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Nanomaterials Template for Organic or Composite Polymers in Biomedical Application III

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 January 2025) | Viewed by 16862

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Department of Fiber and Composite Materials, Feng Chia University, Taichung 407, Taiwan
Interests: biomaterials; material analysis; polymer chemistry; medical engineering; functional fiber composites; nanomaterials; tissue engineering; hydrogels
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Very recently, nanomaterials have attracted a lot of attention in multidisciplinary academic fields, including engineering, chemistry, solid-state physics, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The most important features of these nanomaterials are their polarity, modification capability, and diverse properties. Therefore, the application of nanomaterials in the clinical field revokes many revolutionary solutions in tissue reconstruction when the tissue is defective. In addition, nanomaterials are also useful in developing multi-functionalized drugs, antibacterial products, etc. The nanoparticle platforms that have been extensively explored for biomedical applications are predominantly either purely inorganic or organic materials. Hybrid nanoparticles or organic composites with inorganics can not only retain the beneficial features of both inorganic and organic nanomaterials, but they can also possess unique advantages over the other two types. The changeable material design can derive a variety of clinical treatment strategies.

This Special Issue focuses on the use of organic/inorganic or hybrid nanomaterials for biomedical applications. We invite full papers, communications, and reviews. We would like to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue. Research topics of interest cover one or several of the topics included in (or related to) the keywords below.

Prof. Dr. Wen-Cheng Chen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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.

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • composites
  • nanomaterials
  • micelles
  • hydrogels
  • biodegradable
  • apatite
  • drug delivery
  • slow release
  • scaffold
  • tissue regeneration
  • biocompatibility
  • delivery
  • antibacterial
  • therapy
  • nanoparticle manufacture and processing

