Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sustainable development is a way of management which not only encourages economic growth but also promotes efficient sustainable practices and solutions needed for the protection of the environment and natural resources for future generations. Development of advanced polymer materials needs evaluation and understanding of the relationships between their structure, properties, and behavior before, during, and after practical applications. The precise design of such materials is needed to avoid potential failures of the commercial products manufactured from them and to avoid potential environmental consequences. Problems with plastics are growing, causing not only the shrinkage of non-renewable resources from fossil fuels but also environmental pollution. Unfortunately, we are at just the beginning of addressing the issues caused by the development of classical plastics, and research is now focused on viable alternatives. Healthcare application requires advanced biomaterials to meet specific criteria, including the ability to perform with an appropriate host response. Moreover, each end application has its own set of material requirements. This Topic welcomes papers that address the interdisciplinary approach aimed at the development of advanced polymer materials for environmental and medical needs.

Prof. Dr. Grazyna Adamus
Prof. Dr. Maria Letizia Focarete
Prof. Dr. Marek M. Kowalczuk
Prof. Dr. Iza Radecka
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomolecules biomolecules	4.8	9.4	2011	18.4 Days	CHF 2700
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	13.9 Days	CHF 2600
Molecules molecules	4.2	7.4	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.4	8.5	2010	14.1 Days	CHF 2400
Polymers polymers	4.7	8.0	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2700

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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20 pages, 5119 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Alternative Pre-Treatment Methods to Promote Essential Oil Fixation into Cotton and Polyethylene Terephthalate Fiber: A Comparative Study

by Hanane Tansaoui, Nabil Bouazizi, Nemeshwaree Behary, Christine Campagne, Ahmida El-Achari and Julien Vieillard

Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1362; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061362 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2047

Abstract

This study aims to develop a new refreshing feeling, ecological, and antimicrobial fabrics for medicinal applications. The geranium essential oils (GEO) are incorporated into polyester and cotton fabrics by different methods, such as ultrasound, diffusion, and padding. The effect of solvent, nature of [...] Read more.

This study aims to develop a new refreshing feeling, ecological, and antimicrobial fabrics for medicinal applications. The geranium essential oils (GEO) are incorporated into polyester and cotton fabrics by different methods, such as ultrasound, diffusion, and padding. The effect of solvent, nature of fibers, and treatment processes were evaluated via the thermal properties, the color strength, the odor intensity, the wash fastness, and the antibacterial activities of the fabrics. It was found that the ultrasound method was the most efficient process for incorporation of GEO. Ultrasound produced a great effect on the color strength of the treated fabrics, suggesting the absorption of geranium oil in fiber surface. The color strength (K/S) increased from 0.22 for the original fabric to 0.91 for the modified counterpart. In addition, the treated fibers showed appreciable antibacterial capacity against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria strains. Moreover, the ultrasound process can effectively guarantee the stability of geranium oil in fabrics without decreasing the significant odor intensity and antibacterial character. Based on the interesting properties like ecofriendliness, reusability, antibacterial, and a refreshing feeling, it was suggested that textile impregnated with geranium essential oil might be used as a potential material in cosmetic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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16 pages, 5106 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Efficient Optosensing of Hippuric Acid in the Undiluted Human Urine with Hydrophilic “Turn-On”-Type Fluorescent Hollow Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Microparticles

by Wanlan Zhang, Qun Li and Huiqi Zhang

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031077 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2023

Abstract

The development of complex biological sample-compatible fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with improved performances is highly important for their real-world bioanalytical and biomedical applications. Herein, we report on the first hydrophilic “turn-on”-type fluorescent hollow MIP microparticles capable of directly, highly selectively, and rapidly [...] Read more.

