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Keywords = chitosan-polylactic acid surfaces

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14 pages, 2714 KiB  
Article
5-Fluorouracil Encapsulation in PLA Films: The Role of Chitosan Particles in Modulating Drug Release and Film Properties
by Sofia Milenkova and Maria Marudova
Processes 2025, 13(7), 1961; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13071961 - 21 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1785
Abstract
The development of effective drug delivery systems, in terms of their application route and release profile, is crucial for improving the therapeutic outcomes of all bioactive compounds. In this study, we explored the encapsulation of 5-fluorouracil, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, in poly(lactic [...] Read more.
The development of effective drug delivery systems, in terms of their application route and release profile, is crucial for improving the therapeutic outcomes of all bioactive compounds. In this study, we explored the encapsulation of 5-fluorouracil, a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent, in poly(lactic acid) films for the first time and the role of chitosan particles in the structure, as no previous studies have examined their potential for this purpose. The objective is to enhance the sustained release of 5-FU and minimise the burst release step while leveraging the biocompatibility and biodegradability of these polymers. PLA films were fabricated using a solvent casting method, and 5-FU was encapsulated either directly within the PLA matrix or loaded into chitosan particles, which were then incorporated into the film. The physicochemical properties of the films, including morphology, wettability, phase state of the drug, thermal stability, drug loading efficiency, and release kinetics, were evaluated along with their barrier and mechanical properties. The results indicate a change in morphology after the addition of the drug and/or particles compared to the empty film. Additionally, the strain value at break decreased from nearly 400% to below 15%. Young’s modulus also changes from 292 MPa to above 500 MPa. The addition of chitosan particles lowered the permeability and vapour transmission rate slightly, while dissolving 5-FU increased them to 241 g/m2·24 h and 1.56 × 10−13 g·mm/m2·24 h·kPa, respectively. Contact angle and surface energy values went from 71° and 34 mJ/m2 for pure PLA to below 53° and around 58 mJ/m2 for the composite structures, respectively. Drug release tests, conducted for 8 h, indicated a nearly 2-fold decrease in the amount of drug released from the film with particles within this period, from around 45% for bare particles and PLA film to 25% for the combined structure, indicating the potential of this system for sustained release of 5-FU. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Characterization of Advanced Polymer Nanocomposites)
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20 pages, 5657 KiB  
Article
Revalorization of Yerba Mate Residues: Biopolymers-Based Films of Dual Wettability as Potential Mulching Materials
by Laura M. Sanchez, Jorge de Haro, Eva Domínguez, Alejandro Rodríguez, Antonio Heredia and José J. Benítez
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060815 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2012
Abstract
Biodegradable mulching films are a very attractive solution to agronomical practices intended to achieve more successful crop results. And, in this context, the employment of agricultural and industrial food residues as starting material for their production is an alternative with economic and environmental [...] Read more.
Biodegradable mulching films are a very attractive solution to agronomical practices intended to achieve more successful crop results. And, in this context, the employment of agricultural and industrial food residues as starting material for their production is an alternative with economic and environmental advantages. This work reports the preparation of bilayer films having two different wettability characteristics from three bio-derived biopolymers: TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers isolated from infused Yerba Mate residues, Chitosan and Polylactic acid. The infused Yerba Mate residues, the isolated and oxidized cellulose nanofibers, and the films were characterized. Nanofibrillation yield, optical transmittance, cationic demand, carboxyl content, intrinsic viscosity, degree of polymerization, specific surface area and length were studied for the (ligno)cellulose nanofibers. Textural and chemical analysis, thermal and mechanical properties studies, as well as water and light interactions were included in the characterization of the films. The bilayer films are promising materials to be used as mulching films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)
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15 pages, 2958 KiB  
Article
Biocatalytic Performance of β-Glucosidase Immobilized on 3D-Printed Single- and Multi-Channel Polylactic Acid Microreactors
by Andreas-Georgios Vasios, Anastasia Skonta, Michaela Patila and Haralambos Stamatis
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 288; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020288 - 18 Feb 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1963
Abstract
Microfluidic devices have attracted much attention in the current day owing to the unique advantages they provide. However, their application for industrial use is limited due to manufacturing limitations and high cost. Moreover, the scaling-up process of the microreactor has proven to be [...] Read more.
