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Functional Polymer Microspheres
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Functional Polymer Microspheres

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2024) | Viewed by 26512

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Rajkumar Patel

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Integrated Science Engineering Division, Energy & Environmental Science and Engineering, Underwood International College, Yonsei University, 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Interests: separation membranes; functional polymers; organic thermoelectric devices; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the area of biomedical research, polymeric scaffolds are an important class of material due to its biomimicry and better bioactivity. Functional polymeric microspheres play a crucial role as scaffolds for targeted delivery of bioactive materials in a controlled manner to enhance its efficiency. Magnetic functional polymers beads are another kind of reusable system used for removal of various types of pollutants.

This Special Issue is designed to cover research progress in functional polymer microspheres and beads for application in biomedical research and environmental science.

Topics include but are not limited to:

  • Synthesis of novel polymer microsphere for use as scaffolds in biomedical research.
  • Injectable polymer microsphere as drug/bioactive molecule carrier for biomedical application.
  • Preparation of functional polymeric beads for application in environmental science.

Dr. Rajkumar Patel
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

  • Biomaterials
  • microsphere
  • functional polymers
  • antifouling
  • wastewater
  • dye
  • polymeric beads
  • biomedical research
  • heavy metals

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 2362 KiB  
Article
Efficient Removal of Methylene Blue by Bio-Based Sodium Alginate/Lignin Composite Hydrogel Beads
by Tao Chen, Haochen Liu, Jie Gao, Guowen Hu, Yuan Zhao, Xiuqin Tang and Xiaobing Han
Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2917; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142917 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 45 | Viewed by 3948
Abstract
Dye pollution is a serious issue in current environment protection, and bio-based adsorbents have been receiving much attention in wastewater treatment, due to their low cost, renewable, and environmentally friendly characteristics. Bio-based sodium alginate/lignin composite (SA/Lig) hydrogel beads were fabricated by a facile [...] Read more.
Dye pollution is a serious issue in current environment protection, and bio-based adsorbents have been receiving much attention in wastewater treatment, due to their low cost, renewable, and environmentally friendly characteristics. Bio-based sodium alginate/lignin composite (SA/Lig) hydrogel beads were fabricated by a facile cross-linking with calcium ion and used for the removal of methylene blue (MB). The obtained SA/Lig microbeads were characterized with SEM, FTIR, and TG, and the effect of lignin content, pH, and temperature on the MB adsorption was investigated. The results indicated that the introduction of aromatic lignin can not only enhance thermal stability but also can improve the adsorption performance. Under optimal conditions, the maximum adsorption capacity (254.3 mg/g) was obtained for the SA/Lig-20% beads, with a removal efficiency of 84.8%. The adsorption process for MB is endothermic, and the rate-limiting step is chemical adsorption. The removal efficiency is higher than 90% after five cycles, revealing that the prepared beads show good regeneration ability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Microspheres)
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24 pages, 5190 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Chitosan-Alginate Microspheres Loaded with Quercetin
by Olimpia Daniela Frenț, Narcis Duteanu, Alin Cristian Teusdea, Stefania Ciocan, Laura Vicaș, Tunde Jurca, Mariana Muresan, Annamaria Pallag, Paula Ianasi and Eleonora Marian
Polymers 2022, 14(3), 490; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030490 - 26 Jan 2022
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8343
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to formulate microspheres based on biodegradable polymers (chitosan and sodium alginate), using the complex coacervation technique. Subsequently, the prepared microspheres were loaded with quercetin (QUE), a pharmacological active ingredient insoluble in water and unstable to light, temperature [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper was to formulate microspheres based on biodegradable polymers (chitosan and sodium alginate), using the complex coacervation technique. Subsequently, the prepared microspheres were loaded with quercetin (QUE), a pharmacological active ingredient insoluble in water and unstable to light, temperature and air. After preparation, the loaded microspheres underwent several studies for physical chemical characterization (performed by scanning electron microscopy—SEM, laser 3D scanning, and thermal analysis—TA). Furthermore, they were analyzed in order to obtain information regarding swelling index, drug entrapment, and in vitro release capacity. The obtained experimental data demonstrated 86.07% entrapment of QUE into the microspheres, in the case of the one with the highest Ch concentration. Additionally, it was proved that such systems allow the controlled release of the active drug over 24 h at the intestinal level. SEM micrographs proved that the prepared microspheres have a wrinkled surface, with compact structures and a large number of folds. On the basis of the TA analysis, it was concluded that the obtained microspheres were thermally stable, facilitating their usage at normal physiological temperatures as drug delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Microspheres)
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Review

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37 pages, 16150 KiB  
Review
Wastewater Treatment by Polymeric Microspheres: A Review
by Jiwon Lee and Rajkumar Patel
Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1890; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091890 - 5 May 2022
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5616
Abstract
This review addresses polymer microspheres used as adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The removal of various pollutants (including dyes, heavy metal ions, and organic pollutants) is a prominent issue, as they can cause severe health problems. Porous microspheres can provide large specific area and [...] Read more.
This review addresses polymer microspheres used as adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The removal of various pollutants (including dyes, heavy metal ions, and organic pollutants) is a prominent issue, as they can cause severe health problems. Porous microspheres can provide large specific area and active sites for adsorption or photo degradation. Enhancement in performance is achieved by various modifications, such as the introduction of nanoparticles, magnetic particles, and ZIF-8. Some microspheres were synthesized from synthetic polymers such as vinylic polymer and polydopamine (PDA) through a facile fabrication process. Natural polymers (such as cellulose, alginate, and chitosan) that are biodegradable and eco-friendly are also used. The adsorbents used in industrial application require high adsorption capacity, thermal stability, and recyclability. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to investigate the optimal conditions, influence of related factors, and adsorption capacities. Insights regarding the adsorption mechanisms were given from the kinetic model, isotherm model, and various characterization methods. The recyclability is investigated through regeneration ratio, or their maintenance of their capability through repeated adsorption-desorption cycles. The high potential of polymer microsphere for the removal of pollutants from wastewater is shown through the high adsorption capacities, environmentally friendliness, and high stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Microspheres)
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22 pages, 12464 KiB  
Review
PLGA Core-Shell Nano/Microparticle Delivery System for Biomedical Application
by Se Min Kim, Madhumita Patel and Rajkumar Patel
Polymers 2021, 13(20), 3471; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13203471 - 10 Oct 2021
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 6722
Abstract
Core–shell particles are very well known for their unique features. Their distinctive inner core and outer shell structure allowed promising biomedical applications at both nanometer and micrometer scales. The primary role of core–shell particles is to deliver the loaded drugs as they are [...] Read more.
Core–shell particles are very well known for their unique features. Their distinctive inner core and outer shell structure allowed promising biomedical applications at both nanometer and micrometer scales. The primary role of core–shell particles is to deliver the loaded drugs as they are capable of sequence-controlled release and provide protection of drugs. Among other biomedical polymers, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a food and drug administration (FDA)-approved polymer, has been recognized for the vehicle material. This review introduces PLGA core–shell nano/microparticles and summarizes various drug-delivery systems based on these particles for cancer therapy and tissue regeneration. Tissue regeneration mainly includes bone, cartilage, and periodontal regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Polymer Microspheres)
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