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14 pages, 2755 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Circulating Tumor Cells’ Capture Efficiency of Magnetic Nanogels by Transferrin Decoration

by Catalina Biglione, Julian Bergueiro, Mazdak Asadian-Birjand, Christoph Weise, Vrushali Khobragade, Govind Chate, Manoj Dongare, Jayant Khandare, Miriam C. Strumia and Marcelo Calderón

Polymers 2018, 10(2), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym10020174 - 11 Feb 2018

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6326

Abstract

Magnetic nanogels (MNGs) are designed to have all the required features for their use as highly efficient trapping materials in the challenging task of selectively capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the bloodstream. Advantageously, the discrimination of CTCs from hematological cells, which is [...] Read more.

Magnetic nanogels (MNGs) are designed to have all the required features for their use as highly efficient trapping materials in the challenging task of selectively capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the bloodstream. Advantageously, the discrimination of CTCs from hematological cells, which is a key factor in the capturing process, can be optimized by finely tuning the polymers used to link the targeting moiety to the MNG. We describe herein the relationship between the capturing efficiency of CTCs with overexpressed transferrin receptors and the different strategies on the polymer used as linker to decorate these MNGs with transferrin (Tf). Heterobifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) linkers with different molecular weights were coupled to Tf in different ratios. Optimal values over 80% CTC capture efficiency were obtained when 3 PEG linkers with a length of 8 ethylene glycol (EG) units were used, which reveals the important role of the linker in the design of a CTC-sorting system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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4421 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Entrapment of Autologous von Willebrand Factor on Polystyrene/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Demixed Surfaces

by Joanna Ward, Eimear Dunne, David Bishop, Adrian Boyd, Dermot Kenny and Brian J. Meenan

Polymers 2017, 9(12), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9120700 - 13 Dec 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4255

Abstract

Human platelets play a vital role in haemostasis, pathological bleeding and thrombosis. The haemostatic mechanism is concerned with the control of bleeding from injured blood vessels, whereby platelets interact with the damaged inner vessel wall to form a clot (thrombus) at the site [...] Read more.

Human platelets play a vital role in haemostasis, pathological bleeding and thrombosis. The haemostatic mechanism is concerned with the control of bleeding from injured blood vessels, whereby platelets interact with the damaged inner vessel wall to form a clot (thrombus) at the site of injury. This adhesion of platelets and their subsequent aggregation is dependent on the presence of the blood protein von Willebrand Factor (vWF). It is proposed here that the entrapment of vWF on a substrate surface offers the opportunity to assess an individual’s platelet function in a clinical diagnostic context. Spin coating from demixed solutions of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) onto glass slides has been shown previously to support platelet adhesion but the mechanism by which this interaction occurs, including the role of vWF, is not fully understood. In this work, we report a study of the interaction of platelets in whole blood with surfaces produced by spin coating from a solution of a weight/weight mixture of a 25% PS and 75% PMMA (25PS/75PMMA) in chloroform in the context of the properties required for their use as a Dynamic Platelet Function Assay (DPFA) substrate. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) indicates the presence of topographical features on the polymer demixed surfaces in the sub-micron to nanometer range. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirms that the uppermost surface chemistry of the coatings is solely that of PMMA. The deliberate addition of various amounts of 50 μm diameter PS microspheres to the 25PS/75PMMA system has been shown to maintain the PMMA chemistry, but to significantly change the surface topography and to subsequently effect the scale of the resultant platelet interactions. By blocking specific platelet binding sites, it has been shown that their interaction with these surfaces is a consequence of the entrapment and build-up of vWF from the same whole blood sample. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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3409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nitric Oxide Releasing Polymeric Coatings for the Prevention of Biofilm Formation

by George Fleming, Jenny Aveyard, Joanne L. Fothergill, Fiona McBride, Rasmita Raval and Raechelle A. D’Sa

Polymers 2017, 9(11), 601; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9110601 - 11 Nov 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6512

Abstract

The ability of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing polymer coatings to prevent biofilm formation is described. NO-releasing coatings on (poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and silicone elastomer (SE)) were fabricated using aminosilane precursors. Pristine PET and SE were oxygen plasma treated, followed by immobilisation of two aminosilane [...] Read more.

