Research

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16 pages, 4656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PCL/Si-Doped Multi-Phase Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds Derived from Cuttlefish Bone

by Antonia Ressler, Leonard Bauer, Teodora Prebeg, Maja Ledinski, Irina Hussainova, Inga Urlić, Marica Ivanković and Hrvoje Ivanković

Materials 2022, 15(9), 3348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15093348 - 06 May 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2054

Abstract

Increasing attention is focused on developing biomaterials as temporary scaffolds that provide a specific environment and microstructure for bone tissue regeneration. The aim of the present work was to synthesize silicon-doped biomimetic multi-phase composite scaffolds based on bioactive inorganic phases and biocompatible polymers [...] Read more.

Increasing attention is focused on developing biomaterials as temporary scaffolds that provide a specific environment and microstructure for bone tissue regeneration. The aim of the present work was to synthesize silicon-doped biomimetic multi-phase composite scaffolds based on bioactive inorganic phases and biocompatible polymers (poly(ε-caprolactone), PCL) using simple and inexpensive methods. Porous multi-phase composite scaffolds from cuttlefish bone were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and were further impregnated with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane 1–4 times, heat-treated (1000 °C) and coated with PCL. The effect of silicon doping and the PCL coating on the microstructure and mechanical and biological properties of the scaffolds has been investigated. Multi-phase scaffolds based on calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite, α-tricalcium phosphate, β-tricalcium phosphate) and calcium silicate (wollastonite, larnite, dicalcium silicate) phases were obtained. Elemental mapping revealed homogeneously dispersed silicon throughout the scaffolds, whereas silicon doping increased bovine serum albumin protein adsorption. The highly porous structure of cuttlefish bone was preserved with a composite scaffold porosity of ~78%. A compressive strength of ~1.4 MPa makes the obtained composite scaffolds appropriate for non-load-bearing applications. Cytocompatibility assessment by an MTT assay of human mesenchymal stem cells revealed the non-cytotoxicity of the obtained scaffolds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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14 pages, 3385 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Natural Polysaccharides on Properties of the Biomicroconcrete-Type Bioceramics

by Piotr Pańtak, Ewelina Cichoń, Joanna Czechowska and Aneta Zima

Materials 2021, 14(24), 7496; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14247496 - 07 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2242

Abstract

In this paper, novel hybrid biomicroconcrete-type composites were developed and investigated. The solid phase of materials consisted of a highly reactive α -tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) powder, hybrid hydroxyapatite-chitosan (HAp-CTS) material in the form of powder and granules (as aggregates), and the polysaccharides sodium [...] Read more.

In this paper, novel hybrid biomicroconcrete-type composites were developed and investigated. The solid phase of materials consisted of a highly reactive α -tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) powder, hybrid hydroxyapatite-chitosan (HAp-CTS) material in the form of powder and granules (as aggregates), and the polysaccharides sodium alginate (SA) or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). The liquid/gel phase in the studied materials constituted a citrus pectin gel. The influence of SA or HPMC on the setting reaction, microstructure, mechanical as well as biological properties of biomicroconcretes was investigated. Studies revealed that manufactured cement pastes were characterized by high plasticity and cohesion. The dual setting system of developed biomicroconcretes, achieved through α-TCP setting reaction and polymer crosslinking, resulted in a higher compressive strength. Material with the highest content of sodium alginate possessed the highest mechanical strength (~17 MPa), whereas the addition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose led to a subtle compressive strength decrease. The obtained biomicroconcretes were chemically stable and characterized by a high bioactive potential. The novel biomaterials with favorable physicochemical and biological properties can be prosperous materials for filling bone tissue defects of any shape and size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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10 pages, 3944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Characterization of Scaffolds Based on Dialdehyde Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid

by Sylwia Grabska-Zielińska, Adrianna Sosik, Anna Małkowska, Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska, Kerstin Steinbrink, Konrad Kleszczyński and Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska

Materials 2021, 14(17), 4993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14174993 - 01 Sep 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2610

Abstract

In this work, two-component dialdehyde chitosan/hyaluronic acid scaffolds were developed and characterized. Dialdehyde chitosan was obtained by one-step synthesis with chitosan and sodium periodate. Three-dimensional scaffolds were prepared by the lyophilization method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to observe the chemical [...] Read more.

