Editorial

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3 pages, 172 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications

by

Gary Chinga-Carrasco

Bioengineering 2018, 5(4), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering5040080 - 28 Sep 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4530

Abstract

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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

Research

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11 pages, 7103 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Decoration of Cotton Fibers with a Water-Stable Metal–Organic Framework (UiO-66) for the Decomposition and Enhanced Adsorption of Micropollutants in Water

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Bioengineering 2018, 5(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering5010014 - 12 Feb 2018

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 9801

Abstract

We report on the successful functionalization of cotton fabrics with a water-stable metal–organic framework (MOF), UiO-66, under mild solvothermal conditions (80 °C) and its ability to adsorb and degrade water micropollutants. The functionalized cotton samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron [...] Read more.

We report on the successful functionalization of cotton fabrics with a water-stable metal–organic framework (MOF), UiO-66, under mild solvothermal conditions (80 °C) and its ability to adsorb and degrade water micropollutants. The functionalized cotton samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). UiO-66 crystals grew in a uniform and conformal manner over the surface of the cotton fibers. The cotton fabrics functionalized with UiO-66 frameworks exhibited an enhanced uptake capacity for methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid (MCPP), a commonly used herbicide. The functionalized fabrics also showed photocatalytic activity, demonstrated by the degradation of acetaminophen, a common pharmaceutical compound, under simulated sunlight irradiation. These results indicate that UiO-66 can be supported on textile substrates for filtration and photocatalytic purposes and that these substrates can find applications in wastewater decontamination and micropollutant degradation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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14 pages, 5464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Heterologous tRNA Modifications on the Production of Proteins Containing Noncanonical Amino Acids

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Ana Crnković

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Oscar Vargas-Rodriguez

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Anna Merkuryev

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Dieter Söll

Bioengineering 2018, 5(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering5010011 - 02 Feb 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7332

Abstract

Synthesis of proteins with noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) enables the creation of protein-based biomaterials with diverse new chemical properties that may be attractive for material science. Current methods for large-scale production of ncAA-containing proteins, frequently carried out in Escherichia coli, involve the [...] Read more.

Synthesis of proteins with noncanonical amino acids (ncAAs) enables the creation of protein-based biomaterials with diverse new chemical properties that may be attractive for material science. Current methods for large-scale production of ncAA-containing proteins, frequently carried out in Escherichia coli, involve the use of orthogonal aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (o-aaRSs) and tRNAs (o-tRNAs). Although o-tRNAs are designed to be orthogonal to endogenous aaRSs, their orthogonality to the components of the E. coli metabolism remains largely unexplored. We systematically investigated how the E. coli tRNA modification machinery affects the efficiency and orthogonality of o-tRNA^Sep used for production of proteins with the ncAA O-phosphoserine (Sep). The incorporation of Sep into a green fluorescent protein (GFP) in 42 E. coli strains carrying deletions of single tRNA modification genes identified several genes that affect the o-tRNA activity. Deletion of cysteine desulfurase (iscS) increased the yield of Sep-containing GFP more than eightfold, while overexpression of dimethylallyltransferase MiaA and pseudouridine synthase TruB improved the specificity of Sep incorporation. These results highlight the importance of tRNA modifications for the biosynthesis of proteins containing ncAAs, and provide a novel framework for optimization of o-tRNAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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23 pages, 4528 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Self-Assembled Nanoribbon Bound Peptide-Polyaniline Composite Scaffolds and Their Interactions with Neural Cortical Cells

by

Andrew M. Smith

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Harrison T. Pajovich

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Ipsita A. Banerjee

Bioengineering 2018, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering5010006 - 13 Jan 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 6315

Abstract

Degenerative neurological disorders and traumatic brain injuries cause significant damage to quality of life and often impact survival. As a result, novel treatments are necessary that can allow for the regeneration of neural tissue. In this work, a new biomimetic scaffold was designed [...] Read more.

