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Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 October 2024 | Viewed by 13589

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Ariana Hudita

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Guest Editor

Department of Biochemistry and Molecular biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitatea din Bucuresti, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: nanoscaled drug delivery; nanoscaled drug delivery systems; tumor-on-chip systems; colorectal cancer research; regenerative medicine; tissue engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Bianca Gǎlǎţeanu

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Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: colon cancer research; nanoscaled drug delivery systems; tumor-on-chip; liquid biopsy; pharmacogenomics; personalized medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Further to the success of the Special Issue of Polymers entitled “Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering”, we are delighted to reopen the Special Issue, now entitled “Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II”.

The recent years have witnessed an impressive development of modern therapies because of the appearance of numerous novel drug-delivery systems and biomaterials synthetized for tissue engineering purposes. The use of polymer-based biomaterials (natural, synthetic, or blends) has played a pivotal role in the tremendous advances reported in the biomedical field because of their tailorable designs, versatility, attractive physiochemical properties, and excellent biocompatibility. On the one hand, polymer-based materials are widely used in tissue engineering for the design and fabrication of biomimetic scaffolds that resemble the complex architecture of the defective tissues, which are easily engineered to exert distinct biological functions. On the other hand, polymers have been used for drug and gene delivery system fabrication because of their ability to carry both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs or other molecules, with a controlled release of controllable doses, that can be biofunctionalized to ensure the efficient delivery of pharmacological cargo to the desired site. Moreover, functional polymer-based biomaterials with dual functions, scaffolds, and delivery vehicles for therapeutic agents and biological cues are currently an attractive modern approach in regenerative medicine. Independent of the targeted application, smart polymers currently represent a popular choice in the biomedical field, as these stimuli-responsive materials can adapt to the biological environment, thus providing a real opportunity for designing personalized biomedical products.

This Special Issue titled “Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II” will focus on the recent development of polymeric materials intended for tissue engineering or drug-delivery applications. In this regard, we invite members of the academic and scientific communities to contribute original papers, short communications, or reviews on the development, characterization, and possible biological applications of polymer-based biomaterials, with applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering. The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather cutting-edge research and new insights into polymer-based biomaterial progress in terms of novel and innovative methods of synthesis and functionalization, as well as modern approaches for in vitro and in vivo biological effect investigations.

Dr. Ariana Hudita
Dr. Bianca Gǎlǎţeanu
Guest Editors

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. Polymers 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 2700 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

bioinspired implantable materials
nano shuttles
polymeric drug-delivery systems
tissue engineering
regenerative medicine
non-viral vectors
modern biomedicine

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 20689 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reservoir Effect of Textile Substrates on the Delivery of Essential Oils Microencapsulated by Complex Coacervation

by José Alexandre Borges Valle, Rita de Cássia Siqueira Curto Valle, Cristiane da Costa, Fabrício Bezerra Maestá and Manuel José Lis Arias

Polymers 2024, 16(5), 670; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050670 - 29 Feb 2024

Viewed by 582

Abstract

Microcapsules are being used in textile substrates increasingly more frequently, availing a wide spectrum of possibilities that are relevant to future research trends. Biofunctional Textiles is a new field that should be carefully studied, especially when dealing with microencapsulated essential oils. In the final step, when the active principle is delivered, there are some possibilities to quantify and simulate its doses on the skin or in the environment. At that stage, there is a phenomenon that can help to better control the delivery and the reservoir effect of the textile substrate. Depending on the chemical characteristics of the molecule to be delivered, as well as the structure and chemical nature of the fabric where it has been applied, there is physicochemical retention exerted by fibers that strongly controls the final rate of principle active delivery to the external part of the textile substrate. The study of this type of effect in two different substrates (cotton and polyester) will be described here regarding two different essential oils microencapsulated and applied to the substrates using padding technology. The experimental results of the final drug delivery demonstrate this reservoir effect in both essential oils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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20 pages, 15092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Features of Changes in the Structure and Properties of a Porous Polymer Material with Antibacterial Activity during Biodegradation in an In Vitro Model

by Vladimir V. Yudin, Tatyana I. Kulikova, Alexander G. Morozov, Marfa N. Egorikhina, Yulia P. Rubtsova, Irina N. Charykova, Daria D. Linkova, Maya I. Zaslavskaya, Ekaterina A. Farafontova, Roman S. Kovylin, Diana Ya. Aleinik and Sergey A. Chesnokov

Polymers 2024, 16(3), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030379 - 30 Jan 2024

