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Biomolecules
Special Issues
Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications
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Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 33107

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Deng-Guang Yu

E-Mail Website
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

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

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 utilized 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. Deng-Guang Yu
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. 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

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 179 KiB  
Editorial
The Key Elements for Biomolecules to Biomaterials and to Bioapplications
by Deng-Guang Yu and Ping Zhao
Biomolecules 2022, 12(9), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12091234 - 4 Sep 2022
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 2683
Abstract
Biomolecules, as molecules which have a bio-source or a certain bioapplication, are at present quickening the marching speed for benefiting people’s life and social progress [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)

Research

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15 pages, 31008 KiB  
Article
Angiogenic Potential of VEGF Mimetic Peptides for the Biofunctionalization of Collagen/Hydroxyapatite Composites
by Suya Wang, Felix Umrath, Wanjing Cen, Siegmar Reinert and Dorothea Alexander
Biomolecules 2021, 11(10), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11101538 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3971
Abstract
Currently, the focus on bioinspired concepts for the development of tissue engineering constructs is increasing. For this purpose, the combination of collagen (Coll) and hydroxyapatite (HA) comes closest to the natural composition of the bone. In order to confer angiogenic properties to the [...] Read more.
Currently, the focus on bioinspired concepts for the development of tissue engineering constructs is increasing. For this purpose, the combination of collagen (Coll) and hydroxyapatite (HA) comes closest to the natural composition of the bone. In order to confer angiogenic properties to the scaffold material, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is frequently used. In the present study, we used a VEGF mimetic peptide (QK) and a modified QK-peptide with a poly-glutamic acid tag (E7-QK) to enhance binding to HA, and analyzed in detail binding efficiency and angiogenic properties. We detected a significantly higher binding efficiency of E7-QK peptides to hydroxyapatite particles compared to the unmodified QK-peptide. Tube formation assays revealed similar angiogenic functions of E7-QK peptide (1µM) as induced by the entire VEGF protein. Analyses of gene expression of angiogenic factors and their receptors (FLT-1, KDR, HGF, MET, IL-8, HIF-1α, MMP-1, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, VCAM-1, and ANGPT-1) showed higher expression levels in HUVECs cultured in the presence of 1 µM E7-QK and VEGF compared to those detected in the negative control group without any angiogenic stimuli. In contrast, the expression of the anti-angiogenic gene TIMP-1 showed lower mRNA levels in HUVECs cultured with E7-QK and VEGF. Sprouting assays with HUVEC spheroids within Coll/HA/E7-QK scaffolds showed significantly longer sprouts compared to those induced within Coll/HA/QK or Coll/HA scaffolds. Our results demonstrate a significantly better functionality of the E7-QK peptide, electrostatically bound to hydroxyapatite particles compared to that of unmodified QK peptide. We conclude that the used E7-QK peptide represents an excellently suited biomolecule for the generation of collagen/hydroxyapatite composites with angiogenic properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)
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17 pages, 2296 KiB  
Article
Studies of Peculiar Mg-Containing and Oscillating Bioapatites in Sheep and Horse Teeth
by Andrzej Kuczumow, Jakub Nowak, Renata Chałas, Maja Ptasiewicz, Przemysław Siejak and Maciej Jarzębski
Biomolecules 2021, 11(10), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11101436 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1689
Abstract
New types of biological apatites have been discovered in molar sheep and horse teeth and are divided in two types. In the first and more general type, the release of Mg ions is parallel to the changes in composition of apatite leading to [...] Read more.
New types of biological apatites have been discovered in molar sheep and horse teeth and are divided in two types. In the first and more general type, the release of Mg ions is parallel to the changes in composition of apatite leading to a final stoichiometric ratio of Ca to P ions, going from dentin depth towards the boundary of enamel with air. Inside dentin, another apatite sub-types were discovered with alternating layers of Mg-rich and C-rich apatites. The approximate formal stoichiometric relationships for these peculiar types of bioapatites are suggested. We identified two kinds of ion-exchanges responsible for formation of peculiar apatites. Various combinations of main and minor elements lead to new versions of biological apatites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)
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17 pages, 3885 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Drug Heterogeneous Distributions within Core-Sheath Nanostructures on Its Sustained Release Profiles
