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School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
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Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications

Abstract submission deadline
closed (30 November 2025)
Manuscript submission deadline
closed (28 February 2026)
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10366

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nanocomposites made of polymers and biopolymers have gained popularity in recent years due to their adaptability, better mechanical qualities, and multifunctionality. The incorporation of nanoparticles into polymer matrices has resulted in ground-breaking advances in a variety of disciplines, including medicine, industrial, and environmental protection. This Topic will look at the most recent breakthroughs in polymer and biopolymer nanocomposites, highlighting their new uses and addressing the issues of their synthesis, characterization, and performance. Scope and objectives: This Topic aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers to discuss cutting-edge research on polymer and biopolymer nanocomposites, with emphasis on their synthesis, structural characteristics, functionalization, and applications. The key objectives include the following:

  • Exploring novel polymer and biopolymer-based nanocomposites with tailored physicochemical properties.
  • Investigating their potential in medical applications, such as drug delivery, wound healing, tissue engineering, and hemostatic agents.
  • Evaluating their industrial applications, including coatings, packaging, and advanced manufacturing processes.
  • Assessing their role in environmental applications, such as wastewater treatment, air filtration, and biodegradable materials.
  • Addressing challenges related to biocompatibility, scalability, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness.

Key topics authors are invited to contribute original research articles, review papers, and short communications on topics including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Development and characterization of polymer and biopolymer nanocomposites.
  • Smart and stimuli-responsive nanocomposites for biomedical applications.
  • Green synthesis and eco-friendly processing techniques for biopolymer nanocomposites.
  • Advanced fabrication techniques, including electrospinning and 3D printing.
  • Role of nanofillers such as carbon-based materials, metal nanoparticles, and clay in enhancing polymer properties.
  • Functionalized nanocomposites for targeted drug delivery and bioimaging.
  • Antimicrobial and wound healing applications of biopolymer-based nanocomposites.
  • Industrial advancements in coatings, adhesives, and packaging using nanocomposites.
  • Environmental remediation applications, including pollutant adsorption and filtration.
  • Biodegradable and sustainable polymer nanocomposites for reducing plastic waste.

Dr. Madhappan Santhamoorthy
Prof. Dr. Seongcheol Kim
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • polymer
  • biopolymer nanocomposites
  • biomedical
  • 3D printing
  • environmental remediation applications
  • biodegradable

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Environments
environments 		3.7 5.7 2014 19.2 Days CHF 1800
Gels
gels 		5.3 7.6 2015 13.5 Days CHF 2100
Journal of Composites Science
jcs 		3.7 5.8 2017 15.9 Days CHF 1800
Nanomaterials
nanomaterials 		4.3 9.2 2010 14 Days CHF 2400
Pharmaceutics
pharmaceutics 		5.5 10.0 2009 15.7 Days CHF 2900
Polymers
polymers 		4.9 9.7 2009 14.4 Days CHF 2700