Viewed by 672

Abstract

Hybrid porous polymers based on poly-EGDMA and polylactide containing vancomycin, the concentration of which in the polymer varied by two orders of magnitude, were synthesized. The processes of polymer biodegradation and vancomycin release were studied in the following model media: phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), trypsin-Versene solution, and trypsin-PBS solution. The maximum antibiotic release was recorded during the first 3 h of extraction. The duration of antibiotic escape from the polymer samples in trypsin-containing media varied from 3 to 22 days, depending on the antibiotic content of the polymer. Keeping samples of the hybrid polymer in trypsin-containing model media resulted in acidification of the solutions—after 45 days, up to a pH of 1.84 in the trypsin-Versene solution and up to pH 1.65 in the trypsin-PBS solution. Here, the time dependences of the vancomycin release from the polymer into the medium and the decrease in pH of the medium correlated. These data are also consistent with the results of a study of the dynamics of sample weight loss during extraction in the examined model media. However, while the polymer porosity increased from ~53 to ~60% the pore size changed insignificantly, over only 10 μm. The polymer samples were characterized by their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and this activity persisted for up to 21 days during biodegradation of the material, regardless of the medium type used in model. Surface-dependent human cells (dermal fibroblasts) adhere well, spread out, and maintain high viability on samples of the functionalized hybrid polymer, thus demonstrating its biocompatibility in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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17 pages, 4928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Poly(lactic acid)–Hydrogel Core–Shell Scaffolds Highly Support MSCs’ Viability, Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation

by Chiara Pasini, Stefano Pandini, Federica Re, Matteo Ferroni, Elisa Borsani, Domenico Russo and Luciana Sartore

Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4631; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244631 - 06 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1506

Abstract

Scaffolds for tissue engineering are expected to respond to a challenging combination of physical and mechanical requirements, guiding the research towards the development of novel hybrid materials. This study introduces innovative three-dimensional bioresorbable scaffolds, in which a stiff poly(lactic acid) lattice structure is meant to ensure temporary mechanical support, while a bioactive gelatin–chitosan hydrogel is incorporated to provide a better environment for cell adhesion and proliferation. The scaffolds present a core–shell structure, in which the lattice core is realized by additive manufacturing, while the shell is nested throughout the core by grafting and crosslinking a hydrogel forming solution. After subsequent freeze-drying, the hydrogel network forms a highly interconnected porous structure that completely envelops the poly(lactic acid) core. Thanks to this strategy, it is easy to tailor the scaffold properties for a specific target application by properly designing the lattice geometry and the core/shell ratio, which are found to significantly affect the scaffold mechanical performance and its bioresorption. Scaffolds with a higher core/shell ratio exhibit higher mechanical properties, whereas reducing the core/shell ratio results in higher values of bioactive hydrogel content. Hydrogel contents up to 25 wt% could be achieved while maintaining high compression stiffness (>200 MPa) and strength (>5 MPa), overall, within the range of values displayed by human bone tissue. In addition, mechanical properties remain stable after prolonged immersion in water at body temperature for several weeks. On the other hand, the hydrogel undergoes gradual and homogeneous degradation over time, but the core–shell integrity and structural stability are nevertheless maintained during at least 7-week hydrolytic degradation tests. In vitro experiments with human mesenchymal stromal cells reveal that the core–shell scaffolds are biocompatible, and their physical–mechanical properties and architecture are suitable to support cell growth and osteogenic differentiation, as demonstrated by hydroxyapatite formation. These results suggest that the bioresorbable core–shell scaffolds can be considered and further studied, in view of clinically relevant endpoints in bone regenerative medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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19 pages, 6373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Profile of Acid Usnic-Loaded Electrospun Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)—Magnetite Nanofibers

by Alexandra Elena Stoica (Oprea), Alexandra Catalina Bîrcă, Dan Eduard Mihaiescu, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu, Anton Ficai, Hildegard Herman, Baltă Cornel, Marcel Roșu, Sami Gharbia, Alina Maria Holban, Bogdan Ștefan Vasile, Ecaterina Andronescu and Anca Oana Hermenean

Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3282; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153282 - 02 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 907

