Polymer and Biopolymer Nanocomposites for Emerging Medical, Industrial, and Environmental Applications

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

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Gels gels	5.3	7.6	2015	12.5 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.9	9.7	2009	14 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.3	9.2	2010	15.4 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Pharmaceutics pharmaceutics	5.5	10.0	2009	14.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit
Environments environments	3.7	5.7	2014	19.2 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Journal of Composites Science jcs	3.7	5.8	2017	16.2 Days	CHF 1800	Submit

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Gels Polymers Nanomaterials Pharmaceutics Environments J. Compos. Sci.

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18 pages, 7399 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

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

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 KiB  

Open AccessSystematic 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

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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 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

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

Viewed by 366

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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