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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25 pages, 3065 KB  
Article
Enzyme-Loaded Liposomal Edible Hydrogel Films to Enhance Lactase Activity in Perline Mozzarella
by Esin Yilmaz, Ayse Avci, Elif Sezer, Muhammad Sohail Arshad, Zeeshan Ahmad and Israfil Kucuk
Gels 2026, 12(4), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels12040343 - 20 Apr 2026
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Lactase enzyme-based products experience challenges including residual lactose that result in lactose intolerance. The purpose of this study was to develop polyelectrolyte polysaccharide-enriched lactase-encapsulated liposomal hydrogel films as an edible coating of Perline Mozzarella cheese that delivers enzymes along with the product on [...] Read more.
Lactase enzyme-based products experience challenges including residual lactose that result in lactose intolerance. The purpose of this study was to develop polyelectrolyte polysaccharide-enriched lactase-encapsulated liposomal hydrogel films as an edible coating of Perline Mozzarella cheese that delivers enzymes along with the product on the side of absorption in the small intestine. Coatings were investigated for shelf-life enhancement and in vitro enzyme release behaviour. Two different polymeric hydrogel film formulations were evaluated: lactase-encapsulated liposome-enriched chitosan (PCLLa) and lactase-encapsulated liposome-enriched polyelectrolyte chitosan and sodium alginate (CLLA). Lactase-encapsulated liposomes (mean particle size: 176 nm) were produced using 20% v/v lactase enzyme and 8% w/v lecithin using probe sonication. The edible hydrogel film coatings were applied on Perline Mozzarella cheese using the standard dip-coating method. Shelf-life characteristics of all samples were evaluated using pH, colour change, dry matter determination, microbial evaluation, and sensory analysis. CLLA coatings increased shelf life up to 60 days, displaying a pH of 5.48, continued normal colour, enhanced humidity balance, minimal bacterial growth, and the highest scores for sensory values when compared to both PCLLa (coatings) and the bare cheese substrate (control) samples. Furthermore, CLLA coatings provided greater stability for liposomes within the polyelectrolyte polymeric edible hydrogel film structure. Hence, the combination of liposomes with polyelectrolyte edible hydrogel films provides a novel strategy to enhance lactase enzyme encapsulation (for intolerance), stability, and delivering ability to the small intestine as well as improving the shelf life of coated cheese products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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23 pages, 3733 KB  
Article
Effect of Ce-Based Scavengers on Properties and Stability of Recast Aquivion® Membranes as Mitigating Agents of Degradation for PEMFC Application
by Ada Saccà, Mairaj Ahmad, Barbara Paci, Amanda Generosi, Flavia Righi Riva, Vincenzo Baglio, Carmelo Lo Vecchio, Rolando Pedicini and Irene Gatto
Polymers 2026, 18(5), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18050625 - 3 Mar 2026
Viewed by 591
Abstract
Polymeric electrolyte membranes based on a low equivalent-weight Aquivion® commercial dispersion (D72-25BS; EW = 720 g eq−1, Syensqo) were fabricated using a standardized in-house doctor-blade casting technique for application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The low equivalent-weight (EW) [...] Read more.
Polymeric electrolyte membranes based on a low equivalent-weight Aquivion® commercial dispersion (D72-25BS; EW = 720 g eq−1, Syensqo) were fabricated using a standardized in-house doctor-blade casting technique for application in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The low equivalent-weight (EW) Aquivion® dispersion is a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) and sulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether (SFVE), commonly referred to as a short-side-chain (SSC) ionomer, which exhibits higher ion-exchange capacity (IEC) and proton conductivity than long-side-chain (LSC) perfluorosulfonic membranes. A home-made 30 wt.% Pt/CeO2 radical scavenger (denoted syn-scavenger) was synthesized via a colloidal method and incorporated into the Aquivion® membranes to investigate its mitigating effect on chemical degradation induced by peroxide radicals, a role typically associated with Ce-based scavengers. Particularly, the unique aspects of the Pt/CeO2 scavenger synthesis could be summarized in the following points: (i) the mild aqueous deposition approach enabling highly dispersed Pt species on CeO2 without the use of organic ligands; and (ii) the tailored redox interaction between Pt and ceria that enhances radical scavenging activity. Two Aquivion® membranes (denoted Aqu) containing different syn-scavenger loadings (1.0 and 1.5 wt.%) were prepared and compared with a pristine Aquivion® membrane and a membrane containing commercial CeO2 (1.0 wt.%). Physicochemical characterization of the scavenger was performed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), BET surface area analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The membranes were characterized by micro-Raman spectroscopy, water uptake and hydration number (λ), IEC, and proton conductivity measurements. To assess membrane stability, exsitu chemical oxidative degradation tests were conducted using Fenton’s reagent. Overall, the membrane containing 1.0 wt.% syn-scavenger emerged as the most promising candidate, exhibiting favourable chemical–physical properties and the lowest reductions in IEC and proton conductivity following the degradation test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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27 pages, 6495 KB  
Article
Linear Polyethyleneimine-Coated Gold Nanoparticles as a Platform for Central Nervous System Targeting
by Agustín J. Byrne, Antonia Infantes-Molina, Enrique Rodríguez-Castellón, Romina J. Glisoni, María J. Pérez, Patrizia Andreozzi, Barbara Richichi, Marco Marradi, Paula G. Franco and Juan M. Lázaro-Martínez
Polymers 2026, 18(2), 298; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020298 - 22 Jan 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 932
Abstract
