Polymers

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18 pages, 3493 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of Oligomer Chitosan/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Coating for Enhancing Antibacterial, Hemostatic Effects and Biocompatibility of Nanofibrous Wound Dressing

by Vinh Khanh Doan, Chien Minh Tran, Trinh Thi-Phuong Ho, Linh Kim-Khanh Nguyen, Yen Ngoc Nguyen, Ngan Tuan Tang, Tin Dai Luong, Nhi Ngoc-Thao Dang, Nam Minh-Phuong Tran, Binh Thanh Vu, Hoai Thi-Thu Nguyen, Quyen Thuc Huynh, Hien Quoc Nguyen, Chien Mau Dang, Thang Bach Phan, Hanh Thi-Kieu Ta, Viet Hung Pham, Thanh Dinh Le, Toi Van Vo and Hiep Thi Nguyen

Polymers 2022, 14(17), 3541; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14173541 - 29 Aug 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3724

Abstract

A synergistic multilayer membrane design is necessary to satisfy a multitude of requirements of an ideal wound dressing. In this study, trilayer dressings with asymmetric wettability, composed of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) base membranes coated with oligomer chitosan (COS) in various concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone [...] Read more.

A synergistic multilayer membrane design is necessary to satisfy a multitude of requirements of an ideal wound dressing. In this study, trilayer dressings with asymmetric wettability, composed of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) base membranes coated with oligomer chitosan (COS) in various concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), are fabricated for wound dressing application. The membranes are expected to synergize the hygroscopic, antibacterial, hemostatic, and biocompatible properties of PCL and COS. The wound dressing was coated by spraying the solution of 3% COS and 6% PVP on the PCL base membrane (PVP6–3) three times, which shows good interaction with biological subjects, including bacterial strains and blood components. PVP6–3 samples confirm the diameter of inhibition zones of 20.0 ± 2.5 and 17.9 ± 2.5 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The membrane induces hemostasis with a blood clotting index of 74% after 5 min of contact. In the mice model, wounds treated with PVP6–3 closed 95% of the area after 10 days. Histological study determines the progression of skin regeneration with the construction of granulation tissue, new vascular systems, and hair follicles. Furthermore, the newly-growth skin shares structural resemblances to that of native tissue. This study suggests a simple approach to a multi-purpose wound dressing for clinical treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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15 pages, 2920 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigation into Biosorption of Pharmaceuticals from Aqueous Solutions by Biocomposite Material Based on Microbial Biomass and Natural Polymer: Process Variables Optimization and Kinetic Studies

by Lăcrămioara Rusu, Cristina-Gabriela Grigoraș, Andrei-Ionuț Simion, Elena-Mirela Suceveanu, Carol Schnakovszky and Lidia Favier

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3388; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163388 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2355

Abstract

Biosorbtive removal of the antibacterial drug, ethacridine lactate (EL), from aqueous solutions was investigated using as biosorbent Saccharomyces pastorianus residual biomass immobilized in calcium alginate. The aim of this work was to optimize the biosorption process and to evaluate the biosorption capacity in [...] Read more.

Biosorbtive removal of the antibacterial drug, ethacridine lactate (EL), from aqueous solutions was investigated using as biosorbent Saccharomyces pastorianus residual biomass immobilized in calcium alginate. The aim of this work was to optimize the biosorption process and to evaluate the biosorption capacity in the batch system. Response surface methodology, based on a Box–Behnken design, was used to optimize the EL biosorption parameters. Two response functions (removal efficiency and biosorption capacity) were maximized dependent on three factors: initial concentration of EL solution, contact time, and agitation speed. The highest values for the studied functions (89.49%, 26.04 mg/g) were obtained in the following operational conditions: EL initial concentration: 59.73 mg/L; contact time: 94.26 min; agitation speed: 297.57 rpm. A number of nonlinear kinetic models, including pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Elovich, and Avrami, were utilized to validate the biosorption kinetic behavior of EL in the optimized conditions. The kinetic data fitted the pseudo-first-order and Avrami models. The experimental results demonstrated that the optimized parameters (especially the agitation speed) significantly affect biosorption and should be considered important in such studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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16 pages, 3982 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis, Characterisation and Antibacterial Properties of Silicone–Silver Thin Film for the Potential of Medical Device Applications

by Muhammad Faiz Aizamddin, Mohd Muzamir Mahat, Zaidah Zainal Ariffin, Irwan Samsudin, Muhammad Syafiek Mohd Razali and Muhammad ‘Abid Amir

Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3822; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213822 - 5 Nov 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3063

Abstract

Silver (Ag) particles have sparked considerable interest in industry and academia, particularly for health and medical applications. Here, we present the “green” and simple synthesis of an Ag particle-based silicone (Si) thin film for medical device applications. Drop-casting and peel-off techniques were used [...] Read more.

