Search Results (2,291)

Additive manufacturing has emerged as a transformative technology for fabricating complex drug-eluting medical devices, offering unprecedented design freedom and functional integration capabilities. This comprehensive review systematically analyzes 3D printing technologies applied to pharmaceutical device manufacturing, focusing on drug-eluting vascular stents as a representative application. This review covers six primary additive manufacturing techniques, ranging from high-resolution vat photopolymerization (25 μm resolution) to direct energy deposition, with a focus on their capabilities for produce pharmaceutical devices with controlled drug release properties. Novel 4D/5D/6D printing technologies introduce stimuli-responsive behaviors enabling programmable drug release profiles and adaptive device functionality. Manufacturing process optimization reveals superior design flexibility compared to conventional methods, with 85–95% reduction in design iteration time and elimination of tooling costs for complex geometries. The material landscape encompasses traditional metals (316L stainless steel, cobalt–chromium), biodegradable polymers (polylactic acid, PLA; polycaprolactone, PCL; poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLGA), shape-memory materials (i.e., polymers and alloys capable of recovering a pre-programmed shape upon exposure to a specific stimulus such as body temperature, moisture, or light), and advanced nanocomposites, each offering distinct drug-loading capacities (100–500 μg/cm²) and release kinetics. Critical challenges include standardization requirements (International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 5840 and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2606), pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing protocols, and regulatory pathways for novel drug-device combinations. This review identifies key research priorities including development of biocompatible printing materials, accelerated drug release testing protocols, and scalable manufacturing processes suitable for medical device production. This analysis demonstrates that 3D printing enables integration of multiple pharmaceutical functions within single devices, controlled spatiotemporal drug delivery, and elimination of secondary manufacturing steps for drug coating processes, advancing the development of next-generation therapeutic medical devices. Full article

Plastics and microplastics are widespread in the environment, yet knowledge about their impact on agricultural soils, including their microbiological properties, remains limited. Therefore, this study addressed the research question regarding the impact of secondary microplastics, biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) mulch film, and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film on the abundance, structure, and functions of soil bacteria, with particular emphasis on the presence of bacterial pathogens. PLA and LDPE were applied to the soil at a dose of 4 g kg⁻¹ d.m. of soil. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of soil bioaugmentation with the Pseudomonas umsongensis strain and its biostimulation with humic acids in mitigating the negative effects of microplastics. The response of culturable bacteria revealed high sensitivity of organotrophic bacteria to both microplastics, with a stronger inhibitory effect from PLA, as well as stimulation of actinomycetes. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing indicated that the materials differentially influenced the bacterial response. PLA most strongly stimulated Actinobacteriota and favored the dominance of Bacillus and Limnochorda, whereas LDPE promoted the growth of Actinobacteriota and Chloroflexota as well as genera KD4-96 and 1921-2. Both microplastics were colonized by potential pathogens, including Bacillus, Mycobacterium, Ralstonia, and Cupriavidus. PLA additionally stimulated the proliferation of Leifsonia sp. and Curtobacterium sp., while both PLA and LDPE reduced the abundance of Enterobacter sp. and Herbaspirillum sp. Bioaugmentation using the Pseudomonas umsongensis strain was more effective in restoring the balance of the soil microbiome than biostimulation with humic acids. The results indicate that microbial preparations based on Pseudomonas umsongensis may serve as an important tool in restoring the balance of soil exposed to microplastics. Full article

Non-uniform fiber deposition remains a critical limitation in electrospun poly(lactic acid) (PLA) coating systems. In the present study, experimental characterization was combined with numerical simulations to evaluate the influence of electrospinning parameters on fiber morphology, coating uniformity, and thickness distribution. A 3% PLA solution was electrospun under different processing conditions by varying the applied voltage, needle-to-collector distance, flow rate, and deposition time. The resulting coatings were further analyzed using numerical simulations performed with ANSYS Fluent 2020 R2 software. The results demonstrated that both solution-related and operational parameters strongly influence fiber morphology and spatial deposition behavior. Increasing the applied voltage promoted the formation of thinner fibers; however, excessively high voltage values generated jet instability associated with fiber fragmentation and spray formation. Furthermore, the deposited fibrous layers showed preferential accumulation in the central region of the collector, together with a gradual decrease in coating thickness toward the peripheral areas. A strong correlation was observed between the numerical simulations and the experimental results, confirming the reliability of the proposed modeling approach. Among the investigated conditions, the optimal electrospinning parameters were identified as an applied voltage of 16 kV, a needle-to-collector distance of 17 cm, and a flow rate of 2.5 mL/h. These conditions enabled the formation of homogeneous PLA nanofibers with minimal structural defects and improved substrate adhesion. The combined experimental and numerical approach provides valuable insight into the optimization of electrospinning parameters governing fiber formation and deposition behavior. Full article