The unique physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have made them versatile tools for biomedical applications, such as imaging, therapy, and drug delivery. The surface modification of GNPs with polymers or biomolecules can enhance their colloidal stability and facilitate internalization into cells. However, [...] Read more.
The unique physicochemical properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) have made them versatile tools for biomedical applications, such as imaging, therapy, and drug delivery. The surface modification of GNPs with polymers or biomolecules can enhance their colloidal stability and facilitate internalization into cells. However, the efficient and biocompatible delivery to the central nervous system remains a major challenge, as many existing nanocarriers show poor capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier. We developed a method to coat GNPs with linear polyethyleneimine (GNP@PEI) through a chemical reduction bottom-up approach, in which linear PEI hydrochloride acts simultaneously as a reducing and stabilizing agent of colloidal dispersion. This strategy yielded monodisperse spherical GNP@PEI nanoparticles with an average diameter of 50 nm. The physicochemical profile, biocompatibility, and capacity for neural uptake of this potentially brain-targeted nanoplatform were then evaluated. GNP@PEI nanoparticles exhibited high biocompatibility in several primary neural cultures and cell lines, with cellular uptake showing clear cell-type-dependent differences. In vivo studies carried out in a murine model demonstrated that after the intranasal or intraperitoneal administrations of GNP@PEI nanoparticles, detectable levels of gold were found in several organs, including the brain. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of GNP@PEI as a promising nanoplatform for brain-targeted delivery and for advancing the development of therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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21 pages, 6207 KB  
Article
Swelling Property and Metal Adsorption of Dialdehyde Crosslinked Poly Aspartate/Alginate Gel Beads
by Takuma Yamashita and Toshihisa Tanaka
Polymers 2026, 18(2), 177; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18020177 - 8 Jan 2026
Viewed by 784
Abstract
Dialdehyde crosslinked poly aspartate/alginate hydrogel beads were synthesized by covalently introducing poly aspartate into the alginate network via dialdehyde-mediated crosslinking, and the resulting effects on swelling and adsorption behavior were investigated. Alginate was partially oxidized to form dialdehyde alginate and crosslinked with poly [...] Read more.
Dialdehyde crosslinked poly aspartate/alginate hydrogel beads were synthesized by covalently introducing poly aspartate into the alginate network via dialdehyde-mediated crosslinking, and the resulting effects on swelling and adsorption behavior were investigated. Alginate was partially oxidized to form dialdehyde alginate and crosslinked with poly aspartic acid via Schiff base formation, followed by ionic crosslinking with calcium ions. The chemical structure and morphology of the gel beads were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Incorporation of PAsp significantly altered the swelling behavior of alginate-based gel beads. In saline solution, PAsp-modified gel beads exhibited a swelling ratio of approximately 112 g/g, which was higher than that of calcium alginate gel beads. This behavior is suggested to be associated with changes in the alginate–calcium network structure induced by polymer modification. PAsp-modified gel beads exhibited moderate but distinct adsorption behavior depending on the adsorbate. Removal efficiencies of approximately 40–50% were observed for copper and cobalt ions, while a removal efficiency of around 50% was obtained for the cationic dye crystal violet. In contrast, adsorption of the anionic dye Congo red decreased with increasing PAsp content, indicating charge-dependent adsorption behavior. Overall, this study demonstrates that PAsp modification via dialdehyde-mediated crosslinking influences both the swelling and adsorption properties of alginate-based hydrogel beads. The results provide fundamental insight into how network modification can be used to tune the behavior of alginate-based hydrogels in aqueous environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 2030 KB  
Article
Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Mats Produced by Solution Blow Spinning: Influence of Process Parameters on Fiber Diameter and Residual Solvent Content
by Natalia Menshutina, Danil Kunaev, Andrey Abramov and Alekseev Aleksandr
Polymers 2026, 18(1), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym18010100 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 639
Abstract
This study reports on the fabrication of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats by solution blow spinning. A fabrication protocol is presented together with a comprehensive investigation of how key process parameters (polymer solution concentration, air pressure, and solution flow rate) affect the residual solvent [...] Read more.
This study reports on the fabrication of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber mats by solution blow spinning. A fabrication protocol is presented together with a comprehensive investigation of how key process parameters (polymer solution concentration, air pressure, and solution flow rate) affect the residual solvent content and the diameter of the resulting nanofibers. The following dependencies were identified: increasing solution concentration leads to larger fiber diameters, whereas increasing air pressure and decreasing solution flow rate both result in smaller diameters. The residual solvent content exhibits a non-linear dependence on the process parameters with an expressed minimum. The number-average diameter of the nanofibers ranges from 428 to 221 nm. Regression analysis confirmed the statistical significance of the effects of the studied factors on fiber diameter, and the fact that the calculated value of the Fisher criterion is lower than the critical tabulated value indicates that the proposed model is adequate. The determination coefficient of 0.85 demonstrates a high degree of consistency between the model and the experimental data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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18 pages, 7281 KB  