Silver (Ag) particles have sparked considerable interest in industry and academia, particularly for health and medical applications. Here, we present the “green” and simple synthesis of an Ag particle-based silicone (Si) thin film for medical device applications. Drop-casting and peel-off techniques were used to create an Si thin film containing 10–50% (v/v) of Ag particles. Electro impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and tensile tests were used to demonstrate the electrical conductivity, crystallinity, morphology-elemental, and mechanical properties, respectively. The oriented crystalline structure and excellent electronic migration explained the highest conductivity value (1.40 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹) of the 50% Ag–Si thin film. The findings regarding the evolution of the conductive network were supported by the diameter and distribution of Ag particles in the Si film. However, the larger size of the Ag particles in the Si film resulted in a lower tensile stress of 68.23% and an elongation rate of 68.25% compared to the pristine Si film. The antibacterial activity of the Ag–Si film against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was investigated. These findings support Si–Ag thin films’ ability to avoid infection in any medical device application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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20 pages, 1764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Poly(lactic acid)–Cocoa Bean Shell Composites for Biomaterial Formulation: Preparation and Preliminary In Vitro Characterization

by Andres J. Garcia-Brand, Maria A. Morales, Ana Sofia Hozman, Andres C. Ramirez, Luis J. Cruz, Alejandro Maranon, Carolina Muñoz-Camargo, Juan C. Cruz and Alicia Porras

Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3707; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213707 - 27 Oct 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4468

Abstract

The unique lignocellulosic and solvent-extractive chemical constituents of most natural fibers are rich in natural polymers and bioactive molecules that can be exploited for biomaterial formulation. However, although natural fibers’ main constituents have been already incorporated as material reinforcement and improve surface bioactivity [...] Read more.

The unique lignocellulosic and solvent-extractive chemical constituents of most natural fibers are rich in natural polymers and bioactive molecules that can be exploited for biomaterial formulation. However, although natural fibers’ main constituents have been already incorporated as material reinforcement and improve surface bioactivity of polymeric materials, the use of the whole natural fibers as bioactive fillers remains largely unexplored. Thus, we put forward the formulation of natural fiber filling and functionalization of biomaterials by studying the chemical composition of cocoa bean shells (CBS) and proposing the fabrication and characterization of polylactic acid (PLA) and CBS-based composite by solvent-casting. As was expected from previous studies of agro-industrial wastes, the main components of CBS were to cellulose (42.23 wt.%), lignin (22.68 wt.%), hemicellulose (14.73 wt.%), and solvent extractives (14.42 wt.%). Structural analysis (FTIR) confirms the absence of covalent bonding between materials. Thermal degradation profiles (DSC and TGA) showed similar mass losses and thermal-reaction profiles for lignocellulosic-fibers-based composites. The mechanical behavior of the PLA/CBS composite shows a stiffer material behavior than the pristine material. The cell viability of Vero cells in the presence of the composites was above 94%, and the hemolytic tendency was below 5%, while platelet aggregation increased up to 40%. Antioxidant activity was confirmed with comparable 2,2-diphe-277 nyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) free-radical scavenging than Vitamin C even for PLA/CBS composite. Therefore, the present study elucidates the significant promise of CBS for bioactive functionalization in biomaterial-engineering, as the tested composite exhibited high biocompatibility and strong antioxidant activity and might induce angiogenic factors’ release. Moreover, we present an eco-friendly alternative to taking advantage of chocolate-industry by-products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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17 pages, 1654 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methotrexate-Loaded Gelatin and Polyvinyl Alcohol (Gel/PVA) Hydrogel as a pH-Sensitive Matrix

by Muhammad Akhlaq, Abul Kalam Azad, Inam Ullah, Asif Nawaz, Muhammad Safdar, Tanima Bhattacharya, A. B. M. Helal Uddin, Syed Atif Abbas, Allan Mathews, Sukalyan Kumar Kundu, Mireia Mallandrich Miret, H. C. Ananda Murthy and H. P. Nagaswarupa

Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2300; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142300 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 6546

Abstract

The aim was to formulate and evaluate Gel/PVA hydrogels as a pH-sensitive matrix to deliver methotrexate (MTX) to colon. The primed Gel/PVA hydrogels were subjected to evaluation for swelling behavior, diffusion coefficient, sol-gel characteristic and porosity using an acidic (pH 1.2) and phosphate [...] Read more.

