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Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2023) | Viewed by 31337

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Special Issue Editors

Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
Interests: biomaterials; edible film and coatings; nanoemulsion; natural compound; active food packaging; smart packaging materials; food shelf life
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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Sciences, Università degli Studi di Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
Interests: packaging materials; bio-based and biodegradable polymers; bio-based and biodegradable polyesters; green composites; polymerization of biopolymers; processing of bioplastics; sustainable polymer for food preservation; biopolymers for food packaging; edible films; compostable packaging; monomers from renewable resources; polymers from renewable resources; gas barrier properties; life cycle assessment (LCA) study; bioeconomy; circular economy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biopolymers and biomaterials are two interlinked key topics of interest in the field of composite materials today. The use of biopolymers and biomaterials is inevitable now or in the near future, as it has already been established that synthetic polymers and chemically synthesized materials are very harmful to both living beings and the environment. The excess use of non-biodegradable polymers has already caused severe damage to the ecosystem, and thus, biobased degradable polymers can serve as the ideal replacement. To this end, biopolymers from various natural sources, such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, etc., individually or in a blend version, are being used to create composites for various purposes, such as packaging, biomedical, etc. On the other hand, chemical preservatives are very commonly used items in food items to enhance food shelf life, but recently, numerous reports have shown their negative impact. In this context, to improve the physical properties of biopolymer-based composite materials and their functionality, biomaterials are superior to chemically produced synthetic toxic materials. Some biomaterials with value-added functional properties are bioactive compounds, plant extract, essential oils, natural colorants, etc. The combination of biobased polymers and biomaterials can be useful to the manufacture of functional composite materials.

The main goal of this Special Issue is to collect recent progress in the preparation of biobased composite materials utilizing biopolymers and biomaterials for potential applications including but not limited to packaging, biomedical regime, and cosmetics. The themed research topic is expected to provide more awareness of the use of biobased polymers and biomaterials in innumerable aspects of our daily used items.

Dr. Swarup Roy
Dr. Valentina Siracusa
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biopolymers
  • nanomaterials
  • biomaterials
  • functional materials
  • bioactive natural compounds
  • essential oil emulsion
  • natural colorant
  • plant extract
  • bioactive compounds
  • nanocomposite
  • functional composite
  • composite film and coatings

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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2 pages, 190 KiB  
Editorial
Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials
by Swarup Roy and Valentina Siracusa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210372 - 20 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1210
Abstract
Biopolymers and biomaterials are two interconnected key topics, which have recently drawn significant attention from researchers across all fields, owing to the emerging potential in multifunctional use [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)