by Haixia Xu, Xizi Xu, Siyu Li, Wen-Liang Song, Deng-Guang Yu and S. W. Annie Bligh
Biomolecules 2021, 11(9), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11091330 - 9 Sep 2021
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 3864
Abstract
The sustained release of a water-soluble drug is always a key and important issue in pharmaceutics. In this study, using cellulose acetate (CA) as a biomacromolecular matrix, core-sheath nanofibers were developed for providing a sustained release of a model drug—metformin hydrochloride (MET). The [...] Read more.
The sustained release of a water-soluble drug is always a key and important issue in pharmaceutics. In this study, using cellulose acetate (CA) as a biomacromolecular matrix, core-sheath nanofibers were developed for providing a sustained release of a model drug—metformin hydrochloride (MET). The core–sheath nanofibers were fabricated using modified tri-axial electrospinning, in which a detachable homemade spinneret was explored. A process—nanostructure–performance relationship was demonstrated through a series of characterizations. The prepared nanofibers F2 could release 95% of the loaded MET through a time period of 23.4 h and had no initial burst effect. The successful sustained release performances of MET can be attributed to the following factors: (1) the reasonable application of insoluble CA as the filament-forming carrier, which determined that the drug was released through a diffusion manner; (2) the core–sheath nanostructure provided the possibility of both encapsulating the drug completely and realizing the heterogeneous distributions of MET in the nanofibers with a higher drug load core than the sheath; (3) the thickness of the sheath sections were able to be exploited for further manipulating a better drug extended release performance. The mechanisms for manipulating the drug sustained release behaviors are proposed. The present proof-of-concept protocols can pave a new way to develop many novel biomolecule-based nanostructures for extending the release of water-soluble drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)
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12 pages, 2858 KiB  
Article
Effective Diagnosis of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) Serotypes O and A Based on Optical and Electrochemical Dual-Modal Detection
by Yun-Jung Hwang, Kyung-Kwan Lee, Jong-Won Kim, Kwang-Hyo Chung, Sang-Jick Kim, Wan-Soo Yun and Chang-Soo Lee
Biomolecules 2021, 11(6), 841; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11060841 - 5 Jun 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4231
Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. The traditional diagnostic methods for FMDV have several drawbacks such as cross-reactivity, low sensitivity, and low selectivity. To overcome these drawbacks, we present an optical and electrochemical dual-modal approach for [...] Read more.
Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a highly contagious disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. The traditional diagnostic methods for FMDV have several drawbacks such as cross-reactivity, low sensitivity, and low selectivity. To overcome these drawbacks, we present an optical and electrochemical dual-modal approach for the specific detection of FMDV serotypes O and A by utilizing a magnetic nanoparticle labeling technique with resorufin β-d-glucopyranoside (res-β-glc) and β-glucosidase (β-glc), without the use of typical lateral flow assay or polymerase chain reaction. FMDV serotypes O and A were reacted with pan-FMDV antibodies that recognize all seven FMDV serotypes (O, A, C, Asia 1, SAT 1, SAT 2, and SAT 3). The antigen–antibody complex was then immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles and reacted with β-glc-conjugated FMDV type O or type A antibodies. Subsequently, the addition of res-β-glc resulted in the release of fluorescent resorufin and glucose owing to catalytic hydrolysis by β-glc. The detection limit of fluorescent signals using a fluorescence spectrophotometer was estimated to be log(6.7) and log(5.9) copies/mL for FMDV type O and A, respectively, while that of electrochemical signals using a glucometer was estimated to be log(6.9) and log(6.1) copies/mL for FMDV type O and A, respectively. Compared with a commercially available lateral flow assay diagnostic kit for immunochromatographic detection of FMDV type O and A, this dual-modal detection platform offers approximately four-fold greater sensitivity. This highly sensitive and accurate dual-modal detection method can be used for effective disease diagnosis and treatment, and will find application in the early-stage diagnosis of viral diseases and next-generation diagnostic platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)
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15 pages, 2552 KiB  
Article
Electrospun Janus Beads-On-A-String Structures for Different Types of Controlled Release Profiles of Double Drugs
by Ding Li, Menglong Wang, Wen-Liang Song, Deng-Guang Yu and Sim Wan Annie Bligh
Biomolecules 2021, 11(5), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11050635 - 25 Apr 2021
Cited by 69 | Viewed by 4250
Abstract
A side-by-side electrospinning process characterized by a home-made eccentric spinneret was established to produce the Janus beads-on-a-string products. In this study, ketoprofen (KET) and methylene blue (MB) were used as model drugs, which loaded in Janus beads-on-a-string products, in which polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP [...] Read more.
