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Complex Biomaterials Systems and Their Applications

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2021) | Viewed by 18910

Special Issue Editor

Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-Ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 06974, Korea
Interests: drug delivery; scaffolds; organoid/spheroid systems; natural materials; natural medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Complex biomaterials systems and their applications is a field that deals with the synthesis, fabrication, integration, and application of biomaterials to practical biological, pharmaceutical, and medical areas.  Complex biomaterial-based systems are gaining more and more focus nowadays as the complexity of the needs in practical fields grow. 

It is true that simple systems based on a single structure and/or single composition have been studied extensively and have shown exceptional achievements in the last decades. It is also true that a simple and easy-to-use system is more attractive in practical fields from an applications point of view. 

However, as demand from the field requiring sophisticated techniques grows daily, the need for complex systems, including new materials systems, composite materials systems, 3D materials systems, multifunctional systems, materials systems that accompany complicated or new fabrication techniques, etc, are growing. Such systems can range from nano to macro dimensions, not excluding nano–macro composite systems.

For these reasons, it is my great pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript to this Special Issue. Full research articles, short communications, and reviews are welcome that are related (but not limited) to the topics that have been described above, including in vivo and in vitro studies, the characterization of properties, and the functionalization of such systems. Submissions are open from 5 February, 2020.

Prof. Dr. Donghyun Lee
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Drug delivery
  • Composites biomaterials
  • Scaffolds
  • Surface coatings
  • In vivo and in vitro tests
  • Manufacturing process
  • Drug screening
  • Tissue engineering
  • Natural materials
  • Bio-nano materials systems
  • Natural medicines.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 926 KiB  
Article
Plant Material as a Novel Tool in Designing and Formulating Modern Biostimulants—Analysis of Botanical Extract from Linum usitatissimum L.
by Sławomir Kocira, Agnieszka Szparaga, Anna Krawczuk, Petr Bartoš, Grzegorz Zaguła, Michał Plawgo and Pavel Černý
Materials 2021, 14(21), 6661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14216661 - 04 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
Nowadays, researchers are looking into next-generation biostimulants that can be designed as a dedicated agronomic tool based on plant materials. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel biostimulating product, based on plant material in the form of linseed aqueous [...] Read more.
Nowadays, researchers are looking into next-generation biostimulants that can be designed as a dedicated agronomic tool based on plant materials. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel biostimulating product, based on plant material in the form of linseed aqueous extracts. The scope of the research included the physicochemical characterization of the product and identification of its biostimulating potential. The study has confirmed that the plant biostimulant derived from L. usitatissimum can be used as a viable agronomic tool for growing soybean. The designed and produced biostimulant is rich in bioactive compounds, including amino acids, free fatty acids, carbohydrates, and micro- and macroelements. The tested biostimulant showed significantly lower values of surface tension in relation to water and a commercial biostimulant. The soybean crops responded to the application of the preparation by improvements in agronomic and morphological levels. The linseed macerates were effective in terms of soybean yields and profitability. Our findings serve as preliminary evidence for the viability of designing and developing novel biostimulants derived from plant materials. This comprehensive approach to designing and formulating novel bioproducts necessitates more extensive and targeted research to fully explain the mechanisms behind the improvements observed in the soybean cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Biomaterials Systems and Their Applications)
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12 pages, 916 KiB  
Article
Identification of a Biostimulating Potential of an Organic Biomaterial Based on the Botanical Extract from Arctium lappa L. Roots
by Agnieszka Szparaga, Sławomir Kocira and Ireneusz Kapusta
Materials 2021, 14(17), 4920; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14174920 - 29 Aug 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1991
Abstract
The development of novel biomaterials based on plant extracts is expected to boost yields without adversely affecting environmental diversity. The potential biostimulating effects have so far been underreported. The assessment of the stimulating effect of botanical biomaterials is essential in the cultivation of [...] Read more.
The development of novel biomaterials based on plant extracts is expected to boost yields without adversely affecting environmental diversity. The potential biostimulating effects have so far been underreported. The assessment of the stimulating effect of botanical biomaterials is essential in the cultivation of economically-important crops. An attempt was undertaken in this study to develop a new biostimulating material in the form of granules, based on an extract from the roots of Arctium lappa L. The scope of the research included the characterization of the new material and the identification of its biostimulating potential. The designed and produced biogranulate is rich in bioactive compounds, including polyphenolic compounds, carbohydrates, and micro- and macro-elements. The analysis of the physicochemical properties of the biomaterial has shown that it had the features of intelligent biopreparations, i.e., slow-release preparations, at the pH appropriate for legume plants. Thus, knowledge about the design of new biomaterials is a milestone in the practical development of new perspectives for enhancing sustainability in agriculture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Biomaterials Systems and Their Applications)
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15 pages, 1733 KiB  
Article
Identification of Phenolic Compounds and Determination of Antioxidant Activity in Extracts and Infusions of Salvia Leaves
by Sławomir Francik, Renata Francik, Urszula Sadowska, Beata Bystrowska, Agnieszka Zawiślak, Adrian Knapczyk and Abdul Nzeyimana
Materials 2020, 13(24), 5811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13245811 - 19 Dec 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2683
Abstract
The influence of harvest period and drying method of Salvia officinalis L. leaves on the content of essential oils, polyphenols and antioxidant properties was investigated. Sage leaves were collected twice during plant blossoming (in June and July) and dried traditionally in natural conditions [...] Read more.
