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Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications
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Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2022) | Viewed by 14884

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Meng-Yi Bai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan
Interests: biomaterials; wound dressing; electrospinning; bone graft; polymers

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric composites are recognized as one of the commonly used material classes in the field of biomaterials owing to the ability to easily fine-tune and enhance their specific properties to fulfil the desired performance required for biomedical applications. Thanks to the easy process of fabricating polymeric materials, people are able to generate many novel types of composite materials for use in the rising field of biomedical application. Of course, the evaluation of their biocompatibility and safety is still the main focus of many researchers, in addition to their preparation.

This Special Issue aims to report on some of current developments in the design, synthesis and application of polymeric composite materials, including cancer treatment, as well as advances in bone or tooth graft materials, targeting drug delivery and/or demonstrating valuable findings in their most relevant applications. Both reviews and original research articles are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Meng-Yi Bai
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.

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

  • drug delivery
  • targeting therapy
  • synthesis of polymeric composites
  • electrospun nonwoven mats
  • bone or tooth graft material or prosthesis

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 6891 KiB  
Article
Gallic Acid-Containing Gelatin-Based Nonwoven Mat with Synergistic Photodegradation and Photoindication Function for Reducing Nicotine
by Meng-Yi Bai and Ting-Teng Wang
Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4245; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234245 - 3 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2051
Abstract
Cigarette smoking is a popular habit that has negative health consequences for populations. In this study, we developed a gallic acid-containing, gelatin-based nonwoven mat with photodegradation and photoindication functions. This could react with sidestream cigarette smoke and simultaneously inhibit the activity of the [...] Read more.
Cigarette smoking is a popular habit that has negative health consequences for populations. In this study, we developed a gallic acid-containing, gelatin-based nonwoven mat with photodegradation and photoindication functions. This could react with sidestream cigarette smoke and simultaneously inhibit the activity of the microbe growth in the air. The results of a fluorescence emission spectrum evidenced this photoindication function. Neither the nicotine nor gallic acid showed a redshift emission spectrum. However, the emission spectrum of the nonwoven mat exhibited the redshift and increased in intensity after absorbing the sidestream cigarette smoke. In this spectral evidence, the natural polymer played a key role in the photoindication function’s display because it could dissolve the nicotine of the sidestream cigarette smoke and cause it to react with the gelatin structure. The high performance liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy results indicated that the gallic acid and ultraviolet (UV) light enhanced the absorption of nicotine and nicotine-like derivatives, which were dissolved by the Tween 80 of nonwoven mat. The liquid paraffin and Tween 80 could oxidize, dehydrogenate, and demethylate the nicotine that was absorbed by the gelatin nonwoven mat. In conclusion, the nonwoven mat developed in this study provided the functions to filter the nicotine of sidestream smoke and activate the photoindication property by absorbing 365-nm UV light. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 5474 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Dextran Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Thin Layers
by Gabriel Predoi, Carmen Steluta Ciobanu, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Daniela Predoi, Dragana Biliana Dreghici, Andreea Groza, Florica Barbuceanu, Carmen Cimpeanu, Monica-Luminita Badea, Stefania-Felicia Barbuceanu, Ciprian Florin Furnaris, Cristian Belu, Liliana Ghegoiu and Mariana Stefania Raita
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2351; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142351 - 18 Jul 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4106
Abstract
In the present study, we report the synthesis of a dextran coated iron oxide nanoparticles (DIO-NPs) thin layer on glass substrate by an adapted method. The surface morphology of the obtained samples was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), [...] Read more.
In the present study, we report the synthesis of a dextran coated iron oxide nanoparticles (DIO-NPs) thin layer on glass substrate by an adapted method. The surface morphology of the obtained samples was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), optical, and metallographic microscopies. In addition, the distribution of the chemical elements into the DIO-NPs thin layer was analyzed by Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectrometry (GDOES). Furthermore, the chemical bonds formed between the dextran and iron oxide nanoparticles was investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the HepG2 viability incubated with the DIO-NPs layers was evaluated at different time intervals using MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The goal of this study was to obtain a DIO-NPs thin layer which could be used as a coating for medical devices such as microfluidic channel, microchips, and catheter. The results of the surface morphology investigations conducted on DIO-NPs thin layer suggests the presence of a continuous and homogeneous layer. In addition, the GDOES results indicate the presence of C, H, Fe, and O signal intensities characteristic to the DIO-NPs layers. The presence in the IR spectra of the Fe-CO metal carbonyl vibration bonds prove that the linkage between iron oxide nanoparticles and dextran take place through carbon–oxygen bonds. The cytotoxicity assays highlighted that HepG2 cells morphology did not show any noticeable modifications after being incubated with DIO-NPs layers. In addition, the MTT assay suggested that the DIO-NPs layers did not present any toxic effects towards HEpG2 cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications)