The ability of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing polymer coatings to prevent biofilm formation is described. NO-releasing coatings on (poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and silicone elastomer (SE)) were fabricated using aminosilane precursors. Pristine PET and SE were oxygen plasma treated, followed by immobilisation of two aminosilane molecules: N-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)diethylenetriamine (DET3) and N-(3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl)aniline (PTMSPA). N-diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donors were formed at the secondary amine sites on the aminosilane molecules producing NO-releasing polymeric coatings. The NO payload and release were controlled by the aminosilane precursor, as DET3 has two secondary amine sites and PTMSPA only one. The antibacterial efficacy of these coatings was tested using a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14). All NO-releasing coatings in this study were shown to significantly reduce P. aeruginosa adhesion over 24 h with the efficacy being a function of the aminosilane modification and the underlying substrate. These NO-releasing polymers demonstrate the potential and utility of this facile coating technique for preventing biofilms for indwelling medical devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gallic Acid-Loaded Gel Formulation Combats Skin Oxidative Stress: Development, Characterization and Ex Vivo Biological Assays

by Silas Arandas Monteiro e Silva, Giovana Maria Fioramonti Calixto, Juliana Cajado, Patrícia Caballieri Antunes De Carvalho, Camila Fernanda Rodero, Marlus Chorilli and Gislaine Ricci Leonardi

Polymers 2017, 9(9), 391; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9090391 - 24 Aug 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5554

Abstract

Oxidative stress, which is a result of overproduction and accumulation of free radicals, is the main cause of several skin degenerative diseases, such as aging. Polyphenols, such as gallic acid, are an important class of naturally occurring antioxidants. They have emerged as strong [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress, which is a result of overproduction and accumulation of free radicals, is the main cause of several skin degenerative diseases, such as aging. Polyphenols, such as gallic acid, are an important class of naturally occurring antioxidants. They have emerged as strong antioxidants that can be used as active cosmetics. The purpose of this study was to develop a gallic acid-loaded cosmetic gel formulation and characterize it using rheological, mechanical, and bioadhesive tests. Its antioxidant effect in the stratum corneum was evaluated by a non-invasive method. According to the characterization tests, the formulation exhibited skin adhesiveness and pseudoplastic behavior without thixotropy, rendering it suitable for use as a cosmetic formulation. Furthermore, the non-invasive method indicated the antioxidant effect in the stratum corneum, with the global lipid peroxide reduction being 33.97 ± 11.66%. Thus, we were able to develop a promising gallic acid-loaded gel formulation that could reduce lipid peroxides and thus combat skin oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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1732 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradation Studies of Novel Fluorinated Di-Vinyl Urethane Monomers and Interaction of Biological Elements with Their Polymerized Films

by Yasaman Delaviz, Meilin Yang and J. Paul Santerre

Polymers 2017, 9(8), 365; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9080365 - 17 Aug 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5581

Abstract

The monomeric components of resin composites in dental restorative materials are susceptible to hydrolysis in the oral cavity. The main objective of this study was to assess the bio-stability of fluorinated urethane dimethacrylates and determine the nature of fluoro-chemistry interactions with protein and [...] Read more.

The monomeric components of resin composites in dental restorative materials are susceptible to hydrolysis in the oral cavity. The main objective of this study was to assess the bio-stability of fluorinated urethane dimethacrylates and determine the nature of fluoro-chemistry interactions with protein and bacterial adhesion (both sources of hydrolytic activity) onto cured resin. Degradation studies were performed in the presence of either albumin (in a mildly alkaline pH) or cholesterol esterase (CE). The surface chemistry of the polymers was assessed by water contact angle measurements, pre- and post- incubation with albumin. Adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to cured resin was investigated. The fluorinated monomers were more stable against degradation when compared to the commercial monomer bisphenol A-diglycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA). While fluorinated monomers showed hydrolytic stability with respect to CE, all fluorinated monomers underwent some degree of degradation with albumin. The fluoro-chemistry did not reduce protein and/or bacterial adhesion onto the surface, however post incubation with albumin, the fluorinated surfaces still presented hydrophobic character as determined by the high contact angle values ranging from 79° to 86°. These monomers could potentially be used to increase the hydrophobicity of polymeric composites and provide a means to moderate esterolytic degradation associated with the monomeric component of the polymers within the oral cavity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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7749 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tuning the Density of Poly(ethylene glycol) Chains to Control Mammalian Cell and Bacterial Attachment

by Ahmed Al-Ani, Hitesh Pingle, Nicholas P Reynolds, Peng-Yuan Wang and Peter Kingshott

Polymers 2017, 9(8), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9080343 - 5 Aug 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7615

Abstract

Surface modification of biomaterials with polymer chains has attracted great attention because of their ability to control biointerfacial interactions such as protein adsorption, cell attachment and bacterial biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to control the immobilisation of biomolecules on silicon [...] Read more.