The aim was to formulate and evaluate Gel/PVA hydrogels as a pH-sensitive matrix to deliver methotrexate (MTX) to colon. The primed Gel/PVA hydrogels were subjected to evaluation for swelling behavior, diffusion coefficient, sol-gel characteristic and porosity using an acidic (pH 1.2) and phosphate buffer (PBS) (pH 6.8 & pH 7.4) media. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed to evaluate the chemical compatibility of the Gel/PVA hydrogel. The shape alteration and release of Gel/PVA hydrogel was conducted at pH 1.2, pH 6.8 and pH 7.4. The drug release kinetic mechanism was determined using various kinetic equations. The physicochemical evaluation tests and drug release profile results were found to be significant (p < 0.01). However, it was dependent on the polymers’ concentration, the pH of the release media and the amount of the cross-linking agent. Hydrogels containing the maximum amount of gel showed a dynamic equilibrium of 10.09 ± 0.18 and drug release of 93.75 ± 0.13% at pH 1.2. The kinetic models showed the release of MTX from the Gel/PVA hydrogel was non-Fickian. The results confirmed that the newly formed Gel/PVA hydrogels are potential drug delivery systems for a controlled delivery of MTX to the colon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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Review

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27 pages, 3476 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progression of Quantum Dots Confined Polymeric Systems for Sensorics

by Ranjana Choudhary Ahirwar, Swati Mehra, Sanjeev Machindra Reddy, Hassan Abbas Alshamsi, Aseel A. Kadhem, Smita Badur Karmankar, Alka Sharma and Poushali

Polymers 2023, 15(2), 405; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020405 - 12 Jan 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4043

Abstract

The substantial fluorescence (FL) capabilities, exceptional photophysical qualities, and long-term colloidal stability of quantum dots (QDs) have aroused a lot of interest in recent years. QDs have strong and wide optical absorption, good chemical stability, quick transfer characteristics, and facile customization. Adding polymeric [...] Read more.

The substantial fluorescence (FL) capabilities, exceptional photophysical qualities, and long-term colloidal stability of quantum dots (QDs) have aroused a lot of interest in recent years. QDs have strong and wide optical absorption, good chemical stability, quick transfer characteristics, and facile customization. Adding polymeric materials to QDs improves their effectiveness. QDs/polymer hybrids have implications in sensors, photonics, transistors, pharmaceutical transport, and other domains. There are a great number of review articles available online discussing the creation of CDs and their many uses. There are certain review papers that can be found online that describe the creation of composites as well as their many different uses. For QDs/polymer hybrids, the emission spectra were nearly equal to those of QDs, indicating that the optical characteristics of QDs were substantially preserved. They performed well as biochemical and biophysical detectors/sensors for a variety of targets because of their FL quenching efficacy. This article concludes by discussing the difficulties that still need to be overcome as well as the outlook for the future of QDs/polymer hybrids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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23 pages, 6335 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polyester-Based Coatings for Corrosion Protection

by Abesach M. Motlatle, Suprakas Sinha Ray, Vincent Ojijo and Manfred R. Scriba

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3413; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163413 - 21 Aug 2022

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 6705

Abstract

The article is the first review encompassing the study and the applications of polyester-based coatings for the corrosion protection of steel. The impact of corrosion and the challenges encountered thus far and the solutions encountered in industry are addressed. Then, the use of [...] Read more.

The article is the first review encompassing the study and the applications of polyester-based coatings for the corrosion protection of steel. The impact of corrosion and the challenges encountered thus far and the solutions encountered in industry are addressed. Then, the use of polyesters as a promising alternative to current methods, such as phosphating, chromating, galvanization, and inhibitors, are highlighted. The classifications of polyesters and the network structure determine the overall applications and performance of the polymer. The review provides new trends in green chemistry and smart and bio-based polyester-based coatings. Finally, the different applications of polyesters are covered; specifically, the use of polyesters in surface coatings and for other industrial uses is discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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22 pages, 5111 KiB

Open AccessReview

Design of Magnetic Hydrogels for Hyperthermia and Drug Delivery

by Sayan Ganguly and Shlomo Margel

Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4259; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234259 - 4 Dec 2021

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 6425

Abstract

Hydrogels are spatially organized hydrophilic polymeric systems that exhibit unique features in hydrated conditions. Among the hydrogel family, composite hydrogels are a special class that are defined as filler-containing systems with some tailor-made properties. The composite hydrogel family includes magnetic-nanoparticle-integrated hydrogels. Magnetic hydrogels [...] Read more.

Hydrogels are spatially organized hydrophilic polymeric systems that exhibit unique features in hydrated conditions. Among the hydrogel family, composite hydrogels are a special class that are defined as filler-containing systems with some tailor-made properties. The composite hydrogel family includes magnetic-nanoparticle-integrated hydrogels. Magnetic hydrogels (MHGs) show magneto-responsiveness, which is observed when they are placed in a magnetic field (static or oscillating). Because of their tunable porosity and internal morphology they can be used in several biomedical applications, especially diffusion-related smart devices. External stimuli may influence physical and chemical changes in these hydrogels, particularly in terms of volume and shape morphing. One of the most significant external stimuli for hydrogels is a magnetic field. This review embraces a brief overview of the fabrication of MHGs and two of their usages in the biomedical area: drug delivery and hyperthermia-based anti-cancer activity. As for the saturation magnetization imposed on composite MHGs, they are easily heated in the presence of an alternating magnetic field and the temperature increment is dependent on the magnetic nanoparticle concentration and exposure time. Herein, we also discuss the mode of different therapies based on non-contact hyperthermia heating. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Composites for Biomedical and Environmental Applications)

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