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Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II

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A special issue of Biomolecules (ISSN 2218-273X). This special issue belongs to the section "Biological and Bio- Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2023) | Viewed by 40101

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Prof. Dr. Deng-Guang Yu

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Guest Editor

School of Materials & Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
Interests: biomolecules; electrospinning; electrospraying; biomaterials; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Wenliang Song

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Interests: electrospinning; nanoporous polymers; molecular self-assembly; drug delivery; antibacterial
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Following a very successful first run, we are pleased to announce the launch of a second edition of a Special Issue on Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications.

In recent decades, the number of active biomolecules (such as herbal medicines, DNA, RNA, vitamins, hormones, and neurotransmitters) has progressively increased. However, few of them are directly applied for biomedical purposes. In commonly used methods, they are converted into composites and hybrids as the guest ingredients for suitable biomedical applications (such as scaffolds, wound dressing, and drug delivery systems).

Furthermore, the number of inert biomolecules (such as inert proteins, cellulose, chitosan, lignin, lipids, and carbohydrates) is also increasing. Many of these inert biomolecules are frequently used as host matrices to produce biomolecule-based composites, hybrids, and nanostructures for biomedical applications. The encapsulated active ingredients include both active biomolecules and active ingredients synthesized by chemical methods.

For the high-performance application of novel biomolecule-based products, a wide variety of nanotechnologies (such as molecular self-assembly, electrospinning, and electrospraying) have been explored. These products often have the inner structures, suitable shapes, and reasonable organization of a desired biomedical application.

The objective of this Special Issue is to publish research works, reviews, and communications related to the biomedical applications of biomolecules as guest active ingredients or host inert matrices in composites, hybrids, or nanostructures, and the related preparation methods.

Prof. Dr. Deng-Guang Yu
Dr. Wenliang Song
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomolecules is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

biomolecules
nanotechnology
nanocomposites
hybrids
nanostructures
Janus
core–shell
structure–performance relationship
drug delivery
tissue engineering

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 571 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Electrospun Biomolecule-Based Drug Delivery Systems

by Deng-Guang Yu and Chang Huang

Biomolecules 2023, 13(7), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13071152 - 20 Jul 2023

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 1592

Abstract

Drug delivery, mainly a professional term in pharmaceutics, is a field of interdisciplinary intersection and integration [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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Research

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18 pages, 8946 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of AFB₁ Removal Efficiency via Adsorption/Photocatalysis Synergy Using Surface-Modified Electrospun PCL-g-C₃N₄/CQDs Membranes

by Liangtao Yao, Changpo Sun, Hui Lin, Guisheng Li, Zichao Lian, Ruixin Song, Songlin Zhuang and Dawei Zhang

Biomolecules 2023, 13(3), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13030550 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2024

Abstract

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a highly toxic mycotoxin produced by aspergillus species under specific conditions as secondary metabolites. In this study, types of PCL (Polycaprolactone) membranes anchored (or not) to g-C₃N₄/CQDs composites were prepared using electrospinning technology with (or without) the following surface modification treatment to remove AFB₁. These membranes and g-C₃N₄/CQDs composites were characterized by SEM, TEM, UV-vis, XRD, XPS and FTIR to analyze their physical and chemical properties. Among them, the modified PCL-g-C₃N₄/CQDs electrospun membranes exhibited an excellent ability to degrade AFB₁ via synergistic effects of adsorption and photocatalysis, and the degradation rate of 0.5 μg/mL AFB₁ solution was observed to be up to 96.88% in 30 min under visible light irradiation. Moreover, the modified PCL-g-C₃N₄/CQDs electrospun membranes could be removed directly after the reaction process without centrifugal or magnetic separation, and the regeneration was a green approach synchronized with the reaction under visible light avoiding physical or chemical treatment. The mechanism of adsorption by electrostatic attraction and hydrogen bonding interaction was revealed and the mechanism of photodegradation of AFB₁ was also proposed based on active species trapping experiments. This study illuminated the highly synergic adsorption and photocatalytic AFB₁ removal efficiency without side effects from the modified PCL-g-C₃N₄/CQDs electrospun membranes, thereby offering a continual and green solution to AFB₁ removal in practical application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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14 pages, 4765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifunctional Modified Tumor Cell Membranes-Coated Adjuvant PTX against Melanoma

by Zhonghua Ji, Bingying Lin, Enshuang Guan, Mingsen Zhou, Hui Wang and Ying Hu

Biomolecules 2023, 13(1), 179; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13010179 - 14 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1677