Abstract

The highest amount of the world’s polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is designated for fiber production (more than 60%) and food packaging (30%) and it is one of the major polluting polymers. Although there is a great interest in recycling PET-based materials, a large amount of unrecycled material is derived mostly from the food and textile industries. The aim of this study was to obtain and characterize nanostructured membranes with fibrillar consistency based on recycled PET and nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@UA) using the electrospinning technique. The obtained fibers limit microbial colonization and the development of biofilms. Such fibers could significantly impact modern food packaging and the design of improved textile fibers with antimicrobial effects and good biocompatibility. In conclusion, this study suggests an alternative for PET recycling and further applies it in the development of antimicrobial biomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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15 pages, 12467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eudragit Films as Carriers of Lipoic Acid for Transcorneal Permeability

by Karina L. Bierbrauer, Laura R. Comini, Victoria Leonhard, Micaela A. Escobar Manzanelli, Gabriela Castelli, Silvia Farfán, Roxana V. Alasino and Dante M. Beltramo

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1793; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071793 - 05 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1305

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent disease affecting almost 10% of the world population; it is characterized by acute and chronic conditions. Diabetic patients have twenty-five times higher risk of going blind and developing cataracts early than the general population. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) is a highly valuable natural antioxidant for the prevention and treatment of ophthalmic complications, such as diabetic keratopathy and retinopathy. However, its applicability is limited due to its low solubility in water; therefore, suitable systems are required for its formulation. In this work we developed an erodible insert based on Eudragit E100 (E PO) and Lipoic Acid (LA) for the delivery of this compound for the preventive treatment of ocular diseases especially in diabetic patients. Film evaluation was carried out by mechanical and thermal properties, mucoadhesivity, drug release, dynamic light scattering and corneal permeability as the concentration of LA increased. It was shown that upon LA release, it forms nanoparticles in combination with E PO that favor corneal permeation and LA retention in the cornea. These E PO-LA films also resulted non-irritable hence they are promising for their application in the treatment of ocular diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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18 pages, 5757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation and Characterization of Polymeric Cross-Linked Hydrogel Patches for Topical Delivery of Antibiotic for Healing Wound Infections

by Sana Afzal, Kashif Barkat, Muhammad Umer Ashraf, Ikrima Khalid, Yasir Mehmood, Nisar Hussain Shah, Syed Faisal Badshah, Saba Naeem, Saeed Ahmad Khan and Mohsin Kazi

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1652; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071652 - 27 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2213

Abstract

Wound healing faces significant challenges in clinical settings. It often contains a series of dynamic and complex physiological healing processes. Instead of creams, ointments and solutions, alternative treatment approaches are needed. The main objective of the study was to formulate bacitracin zinc-loaded topical patches as a new therapeutic agent for potential wound healing. A free radical polymerization technique was optimized for synthesis. Polyethylene glycol-8000 (PEG-8000) was chemically cross-linked with acrylic acid in aqueous medium, using Carbopol 934 as a permeation enhancer and tween 80 as surfactant. Ammonium persulfate and N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) were utilized as initiator and cross-linker. FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM were performed, and patches were evaluated for swelling dynamics, sol-gel analysis, in vitro drug release in various media. A Franz diffusion cell was used for the permeation study. Irritation and wound healing with the drug-loaded patches were also studied. The characterization studies confirmed the formation of a cross-linked hydrogel network. The highest swelling and drug release were observed in formulations containing highest Polyethylene glycol-8000 and lowest N,N’-Methylenebisacrylamide concentrations. The pH-sensitive behavior of patches was also confirmed as more swelling, drug release and drug permeation across skin were observed at pH 7.4. Fabricated patches showed no sign of irritation or erythema as evaluated by the Draize scale. Faster wound healing was also observed with fabricated patches compared to marketed formulations. Therefore, such a polymeric network can be a promising technology for speeding up wound healing and minor skin injuries through enhanced drug deposition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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16 pages, 1944 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Sustained Release Curcumin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (Cur-SLNs) as a Potential Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Lung Cancer: Optimization of Formulation and In Vitro Biological Evaluation

by Mohammad Akhlaquer Rahman, Abuzer Ali, Mohamed Rahamathulla, Shahana Salam, Umme Hani, Shadma Wahab, Musarrat Husain Warsi, Mohammad Yusuf, Amena Ali, Vineet Mittal and Ranjit Kumar Harwansh

Polymers 2023, 15(3), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030542 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2941

