Search Results (129)

This study aimed to develop and characterize biodegradable films based on potato starch reinforced with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers, with the goal of improving their mechanical and thermal properties for potential use in sustainable packaging. The films were prepared through the thermal gelatinization of starch extracted from tubers, combined with nanofibers obtained by electrospinning CMC synthesized from potato starch. Key electrospinning variables, including solution concentration, voltage, distance, and flow rate, were analyzed. The films were morphologically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemically analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and their thermal properties were assessed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated an increase in tensile strength to 14.1 MPa in the reinforced films, compared to 13.6 MPa for pure starch and 7.1 MPa for the fiber-free CMC blend. The nanofibers had an average diameter of 63.3 nm and a porosity of 32.78%. A reduction in crystallinity and more stable thermal behavior were also observed in the composite materials. These findings highlight the potential of using agricultural waste as a functional reinforcement in biopolymers, providing a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. Full article

This study investigated gelatin/zein nanofibers loaded with dihydromyricetin (0–20%, relative to protein weight), before and after the Maillard reaction (60 °C with 50% relative humidity for 6 h). Scanning electron microscopy and diameter distribution analysis indicated that dihydromyricetin incorporation increased the fiber diameter from 692 ± 133 to 922 ± 121 nm, while the nanofibers maintained a uniform morphology following the Maillard reaction. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that dihydromyricetin formed hydrogen bonds with protein molecules. X-ray diffraction results indicate that dihydromyricetin was uniformly dispersed within the gelatin/zein nanofibers. The addition of dihydromyricetin improved the thermal stability of the nanofibers. Furthermore, after the Maillard reaction, the nanofibers with dihydromyricetin demonstrated enhanced water resistance. Mechanical testing revealed that nanofibers containing 20% dihydromyricetin after the Maillard reaction exhibited a considerably higher elastic modulus of approximately 90 MPa. In addition, nanofibers containing dihydromyricetin exhibited notable antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In summary, gelatin/zein nanofibers containing high concentrations of dihydromyricetin exhibited favorable physical and functional properties, supporting their suitability as effective delivery systems for dihydromyricetin in active packaging applications. Full article

Gelatin, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, has garnered considerable attention in tissue engineering (TE) due to its diverse applications enabled by its tunable physical properties. Among the various strategies employed for the fabrication of gelatin-based hydrogels, the use of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) as a catalytic system has been highlighted as an effective tool for producing hydrogels with highly modifiable properties. Herein, we explore recent progress in the utilization of the HRP/H₂O₂ catalytic system for the creation of gelatin-based hydrogels, with an emphasis on TE applications. Particular attention has been given to the interplay between variations in the concentration equilibrium of HRP and H₂O₂ and the fine-tuning of gel properties tailored for various TE applications. Emerging trends, such as in situ gelation and hybrid bioinks, have also been examined through the lens of their prospective applications, extrapolating from the findings in cell cultures and animal models. A comprehensive review of two databases (Scopus and Web of Science) was conducted. The data extracted from each study included the materials used for each application, methods used for material preparation, cells used in the TE application, laboratory animals used, and whether computational/simulation techniques were implemented. The applications included both homopolymeric hydrogels, using only gelatin as the backbone, and copolymeric hydrogels, with ≥2 polymers. Full article

Current hydrogels used for cartilage tissue engineering often lack the mechanical strength and structural integrity required to mimic native human cartilage. This study addresses this limitation by developing reinforced hydrogels based on a ternary polymer blend of poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA), gelatin (GL), and chitosan (CH), with gentamicin sulfate (GS) as an antimicrobial agent and a crosslinker. The hydrogels were produced using two crosslinking methods, the freeze/thaw and heated cycles, and reinforced with forcespun polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber to improve mechanical performance. Chemical characterization revealed that GS forms weak hydrogen bonds with the ternary polymers, leading to esterification with PVA, and covalent bonds are formed as the result of the free amino group (-NH₂) of chitosan that reacts with the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) of gelatin. SEM images help us to see how the hydrogels are reinforced with polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers produced via force spinning technology, while mechanical properties were evaluated via uniaxial tensile and compressive tests. Water retention measurements were performed to examine the crosslinking process’s influence on the hydrogel’s water retention, while the hydrogel surface roughness was obtained via confocal microscopy images. A constitutive model based on non-Gaussian strain energy density was introduced to predict experimental mechanical behavior data of the hydrogel, considering a non-monotonous softening function. Loading and unloading tests demonstrated that GS enhanced crosslinking without compromising water retention or biocompatibility because of the reaction between the free amino group of CH and the carboxylic group of gelatin. The PCL-reinforced PVA/GL/CH hydrogel shows strong potential for cartilage repair and tissue engineering applications. Full article

