Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and 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: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 15945

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
Interests: nano-technology; nanofabrication; encapsulation; nanoparticles; drug delivery; controlled release; targeted delivery system; cancer drug delivery; cancer drug therapy

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Guest Editor
Science Medical Centre, Saratov State University, Saratov 410012, Russia
Interests: biophysics; drug delivery systems; drugs; theranostics; microcapsules; layer-by-layer assembly; nanoparticles; enzymes; emulsions; mineral particles; magnetic nanoparticles; magneto-mechanical movement; Brillouin spectroscopy
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent decades, nature-inspired polymers have been widely applied as biomaterials due to their favourable properties, including their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, simple design and formulation of a variety of structures with tuneable characteristics. The development of drug delivery systems based on natural and synthetic polymers is rapidly emerging in different biomedical fields, such as cancer therapy, antimicrobial agents, drug delivery and others.

We are pleased to invite you to submit original papers and reviews that describe novel research as well as original techniques in the field of the fabrication, characterization and investigation of polymer-based nano- and microparticles, materials, smart polymeric materials/systems and hybrid nano-/microcomposites in drug delivery and biomedical applications.

Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following: the fabrication and functionalization of polymer-based materials and systems; characterization of chemical and physical properties, biodegradability, bioavailability, controlled drug release; polymeric carriers for drug delivery and targeted drug delivery; in vitro and in vivo assays, medical and pharmaceutical application, regenerative medicine, biomedicine, antimicrobial, theranostic and cancer application and multifunctional properties.

Authors are invited to submit their latest results. Original papers and reviews are welcome. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Elena D. Nikolskaya
Dr. Maria Lomova
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • natural and synthetic polymers
  • polymer-based materials
  • polymer drug carriers
  • nanotechnology and nanofabrication
  • drug delivery
  • controlled drug release
  • anticancer therapy
  • antimicrobial polymer materials
  • regenerative medicine
  • multifunctional properties

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

27 pages, 6163 KiB  
Article
Kinetic Study of In Vitro Release of Neem from Chitosan Biopolymer and Assessment of Its Biological Effectiveness
by Yasodani Nishshanka, Charitha Thambiliyagodage and Madara Jayanetti
Polymers 2025, 17(5), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17050702 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 230
Abstract
The study examined the sustained release of neem from the polymeric carrier system chitosan by varying the drug content, ionic strength of the release medium, and pH. Six different kinetic models, i.e., Korsmeyer–Peppas (KP), Peppas–Sahlin (PS), Higuchi, Hixson–Crowell, Zero order, and First order [...] Read more.
The study examined the sustained release of neem from the polymeric carrier system chitosan by varying the drug content, ionic strength of the release medium, and pH. Six different kinetic models, i.e., Korsmeyer–Peppas (KP), Peppas–Sahlin (PS), Higuchi, Hixson–Crowell, Zero order, and First order were used to investigate the drug release kinetics. Based on the R2 values, the KP and PS models were chosen from the examined models to study the drug release mechanism from the chitosan biopolymer. The values found for model parameters n and m in the KP and PS models differ noticeably, suggesting that Fickian diffusion and Case II relaxation are important components of the neem release mechanism from chitosan. At lower ionic strengths and lower pH values, neem is released from the composite mostly by Fickian diffusion. The diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay served to assess the composite’s antioxidant properties. The composite’s antioxidant properties ranged from 3.56 ± 1.89% at 10 μg/mL to 51.28 ± 1.14% at 70 μg/mL. The ability of the composite to inhibit the denaturation of egg albumin was also tested and it ranged from 59.68 ± 0.93% at 25 μg/mL to 187.63 ± 3.53% at 1600 μg/mL. The drug composite has exhibited antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and proved to be highly effective against P. aeruginosa at lower concentrations and against S. aureus at higher concentrations. The resulting inhibition zones for P. aeruginosa at 5 and 10 mg/mL concentrations were 16.5 ± 2.25 mm, and 14.83 ± 0.6 mm, respectively, whereas for S. aureus, it was 16.67 ± 0.33 mm at 20 mg/mL. The neem–chitosan composite’s minimum inhibitory concentration/minimum bactericidal concentration ratio for K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus was greater than 4, suggesting that they trigger bacteriostatic outcomes, whereas for E. coli, it was 4, which means that bactericidal effects were evident. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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19 pages, 9427 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Cellulose Derivatives-Based Highly Porous Floating Tablets for Gastroretentive Drug Delivery via Sugar Templating Method
by Pattaraporn Panraksa, Tanpong Chaiwarit, Baramee Chanabodeechalermrung, Patnarin Worajittiphon and Pensak Jantrawut
Polymers 2025, 17(4), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17040485 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 543
Abstract
This work presents an innovative application of the sugar templating method to fabricate highly porous floating tablets based on cellulose derivatives for gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS). Ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were utilized to develop formulations that optimize porosity, buoyancy, [...] Read more.