Abstract

The goal of current research was to develop a new form of effective drug, curcumin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Cur-SLNs) and test its efficacy in the treatment of lung cancer. Different batches of SLNs were prepared by the emulsification–ultrasonication method. For the optimization of formulation, each batch was evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL). The formulation components and process parameters largely affected the quality of SLNs. The SLNs obtained with particle size, 114.9 ± 1.36 nm; PI, 0.112 ± 0.005; ZP, −32.3 ± 0.30 mV; EE, 69.74 ± 2.03%, and DL, 0.81 ± 0.04% was designated as an optimized formulation. The formulation was freeze-dried to remove excess water to improve the physical stability. Freeze-dried Cur-SLNs showed 99.32% of drug release and demonstrated a burst effect trailed by sustained release up to 120 h periods. The erythrocyte toxicity study of Cur-SLNs and its components demonstrated moderate hemolytic potential towards red blood cells (RBCs). The cytotoxic potential of the formulation and plain curcumin was estimated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay against A549 cell line. After 48 h of incubation, Cur-SLNs demonstrated more cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 26.12 ± 1.24 µM) than plain curcumin (IC₅₀ = 35.12 ± 2.33 µM). Moreover, the cellular uptake of curcumin was found to be significantly higher from Cur-SLNs (682.08 ± 6.33 ng/µg) compared to plain curcumin (162.4 ± 4.2 ng/µg). Additionally, the optimized formulation was found to be stable over the period of 90 days of storage. Hence, curcumin-loaded SLNs can be prepared using the proposed cost effective method, and can be utilized as an effective drug delivery system for the treatment of lung cancer, provided in vivo studies warrant a similar outcome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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Review

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14 pages, 662 KiB

Open AccessReview

Anticancer Potential of Antimicrobial Peptides: Focus on Buforins

by Ana Maria Tolos (Vasii), Cristian Moisa, Mihaela Dochia, Carmen Popa, Lucian Copolovici and Dana Maria Copolovici

Polymers 2024, 16(6), 728; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060728 - 07 Mar 2024

Viewed by 933

Abstract

In seeking alternative cancer treatments, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), sourced from various life forms, emerge as promising contenders. These endogenous peptides, also known as host defense peptides (HDPs), play crucial roles in immune defenses against infections and exhibit potential in combating cancers. With their diverse defensive functions, plant-derived AMPs, such as thionins and defensins, offer a rich repertoire of antimicrobial properties. Insects, amphibians, and animals contribute unique AMPs like cecropins, temporins, and cathelicidins, showcasing broad-spectrum activities against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Understanding these natural peptides holds significant potential for developing effective and targeted therapies against cancer and infectious diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit diverse structural characteristics, including α-helical, β-sheet, extended, and loop peptides. Environmental conditions influence their structure, connecting to changes in cell membrane hydrophobicity. AMPs’ actions involve direct killing and immune regulation, with additional activities like membrane depolarization. In this review, we focus on antimicrobial peptides that act as anticancer agents and AMPs that exhibit mechanisms akin to antimicrobial activity. Buforin AMPs, particularly Buforin I and II, derived from histone H2A, demonstrate antibacterial and anticancer potential. Buforin IIb and its analogs show promise, with selectivity for cancer cells. Despite the challenges, AMPs offer a unique approach to combat microbial resistance and potential cancer treatment. In various cancer types, including HeLa, breast, lung, ovarian, prostate, and liver cancers, buforins demonstrate inhibitory effects and apoptosis induction. To address limitations like stability and bioavailability, researchers explore buforin-containing bioconjugates, covalently linked with nanoparticles or liposomes. Bioconjugation enhances specificity-controlled release and combats drug resistance, presenting a promising avenue for targeted cancer treatment. Clinical translation awaits further evaluation through in vivo studies and future clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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22 pages, 1471 KiB

Open AccessReview

Agro-Industrial Plant Proteins in Electrospun Materials for Biomedical Application

by Emilija Zdraveva, Višnja Gaurina Srček, Klara Kraljić, Dubravka Škevin, Igor Slivac and Marko Obranović

Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2684; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122684 - 14 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1707

Abstract

Plant proteins are receiving a lot of attention due to their abundance in nature, customizable properties, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and bioactivity. As a result of global sustainability concerns, the availability of novel plant protein sources is rapidly growing, while the extensively studied ones are derived from byproducts of major agro-industrial crops. Owing to their beneficial properties, a significant effort is being made to investigate plant proteins’ application in biomedicine, such as making fibrous materials for wound healing, controlled drug release, and tissue regeneration. Electrospinning technology is a versatile platform for creating nanofibrous materials fabricated from biopolymers that can be modified and functionalized for various purposes. This review focuses on recent advancements and promising directions for further research of an electrospun plant protein-based system. The article highlights examples of zein, soy, and wheat proteins to illustrate their electrospinning feasibility and biomedical potential. Similar assessments with proteins from less-represented plant sources, such as canola, pea, taro, and amaranth, are also described. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering II)

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