Abstract

Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. Anti-tumor immunotherapy has made great progress in increasing the overall survival of patients. However, many physiological barriers cause low bioavailability of drugs. Cell membranes are becoming increasingly prevalent for assisting drug delivery because of the significant benefits of avoiding host cell barriers. Herein, B16F10 cell membranes (BFMs) were prepared in this study. BFMs could not only act as antigens but also serve as vesicles for vaccines. To trigger potent immunity, BFMs must be taken up by dendritic cells (DCs) and combined with adjuvants to make BFMs overcome the immune tolerance. To avoid circulating BFMs into tumors and quickly internalized by DCs after subcutaneously injection, the antigen-cell penetrating fusion peptide WT(YGRKKRRQRSRRYVDFFVWL) was used to modify BFMs. Additionally, a low dosage of paclitaxel (PTX) can activate DCs via toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4). Therefore, we developed PTX-loaded micelles using Pluronic^® F127. Then, WT-modified BFMs (WT-BFMs) were coated F127-PTX to yield WT-BFMs/ F127-PTX. Optimized WT-BFMs/F127-PTX promoted the cellular uptake and showed remarkable efficacy in eliciting robust antigen-specific cellular and humoral immune responses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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15 pages, 3307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mucus-Penetrating Silk Fibroin-Based Nanotherapeutics for Efficient Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

by Dengchao Xie, Xin Zhou, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan and Zhenhua Zhu

Biomolecules 2022, 12(9), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12091263 - 08 Sep 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2083

Abstract

Oral nanoparticles have been considered a prospective drug delivery carrier against ulcerative colitis (UC). To enhance the mucus-penetrating capacity and aqueous solubility, and strengthen the anti-inflammatory effect of resveratrol (RSV), we fabricated RSV-loaded silk fibroin-based nanoparticles with the functionalization of Pluronic F127 (PF-127). The obtained PF-127-functionalized RSV-loaded NPs had an average particle size around 170 nm, a narrow size distribution (polydispersity index < 0.2), and negative zeta potential (−20.5 mV). Our results indicated that the introduction of PF-127 strengthened the mucus-penetrating property of NPs. In vitro studies suggested that NPs with PF-127 enhanced the suppression of the secretion of proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from RAW 264.7 macrophages under lipopolysaccharide stimulation in comparison with other counterparts. According to the evaluation of macro symptoms and main inflammatory cytokines, we further report preferable therapeutic outcomes achieved by PF-127 functionalized-NP-treated dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) groups in the colitis model compared with blank silk fibroin NPs and RSV-loaded NPs without the functionalization of PF-127. Taken together, this work suggests that the fabricated PF-127 NPs via the oral route are promising and useful RSV-loaded nanocarriers for UC treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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19 pages, 5704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospun Zein/Polyoxyethylene Core-Sheath Ultrathin Fibers and Their Antibacterial Food Packaging Applications

by Wenlai Jiang, Ping Zhao, Wenliang Song, Menglong Wang and Deng-Guang Yu

Biomolecules 2022, 12(8), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12081110 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 2973

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to develop a novel ultrathin fibrous membrane with a core-sheath structure as antibacterial food packaging film. Coaxial electrospinning was exploited to create the core-sheath structure, by which the delivery regulation of the active substance was achieved. Resveratrol (RE) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were loaded into electrospun zein/polyethylene oxide ultrathin fibers to ensure a synergistic antibacterial performance. Under the assessments of a scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope, the ultrathin fiber was demonstrated to have a fine linear morphology, smooth surface and obvious core-sheath structure. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared analyses showed that RE and AgNPs coexisted in the ultrathin fibers and had good compatibility with the polymeric matrices. The water contact angle experiments were conducted to evaluate the hydrophilicity and hygroscopicity of the fibers. In vitro dissolution tests revealed that RE was released in a sustained manner. In the antibacterial experiments against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, the diameters of the inhibition zone of the fiber were 8.89 ± 0.09 mm and 7.26 ± 0.10 mm, respectively. Finally, cherry tomatoes were selected as the packaging object and packed with fiber films. In a practical application, the fiber films effectively reduced the bacteria and decreased the quality loss of cherry tomatoes, thereby prolonging the fresh-keeping period of cherry tomatoes to 12 days. Following the protocols reported here, many new food packaging films can be similarly developed in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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14 pages, 1304 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of Biocompatible Chitosan/Polyaniline/Laponite Hydrogel with Photothermal Conversion Capability

by Liying Zhang, Gao He, Yang Yu, Yu Zhang, Xiang Li and Shige Wang

Biomolecules 2022, 12(8), 1089; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12081089 - 07 Aug 2022