This work presents an innovative application of the sugar templating method to fabricate highly porous floating tablets based on cellulose derivatives for gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS). Ethyl cellulose (EC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) were utilized to develop formulations that optimize porosity, buoyancy, and drug release. Among the tested formulations, E10H5/CPM, consisting of 10% w/w EC and 5% w/w HPMC loaded with chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM), exhibited the most favorable properties, including high porosity (94.4%), uniform pore distribution, immediate buoyancy, and over 24 h of floating time. E10H5/CPM tablets demonstrated superior drug release performance compared to an EC-only formulation (E10/CPM), attributed to the presence of HPMC, which facilitated improved hydration and diffusion. The in vitro release study showed that E10H5/CPM achieved a cumulative release of 79.01% over 72 h, following a Fickian diffusion mechanism. However, a limitation was noted in drug loading, with E10H5/CPM incorporating 6.40 mg of CPM, compared to 8.72 mg in E10/CPM. Future work should focus on enhancing drug load and further optimizing polymer composition to improve the release profile. Overall, this study underscores the potential of sugar templating in developing cost-effective, scalable floating tablet formulations for improved gastric retention and localized drug delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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15 pages, 4432 KiB  
Article
Disinfection Strategies for Poly(methyl methacrylate): Method Sequence, Solution Concentration, and Intraoral Temperature on Antimicrobial Activity
by Ana Beatriz Sato Kamio, Andressa da Silva Barboza, Maria Eduarda Broering da Silva, Artur Ferronato Soto, Juliana Silva Ribeiro de Andrade, Thais Mageste Duque, Ariadne Cristiane Cabral da Cruz, Ricardo Ruiz Mazzon and Maurício Malheiros Badaró
Polymers 2025, 17(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17010008 - 24 Dec 2024
Viewed by 758
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of different disinfection protocols for dentures by combining methods, varying intervention sequences, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) concentrations (0.1% and 0.25%), and post-exposure to intraoral temperature. The heat-polymerized poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) was divided into groups (n = 15): [...] Read more.
This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of different disinfection protocols for dentures by combining methods, varying intervention sequences, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) concentrations (0.1% and 0.25%), and post-exposure to intraoral temperature. The heat-polymerized poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) was divided into groups (n = 15): control (C, distilled water immersion), B (brushing), I0.1% and I0.25% (isolated NaOCl immersion), B + I0.1% and B + I0.25% (brushing followed by immersion), I + B0.1% and I + B0.25% (immersion followed by brushing), and B + I0.1% + T and B + I0.25% + T (brushing, NaOCl immersion, and overnight exposure to 35 °C ± 2 °C). The post-disinfection exposure to intraoral temperature simulated the denture use during sleeping time. Quantitative evaluation was performed by colony-forming unit (CFU/mL) counting of C. albicans and qualitative analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Data were processed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-hoc test to compare different protocols at the same concentration and among groups (α ≤ 0.05). Applying 0.25% NaOCl in associated protocols, the intervention sequence was no different (B + I and I + B) and caused the lowest C. albicans counts. The 0.1% NaOCl lost part of its action when the immersion method started the protocols. B + I0.25%, I0.25% + B, and B + I0.1% had similar antimicrobial efficacy, but the intraoral temperature (B + I + T) reduced the efficacy of these protocols, regardless of NaOCl concentration. Residual biofilm recolonization was also detected in SEM images. In conclusion, all the combinations between mechanical and chemical methods using 0.25% NaOCl were the most effective against C. albicans. The antimicrobial efficacy of NaOCl at 0.1% changes depending on the intervention sequence. The intraoral temperature influenced the C. albicans recolonization after the disinfection protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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13 pages, 2842 KiB  
Article
Fast-Swelling Tamarind Xyloglucan/PVA Hydrogels with Interconnected Macroporous Structures for Biomedical Applications
by Umpornpan Ninjumrat, Piyachat Chuysinuan, Thitirat Inprasit, Sarute Ummartyotin, Kittipong Chainok and Penwisa Pisitsak
Polymers 2024, 16(24), 3457; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243457 - 10 Dec 2024
Viewed by 772
Abstract
This work demonstrates the preparation of fast-swelling hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and tamarind xyloglucan (XG), utilizing freeze-drying to achieve an interconnected macroporous structure. Although XG is non-toxic and abundant, it has poor mechanical properties. Therefore, XG was mixed with PVA and [...] Read more.
