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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2021) | Viewed by 104290

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Dr. PaYaM ZarrinTaj

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School of Chemical Engineering, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
Interests: polymer engineering; biomaterials; tissue engineering; drug delivery
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Masoud Mozafari

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1. Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
2. Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Interests: biomaterials; namomedicine; translational medicine; tissue engineering; advanced drug delivery
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Prof. Dr. Farzad Seidi

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Joint International Research Lab of Lignocellulosic Functional Materials, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Interests: polymer chemistry; functional polymers; hydrogels; membrane; polysacchrides; anti-corrosion polymers; colloids and nanopaticles
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Every year millions of people suffer tissues/organs loss due to trauma and diseases. The body has a low regenerative potential; hence, tissue engineering tries to regenerate the impaired tissue properly. On-demand replacing the tissue/organs is beneficial for millions of people who suffer the impaired tissue and wait for transplantation. Scientists and clinicians, motivated by the need to develop safe and reliable sources of tissues and organs, have been improving therapies and technologies that can regenerate tissues and, in some cases, create new tissues altogether. Tissue engineering and/or regenerative medicine are fields of life science employing both engineering and biological principles to create new tissues and organs and to promote the regeneration of damaged or diseased tissues and organs. Current tissue regenerative strategies rely mainly on tissue repair by transplantation of the advanced biomaterials. Tissue engineering scientists endeavor to recapitulate tissue behavior using various types of scaffolds. Advanced biomaterials designed for tissue engineering are mostly biopolymers with well-controlled surface and bulk properties because of their multifunctional tasks and biomimic, biocompatible and tunable properties.

Dr. PaYaM ZarrinTaj
Dr. Masoud Mozafari
Assoc.Prof. Farzad Seidi
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Biopolymers
Tissue engineering
Regenerative medicine
Natural polymers
Biomaterials
Scaffold
Biodegradable

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Related Special Issue

Polymers in Tissue Engineering in Polymers (46 articles)

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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29 pages, 6956 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Custom-Made Poly(urethane) Coatings Improve the Mechanical Properties of Bioactive Glass Scaffolds Designed for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Monica Boffito, Lucia Servello, Marcela Arango-Ospina, Serena Miglietta, Martina Tortorici, Susanna Sartori, Gianluca Ciardelli and Aldo R. Boccaccini

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 151; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010151 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2891

Abstract

The replication method is a widely used technique to produce bioactive glass (BG) scaffolds mimicking trabecular bone. However, these scaffolds usually exhibit poor mechanical reliability and fast degradation, which can be improved by coating them with a polymer. In this work, we proposed the use of custom-made poly(urethane)s (PURs) as coating materials for 45S5 Bioglass^®-based scaffolds. In detail, BG scaffolds were dip-coated with two PURs differing in their soft segment (poly(ε-caprolactone) or poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(ethylene glycol) 70/30 w/w) (PCL-PUR and PCL/PEG-PUR) or PCL (control). PUR-coated scaffolds exhibited biocompatibility, high porosity (ca. 91%), and improved mechanical properties compared to BG scaffolds (2–3 fold higher compressive strength). Interestingly, in the case of PCL-PUR, compressive strength significantly increased by coating BG scaffolds with an amount of polymer approx. 40% lower compared to PCL/PEG-PUR- and PCL-coated scaffolds. On the other hand, PEG presence within PCL/PEG-PUR resulted in a fast decrease in mechanical reliability in an aqueous environment. PURs represent promising coating materials for BG scaffolds, with the additional pros of being ad-hoc customized in their physico-chemical properties. Moreover, PUR-based coatings exhibited high adherence to the BG surface, probably because of the formation of hydrogen bonds between PUR N-H groups and BG surface functionalities, which were not formed when PCL was used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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17 pages, 7550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extracellular Matrix Optimization for Enhanced Physiological Relevance in Hepatic Tissue-Chips

by Abdul Rahim Chethikkattuveli Salih, Kinam Hyun, Arun Asif, Afaque Manzoor Soomro, Hafiz Muhammad Umer Farooqi, Young Su Kim, Kyung Hwan Kim, Jae Wook Lee, Dongeun Huh and Kyung Hyun Choi

Polymers 2021, 13(17), 3016; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13173016 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 4068