Degenerative neurological disorders and traumatic brain injuries cause significant damage to quality of life and often impact survival. As a result, novel treatments are necessary that can allow for the regeneration of neural tissue. In this work, a new biomimetic scaffold was designed with potential for applications in neural tissue regeneration. To develop the scaffold, we first prepared a new bolaamphiphile that was capable of undergoing self-assembly into nanoribbons at pH 7. Those nanoribbons were then utilized as templates for conjugation with specific proteins known to play a critical role in neural tissue growth. The template (Ile-TMG-Ile) was prepared by conjugating tetramethyleneglutaric acid with isoleucine and the ability of the bolaamphiphile to self-assemble was probed at a pH range of 4 through 9. The nanoribbons formed under neutral conditions were then functionalized step-wise with the basement membrane protein laminin, the neurotropic factor artemin and Type IV collagen. The conductive polymer polyaniline (PANI) was then incorporated through electrostatic and π–π stacking interactions to the scaffold to impart electrical properties. Distinct morphology changes were observed upon conjugation with each layer, which was also accompanied by an increase in Young’s Modulus as well as surface roughness. The Young’s Modulus of the dried PANI-bound biocomposite scaffolds was found to be 5.5 GPa, indicating the mechanical strength of the scaffold. Thermal phase changes studied indicated broad endothermic peaks upon incorporation of the proteins which were diminished upon binding with PANI. The scaffolds also exhibited in vitro biodegradable behavior over a period of three weeks. Furthermore, we observed cell proliferation and short neurite outgrowths in the presence of rat neural cortical cells, confirming that the scaffolds may be applicable in neural tissue regeneration. The electrochemical properties of the scaffolds were also studied by generating I-V curves by conducting cyclic voltammetry. Thus, we have developed a new biomimetic composite scaffold that may have potential applications in neural tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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16 pages, 3245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chitosan–Cellulose Multifunctional Hydrogel Beads: Design, Characterization and Evaluation of Cytocompatibility with Breast Adenocarcinoma and Osteoblast Cells

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Poonam Trivedi

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Tiina Saloranta-Simell

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Bioengineering 2018, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering5010003 - 09 Jan 2018

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 8635

Abstract

Cytocompatible polysaccharide-based functional scaffolds are potential extracellular matrix candidates for soft and hard tissue engineering. This paper describes a facile approach to design cytocompatible, non-toxic, and multifunctional chitosan-cellulose based hydrogel beads utilising polysaccharide dissolution in sodium hydroxide-urea-water solvent system and coagulation under three [...] Read more.

Cytocompatible polysaccharide-based functional scaffolds are potential extracellular matrix candidates for soft and hard tissue engineering. This paper describes a facile approach to design cytocompatible, non-toxic, and multifunctional chitosan-cellulose based hydrogel beads utilising polysaccharide dissolution in sodium hydroxide-urea-water solvent system and coagulation under three different acidic conditions, namely 2 M acetic acid, 2 M hydrochloric acid, and 2 M sulfuric acid. The effect of coagulating medium on the final chemical composition of the hydrogel beads is investigated by spectroscopic techniques (ATR–FTIR, Raman, NMR), and elemental analysis. The beads coagulated in 2 M acetic acid displayed an unchanged chitosan composition with free amino groups, while the beads coagulated in 2 M hydrochloric and sulfuric acid showed protonation of amino groups and ionic interaction with the counterions. The ultrastructural morphological study of lyophilized beads showed that increased chitosan content enhanced the porosity of the hydrogel beads. Furthermore, cytocompatibility evaluation of the hydrogel beads with human breast adenocarcinoma cells (soft tissue) showed that the beads coagulated in 2 M acetic acid are the most suitable for this type of cells in comparison to other coagulating systems. The acetic acid fabricated hydrogel beads also support osteoblast growth and adhesion over 192 h. Thus, in future, these hydrogel beads can be tested in the in vitro studies related to breast cancer and for bone regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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2736 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of Bacterial Cellulose Biofilms with Xylan Polyelectrolytes

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Bioengineering 2017, 4(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4040093 - 28 Nov 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5879

Abstract

The effect of the addition of two [4-butyltrimethylammonium]-xylan chloride polyelectrolytes (BTMAXs) on bacterial cellulose (BC) was evaluated. The first strategy was to add the polyelectrolytes to the culture medium together with a cell suspension of the bacterium. After one week of cultivation, the [...] Read more.

The effect of the addition of two [4-butyltrimethylammonium]-xylan chloride polyelectrolytes (BTMAXs) on bacterial cellulose (BC) was evaluated. The first strategy was to add the polyelectrolytes to the culture medium together with a cell suspension of the bacterium. After one week of cultivation, the films were collected and purified. The second approach consisted of obtaining a purified and homogenized BC, to which the polyelectrolytes were added subsequently. The films were characterized in terms of tear and burst indexes, optical properties, surface free energy, static contact angle, Gurley porosity, SEM, X-ray diffraction and AFM. Although there are small differences in mechanical and optical properties between the nanocomposites and control films, the films obtained by BC synthesis in the presence of BTMAXs were remarkably less opaque, rougher, and had a much lower specular gloss. The surface free energy depends on the BTMAXs addition method. The crystallinity of the composites is lower than that of the control material, with a higher reduction of this parameter in the composites obtained by adding the BTMAXs to the culture medium. In view of these results, it can be concluded that BC–BTMAX composites are a promising new material, for example, for paper restoration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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3723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Surfactants on the Preparation of Nanocellulose-PLA Composites

by

Kirsi Immonen

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Panu Lahtinen

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Jaakko Pere

Bioengineering 2017, 4(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4040091 - 17 Nov 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7699

