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Polymers
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Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application II
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Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application II

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 September 2022) | Viewed by 16598

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Faisal Raza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
Interests: biomimetic nanomedicine; polymeric nanoparticle; drug delivery; cancer; tumor microenvironment; biomaterials; cancer nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Muhammad Ovais

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: nanomedicines; biomaterials; immuno-engineering; nanocatalytic medicines
Dr. Carmine Coluccini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, No. 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
Interests: organic synthesis; organic material science; photonic materials; drug delivery; supramolecular chemistry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is devoted to polymer-based materials suitable as functional vehicles for drugs. Bio-based polymers have been used and extensively studied in various applications in recent years. For example, as candidates for drug delivery application, materials must be biocompatible, biodegradable, nonimmunogenic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Incorporating a biologically active compound into the polymeric matrix can prevent degradation, control release, improve absorption, enhance the therapeutic effect, and potentially decrease the frequency of administration. In the design of suitable bio-based polymeric drug delivery systems, the following vital aspects must be considered: these materials should not produce an inflammatory reaction, should have suitable mechanical properties for their intended use, their degradation time should be under their function, and they should exhibit an appropriate permeability for the designed application. The biomedical polymers exhibit a far-reaching variability in their physical and chemical characteristics, allowing for adjusting their biocompatibility, bioactivity, stimuli responsiveness, biodegradability, etc.

We look forward to receiving high-quality original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and short communications on cutting-edge developments in this interdisciplinary field, focusing on biomedical applications, i.e., drug delivery, tissue engineering, bioadhesion, etc.

This Special Issue is the continuation of a published Special Issue entitled “Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application”, which contained 13 papers that dealt with novel polymer materials for drug delivery and biomedical applications, from inclusion complexes to targeted delivery.

Dr. Faisal Raza
Dr. Muhammad Ovais
Prof. Dr. Carmine Coluccini 
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

  • hydrogel
  • preparation and optimization
  • drug delivery
  • controlled release
  • nanotechnology
  • pharmaceutical technology
  • polymer modification
  • biomaterials
  • polymeric nanovehicles
  • stimuli-responsive polymers
  • tissue engineering
  • bioimaging
  • metabolic disease
  • stem cell biology
  • cancer