Abstract

The cellular microenvironment is influenced explicitly by the extracellular matrix (ECM), the main tissue support biomaterial, as a decisive factor for tissue growth patterns. The recent emergence of hepatic microphysiological systems (MPS) provide the basic physiological emulation of the human liver for drug screening. However, engineering microfluidic devices with standardized surface coatings of ECM may improve MPS-based organ-specific emulation for improved drug screening. The influence of surface coatings of different ECM types on tissue development needs to be optimized. Additionally, an intensity-based image processing tool and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) sensor may assist in the analysis of tissue formation capacity under the influence of different ECM types. The current study highlights the role of ECM coatings for improved tissue formation, implying the additional role of image processing and TEER sensors. We studied hepatic tissue formation under the influence of multiple concentrations of Matrigel, collagen, fibronectin, and poly-L-lysine. Based on experimental data, a mathematical model was developed, and ECM concentrations were validated for better tissue development. TEER sensor and image processing data were used to evaluate the development of a hepatic MPS for human liver physiology modeling. Image analysis data for tissue formation was further strengthened by metabolic quantification of albumin, urea, and cytochrome P450. Standardized ECM type for MPS may improve clinical relevance for modeling hepatic tissue microenvironment, and image processing possibly enhance the tissue analysis of the MPS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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21 pages, 5290 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Composition Effects on the Physicochemical and Biological Properties of Polypeptide-Based Hydrogels for Potential Application in Wound Healing

by Johnel Giliomee, Lisa C. du Toit, Pradeep Kumar, Bert Klumperman and Yahya E. Choonara

Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1828; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111828 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3008

Abstract

In this study, the effect of crosslinking and concentration on the properties of a new library of low-concentration poly(Lys₆₀-ran-Ala₄₀)-based hydrogels for potential application in wound healing was investigated in order to correlate the hydrogel composition with the desired physicochemical and biofunctional properties to expand the assortment of poly-l-lysine (PLL)-based hydrogels suitable for wound healing. Controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and precise hydrogel compositions were used to customize the physicochemical and biofunctional properties of a library of new hydrogels comprising poly(l-lysine-ran-l-alanine) and four-arm poly(ethylene glycol) (P(KA)/4-PEG). The chemical composition and degree of crosslinking via free amine quantification were analyzed for the P(KA)/4-PEG hydrogels. In addition, the rheological properties, pore morphology, swelling behavior and degradation time were characterized. Subsequently, in vitro cell studies for evaluation of the cytotoxicity and cell adhesion were performed. The 4 wt% 1:1 functional molar ratio hydrogel with P(KA) concentrations as low as 0.65 wt% demonstrated low cytotoxicity and desirable cell adhesion towards fibroblasts and thus displayed a desirable combination of properties for wound healing application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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14 pages, 2168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Olive Oil/Pluronic Oleogels for Skin Delivery of Quercetin: In Vitro Characterization and Ex Vivo Skin Permeability

by Mohammed Elmowafy, Arafa Musa, Taghreed S. Alnusaire, Khaled Shalaby, Maged M. A. Fouda, Ayman Salama, Mohammad M. Al-Sanea, Mohamed A. Abdelgawad, Mohammed Gamal and Shahinaze A. Fouad

Polymers 2021, 13(11), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13111808 - 31 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4346

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to prepare and characterize oleogel as potential carrier for quercetin skin delivery. The formulations were prepared by adding olive oil (5–30%) to Pluronic F127 hydrogel and were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, viscosity in vitro quercetin release and stability, and were compared with that of Pluronic F127 hydrogel. The selected formulation was characterized for its interaction possibility, ex vivo skin permeation and skin histological changes and safety. The particle sizes ranged from 345.3 ± 5.3 nm to 401.5 ± 2.8 nm, and possessed negative charges. The viscosities of the formulations were found in the range of 6367–4823 cps with inverse proportionality to olive oil percentage while the higher percentages showed higher quercetin release. Percentages of 25% and 30% olive oil showed instability pattern under the conditions of accelerated stability studies. Differential scanning calorimetry verified the existence of quercetin in micellar aggregation and the network in the case of hydrogel and oleogel respectively. Ex vivo skin permeation showed an improved skin permeation of quercetin when 20% olive oil containing oleogel was used. Skin histology after 10 days of application showed stratum corneum disruption and good safety profile. Based on these findings, the proposed oleogel containing 20% olive oil denotes a potential carrier for topical delivery of quercetin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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15 pages, 2281 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Recovery of Gelatin from Bovine Skin with the Aid of Pepsin and Its Effects on the Characteristics of the Extracted Gelatin

by Tanbir Ahmad, Amin Ismail, Siti Aqlima Ahmad, Khalilah Abdul Khalil, Elmutaz Atta Awad, Muhammad Tayyab Akhtar and Awis Qurni Sazili