In this work, two-component dialdehyde chitosan/hyaluronic acid scaffolds were developed and characterized. Dialdehyde chitosan was obtained by one-step synthesis with chitosan and sodium periodate. Three-dimensional scaffolds were prepared by the lyophilization method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to observe the chemical structure of scaffolds and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging was done to assess the microstructure of resultant materials. Thermal analysis, mechanical properties measurements, density, porosity and water content measurements were used to characterize physicochemical properties of dialdehyde chitosan/hyaluronic acid 3D materials. Additionally, human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK), dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and human melanoma cells (A375 and G-361) were used to evaluate cell viability in the presence of subjected scaffolds. It was found that scaffolds were characterized by a porous structure with interconnected pores. The scaffold composition has an influence on physicochemical properties, such as mechanical strength, thermal resistance, porosity and water content. There were no significant differences between cell viability proliferation of all scaffolds, and this observation was visible for all subjected cell lines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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10 pages, 2090 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Study of Physicochemical Properties and Blood Compatibility of Sodium Alginate-Based Materials via Tannic Acid Addition

by Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska, Adrianna Sosik, Anna Małkowska, Lidia Zasada and Marta Michalska-Sionkowska

Materials 2021, 14(17), 4905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14174905 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1902

Abstract

In this study, sodium alginate-based thin films were modified by the addition of tannic acid. Materials were obtained by solvent evaporation. They were characterized by the observation of its morphology and its surface by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The thermal [...] Read more.

In this study, sodium alginate-based thin films were modified by the addition of tannic acid. Materials were obtained by solvent evaporation. They were characterized by the observation of its morphology and its surface by scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The concentration of tannic acid released from the material was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. The material safety for biomedical application was determined by the hemolysis rate study in contact with sheep blood as well as platelet adhesion to the material surface. Based on the obtained results, we assume that proposed films based on sodium alginate/tannic acid are safe and may potentially find application in medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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17 pages, 4727 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Fish Skin Collagen Material Modified with β-Glucan as Potential Wound Dressing

by Marta Michalska-Sionkowska, Oliwia Warżyńska, Beata Kaczmarek-Szczepańska, Krzysztof Łukowicz, Anna Maria Osyczka and Maciej Walczak

Materials 2021, 14(6), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14061322 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3205

Abstract

Collagen possesses unique properties, e.g., biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. However, collagen material degrades too quickly and has low mechanical properties. One of the methods of polymers’ modification is mixing them to obtain blends. In this study, the influence of β-glucan for collagen material [...] Read more.

Collagen possesses unique properties, e.g., biocompatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. However, collagen material degrades too quickly and has low mechanical properties. One of the methods of polymers’ modification is mixing them to obtain blends. In this study, the influence of β-glucan for collagen material was analyzed. The interaction between the functional groups of the polymer was analyzed by ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy. The influence of β-glucan on mechanical properties was evaluated. The surface properties of materials were assessed using contact angle measurements and the topography of materials was evaluated by AFM (atomic force microscope). The structure of materials was analyzed according to SEM (scanning electron microscopy) pictures. Moreover, the DPPH-free radicals’ scavenging ability and biocompatibility against erythrocytes and HaCaT cells were evaluated. Collagen and β-glucan were bound together by a hydrogen bond. β-glucan addition increased the roughness of the surface of the film and resulted in a more rigid character of the materials. A small addition of β-glucan to collagen provided a more hydrophilic character. All the materials could swell in in vitro conditions and showed antioxidant activity. Materials do not cause erythrocyte hemolysis. Finely, our cytotoxicity studies indicated that β-glucan can be safely added at small (10% or less) quantity to collagen matrix, they sufficiently support cell growth, and the degradation products of such matrices may actually provide some beneficial effects to the surrounding cells/tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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20 pages, 5166 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomaterials with Potential Use in Bone Tissue Regeneration—Collagen/Chitosan/Silk Fibroin Scaffolds Cross-Linked by EDC/NHS

by Sylwia Grabska-Zielińska, Alina Sionkowska, Ângela Carvalho and Fernando J. Monteiro

Materials 2021, 14(5), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14051105 - 26 Feb 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 5217

Abstract

Blending of different biopolymers, e.g., collagen, chitosan, silk fibroin and cross-linking modifications of these mixtures can lead to new materials with improved physico-chemical properties, compared to single-component scaffolds. Three-dimensional scaffolds based on three-component mixtures of silk fibroin, collagen and chitosan, chemically cross-linked, were [...] Read more.

Blending of different biopolymers, e.g., collagen, chitosan, silk fibroin and cross-linking modifications of these mixtures can lead to new materials with improved physico-chemical properties, compared to single-component scaffolds. Three-dimensional scaffolds based on three-component mixtures of silk fibroin, collagen and chitosan, chemically cross-linked, were prepared and their physico-chemical and biological properties were evaluated. A mixture of EDC (N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N’-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride) and NHS (N-hydroxysuccinimide) was used as a cross-linking agent. FTIR was used to observe the position of the peaks characteristic for collagen, chitosan and silk fibroin. The following properties depending on the scaffold structure were studied: swelling behavior, liquid uptake, moisture content, porosity, density, and mechanical parameters. Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging was performed. Additionally, the biological properties of these materials were assessed, by metabolic activity assay. The results showed that the three-component mixtures, cross-linked by EDC/NHS and prepared by lyophilization method, presented porous structures. They were characterized by a high swelling degree. The composition of scaffolds has an influence on mechanical properties. All of the studied materials were cytocompatible with MG-63 osteoblast-like cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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Review

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23 pages, 3166 KiB

Open AccessReview

Isolation, Characterization, Pharmacology and Biopolymer Applications of Licorice Polysaccharides: Review

by Noor Ul Ain, Shuye Wu, Xiang Li, Duxin Li and Zhenqing Zhang

Materials 2022, 15(10), 3654; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15103654 - 20 May 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2620

Abstract

Licorice is known as “Gan-Cao” in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), belonging to the genus Glycyrrhiza (Family: Fabaceae/Leguminosae). It has a long medicinal history and wide applications in China. Polysaccharides of licorice (LPs) are one of the key bioactive components. As herbal polysaccharides attracted [...] Read more.