The influence of harvest period and drying method of Salvia officinalis L. leaves on the content of essential oils, polyphenols and antioxidant properties was investigated. Sage leaves were collected twice during plant blossoming (in June and July) and dried traditionally in natural conditions and at 35 °C. Antioxidant activity was assayed in methanol-acetone extracts and infusions of dried leaves with the use of free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) technique. Total phenolic content in extracts as well as in infusions was determined by the means of Folin–Ciocalteu method. Based on the LC/MS analysis, the polyphenol compounds present in both extracts and in infusions were identified. The extracts contained more polyphenols and were characterized by higher antioxidant activity than infusions. In the extracts significant amount of ferulic acid was found, which was influenced both by the harvest period and drying method. The amount of ferulic acid found in extracts obtained from the June leaves dried traditionally was three times lower (6.185 μg/g DW) than in extracts from July leaves dried in the same conditions. Harvest period had a significant effect on the essential oils’ content, leaves collected in July contained 15% more oils than those collected in June. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Biomaterials Systems and Their Applications)
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13 pages, 2305 KiB  
Article
Photopolymerization-Based Synthesis of Uniform Magnetic Hydrogels and Colorimetric Glucose Detection
by Seok Joon Mun, Donghyun Ko, Hyeon Ung Kim, Yujin Han, Yoon Ho Roh, Bong-Geun Kim, Hyon Bin Na and Ki Wan Bong
Materials 2020, 13(19), 4401; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13194401 - 02 Oct 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2442
Abstract
Magnetic hydrogels have been commonly used in biomedical applications. As magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibit peroxidase enzyme-like activity, magnetic hydrogels have been actively used as signal transducers for biomedical assays. Droplet microfluidics, which uses photoinitiated polymerization, is a preferred method for the synthesis of [...] Read more.
Magnetic hydrogels have been commonly used in biomedical applications. As magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) exhibit peroxidase enzyme-like activity, magnetic hydrogels have been actively used as signal transducers for biomedical assays. Droplet microfluidics, which uses photoinitiated polymerization, is a preferred method for the synthesis of magnetic hydrogels. However, light absorption by MNPs makes it difficult to obtain fully polymerized and homogeneous magnetic hydrogels through photoinitiated polymerization. Several methods have been reported to address this issue, but few studies have focused on investigating the light absorption properties of photoinitiators. In this study, we developed a simple method for the synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based uniform magnetic hydrogels that exploits the high ultraviolet absorption of a photoinitiator. Additionally, we investigated this effect on shape deformation and structural uniformity of the synthesized magnetic hydrogels. Two different photoinitiators, Darocur 1173 and lithium phenyl (2,4,6–trimethylbenzoyl) phosphinate (LAP), with significantly different UV absorption properties were evaluated based on the synthesis of magnetic hydrogels. The magnetic characteristics of the PEG-stabilized MNPs in hydrogels were investigated with a vibrating sample magnetometer. Finally, the colorimetric detection of hydrogen peroxide and glucose was conducted based on the enzyme-like property of MNPs and repeated several times to observe the catalytic activity of the magnetic hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Biomaterials Systems and Their Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 3058 KiB  
Review
Graphene Hybrid Materials for Controlling Cellular Microenvironments
by Cheol-Hwi Kim and Tae-Hyung Kim
Materials 2020, 13(18), 4008; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13184008 - 10 Sep 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2988
Abstract
Cellular microenvironments are known as key factors controlling various cell functions, including adhesion, growth, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Many materials, including proteins, polymers, and metal hybrid composites, are reportedly effective in regulating cellular microenvironments, mostly via reshaping and manipulating cell morphologies, which ultimately [...] Read more.
Cellular microenvironments are known as key factors controlling various cell functions, including adhesion, growth, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Many materials, including proteins, polymers, and metal hybrid composites, are reportedly effective in regulating cellular microenvironments, mostly via reshaping and manipulating cell morphologies, which ultimately affect cytoskeletal dynamics and related genetic behaviors. Recently, graphene and its derivatives have emerged as promising materials in biomedical research owing to their biocompatible properties as well as unique physicochemical characteristics. In this review, we will highlight and discuss recent studies reporting the regulation of the cellular microenvironment, with particular focus on the use of graphene derivatives or graphene hybrid materials to effectively control stem cell differentiation and cancer cell functions and behaviors. We hope that this review will accelerate research on the use of graphene derivatives to regulate various cellular microenvironments, which will ultimately be useful for both cancer therapy and stem cell-based regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Biomaterials Systems and Their Applications)
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26 pages, 3769 KiB  
Review
Biomaterials to Prevent Post-Operative Adhesion
by Heekyung Park, Seungho Baek, Hyun Kang and Donghyun Lee
Materials 2020, 13(14), 3056; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13143056 - 08 Jul 2020
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6077
Abstract
Surgery is performed to treat various diseases. During the process, the surgical site is healed through self-healing after surgery. Post-operative or tissue adhesion caused by unnecessary contact with the surgical site occurs during the normal healing process. In addition, it has been frequently [...] Read more.
Surgery is performed to treat various diseases. During the process, the surgical site is healed through self-healing after surgery. Post-operative or tissue adhesion caused by unnecessary contact with the surgical site occurs during the normal healing process. In addition, it has been frequently found in patients who have undergone surgery, and severe adhesion can cause chronic pain and various complications. Therefore, anti-adhesion barriers have been developed using multiple biomaterials to prevent post-operative adhesion. Typically, anti-adhesion barriers are manufactured and sold in numerous forms, such as gels, solutions, and films, but there are no products that can completely prevent post-operative adhesion. These products are generally applied over the surgical site to physically block adhesion to other sites (organs). Many studies have recently been conducted to increase the anti-adhesion effects through various strategies. This article reviews recent research trends in anti-adhesion barriers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Complex Biomaterials Systems and Their Applications)
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