This study investigated porous materials based on cellulose acetate (CA), poly(lactic acid) (PLA), and their multilayer combinations fabricated by solution blow spinning (SBS) for potential food packaging applications. Single-layer neat polymers and multilayer structures (CA/PLA, CA/PLA/CA, and PLA/CA/PLA) were produced through sequential deposition, enabling control of layer arrangement while preserving high porosity. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis showed negligible polymer interdiffusion or specific intermolecular interactions, indicating that layer integration occurs mainly through physical contact and void filling rather than molecular mixing. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that cellulose acetate possesses a highly porous, interconnected structure, whereas poly(lactic acid) exhibits a predominantly fibrous morphology with clearly distinguishable layers in multilayer systems. Mechanical testing demonstrated that poly(lactic acid) mats had higher stiffness and tensile strength, while cellulose acetate films were more flexible and compliant. Multilayer systems showed complex tensile behavior characterized by interfacial failure and limited load transfer, indicating no synergistic mechanical reinforcement between layers. Water vapor permeability remained high and narrowly distributed for all configurations (890–920 g·m⁻²·day⁻¹), independent of layer sequence, reflecting the porous morphology. These values exceed those of conventional polymer packaging films, highlighting the suitability of the materials for breathable packaging. Overall, solution blow spinning enables scalable fabrication of biodegradable multilayer materials with tunable mechanical performance for sustainable food packaging applications requiring controlled moisture exchange. Full article

To address the global water crisis, desalination technologies contribute about 1% of the global freshwater supply. Membrane-based desalination technologies offer high performance, operational ease, cost-effectiveness and high scalability compared to conventional thermal desalination modes. Among all membrane-based technologies, reverse osmosis is prevailing globally. However, the high energy demand of the reverse osmosis process and fouling in case of hypersaline feed streams motivate the exploration of alternative technologies, i.e., pervaporation. Pervaporation desalination involves dense hydrophilic polymer membranes to deal with high salt streams at low cost, along with less fouling than a few other membrane processes, i.e., reverse osmosis and membrane distillation. Mass transport through pervaporation desalination membranes is well-explained by solution-diffusion theory involving a tri-stage transfer, i.e., sorption, diffusion and evaporation. Since the last few decades, a green approach in all domains has offered chemical products and processes with the least hazards and minimal waste production. Application of biodegradable materials like poly(lactic acid) in combination with suitable green solvents, e.g., ethyl lactate, methyl lactate, cyrene, dimethyl isosorbide and gamma valerolactone for pervaporation desalination would be a good roadmap to meet the sustainability criterion. Some intrinsic features of poly(lactic acid) that make it a ‘material of choice’ for pervaporation desalination include hydrophilicity imparted by the presence of polar ester groups, high salt rejection, biodegradability with simple mineralization products, i.e., H₂O and CO₂, sustainable production, low toxicity, low carbon footprint, ease of processing and versatility. Poly(lactic acid) undergoes four interrelated degradation mechanisms: hydrolytic degradation, biodegradation, thermal degradation and photodegradation. The concern for poly(lactic acid) based pervaporation desalination is increased hydrolytic cleavage of poly(lactic acid) at high temperatures, which requires some modifications, e.g., nanoenhancement, additions of crosslinkers, surface modifications, addition of other polymers to prepare blends and post-treatments. These modifying strategies result in an increased stability and better performance of poly(lactic acid) films. However, optimization of various parameters relevant to such modifications leaves room for further research. This review offers a critical analysis of the need for biodegradable polymers with special focus on poly(lactic acid) rather than their fossil fuel-based alternatives, the environmental and health effects of all these polymers, cost estimation and possible performance-efficient, green and eco-friendly solutions. Full article

