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Polymers
Special Issues
Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II
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Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 February 2025 | Viewed by 9745

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andreea-Teodora Iacob

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 University Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
Interests: biopolymeric films; wound healing; electrospun nanofibers; chitosan/hyaluronic acid materials for wound healing; organic synthesis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Lenuta Profire

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Iași, 16 Universitaty Street, 700115 Iași, Romania
Interests: organic synthesis; drug delivery systems (liposomes, niosomes, chitosan nanoparticles, nanofiber, nanofibers, films, sponges); molecular docking; structure-based drug design strategies; antioxidant activity; anti-inflammatory activity; diabetes mellitus type 2
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers, and especially biopolymers, have attracted the interest of scientists since ancient times and are widely used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields due to their unique properties, which include versatility, bacteriostatic and haemostatic action, low cost of production, non-toxicity, great functionality, biocompatibility, and high absorbent capacity. The medical applications of biopolymeric materials vary from general healthcare to specific and very targeted domains such as surgery, wound healing, cancer management, tissue engineering, implants, and drug delivery system formulation. The development of functionalized polymeric materials or nanobiomaterials is a field of great relevance because it includes a multitude of biomaterials that can find medical applications as films, sponges, wound dressings, hydrogels, aerogels, electrospun nanofibers, nanoparticles, etc.

Modern techniques can enable the precise control of polymers or biopolymers for the proper development of convenient candidates for biomedical applications. Thus, in this Special Issue, we aim to create a platform for researchers to disseminate their results related to polymeric materials used in biomedical applications.

Dr. Andreea-Teodora Iacob
Prof. Dr. Lenuta Profire
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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • biopolymers
  • polysaccharide
  • medical application
  • pharmaceutical application
  • in vitro and in vivo assays
  • chemical properties
  • physical properties
  • polymer chain structure
  • biopolymeric materials
  • polymeric materials