Surface modification of biomaterials with polymer chains has attracted great attention because of their ability to control biointerfacial interactions such as protein adsorption, cell attachment and bacterial biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to control the immobilisation of biomolecules on silicon wafers using poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) chains by a “grafting to” technique. In particular, to control the polymer chain graft density in order to capture proteins and preserve their activity in cell culture as well as find the optimal density that would totally prevent bacterial attachment. The PEG graft density was varied by changing the polymer solubility using an increasing salt concentration. The silicon substrates were initially modified with aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APTES), where the surface density of amine groups was optimised using different concentrations. The results showed under specific conditions, the PEG density was highest with grafting under “cloud point” conditions. The modified surfaces were characterised with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and water contact angle measurements. In addition, all modified surfaces were tested with protein solutions and in cell (mesenchymal stem cells and MG63 osteoblast-like cells) and bacterial (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) attachment assays. Overall, the lowest protein adsorption was observed on the highest polymer graft density, bacterial adhesion was very low on all modified surfaces, and it can be seen that the attachment of mammalian cells gradually increased as the PEG grafting density decreased, reaching the maximum attachment at medium PEG densities. The results demonstrate that, at certain PEG surface coverages, mammalian cell attachment can be tuned with the potential to optimise their behaviour with controlled serum protein adsorption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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6645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and In Vitro Evaluation of Lyotropic Liquid Crystals for the Controlled Release of Dexamethasone

by Márcia H. Oyafuso, Flávia C. Carvalho, Tatiane M. Takeshita, Ana L. Ribeiro De Souza, Daniele R. Araújo, Virginia Merino, Maria Palmira D. Gremião and Marlus Chorilli

Polymers 2017, 9(8), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9080330 - 2 Aug 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 6466

Abstract

In this study, amphiphilic polymers were investigated as biomaterials that can control dexamethasone (DXM) release. Such materials present interfacial properties in the presence of water and an oily phase that can result in lyotropic liquid crystalline systems (LLCS). In addition, they can form [...] Read more.

In this study, amphiphilic polymers were investigated as biomaterials that can control dexamethasone (DXM) release. Such materials present interfacial properties in the presence of water and an oily phase that can result in lyotropic liquid crystalline systems (LLCS). In addition, they can form colloidal nanostructures similar to those in living organisms, such as bilayers and hexagonal and cubic phases, which can be exploited to solubilize lipophilic drugs to sustain their release and enhance bioavailability. It was possible to obtain lamellar and hexagonal phases when combining polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether (CETETH-20) polymer with oleic acid (OA), N-methylpyrrolidone (P), isopropyl myristate (IM), and water. The phases were characterized by polarized light microscopy (PLM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), rheological, textural, and bioadhesion analyses followed by an in vitro release assay. All samples showed elastic behavior in the rheology studies and hexagonal samples containing P and IM showed the highest adhesiveness. The drug release profile of all LLCS presented an average lag time of 3 h and was best fitted to the Korsmeyer-Peppas and Weibull models, with controlled release governed by a combination of diffusion and erosion mechanisms. These systems are potential carriers for DXM and can be explored in several routes of administration, providing potential advantages over conventional pharmaceutical forms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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11590 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Calcium Glycerophosphate (GPCa) Modifier on Physicochemical, Mechanical, and Biological Performance of Polyurethanes Applicable as Biomaterials for Bone Tissue Scaffolds Fabrication

by Justyna Kucińska-Lipka, Iga Gubanska, Olexandr Korchynskyi, Khrystyna Malysheva, Marcin Kostrzewa, Damian Włodarczyk, Jakub Karczewski and Helena Janik

Polymers 2017, 9(8), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9080329 - 1 Aug 2017

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6063

Abstract

In this paper we describe the synthesis of poly(ester ether urethane)s (PEEURs) by using selected raw materials to reach a biocompatible polyurethane (PU) for biomedical applications. PEEURs were synthesized by using aliphatic 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate) (Polios), 1,4-butanediol (BDO) [...] Read more.