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal malignancies worldwide, with limited therapeutic outcomes due to systemic toxicity and suboptimal efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin (DOX). In this study, we formulated and standardized DOX-loaded chitosan/poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (DLCNs) via a nanoprecipitation method and evaluated their therapeutic potential in a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced Wistar rat model of HCC. Physicochemical analyses confirmed nanoscale size, favorable zeta potential, and high encapsulation efficiency, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified polymer–drug interactions. Biochemical analysis revealed that DLCNs significantly normalized elevated liver function markers (Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), restored serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) to near-control levels, and reduced lipid peroxidation compared with free DOX and DEN controls. Antioxidant profiling demonstrated marked recovery of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), indicating restoration of hepatic redox balance. Histopathological evaluation further corroborated these findings, showing recovery of hepatic lobular architecture and reduction in necrosis and inflammatory infiltrates in DLCN-treated Wistar Albino rats, while free DOX groups exhibited hepatocellular damage. Overall, the results demonstrate that encapsulating DOX in a chitosan/PLGA nanocarrier improves therapeutic efficacy, mitigates hepatotoxicity, and enhances antioxidant defense, establishing DLCNs as a favorable candidate for HCC. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable food packaging has intensified interest in biodegradable materials that can reduce environmental impact while preserving food quality. Among these materials, biodegradable polyester–starch composite films functionalized with phenolic compounds have gained attention as promising active packaging systems. They combine the melt processability and structural stability of polyesters, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with the renewability and biodegradability of starch and the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and UV-protective functions of phenolics, such as ferulic acid, quercetin, tea polyphenols, and anthocyanins. This review discusses recent advances in the selection of biodegradable polyesters, starch and thermoplastic starch blending, phenolic incorporation strategies, and their effects on compatibility, morphology, mechanical strength, barrier properties, optical behavior, release, and active packaging functionality. The characteristics and functionality of these films are governed not only by the individual components but also by phase morphology, interfacial interactions, phenolic location, processing conditions, and release control. Key challenges include polyester–starch incompatibility, TPS moisture sensitivity, phenolic stability during melt processing, migration safety, controlled release, and industrial scale-up. Collectively, biodegradable polyester–starch films functionalized with phenolic compounds represent a promising route for developing next-generation sustainable active packaging and may contribute to circular economy approaches. Full article

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable polyester that has garnered widespread attention for its potential applications as a replacement for conventional petroleum-based plastics. However, PLLA’s prolonged biodegradation is a significant limitation in its applications, particularly in single-use packaging, as it can lead to environmental accumulation and hinder the sustainability goals of reducing plastic waste. This paper examines the effect of incorporating thermoplastic chitosan (TPC) on the mechanical and biodegradation properties of PLLA. TPC was prepared using lactic acid as a plasticizer. PLLA/TPC composites were produced by thermo-mechanical processes. TPC contents of 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% were investigated. The PLLA/TPC films exhibited distinct phase separation, as verified by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The incorporation of 2.5% TPC led to a 20.8% enhancement in elongation at break and a 7.4% improvement in tensile toughness relative to pure PLLA film. Nonetheless, both values diminished when the TPC content surpassed 2.5 wt%. The surface wettability of the PLLA/TPC films, assessed via water contact angle measurements and weight loss from soil burial tests, enhanced with greater TPC content. The PLLA/TPC films showed significantly greater weight loss after being buried in soil for 12 months compared to pure PLLA film. The increases in weight loss were 4, 11, 14, and 72 times greater for the TPC contents of 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. Incorporating TPC in this study improved the flexibility and biodegradability of PLLA, leading to PLLA-based composites with enhanced potential for environmentally sustainable single-use packaging. Full article

The photothermal conversion capability of polydopamine (PDA) was exploited to load the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) onto its surface via π-π stacking and hydrogen-bond interactions, yielding a PDA-DOX complex. In this study, biocompatible poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was employed as a shell material to fabricate multifunctional PLLA composite PDA-DOX (PLLA@PDA-DOX) nanobubbles with integrated functions of ultrasound imaging, photothermal therapy, and chemotherapy. The fabricated nanobubbles exhibited a uniform mean diameter of 489.30 ± 6.96 nm with a Polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.226 ± 0.01 and a DOX loading efficiency of 3.27%. Acute toxicity evaluation in mice revealed that the maximum tolerated dose of PLLA@PDA-DOX nanobubbles was markedly higher than the clinical equivalent dose, showing no detectable toxicity or allergic reactions. Under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, the inhibition rate of HCCLM3 cells increased from 50.1% to 64.45%, indicating enhanced therapeutic efficacy through the combined effects of photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, compared with the free DOX group, the survival rate of LX-2 cells in the composite nanobubble group significantly increased from 18.9 ± 1.56% to 68.8 ± 3.08%, suggesting that the PLLA@PDA-DOX nanobubbles effectively reduced the direct cytotoxicity of DOX by preventing its immediate contact with cells. Collectively, the results confirm that PLLA@PDA-DOX nanobubbles possess excellent biocompatibility, robust ultrasound imaging performance, and enhanced antitumor efficacy under NIR irradiation. This multifunctional nanosystem demonstrates promising potential as an integrated platform for simultaneous cancer diagnosis and therapy. Full article