Abstract

Thermoplastic composite materials containing wood fibers are gaining increasing interest in the manufacturing industry. One approach is to use nano- or micro-size cellulosic fibrils as additives and to improve the mechanical properties obtainable with only small fibril loadings by exploiting the high aspect [...] Read more.

Thermoplastic composite materials containing wood fibers are gaining increasing interest in the manufacturing industry. One approach is to use nano- or micro-size cellulosic fibrils as additives and to improve the mechanical properties obtainable with only small fibril loadings by exploiting the high aspect ratio and surface area of nanocellulose. In this study, we used four different wood cellulose-based materials in a thermoplastic polylactide (PLA) matrix: cellulose nanofibrils produced from softwood kraft pulp (CNF) and dissolving pulp (CNFSD), enzymatically prepared high-consistency nanocellulose (HefCel) and microcellulose (MC) together with long alkyl chain dispersion-improving agents. We observed increased impact strength with HefCel and MC addition of 5% and increased tensile strength with CNF addition of 3%. The addition of a reactive dispersion agent, epoxy-modified linseed oil, was found to be favorable in combination with HefCel and MC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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4012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lysine-Grafted MCM-41 Silica as an Antibacterial Biomaterial

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María F. Villegas

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Lorena Garcia-Uriostegui

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Ofelia Rodríguez

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Isabel Izquierdo-Barba

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Bioengineering 2017, 4(4), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4040080 - 26 Sep 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7290

Abstract

This paper proposes a facile strategy for the zwitterionization of bioceramics that is based on the direct incorporation of l-lysine amino acid via the ε-amino group onto mesoporous MCM-41 materials. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of lysine-grafted MCM-41 (MCM-LYS) simultaneously showed bands [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a facile strategy for the zwitterionization of bioceramics that is based on the direct incorporation of l-lysine amino acid via the ε-amino group onto mesoporous MCM-41 materials. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies of lysine-grafted MCM-41 (MCM-LYS) simultaneously showed bands at 3080 and 1540 cm⁻¹ and bands at 1625 and 1415 cm⁻¹ corresponding to -NH³⁺/COO⁻ pairs, which demonstrate the incorporation of the amino acid on the material surface keeping its zwitterionic character. Both elemental and thermogravimetric analyses showed that the amount of grafted lysine was 8 wt. % based on the bioceramic total weight. Moreover, MCM-LYS exhibited a reduction of adhesion of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria in 33% and 50%, respectively at physiological pH, as compared with pristine MCM-41. Biofilm studies onto surfaces showed that lysine functionalization elicited a reduction of the area covered by S. aureus biofilm from 42% to only 5% (88%). This research shows a simple and effective approach to chemically modify bioceramics using single amino acids that provides zwitterionic functionality, which is useful to develop new biomaterials that are able to resist bacterial adhesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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2351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encapsulation of Olive Leaves Extracts in Biodegradable PLA Nanoparticles for Use in Cosmetic Formulation

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Paraskevi Siamandoura

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Chrisoula Stamatogianni

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Eleni Philippou

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Constantine Papaspyrides

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Stamatina Vouyiouka

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Anastasia Detsi

Bioengineering 2017, 4(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4030075 - 12 Sep 2017

Cited by 49 | Viewed by 7531

Abstract

The aim of the current work was to encapsulate olive leaves extract in biodegradable poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles, characterize the nanoparticles and define the experimental parameters that affect the encapsulation procedure. Moreover, the loaded nanoparticles were incorporated in a cosmetic formulation and the stability [...] Read more.