The adverse effects of polyethylene packaging waste on environmental pollution have driven academia to explore biodegradable active packaging (AP) solutions. In the present study, hybrid electrospun nanofiber (HENF) AP was produced using 30% gelatin (GE) combined with 1%, 2%, and 3% green tea extract powder (GTEP), termed HGGTNF. HENF was applied to Hanwoo beef as an AP to assess physicochemical, textural, microbiological, and sensory qualities in comparison to traditional polyethylene packing (PEP). The findings illustrate that the HGGTNF group maintained a significantly (p < 0.05) stable pH (5.71 ± 0.02–5.78 ± 0.01), lower drip loss (DL) (1.15% ± 0.00 to 1.20 ± 0.02%), and cooking loss (CL) (18.13 ± 0.03% to 19.91 ± 0.01%) compared to PEP (pH = 5.66 ± 0.02, DL = 1.21 ± 0.01%, CL = 20.26 ± 0.03%). Moreover, HGGTNF improved oxidative stability, especially at elevated doses (2% and 3%). In HGGTNF groups, there was a decreasing (p < 0.05) trend in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (0.23 ± 0.01 to 0.26 ± 0.01 mg-MDA/kg), compared to the PEP group (0.29 ± 0.01 mg-MDA/kg). Oxidative stability improved the fatty acid profile, preserved color intensity (Chroma), and inhibited discoloration (h°) in HGGTNF (2% & 3%) compared to PEP. Furthermore, HGGTNF groups had stable meat tenderness and better chewiness than PEP. Stabilization of tenderness was due to diminished cathepsin activity (5822.80 ± 20.16 and 6009.80 ± 3.90 U/mg protein in the HGGTNF 2% and 3% groups, respectively). The HGGTNF 3% sample exhibited a decrease in total coliform counts (TCC) (0.74 ± 0.04 log CFU/g), total viable counts (TVC) (1.38 ± 0.05 log CFU/g), and total yeast and mold count (TYMC) (1.59 ± 0.06 log CFU/g) compared to other groups, indicating efficient antimicrobial efficacy. An increasing (p < 0.05) trend was observed in umami and richness taste traits for the HGGTNF 3% treated sample. The above findings underscore the potential applicability of HGGTNF as AP to enhance beef shelf life and meat quality attributes. Full article

Probiotics offer numerous health benefits; however, preserving their viability during processing and storage remains a major challenge. This study investigates the electrospinning of gelatin/dextran (GE/DEX) water-in-water (W/W) emulsions for Lactobacillus plantarum encapsulation. By varying dextran concentrations, the ways in which phase behavior, viscosity, and conductivity influence fiber formation and morphology were analyzed. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy confirmed core–shell nanofibers, while FT-IR revealed electrostatic interactions rather than chemical reactions between GE and DEX. Encapsulated probiotics exhibited enhanced viability under thermal stress (65 and 72 °C), storage (25 and 4 °C), and simulated gastrointestinal conditions, maintaining high viability (>8 log CFU/g) compared with free cells. Notably, gelatin-rich shell phases provided stronger protection, likely due to gelation properties restricting bacterial mobility. These findings demonstrate that electrospinning of W/W emulsions is an effective strategy to improve probiotic stability, offering potential applications in functional foods. Full article

With the recent development of advanced industries, in addition to simple abrasions, the demand for wound dressing is gradually increasing in fields such as diabetes care. Factors affecting wound healing include pH, temperature, genetic factors, stress, smoking, and obesity, and studies on these are also increasing. In addition, studies on hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, foams, films, plant-based materials, chitosan, gelatin, 3D printing, and chemosensors for wound healing are also increasing. However, although there are many data related to wound healing, there are not many studies that have systematically divided them into structures, materials, and monitoring through a review of the literature. Therefore, based on various studies on wound healing, wound-healing materials were classified into structures (films, foams, gauzes, and electrospun nanofibers), chemical materials, nature-based materials, and monitoring sensors, and a literature review was conducted. Full article