This work demonstrates the preparation of fast-swelling hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and tamarind xyloglucan (XG), utilizing freeze-drying to achieve an interconnected macroporous structure. Although XG is non-toxic and abundant, it has poor mechanical properties. Therefore, XG was mixed with PVA and crosslinked with citric acid (CA). Without XG, the crosslinked PVA sample contained partially aligned channels several hundred microns wide. The addition of XG (25% w/w) reduced the structural order of the hydrogels. However, the addition of XG improved the swelling ratio from 308 ± 19% in crosslinked PVA to 533.33% in crosslinked PVA/XG. XG also increased the porosity, as the porosity of the crosslinked PVA, XG, and PVA/XG samples was 56.09 ± 2.79%, 68.99 ± 2.06%, and 66.49 ± 1.62%, respectively. Resistance to compression was decreased by the incorporation of XG but was increased by CA crosslinking. The determination of the gel fraction revealed that CA crosslinking was more effective for the PVA component than the XG component. The swelling of all hydrogels was very rapid, reaching equilibrium within 10 s, due to the interconnected macroporous structure that allowed for capillary action. In conclusion, the prepared hydrogels are non-cytotoxic and well suited for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, wound dressings, and hygienic products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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26 pages, 5087 KiB  
Article
Electrospun Membranes Based on Quaternized Polysulfones: Rheological Properties–Electrospinning Mechanisms Relationship
by Anca Filimon, Diana Serbezeanu, Adina Maria Dobos, Mihaela Dorina Onofrei, Alexandra Bargan, Daniela Rusu and Cristina Mihaela Rimbu
Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1503; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111503 - 25 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1484
Abstract
Composite membranes based on a polymer mixture solution of quaternized polysulfone (PSFQ), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for biomedical applications were successfully obtained through the electrospinning technique. To ensure the polysulfone membranes’ functionality in targeted applications, the selection of electrospinning [...] Read more.
Composite membranes based on a polymer mixture solution of quaternized polysulfone (PSFQ), cellulose acetate phthalate (CAP), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for biomedical applications were successfully obtained through the electrospinning technique. To ensure the polysulfone membranes’ functionality in targeted applications, the selection of electrospinning conditions was essential. Moreover, understanding the geometric characteristics and morphology of fibrous membranes is crucial in designing them to meet the performance standards necessary for future biomedical applications. Thus, the viscosity of the solutions used in the electrospinning process was determined, and the morphology of the electrospun membranes was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Investigations on the surfaces of electrospun membranes based on water vapor sorption data have demonstrated that their surface properties dictate their biological ability more than their specific surfaces. Furthermore, in order to understand the different macromolecular rearrangements of membrane structures caused by physical interactions between the polymeric chains as well as by the orientation of functional groups during the electrospinning process, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used. The applicability of composite membranes in the biomedical field was established by bacterial adhesion testing on the surface of electrospun membranes using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms. The biological experiments conducted establish a foundation for future applications of these membranes and validate their effectiveness in specific fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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21 pages, 6866 KiB  
Article
Gamma Radiation-Mediated Synthesis of Antimicrobial Polyurethane Foam/Silver Nanoparticles
by Eduard-Marius Lungulescu, Radu Claudiu Fierascu, Miruna S. Stan, Irina Fierascu, Elena Andreea Radoi, Cristina Antonela Banciu, Raluca Augusta Gabor, Toma Fistos, Luminita Marutescu, Marcela Popa, Ionela C. Voinea, Sorina N. Voicu and Nicoleta-Oana Nicula
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101369 - 10 May 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1628
Abstract
Nosocomial infections represent a major threat within healthcare systems worldwide, underscoring the critical need for materials with antimicrobial properties. This study presents the development of polyurethane foam embedded with silver nanoparticles (PUF/AgNPs) using a rapid, eco-friendly, in situ radiochemical synthesis method. The nanocomposites [...] Read more.