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13 pages, 7468 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Performance Evaluation of Duotone 3D-Printed Polyetheretherketone as Oral Prosthetic Materials: A Proof-of-Concept Study
by Ling Ding, Wei Lu, Jiaqi Zhang, Chuncheng Yang and Guofeng Wu
Polymers 2021, 13(12), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13121949 - 11 Jun 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3565
Abstract
Literature has reported the successful use of 3D printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) to fabricate human body implants and oral prostheses. However, the current 3D printed PEEK (brown color) cannot mimic the vivid color of oral tissues and thus cannot meet the esthetical need for [...] Read more.
Literature has reported the successful use of 3D printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) to fabricate human body implants and oral prostheses. However, the current 3D printed PEEK (brown color) cannot mimic the vivid color of oral tissues and thus cannot meet the esthetical need for dental application. Therefore, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) were incorporated into PEEK to prepare a series of tooth-color and gingival-color PEEK composites in this study. Through color measurements and mechanical tests, the color value and mechanical performance of the 3D printed PEEK composites were evaluated. In addition, duotone PEEK specimens were printed by a double nozzle with an interface between tooth-color and gingival-color parts. The mechanical performance of duotone PEEK with two different interfaces (horizontal and vertical) was investigated. With the addition of TiO2 and Fe2O3, the colors of 3D printed PEEK composites become closer to that of dental shade guides. 3D printed PEEK composites generally demonstrated superior tensile and flexural properties and hence have great potential in the dental application. In addition, duotone 3D printed PEEK with a horizontal interfacial orientation presented better mechanical performance than that with a vertical one. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications)
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11 pages, 2570 KiB  
Article
Wear Assessment of Tibial Inserts Made of Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Supplemented with Dodecyl Gallate in the Total Knee Arthroplasty
by Min Zhang, Jia-Yu Wang, Jian Su, Jian-Jun Wang, Shi-Tong Yan, Yi-Chao Luan and Cheng-Kung Cheng
Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111847 - 2 Jun 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2595
Abstract
Background: the wear of tibial insert is still one of primary factors leading to failure of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Dodecyl gallate (DG) has shown improvements in the oxidation stability of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE). This study aimed to assess the application of [...] Read more.
Background: the wear of tibial insert is still one of primary factors leading to failure of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Dodecyl gallate (DG) has shown improvements in the oxidation stability of highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE). This study aimed to assess the application of HXLPE supplemented with DG (HXLPE-DG) on the tibial insert in TKA concerning the wear resistance and the potential impact on implant fixation; Methods: tibial inserts made of HXLPE-DG were subjected to a 3 million loading-cycle wear test following ISO 14243-1:2009. The loss of mass and wear rate of the tibial inserts were calculated. The quantity, size,- and shape of wear particles were recorded; Results: the test specimens lost an average mass of 16.00 mg ± 0.94 mg, and were on an average wear rate of 3.92 mg/million cycles ± 0.19 mg/million cycles. The content of wear particles in the calf serum medium was 3.94 × 108 particles/mL ± 3.93 × 107 particles/mL, 96.66% ± 0.77% of the particles had an equivalent circular diameter less than 0.5 μm. The aspect ratio of wear particles was 1.40 (min: 1.01; max: 6.42). Conclusions: HXLPE-DG displayed advantages over the commonly used materials for tibial inserts and presented the potential of application in TKA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications)
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11 pages, 2352 KiB  
Article
Cyclodextrin-Based Hybrid Polymeric Complex to Overcome Dual Drug Resistance Mechanisms for Cancer Therapy
by Lingjie Ke, Zhiguo Li, Xiaoshan Fan, Xian Jun Loh, Hongwei Cheng, Yun-long Wu and Zibiao Li
Polymers 2021, 13(8), 1254; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081254 - 13 Apr 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2748
Abstract
Drug resistance always reduces the efficacy of chemotherapy, and the classical mechanisms of drug resistance include drug pump efflux and anti-apoptosis mediators-mediated non-pump resistance. In addition, the amphiphilic polymeric micelles with good biocompatibility and high stability have been proven to deliver the drug [...] Read more.