The development of complex biological sample-compatible fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with improved performances is highly important for their real-world bioanalytical and biomedical applications. Herein, we report on the first hydrophilic “turn-on”-type fluorescent hollow MIP microparticles capable of directly, highly selectively, and rapidly optosensing hippuric acid (HA) in the undiluted human urine samples. These fluorescent hollow MIP microparticles were readily obtained through first the synthesis of core-shell-corona-structured nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD)-labeled hydrophilic fluorescent MIP microspheres by performing one-pot surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization on the preformed “living” silica particles and subsequent removal of their silica core via hydrofluoric acid etching. They showed “turn-on” fluorescence and high optosensing selectivity and sensitivity toward HA in the artificial urine (the limit of detection = 0.097 μM) as well as outstanding photostability and reusability. Particularly, they exhibited much more stable aqueous dispersion ability, significantly faster optosensing kinetics, and higher optosensing sensitivity than their solid counterparts. They were also directly used for quantifying HA in the undiluted human urine with good recoveries (96.0%–102.0%) and high accuracy (RSD ≤ 4.0%), even in the presence of several analogues of HA. Such fluorescent hollow MIP microparticles hold much promise for rapid and accurate HA detection in the clinical diagnostic field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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20 pages, 4755 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Strategy for Algae Biomass Waste Management via Development of Novel Bio-Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomers Composites

by Ewa Głowińska, Olga Gotkiewicz and Paulina Kosmela

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010436 - 3 Jan 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3155

Abstract

This work concerns the waste management method of algae biomass wastes (ABW). For this purpose, we prepared bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (bio-TPU) composites. Algae biomass wastes are derived from algal oil extraction of Chlorella vulgaris and from biomass of Enteromorpha and Zostera marina [...] Read more.

This work concerns the waste management method of algae biomass wastes (ABW). For this purpose, we prepared bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (bio-TPU) composites. Algae biomass wastes are derived from algal oil extraction of Chlorella vulgaris and from biomass of Enteromorpha and Zostera marina. ABWs were used in the bio-TPUs composites as a filler in the quantity of 1, 5, 10, and 15 wt.%. The bio-based composites were prepared via the in situ method. Polymer matrix was synthesized from a bio-based polyester polyol, diisocyanate mixture (composed of partially bio-based and synthetic diisocyanates), and bio-based 1,3 propanediol. In this study, the chemical structure, morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of prepared composites were investigated. Based on the conducted research, it was determined that the type and the content of algae waste influence the properties of the bio-based polyurethane matrix. In general, the addition of algae biomass wastes led to obtain materials characterized by good mechanical properties and noticeable positive ecological impact by increasing the total amount of green components in prepared bio-TPU-based composites from 68.7% to 73.54%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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16 pages, 11882 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Stepping Further from Coupling Tools: Development of Functional Polymers via the Biginelli Reaction

by Zeyu Ma, Bo Wang and Lei Tao

Molecules 2022, 27(22), 7886; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27227886 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2643

Abstract

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been used to prepare polymers with appealing functions. The Biginelli reaction, one of the oldest and most famous MCRs, has sparked new scientific discoveries in polymer chemistry since 2013. Recent years have seen the Biginelli reaction stepping further from [...] Read more.

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have been used to prepare polymers with appealing functions. The Biginelli reaction, one of the oldest and most famous MCRs, has sparked new scientific discoveries in polymer chemistry since 2013. Recent years have seen the Biginelli reaction stepping further from simple coupling tools; for example, the functions of the Biginelli product 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-(thi)ones (DHPM(T)) have been gradually exploited to develop new functional polymers. In this mini-review, we mainly summarize the recent progress of using the Biginelli reaction to identify polymers for biomedical applications. These polymers have been documented as antioxidants, anticancer agents, and bio-imaging probes. Moreover, we also provide a brief introduction to some emerging applications of the Biginelli reaction in materials and polymer science. Finally, we present our perspectives for the further development of the Biginelli reaction in polymer chemistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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7 pages, 865 KiB  

Open AccessCommunication

Exploring the Rheological and Structural Characteristics of Novel Pectin-Salecan Gels

by Zhiping Fan, Ping Cheng, Lixia Chu and Jun Han

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4619; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214619 - 31 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1882

Abstract

The hydrogels based on natural polysaccharide offers high hydrophilicity and excellent biocompatibility while exhibiting soft physical properties related to texture and tissues, making them ideal candidates for food and biomedical applications. Herein, a new gel system composed of pectin and salecan (PS) was [...] Read more.