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2770 KiB  
Article
The Excellent Chemical Interaction Properties of Poloxamer and Pullulan with Alpha Mangostin on Amorphous Solid Dispersion System: Molecular Dynamics Simulation
by Agus Rusdin, Muchtaridi Muchtaridi, Sandra Megantara, Yoga Windhu Wardhana, Taufik Muhammad Fakih and Arif Budiman
Polymers 2024, 16(21), 3065; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213065 - 31 Oct 2024
Viewed by 541
Abstract
Background: Alpha mangostin (AM) has demonstrated significant potential as an anticancer agent, owing to its potent bioactivity. However, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility, which hampers its bioavailability and effectiveness. Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) presents a promising technique to enhance the [...] Read more.
Background: Alpha mangostin (AM) has demonstrated significant potential as an anticancer agent, owing to its potent bioactivity. However, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility, which hampers its bioavailability and effectiveness. Amorphous solid dispersion (ASD) presents a promising technique to enhance the solubility and stability of AM. Molecular dynamics simulation offers a rapid, efficient, and precise method to evaluate and optimize ASD formulations before production. Aim of Study: In this study, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations to explore the ASD development of AM with poloxamer and pullulan. Result: Our results revealed that AM–poloxamer complexes exhibit superior interaction characteristics compared to AM–pullulan, with a 1:5 ratio of AM to poloxamer and a cooling rate of 1 °C/ns demonstrating the most favorable outcomes. This combination showed enhanced hydrogen bonding, a more compact molecular structure, and higher stability, making it the optimal choice for ASD formulation. Conclusion: The integration of molecular dynamics simulation into ASD development significantly accelerates the formulation process and provides critical insights into achieving a stable and effective AM dispersion. The AM–poloxamer complex, particularly at a 1:5 ratio with a 1 °C/ns cooling rate, offers the best potential for improving AM solubility and therapeutic efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II)
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20 pages, 4245 KiB  
Article
An Easy-to-Handle Route for Bicomponent Porous Tubes Fabrication as Nerve Guide Conduits
by Teresa Russo, Stefania Scialla, Marietta D’Albore, Iriczalli Cruz-Maya, Roberto De Santis and Vincenzo Guarino
Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202893 - 14 Oct 2024
Viewed by 669
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the development of nerve guide conduits (NGCs) has gained much attention due to the impellent need to find innovative strategies to take care of damaged or degenerated peripheral nerves in clinical surgery. In this view, significant effort has [...] Read more.
Over the past two decades, the development of nerve guide conduits (NGCs) has gained much attention due to the impellent need to find innovative strategies to take care of damaged or degenerated peripheral nerves in clinical surgery. In this view, significant effort has been spent on the development of high-performance NGCs by different materials and manufacturing approaches. Herein, a highly versatile and easy-to-handle route to process 3D porous tubes made of chitosan and gelatin to be used as a nerve guide conduit were investigated. This allowed us to fabricate highly porous substrates with a porosity that ranged from 94.07 ± 1.04% to 97.23 ± 1.15% and average pore sizes—estimated via X-ray computed tomography (XCT) reconstruction and image analysis—of hundreds of microns and an irregular shape with an aspect ratio that ranged from 0.70 ± 0.19 to 0.80 ± 0.15 as a function of the chitosan/gelatin ratio. More interestingly, the addition of gelatin allowed us to modulate the mechanical properties, which gradually reduced the stiffness—max strength from 0.634 ± 0.015 MPa to 0.367 ± 0.021 MPa—and scaffold toughness—from 46.2 kJ/m3 to 14.0 kJ/m3—as the gelatin content increased. All these data fall into the typical ranges of the morphological and mechanical parameters of currently commercialized NGC products. Preliminary in vitro studies proved the ability of 3D porous tubes to support neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) adhesion and proliferation. In perspective, the proposed approach could also be easily implemented with the integration of other processing techniques (e.g., electrospinning) for the design of innovative bi-layered systems with an improved cell interface and molecular transport abilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II)
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27 pages, 14954 KiB  
Article
Oral Administration of Berberine Hydrochloride Based on Chitosan/Carboxymethyl-β-Cyclodextrin Hydrogel
by Bukatuka Futila Clemence, Lin Xiao and Guang Yang
Polymers 2024, 16(16), 2368; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16162368 - 21 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 939
Abstract
In this study, a novel oral formulation of berberine hydrochloride (BBH) hydrogel was successfully synthesized through physical cross-linking using chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CMCD). The characterization results confirmed the successful synthesis of the CS/CMCD hydrogel and the subsequent loading of BBH into this [...] Read more.
In this study, a novel oral formulation of berberine hydrochloride (BBH) hydrogel was successfully synthesized through physical cross-linking using chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin (CMCD). The characterization results confirmed the successful synthesis of the CS/CMCD hydrogel and the subsequent loading of BBH into this composite (CS/CMCD/BBH) was effectively accomplished. The BBH was used as a model drug and the resulting hydrogel demonstrated a sustained drug release profile. In addition to its improved solubility and sustained release characteristics, the hydrogel exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against common pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Candida albicans (C. albicans). Additionally, in vitro studies indicated that the hydrogel was not cytotoxic to NIH3T3 and HaCaT cells, suggesting its safety for biomedical applications. This lack of cytotoxic effects, combined with the mechanical strength, solubility improvements, and antibacterial properties of the hydrogel, positions the CS/CMCD/BBH hydrogel as a promising candidate for the effective oral delivery of BBH. By addressing the solubility and delivery challenges of BBH, this hydrogel offers a viable solution for the oral administration of BBH, with potential applications in various biomedical fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II)
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12 pages, 6263 KiB  
Article
Zigzag Barbed Polydioxanone Thread Implantation and Evaluation Using Polydimethylsiloxane Model to Simulate Thread Migration in Tissue
by Chia-Hsien Hsieh, Yi-Xin Liu, Pei-Yu Chen and Hsu-Wei Fang
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1785; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131785 - 24 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1050
Abstract
Facial lifting with polydioxanone barbed threads has been widely used in aesthetic treatment for years. However, gravity resists the thread and continuously pulls the face downward. This study aims to determine methods to lift the skin more efficiently with longer longevity. The quality [...] Read more.
Facial lifting with polydioxanone barbed threads has been widely used in aesthetic treatment for years. However, gravity resists the thread and continuously pulls the face downward. This study aims to determine methods to lift the skin more efficiently with longer longevity. The quality of the thread is important and is defined by the pulling and pullout strengths. Moreover, the method of using threads is also important. We compared five thread-implantation techniques and six angles for the V-shaped implantation methods using a polydimethylsiloxane model to simulate thread migration in tissues. The results of the simulated thread-lift techniques can provide valuable information for physicians, enabling a more precise design of facelift surgery techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II)
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25 pages, 8425 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Nanomagnetism: Investigating the Influence of Green Synthesis and pH on Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Enhanced Biomedical Applications
by Johar Amin Ahmed Abdullah, Álvaro Díaz-García, Jia Yan Law, Alberto Romero, Victorino Franco and Antonio Guerrero
Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3850; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183850 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2136
Abstract
This study comprehensively analyzed green nanomagnetic iron oxide particles (GNMIOPs) synthesized using a green method, investigating their size, shape, crystallinity, aggregation, phase portions, stability, and magnetism. The influence of pH and washing solvents on the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles and their incorporation [...] Read more.
This study comprehensively analyzed green nanomagnetic iron oxide particles (GNMIOPs) synthesized using a green method, investigating their size, shape, crystallinity, aggregation, phase portions, stability, and magnetism. The influence of pH and washing solvents on the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles and their incorporation into PCL membranes was examined for biomedical applications. Polyphenols were utilized at different pH values (1.2, 7.5, and 12.5), with washing being performed using either ethanol or water. Characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and VSM, were employed, along with evaluations of stability, magnetic properties, and antioxidant activity. The findings indicate that both pH levels and the washing process exert a substantial influence on several properties of NMIOPs. The particle sizes ranged from 6.6 to 23.5 nm, with the smallest size being observed for GNMIOPs prepared at pH 12.5. Higher pH values led to increased crystallinity, cubic Fe3O4 fractions, and reduced crystalline anisotropy. SEM and TEM analyses showed pH-dependent morphological variations, with increased aggregation being observed at lower pH values. GNMIOPs displayed exceptional magnetic behavior, with the highest saturation magnetization being observed in GNMIOPs prepared at pH 7.5 and 12.5 and subsequently washed with ethanol. The zeta potential measurements indicated a stability range for GNMIOPs spanning from −31.8 to −41.6 mV, while GNMIOPs synthesized under high-pH conditions demonstrated noteworthy antioxidant activity. Furthermore, it was explored how pH and washing solvent affected the morphology, roughness, and magnetic properties of GNMIOP-infused nanofiber membranes. SEM showed irregularities and roughness due to GNMIOPs, varying with pH and washing solvent. TEM confirmed better dispersion with ethanol washing. The magnetic response was stronger with ethanol-washed GNMIOPs, highlighting the influence of pH and washing solvent on membrane characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II)
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Review

