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Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 33176

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Catalina Vallejo-Giraldo

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
Interests: neural interfaces; conductive polymers; polymeric hydrogels; 3D models; astrocytes; gliosis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in biological engineering and polymeric materials science have enabled the creation of new biomaterials capable of integrating with living systems and augmenting their behavior. These biomaterials are engineered with a deepening understanding of cellular biology and material interactions to selectively augment functionality at different anatomical locations. Taken as a whole, living biomaterials show great promise not only in medicine, but also in bioprocessing and drug development.

This Special Issue on “Engineered Polymeric Materials Towards Living Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications” is devoted to the dissemination of high-quality original research articles or comprehensive reviews on cutting-edge developments in this interdisciplinary field. Excitement regarding this field is fostered through the convergence of physical and mechano-spatial polymeric material designs, and biological sciences to bring profound changes in the way we design and produce biomedical devices, especially concerning the spatial heterogeneity of living organisms to critically engineer polymeric materials that impact on biological systems.

With a focus on biomedical applications, potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

Bio-based and/or living polymeric materials;
Functional polymeric materials;
Design of biomimetic polymer-based devices;
Conceptual and creative design of polymer-based devices;
3D/4D polymeric scaffolds

Dr. Catalina Vallejo-Giraldo
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

Bio-based polymeric materials
Living polymeric materials
Functional polymeric materials
Design of biomimetic polymer-based devices
Conceptual and creative design of polymer-based devices
3D/4D polymeric scaffolds

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vivo Biocompatibility of an Innovative Elastomer for Heart Assist Devices

by Barbara Zawidlak-Węgrzyńska, Miroslawa El Fray, Karolina Janiczak, Roman Kustosz, Małgorzata Gonsior and Beniamin Oskar Grabarek

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14051002 - 02 Mar 2022

Viewed by 2567

Abstract

Cardiac surgical approaches require the development of new materials regardless of the polyurethanes used for pulsatile blood pumps; therefore, an innovative biomaterial, a copolymer of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and dimer fatty acid (dilinoleic acid) modified with D-glucitol, hereafter referred to as PET/DLA, has been developed, showing non-hemolytic and atrombogenic properties and resistance to biodegradation. The aim of this work was to evaluate in vivo inflammatory responses to intramuscular implantation of PET/DLA biomaterials of different compositions (hard to soft segments). Two copolymers containing 70 and 65 wt.% of hard segments, as in poly(ethylene terephthalate) and dilinoleic acid in soft segments modified with D-glucitol, were used for implantation tests to monitor tissue response. Medical grade polyurethanes Bionate II 90A and Bionate II 55 were used as reference materials. After euthanasia of animals (New Zealand White rabbits, n = 49), internal organs and tissues that contacted the material were collected for histopathological examination. The following parameters were determined: peripheral blood count, blood smear with May Grunwald–Giemsa staining, and serum C-reactive protein (CRPP). The healing process observed at the implantation site of the new materials after 12 weeks indicated normal progressive collagenization of the scar, with an indication of the inflammatory–resorptive process. The analysis of the chemical structure of explants 12 weeks after implantation showed good stability of the tested copolymers in contact with living tissues. Overall, the obtained results indicate great potential for PET/DLA in medical applications; however, final verification of its applicability as a structural material in prostheses is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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16 pages, 1769 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Development of a Hybrid Polymer-Based Microfluidic Platform for Culturing Hepatocytes towards Liver-on-a-Chip Applications

by Gulsim Kulsharova, Akbota Kurmangaliyeva, Elvira Darbayeva, Luis Rojas-Solórzano and Galiya Toxeitova

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3215; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193215 - 23 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3856

Abstract

The drug development process can greatly benefit from liver-on-a-chip platforms aiming to recapitulate the physiology, mechanisms, and functionalities of liver cells in an in vitro environment. The liver is the most important organ in drug metabolism investigation. Here, we report the development of a hybrid cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic (HCP) platform to culture a Huh7 hepatoma cell line in dynamic conditions towards the development of a liver-on-a-chip system. The microfluidic platform is comprised of a COC bottom layer with a microchannel and PDMS-based flat top layer sandwiched together. The HCP device was applied for culturing Huh7 cells grown on a collagen-coated microchannel. A computational fluid dynamics modeling study was conducted for the HCP device design revealing the presence of air volume fraction in the chamber and methods for optimizing experimental handling of the device. The functionality and metabolic activity of perfusion culture were assessed by the secretion rates of albumin, urea, and cell viability visualization. The HCP device hepatic culture remained functional and intact for 24 h, as assessed by resulting levels of biomarkers similar to published studies on other in vitro and 2D cell models. The present results provide a proof-of-concept demonstration of the hybrid COC–PDMS microfluidic chip for successfully culturing a Huh7 hepatoma cell line, thus paving the path towards developing a liver-on-a-chip platform. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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15 pages, 18895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dopant-Dependent Electrical and Biological Functionality of PEDOT in Bioelectronics

by Małgorzata Skorupa, Daria Więcławska, Dominika Czerwińska-Główka, Magdalena Skonieczna and Katarzyna Krukiewicz

Polymers 2021, 13(12), 1948; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13121948 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2688