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 3256

Abstract

In recent years, multifunctional hydrogels have received a great deal of attention because they are biocompatible and can mimic the extracellular matrix. Herein, we prepared hydrogels of biocompatible cross-linked networks with photothermal properties. In this study, a chitosan/polyaniline/laponite (COL) hydrogel with photothermal conversion capability was designed. Polyaniline was firstly grafted onto chitosan and its solution was mixed with oxidized dextran, which was then cross-linked into a hydrogel via a Schiff base reaction. Furthermore, an aluminosilicate clay material, laponite (LAP), was incorporated into the hydrogel. The swelling ratio of the COL hydrogel in various solutions was greater than 580%, and it showed good degradation ability (the mass–loss ratio was over 45% after 28 days). This composite hydrogel was demonstrated to have good photothermal conversion properties and biocompatibility at both the cell (cell viability was over 97%) and animal levels. The COL hydrogel showed a photothermal conversion efficiency of 23.7% under the irradiation of a near-infrared laser. Coupled with the osteogenic differentiation-inducing potential of LAP, the COL hydrogel has the potential to kill tumors via hyperthermia or serve as scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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17 pages, 2635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospun Core–Sheath Nanofibers with Variable Shell Thickness for Modifying Curcumin Release to Achieve a Better Antibacterial Performance

by Yubo Liu, Xiaohong Chen, Yuhang Gao, Yuyang Liu, Dengguang Yu and Ping Liu

Biomolecules 2022, 12(8), 1057; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12081057 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 2260

Abstract

The inefficient use of water-insoluble drugs is a major challenge in drug delivery systems. Core–sheath fibers with various shell thicknesses based on cellulose acetate (CA) were prepared by the modified triaxial electrospinning for the controlled and sustained release of the water-insoluble Chinese herbal active ingredient curcumin. The superficial morphology and internal structure of core–sheath fibers were optimized by increasing the flow rate of the middle working fluid. Although the prepared fibers were hydrophobic initially, the core–sheath structure endowed fibers with better water retention property than monolithic fibers. Core–sheath fibers had flatter sustained-release profiles than monolithic fibers, especially for thick shell layers, which had almost zero-order release for almost 60 h. The shell thickness and sustained release of drugs brought about a good antibacterial effect to materials. The control of flow rate during fiber preparation is directly related to the shell thickness of core–sheath fibers, and the shell thickness directly affects the controlled release of drugs. The fiber preparation strategy for the precise control of core–sheath structure in this work has remarkable potential for modifying water-insoluble drug release and improving its antibacterial performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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Review

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50 pages, 9358 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress of Electrospun Herbal Medicine Nanofibers

by Hang Liu, Yubin Bai, Chang Huang, Ying Wang, Yuexin Ji, Yutong Du, Lin Xu, Deng-Guang Yu and Sim Wan Annie Bligh

Biomolecules 2023, 13(1), 184; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom13010184 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5242

Abstract

Herbal medicine has a long history of medical efficacy with low toxicity, side effects and good biocompatibility. However, the bioavailability of the extract of raw herbs and bioactive compounds is poor because of their low water solubility. In order to overcome the solubility issues, electrospinning technology can offer a delivery alternative to resolve them. The electrospun fibers have the advantages of high specific surface area, high porosity, excellent mechanical strength and flexible structures. At the same time, various natural and synthetic polymer-bound fibers can mimic extracellular matrix applications in different medical fields. In this paper, the development of electrospinning technology and polymers used for incorporating herbal medicine into electrospun nanofibers are reviewed. Finally, the recent progress of the applications of these herbal medicine nanofibers in biomedical (drug delivery, wound dressing, tissue engineering) and food fields along with their future prospects is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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17 pages, 1439 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Silk Fibroin Biomaterials and Their Beneficial Role in Skin Wound Healing

by Łukasz Mazurek, Mateusz Szudzik, Mateusz Rybka and Marek Konop

Biomolecules 2022, 12(12), 1852; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12121852 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 3892