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic airway inflammation. Current therapeutic strategies primarily offer symptomatic relief and are often limited by systemic side effects, inadequate lung deposition, and poor patient compliance. Naringin (NAR), a natural flavonoid with strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic activities, has demonstrated potential in mitigating COPD-associated pathophysiology. However, its therapeutic application is restricted by poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, particularly poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles, provide an effective approach for lung-targeted therapy. Their nanoscale size promotes deep lung deposition, enhanced cellular uptake, reduced lung clearance, improved therapeutic efficacy, and reduced systemic side effects. The present study aimed to develop NAR-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NAR PLGA NP) for enhanced cell-targeting in inflammatory lung conditions. NAR PLGA NP were prepared using the emulsion solvent evaporation method, with PLGA in the organic phase and soya lecithin (SL) with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as surfactants in the aqueous phase. A face-centered central composite design was employed to optimize the formulation. The optimized nanoparticles were characterized for size distribution by dynamic light scattering, entrapment efficiency, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and in vitro drug release. The safety of PLGA and lecithin-coated PLGA nanoparticles (LC PLGA NP) was assessed using an MTT assay on lung epithelial cells, followed by cellular uptake studies, angiogenesis by chick Yolk Sac Membrane (YSM) assay, and in vitro evaluation of reactive oxidative stress (ROS) and anti-inflammatory activity. The optimized PLGA formulation showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 201 ± 1 nm with PDI 0.20 ± 0.03 and EE of 76.11 ± 2.1%, and 81.7 ± 4.9% drug release at 72 h, whereas LC PLGA NP showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 308 ± 3 nm, PDI of 0.21 ± 0.05, entrapment efficiency of 82.45 ± 4.8%, and 71.4 ± 3.2% drug release at 72 h. Both PLGA NP and LC PLGA NP demonstrated good cytocompatibility with lung epithelial cells, efficient cellular uptake, and a significant reduction in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (**** p value < 0.0001). Moreover, the formulations markedly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. The angiogenesis assay further suggested their ability for lung tissue repair and remodeling. These findings support the potential of LC PLGA NP as a promising cell-specific targeting system for naringin in inflammatory lung conditions. Full article

This study aims to develop sustainable conductive nanocomposites based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blends reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene nanoplatelets (G), focusing on their multifunctional performance. The novelty lies in the production of hybrid nanocomposites based on PLA/PCL blends with MWCNT/G using conventional industrial processing techniques, enabling the development of eco-friendly nanocomposites with tailored electrical, mechanical, and electromagnetic properties. The nanocomposites were prepared by twin-screw extrusion followed by injection molding. Rheological, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical, thermal, thermomechanical, electrical conductivity, and electromagnetic shielding properties were systematically evaluated. From a rheological perspective, the PLA/PCL/MWCNT and PLA/PCL/MWCNT/G nanocomposites exhibited a plateau at low frequencies, associated with the formation of a percolated network. This was confirmed by the significant increase in electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding response. The morphology observed by SEM showed a refinement of the PCL phase in the PLA matrix with the incorporation of MWCNT. The PLA/PCL/MWCNT/G (4/2 parts per hundred resin, phr) nanocomposite showed a 309% increase in impact strength compared to neat PLA, while maintaining the heat deflection temperature (HDT). The elastic modulus exceeded 2300 MPa and accelerated the crystallization process by more than 15 °C compared to PLA, which makes it important to reduce injection molding time. Additionally, it exhibited the highest electrical conductivity level, around 6.79 × 10⁻⁵ S/cm, which resulted in improved electromagnetic shielding performance in the 8.2–18 GHz range, highlighting the synergistic effect between 1D and 2D fillers. The developed PLA/PCL/MWCNT and PLA/PCL/MWCNT/G nanocomposites demonstrate potential for antistatic applications, combining sustainability with multifunctional performance and industrial scalability. Full article