Nosocomial infections represent a major threat within healthcare systems worldwide, underscoring the critical need for materials with antimicrobial properties. This study presents the development of polyurethane foam embedded with silver nanoparticles (PUF/AgNPs) using a rapid, eco-friendly, in situ radiochemical synthesis method. The nanocomposites were characterized by UV–vis and FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray technique (SEM/EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile and compression strengths, antimicrobial activity, and foam toxicity tests. The resulting PUF/AgNPs demonstrated prolonged stability (over 12 months) and good dispersion of AgNPs. Also, the samples presented higher levels of hardness compared to samples without AgNPs (deformation of 1682 µm for V1 vs. 4307 µm for V0, under a 5 N force), tensile and compression strength of 1.80 MPa and 0.34 Mpa, respectively. Importantly, they exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against a broad range of bacteria (including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis) and a fungal mixture (no fungal growth on the sample surface was observed after 28 days of exposure). Furthermore, these materials were non-toxic to human keratinocytes, which kept their specific morphology after 24 h of incubation, highlighting their potential for safe use in biomedical applications. We envision promising applications for PUF/AgNPs in hospital bed mattresses and antimicrobial mats, offering a practical strategy to reduce nosocomial infections and enhance patient safety within healthcare facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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22 pages, 4915 KiB  
Article
Thymol-Modified Oleic and Linoleic Acids Encapsulated in Polymeric Nanoparticles: Enhanced Bioactivity, Stability, and Biomedical Potential
by Maria B. Sokol, Vera A. Sokhraneva, Nataliya V. Groza, Mariia R. Mollaeva, Nikita G. Yabbarov, Margarita V. Chirkina, Anna A. Trufanova, Vladimir I. Popenko and Elena D. Nikolskaya
Polymers 2024, 16(1), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16010072 - 26 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1973
Abstract
Unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA), are promising antimicrobial and cytostatic agents. We modified OA and LA with thymol (TOA and TLA, respectively) to expand their bioavailability, stability, and possible applications, and encapsulated these derivatives in polymeric [...] Read more.
Unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid (OA) and linoleic acid (LA), are promising antimicrobial and cytostatic agents. We modified OA and LA with thymol (TOA and TLA, respectively) to expand their bioavailability, stability, and possible applications, and encapsulated these derivatives in polymeric nanoparticles (TOA-NPs and TLA-NPs, respectively). Prior to synthesis, we performed mathematical simulations with PASS and ADMETlab 2.0 to predict the biological activity and pharmacokinetics of TOA and TLA. TOA and TLA were synthesized via esterification in the presence of catalysts. Next, we formulated nanoparticles using the single-emulsion solvent evaporation technique. We applied dynamic light scattering, Uv-vis spectroscopy, release studies under gastrointestinal (pH 1.2–6.8) and blood environment simulation conditions (pH 7.4), and in vitro biological activity testing to characterize the nanoparticles. PASS revealed that TOA and TLA have antimicrobial and anticancer therapeutic potential. ADMETlab 2.0 provided a rationale for TOA and TLA encapsulation. The nanoparticles had an average size of 212–227 nm, with a high encapsulation efficiency (71–93%), and released TOA and TLA in a gradual and prolonged mode. TLA-NPs possessed higher antibacterial activity against B. cereus and S. aureus and pronounced cytotoxic activity against MCF-7, K562, and A549 cell lines compared to TOA-NPs. Our findings expand the biomedical application of fatty acids and provide a basis for further in vivo evaluation of designed derivatives and formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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11 pages, 2931 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of a Fish-Bone-Inspired Inorganic–Organic Composite Membrane
by YuYang Jiao, Masahiro Okada, Bhingaradiya Nutan, Noriyuki Nagaoka, Ahmad Bikharudin, Randa Musa and Takuya Matsumoto
Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4190; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204190 - 23 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2171
Abstract
Biological materials have properties like great strength and flexibility that are not present in synthetic materials. Using the ribs of crucian carp as a reference, we investigated the mechanisms behind the high mechanical properties of this rib bone, and found highly oriented layers [...] Read more.