The aim of the current work was to encapsulate olive leaves extract in biodegradable poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles, characterize the nanoparticles and define the experimental parameters that affect the encapsulation procedure. Moreover, the loaded nanoparticles were incorporated in a cosmetic formulation and the stability of the formulation was studied for a three-month period of study. Poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using a variety of techniques: size, polydispersity index and ζ-potential were measured by Dynamic Light Scattering; morphology was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy; thermal properties were investigated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry; whereas FT-IR spectroscopy provided a better insight on the encapsulation of the extract. Encapsulation Efficiency was determined indirectly, using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The loaded nanoparticles exhibited anionic ζ-potential, a mean particle size of 246.3 ± 5.3 nm (Pdi: 0.21 ± 0.01) and equal to 49.2%, while olive leaves extract release from the nanoparticles was found to present a burst effect at the first 2 hours. Furthermore, the stability studies of the loaded nanoparticles’ cosmetic formulation showed increased stability compared to the pure extract, in respect to viscosity, pH, organoleptic characteristics, emulsions phases and grid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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2656 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Encapsulation of Oregano (Origanum onites L.) Essential Oil in β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD): Synthesis and Characterization of the Inclusion Complexes

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Bioengineering 2017, 4(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4030074 - 09 Sep 2017

Cited by 68 | Viewed by 11163

Abstract

The aim of the present work was to study the encapsulation of Origanum onites L. essential oil (oregano EO) in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes (ICs), using the co-precipitation method. The formed β-CD–oregano EO ICs were characterized by diverse methods, such as Dynamic Light [...] Read more.

The aim of the present work was to study the encapsulation of Origanum onites L. essential oil (oregano EO) in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes (ICs), using the co-precipitation method. The formed β-CD–oregano EO ICs were characterized by diverse methods, such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), FT-IR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV-Vis spectroscopy was used for the determination of the inclusion efficacy and the study of the encapsulated oregano EO release profile. The interactions between host (β-CD) and guest (oregano EO) in the formed ICs were proven by the FT-IR, DSC, TG and NMR analyses. The ICs, which derived from different batches, presented nanoscale size (531.8 ± 7.7 nm and 450.3 ± 11.5 nm, respectively), good size dispersion (0.308 ± 0.062 and 0.484 ± 0.029, respectively) and satisfactory stability in suspension (ζ-potential = −21.5 ± 1.2 mV and −30.7 ± 1.8 mV). Inclusion efficiency reached up to 26%, whereas the oregano EO release from the ICs followed a continuous delivery profile for up to 11 days, based on in vitro experiments. The formed ICs can find diverse applications, such as in the preparation of films for active packaging of food products, in personal care products for the improvement of their properties (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc.), as well as in insect repellent products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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3459 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Approach to In Vitro Manufacturing of Hypertrophic Cartilage Matrix for Bone Repair

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Bach Quang Le

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Clemens Van Blitterswijk

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Jan De Boer

Bioengineering 2017, 4(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4020035 - 20 Apr 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7603

Abstract

Devitalized hypertrophic cartilage matrix (DCM) is an attractive concept for an off-the-shelf bone graft substitute. Upon implantation, DCM can trigger the natural endochondral ossification process, but only when the hypertrophic cartilage matrix has been reconstituted correctly. In vivo hypertrophic differentiation has been reported [...] Read more.

Devitalized hypertrophic cartilage matrix (DCM) is an attractive concept for an off-the-shelf bone graft substitute. Upon implantation, DCM can trigger the natural endochondral ossification process, but only when the hypertrophic cartilage matrix has been reconstituted correctly. In vivo hypertrophic differentiation has been reported for multiple cell types but up-scaling and in vivo devitalization remain a big challenge. To this end, we developed a micro tissue-engineered cartilage (MiTEC) model using the chondrogenic cell line ATDC5. Micro-aggregates of ATDC5 cells (approximately 1000 cells per aggregate) were cultured on a 3% agarose mold consisting of 1585 microwells, each measuring 400 µm in diameter. Chondrogenic differentiation was strongly enhanced using media supplemented with combinations of growth factors e.g., insulin, transforming growth factor beta and dexamethasone. Next, mineralization was induced by supplying the culture medium with beta-glycerophosphate, and finally we boosted the secretion of proangiogenic growth factors using the hypoxia mimetic phenanthroline in the final stage of in vivo culture. Then, ATDC5 aggregates were devitalized by freeze/thawing or sodium dodecyl sulfate treatment before co-culturing with human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs). We observed a strong effect on chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Using this MiTEC model, we were able to not only upscale the production of cartilage to a clinically relevant amount but were also able to vary the cartilage matrix composition in different ways, making MiTEC an ideal model to develop DCM as a bone graft substitute. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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Review

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3167 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in 3D Printing of Aliphatic Polyesters

by

Ioana Chiulan

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Adriana Nicoleta Frone

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Călin Brandabur

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Denis Mihaela Panaitescu

Bioengineering 2018, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering5010002 - 24 Dec 2017

Cited by 119 | Viewed by 11824

Abstract

3D printing represents a valuable alternative to traditional processing methods, clearly demonstrated by the promising results obtained in the manufacture of various products, such as scaffolds for regenerative medicine, artificial tissues and organs, electronics, components for the automotive industry, art objects and so [...] Read more.