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3080 KiB  
Article
Morphological and Quantitative Evidence for Altered Mesenchymal Stem Cell Remodeling of Collagen in an Oxidative Environment—Peculiar Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate
by Regina Komsa-Penkova, Svetoslava Stoycheva, Pencho Tonchev, Galya Stavreva, Svetla Todinova, Galya Georgieva, Adelina Yordanova, Stanimir Kyurkchiev and George Altankov
Polymers 2022, 14(19), 3957; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14193957 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2032
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are involved in the process of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling where collagens play a pivotal role. We recently demonstrated that the remodeling of adsorbed collagen type I might be disordered upon oxidation following its fate in the presence of [...] Read more.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are involved in the process of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling where collagens play a pivotal role. We recently demonstrated that the remodeling of adsorbed collagen type I might be disordered upon oxidation following its fate in the presence of human adipose-derived MSC (ADMSCs). With the present study we intended to learn more about the effect of polyphenolic antioxidant Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), attempting to mimic the conditions of oxidative stress in vivo and its putative prevention by antioxidants. Collagen Type I was isolated from mouse tail tendon (MTC) and labelled with FITC before being oxidized according to Fe2+/H2O2 protocol. FITC-collagen remodeling by ADMSC was assessed morphologically before and after EGCG pretreatment and confirmed via detailed morphometric analysis measuring the anisotropy index (AI) and fluorescence intensity (FI) in selected regions of interest (ROI), namely: outside the cells, over the cells, and central (nuclear/perinuclear) region, whereas the pericellular proteolytic activity was measured by de-quenching fluorescent collagen probes (FRET effect). Here we provide morphological evidence that MTC undergoes significant reorganization by the adhering ADMSC and is accompanied by a substantial activation of pericellular proteolysis, and further confirm that both processes are suppressed upon collagen oxidation. An important observation was that this abrogated remodeling cannot be prevented by the EGCG pretreatment. Conversely, the detailed morphometric analysis showed that oxidized FITC-collagen tends to accumulate beneath cells and around cell nuclei, suggesting the activation of alternative routes for its removal, such as internalization and/or transcytosis. Morphometric analysis also revealed that both processes are supported by EGCG pretreatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application II)
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20 pages, 2634 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of a Double Core–Shell Particle-Based Magnetic Nanocomposite for Effective Adsorption-Controlled Release of Drugs
by Manzoor Hussain, Touseef Rehan, Khang Wen Goh, Sayyed Ibrahim Shah, Abbas Khan, Long Chiau Ming and Nasrullah Shah
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2681; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132681 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2221
Abstract
There has been very limited work on the control loading and release of the drugs aprepitant and sofosbuvir. These drugs need a significant material for the control of their loading and release phenomenon that can supply the drug at its target site. Magnetic [...] Read more.
There has been very limited work on the control loading and release of the drugs aprepitant and sofosbuvir. These drugs need a significant material for the control of their loading and release phenomenon that can supply the drug at its target site. Magnetic nanoparticles have characteristics that enable them to be applied in biomedical fields and, more specifically, as a drug delivery system when they are incorporated with a biocompatible polymer. The coating with magnetic nanoparticles is performed to increase efficiency and reduce side effects. In this regard, attempts are made to search for suitable materials retaining biocompatibility and magnetic behavior. In the present study, silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles were incorporated with core–shell particles made of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid)@butyl methacrylate to produce a magnetic composite material (MCM-PA@B) through the free radical polymerization method. The as-prepared composite materials were characterized through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR)spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), energy-dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and were further investigated for the loading and release of the drugs aprepitant and sofosbuvir. The maximum loading capacity of 305.76 mg/g for aprepitant and 307 mg/g for sofosbuvir was obtained at pH 4. Various adsorption kinetic models and isotherms were applied on the loading of both drugs. From all of the results obtained, it was found that MCM-PA@B can retain the drug for more than 24 h and release it slowly, due to which it can be applied for the controlled loading and targeted release of the drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application II)
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11 pages, 889 KiB  
Article
Effect of Common Mouthwashes on Mechanical Properties of Suture Materials Used in Dental Surgeries: A Laboratory Experiment
by Shahabe Saquib Abullais, Shaker Saleh AlOsman, Sultan Mansoor AlQahtani, Abdul Ahad Khan, Rakhshinda Nahid, Sulphi Abdul Basheer and Ahmad Saib Jameel
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122439 - 16 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2672
Abstract
Background: Sutures play a pivotal role in promoting healing in any surgical procedure. However, the versatile nature of the oral environment entails additional properties in the suture materials to assure uneventful healing. A surgeon needs to understand these delicate intricacies in the immediate [...] Read more.
Background: Sutures play a pivotal role in promoting healing in any surgical procedure. However, the versatile nature of the oral environment entails additional properties in the suture materials to assure uneventful healing. A surgeon needs to understand these delicate intricacies in the immediate postoperative phase and needs some kind of algorithm in the selection of sutures that suits the different surgical scenarios. Therefore, a study was designed to observe the effect of four different types of mouthwash, viz. Avohex, Aloedent, Parodontax and Betadine, on the mechanical properties of Vicryl (polyglactin 910), PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Prolene (polypropylene) and Mersilk. Methods: A total of 288 suture samples were divided in four equal groups (72 = each group) and used for the experiments. Tensile load, tensile strength as well as percentage elongation of the suture materials were evaluated in the various stated media at 3rd, 7th, 10th and 14th days, which were compared with the controls. The results were analyzed statistically and inferences were drawn. Results: Mersilk in (Avohex, Parodontax and Betadine) solutions showed a statistically significant decrease in tensile load over time. All the sutures had the highest tensile strength in Parodontax and had the lowest in Betadine solution. Vicryl and PTFE presented significant percentage elongation over time as compared to Prolene and Mersilk. Conclusion: The author has given certain recommendations but also states that there is no standard rule for the use of a particular suture material in all clinical situations. However, the selection of the suture material should be based on the type of surgery and preferences of the surgeon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application II)
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11 pages, 2246 KiB  
Communication
3-O-Ethyl-L-Ascorbic Acid Doped Enteric-Coated Gelatin Capsules towards the Advanced Oral Curcumin Delivery for Cancers
by Dong-Jin Lim
Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2207; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112207 - 29 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2836
Abstract
Among plant-derived polyphenols, curcumin has been recognized as a therapeutically potent nutrient presenting pleiotropic pharmacological effects on various cancers. However, the poor absorption and bioavailability of curcumin limit the use of this excellent naturally occurring polyphenol. 3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid (EA) doped enteric-coated [...] Read more.
Among plant-derived polyphenols, curcumin has been recognized as a therapeutically potent nutrient presenting pleiotropic pharmacological effects on various cancers. However, the poor absorption and bioavailability of curcumin limit the use of this excellent naturally occurring polyphenol. 3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid (EA) doped enteric-coated gelatin capsules were studied in the search for advanced oral curcumin delivery. The EA doped enteric-coated gelatin capsules were successfully created based on a developed inner dual enteric coating technique. When placed in four buffer solutions with different pHs (pH 2.0, 5.0, 6.0, and 7.3), the coated gelatin capsules showed delayed-release profiles of curcumin below pH 6.0. In contrast, both pristine and fabricated gelatin capsules showed similar curcumin release profiles at pH 7.3, which is a common pH observed in the lower gastrointestinal tract, especially intestinal regions. In conclusion, these results demonstrated the potential of the EA doped enteric-coated gelatin capsules in developing advanced oral delivery of curcumin targeting intestinal-specific regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application II)
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Review

