large number of fields from drug and vaccine application to cosmetics, therapy, diagnoses, tissue engineering, sample extraction, cancer research, and wound healing, among others.
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Open AccessArticle
Simultaneous Removal of Seven Pharmaceutical Compounds from a Water Mixture Using Modified Chitosan Adsorbent Materials
by
Myrsini Papageorgiou, Konstantinos N. Maroulas, Eleni Evgenidou, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, George Z. Kyzas and Dimitra A. Lambropoulou
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 304-319; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020018 - 11 May 2024
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Pharmaceuticals are used to improve the lives of people across the globe. The high demand for their fabrication and use causes a very serious environmental threat since their presence is ubiquitous in aqueous matrices. For this reason, the synthesis, characterisation, and efficiency of
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Pharmaceuticals are used to improve the lives of people across the globe. The high demand for their fabrication and use causes a very serious environmental threat since their presence is ubiquitous in aqueous matrices. For this reason, the synthesis, characterisation, and efficiency of three chitosan-based materials to eliminate pharmaceutical mixtures from aqueous solutions were examined in the present study. The target mixture comprised seven widely used drugs: carbamazepine, cyclophosphamide, adefovir, levofloxacin, metronidazole, glibenclamide, and trimethoprim. The grafting of poly(ethylene imine) and poly(acrylamide) on the chitosan structure allowed its physical characteristics to be controlled. An adsorption assessment was performed at different pH values, and it was concluded that pH = 4 was the optimum value. The adsorption kinetics revealed that the adsorption of a drug mixture involves a combination of physical and chemical adsorption. The adsorption process appeared to be finished after 1 h for all compounds of the studied mixture, with CS-AMI exhibiting the fastest kinetics. Mass adsorption experiments were also carried out to determine its effects. Overall, the grafting process significantly increased the adsorption capacity over the pristine material. Specifically, the highest capacity increase for CS-PEI was ~220% for carbamazepine, and for CS-AMI, it was 158% for trimethoprim. FT-IR, SEM, and XRD were used for the characterisation of the polymers. Based on the findings, the three materials are suggested as very effective adsorbents for the elimination of medicine residues from aqueous matrices.
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Open AccessArticle
In-Situ Grown Nanohydroxyapatite on Graphene Oxide Nanoscrolls for Modulated Physicochemical Properties of Poly (Caprolactone) Composites
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Lillian Tsitsi Mambiri, Gabrielle Broussard, Ja’Caleb Smith and Dilip Depan
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 285-303; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020017 - 11 May 2024
Abstract
Polymer composites with exceptional bioactivity and controlled in vitro degradation are crucial in tissue engineering. A promising approach involves combining graphene oxide nanoscrolls (GONSs) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) with polycaprolactone (PCL). The synergy of these components enables the mineralization of nHA within GONSs through
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Polymer composites with exceptional bioactivity and controlled in vitro degradation are crucial in tissue engineering. A promising approach involves combining graphene oxide nanoscrolls (GONSs) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) with polycaprolactone (PCL). The synergy of these components enables the mineralization of nHA within GONSs through a two-step process: first, oxygen-containing anionic groups in the GONSs anchor Ca2+ ions, followed by the formation of dispersed nHA through chelation with CaHPO42− via electrovalent bonding. A thermal analysis of the scaffolds’ morphology and microstructure was conducted via DSC and SEM imaging. Its enhanced physical properties are attributed to interactions between PCL and nHA–GONSs, as confirmed by an FTIR analysis showing strong interfacial bonding. Enzymatic degradation studies demonstrated reduced weight loss in PCL–nHA–GONS composites over 21 days, highlighting GONSs’ role in enhancing dimensional stability and reinforcement. An EDS analysis post-degradation revealed increased Ca2+ deposition on scaffolds with nHA–GONSs, indicating improved biopolymer–bioceramic interaction facilitated by the GONSs’ scrolled structure. This research offers a straightforward yet effective method for functionalizing GONSs with biologically beneficial nHA, potentially advancing graphene-based biomaterial development.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Biodegradable Polymers)
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Open AccessEditorial
Update of the Journal “Aims & Scope”
by
Ana M. Díez-Pascual
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 282-284; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020016 - 10 May 2024
Abstract
Almost four years have passed since I was appointed editor of the journal Macromol [...]
