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Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition)
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Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2025 | Viewed by 10897

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Cristian Scheau

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: physiology; inflammation; carcinogenesis; medical imaging; transplantation; molecular signaling; MR spectroscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Andreea Didilescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Embryology, Faculty of Dentistry, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: dentin-pulp complex; biomaterials; salivary research
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Constantin Caruntu

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Physiology, The “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: physiology and physiopathology of the skin and oral mucosa; dermato-oncology; in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The research field of functional biomaterials is evolving rapidly as emerging technological discoveries and innovations are considered for and often translated into medical applications. In order to be considered for use in humans, any biomaterial needs to be proven safe, and when medical devices are made up of multiple materials, demonstrating the implant’s biocompatibility can be a very difficult task. Therefore, an appropriate method to assess the safety and tolerance of an implant made up of one or several biomaterials is to measure the host’s immune response.

This Special Issue will include papers related to recent developments in the field of medical applications of functional biomaterials. Topics will include, but are not limited to, the following: biocompatibility; immune response in medical implants; advances in dental implant biomaterials; applications of nanoparticles; and natural materials with medical applications.

Dr. Cristian Scheau
Prof. Dr. Andreea Didilescu
Prof. Dr. Constantin Caruntu
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. Journal of Functional Biomaterials 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

  • biocompatibility
  • biomaterials
  • biomedical devices
  • dental implants
  • dental materials
  • nanoparticles
  • natural materials