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24 pages, 1877 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Delivery of Plant-Based Antidiabetic Agents Using Nanocarriers: Current Status and Their Role in Combatting Hyperglycaemia
by Husna Zolkepli, Riyanto Teguh Widodo, Syed Mahmood, Norazlinaliza Salim, Khalijah Awang, Noraini Ahmad and Rozana Othman
Polymers 2022, 14(15), 2991; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14152991 - 24 Jul 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5359
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic syndrome that is associated with high blood glucose levels. The number of diabetic patients is increasing every year and the total number of cases is expected to reach more than 600 million worldwide by 2045. Modern antidiabetic [...] Read more.
Diabetes mellitus is a prevalent metabolic syndrome that is associated with high blood glucose levels. The number of diabetic patients is increasing every year and the total number of cases is expected to reach more than 600 million worldwide by 2045. Modern antidiabetic drugs alleviate hyperglycaemia and complications that are caused by high blood glucose levels. However, due to the side effects of these drugs, plant extracts and bioactive compounds with antidiabetic properties have been gaining attention as alternative treatments for diabetes. Natural products are biocompatible, cheaper and expected to cause fewer side effects than the current antidiabetic drugs. In this review, various nanocarrier systems are discussed, such as liposomes, niosomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles and metallic nanoparticles. These systems have been applied to overcome the limitations of the current drugs and simultaneously improve the efficacy of plant-based antidiabetic drugs. The main challenges in the formulation of plant-based nanocarriers are the loading capacity of the plant extracts and the stability of the carriers. A brief review of lipid nanocarriers and the amphipathic properties of phospholipids and liposomes that encapsulate hydrophilic, hydrophobic and amphiphilic drugs is also described. A special emphasis is placed on metallic nanoparticles, with their advantages and associated complications being reported to highlight their effectiveness for treating hyperglycaemia. The present review could be an interesting paper for researchers who are working in the field of using plant extract-loaded nanoparticles as antidiabetic therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Materials in Biomedical Application II)
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