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Biopolymer Gel-Assisted Synthesis of Particles for Biomedical Applications

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A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2021) | Viewed by 25481

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

GTI Chemical Solutions, Inc., Wellford, SC 29385, USA
Interests: electrospinning for tissue engineering applications; biomineralization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Today, we know that biopolymer gels as cross-linked systems have been extensively used in various areas of biomedicine and pharmacotherapy. Depending on the chemical structure and polarity, biomacromolecular-based gels generally contain functional domains that can act as reactive sites for interaction with ions and generate functional hybrid particles. In biomedical research, these particles have been considered in different areas including bone and tissue engineering, surgical instruments and medical devices, neural engineering, cancer therapy, biomechanics, and medical imaging. Biopolymer gels, as model systems, are also able to change the shape and morphology of particles and tailor their biofunctionality. Drug-loaded biocompatible gels are also extensively explored for the synthesis of particles that can lead to cancer therapy and gradual drug release in different organs. Another interesting approach is implementing biopolymer-loaded hybrid nanoparticles in bioimaging and molecular diagnostics of diseases due to excellent optical properties.

The investigation of the role of biopolymer-based gels in the synthesis of inorganic particles and crystals is thus important for introducing cost-effective, simple, and convenient strategies in biomedical products. In this Special Issue, I welcome original research papers, as well as reviews, in the synthesis of biopolymer–inorganic hybrid particles. The goal is to gather contributions on various aspects related to the preparation, analyses, pharmaceutical uses, bioimaging, as well as potential toxicity to humans during their usage.

I hope that this Special Issue will provide the scientific community with a thorough overview of the current research on particle synthesis, characterization, and applications in the biomedical area.

Dr. Mazeyar Parvinzadeh Gashti
Guest Editor

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. Gels 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 2600 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

Biopolymer gels in synthesis of hierarchical and self-assembled structures
Biopolymer hybrid particles for cell encapsulation and biofabrication
Biopolymer hybrid particles for micropatterning and bio sensing in microfluidic devices
Injectable biopolymer hybrid particles in biomedical applications
Biopolymer hybrid particles for drug delivery
Biopolymer hybrid particles in cosmetic, hygiene, and personal care products

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 7339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation, Optimization and Evaluation of Chitosan-Based Avanafil Nanocomplex Utilizing Antioxidants for Enhanced Neuroprotective Effect on PC12 Cells

by Mallesh Kurakula, Raghavendra Naveen N., Bhaumik Patel, Ravi Manne and Devang B. Patel

Gels 2021, 7(3), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7030096 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 2977

Abstract

(1) Introduction: in recent decades, interdisciplinary research on the utilization of natural products as “active moiety carriers” was focused on due to their superior safety profile, biodegradability, biocompatibility and the ability for sustained or controlled release activity. The nano-based neuroprotective strategy is explored as an imperative treatment for diabetic neuropathy (DN). Avanafil (AV), that selectively inhibits the degradation of cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase, thereby increasing the levels of cGMP, makes a decisive mediator for cytoprotection. (2) Methods: AVnanocomplex formulations were prepared by a modified anti-solvent precipitation method and the method was optimized by Box–Behnken design. An optimized formulation was characterized and evaluated for various in vitro parameters; (3) results:based on the desirability approach, the formulation containing 2.176 g of chitosan, 7.984 g of zein and 90% v/v ethanol concentration can fulfill the prerequisites of optimum formulation (OB-AV-NC).OB-AV-NC was characterized and evaluated for various parameters. The neuroprotective mechanism of AV was evaluated by pretreatment of PC12 cells with plain AV, avanafil nanocomplex (NC) without antioxidants (AV-NC) and with antioxidants (α-Lipoic acid LP; Ellagic Acid EA), AV-LP-EA-Nanocomplex has also shown considerable attenuation in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation with a significant increase in the PC 12 viability under HG conditions in comparison to pure AV; (4) conclusion: the nanocomplex of AV prepared to utilize natural polymers and antioxidants aided for high solubility of AV and exhibited desired neuroprotective activity.This can be one of the promisingstrategy to translate the AV nanocomplex with safety and efficacy in treating DN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gel-Assisted Synthesis of Particles for Biomedical Applications)

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15 pages, 8207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Silver–Strontium (Ag-Sr)-Doped Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Nanoparticles

by Shaher Bano, Memoona Akhtar, Muhammad Yasir, Muhammad Salman Maqbool, Akbar Niaz, Abdul Wadood and Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman

Gels 2021, 7(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7020034 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4638

Abstract

Biomedical implants are the need of this era due to the increase in number of accidents and follow-up surgeries. Different types of bone diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteomalacia, bone cancer, etc., are increasing globally. Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs) are used in biomedical devices due to their osteointegration and bioactive properties. In this study, silver (Ag)- and strontium (Sr)-doped mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (Ag-Sr MBGNs) were prepared by a modified Stöber process. In this method, Ag⁺ and Sr²⁺ were co-substituted in pure MBGNs to harvest the antibacterial properties of Ag ions, as well as pro-osteogenic potential of Sr² ions. The effect of the two-ion concentration on morphology, surface charge, composition, antibacterial ability, and in-vitro bioactivity was studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the doping of Sr and Ag in MBGNs. SEM and EDX analysis confirmed the spherical morphology and typical composition of MBGNs, respectively. The Ag-Sr MBGNs showed a strong antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus carnosus and Escherichia coli bacteria determined via turbidity and disc diffusion method. Moreover, the synthesized Ag-Sr MBGNs develop apatite-like crystals upon immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF), which suggested that the addition of Sr improved in vitro bioactivity. The Ag-Sr MBGNs synthesized in this study can be used for the preparation of scaffolds or as a filler material in the composite coatings for bone tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gel-Assisted Synthesis of Particles for Biomedical Applications)