Microfluidic devices have attracted much attention in the current day owing to the unique advantages they provide. However, their application for industrial use is limited due to manufacturing limitations and high cost. Moreover, the scaling-up process of the microreactor has proven to be difficult. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is a promising solution for the above obstacles due to its ability to fabricate complex structures quickly and at a relatively low cost. Hence, combining the advantages of the microscale with 3D printing technology could enhance the applicability of microfluidic devices in the industrial sector. In the present work, a 3D-printed single-channel immobilized enzyme microreactor with a volume capacity of 30 μL was designed and created in one step via the fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing technique, using polylactic acid (PLA) as the printing material. The microreactor underwent surface modification with chitosan, and β-glucosidase from Thermotoga maritima was covalently immobilized. The immobilized biocatalyst retained almost 100% of its initial activity after incubation at different temperatures, while it could be effectively reused for up to 10 successful reaction cycles. Moreover, a multi-channel parallel microreactor incorporating 36 channels was developed, resulting in a significant increase in enzymatic productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microreactors and Their Applications)
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14 pages, 3660 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Polyelectrolyte Multilayers Deposited on Biodegradable Corona-Charged Substrates Used as Drug Delivery Systems
by Asya Viraneva, Maria Marudova, Sofia Milenkova, Aleksandar Grigorov and Temenuzhka Yovcheva
Coatings 2024, 14(1), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010085 - 7 Jan 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1790
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) deposited on porous composite polylactic acid/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PDLA/PEC) substrates were studied. The substrates were previously charged in a corona discharge. Time dependences of the normalized surface potential for positively and negatively charged electrets were investigated. The morphology of the obtained porous [...] Read more.
Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) deposited on porous composite polylactic acid/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PDLA/PEC) substrates were studied. The substrates were previously charged in a corona discharge. Time dependences of the normalized surface potential for positively and negatively charged electrets were investigated. The morphology of the obtained porous substrates was examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chitosan and the casein polyelectrolytes were deposited on the substrates using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. The drug loading efficiency and the release kinetics were determined spectrophotometrically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Surface Characterization, Deposition and Modification)
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16 pages, 3088 KiB  
Article
Imiquimod-Loaded Chitosan-Decorated Di-Block and Tri-Block Polymeric Nanoparticles Loaded In Situ Gel for the Management of Cervical Cancer
by Aliyah Almomen, Mohamed Badran, Adel Ali Alhowyan, Musaed Alkholief and Aws Alshamsan
Gels 2023, 9(9), 713; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9090713 - 3 Sep 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2176
Abstract
Background: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the predisposing factor for cervical cancer (CC), is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and can be treated with imiquimod (IMQ). However, poor water solubility and side effects such as local inflammation can render IMQ ineffective. The aim of [...] Read more.