Article
Functional Characteristics of Conductive Polymer Composites with Built-In Carbon Nanotubes and Metallic Particles
by Alexandr V. Shchegolkov, Aleksei V. Shchegolkov, Ivan D. Parfimovich, Fadey F. Komarov, Lev S. Novikov and Vladimir N. Chernik
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 429; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080429 - 8 Aug 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2270
Abstract
A series of studies was conducted on the functional and structural characteristics of polymer composite materials (PCMs) based on silicone polymers modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and metallic particles (CuAl or Al). The influence of the structural parameters of carbon and metallic [...] Read more.
A series of studies was conducted on the functional and structural characteristics of polymer composite materials (PCMs) based on silicone polymers modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and metallic particles (CuAl or Al). The influence of the structural parameters of carbon and metallic inclusions in the polymer matrix on the electrophysical and thermophysical properties of the composites was demonstrated. Various conduction mechanisms dominating in the inverse temperature ranges of 50 K–1–13 K–1, 13 K–1–6 K–1, and 6 K–1–2 K–1 were identified. The operational modes of the polymer composites as active materials for thermoregulating coatings were established. The highest temperature of 32.9 °C in operating mode and the shortest warm-up time of 180 s were observed in the composite modified with 4 wt.% CNTs and 10 wt.% bronze particles at a supply voltage of 10 V. The characteristics of the composites under atomic oxygen (AO) exposure with a fluence of 3 × 1021 atoms/cm2 was evaluated, confirming their functionality, particularly for potential space applications. The composites demonstrated nearly complete retention of their functional characteristics. The aim of this study was to develop electrically conductive functional composites based on silicone polymers containing MWCNTs and metallic particles inclusions for creating electric heating elements with tailored functional characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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17 pages, 1128 KB  
Systematic Review
Biopolymers for Liver Tissue Engineering: A Systematic Review
by John Ong, Jacky Junzhe Zhao, Carla Swift and Athina E. Markaki
Gels 2025, 11(7), 525; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11070525 - 7 Jul 2025
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2447
Abstract
Stem cell-derived liver cells, organoids, and lab-grown liver tissue are promising regenerative therapies for liver disease. However, current culture conditions are sub-optimal, producing end-target cells and tissue phenotypes that are immature or unstable when compared to primary liver cells and tissue. Biopolymers used [...] Read more.
Stem cell-derived liver cells, organoids, and lab-grown liver tissue are promising regenerative therapies for liver disease. However, current culture conditions are sub-optimal, producing end-target cells and tissue phenotypes that are immature or unstable when compared to primary liver cells and tissue. Biopolymers used in culture substrates and scaffolds for tissue engineering significantly impact the quality of the end-target cells and tissue, influencing the efficacy of regenerative treatments. In addition, the biochemical properties of some biopolymers may preclude the translation of downstream bioengineered products into clinical practice. Therefore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the recent advances in biopolymers within liver tissue engineering, providing an overview of the current usage in the field and highlighting novel substrates that have strong potential to be translated into clinical therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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13 pages, 1480 KB  
Article
Development of Chitosan-Based Composite Films Incorporating Anchovy Byproduct Hydrolysates
by Bilge Bilgin Fıçıcılar and Koray Korkmaz
Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1754; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131754 - 25 Jun 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 972
Abstract
This study developed edible composite films incorporating the anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) byproduct protein hydrolysate (ABPH) into a chitosan matrix and evaluated their physicochemical, structural, and functional properties for food packaging applications. ABPH, produced by Flavourzyme enzymatic hydrolysis, exhibited high hydrolysis (54–57%) [...] Read more.
This study developed edible composite films incorporating the anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) byproduct protein hydrolysate (ABPH) into a chitosan matrix and evaluated their physicochemical, structural, and functional properties for food packaging applications. ABPH, produced by Flavourzyme enzymatic hydrolysis, exhibited high hydrolysis (54–57%) and high protein content (80.7 ± 0.94%). Films were produced using 1%, 2%, and 3% ABPH (CH-FP1, CH-FP2, and CH-FP3) by the casting method. Characterization of the films revealed that a higher ABPH concentration increased water swelling, solubility, and opacity, while tensile strength decreased and elongation at break improved, indicating greater flexibility. FTIR analysis showed that ABPH was incorporated through enlarged amide I and II bands and broader -OH/NH regions, suggesting hydrogen bonding and protein–polysaccharide interactions. SEM images demonstrated good dispersion at low concentrations and more uniform surfaces at higher ABPH levels. This suggests that chitosan–ABPH composite films can serve as biodegradable, protein-enriched packaging materials with adjustable mechanical and barrier properties to valorize fishery waste and sustainable food packaging solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications)
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