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Polymers
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Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications
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Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 September 2025 | Viewed by 3073

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jana Ghitman

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Advanced Polymer Materials Group, National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: biodegradable polymers; biotechnology; nanomedicine; gene delivery; drug delivery; regenerative medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biodegradable polymers are environmentally friendly materials that can work for a limited time before degrading into readily discarded products through a regulated procedure. This class of materials has attracted significant attention because they play an essential role in humans’ lives owing to their physical-chemical characteristics, their versatility in formulation methods, and, most importantly, their specific biodegradability characteristics, making them the foremost biomaterials in different biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine). Currently, diverse modern techniques such as electrospinning, 3D printing, microfluidics, etc., can be applied for the production of biopolymeric-based scaffolds, with specific/personalized characteristics and controlled architecture, in accordance with targeted application and patient needs.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to highlight recent advancements in developing biodegradable polymers and their applications in different fields of biomedicine, along with the progress and challenges faced in translating academic efforts into tangible assets with clinical/precise applications.

Dr. Jana Ghitman
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. 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

  • biodegradable polymers
  • tissue engineering
  • regenerative medicine
  • drug delivery
  • biotechnology
  • modern fabrication technologies
  • controlled architecture
  • functional biopolymers
  • biomedical application

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 2434 KiB  
Article
Innovative Sericin-Based Film-Forming Gel for Wound Healing: Development and Performance Evaluation
by Suprawee Wongtechanon, Chayanee Noosak, Pavarish Jantorn, Papitchaya Watcharanurak, Piyawut Swangphon, Warapond Wanna and Dennapa Saeloh Sotthibandhu
Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1246; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091246 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 358
Abstract
The development of effective wound dressings remains a critical challenge in medical treatments, requiring materials that promote healing, minimize infection, and enhance tissue regeneration. This study evaluated the wound-healing potential of sericin-based film-forming gels. Six formulations were developed by combining varying concentrations of [...] Read more.
The development of effective wound dressings remains a critical challenge in medical treatments, requiring materials that promote healing, minimize infection, and enhance tissue regeneration. This study evaluated the wound-healing potential of sericin-based film-forming gels. Six formulations were developed by combining varying concentrations of sericin, a protein derived from silk cocoons, with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). These formulations were evaluated for physical properties including drying time, pH, spreadability, stability, swelling ratio, flexibility, and adhesion. Film-forming gel is an attractive option for wound dressing due to its flexibility, adhesion, and infrequent reapplication. The F4 formulation (1% sericin) demonstrated superior performances in drying time, spreadability, stability, swelling ratio, flexibility, and skin adhesion, was easy to apply, and formed a stable film on drying. Biological evaluations showed that F4 exhibited excellent compatibility with skin fibroblast cells, maintained a suitable pH, and significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration. The F4 formulation also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting iNOS expression and nitric oxide production, offering mechanical stability, biological activity, and ease of use with significant potential for treating acute and chronic wounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications)
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21 pages, 1220 KiB  
Article
Tracking the Effect of Phosvitin (PV) Concentration on the Skin Permeation of Somatotropin (STH) from Semi-Solid Hydrogel Formulations
by Wioletta Siemiradzka
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 980; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070980 - 4 Apr 2025
Viewed by 424
Abstract
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is utilized in pediatric patients with short stature for a variety of indications, including those in which the primary growth defect is not related to growth hormone deficiency (GHD). However, due to the instability of the hormone in [...] Read more.
Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is utilized in pediatric patients with short stature for a variety of indications, including those in which the primary growth defect is not related to growth hormone deficiency (GHD). However, due to the instability of the hormone in the gastrointestinal tract and its short half-life, an alternative route of administration is being sought, which may be the skin. One strategy to extend the half-life of proteins involves the use of biodegradable polymeric matrices for transdermal drug delivery systems. While hydrogels are recognized for their high stability, the transport of proteins through the skin may be hindered. To address this, the use of active carriers is being investigated to enhance the efficiency of protein permeation through the skin. In this study, an effort was made to optimize the concentration of phosphitin (PV) as a carrier for somatotropin (STH). PV is a protein that possesses a distinctive cation chelating capability and amphiphilic character. As the concentration of PV increased, the rate of its emulsifying activity increased concomitantly. Methylcellulose (MC) was used as the hydrogel matrix. The study investigated three distinct concentrations of PV to ascertain the most optimal concentration to enhance STH availability. Following the formulation of hydrogel compositions containing STH and PV, the permeation process through porcine skin was examined using Franz’s chambers. The findings revealed that the incorporation of PV significantly impacted both the penetration time of STH and the extent of STH penetration. Subsequently, an extensive evaluation of the physicochemical parameters of the formulations, encompassing pH, rheological, and textural properties, was conducted to assess their suitability for skin application. This evaluation aimed to ensure not only adequate persistence time of the formulation on the skin surface but also formulation stability and persistence of the active substance (STH). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications)
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14 pages, 8548 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Chemical Surface Modification on the Repair Bond Strength of Resin Composite: An In Vitro Study
by Md Sofiqul Islam, Shadi El Bahra, Smriti Aryal A C, Vivek Padmanabhan, Abdulaziz Al Tawil, Ihab Saleh, Muhammed Mustahsen Rahman and Upoma Guha
Polymers 2025, 17(4), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040513 - 16 Feb 2025
Viewed by 827
Abstract
This in vitro study investigates the impact of the chemical modification of resin composite surfaces on repair bond strength of micro-hybrid resin composite material. First, 7 mm circular × 3 mm thick resin composite disks were prepared using teflon molds. Then, 50 specimens [...] Read more.
This in vitro study investigates the impact of the chemical modification of resin composite surfaces on repair bond strength of micro-hybrid resin composite material. First, 7 mm circular × 3 mm thick resin composite disks were prepared using teflon molds. Then, 50 specimens out of 100 were allocated for stimulated aging using a thermo-cycling (10,000 cycles) device. Both the 24 h and 1-year-aged composite discs were embedded in epoxy resin using a 2.5 cm wide × 1.5 cm thick circular mold. The surfaces were treated with Clearfil S3 bond alone or with the additional application of silane or porcelain primer. The other two groups were bonded with CRB bond with or without a porcelain primer. Using a teflon mold, a 2 mm circular and 3 mm high repair composite cylinder was built on the treated surfaces. The specimens were then stressed to de-bond by applying shear force to measure repair bond strength, and they were observed under the microscope to determine the failure pattern. The data were analyzed using SPSS26.0. Univariate analysis showed a significant effect (p = 0.013) of the bonding protocol on the repair bond strength; however, the effect of aging was insignificant (p = 0.170). The S3 bond with additional silane and the CRB bond showed the significantly higher repair bond strength of the 1-year-aged micro-hybrid composite. However, in case of 24 h aged specimens, the repair bond strength was statistically insignificant among the tested groups (p = 0.340). Chemical surface modification with silane has the potential to improve the repair bond strength of micro-hybrid resin composite materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 3702 KiB  
Article
Improved Biomineralization Using Cellulose Acetate/Magnetic Nanoparticles Composite Membranes
by Madalina Oprea, Andreea Madalina Pandele, Aurelia Cristina Nechifor, Adrian Ionut Nicoara, Iulian Vasile Antoniac, Augustin Semenescu, Stefan Ioan Voicu, Catalin Ionel Enachescu and Anca Maria Fratila
Polymers 2025, 17(2), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17020209 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 997
Abstract
Following implantation, infections, inflammatory reactions, corrosion, mismatches in the elastic modulus, stress shielding and excessive wear are the most frequent reasons for orthopedic implant failure. Natural polymer-based coatings showed especially good results in achieving better cell attachment, growth and tissue-implant integration, and it [...] Read more.
Following implantation, infections, inflammatory reactions, corrosion, mismatches in the elastic modulus, stress shielding and excessive wear are the most frequent reasons for orthopedic implant failure. Natural polymer-based coatings showed especially good results in achieving better cell attachment, growth and tissue-implant integration, and it was found that the inclusions of nanosized fillers in the coating structure improves biomineralization and consequently implant osseointegration, as the nanoparticles represent calcium phosphate nucleation centers and lead to the deposition of highly organized hydroxyapatite crystallites on the implant surface. In this study, magnetic nanoparticles synthesized by the co-precipitation method were used for the preparation of cellulose acetate composite coatings through the phase-inversion method. The biomineralization ability of the membranes was tested through the Taguchi method, and it was found that nanostructured hydroxyapatite was formed at the surface of the composite membrane (with a higher organization degree and purity, and a Ca/P percentage closer to the one seen with stoichiometric hydroxyapatite, compared to the one deposited on neat cellulose acetate). The results obtained indicate a potential new application for magnetic nanoparticles in the field of orthopedics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications)
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