3D printing represents a valuable alternative to traditional processing methods, clearly demonstrated by the promising results obtained in the manufacture of various products, such as scaffolds for regenerative medicine, artificial tissues and organs, electronics, components for the automotive industry, art objects and so on. This revolutionary technique showed unique capabilities for fabricating complex structures, with precisely controlled physical characteristics, facile tunable mechanical properties, biological functionality and easily customizable architecture. In this paper, we provide an overview of the main 3D-printing technologies currently employed in the case of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), two of the most important classes of thermoplastic aliphatic polyesters. Moreover, a short presentation of the main 3D-printing methods is briefly discussed. Both PLA and PHA, in the form of filaments or powder, proved to be suitable for the fabrication of artificial tissue or scaffolds for bone regeneration. The processability of PLA and PHB blends and composites fabricated through different 3D-printing techniques, their final characteristics and targeted applications in bioengineering are thoroughly reviewed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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2706 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progress in Integrative Biomaterial Systems to Approach Three-Dimensional Cell Mechanotransduction

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Bioengineering 2017, 4(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4030072 - 24 Aug 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7653

Abstract

Mechanotransduction between cells and the extracellular matrix regulates major cellular functions in physiological and pathological situations. The effect of mechanical cues on biochemical signaling triggered by cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions on model biomimetic surfaces has been extensively investigated by a combination of fabrication, [...] Read more.

Mechanotransduction between cells and the extracellular matrix regulates major cellular functions in physiological and pathological situations. The effect of mechanical cues on biochemical signaling triggered by cell–matrix and cell–cell interactions on model biomimetic surfaces has been extensively investigated by a combination of fabrication, biophysical, and biological methods. To simulate the in vivo physiological microenvironment in vitro, three dimensional (3D) microstructures with tailored bio-functionality have been fabricated on substrates of various materials. However, less attention has been paid to the design of 3D biomaterial systems with geometric variances, such as the possession of precise micro-features and/or bio-sensing elements for probing the mechanical responses of cells to the external microenvironment. Such precisely engineered 3D model experimental platforms pave the way for studying the mechanotransduction of multicellular aggregates under controlled geometric and mechanical parameters. Concurrently with the progress in 3D biomaterial fabrication, cell traction force microscopy (CTFM) developed in the field of cell biophysics has emerged as a highly sensitive technique for probing the mechanical stresses exerted by cells onto the opposing deformable surface. In the current work, we first review the recent advances in the fabrication of 3D micropatterned biomaterials which enable the seamless integration with experimental cell mechanics in a controlled 3D microenvironment. Then, we discuss the role of collective cell–cell interactions in the mechanotransduction of engineered tissue equivalents determined by such integrative biomaterial systems under simulated physiological conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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Other

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205 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Safety Aspects of Bio-Based Nanomaterials

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Julia Catalán

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Hannu Norppa

Bioengineering 2017, 4(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering4040094 - 01 Dec 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5985

Abstract

Moving towards a bio-based and circular economy implies a major focus on the responsible and sustainable utilization of bio-resources. The emergence of nanotechnology has opened multiple possibilities, not only in the existing industrial sectors, but also for completely novel applications of nanoscale bio-materials, [...] Read more.

Moving towards a bio-based and circular economy implies a major focus on the responsible and sustainable utilization of bio-resources. The emergence of nanotechnology has opened multiple possibilities, not only in the existing industrial sectors, but also for completely novel applications of nanoscale bio-materials, the commercial exploitation of which has only begun during the last few years. Bio-based materials are often assumed not to be toxic. However, this pre-assumption is not necessarily true. Here, we provide a short overview on health and environmental aspects associated with bio-based nanomaterials, and on the relevant regulatory requirements. We also discuss testing strategies that may be used for screening purposes at pre-commercial stages. Although the tests presently used to reveal hazards are still evolving, regarding modifications required for nanomaterials, their application is needed before the upscaling or commercialization of bio-based nanomaterials, to ensure the market potential of the nanomaterials is not delayed by uncertainties about safety issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Biocomposite Engineering and Bio-Applications)

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