In this paper we describe the synthesis of poly(ester ether urethane)s (PEEURs) by using selected raw materials to reach a biocompatible polyurethane (PU) for biomedical applications. PEEURs were synthesized by using aliphatic 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), α,ω-dihydroxy(ethylene-butylene adipate) (Polios), 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as a chain extender and calcium glycerolphosphate salt (GPCa) as a modifier used to stimulate bone tissue regeneration. The obtained unmodified (PURs) and modified with GPCa (PURs-M) PEEURs were studied by various techniques. It was confirmed that urethane prepolymer reacts with GPCa modifier. Further analysis of the obtained PURs and PURs-M by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy revealed the chemical composition typical for PUs by the confirmed presence of urethane bonds. Moreover, the FTIR and Raman spectra indicated that GPCa was incorporated into the main PU chain at least at one-side. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the PURs-M surface was in good agreement with the FTIR and Raman analysis due to the fact that inclusions were observed only at 20% of its surface, which were related to the non-reacted GPCa enclosed in the PUR matrix as filler. Further studies of hydrophilicity, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, short term-interactions, and calcification study lead to the final conclusion that the obtained PURs-M may by suitable candidate material for further scaffold fabrication. Scaffolds were prepared by the solvent casting/particulate leaching technique (SC/PL) combined with thermally-induced phase separation (TIPS). Such porous scaffolds had satisfactory pore sizes (36–100 μm) and porosity (77–82%) so as to be considered as suitable templates for bone tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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3847 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microporous Polyurethane Thin Layer as a Promising Scaffold for Tissue Engineering

by Justyna Kucińska-Lipka, Iga Gubanska and Anna Skwarska

Polymers 2017, 9(7), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9070277 - 11 Jul 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6606

Abstract

The literature describes that the most efficient cell penetration takes place at 200–500 µm depth of the scaffold. Many different scaffold fabrication techniques were described to reach these guidelines. One such technique is solvent casting particulate leaching (SC/PL). The main advantage of this [...] Read more.

The literature describes that the most efficient cell penetration takes place at 200–500 µm depth of the scaffold. Many different scaffold fabrication techniques were described to reach these guidelines. One such technique is solvent casting particulate leaching (SC/PL). The main advantage of this technique is its simplicity and cost efficiency, while its main disadvantage is the scaffold thickness, which is usually not less than 3000 µm. Thus, the scaffold thickness is usually far from the requirements for functional tissue reconstruction. In this paper, we report a successful fabrication of the microporous polyurethane thin layer (MPTL) of 1 mm thick, which was produced using SC/PL technique combined with phase separation (PS). The obtained MPTL was highly porous (82%), had pore size in the range of 65–426 µm and scaffold average pore size was equal to 154 ± 3 µm. Thus, it can be considered a suitable scaffold for tissue engineering purpose, according to the morphology criterion. Polyurethane (PUR) processing into MPTL scaffold caused significant decrease of contact angle from 78 ± 4° to 56 ± 6° and obtained MPTL had suitable hydrophilic characteristic for mammalian cells growth and tissue regeneration. Mechanical properties of MPTL were comparable to the properties of native tissues. As evidenced by biotechnological examination the MPTL were highly biocompatible with no observed apparent toxicity on mouse embryonic NIH 3T3 fibroblast cells. Performed studies indicated that obtained MPTL may be suitable scaffold candidate for soft TE purposes such as blood vessels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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2899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Response of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) to Collagen Films Treated with Cold Plasma

by Rui Chen, Jude Curran, Fanrong Pu, Zhuola Zhuola, Yves Bayon and John A. Hunt

Polymers 2017, 9(7), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9070254 - 29 Jun 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8665

Abstract

The implantation of biomedical devices, including collagen-based implants, evokes an inflammatory response. Despite inflammation playing an important role in the early stages of wound healing, excessive and non-resolving inflammation may lead to the poor performance of biomaterial implants in some patients. Therefore, steps [...] Read more.

The implantation of biomedical devices, including collagen-based implants, evokes an inflammatory response. Despite inflammation playing an important role in the early stages of wound healing, excessive and non-resolving inflammation may lead to the poor performance of biomaterial implants in some patients. Therefore, steps should be taken to control the level and duration of an inflammatory response. In this study, oxygen and nitrogen gas plasmas were employed to modify the surface of collagen film, with a view to modifying the surface properties of a substrate in order to induce changes to the inflammatory response, whilst maintaining the mechanical integrity of the underlying collagen film. The effects of cold plasma treatment and resultant changes to surface properties on the non-specific inflammatory response of the immune system was investigated in vitro in direct contact cell culture by the measurement of protein expression and cytokine production after one and four days of human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture. The results indicated that compared to oxygen plasma, nitrogen plasma treatment produced an anti-inflammatory effect on the collagen film by reducing the initial activation of monocytes and macrophages, which led to a lower production of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα, and higher production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This was attributed to the combination of the amino chemical group and the significant reduction in roughness associated with the introduction of the nitrogen plasma treatment, which had an effect on the levels of activation of the adherent cell population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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13426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polycaprolactone/Amino-β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex Prepared by an Electrospinning Technique

by Edgar Moyers-Montoya, Perla García-Casillas, Claudia Vargas-Requena, René Escobedo-González, Santos-Adriana Martel-Estrada and Carlos A. Martínez-Pérez