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 2183 KiB  
Article
New Antibacterial and Antioxidant Chitin Derivatives: Ultrasonic Preparation and Biological Effects
by Anton R. Egorov, Omar M. Khubiev, Roman A. Golubev, Daria I. Semenkova, Andrey A. Nikolaev, Abel M. Maharramov, Gunay Z. Mammadova, Wanjun Liu, Alexander G. Tskhovrebov and Andreii S. Kritchenkov
Polymers 2024, 16(17), 2509; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16172509 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1378
Abstract
This work focuses on the first use of ultrasonic phenol-ene coupling as a polymer analogous transformation. The ultrasonic reaction was introduced into chitin chemistry, resulting in the fast and convenient preparation of new water-soluble cationic chitin derivatives. Since water-soluble derivatives of fully deacetylated [...] Read more.
This work focuses on the first use of ultrasonic phenol-ene coupling as a polymer analogous transformation. The ultrasonic reaction was introduced into chitin chemistry, resulting in the fast and convenient preparation of new water-soluble cationic chitin derivatives. Since water-soluble derivatives of fully deacetylated chitin are poorly described in the literature, the synthesis of each new type of these derivatives is a significant event in polysaccharide chemistry. Polycations, or cationic polymers, are of particular interest as antibacterial agents. Consequently, the resulting polymers were tested for their antibacterial activity and toxicity. We found that the highly substituted polymer of medium molecular weight exhibited the most pronounced in vitro antibacterial effect. We prepared nanoparticles using the ionic gelation technique. The most effective in vitro antibacterial chitin-based systems were tested in vivo in rats. These tests demonstrated outstanding antibacterial effects combined with an absence of toxicity. Additionally, we found that the resulting polymers, unlike their nanoparticle counterparts, also exhibited strong antioxidant effects. In summary, we demonstrated the effectiveness of ultrasound in polymer chemistry and highlighted the importance of the sonochemical approach in the chemical modification of polysaccharides. This approach enables the synthesis of derivatives with improved physicochemical and biological properties. Full article
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23 pages, 13698 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Effectiveness of Silicon Nitride as a Reinforcement Agent for Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol in Material Extrusion 3D Printing
by Nikolaos Michailidis, Markos Petousis, Vassilis Saltas, Vassilis Papadakis, Mariza Spiridaki, Nikolaos Mountakis, Apostolos Argyros, John Valsamos, Nektarios K. Nasikas and Nectarios Vidakis
Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1043; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081043 - 10 Apr 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1830
Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) were combined to create five composite materials with Si3N4 loadings ranging from 2.0 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%. The goal was to improve the mechanical properties of PETG in [...] Read more.
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) and silicon nitride (Si3N4) were combined to create five composite materials with Si3N4 loadings ranging from 2.0 wt.% to 10.0 wt.%. The goal was to improve the mechanical properties of PETG in material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing (AM) and assess the effectiveness of Si3N4 as a reinforcing agent for this particular polymer. The process began with the production of filaments, which were subsequently fed into a 3D printer to create various specimens. The specimens were manufactured according to international standards to ensure their suitability for various tests. The thermal, rheological, mechanical, electrical, and morphological properties of the prepared samples were evaluated. The mechanical performance investigations performed included tensile, flexural, Charpy impact, and microhardness tests. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping were performed to investigate the structures and morphologies of the samples, respectively. Among all the composites tested, the PETG/6.0 wt.% Si3N4 showed the greatest improvement in mechanical properties (with a 24.5% increase in tensile strength compared to unfilled PETG polymer), indicating its potential for use in MEX 3D printing when enhanced mechanical performance is required from the PETG polymer. Full article
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18 pages, 77289 KiB  
Article
Hybrid-Aligned Fibers of Electrospun Gelatin with Antibiotic and Polycaprolactone Composite Membranes as an In Vitro Drug Delivery System to Assess the Potential Repair Capacity of Damaged Cornea
by Yi-Hsin Shao, Ssu-Meng Huang, Shih-Ming Liu, Jian-Chih Chen and Wen-Cheng Chen
Polymers 2024, 16(4), 448; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16040448 - 6 Feb 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1694
Abstract
The cornea lacks the ability to repair itself and must rely on transplantation to repair damaged tissue. Therefore, creating alternative therapies using dressing membranes based on tissue engineering concepts to repair corneal damage before failure has become a major research goal. Themost outstanding [...] Read more.
The cornea lacks the ability to repair itself and must rely on transplantation to repair damaged tissue. Therefore, creating alternative therapies using dressing membranes based on tissue engineering concepts to repair corneal damage before failure has become a major research goal. Themost outstanding features that are important in reconstructing a damaged cornea are the mechanical strength and transparency of the membrane, which are the most important standard considerations. In addition, preventing infection is an important issue, especially in corneal endothelial healing processes. The purpose of this study was to produce aligned fibers via electrospinning technology using gelatin (Gel) composite polycaprolactone (PCL) as an optimal transport and antibiotic release membrane. The aim of the composite membrane is to achieve good tenacity, transparency, antibacterial properties, and in vitro biocompatibility. Results showed that the Gel and PCL composite membranes with the same electrospinning flow rate had the best transparency. The Gel impregnated with gentamicin antibiotic in composite membranes subsequently exhibited transparency and enhanced mechanical properties provided by PCL and could sustainably release the antibiotic for 48 h, achieving good antibacterial effects without causing cytotoxicity. This newly developed membrane has the advantage of preventing epidermal tissue infection during clinical operations and is expected to be used in the reconstruction of damaged cornea in the future. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 4696 KiB  