Abstract

The skin, acting as the outer protection of the human body, is most vulnerable to injury. Wound healing can often be impaired, leading to chronic, hard-to-heal wounds. For this reason, searching for the most effective dressings that can significantly enhance the wound healing process is necessary. In this regard, silk fibroin, a protein derived from silk fibres that has excellent properties, is noteworthy. Silk fibroin is highly biocompatible and biodegradable. It can easily make various dressings, which can be loaded with additional substances to improve healing. Dressings based on silk fibroin have anti-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic properties and significantly accelerate skin wound healing, even compared to commercially available wound dressings. Animal studies confirm the beneficial influence of silk fibroin in wound healing. Clinical research focusing on fibroin dressings is also promising. These properties make silk fibroin a remarkable natural material for creating innovative, simple, and effective dressings for skin wound healing. In this review, we summarise the application of silk fibroin biomaterials as wound dressings in full-thickness, burn, and diabetic wounds in preclinical and clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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27 pages, 7661 KiB

Open AccessReview

Advances in the Preparation of Nanofiber Dressings by Electrospinning for Promoting Diabetic Wound Healing

by Yukang Liu, Chaofei Li, Zhangbin Feng, Biao Han, Deng-Guang Yu and Ke Wang

Biomolecules 2022, 12(12), 1727; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12121727 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4337

Abstract

Chronic diabetic wounds are one of the main complications of diabetes, manifested by persistent inflammation, decreased epithelialization motility, and impaired wound healing. This will not only lead to the repeated hospitalization of patients, but also bear expensive hospitalization costs. In severe cases, it can lead to amputation, sepsis or death. Electrospun nanofibers membranes have the characteristics of high porosity, high specific surface area, and easy functionalization of structure, so they can be used as a safe and effective platform in the treatment of diabetic wounds and have great application potential. This article briefly reviewed the pathogenesis of chronic diabetic wounds and the types of dressings commonly used, and then reviewed the development of electrospinning technology in recent years and the advantages of electrospun nanofibers in the treatment of diabetic wounds. Finally, the reports of different types of nanofiber dressings on diabetic wounds are summarized, and the method of using multi-drug combination therapy in diabetic wounds is emphasized, which provides new ideas for the effective treatment of diabetic wounds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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20 pages, 4773 KiB

Open AccessReview

Development of Biodegradable Polymeric Stents for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases

by Yihong Shen, Xiao Yu, Jie Cui, Fan Yu, Mingyue Liu, Yujie Chen, Jinglei Wu, Binbin Sun and Xiumei Mo

Biomolecules 2022, 12(9), 1245; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12091245 - 06 Sep 2022

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4719

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death. A vascular stent is an effective means for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, biodegradable polymeric vascular stents have been widely investigated by researchers because of its degradability and clinical application potential for cardiovascular disease treatment. Compared to non-biodegradable stents, these stents are designed to degrade after vascular healing, leaving regenerated healthy arteries. This article reviews and summarizes the recent advanced methods for fabricating biodegradable polymeric stents, including injection molding, weaving, 3D printing, and laser cutting. Besides, the functional modification of biodegradable polymeric stents is also introduced, including visualization, anti-thrombus, endothelialization, and anti-inflammation. In the end, the challenges and future perspectives of biodegradable polymeric stents were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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27 pages, 6159 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review on Electrospun Poly(amino acid) Nanofibers and Their Applications of Hemostasis and Wound Healing

by Yuexin Ji, Wenliang Song, Lin Xu, Deng-Guang Yu and Sim Wan Annie Bligh

Biomolecules 2022, 12(6), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12060794 - 07 Jun 2022

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 4366

Abstract

The timely and effective control and repair of wound bleeding is a key research issue all over the world. From traditional compression hemostasis to a variety of new hemostatic methods, people have a more comprehensive understanding of the hemostatic mechanism and the structure and function of different types of wound dressings. Electrospun nanofibers stand out with nano size, high specific surface area, higher porosity, and a variety of complex structures. They are high-quality materials that can effectively promote wound hemostasis and wound healing because they can imitate the structural characteristics of the skin extracellular matrix (ECM) and support cell adhesion and angiogenesis. At the same time, combined with amino acid polymers with good biocompatibility not only has high compatibility with the human body but can also be combined with a variety of drugs to further improve the effect of wound hemostatic dressing. This paper summarizes the application of different amino acid electrospun wound dressings, analyzes the characteristics of different materials in preparation and application, and looks forward to the development of directions of poly(amino acid) electrospun dressings in hemostasis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications II)

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