Gelatin, known for its excellent biocompatibility, strong aggregative properties, and low cost, has been extensively investigated as a promising material for food packaging. Among various fabrication methods, electrospinning stands out due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, high process controllability, and ability to produce nanofiber membranes with enhanced properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the sources, properties, and applications of gelatin, along with the fundamental principles of electrospinning and its applications in food packaging. Additionally, the common types of electrospinning techniques used in food packaging are also covered. In recent years, increasing research efforts have focused on gelatin-based electrospun nanofiber membranes for food packaging applications. The functionalization of electrospinning gelatin-based nanofiber membrane was realized by incorporating various active substances or combining it with other techniques, fulfilling the new requirements of food packaging. In this review, gelatin-based electrospun nanofiber membranes for food packaging applications are overviewed, with a particular emphasis on various types of modifications for the membranes aimed at meeting diverse application demands. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges in the research of gelatin-based electrospun nanofiber membranes for food packaging are discussed. Full article

Hydrogel delivery systems are popular dosage forms that have a number of advantages, such as ease of use, painlessness, increased efficiency due to prolongation of rheological, swelling and sorption characteristics, regulation of drug release, and stimulus sensitivity. Particular interest is shown in hydrogels of cellulose ether derivatives due to the possibility of obtaining their modified forms to vary the solubility, the degree of prolonged action, and the release of the active substance, as well as their widespread availability, affordability, and the possibility of sourcing raw materials from different sources. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC, “hypromellose”) is one of the most popular cellulose ethers in the production of medicines as a filler, coating and carrier. Research on hydrogel carriers based on polymer complexes and modified forms of HPMC using acrylic, citric, and lactic acids, PVP, chitosan, Na-CMC, and gelatin is of particular interest, as they provide the necessary rheological and swelling characteristics. There is growing interest in medical transdermal hydrogels, films, capsules, membranes, nanocrystals, and nanofibers based on HPMC with the incorporation of biologically active substances (BASs), especially those of plant origin, as antibacterial, wound-healing, antimicrobial, mucoadhesive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant agents. The aim of this article is to review modern research and achievements in the field of hydrogel systems based on cellulose ethers, particularly HPMC, analyzing their properties, methods of production, and prospects for application in medicine and pharmacy. Full article

The primary challenges in the tissue engineering of small-diameter artificial blood vessels include inadequate mechanical properties and insufficient anticoagulation capabilities. To address these challenges, urea-pyrimidone (Upy)-based polyurethane elastomers (PIIU-B) were synthesized by incorporating quadruple hydrogen bonding within the polymer backbone. The synthesis process employed poly(L-lactide-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) as the soft segment, while di-(isophorone diisocyanate)-Ureido pyrimidinone (IUI) and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) were utilized as the hard segment. The resulting PIIU-B small-diameter artificial blood vessel with a diameter of 4 mm was fabricated using the electrospinning technique, achieving an optimized IUI/IPDI composition ratio of 1:1. Enhanced by multiple hydrogen bonds, the vessels exhibited a robust elastic modulus of 12.45 MPa, an extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic nanofiber morphology, and a high porosity of 41.31%. Subsequently, the PIIU-B vessel underwent dual-functionalization with low-molecular-weight heparin and gelatin via ultraviolet (UV) crosslinking (designated as PIIU-B@LHep/Gel), which conferred superior biocompatibility and exceptional anticoagulation properties. The study revealed improved anti-platelet adhesion characteristics as well as a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) of 157.2 s and thrombin time (TT) of 64.2 s in vitro. Following a seven-day subcutaneous implantation, the PIIU-B@LHep/Gel vessel exhibited excellent biocompatibility, evidenced by complete integration with the surrounding peri-implant tissue, significant cell infiltration, and collagen formation in vivo. Consequently, polyurethane-based artificial blood vessels, reinforced by multiple hydrogen bonds and dual-functionalized with heparin and gelatin, present as promising candidates for vascular tissue engineering. Full article

Microcapsules provide a microenvironment by improving the protection and delivery of cells and drugs to specific tissue areas, promoting cell integration and tissue regeneration. Effective microcapsules must not only be permeable for micronutrient diffusion but mechanically stable. Alginate hydrogel is one of the commonly used biomaterials for fabricating microcapsules due to its gel-forming ability and low toxicity. However, its mechanical instability, inertness, and excessive porosity have impeded its use. Embedding nanofibrils in the alginate hydrogel microcapsules improves their biological and mechanical properties. In this research, electrospun composite nanofibers of PCL–gelatin (PG) were first fabricated, characterized, and cryoground. The filtered and cryoground powder solution was mixed with the alginate solution and through electrospray, fabricated into microcapsules. Parameters such as flow rate, voltage, and hydrogel composition, which are critical in the electrostatic encapsulation process, were optimized. The microcapsules were further immersed in different solvent environments (DI water, complete media, and PBS), which were observed and compared for their morphology, size distribution, and mechanical stability properties. The average diameters of the PG nanofibers ranged between 0.2 and 2 μm, with an average porosity between 58 and 73%. The average size of the microcapsules varied between 300 and 900 μm, depending on the solvent environment. Overall, results showed an improved alginate 3D hydrogel network suitable for biomedical applications. Full article