Review
Polyamidoamine Dendrimers: Brain-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems in Glioma Therapy
by Xinyi Yan and Qi Chen
Polymers 2024, 16(14), 2022; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16142022 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2141
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor, which is formed by the malignant transformation of glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. It has the characteristics of high incidence, high recurrence rate, high mortality and low cure rate. The treatments for [...] Read more.
Glioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor, which is formed by the malignant transformation of glial cells in the brain and spinal cord. It has the characteristics of high incidence, high recurrence rate, high mortality and low cure rate. The treatments for glioma include surgical removal, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to the obstruction of the biological barrier of brain tissue, it is difficult to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. To address the limitations imposed by the brain’s natural barriers and enhance the treatment efficacy, researchers have effectively used brain-targeted drug delivery systems (DDSs) in glioma therapy. Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers, as branched macromolecular architectures, represent promising candidates for studies in glioma therapy. This review focuses on PAMAM-based DDSs in the treatment of glioma, highlighting their physicochemical characteristics, structural properties as well as an overview of the toxicity and safety profiles. Full article
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29 pages, 1587 KiB  
Review
Organic Nanoparticles in Progressing Cardiovascular Disease Treatment and Diagnosis
by Alexandru Scafa Udriște, Alexandra Cristina Burdușel, Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Marius Rădulescu, Paul Cătălin Balaure and Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Polymers 2024, 16(10), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16101421 - 16 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2019
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world’s most prominent cause of mortality, continue to be challenging conditions for patients, physicians, and researchers alike. CVDs comprise a wide range of illnesses affecting the heart, blood vessels, and the blood that flows through and between them. Advances [...] Read more.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world’s most prominent cause of mortality, continue to be challenging conditions for patients, physicians, and researchers alike. CVDs comprise a wide range of illnesses affecting the heart, blood vessels, and the blood that flows through and between them. Advances in nanomedicine, a discipline focused on improving patient outcomes through revolutionary treatments, imaging agents, and ex vivo diagnostics, have created enthusiasm for overcoming limitations in CVDs’ therapeutic and diagnostic landscapes. Nanomedicine can be involved in clinical purposes for CVD through the augmentation of cardiac or heart-related biomaterials, which can be functionally, mechanically, immunologically, and electrically improved by incorporating nanomaterials; vasculature applications, which involve systemically injected nanotherapeutics and imaging nanodiagnostics, nano-enabled biomaterials, or tissue-nanoengineered solutions; and enhancement of sensitivity and/or specificity of ex vivo diagnostic devices for patient samples. Therefore, this review discusses the latest studies based on applying organic nanoparticles in cardiovascular illness, including drug-conjugated polymers, lipid nanoparticles, and micelles. Following the revised information, it can be concluded that organic nanoparticles may be the most appropriate type of treatment for cardiovascular diseases due to their biocompatibility and capacity to integrate various drugs. Full article
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23 pages, 4739 KiB  
Review
Poly(methyl methacrylate) in Orthopedics: Strategies, Challenges, and Prospects in Bone Tissue Engineering
by Susaritha Ramanathan, Yu-Chien Lin, Senthilkumar Thirumurugan, Chih-Chien Hu, Yeh-Fang Duann and Ren-Jei Chung
Polymers 2024, 16(3), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16030367 - 29 Jan 2024
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6885
Abstract
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in orthopedic applications, including bone cement in total joint replacement surgery, bone fillers, and bone substitutes due to its affordability, biocompatibility, and processability. However, the bone regeneration efficiency of PMMA is limited because of its lack of [...] Read more.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is widely used in orthopedic applications, including bone cement in total joint replacement surgery, bone fillers, and bone substitutes due to its affordability, biocompatibility, and processability. However, the bone regeneration efficiency of PMMA is limited because of its lack of bioactivity, poor osseointegration, and non-degradability. The use of bone cement also has disadvantages such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) release and high exothermic temperature during the polymerization of PMMA, which can cause thermal necrosis. To address these problems, various strategies have been adopted, such as surface modification techniques and the incorporation of various bioactive agents and biopolymers into PMMA. In this review, the physicochemical properties and synthesis methods of PMMA are discussed, with a special focus on the utilization of various PMMA composites in bone tissue engineering. Additionally, the challenges involved in incorporating PMMA into regenerative medicine are discussed with suitable research findings with the intention of providing insightful advice to support its successful clinical applications. Full article
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