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 27303 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Degradation Properties of Plasma Electrolytically Oxidized Mg Alloy AZ31 Using Fluid Dynamic Accelerated Tests for Biodegradable Implants
by Muhammad Saqib, Kerstin Kremmer, Joerg Opitz, Michael Schneider and Natalia Beshchasna
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(12), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15120366 - 3 Dec 2024
Viewed by 702
Abstract
Magnesium alloys are promising biodegradable implant materials due to their excellent biocompatibility and non-toxicity. However, their poor corrosion resistance limits their application in vivo. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a powerful technique to improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. In this study, [...] Read more.
Magnesium alloys are promising biodegradable implant materials due to their excellent biocompatibility and non-toxicity. However, their poor corrosion resistance limits their application in vivo. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) is a powerful technique to improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys. In this study, we present the accelerated degradation of PEO-treated AZ31 samples using a fluid dynamic test. The samples were prepared using different concentrations of KOH as an electrolyte along with NaSiO3. The anodizing time and the biasing time were optimized to obtain the increased corrosion resistance. The analysis of the degraded samples using microscopy, SEM EDX measurements, and by calculating mass loss and corrosion rates showed a significant increase in the corrosion resistance after the polymer (Resomer© LG 855 S) coating was applied to the anodized samples. The results confirm (or convince) that PEO treatment is an effective way to improve the corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy. The fluid dynamic test can be used as an accelerated degradation test for biodegradable alloys in simulated body fluids at a physiological temperature. The polymer coating further improves the corrosion resistance of the PEO-treated AZ31 samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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22 pages, 5777 KiB  
Article
Advancing Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity Treatment: Enhanced Biomechanical Support Through Graphene Oxide-Integrated Bioengineered Grafts Tested In Silico
by Sebastián Nieto, Mónica Gantiva-Díaz, María A. Hoyos, Yuliet Montoya, Juan C. Cruz and Christian Cifuentes-De la Portilla
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110335 - 9 Nov 2024
Viewed by 929
Abstract
Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (AAFD) is a progressive orthopedic condition causing the collapse of the foot’s medial longitudinal arch, often linked with injuries to the plantar arch’s passive stabilizers, such as the spring ligament (SL) and plantar fascia. Conventional treatment typically involves replacing the [...] Read more.
Adult-Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (AAFD) is a progressive orthopedic condition causing the collapse of the foot’s medial longitudinal arch, often linked with injuries to the plantar arch’s passive stabilizers, such as the spring ligament (SL) and plantar fascia. Conventional treatment typically involves replacing the SL with synthetic material grafts, which, while providing mechanical support, lack the biological compatibility of native ligaments. In response to this shortcoming, our study developed an electrospun, twisted polymeric graft made of polycaprolactone (PCL) and type B gelatin (GT), enhanced with graphene oxide (GO), a two-dimensional nanomaterial, to bolster biomechanical attributes. The addition of GO aimed to match the native ligamentous tissue’s mechanical strength, with the PCL-GT-GO 2.0% blend demonstrating an optimal Young’s modulus of 240.75 MPa. Furthermore, the graft showcased excellent biocompatibility, evidenced by non-hemolytic reactions, suitable wettability and favorable platelet aggregation—essential features for promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. An MTT assay revealed cell viability exceeding 80% after 48 h of exposure, highlighting the potential of the graft as a regenerative scaffold for affected ligaments. Computational modeling of the human foot across various AAFD stages assessed the graft’s in situ performance, with the PCL-GT-OG 2.0% graft efficiently preventing plantar arch collapse and offering hindfoot pronator support. Our study, based on in silico simulations, suggests that this bioengineered graft holds significant promise as an alternative treatment in AAFD surgery, marking a leap forward in the integration of advanced materials science for enhanced patient care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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22 pages, 7402 KiB  
Article
Development of Nanocomposite Microspheres for Nasal Administration of Deferiprone in Neurodegenerative Disorders
by Radka Boyuklieva, Plamen Katsarov, Plamen Zagorchev, Silviya Abarova, Asya Hristozova and Bissera Pilicheva
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110329 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 898
Abstract
Elevated brain iron levels are characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. As an iron chelator with short biological half-life, deferiprone leads to agranulocytosis and neutropenia with a prolonged therapeutic course. Its inclusion in sustained-release dosage forms may reduce the frequency of administration. On the [...] Read more.
Elevated brain iron levels are characteristic of many neurodegenerative diseases. As an iron chelator with short biological half-life, deferiprone leads to agranulocytosis and neutropenia with a prolonged therapeutic course. Its inclusion in sustained-release dosage forms may reduce the frequency of administration. On the other hand, when administered by an alternative route of administration, such as the nasal route, systemic exposure to deferiprone will be reduced, thereby reducing the occurrence of adverse effects. Direct nose-to-brain delivery has been raised as a non-invasive strategy to deliver drugs to the brain, bypassing the blood–brain barrier. The aim of the study was to develop and characterize nanocomposite microspheres suitable for intranasal administration by combining nano- and microparticle-based approaches. Nanoparticles with an average particle size of 213 ± 56 nm based on the biodegradable polymer poly-ε-caprolactone were developed using the solvent evaporation method. To ensure the deposition of the particles in the nasal cavity and avoid exhalation or deposition into the small airways, the nanoparticles were incorporated into composite structures of sodium alginate obtained by spray drying. Deferiprone demonstrated sustained release from the nanocomposite microspheres and high iron-chelating activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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12 pages, 4283 KiB  
Article
Sonification of Deproteinized Bovine Bone Functionalized with Genistein Enhances Bone Repair in Peri-Implant Bone Defects in Ovariectomized Rats