Abstract

The aspiration to interact living cells with electronics challenges researchers to develop materials working at the interface of these two distinct environments. A successful interfacing coating should exhibit both biocompatibility and desired functionality of a bio-integrated device. Taking into account biodiversity, the tissue interface should be fine-tuned to the specific requirements of the bioelectronic systems. In this study, we pointed to electrochemical doping of conducting polymers as a strategy enabling the efficient manufacturing of interfacing platforms, in which features could be easily adjusted. Consequently, we fabricated conducting films based on a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) matrix, with properties modulated through doping with selected ions: PSS⁻ (poly(styrene sulfonate)), ClO₄⁻ (perchlorate), and PF₆⁻ (hexafluorophosphate). Striving to extend the knowledge on the relationships governing the dopant effect on PEDOT films, the samples were characterized in terms of their chemical, morphological, and electrochemical properties. To investigate the impact of the materials on attachment and growth of cells, rat neuroblastoma B35 cells were cultured on their surface and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and biological assays. Eventually, it was shown that through the choice of a dopant and doping conditions, PEDOT-based materials can be efficiently tuned with diversified physicochemical properties. Therefore, our results proved electrochemical doping of PEDOT as a valuable strategy facilitating the development of promising tissue interfacing materials with characteristics tailored as required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Research

21 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optimal Morphometric Characteristics of a Tubular Polymeric Scaffold to Promote Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: A Scoping Review

by Josefa Alarcón Apablaza, María Florencia Lezcano, Karina Godoy Sánchez, Gonzalo H. Oporto and Fernando José Dias

Polymers 2022, 14(3), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030397 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

Cellular behavior in nerve regeneration is affected by the architecture of the polymeric nerve guide conduits (NGCs); therefore, design features of polymeric NGCs are critical for neural tissue engineering. Hence, the purpose of this scoping review is to summarize the adequate quantitative/morphometric parameters of the characteristics of NGC that provide a supportive environment for nerve regeneration, enhancing the understanding of a previous study. 394 studies were found, of which 29 studies were selected. The selected studies revealed four morphometric characteristics for promoting nerve regeneration: wall thickness, fiber size, pore size, and porosity. An NGC with a wall thickness between 250–400 μm and porosity of 60–80%, with a small pore on the inner surface and a large pore on the outer surface, significantly favored nerve regeneration; resulting in an increase in nutrient permeability, retention of neurotrophic factors, and optimal mechanical properties. On the other hand, the superiority of electrospun fibers is described; however, the size of the fiber is controversial in the literature, obtaining optimal results in the range of 300 nm to 30 µm. The incorporation of these optimal morphometric characteristics will encourage nerve regeneration and help reduce the number of experimental studies as it will provide the initial morphometric parameters for the preparation of an NGC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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22 pages, 6648 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Fiber Surface Topography Affects Interactions between Cells and Electrospun Scaffolds: A Systematic Review

by Alex Lopez Marquez, Iván Emilio Gareis, Fernando José Dias, Christoph Gerhard and María Florencia Lezcano

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010209 - 05 Jan 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2179

Abstract

Electrospun scaffolds have a 3D fibrous structure that attempts to imitate the extracellular matrix in order to be able to host cells. It has been reported in the literature that controlling fiber surface topography produces varying results regarding cell–scaffold interactions. This review analyzes the relevant literature concerning in vitro studies to provide a better understanding of the effect that controlling fiber surface topography has on cell–scaffold interactions. A systematic approach following PRISMA, GRADE, PICO, and other standard methodological frameworks for systematic reviews was used. Different topographic interventions and their effects on cell–scaffold interactions were analyzed. Results indicate that nanopores and roughness on fiber surfaces seem to improve proliferation and adhesion of cells. The quality of the evidence is different for each studied cell–scaffold interaction, and for each studied morphological attribute. The evidence points to improvements in cell–scaffold interactions on most morphologically complex fiber surfaces. The discussion includes an in-depth evaluation of the indirectness of the evidence, as well as the potentially involved publication bias. Insights and suggestions about dose-dependency relationship, as well as the effect on particular cell and polymer types, are presented. It is concluded that topographical alterations to the fiber surface should be further studied, since results so far are promising. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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37 pages, 3492 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nature-Based Biomaterials and Their Application in Biomedicine

by Eoin Troy, Maura A. Tilbury, Anne Marie Power and J. Gerard Wall

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3321; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193321 - 28 Sep 2021

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 9091

Abstract

Natural polymers, based on proteins or polysaccharides, have attracted increasing interest in recent years due to their broad potential uses in biomedicine. The chemical stability, structural versatility, biocompatibility and high availability of these materials lend them to diverse applications in areas such as tissue engineering, drug delivery and wound healing. Biomaterials purified from animal or plant sources have also been engineered to improve their structural properties or promote interactions with surrounding cells and tissues for improved in vivo performance, leading to novel applications as implantable devices, in controlled drug release and as surface coatings. This review describes biomaterials derived from and inspired by natural proteins and polysaccharides and highlights their promise across diverse biomedical fields. We outline current therapeutic applications of these nature-based materials and consider expected future developments in identifying and utilising innovative biomaterials in new biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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19 pages, 7268 KiB

Open AccessReview

Current Insights into Collagen Type I

by Ruth Naomi, Pauzi Muhd Ridzuan and Hasnah Bahari

Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2642; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162642 - 09 Aug 2021

Cited by 56 | Viewed by 9548

Abstract

Collagen type I (Col-I) is unique due to its high biocompatibility in human tissue. Despite its availability from various sources, Col-I naturally mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM) and generally makes up the larger protein component (90%) in vasculature, skin, tendon bone, and other tissue. The acceptable physicochemical properties of native Col-I further enhance the incorporation of Col-I in various fields, including pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, regenerative medicine, and clinical. This review aims to discuss Col-I, covering the structure, various sources of availability, native collagen synthesis, current extraction methods, physicochemical characteristics, applications in various fields, and biomarkers. The review is intended to provide specific information on Col-I currently available, going back five years. This is expected to provide a helping hand for researchers who are concerned about any development on collagen-based products particularly for therapeutic fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications)

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