Background: Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, the predisposing factor for cervical cancer (CC), is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and can be treated with imiquimod (IMQ). However, poor water solubility and side effects such as local inflammation can render IMQ ineffective. The aim of this study is to design a prolonged release nano system in combination with mucoadhesive–thermosensitive properties for an effective vaginal drug delivery. Methods: Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly lactide-co-caprolactone (PLA-PCL), and poly L-lactide-co-caprolactone-co-glycolide (PLGA-PCL) were used to create IMQ nanoparticles. Chitosan (CS) was then added to the surfaces of the IMQ NPs for its mucoadhesive properties. The NPs were then incorporated into poloxamer hydrogels. The NPs’ size and morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE), in vitro drug release, gel characterization, ex vivo drug permeation, and in vitro safety and efficacy were characterized. Results: Two batches of NPs were prepared, IMQ NPs and CS-coated NPs (CS-IMQ NPs). In general, both types of NPs were uniformly spherical in shape with average particle sizes of 237.3 ± 4.7 and 278.2 ± 5.4 nm and EE% of 61.48 ± 5.19% and 37.73 ± 2.88 for IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs, respectively. Both systems showed prolonged drug release of about 80 and 70% for IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs, respectively, within 48 h. The gelation temperatures for the IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs were 30 and 32 °C, respectively; thus, suitable for vaginal application. Although ex vivo permeability showed that CS-IMQ NPs showed superior penetration compared to IMQ NPs, both systems enhanced drug penetration (283 and 462 µg/cm2 for IMQ NPs and CS-IMQ NPs, respectively) relative to the control (60 µg/cm2). Both systems reduced the viability of cervical cancer cells, with a minimal effect of the normal vaginal epithelium. However, IMQ NPs exhibited a more pronounced cytotoxic effect. Both systems were able to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines by at least 25% in comparison to free IMQ. Conclusion: IMQ and CS-IMQ NP in situ gels enhanced stability and drug release, and improved IMQ penetration through the vaginal tissues. Additionally, the new systems were able to increase the cytotoxic effect of IMQ against CC cells with a reduction in inflammatory responses. Thus, we believe that these systems could be a good alternative to commercial IMQ systems for the management of CC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Gel Materials and Applications)
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12 pages, 1755 KiB  
Article
Influence of Chitosan and Grape Seed Extract on Thermal and Mechanical Properties of PLA Blends
by Victoria Goetjes, Claudia L. von Boyneburgk, Hans-Peter Heim and Marilia M. Horn
Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1570; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061570 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2362
Abstract
Blends based on polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, and grape seed extract (GE) were prepared by extrusion and injection molding. The effect of chitosan (5% and 15% on PLA basis) and natural extract (1% on PLA basis) incorporated into the PLA host matrix was [...] Read more.
Blends based on polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, and grape seed extract (GE) were prepared by extrusion and injection molding. The effect of chitosan (5% and 15% on PLA basis) and natural extract (1% on PLA basis) incorporated into the PLA host matrix was explored regarding the thermal and mechanical properties. GE showed antioxidant activity, as determined by the DPPH assay method. Chitosan and GE affect the degree of crystallinity up to 30% as the polysaccharide acts as a nucleating agent, while the extract reduces the mobility of PLA chains. The decomposition temperature was mainly affected by adding chitosan, with a reduction of up to 25 °C. The color of the blends was specially modified after the incorporation of both components, obtaining high values of b* and L* after the addition of chitosan, while GE switched to high values of a*. The elongation at break (EB) exhibited that the polysaccharide is mainly responsible for its reduction of around 50%. Slight differences were accessed in tensile strength and Young’s modulus, which were not statistically significant. Blends showed increased irregularities in their surface appearance, as observed by SEM analysis, corresponding to the partial miscibility of both polymers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmentally Friendly Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)
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36 pages, 1801 KiB  
Review
Processing, Properties, Modifications, and Environmental Impact of Nanocellulose/Biopolymer Composites: A Review
by Elizabeth Aigaje, Ariel Riofrio and Haci Baykara
Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051219 - 28 Feb 2023
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6890
Abstract
The increasing concerns about plastic pollution and climate change have encouraged research into bioderived and biodegradable materials. Much attention has been focused on nanocellulose due to its abundance, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties. Nanocellulose-based biocomposites are a viable option to fabricate functional and [...] Read more.