Polymers 2021, 13(10), 1554; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13101554 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6170

Abstract

Pepsin enzyme was used to pretreat the bovine skin at the rate of 5, 15, and 25 units of enzyme/g of skin to recover gelatin, and the recovered gelatins were referred to as Pe5, Pe15, and Pe25, respectively. The gelatin yield increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 18.17% for Pe5 to 24.67% for Pe25 as the level of pepsin increased, but the corresponding gel strength and viscosity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from 215.49 to 56.06 g and 9.17 to 8.17 mPa·s for Pe5 and Pe25, respectively. β- and α1- and α2-chains were degraded entirely in all the gelatins samples as observed in protein pattern elaborated by gel electrophoresis. ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) analysis indicated the coiled structure of gelatin protein chains. The lowest amide III amplitude of Pe25 as found by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that α-helix structure of protein chains were lost to more irregular coiled structure. Thus, it could be summarized that pepsin might be used at the lower level (5 units/g of wet skin) to extract gelatin from bovine skin with good functional properties and at higher level (15/25 units/g of wet skin) to obtain gelatin of industrial grade with high yield. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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12 pages, 3104 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Evaluation of Rifampicin Loaded Alginate–Gelatin Biocomposite Microfibers

by Ameya Sharma, Vivek Puri, Pradeep Kumar, Inderbir Singh and Kampanart Huanbutta

Polymers 2021, 13(9), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13091514 - 8 May 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3036

Abstract

Various systematic phases such as inflammation, tissue proliferation, and phases of remodeling characterize the process of wound healing. The natural matrix system is suggested to maintain and escalate these phases, and for that, microfibers were fabricated employing naturally occurring polymers (biopolymers) such as sodium alginate, gelatin and xanthan gum, and reinforcing material such as nanoclay was selected. The fabrication of fibers was executed with the aid of extrusion-gelation method. Rifampicin, an antibiotic, has been incorporated into a biopolymeric solution. RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4 and RF5 were coded as various formulation batches of microfibers. The microfibers were further characterized by different techniques such as SEM, DSC, XRD, and FTIR. Mechanical properties and physical evaluations such as entrapment efficiency, water uptake and in vitro release were also carried out to explain the comparative understanding of the formulation developed. The antimicrobial activity and whole blood clotting of fabricated fibers were additionally executed, hence they showed significant results, having excellent antimicrobial properties; they could be prominent carriers for wound healing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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16 pages, 5605 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Morphological Changes in Astrocytes by Self-Oxidation of Dopamine to Polydopamine and Quantification of Dopamine through Multivariate Regression Analysis of Polydopamine Images

by Anik Karan, Elnaz Khezerlou, Farnaz Rezaei, Leon Iasemidis and Mark A. DeCoster

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2483; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112483 - 26 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2834

Abstract

Astrocytes, also known as astroglia, are important cells for the structural support of neurons as well as for biochemical balance in the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the polymerization of dopamine (DA) to polydopamine (PDA) and its effect on astrocytes was investigated. The polymerization of DA, being directly proportional to the DA concentration, raises the prospect of detecting DA concentration from PDA optically using image-processing techniques. It was found here that DA, a naturally occurring neurotransmitter, significantly altered astrocyte cell number, morphology, and metabolism, compared to astrocytes in the absence of DA. Along with these effects on astrocytes, the polymerization of DA to PDA was tracked optically in the same cell culture wells. This polymerization process led to a unique methodology based on multivariate regression analysis that quantified the concentration of DA from optical images of astrocyte cell culture media. Therefore, this developed methodology, combined with conventional imaging equipment, could be used in place of high-end and expensive analytical chemistry instruments, such as spectrophotometry, mass spectrometry, and fluorescence techniques, for quantification of the concentration of DA after polymerization to PDA under in vitro and potentially in vivo conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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12 pages, 5173 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Collagen-Based Scaffold for Promoting Neural Plasticity in a Rat Model of Spinal Cord Injury

by Jue-Zong Yeh, Ding-Han Wang, Juin-Hong Cherng, Yi-Wen Wang, Gang-Yi Fan, Nien-Hsien Liou, Jiang-Chuan Liu and Chung-Hsing Chou