The hydrogels based on natural polysaccharide offers high hydrophilicity and excellent biocompatibility while exhibiting soft physical properties related to texture and tissues, making them ideal candidates for food and biomedical applications. Herein, a new gel system composed of pectin and salecan (PS) was designed and prepared, and its structural and functional characteristics were further explored by scanning electron microscopy and rheological testing. Data fitting based on Herschel–Bulkley (HB) and Power-Law models enable in-depth comparisons and elucidations of the PS gels’ flow behavior. The cyclic strain time scanning test gave an interesting maximum strain recovery rate of about 70%; meanwhile, the creep data reported an adjustable creep compliance of 0.0146 to 0.1802. The comprehensive analysis of the structure and rheological exploration of the novel pectin-salecan hydrogels demonstrated their potential advantages over pectin and broader applicability in different food or biomedical fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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11 pages, 3505 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Fluorescein Derivative Immobilized Optical Hydrogels: Fabrication and Its Application for Detection of H₂O₂

by Zixiang Qu, Demeng Zhang, Chuane Wang, Sheng Tian, Yunlong Deng, Dawei Qin and Hongdong Duan

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3005; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153005 - 26 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1987

Abstract

A novel fluorescein-based probe FLA-Boe was developed for detecting H₂O₂. Modified by 2-Bromomethylphenylboronic acid pinacol ester, FLA-Boe is a Fluorescein derivative with eminent photostability and remarkable H₂O₂ sensitivity and selectivity. FLA-Boe was utilized to synthesize hydrogel [...] Read more.

A novel fluorescein-based probe FLA-Boe was developed for detecting H₂O₂. Modified by 2-Bromomethylphenylboronic acid pinacol ester, FLA-Boe is a Fluorescein derivative with eminent photostability and remarkable H₂O₂ sensitivity and selectivity. FLA-Boe was utilized to synthesize hydrogel sensors in the manner of guest–host interaction by taking advantage of its aforementioned features. The hydrogel sensor can be used to detect H₂O₂ effectively in both flowing and static water environments with satisfactory performance. It is expected that this application may open a new page to develop a neoteric fluorescent property analysis method aiming at H₂O₂ detection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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16 pages, 2036 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Gum Acacia on the Intestinal Bioavailability of n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Rats

by Leslie Couëdelo, Cécile Joseph, Hélène Abrous, Ikram Chamekh-Coelho, Carole Vaysse, Aurore Baury and Damien Guillemet

Biomolecules 2022, 12(7), 975; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12070975 - 12 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2632

Abstract

Lipid emulsification is a technique that is being explored for improving the bioavailability of omega 3 (n-3) long chain (LC) fatty acid (FA). The nature of the emulsifiers can differently impact the lipid bioavailability via a modification of the lipolysis step. Among natural [...] Read more.

Lipid emulsification is a technique that is being explored for improving the bioavailability of omega 3 (n-3) long chain (LC) fatty acid (FA). The nature of the emulsifiers can differently impact the lipid bioavailability via a modification of the lipolysis step. Among natural emulsifiers, gum acacia (GA), an indigestible polysaccharide, provides protective encapsulation of n-3 by forming a specifically crown-like shape around lipid drops, which could also impact the digestion step. Despite the interest in lipolysis rate, the impact of GA on lipid bioavailability has never been explored in a complete physiological context. Thus, we followed in a kinetics study the n-3 bioavailability in rat lymph, orally administered DHA-rich oil, formulated based on GA compared to the bulk phase form of the oil. The AUC values were significantly improved by +121% for total TG and by 321% for n-3 PUFA, specifically for EPA (+244%) and for DHA (+345%). Benefits of GA have also been related to the transport of FA in lymph, which was 2 h earlier (Tmax = 4 h), compared to the Tmax (6 h) obtained with the bulk phase oil. All the data showed that GA is one of the most favorable candidates of natural emulsifiers to improve n-3 bioavailability and their rate of absorption for health targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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21 pages, 4095 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Structure-Morphology-Antimicrobial and Antiviral Activity Relationship in Silver-Containing Nanocomposites Based on Polylactide

by Valeriy Demchenko, Yevgen Mamunya, Serhii Kobylinskyi, Sergii Riabov, Krystyna Naumenko, Svitlana Zahorodnia, Olga Povnitsa, Nataliya Rybalchenko, Maksym Iurzhenko, Grazyna Adamus and Marek Kowalczuk