The increasing concerns about plastic pollution and climate change have encouraged research into bioderived and biodegradable materials. Much attention has been focused on nanocellulose due to its abundance, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties. Nanocellulose-based biocomposites are a viable option to fabricate functional and sustainable materials for important engineering applications. This review addresses the most recent advances in composites, with a particular focus on biopolymer matrices such as starch, chitosan, polylactic acid, and polyvinyl alcohol. Additionally, the effects of the processing methods, the influence of additives, and the outturn of nanocellulose surface modification on the biocomposite’s properties are outlined in detail. Moreover, the change in the composites’ morphological, mechanical, and other physiochemical properties due to reinforcement loading is reviewed. Further, mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and the oxygen–water vapor barrier properties are enhanced with the incorporation of nanocellulose into biopolymer matrices. Furthermore, the life cycle assessment of nanocellulose and composites were considered to analyze their environmental profile. The sustainability of this alternative material is compared through different preparation routes and options. Full article
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27 pages, 5625 KiB  
Review
Active Agents Incorporated in Polymeric Substrates to Enhance Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties in Food Packaging Applications
by Johan Stanley, Athira John, Klementina Pušnik Črešnar, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Dimitra A. Lambropoulou and Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Macromol 2023, 3(1), 1-27; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol3010001 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7148
Abstract
Active packaging has played a significant role in consumers’ health and green environment over the years. Synthetic polymers, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), etc., and naturally derived ones, such as [...] Read more.
Active packaging has played a significant role in consumers’ health and green environment over the years. Synthetic polymers, such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene, poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), etc., and naturally derived ones, such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, etc., are extensively used as packaging materials due to their broad range of desired properties (transparence, processability, gas barrier properties, mechanical strength, etc.). In recent years, the food packaging field has been challenged to deliver food products free from microbes that cause health hazards. However, most of the used polymers lack such properties. Owing to this, active agents such as antimicrobial agents and antioxidants have been broadly used as potential additives in food packaging substrates, to increase the shelf life, the quality and the safety of food products. Both synthetic active agents, such as Ag, Cu, ZnO, TiO2, nanoclays, and natural active agents, such as essential oils, catechin, curcumin, tannin, gallic acid, etc., exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, while restricting the growth of harmful microbes. Various bulk processing techniques have been developed over the years to produce appropriate food packaging products and to add active agents on polymer matrices or on their surface. Among these techniques, extrusion molding is the most used method for mass production of food packaging with incorporated active agents into polymer substrates, while injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, electrospinning, etc., are used to a lower extent. This review intends to study the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of various active agents incorporated into polymeric substrates and their bulk processing technologies involved in the field of food packaging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Biodegradable Polymers)
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5 pages, 731 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Electrospun Poly(Lactic Acid)-Chitosan Nanofibers for Wound Healing Application
by Katarina Virijević, Bojana Marković, Jelena Grujić, Milena Jovanović, Nikolina Kastratović, Marko Živanović, Dalibor Nikolić and Nenad Filipović
Eng. Proc. 2023, 31(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/ASEC2022-13785 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1477
Abstract
Electrospun polymer-based nanofibers are of increasing interest in contemporary applied biomedicine. The challenge regarding modern surgery and tissue engineering is to discover a variety of manufactured scaffolds with improved properties that can replace and regenerate damaged skin and organs. The unique properties of [...] Read more.
Electrospun polymer-based nanofibers are of increasing interest in contemporary applied biomedicine. The challenge regarding modern surgery and tissue engineering is to discover a variety of manufactured scaffolds with improved properties that can replace and regenerate damaged skin and organs. The unique properties of polymer nanofibers, such as submicron and nanoscale diameters, large surface area, flexibility, etc., make them attractive objects for a wide range of applications. In this study, a combination of chitosan as a natural polymer and poly(lactic) acid as a synthetic polymer is studied with the aim of improving and accelerating the healing of skin wounds. Chitosan (Chi) is one of the most promising polymers for scaffold design, due to its high biodegradability, non-toxic, and antibacterial properties. On the other hand, poly(lactic) acid (PLA) possesses enhanced electrospinability potential and desirable mechanical strength. Therefore, the combination of Chi and PLA enhances the mutually superior properties of both. After optimizing the process parameters, imaging, and determining the diameter of the nanofibers, the scaffold potential for wound healing was investigated by in vitro scratch test on a healthy fibroblast cell line. The study concludes that ultrafine Chi:PLA nanofiber scaffolds have significant potential to regenerate and restore damaged tissue under in vitro conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 3rd International Electronic Conference on Applied Sciences)
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18 pages, 3348 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Changes in Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Padina pavonica Extracts and Their Application in the Development of Bioactive Chitosan/PLA Bilayer Film
by Martina Čagalj, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Tjaša Kraševac Glaser, Eva Mežnar, Meta Sterniša, Sonja Smole Možina, María del Carmen Razola-Díaz and Vida Šimat
Foods 2022, 11(23), 3847; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11233847 - 28 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3569
Abstract
Seaweeds are a potentially sustainable source of natural antioxidants that can be used in the food industry and possibly for the development of new sustainable packaging materials with the ability to extend the shelf-life of foods and reduce oxidation. With this in mind, [...] Read more.