by Nathália Dantas Duarte, Gabriel Mulinari-Santos, Fábio Roberto de Souza Batista, Marcelly Braga Gomes, Naara Gabriela Monteiro, Ana Cláudia Ervolino da Silva, Reinhard Gruber, Paulo Noronha Lisboa-Filho, Pedro Henrique Silva Gomes-Ferreira and Roberta Okamoto
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110328 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1031
Abstract
Estrogen deficiency is one of several contributing factors to catabolic changes in bone surrounding dental implants, impairing bone repair in defects requiring bone regeneration. Functionalizing bone substitutes is an alternative approach among various strategies to address this challenge. In this study, the aim [...] Read more.
Estrogen deficiency is one of several contributing factors to catabolic changes in bone surrounding dental implants, impairing bone repair in defects requiring bone regeneration. Functionalizing bone substitutes is an alternative approach among various strategies to address this challenge. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the effect of functionalizing deproteinized bovine bone (Bio-Oss®, BO) with genistein via sonication on peri-implant bone defects in ovariectomized rats. The animals were randomly distributed according to the treatment into the following four groups (n = 10): BO sonicated with genistein (BOS + GEN), BO sonicated alone (BOS), untreated BO (BO), and blood clot only (CLOT). After twenty-eight days, implant removal torque was determined, and the peri-implant bone parameters were calculated based on computed microtomography. Additionally, the gene expression of bone turnover markers was evaluated. As a main result, the functionalization with genistein increased implant removal torque and the peri-implant bone volume in the BOS + GEN group compared to both BOS and BO groups (both p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the sonification of deproteinized bovine bone functionalized with genistein improves bone repair in peri-implant bone defects in ovariectomized rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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20 pages, 8915 KiB  
Article
Bioconjugation of Serratiopeptidase with Titanium Oxide Nanoparticles: Improving Stability and Antibacterial Properties
by Jhon Jairo Melchor-Moncada, Santiago Vasquez-Giraldo, Augusto Zuluaga-Vélez, Lina Marcela Orozco, Luz Angela Veloza and Juan Carlos Sepúlveda-Arias
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(10), 300; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15100300 - 7 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1328
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating the development of novel antibacterial strategies. Serratiopeptidase (SP), a metalloprotease produced by bacteria such as Serratia marcescens, has gained attention not only for its anti-inflammatory properties but also for its potential antibacterial [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating the development of novel antibacterial strategies. Serratiopeptidase (SP), a metalloprotease produced by bacteria such as Serratia marcescens, has gained attention not only for its anti-inflammatory properties but also for its potential antibacterial activity. However, its protein nature makes it susceptible to pH changes and self-proteolysis, limiting its effectiveness. This study aimed to increase both the enzymatic stability and antibacterial activity of serratiopeptidase through immobilization on titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs), leveraging the biocompatibility and stability of these nanomaterials. Commercial TiO2-NPs were characterized using TGA/DTG, FT-IR, UV–Vis, and XRD analyses, and their biocompatibility was assessed through cytotoxicity studies. Serratiopeptidase was produced via fermentation using the C8 isolate of Serratia marcescens obtained from the intestine of Bombyx mori L., purified chromatographically, and immobilized on carboxylated nanoparticles via EDC/NHS coupling at various pH conditions. The optimal enzymatic activity was achieved by using pH 5.1 for nanoparticle activation and pH 5.5 for enzyme coupling. The resulting bioconjugate demonstrated stable proteolytic activity at 25 °C for 48 h. Immobilization was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, and the Michaelis–Menten kinetics were determined. Notably, the bioconjugate exhibited two-fold greater antibacterial activity against E. coli than the free enzyme or TiO2-NPs at 1000 µg/mL. This study successfully developed a serratiopeptidase–TiO2 bioconjugate with enhanced enzymatic stability and antibacterial properties. The improved antibacterial activity of the immobilized enzyme presents a promising approach for developing new tools to combat antimicrobial resistance, with potential applications in healthcare, food safety, and environmental protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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17 pages, 6755 KiB  
Article
Porcine Cross-Linked Collagen Matrix for Peri-Implant Vertical Soft Tissue Augmentation: A Randomized Prospective Observational Study
by Giorgio Tabanella and Massimiliano Viale
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(9), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15090261 - 10 Sep 2024
Viewed by 954
Abstract
The mucosa height has always been of interest in modern implant dentistry to obtain biomimetic results. Papilla height, mucosa scalloping, and free mucosal margin level are crucial to achieve “pink aesthetics”. The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical increase in [...] Read more.
The mucosa height has always been of interest in modern implant dentistry to obtain biomimetic results. Papilla height, mucosa scalloping, and free mucosal margin level are crucial to achieve “pink aesthetics”. The aim of this study was to investigate the vertical increase in the peri-implant soft tissues with a porcine cross-linked collagen matrix (Geistlich Fibro-Gide®). Methods: A total of 60 patients were divided into the following three groups: Group 1—patients who received porcine cross-linked collagen matrix for vertical soft tissue augmentation and a cover screw combined with a coronally advanced flap (CAF); Group 2—patients who received the collagen matrix combined with a healing abutment and CAF; Group 3 (control group)—patients who received a traditional surgical approach based on crestal incision and no collagen matrix as well as no CAF. Results: The average horizontal tissue thickness growth after 3 months was more effective for Group 1 (1.35 ± 1.23 mm) compared to Group 2 (0.85 ± 0.67 mm) and the control group (0.20 ± 0.41 mm). The average tissue height growth was 1.05 ± 1.39 mm for Group 1, 0.32 ± 1.28 mm for Group 2, and −0.05 ± 0.39 mm for the control group. Finally, the average increase in the band of keratinized mucosa was 0.60 ± 1.23 mm for Group 1, −0.60 ± 0.94 mm for Group 2, and 0.45 ± 0.60 mm for the control group. Conclusions: The combination of the CAF, porcine cross-linked collagen matrix, and cover screw resulted in better clinical results compared to Group 2 and 3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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Review