Multifunctional materials requiring low functional voltages are the main goal of new industrial smart technologies. Polypyrrole (PPy) was chemically synthesized by a simple dip-coating process on glucose–porcine skin gelatin nanofibers, accelerating mass production, here shown on nanofiber scaffolds (NFs) with those consisting of composites. The isometric and isotonic characterizations by electro-chemo-mechanical deformation (ECMD) of NFS-PPy are obtained from cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric responses in lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium triflouromethanesulfonate (LiTF) and sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄) in propylene carbonate (PC). The results indicate a prevalent anion-driven actuation of the linear actuator (expansion by oxidation and contraction by reduction). Different stress (4–2 kPa) and strain (0.7–0.4%) gradients are a function of the anion Van der Waals volume. During reversible actuation (expansion/contraction), the material stores/releases energy, obtaining greater specific capacitance, 68 F g⁻¹, in LiTFSI solutions, keeping 82% of this capacity after 2000 cycles. The sensitivity (the slope of the linear sensing equation) is a characteristic of the exchanged anion. The reaction of the PPy-coated nanofiber is multifunctional, developing simultaneous actuation, sensing, and energy storage. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Full article

Drug delivery systems have revolutionized traditional drug administration methods by addressing various challenges, such as enhancing drug solubility, prolonging effectiveness, minimizing adverse effects, and preserving potency. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, particularly nanoparticles (NPs) and nanofibers (NFs), have emerged as promising solutions for biomedicine delivery. NFs, with their ability to mimic the porous and fibrous structures of biological tissues, have garnered significant interest in drug-delivering applications. Biopolymers such as gelatin (Ge) and chitosan (CH) have gained much more attention due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and versatility in biomedical applications. CH exhibits exceptional biocompatibility, anti-bacterial activity, and wound healing capabilities, whereas Ge provides good biocompatibility and cell adhesion properties. Ge/CH-based NFs stimulate cellular connections and facilitate tissue regeneration owing to their structural resemblance to the extracellular matrix. This review explores the additive methods of preparation, including electrospinning, force pinning, and template synthesis, focusing on electrospinning and the factors influencing the fiber structure. The properties of Ge and CH, their role in drug release, formulation strategies, and characterization techniques for electrospun fibers are discussed. Furthermore, this review addresses applications in delivering active moieties in the management of orthopedics and wound healing with regulatory considerations, along with challenges related to them. Thus, the review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential of Ge/CH-based NFs for drug delivery and biomedical applications. Full article

Over the past few years, biomaterial-based periodontal tissue engineering has gained popularity. An ideal biomaterial for treating periodontal defects is expected to stimulate periodontal-derived cells, allowing them to contribute most efficiently to tissue reconstruction. The present study focuses on evaluating the in vitro behavior of human periodontal ligament-derived stromal cells (hPDL-MSCs) when cultured on gelatin/Polycaprolactone prototype (GPP) and volume-stable collagen matrix (VSCM). Cells were cultured onto the GPP, VSCM, or tissue culture plate (TCP) for 3, 7, and 14 days. Cell morphology, adhesion, proliferation/viability, the gene expression of Collagen type I, alpha1 (COL1A1), Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), Periostin (POSTN), Cementum protein 1 (CEMP1), Cementum attachment protein (CAP), Interleukin 8 (IL-8) and Osteocalcin (OCN), and the levels of VEGF-A and IL-8 proteins were investigated. hPDL-MSCs attached to both biomaterials exhibited a different morphology compared to TCP. GPP exhibited stronger capabilities in enhancing cell viability and metabolic activity compared to VSCM. In most cases, the expression of all investigated genes, except POSTN, was stimulated by both materials, with GPP having a superior effect on COL1A1 and VEGF-A, and VSCM on OCN. The IL-8 protein production was slightly higher in cells grown on VSCM. GPP also exhibited the ability to absorb VEGF-A protein. The gene expression of POSTN was promoted by GPP and slightly suppressed by VSCM. In summary, our findings indicate that GPP electrospun nanofibers effectively promote the functional performance of PDLSCs in periodontal regeneration, particularly in the periodontal ligament and cementum compartment. Full article