Seaweeds are a potentially sustainable source of natural antioxidants that can be used in the food industry and possibly for the development of new sustainable packaging materials with the ability to extend the shelf-life of foods and reduce oxidation. With this in mind, the seasonal variations in the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of brown seaweed (Padina pavonica) extracts were investigated. The highest total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (measured by ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC)) were found for P. pavonica June extract. The TPC of 26.69 ± 1.86 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, FRAP of 352.82 ± 15.41 µmole Trolox equivalent (TE)/L, DPPH of 52.51 ± 2.81% inhibition, and ORAC of 76.45 ± 1.47 µmole TE/L were detected. Therefore, this extract was chosen for the development of bioactive PLA bilayer film, along with chitosan. Primary or quaternary chitosan was used as the first layer on polylactic acid (PLA) films. A suspension of chitosan particles with entrapped P. pavonica extract was used as the second layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of layers on the material surface. The highest recorded antioxidant activity of the newly developed films was 63.82% inhibition. The developed functional films exhibited antifogging and antioxidant properties, showing the potential for application in the food industry. Full article
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19 pages, 3222 KiB  
Article
Biomass-Derived Plant Extracts in Macromolecular Chitosan Matrices as a Green Coating for PLA Films
by Lidija Fras Zemljič, Tjaša Kraševac Glaser, Olivija Plohl, Ivan Anžel, Vida Šimat, Martina Čagalj, Eva Mežnar, Valentina Malin, Meta Sterniša and Sonja Smole Možina
J. Funct. Biomater. 2022, 13(4), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb13040228 - 7 Nov 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2960
Abstract
Due to the growing problem of food and packaging waste, environmental awareness, and customer requirements for food safety, there is a great need for the development of innovative and functional packaging. Among these developments, the concept of active packaging is at the forefront. [...] Read more.
Due to the growing problem of food and packaging waste, environmental awareness, and customer requirements for food safety, there is a great need for the development of innovative and functional packaging. Among these developments, the concept of active packaging is at the forefront. The shortcoming in this area is that there is still a lack of multifunctional concepts, as well as green approaches. Therefore, this work focuses on the development of active chemical substances of natural origin applied as a coating on polylactic acid (PLA) films. Biopolymer chitosan and plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds (blackberry leaves—Rubus fruticosus, needles of prickly juniper—Juniperus oxycedrus) obtained from plant biomass from Southeastern Europe were selected in this work. In order to increase the effectiveness of individual substances and to introduce multifunctionality, they were combined in the form of different colloidal structural formulations. The plant extracts were embedded in chitosan biopolymer particles and dispersed in a macromolecular chitosan solution. In addition, a two-layer coating, the first of a macromolecular chitosan solution, and the second of a dispersion of the embedded extracts in chitosan particles, was applied to the PLA films as a novel approach. The success of the coatings was monitored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and the wettability was evaluated by contact angle measurements. Scanning electron microscopy SEM tracked the morphology and homogeneity of the coating. Antioxidation was studied by DPPH and ABTS spectrophotometric tests, and microbiological analysis of the films was performed according to the ISO 22196 Standard. Desorption of the coating from