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Open AccessArticle
Development of a Polyethylene Breathable Packaging Film with Modified Microcrystalline Cellulose for Fresh Products
by
Pedro V. Rodrigues, M. Cidália R. Castro, Ana M. S. Soares, Liliana Melro and Ana V. Machado
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 269-281; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020015 - 28 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this study, a material based on polyethylene (PE) and microcrystalline cellulose (MC) was developed as a breathable packaging film. Surface functionalization of MC with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) has been shown to be an efficient option to tailor their properties and increase opportunities for
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In this study, a material based on polyethylene (PE) and microcrystalline cellulose (MC) was developed as a breathable packaging film. Surface functionalization of MC with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) has been shown to be an efficient option to tailor their properties and increase opportunities for the application of MC on the reinforcement of polymers such as polyethylene (PE). The functionalization of MC with the mentioned silane derivative was achieved using a green method and later used in the development of composites with PE in three percentages (1, 3, and 5%). All the materials were prepared by melt blending and characterized in terms of structural properties (ATR-FTIR and FTIR in transmittance mode, EDX, and SEM), thermal properties (DSC and TGA), thermomechanical properties (DMA), contact angle measurements and permeability to water vapor. The materials demonstrated the potential to be used as breathable film packaging for fresh products.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalization of Polymers for Advanced Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Formulation and Characterization of Chitosan-Based Mixed-Matrix Scaffold for Tissue Engineering
by
Rita Lopes, Paulo M. Gordo, Benilde F. O. Costa and Patrícia Alves
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 253-268; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020014 - 26 Apr 2024
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The use of scaffolds, three-dimensional porous, biodegradable and biocompatible structures, that can be produced from natural polymers, synthetics, ceramics and metals is crucial in the tissue engineering field. Chitosan is a polysaccharide of natural origin, found in the exoskeleton of marine arthropods and
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The use of scaffolds, three-dimensional porous, biodegradable and biocompatible structures, that can be produced from natural polymers, synthetics, ceramics and metals is crucial in the tissue engineering field. Chitosan is a polysaccharide of natural origin, found in the exoskeleton of marine arthropods and in the cell wall of fungi, with enormous popularity in the production of three-dimensional materials for Tissue Engineering, in particular bone repair. This polymer has several advantages in the production of these structures in bone regeneration and repair: biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to prepare porous scaffolds, for bone repair of degenerative diseases in the spine with better performance and less secondary effects, based on chitosan and another biopolymer (sodium alginate) with the incorporation of calcium phosphates (hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate), for tissue engineering application. The obtained scaffolds were object of a detailed characterization, namely with regard to their porosity through the ethanol method, degradation, positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS), mechanical properties, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), thermal stability through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), chemical composition through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results obtained showed that the different scaffolds presented pores able to support osteoid matrix growth. The crosslinking of scaffolds was also evaluated and resulted in pores with smaller dimensions and higher regularity in the chitosan-sodium alginate polymer without calcium phosphate scaffold. It was also possible to observe the effect of inorganics on mixed-matrix scaffolds, both morphologically and chemically. These scaffolds showed promising results in terms of mechanical and chemical properties, along with promising porosity for tissue regeneration applications.
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Open AccessCommunication
Influence of Thermal and Chemical Stresses on Thermal Properties, Crystal Morphology, and Mechanical Strength Development of a Sulfur Polymer Composite
by
Perla Y. Sauceda-Oloño, Claudia V. Lopez, Bhakti K. Patel, Ashlyn D. Smith and Rhett C. Smith
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 240-252; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020013 - 25 Apr 2024
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The unique properties and sustainability advantages of sulfur polymer cement have led to efforts to use them as alternatives to traditional Portland cement. The current study explores the impact of environmental stresses on the strength development of polymer composite SunBG90, a
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The unique properties and sustainability advantages of sulfur polymer cement have led to efforts to use them as alternatives to traditional Portland cement. The current study explores the impact of environmental stresses on the strength development of polymer composite SunBG90, a material composed of animal and plant fats/oils vulcanized with 90 wt. % sulfur. The environmental stresses investigated include low temperature (−25 °C), high temperature (40 °C), and submersion in water, hexanes, or aqueous solutions containing strong electrolyte, strong acid, or strong base. Samples were analyzed for the extent to which exposure to these stresses influenced the thermo-morphological properties and the compressional strength of the materials compared to identical materials allowed to develop strength at room temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed distinct thermos-morphological transitions in stressed samples and the notable formation of metastable γ-sulfur in hexane-exposed specimens. Powder X-ray diffraction confirmed that the crystalline domains identified by DSC were primarily γ-sulfur, with ~5% contribution of γ-sulfur in hexane-exposed samples. Compressive strength testing revealed high strength retention other than aging at elevated temperatures, which led to ~50% loss of strength. These findings reveal influences on the strength development of SunBG90, lending important insight into possible use as an alternative to OPC.
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Open AccessArticle
Dilatational and Shear Interfacial Properties of Pea Protein Isolate Systems with Transglutaminase at the Air–Water Interface
by
Noemi Baldino, Olga Mileti, Mario F. O. Paleologo, Francesca R. Lupi and Domenico Gabriele
Macromol 2024, 4(2), 227-239; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol4020012 - 18 Apr 2024
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In recent years, the demand for foods without animal proteins has increased, both for health and ethical reasons. Replacing animal protein in foods can result in unappealing textures, hindering consumer acceptance. In this context, interfacial properties also play a crucial role in food
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In recent years, the demand for foods without animal proteins has increased, both for health and ethical reasons. Replacing animal protein in foods can result in unappealing textures, hindering consumer acceptance. In this context, interfacial properties also play a crucial role in food systems like foam or emulsions. Therefore, the interfacial rheological behavior at the air–water interface of pea protein isolate (PPI) has been investigated to understand how affects food foam production. The PPI has been studied without modification and also through enzymatic treatment with transglutaminase (TG) to understand the interfacial properties of the modified proteins. Data obtained by static measurements have shown a surface activity of PPI comparable with other vegetable proteins, while the treatment with TG does not significantly alter the surface tension value and the interfacial adsorption rate. Differences have been found in the rearrangement rate, which decreases with TG, suggesting a possible crosslinking of the pea proteins. The PPI modified with TG, studied in dynamic conditions both in dilation and shear kinematics, are less elastic than PPI that is untreated but with a higher consistency, which may lead to poor foam stability. The lower complex interfacial modulus obtained under shear conditions also suggests a low long-time stability.
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