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Review

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30 pages, 2870 KiB

Open AccessReview

Development of Polymer-Assisted Nanoparticles and Nanogels for Cancer Therapy: An Update

by Bibi Noorheen Haleema Mooneerah Neerooa, Li-Ting Ooi, Kamyar Shameli, Nuraina Anisa Dahlan, Jahid M. M. Islam, Janarthanan Pushpamalar and Sin-Yeang Teow

Gels 2021, 7(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7020060 - 17 May 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4555

Abstract

With cancer remaining as one of the main causes of deaths worldwide, many studies are undergoing the effort to look for a novel and potent anticancer drug. Nanoparticles (NPs) are one of the rising fields in research for anticancer drug development. One of the key advantages of using NPs for cancer therapy is its high flexibility for modification, hence additional properties can be added to the NPs in order to improve its anticancer action. Polymer has attracted considerable attention to be used as a material to enhance the bioactivity of the NPs. Nanogels, which are NPs cross-linked with hydrophilic polymer network have also exhibited benefits in anticancer application. The characteristics of these nanomaterials include non-toxic, environment-friendly, and variable physiochemical properties. Some other unique properties of polymers are also attributed by diverse methods of polymer synthesis. This then contributes to the unique properties of the nanodrugs. This review article provides an in-depth update on the development of polymer-assisted NPs and nanogels for cancer therapy. Topics such as the synthesis, usage, and properties of the nanomaterials are discussed along with their mechanisms and functions in anticancer application. The advantages and limitations are also discussed in this article. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gel-Assisted Synthesis of Particles for Biomedical Applications)

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13 pages, 2331 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanoclay/Polymer-Based Hydrogels and Enzyme-Loaded Nanostructures for Wound Healing Applications

by Angel M. Villalba-Rodríguez, Sara Martínez-González, Juan Eduardo Sosa-Hernández, Roberto Parra-Saldívar, Muhammad Bilal and Hafiz M. N. Iqbal

Gels 2021, 7(2), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7020059 - 14 May 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4614

Abstract

Multi-polymeric nanocomposite hydrogels with multi-functional characteristics have been engineered with high interest around the globe. The ease in fine tunability with maintained compliance makes an array of nanocomposite biomaterials outstanding candidates for the biomedical sector of the modern world. In this context, the present work intends to tackle the necessity of alternatives for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers through the formulation of nanoclay and/or polymer-based nanocomposite hydrogels. Laponite RD, a synthetic 2-D nanoclay that becomes inert when in a physiological environment, while mixed with water, becomes a clear gel with interesting shear-thinning properties. Adding Laponite RD to chitosan or gelatin allows for the modification of the mechanical properties of such materials. The setup explored in this research allows for a promising polymeric matrix that can potentially be loaded with active compounds for antibacterial support in foot ulcers, as well as enzymes for wound debridement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gel-Assisted Synthesis of Particles for Biomedical Applications)

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28 pages, 4141 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances of Taxol-Loaded Biocompatible Nanocarriers Embedded in Natural Polymer-Based Hydrogels

by Silvia Voci, Agnese Gagliardi, Roberto Molinaro, Massimo Fresta and Donato Cosco

Gels 2021, 7(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7020033 - 24 Mar 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3751

Abstract

The discovery of paclitaxel (PTX) has been a milestone in anti-cancer therapy and has promoted the development and marketing of various formulations that have revolutionized the therapeutic approach towards several malignancies. Despite its peculiar anti-cancer activity, the physico-chemical properties of PTX compromise the administration of the compound in polar media. Because of this, since the development of the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved formulation (Taxol^®), consistent efforts have been made to obtain suitable delivery systems able to preserve/increase PTX efficacy and to overcome the side effects correlated to the presence of some excipients. The exploitation of natural polymers as potential materials for drug delivery purposes has favored the modulation of the bioavailability and the pharmacokinetic profiles of the drug, and in this regard, several formulations have been developed that allow the controlled release of the active compound. In this mini-review, the recent advances concerning the design and applications of natural polymer-based hydrogels containing PTX-loaded biocompatible nanocarriers are discussed. The technological features of these formulations as well as the therapeutic outcome achieved following their administration will be described, demonstrating their potential role as innovative systems to be used in anti-tumor therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gel-Assisted Synthesis of Particles for Biomedical Applications)

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15 pages, 3293 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biopolymers Hybrid Particles Used in Dentistry

by I-Hao Chen, Tzer-Min Lee and Chih-Ling Huang

Gels 2021, 7(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels7010031 - 22 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3413

Abstract

This literature review provides an overview of the fabrication and application of biopolymer hybrid particles in dentistry. A total of 95 articles have been included in this review. In the review paper, the common inorganic particles and biopolymers used in dentistry are discussed in general, and detailed examples of inorganic particles (i.e., hydroxyapatite, calcium phosphate, and bioactive glass) and biopolymers such as collagen, gelatin, and chitosan have been drawn from the scientific literature and practical work. Among the included studies, calcium phosphate including hydroxyapatite is the most widely applied for inorganic particles used in dentistry, but bioactive glass is more applicable and multifunctional than hydroxyapatite and is currently used in clinical practice. Today, biopolymer hybrid particles are receiving more attention as novel materials for several applications in dentistry, such as drug delivery systems, bone repair, and periodontal regeneration surgery. The literature published on the biopolymer gel-assisted synthesis of inorganic particles for dentistry is somewhat limited, and therefore, this article focuses on reviewing and discussing the biopolymer hybrid particles used in dentistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Gel-Assisted Synthesis of Particles for Biomedical Applications)

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