the PLA was monitored by reducing the elemental composition of the films themselves. The successful functionalization of PLA was demonstrated, while the XPS and ATR-FTIR analyses clearly showed the peaks of elemental composition of the extracts and chitosan on the PLA surface. Moreover, in all cases, the contact angle of the bilayer coatings decreased by more than 35–60% and contributed to the anti-fogging properties. The desorption experiments, due to decrease in the concentration of the specific typical element (nitrogen), indicated some migration of substances from the PLA’s surface. The newly developed films also exhibited antioxidant properties, with antioxidant ABTS efficiencies ranging from 83.5 to 100% and a quite high inhibition of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, averaging over 95%. The current functionalization of PLA simultaneously confers antifogging, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and drives the development of a biodegradable and environmentally friendly composite material using green chemistry principles. Full article
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20 pages, 4040 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Porous Systems Based on Polylactide Loaded with Amikacin
by Marta Glinka, Katerina Filatova, Justyna Kucińska-Lipka, Tomáš Šopík, Eva Domincová Bergerová, Veronika Mikulcová, Andrzej Wasik and Vladimir Sedlařík
Molecules 2022, 27(20), 7045; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27207045 - 19 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2501
Abstract
Three porous matrices based on poly(lactic acid) are proposed herein for the controlled release of amikacin. The materials were fabricated by the method of spraying a surface liquid. Description is given as to the possibility of employing a modifier, such as a silica [...] Read more.
Three porous matrices based on poly(lactic acid) are proposed herein for the controlled release of amikacin. The materials were fabricated by the method of spraying a surface liquid. Description is given as to the possibility of employing a modifier, such as a silica nanocarrier, for prolonging the release of amikacin, in addition to using chitosan to improve the properties of the materials, e.g., stability and sorption capacity. Depending on their actual composition, the materials exhibited varied efficacy for drug loading, as follows: 25.4 ± 2.2 μg/mg (matrices with 0.05% w/v of chitosan), 93 ± 13 μg/mg (with 0.08% w/v SiO2 amikacin modified nanoparticles), and 96 ± 34 μg/mg (matrices without functional additives). An in vitro study confirmed extended release of the drug (amikacin, over 60 days), carried out in accordance with the mathematical Kosmyer–Pepas model for all the materials tested. The matrices were also evaluated for their effectiveness in inhibiting the growth of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Concurrent research was conducted on the transdermal absorption, morphology, elemental composition, and thermogravimetric properties of the released drug. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymers in Biomedical Applications)
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19 pages, 4424 KiB  
Article
Effect of Saccharides Coating on Antibacterial Potential and Drug Loading and Releasing Capability of Plasma Treated Polylactic Acid Films
by Ilkay Karakurt, Kadir Ozaltin, Hana Pištěková, Daniela Vesela, Jonas Michael-Lindhard, Petr Humpolícek, Miran Mozetič and Marian Lehocky
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8821; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158821 - 8 Aug 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3438
Abstract
More than half of the hospital-associated infections worldwide are related to the adhesion of bacteria cells to biomedical devices and implants. To prevent these infections, it is crucial to modify biomaterial surfaces to develop the antibacterial property. In this study, chitosan (CS) and [...] Read more.