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23 pages, 1894 KiB  
Review
3D Bioprinting in Limb Salvage Surgery
by Iosif-Aliodor Timofticiuc, Serban Dragosloveanu, Ana Caruntu, Andreea-Elena Scheau, Ioana Anca Badarau, Nicolae Dragos Garofil, Andreea Cristiana Didilescu, Constantin Caruntu and Cristian Scheau
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(12), 383; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15120383 - 19 Dec 2024
Viewed by 536
Abstract
With the development of 3D bioprinting and the creation of innovative biocompatible materials, several new approaches have brought advantages to patients and surgical teams. Increasingly more bone defects are now treated using 3D-bioprinted prostheses and implementing new solutions relies on the ability of [...] Read more.
With the development of 3D bioprinting and the creation of innovative biocompatible materials, several new approaches have brought advantages to patients and surgical teams. Increasingly more bone defects are now treated using 3D-bioprinted prostheses and implementing new solutions relies on the ability of engineers and medical teams to identify methods of anchoring 3D-printed prostheses and to reveal the potential influence of bioactive materials on surrounding tissues. In this paper, we described why limb salvage surgery based on 3D bioprinting is a reliable and effective alternative to amputations, and why this approach is considered the new standard in modern medicine. The preliminary results of 3D bioprinting in one of the most challenging fields in surgery are promising for the future of machine-based medicine, but also for the possibility of replacing various parts from the human body with bioactive-based constructs. In addition, besides the materials and constructs that are already tested and applied in the human body, we also reviewed bioactive materials undergoing in vitro or in vivo testing with great potential for human applications in the near future. Also, we explored the recent advancements in clinically available 3D-bioprinted constructs and their relevance in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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26 pages, 1754 KiB  
Review
Unlocking Genome Editing: Advances and Obstacles in CRISPR/Cas Delivery Technologies
by Bibifatima Kaupbayeva, Andrey Tsoy, Yuliya Safarova (Yantsen), Ainetta Nurmagambetova, Hironobu Murata, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski and Sholpan Askarova
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(11), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15110324 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 3474
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with protein 9) was first identified as a component of the bacterial adaptive immune system and subsequently engineered into a genome-editing tool. The key breakthrough in this field came with the realization that CRISPR/Cas9 could [...] Read more.
CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats associated with protein 9) was first identified as a component of the bacterial adaptive immune system and subsequently engineered into a genome-editing tool. The key breakthrough in this field came with the realization that CRISPR/Cas9 could be used in mammalian cells to enable transformative genetic editing. This technology has since become a vital tool for various genetic manipulations, including gene knockouts, knock-in point mutations, and gene regulation at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. CRISPR/Cas9 holds great potential in human medicine, particularly for curing genetic disorders. However, despite significant innovation and advancement in genome editing, the technology still possesses critical limitations, such as off-target effects, immunogenicity issues, ethical considerations, regulatory hurdles, and the need for efficient delivery methods. To overcome these obstacles, efforts have focused on creating more accurate and reliable Cas9 nucleases and exploring innovative delivery methods. Recently, functional biomaterials and synthetic carriers have shown great potential as effective delivery vehicles for CRISPR/Cas9 components. In this review, we attempt to provide a comprehensive survey of the existing CRISPR-Cas9 delivery strategies, including viral delivery, biomaterials-based delivery, synthetic carriers, and physical delivery techniques. We underscore the urgent need for effective delivery systems to fully unlock the power of CRISPR/Cas9 technology and realize a seamless transition from benchtop research to clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Functional Biomaterials (2nd Edition))
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