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27 pages, 5154 KiB  
Review
Surface Modification Progress for PLGA-Based Cell Scaffolds
by Bohua Yan, Yabing Hua, Jinyue Wang, Tianjiao Shao, Shan Wang, Xiang Gao and Jing Gao
Polymers 2024, 16(1), 165; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16010165 - 4 Jan 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3698
Abstract
Poly(lactic-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biocompatible bio-scaffold material, but its own hydrophobic and electrically neutral surface limits its application as a cell scaffold. Polymer materials, mimics ECM materials, and organic material have often been used as coating materials for PLGA cell scaffolds to [...] Read more.
Poly(lactic-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biocompatible bio-scaffold material, but its own hydrophobic and electrically neutral surface limits its application as a cell scaffold. Polymer materials, mimics ECM materials, and organic material have often been used as coating materials for PLGA cell scaffolds to improve the poor cell adhesion of PLGA and enhance tissue adaptation. These coating materials can be modified on the PLGA surface via simple physical or chemical methods, and coating multiple materials can simultaneously confer different functions to the PLGA scaffold; not only does this ensure stronger cell adhesion but it also modulates cell behavior and function. This approach to coating could facilitate the production of more PLGA-based cell scaffolds. This review focuses on the PLGA surface-modified materials, methods, and applications, and will provide guidance for PLGA surface modification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Polymeric Materials II)
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