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2245; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102245 - 29 Sep 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4059

Abstract

In spinal cord injury (SCI) therapy, glial scarring formed by activated astrocytes is a primary problem that needs to be solved to enhance axonal regeneration. In this study, we developed and used a collagen scaffold for glial scar replacement to create an appropriate environment in an SCI rat model and determined whether neural plasticity can be manipulated using this approach. We used four experimental groups, as follows: SCI-collagen scaffold, SCI control, normal spinal cord-collagen scaffold, and normal control. The collagen scaffold showed excellent in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. Immunofluorescence staining revealed increased expression of neurofilament and fibronectin and reduced expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and anti-chondroitin sulfate in the collagen scaffold-treated SCI rats at 1 and 4 weeks post-implantation compared with that in untreated SCI control. This indicates that the collagen scaffold implantation promoted neuronal survival and axonal growth within the injured site and prevented glial scar formation by controlling astrocyte production for their normal functioning. Our study highlights the feasibility of using the collagen scaffold in SCI repair. The collagen scaffold was found to exert beneficial effects on neuronal activity and may help in manipulating synaptic plasticity, implying its great potential for clinical application in SCI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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14 pages, 4375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sol–Gel Synthesis, Physico-Chemical and Biological Characterization of Cerium Oxide/Polyallylamine Nanoparticles

by Motaharesadat Hosseini, Issa Amjadi, Mohammad Mohajeri and Masoud Mozafari

Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1444; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12071444 - 28 Jun 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 4780

Abstract

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂-NPs) have great applications in different industries, including nanomedicine. However, some studies report CeO₂-NPs-related toxicity issues that limit their usage and efficiency. In this study, the sol–gel method was applied to the synthesis of CeO₂-NPs using poly(allylamine) (PAA) as a capping and/or stabilizing agent. The different molecular weights of PAA (15,000, 17,000, and 65,000 g/mol) were used to investigate the physico-chemical and biological properties of the NPs. In order to understand their performance as an anticancer agent, three cell lines (MCF7, HeLa, and erythrocyte) were analyzed by MTT assay and RBC hemolysis assay. The results showed that the CeO₂-NPs had anticancer effects on the viability of MCF7 cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 17.44 ± 7.32, 6.17 ± 1.68, and 0.12 ± 0.03 μg/mL for PAA15000, PAA17000, PAA65000, respectively. As for HeLa cells, IC50 values reduced considerably to 8.09 ± 1.55, 2.11 ± 0.33, and 0.20 ± 0.01 μg/mL, in order. A decrease in the viability of cancer cells was associated with the 50% hemolytic concentration (HC50) of 0.022 ± 0.001 mg/mL for PAA15000, 3.74 ± 0.58 mg/mL for PAA17000, and 7.35 ± 1.32 mg/mL for PAA65000. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy indicated that an increase in the PAA molecular weight led to a blue shift in the bandgap and high amounts of Ce³⁺ on the surface of the nanoceria. Thus, PAA65000 could be considered as a biocompatible nanoengineered biomaterial for potential applications in cancer nanomedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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Review

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23 pages, 1148 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials for Engineering Multicellular Tumor Spheroids

by Advika Kamatar, Gokhan Gunay and Handan Acar

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2506; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112506 - 28 Oct 2020