Licorice is known as “Gan-Cao” in traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), belonging to the genus Glycyrrhiza (Family: Fabaceae/Leguminosae). It has a long medicinal history and wide applications in China. Polysaccharides of licorice (LPs) are one of the key bioactive components. As herbal polysaccharides attracted increasing interest in the past several decades, their extraction, isolation, structural characterization, pharmacological activities, and medicinal application have been explored extensively. It is worth heeding that the method of extraction and purification effects LPs, apart from specie and origin specificity. This review evaluates the method of extraction and purification and demonstrates its performance in gaining specific composition and its structure-activity relationship, which might lead the readers to a fresh horizon for developing advanced treatment strategies. It is recently reported that the conformation of LPs plays a vital role as biopolymers, such as selenized modification, microencapsulation, nanocomposite, liposome formulation, drug/hydrogel combinations, biosensor device, and synergistic effect with a vaccine. In addition, LPs showed a good thermodynamics profile, as these properties enable them to interact with additional supramolecular interaction by chemical modifications or copolymerization. Functional polymers that are responsive to various external stimuli, such as physical, chemical, and biological signals, are a promising study topic. Thus, LPs are emerging as a new biomaterial that can enhance intended formulation along exerting its inherent medicinal effects. It is hoped that this review will provide a basis for the utilization and further developments of licorice polysaccharides in the vast medium. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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31 pages, 5691 KiB

Open AccessReview

How to Improve Physico-Chemical Properties of Silk Fibroin Materials for Biomedical Applications?—Blending and Cross-Linking of Silk Fibroin—A Review

by Sylwia Grabska-Zielińska and Alina Sionkowska

Materials 2021, 14(6), 1510; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14061510 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5265

Abstract

This review supplies a report on fresh advances in the field of silk fibroin (SF) biopolymer and its blends with biopolymers as new biomaterials. The review also includes a subsection about silk fibroin mixtures with synthetic polymers. Silk fibroin is commonly used to [...] Read more.

This review supplies a report on fresh advances in the field of silk fibroin (SF) biopolymer and its blends with biopolymers as new biomaterials. The review also includes a subsection about silk fibroin mixtures with synthetic polymers. Silk fibroin is commonly used to receive biomaterials. However, the materials based on pure polymer present low mechanical parameters, and high enzymatic degradation rate. These properties can be problematic for tissue engineering applications. An increased interest in two- and three-component mixtures and chemically cross-linked materials has been observed due to their improved physico-chemical properties. These materials can be attractive and desirable for both academic, and, industrial attention because they expose improvements in properties required in the biomedical field. The structure, forms, methods of preparation, and some physico-chemical properties of silk fibroin are discussed in this review. Detailed examples are also given from scientific reports and practical experiments. The most common biopolymers: collagen (Coll), chitosan (CTS), alginate (AL), and hyaluronic acid (HA) are discussed as components of silk fibroin-based mixtures. Examples of binary and ternary mixtures, composites with the addition of magnetic particles, hydroxyapatite or titanium dioxide are also included and given. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of chemical, physical, and enzymatic cross-linking were demonstrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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17 pages, 2173 KiB

Open AccessReview

Collagen-Based Materials Modified by Phenolic Acids—A Review

by Beata Kaczmarek and Olha Mazur

Materials 2020, 13(16), 3641; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13163641 - 17 Aug 2020

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 4457

Abstract

Collagen-based biomaterials constitute one of the most widely studied types of materials for biomedical applications. Low thermal and mechanical parameters are the main disadvantages of such structures. Moreover, they present low stability in the case of degradation by collagenase. To improve the properties [...] Read more.

Collagen-based biomaterials constitute one of the most widely studied types of materials for biomedical applications. Low thermal and mechanical parameters are the main disadvantages of such structures. Moreover, they present low stability in the case of degradation by collagenase. To improve the properties of collagen-based materials, different types of cross-linkers have been researched. In recent years, phenolic acids have been studied as collagen modifiers. Mainly, tannic acid has been tested for collagen modification as it interacts with a polymeric chain by strong hydrogen bonds. When compared to pure collagen, such complexes show both antimicrobial activity and improved physicochemical properties. Less research reporting on other phenolic acids has been published. This review is a summary of the present knowledge about phenolic acids (e.g., tannic, ferulic, gallic, and caffeic acid) application as collagen cross-linkers. The studies concerning collagen-based materials with phenolic acids are summarized and discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers: Synthesis, Properties and Biological Applications)

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