Polymers 2016, 8(11), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8110395 - 18 Nov 2016

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 9219

Abstract

Electrospun scaffolds of neat poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly-ε-caprolactone/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (PCL/β-CD) and poly-ε-caprolactone amino derivative inclusion complex (PCL/β-CD-NH₂) were prepared by the electrospinning technique. The obtained mats were analyzed by a theoretical model using the Hartree–Fock method with an STO-3G basis set, [...] Read more.

Electrospun scaffolds of neat poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), poly-ε-caprolactone/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (PCL/β-CD) and poly-ε-caprolactone amino derivative inclusion complex (PCL/β-CD-NH₂) were prepared by the electrospinning technique. The obtained mats were analyzed by a theoretical model using the Hartree–Fock method with an STO-3G basis set, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), confocal-Raman spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹HNMR) and contact angle measure (CA). Different mixtures of solvents, such as dimethylformamide (DMF)-tetrahydrofuran (THF), dichlormethane (DCM)-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (TFE), were tested in the fiber preparation. The results indicate that electrospun nanofibers have a pseudorotaxane structure and when it was prepared using a 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol (TFE) as solvent, the nanofibers were electrospun well and, with the other solvents, fibers present defects such as molten fibers and bead-like defects into the fiber structure. This work provides insights into the design of PCL/β-CD-NH₂ based scaffolds that could have applications in the biomedical field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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11343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Co-Delivery of Imiquimod and Plasmid DNA via an Amphiphilic pH-Responsive Star Polymer that Forms Unimolecular Micelles in Water

by Wenjing Lin, Na Yao, Hongru Li, Samuel Hanson, Wenqing Han, Chun Wang and Lijuan Zhang

Polymers 2016, 8(11), 397; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym8110397 - 16 Nov 2016

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 10319

Abstract

Dual functional unimolecular micelles based on a pH-responsive amphiphilic star polymer β-CD-(PLA-b-PDMAEMA-b-PEtOxMA)₂₁ have been developed for the co-delivery of imiquimod and plasmid DNA to dendritic cells. The star polymer with well-defined triblock arms was synthesized by combining activator [...] Read more.

Dual functional unimolecular micelles based on a pH-responsive amphiphilic star polymer β-CD-(PLA-b-PDMAEMA-b-PEtOxMA)₂₁ have been developed for the co-delivery of imiquimod and plasmid DNA to dendritic cells. The star polymer with well-defined triblock arms was synthesized by combining activator regenerated by electron-transfer atom-transfer radical polymerization with ring-opening polymerization. Dissipative particle dynamics simulation showed that core-mesophere-shell-type unimolecular micelles could be formed. Imiquimod-loaded micelles had a drug loading of 1.6 wt % and a larger average size (28 nm) than blank micelles (19 nm). The release of imiquimod in vitro was accelerated at the mildly acidic endolysosomal pH (5.0) in comparison to physiologic pH (7.4). Compared with blank micelles, a higher N:P ratio was required for imiquimod-loaded micelles to fully condense DNA into micelleplexes averaging 200–400 nm in size. In comparison to blank micelleplexes, imiquimod-loaded micelleplexes of the same N:P ratio displayed similar or slightly higher efficiency of gene transfection in a mouse dendritic cell line (DC2.4) without cytotoxicity. These results suggest that such pH-responsive unimolecular micelles formed by the well-defined amphiphilic star polymer may serve as promising nano-scale carriers for combined delivery of hydrophobic immunostimulatory drugs (such as imiquimod) and plasmid DNA with potential application in gene-based immunotherapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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Tissue Engineering Bionanocomposites Based on Poly(propylene fumarate)

by Ana M. Diez-Pascual

Polymers 2017, 9(7), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9070260 - 30 Jun 2017

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 11022

Abstract

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a linear and unsaturated copolyester based on fumaric acid that has been widely investigated for tissue engineering applications in recent years due to its tailorable mechanical performance, adjustable biodegradability and exceptional biocompatibility. In order to improve its mechanical properties [...] Read more.

Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is a linear and unsaturated copolyester based on fumaric acid that has been widely investigated for tissue engineering applications in recent years due to its tailorable mechanical performance, adjustable biodegradability and exceptional biocompatibility. In order to improve its mechanical properties and spread its range of practical applications, novel approaches need to be developed such as the incorporation of fillers or polymer blending. Thus, PPF-based bionanocomposites reinforced with different amounts of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONR), graphite oxide nanoplatelets (GONP), polyethylene glycol-functionalized graphene oxide (PEG-GO), polyethylene glycol-grafted boron nitride nanotubes (PEG-g-BNNTs) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles were synthesized via sonication and thermal curing, and their morphology, biodegradability, cytotoxicity, thermal, rheological, mechanical and antibacterial properties were investigated. An increase in the level of hydrophilicity, biodegradation rate, stiffness and strength was found upon increasing nanofiller loading. The nanocomposites retained enough rigidity and strength under physiological conditions to provide effective support for bone tissue formation, showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and did not induce toxicity on human dermal fibroblasts. These novel biomaterials demonstrate great potential to be used for bone tissue engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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6234 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sialic Acid-Targeted Biointerface Materials and Bio-Applications

by Yuting Xiong, Minmin Li, Qi Lu, Guangyan Qing and Taolei Sun

Polymers 2017, 9(7), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9070249 - 27 Jun 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 14577

Abstract

Sialic acids (SAs) are typically found as terminal monosaccharides attached to cell surface glycoconjugates, which play crucial roles in various biological processes, and aberrant sialylation is closely associated with many diseases, particularly cancers. As SAs are overexpressed in tumor-associated glycoproteins, the recognition and [...] Read more.

Sialic acids (SAs) are typically found as terminal monosaccharides attached to cell surface glycoconjugates, which play crucial roles in various biological processes, and aberrant sialylation is closely associated with many diseases, particularly cancers. As SAs are overexpressed in tumor-associated glycoproteins, the recognition and specific binding of SA are crucial for monitoring, analyzing and controlling cancer cells, which would have a considerable impact on diagnostic and therapeutic application. However, both effective and selective recognition of SA on the cancer cell surface remains challenging. In recent years, SA-targeted biointerface materials have attracted great attention in various bio-applications, including cancer detection and imaging, drug delivery for cancer therapy and sialylated glycopeptide separation or enrichment. This review provides an overview of recent advances in SA-targeted biointerface materials and related bio-applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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Open AccessReview

Phenylboronic Acid-Functionalized Layer-by-Layer Assemblies for Biomedical Applications

by Baozhen Wang, Kentaro Yoshida, Katsuhiko Sato and Jun-ichi Anzai

Polymers 2017, 9(6), 202; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym9060202 - 31 May 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 9244

Abstract

Recent progress in the development of phenylboronic acid (PBA)-functionalized layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies and their biomedical applications was reviewed. Stimuli-sensitive LbL films and microcapsules that exhibit permeability changes or decompose in response to sugars and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) have been [...] Read more.

Recent progress in the development of phenylboronic acid (PBA)-functionalized layer-by-layer (LbL) assemblies and their biomedical applications was reviewed. Stimuli-sensitive LbL films and microcapsules that exhibit permeability changes or decompose in response to sugars and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) have been developed using PBA-bearing polymers. The responses of PBA-modified LbL assemblies arise from the competitive binding of sugars to PBA in the films or oxidative decomposition of PBA by H₂O₂. Electrochemical glucose sensors have been fabricated by coating the surfaces of electrodes by PBA-modified LbL films, while colorimetric and fluorescence sensors can be prepared by modifying LbL films with boronic acid-modified dyes. In addition, PBA-modified LbL films and microcapsules have successfully been used in the construction of drug delivery systems (DDS). Among them, much effort has been devoted to the glucose-triggered insulin delivery systems, which are constructed by encapsulating insulin in PBA-modified LbL films and microcapsules. Insulin is released from the PBA-modified LbL assemblies upon the addition of glucose resulting from changes in the permeability of the films or decomposition of the film entity. Research into insulin DDS is currently focused on the development of high-performance devices that release insulin in response to diabetic levels of glucose (>10 mM) but remain stable at normal levels (~5 mM) under physiological conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance of Polymers Applied to Biomedical Applications: Biointerface)

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