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 11336

Abstract

The lack of in vitro models that represent the native tumor microenvironment is a significant challenge for cancer research. Two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture has long been the standard for in vitro cell-based studies. However, differences between 2D culture and the in vivo environment have led to poor translation of cancer research from in vitro to in vivo models, slowing the progress of the field. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) culture have improved the ability of in vitro culture to replicate in vivo conditions. Although 3D cultures still cannot achieve the complexity of the in vivo environment, they can still better replicate the cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions of solid tumors. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS) are three-dimensional (3D) clusters of cells with tumor-like features such as oxygen gradients and drug resistance, and represent an important translational tool for cancer research. Accordingly, natural and synthetic polymers, including collagen, hyaluronic acid, Matrigel^®, polyethylene glycol (PEG), alginate and chitosan, have been used to form and study MCTS for improved clinical translatability. This review evaluates the current state of biomaterial-based MCTS formation, including advantages and disadvantages of the different biomaterials and their recent applications to the field of cancer research, with a focus on the past five years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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36 pages, 4245 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Fish Collagen: Extraction, Characterization, and Applications for Biomaterials Engineering

by Hafez Jafari, Alberto Lista, Manuela Mafosso Siekapen, Pejman Ghaffari-Bohlouli, Lei Nie, Houman Alimoradi and Amin Shavandi

Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102230 - 28 Sep 2020

Cited by 259 | Viewed by 39093

Abstract

The utilization of marine-based collagen is growing fast due to its unique properties in comparison with mammalian-based collagen such as no risk of transmitting diseases, a lack of religious constraints, a cost-effective process, low molecular weight, biocompatibility, and its easy absorption by the human body. This article presents an overview of the recent studies from 2014 to 2020 conducted on collagen extraction from marine-based materials, in particular fish by-products. The fish collagen structure, extraction methods, characterization, and biomedical applications are presented. More specifically, acetic acid and deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction methods for marine collagen isolation are described and compared. In addition, the effect of the extraction parameters (temperature, acid concentration, extraction time, solid-to-liquid ratio) on the yield of collagen is investigated. Moreover, biomaterials engineering and therapeutic applications of marine collagen have been summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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31 pages, 9694 KiB

Open AccessReview

Layer-By-Layer Assemblies of Biopolymers: Build-Up, Mechanical Stability and Molecular Dynamics

by Jack Campbell and Anna S. Vikulina

Polymers 2020, 12(9), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12091949 - 28 Aug 2020

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 6198

Abstract

Rapid development of versatile layer-by-layer technology has resulted in important breakthroughs in the understanding of the nature of molecular interactions in multilayer assemblies made of polyelectrolytes. Nowadays, polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) are considered to be non-equilibrium and highly dynamic structures. High interest in biomedical applications of PEMs has attracted attention to PEMs made of biopolymers. Recent studies suggest that biopolymer dynamics determines the fate and the properties of such PEMs; however, deciphering, predicting and controlling the dynamics of polymers remains a challenge. This review brings together the up-to-date knowledge of the role of molecular dynamics in multilayers assembled from biopolymers. We discuss how molecular dynamics determines the properties of these PEMs from the nano to the macro scale, focusing on its role in PEM formation and non-enzymatic degradation. We summarize the factors allowing the control of molecular dynamics within PEMs, and therefore to tailor polymer multilayers on demand. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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15 pages, 2873 KiB

Open AccessReview

Agarose-Based Biomaterials: Opportunities and Challenges in Cartilage Tissue Engineering

by Mohammad Amin Salati, Javad Khazai, Amir Mohammad Tahmuri, Ali Samadi, Ali Taghizadeh, Mohsen Taghizadeh, Payam Zarrintaj, Josh D. Ramsey, Sajjad Habibzadeh, Farzad Seidi, Mohammad Reza Saeb and Masoud Mozafari

Polymers 2020, 12(5), 1150; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12051150 - 18 May 2020

Cited by 148 | Viewed by 10146

Abstract

The lack of adequate blood/lymphatic vessels as well as low-potential articular cartilage regeneration underlines the necessity to search for alternative biomaterials. Owing to their unique features, such as reversible thermogelling behavior and tissue-like mechanical behavior, agarose-based biomaterials have played a key role in cartilage tissue repair. Accordingly, the need for fabricating novel highly efficient injectable agarose-based biomaterials as hydrogels for restoration of injured cartilage tissue has been recognized. In this review, the resources and conspicuous properties of the agarose-based biomaterials were reviewed. First, different types of signals together with their functionalities in the maintenance of cartilage homeostasis were explained. Then, various cellular signaling pathways and their significant role in cartilage tissue engineering were overviewed. Next, the molecular structure and its gelling behavior have been discussed. Eventually, the latest advancements, the lingering challenges, and future ahead of agarose derivatives from the cartilage regeneration perspective have been discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymers for Tissue Engineering)

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