The present study evaluates the optical and colorimetric properties of Polylactic acid (PLA)-based films blended with Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and impregnated with mango leaf extract (MLE) using supercritical solvent impregnation (SSI) under different operating conditions (pressure: 10–30 MPa; temperature: 35–55 °C). Additionally, the relationship between impregnation load (IL) and color properties, as well as the release kinetics of the impregnated compounds, was investigated. The incorporation of PHB and PBS into the PLA matrix prior to impregnation led to a slight increase in the b* parameter (from 1.64 to 2.61), indicating a tendency toward yellowish tones. After SSI, all films exhibited noticeable color changes, with a shift toward yellowish-green hues and a decrease in lightness, regardless of processing conditions. Statistical analysis confirmed that polymer composition and its interaction with pressure and temperature significantly affected color properties (p-value < 0.001). The addition of PHB and PBS, as well as MLE impregnation, enhanced UV-barrier properties, while also modifying film transparency and opacity. In particular, PLA-PBS films showed higher opacity (more than 20 times) and lower transparency compared to neat PLA. These films also exhibited the highest IL values (2.41–4.75 mg MLE/100 mg polymer). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated a strong correlation between CIELAB parameters (L*, a*, and b*) and IL (R² > 85%, p-value < 0.001). Release studies in a food simulant showed partial release profiles, well described by Peleg’s model (R² > 0.90). Furthermore, Korsmeyer–Peppas model fitting yielded diffusion exponents (n < 0.5), indicating quasi-Fickian diffusion mechanisms governing the release process. Full article

Skin aging is a complex biological process characterized by progressive alterations in the dermal microenvironment, including extracellular matrix (ECM) disorganization, fibroblast dysfunction, and changes in the biomechanical properties of the tissue. In this context, biomaterials used in regenerative aesthetic medicine have been widely employed with the aim of stimulating dermal remodeling processes. This review aimed to analyze the main biomaterials currently used in clinical practice, including calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, polycaprolactone, polynucleotides, polydeoxyribonucleotide, and nano-hydroxyapatite, focusing on their biological mechanisms and interactions with the cutaneous microenvironment. The available literature suggests that the effects of these materials are not limited to collagen induction, but also involve modulation of fibroblast activity, extracellular matrix reorganization, and progressive tissue remodeling processes. However, relevant limitations remain in the scientific literature, including methodological heterogeneity among studies and the scarcity of evidence directly clarifying the cellular mechanisms involved. Therefore, advances in this field depend on the integration of experimental research, histological analysis, and well-controlled clinical investigation, as well as a deeper understanding of cellular biology and extracellular matrix dynamics. Full article

Eco-friendly biocomposites were prepared from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) plasticized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and reinforced with Moroccan sugarcane bagasse fibers at 5, 10 and 15 wt%. The aim was to enhance PLA ductility through PEG incorporation while valorizing locally available lignocellulosic residues. Two processing methods, injection molding and melt extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX, 3D printing), were employed to investigate the influence of manufacturing method on the morphological, thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of the composites. Thermal analysis confirmed that PLA maintained its stability within the processing temperature range, supporting its suitability for MEX. Morphological observations revealed improved fiber dispersion and reduced porosity in injection-molded samples, whereas MEX-printed parts exhibited visible interlayer voids. These microstructural differences explained the superior tensile strength and modulus of injection-molded specimens compared to MEX ones. Full article

Dermal senescence is associated with reduced fibroblast activity, decreased extracellular matrix synthesis, and impaired tissue repair. Commercial injectable formulations containing poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), hyaluronic acid (HA), and polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN)-associated compounds have been proposed for dermal remodeling approaches and modulate tissue-response pathways; however, comparative studies evaluating commercially available formulations under standardized experimental conditions remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the morphology of formulations containing PLLA, HA, and PDRN, used alone or in combination, by environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), and to investigate formulation-associated histological and collagen-related molecular responses in a murine model. Formulations containing PLLA, HA, HA + PDRN, and PLLA, HA and PDRN were administered into the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of 14 Mus musculus mice (Swiss strain). After 30 days, tissue response was assessed by ultrasound, histological analysis with Masson’s trichrome staining, and RT-qPCR quantification of collagen-related gene expression. ESEM analysis revealed distinct morphological characteristics among the biomaterials, and the combined PLLA, HA and PDRN formulation exhibited a more complex and integrated multiphase structure. Histological analysis showed preserved tissue architecture in all groups, with no evidence of marked inflammatory response or structural disruption. RT-qPCR demonstrated significantly higher COL1A1 expression in the PLLA-only and PLLA, HA, and PDRN groups compared with controls (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed for COL2A1 or COL3A1. These findings indicate that PLLA-containing formulations were associated with selective COL1A1 upregulation under the evaluated conditions, suggesting formulation-associated collagen-related molecular responses in this short-term model. Full article