A side-by-side electrospinning process characterized by a home-made eccentric spinneret was established to produce the Janus beads-on-a-string products. In this study, ketoprofen (KET) and methylene blue (MB) were used as model drugs, which loaded in Janus beads-on-a-string products, in which polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90) and ethyl cellulose (EC) were exploited as the polymer matrices. From SEM images, distinct nanofibers and microparticles in the Janus beads-on-a-string structures could be observed clearly. X-ray diffraction demonstrated that all crystalline drugs loaded in Janus beads-on-a-string products were transferred into the amorphous state. ATR-FTIR revealed that the components of prepared Janus nanostructures were compatibility. In vitro dissolution tests showed that Janus beads-on-a-string products could provide typical double drugs controlled-release profiles, which provided a faster immediate release of MB and a slower sustained release of KET than the electrospun Janus nanofibers. Drug releases from the Janus beads-on-a-string products were controlled through a combination of erosion mechanism (linear MB-PVP sides) and a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism (bead KET-EC sides). This work developed a brand-new approach for the preparation of the Janus beads-on-a-string nanostructures using side-by-side electrospinning, and also provided a fresh idea for double drugs controlled release and the potential combined therapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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20 pages, 1897 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Fabrication and Application of Chitosan Composites in Implants and Dentistry: A Review
by Fariborz Sharifianjazi, Samad Khaksar, Amirhossein Esmaeilkhanian, Leila Bazli, Sara Eskandarinezhad, Peyman Salahshour, Farnaz Sadeghi, Sadegh Rostamnia and Seyed Mohammad Vahdat
Biomolecules 2022, 12(2), 155; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12020155 - 18 Jan 2022
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 5455
Abstract
Chitosan is a biopolymer that is found in nature and is produced from chitin deacetylation. Chitosan has been studied thoroughly for multiple applications with an interdisciplinary approach. Antifungal antibacterial activities, mucoadhesion, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility are some of the unique characteristics of chitosan-based [...] Read more.
Chitosan is a biopolymer that is found in nature and is produced from chitin deacetylation. Chitosan has been studied thoroughly for multiple applications with an interdisciplinary approach. Antifungal antibacterial activities, mucoadhesion, non-toxicity, biodegradability, and biocompatibility are some of the unique characteristics of chitosan-based biomaterials. Moreover, chitosan is the only widely-used natural polysaccharide, and it is possible to chemically modify it for different applications and functions. In various fields, chitosan composite and compound manufacturing has acquired much interest in developing several promising products. Chitosan and its derivatives have gained attention universally in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries as a result of their desired characteristics. In the present mini-review, novel methods for preparing chitosan-containing materials for dental and implant engineering applications along with challenges and future perspectives are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)
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29 pages, 6059 KiB  
Review
Cellulose–Silver Composites Materials: Preparation and Applications
by Ahmed Salama, Ragab E. Abouzeid, Medhat E. Owda, Iriczalli Cruz-Maya and Vincenzo Guarino
Biomolecules 2021, 11(11), 1684; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11111684 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 5635
Abstract
Cellulose has received great attention owing to its distinctive structural features, exciting physico−chemical properties, and varied applications. The combination of cellulose and silver nanoparticles currently allows to fabricate different promising functional nanocomposites with unique properties. The current work offers a wide and accurate [...] Read more.
Cellulose has received great attention owing to its distinctive structural features, exciting physico−chemical properties, and varied applications. The combination of cellulose and silver nanoparticles currently allows to fabricate different promising functional nanocomposites with unique properties. The current work offers a wide and accurate overview of the preparation methods of cellulose–silver nanocomposite materials, also providing a punctual discussion of their potential applications in different fields (i.e., wound dressing, high-performance textiles, electronics, catalysis, sensing, antimicrobial filtering, and packaging). In particular, different preparation methods of cellulose/silver nanocomposites based on in situ thermal reduction, blending and dip-coating, or additive manufacturing techniques were thoroughly described. Hence, the correlations among the structure and physico–chemical properties in cellulose/silver nanocomposites were investigated in order to better control the final properties of the nanocomposites and analyze the key points and limitations of the current manufacturing approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomolecule-Based Composites, Hybrids and Nanostructures for Biomedical Applications)
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