Biological materials have properties like great strength and flexibility that are not present in synthetic materials. Using the ribs of crucian carp as a reference, we investigated the mechanisms behind the high mechanical properties of this rib bone, and found highly oriented layers of calcium phosphate (CaP) and collagen fibers. To fabricate a fish-rib-bone-mimicking membrane with similar structure and mechanical properties, this study involves (1) the rapid synthesis of plate-like CaP crystals, (2) the layering of CaP–gelatin hydrogels by gradual drying, and (3) controlling the shape of composite membranes using porous gypsum molds. Finally, as a result of optimizing the compositional ratio of CaP filler and gelatin hydrogel, a CaP filler content of 40% provided the optimal mechanical properties of toughness and stiffness similar to fish bone. Due to the rigidity, flexibility, and ease of shape control of the composite membrane materials, this membrane could be applied as a guided bone regeneration (GBR) membrane. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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16 pages, 5431 KiB  
Article
Chondrogenic Potential of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Steam Sterilized Gelatin/Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogels
by Mario Alberto Pérez-Díaz, Erick Jesús Martínez-Colin, Maykel González-Torres, Carmina Ortega-Sánchez, Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez, Josselin Delgado-Meza, Fernando Machado-Bistraín, Valentín Martínez-López, David Giraldo, Érik Agustín Márquez-Gutiérrez, Jorge Armando Jiménez-Ávalos, Zaira Yunuen García-Carvajal and Yaaziel Melgarejo-Ramírez
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3938; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193938 - 29 Sep 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1687
Abstract
Cross-linked polymer blends from natural compounds, namely gelatin (Gel), chitosan (CS), and synthetic poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), have received increasing scrutiny because of their versatility, biocompatibility, and ease of use for tissue engineering. Previously, Gel/CS/PVA [1:1:1] hydrogel produced via the freeze-drying process presented [...] Read more.
Cross-linked polymer blends from natural compounds, namely gelatin (Gel), chitosan (CS), and synthetic poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), have received increasing scrutiny because of their versatility, biocompatibility, and ease of use for tissue engineering. Previously, Gel/CS/PVA [1:1:1] hydrogel produced via the freeze-drying process presented enhanced mechanical properties. This study aimed to investigate the biocompatibility and chondrogenic potential of a steam-sterilized Gel/CS/PVA hydrogel using differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AD-hMSC) and cartilage marker expression. AD-hMSC displayed fibroblast-like morphology, 90% viability, and 69% proliferative potential. Mesenchymal profiles CD73 (98.3%), CD90 (98.6%), CD105 (97.0%), CD34 (1.11%), CD45 (0.27%), HLA-DR (0.24%); as well as multilineage potential, were confirmed. Chondrogenic differentiation of AD-hMSC in monolayer revealed the formation of cartilaginous nodules composed of glycosaminoglycans after 21 days. Compared to nonstimulated cells, hMSC-derived chondrocytes shifted the expression of CD49a from 2.82% to 40.6%, CD49e from 51.4% to 92.2%, CD54 from 9.66 to 37.2%, and CD151 from 45.1% to 75.8%. When cultured onto Gel/CS/PVA hydrogel during chondrogenic stimulation, AD-hMSC changed to polygonal morphology, and chondrogenic nodules increased by day 15, six days earlier than monolayer-differentiated cells. SEM analysis showed that hMSC-derived chondrocytes adhered to the surface with extended filopodia and abundant ECM formation. Chondrogenic nodules were positive for aggrecan and type II collagen, two of the most abundant components in cartilage. This study supports the biocompatibility of AD-hMSC onto steam-sterilized GE/CS/PVA hydrogels and its improved potential for chondrocyte differentiation. Hydrogel properties were not altered after steam sterilization, which is relevant for biosafety and biomedical purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 2189 KiB  
Review
Reverse Engineering and 3D Printing of Medical Devices for Drug Delivery and Drug-Embedded Anatomic Implants
by Anusha Elumalai, Yash Nayak, Aravinda K. Ganapathy, David Chen, Karthik Tappa, Udayabhanu Jammalamadaka, Grace Bishop and David H. Ballard
Polymers 2023, 15(21), 4306; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15214306 - 2 Nov 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3000
Abstract
In recent years, 3D printing (3DP) has advanced traditional medical treatments. This review explores the fusion of reverse engineering and 3D printing of medical implants, with a specific focus on drug delivery applications. The potential for 3D printing technology to create patient-specific implants [...] Read more.
In recent years, 3D printing (3DP) has advanced traditional medical treatments. This review explores the fusion of reverse engineering and 3D printing of medical implants, with a specific focus on drug delivery applications. The potential for 3D printing technology to create patient-specific implants and intricate anatomical models is discussed, along with its ability to address challenges in medical treatment. The article summarizes the current landscape, challenges, benefits, and emerging trends of using 3D-printed formulations for medical implantation and drug delivery purposes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Materials for Drug Delivery and Biomedical Applications)
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