Drug resistance always reduces the efficacy of chemotherapy, and the classical mechanisms of drug resistance include drug pump efflux and anti-apoptosis mediators-mediated non-pump resistance. In addition, the amphiphilic polymeric micelles with good biocompatibility and high stability have been proven to deliver the drug molecules inside the cavity into the cell membrane regardless of the efflux of the cell membrane pump. We designed a cyclodextrin (CD)-based polymeric complex to deliver chemotherapeutic doxorubicin (DOX) and Nur77ΔDBD gene for combating pumps and non-pump resistance simultaneously. The natural cavity structure of the polymeric complex, which was comprised with β-cyclodextrin-graft-(poly(ε-caprolactone)-adamantly (β-CD-PCL-AD) and β-cyclodextrin-graft-(poly(ε-caprolactone)-poly(2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (β-CD-PCL-PDMAEMA), can achieve the efficient drug loading and delivery to overcome pump drug resistance. The excellent Nur77ΔDBD gene delivery can reverse Bcl-2 from the tumor protector to killer for inhibiting non-pump resistance. The presence of terminal adamantyl (AD) could insert into the cavity of β-CD-PCL-PDMAEMA via host-guest interaction, and the releasing rate of polymeric inclusion complex was higher than that of the individual β-CD-PCL-PDMAEMA. The polymeric inclusion complex can efficiently deliver the Nur77ΔDBD gene than polyethylenimine (PEI-25k), which is a golden standard for nonviral vector gene delivery. The higher transfection efficacy, rapid DOX cellular uptake, and significant synergetic tumor cell viability inhibition were achieved in a pump and non-pump drug resistance cell model. The combined strategy with dual drug resistance mechanisms holds great potential to combat drug-resistant cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 5175 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Polyacrylonitrile Nonwoven Mats and Silver–Gold Bimetallic Nanoparticle-Decorated Nonwoven Mats for Potential Promotion of Wound Healing In Vitro and In Vivo and Bone Growth In Vitro
by Meng-Yi Bai, Fang-Yu Ku, Jia-Fwu Shyu, Tomohiro Hayashi and Chia-Chun Wu
Polymers 2021, 13(4), 516; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040516 - 9 Feb 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3139
Abstract
We prepared polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and urchin-like Ag–Au bimetallic or Ag nanoparticle-decorated PAN nonwoven mats using electrospinning and evaluated them in vitro and in vivo for wound healing, antibacterial effects on skin tissue, and promotion of bone ingrowth in vitro. A facile, green, low-temperature [...] Read more.
We prepared polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and urchin-like Ag–Au bimetallic or Ag nanoparticle-decorated PAN nonwoven mats using electrospinning and evaluated them in vitro and in vivo for wound healing, antibacterial effects on skin tissue, and promotion of bone ingrowth in vitro. A facile, green, low-temperature protocol was developed to obtain these nonwoven mats. The sterilization rate of urchin-like Ag–Au bimetallic and Ag nanoparticle-decorated PAN nonwoven mats against Staphylococcus aureus was 96.81 ± 2.81% and 51.90 ± 9.07%, respectively, after 5 h treatment. In an in vitro cell model, these two mats did not show significant toxicity; cell viability of >80% was obtained within 5 h of treatment. In vivo animal model preclinical assessment showed that the urchin-like Ag–Au bimetallic nonwoven mat group showed significant wound recovery because of sebaceous gland, hair follicle, and fat formation during skin tissue regeneration; increased neovascularization and compact collagen fibers were observed in the dermal layer, comparable to the findings for the control group. The mother substrate of the urchin-like Ag–Au bimetallic nanoparticle-decorated PAN nonwoven mats, that is, pure PAN nonwoven mats, was found to be a potential scaffold for bone tissue engineering as osteoblast ingrowth from the top to the bottom of the membrane and proliferation inside the membrane were observed. The key genetic factor Cbfa1 was identified as a key osteoblast differentiation regulator in vitro. Thus, electrospun membrane materials show potential for use as dual-functional biomaterials for bone regeneration and infection control and composite grafts for infectious bone and soft tissue defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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17 pages, 15190 KiB  
Review
Applications of Polymeric Composites in Bone Tissue Engineering and Jawbone Regeneration
by Oscar Fraile-Martínez, Cielo García-Montero, Alejandro Coca, Miguel Angel Álvarez-Mon, Jorge Monserrat, Ana M. Gómez-Lahoz, Santiago Coca, Melchor Álvarez-Mon, Julio Acero, Julia Bujan, Natalio García-Honduvilla, Ángel Asúnsolo and Miguel A. Ortega
Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3429; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193429 - 6 Oct 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5257
Abstract
Polymer-based composites are a group of biomaterials that exert synergic and combined activity. There are multiple reported uses of these composites in multiple biomedical areas, such as drug carriers, in wound dressings, and, more prominently, in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Bone grafting [...] Read more.
Polymer-based composites are a group of biomaterials that exert synergic and combined activity. There are multiple reported uses of these composites in multiple biomedical areas, such as drug carriers, in wound dressings, and, more prominently, in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Bone grafting is a promising field in the use of polymeric composites, as this is the second most frequently transplanted organ in the United States. Advances in novel biomaterials, such as polymeric composites, will undoubtedly be of great aid in bone tissue engineering and regeneration. In this paper, a general view of bone structure and polymeric composites will be given, discussing the potential role of these components in bone tissue. Moreover, the most relevant jawbone and maxillofacial applications of polymeric composites will be revised in this article, collecting the main knowledge about this topic and emphasizing the need of further clinical studies in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Composites for Biomedical Applications)
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