Molecules 2022, 27(12), 3769; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123769 - 11 Jun 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2821

Abstract

Green synthesis of silver-containing nanocomposites based on polylactide (PLA) was carried out in two ways. With the use of green tea extract, Ag⁺ ions were reduced to silver nanoparticles with their subsequent introduction into the PLA (mechanical method) and Ag⁺ ions [...] Read more.

Green synthesis of silver-containing nanocomposites based on polylactide (PLA) was carried out in two ways. With the use of green tea extract, Ag⁺ ions were reduced to silver nanoparticles with their subsequent introduction into the PLA (mechanical method) and Ag⁺ ions were reduced in the polymer matrix of PLA-AgPalmitate (PLA-AgPalm) (in situ method). Structure, morphology and thermophysical properties of nanocomposites PLA-Ag were studied by FTIR spectroscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. The antimicrobial, antiviral, and cytotoxic properties were studied as well. It was found that the mechanical method provides the average size of silver nanoparticles in the PLA of about 16 nm, while in the formation of samples by the in situ method their average size was 3.7 nm. The strong influence of smaller silver nanoparticles (3.7 nm) on the properties of nanocomposites was revealed, as with increasing nanosilver concentration the heat resistance and glass transition temperature of the samples decreases, while the influence of larger particles (16 nm) on these parameters was not detected. It was shown that silver-containing nanocomposites formed in situ demonstrate antimicrobial activity against gram-positive bacterium S. aureus, gram-negative bacteria E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and the fungal pathogen of C. albicans, and the activity of the samples increases with increasing nanoparticle concentration. Silver-containing nanocomposites formed by the mechanical method have not shown antimicrobial activity. The relative antiviral activity of nanocomposites obtained by two methods against influenza A virus, and adenovirus serotype 2 was also revealed. The obtained nanocomposites were not-cytotoxic, and they did not inhibit the viability of MDCK or Hep-2 cell cultures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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13 pages, 4094 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Conventional Performance and Microscopic Properties of PPA/SBS-Modified Bio-Mixed Asphalt

by Guiyong Liu, Wei Zhang, Xiaolong Yang and Zhikang Ning

Materials 2022, 15(12), 4101; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15124101 - 9 Jun 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2149

Abstract

To promote the construction of environmentally friendly, sustainable pavements and solve the impact of the scarcity of asphalt resources on highway development, bio-mixed asphalt (BMA) modified by SBS and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) was prepared, and the influence of the ratio of bio-asphalt (BA) [...] Read more.

To promote the construction of environmentally friendly, sustainable pavements and solve the impact of the scarcity of asphalt resources on highway development, bio-mixed asphalt (BMA) modified by SBS and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) was prepared, and the influence of the ratio of bio-asphalt (BA) replacing petroleum asphalt on different PPA/SBS blending schemes was explored through conventional property tests. According to each PPA/SBS blending scheme, the optimal replacement ratio of bio-asphalt was optimized, and the microstructure and distribution morphology of different PPA/SBS-modified BMA were evaluated. Conventional property test results show that with the same PPA/SBS content, the replacement ratio of bio-asphalt has a significant impact on the conventional performance of composite-modified asphalt, but the appropriate replacement ratio of bio-asphalt can improve the storage stability and conventional performance of composite-modified asphalt; in micromorphological analysis, it was found that the number of bee-like structures on the surface of the modified BMA decreased significantly, which indicated that the molecular heterogeneity of various components in the asphalt was reduced. In addition, bio-asphalt changed the particle morphology and improved the dispersity of SBS in asphalt. The composite-modified BMA had a lower SBS content, but its conventional performance was still excellent—so it has significant application prospects in road engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Polymer Materials for Sustainable Development and Health Care)

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