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Bio-Based Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 1366

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Instrumentation and Service Center for Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
Interests: biomedical hydrogels; aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials; smart responsive nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bio-based polymeric materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, and gelatin, have emerged as a versatile and highly functional class of materials with significant potential in biomedical applications. Their unique properties, such as excellent biocompatibility, tunable mechanical strength, biodegradability, and diverse functionalization capabilities, make them ideal candidates for a wide range of medical uses.

This Special Issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in the design, synthesis, and application of bio-based polymeric materials in the biomedical field. We invite original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that delve into the diverse aspects of these sustainable materials. Topics of interest include the development of novel bio-based polymers (including but not limited to cellulose derivatives, collagen, silk fibroin, and other natural polymers) and their formulations for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, wound healing, biosensing, and medical devices. Special attention is given to the integration of smart bio-based materials that respond to physiological stimuli such as pH, temperature, or enzyme presence, enabling targeted and controlled therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the issue explores the use of these materials in regenerative medicine, highlighting their role in promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue repair while emphasizing their sustainable nature and reduced environmental impact.

We invite researchers to explore these advancements and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on how bio-based polymeric materials can be optimized to meet the evolving demands of modern, sustainable medicine.

Dr. Jiachang Huang
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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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

  • biobased polymers
  • biomedical applications
  • drug delivery systems
  • tissue engineering scaffolds
  • wound healing

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4223 KB  
Article
Multifunctional PVA–CMC/ZnO–Au Nanocomposite Films with Enhanced UV Shielding, Thermal Stability, and Antibacterial Performance
by Essam M. Abdel-Fattah, Ahmed M. Elnemr, Wafaa B. Elsharkawy and Tarek Fahmy
Polymers 2026, 18(6), 718; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18060718 - 16 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) blend nanocomposites reinforced with plasma-assisted synthesized zinc oxide–gold (ZnO–Au) nanoparticles were prepared via casting at varying nanoparticle concentrations. Structural and interfacial modifications were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS. XRD analysis confirmed the nanocomposite crystallinity, showing an [...] Read more.
Polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) blend nanocomposites reinforced with plasma-assisted synthesized zinc oxide–gold (ZnO–Au) nanoparticles were prepared via casting at varying nanoparticle concentrations. Structural and interfacial modifications were analyzed using XRD, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS. XRD analysis confirmed the nanocomposite crystallinity, showing an average crystallite size of 24.48 nm and a lattice strain of 4.32 × 10−3 for the 0.15 wt% ZnO–Au composite. FTIR and Raman spectra revealed band shifts and broadening, indicating strong interactions between ZnO–AuNPs and the polymer matrix. XPS analysis further verified Zn and Au incorporation and changes in C 1s and O 1s intensities, reflecting modified surface chemistry. Optical analysis revealed a reduction in the band gap from 4.60 eV (pure PVA/CMC) to 3.52 eV for the 0.15 wt% ZnO–Au nanocomposite, accompanied by an increase in refractive index from 2.058 to 2.244, along with enhanced UV-shielding the performance due to reduced UV transmittance and increased film opacity. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, while antibacterial tests against E. coli and S. aureus confirmed strong antimicrobial activity. These findings demonstrate that PVA/CMC/ZnO–Au nanocomposites are a promising candidate for antibacterial, UV-blocking, food packaging, and optoelectronic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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34 pages, 5263 KB  
Review
Advances in Polymer Film and Coating Technologies for Enhanced Surface Functionality
by Rashid Dallaev
Polymers 2026, 18(8), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18080918 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Polymer films and coatings play an increasingly critical role in extending material functionality across industrial, biomedical, and environmental applications. Recent advances in surface engineering have enabled precise control of interfacial properties, leading to enhanced durability, cleanliness, and protection. This review summarizes state-of-the-art strategies [...] Read more.
Polymer films and coatings play an increasingly critical role in extending material functionality across industrial, biomedical, and environmental applications. Recent advances in surface engineering have enabled precise control of interfacial properties, leading to enhanced durability, cleanliness, and protection. This review summarizes state-of-the-art strategies for modifying polymer surfaces, with an emphasis on plasma-based surface modification and plasma-induced polymerization as versatile, solvent-free methods for tailoring wettability, chemical functionality, and adhesion. Furthermore, it examines emerging classes of self-cleaning and self-sterilizing coatings that leverage photocatalytic, hydrophobic, or antimicrobial mechanisms to mitigate contamination, biofouling, and pathogen transmission. Additionally, developments in high-performance barrier films designed to protect food products and electronic devices through improved resistance to gases, moisture, and chemical agents are highlighted. By integrating insights from materials chemistry, surface physics, and nanostructured coating design, this review provides a comprehensive overview of current achievements and future directions in functional polymer films and coatings aimed at anti-pollution, antibacterial, and anti-corrosion performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications)
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