More than half of the hospital-associated infections worldwide are related to the adhesion of bacteria cells to biomedical devices and implants. To prevent these infections, it is crucial to modify biomaterial surfaces to develop the antibacterial property. In this study, chitosan (CS) and chondroitin sulfate (ChS) were chosen as antibacterial coating materials on polylactic acid (PLA) surfaces. Plasma-treated PLA surfaces were coated with CS either direct coating method or the carbodiimide coupling method. As a next step for the combined saccharide coating, CS grafted samples were immersed in ChS solution, which resulted in the polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) formation. Also in this experiment, to test the drug loading and releasing efficiency of the thin film coatings, CS grafted samples were immersed into lomefloxacin-containing ChS solution. The successful modifications were confirmed by elemental composition analysis (XPS), surface topography images (SEM), and hydrophilicity change (contact angle measurements). The carbodiimide coupling resulted in higher CS grafting on the PLA surface. The coatings with the PEC formation between CS-ChS showed improved activity against the bacteria strains than the separate coatings. Moreover, these interactions increased the lomefloxacin amount adhered to the film coatings and extended the drug release profile. Finally, the zone of inhibition test confirmed that the CS-ChS coating showed a contact killing mechanism while drug-loaded films have a dual killing mechanism, which includes contact, and release killing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue SMART and Macromolecular Biomaterials: From Materials to Biology)
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12 pages, 2199 KiB  
Article
In Situ Reduction of Silver Nanoparticles on the Plasma-Induced Chitosan Grafted Polylactic Acid Nonwoven Fabrics for Improvement of Antibacterial Activity
by Yu Ren, Tingyue Fan, Xiaona Wang, Yongyin Guan, Long Zhou, Li Cui, Meixian Li and Guangyu Zhang
Coatings 2021, 11(12), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings11121517 - 9 Dec 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3603
Abstract
An eco-friendly approach for improvement of antibacterial properties of polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics was obtained by in situ reduction of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-induced chitosan grafted (DBD-CS-Ag NPs) PLA nonwoven fabrics. The surface morphology, surface element [...] Read more.
An eco-friendly approach for improvement of antibacterial properties of polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven fabrics was obtained by in situ reduction of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma-induced chitosan grafted (DBD-CS-Ag NPs) PLA nonwoven fabrics. The surface morphology, surface element composition and the chemical state of silver of the PLA surfaces after the treatment were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The antibacterial activity of DBD-CS-Ag NPs treated PLA against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was tested. The uniform dispersion of silver nanoparticles on the DBD-CS-Ag NPs treated PLA surface were confirmed by SEM images. The results of XPS and XRD showed that the concentration of silver element on the surface of PLA nonwoven fabrics was significantly improved after DBD-CS-Ag NPs treatment. The DBD-CS-Ag NPs treated PLA nonwoven fabrics also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties. Full article
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21 pages, 9316 KiB  
Article
Levodopa-Loaded 3D-Printed Poly (Lactic) Acid/Chitosan Neural Tissue Scaffold as a Promising Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
by Ezgi Saylam, Yigit Akkaya, Elif Ilhan, Sumeyye Cesur, Ece Guler, Ali Sahin, Muhammmet Emin Cam, Nazmi Ekren, Faik Nuzhet Oktar, Oguzhan Gunduz, Denisa Ficai and Anton Ficai
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(22), 10727; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112210727 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 4971
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, develops due to decreased dopamine levels in the basal ganglia. Levodopa, a dopamine precursor used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, can be used as a drug delivery system. This study presents [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease, the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the world, develops due to decreased dopamine levels in the basal ganglia. Levodopa, a dopamine precursor used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, can be used as a drug delivery system. This study presents an approach to the use of 3D-printed levodopa-loaded neural tissue scaffolds produced with polylactic acid (PLA) and chitosan (CS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Surface morphology and pore sizes were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Average pore sizes of 100–200 µm were found to be ideal for tissue engineering scaffolds, allowing cell penetration but not drastically altering the mechanical properties. It was observed that the swelling and weight loss behaviors of the scaffolds increased after the addition of CS to the PLA. Levodopa was released from the 3D-printed scaffolds in a controlled manner for 14 days, according to a Fickian diffusion mechanism. Mesenchymal stem cells (hAD-MSCs) derived from human adipose tissue were used in MTT analysis, fluorescence microscopy and SEM studies and confirmed adequate biocompatibility. Overall, the obtained results show that PLA/CS 3D-printed scaffolds have an alternative use for the levodopa delivery system for Parkinson’s disease in neural tissue engineering applications. Full article
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