Research

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17 pages, 2848 KiB  
Article
Oxygen Nanocarriers for Improving Cardioplegic Solution Performance: Physico-Chemical Characterization
by Maria Tannous, Gjylije Hoti, Francesco Trotta, Roberta Cavalli, Takanobu Higashiyama, Pasquale Pagliaro and Claudia Penna
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(12), 10073; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241210073 - 13 Jun 2023
Viewed by 967
Abstract
Nanocarriers for oxygen delivery have been the focus of extensive research to ameliorate the therapeutic effects of current anti-cancer treatments and in the organ transplant field. In the latter application, the use of oxygenated cardioplegic solution (CS) during cardiac arrest is certainly beneficial, [...] Read more.
Nanocarriers for oxygen delivery have been the focus of extensive research to ameliorate the therapeutic effects of current anti-cancer treatments and in the organ transplant field. In the latter application, the use of oxygenated cardioplegic solution (CS) during cardiac arrest is certainly beneficial, and fully oxygenated crystalloid solutions may be excellent means of myocardial protection, albeit for a limited time. Therefore, to overcome this drawback, oxygenated nanosponges (NSs) that can store and slowly release oxygen over a controlled period have been chosen as nanocarriers to enhance the functionality of cardioplegic solutions. Different components can be used to prepare nanocarrier formulations for saturated oxygen delivery, and these include native α-cyclodextrin (αCD), αcyclodextrin-based nanosponges (αCD-NSs), native cyclic nigerosyl-nigerose (CNN), and cyclic nigerosyl-nigerose-based nanosponges (CNN-NSs). Oxygen release kinetics varied depending on the nanocarrier used, demonstrating higher oxygen release after 24 h for NSs than the native αCD and CNN. CNN-NSs presented the highest oxygen concentration (8.57 mg/L) in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) CS recorded at 37 °C for 12 h. The NSs retained more oxygen at 1.30 g/L than 0.13 g/L. These nanocarriers have considerable versatility and the ability to store oxygen and prolong the amount of time that the heart remains in hypothermic CS. The physicochemical characterization presents a promising oxygen-carrier formulation that can prolong the release of oxygen at low temperatures. This can make the nanocarriers suitable for the storage of hearts during the explant and transport procedure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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19 pages, 4541 KiB  
Article
Application of Box–Behnken Design to Optimize Phosphate Adsorption Conditions from Water onto Novel Adsorbent CS-ZL/ZrO/Fe3O4: Characterization, Equilibrium, Isotherm, Kinetic, and Desorption Studies
by Endar Hidayat, Nur Maisarah Binti Mohamad Sarbani, Seiichiro Yonemura, Yoshiharu Mitoma and Hiroyuki Harada
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(11), 9754; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24119754 - 05 Jun 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1076
Abstract
Phosphate (PO43−) is an essential nutrient in agriculture; however, it is hazardous to the environment if discharged in excess as in wastewater discharge and runoff from agriculture. Moreover, the stability of chitosan under acidic conditions remains a concern. To address [...] Read more.
Phosphate (PO43−) is an essential nutrient in agriculture; however, it is hazardous to the environment if discharged in excess as in wastewater discharge and runoff from agriculture. Moreover, the stability of chitosan under acidic conditions remains a concern. To address these problems, CS-ZL/ZrO/Fe3O4 was synthesized using a crosslinking method as a novel adsorbent for the removal of phosphate (PO43−) from water and to increase the stability of chitosan. The response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box–Behnken design (BBD)-based analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented. The ANOVA results clearly showed that the adsorption of PO43− onto CS-ZL/ZrO/Fe3O4 was significant (p ≤ 0.05), with good mechanical stability. pH, dosage, and time were the three most important factors for the removal of PO43−. Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models generated the best equivalents for PO43− adsorption. The presence of coexisting ions for PO43− removal was also studied. The results indicated no significant effect on PO43− removal (p ≤ 0.05). After adsorption, PO43− was easily released by 1 M NaOH, reaching 95.77% and exhibiting a good capability over three cycles. Thus, this concept is effective for increasing the stability of chitosan and is an alternative adsorbent for the removal of PO43− from water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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15 pages, 9607 KiB  
Article
Prospect of Bioactive Curcumin Nanoemulsion as Effective Agency to Improve Milk Based Soft Cheese by Using Ultrasound Encapsulation Approach
by Uday Bagale, Ammar Kadi, Mostafa Abotaleb, Irina Potoroko and Shirish Hari Sonawane
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(3), 2663; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24032663 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1811
Abstract
The aim of this paper was to determine the effect of stabilized curcumin nanoemulsions (CUNE) as a food additive capable of directionally acting to inhibit molecules involved in dairy products’ quality and digestibility, especially cheese. The objects were cheeses made from the milk [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper was to determine the effect of stabilized curcumin nanoemulsions (CUNE) as a food additive capable of directionally acting to inhibit molecules involved in dairy products’ quality and digestibility, especially cheese. The objects were cheeses made from the milk of higher grades with addition of a CUNE and a control sample. The cheeses were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in terms of organoleptic properties, such as appearance, taste, and aroma. The results show that the addition of CUNEs improved the organoleptic properties compared to the control cheese by 150% and improved its shelf life. The SEM study shows that formulation with CUNE promotes the uniform distribution of porosity. The CUNE-based cheese shows a better sensory evaluation compared to the emulsion without curcumin. CUNE-processed cheese provided better antioxidant and antimicrobial analysis than the control sample and offers added value to the dairy sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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23 pages, 7736 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract as Modifying Agents of Hydrogels Designed as Innovative Dressings
by Magdalena Kędzierska, Magdalena Bańkosz, Anna Drabczyk, Sonia Kudłacik-Kramarczyk, Mateusz Jamroży and Piotr Potemski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010217 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2360
Abstract
The interest in the application of plant extracts as modifiers of polymers intended for biomedical purposes is constantly increasing. The therapeutical properties of the licorice root, including its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, make this plant particularly promising. The same applies to silver nanoparticles [...] Read more.
The interest in the application of plant extracts as modifiers of polymers intended for biomedical purposes is constantly increasing. The therapeutical properties of the licorice root, including its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activity, make this plant particularly promising. The same applies to silver nanoparticles showing antibacterial properties. Thus the main purpose of the research was to design hydrogel dressings containing both licorice root extract and nanosilver so as to obtain a system promoting wound regeneration processes by preventing infection and inflammation within the wound. The first step included the preparation of the plant extract via the solid-liquid extraction using the Soxhlet extractor and the synthesis of silver nanoparticles by the chemical reduction of silver ions using a sodium borohydride as a reducing agent. Subsequently, hydrogels were synthesized via photopolymerization and subjected to studies aiming at characterizing their sorption properties, surface morphology via scanning electron microscopy, and their impact on simulated physiological liquids supported by defining these liquids’ influence on hydrogels’ structures by FT-IR spectroscopy. Next, the tensile strength of hydrogels and their percentage elongation were determined. Performed studies also allowed for determining the hydrogels’ wettability and free surface energies. Finally, the cytotoxicity of hydrogels towards L929 murine fibroblasts via the MTT reduction assay was also verified. It was demonstrated that developed materials showed stability in simulated physiological liquids. Moreover, hydrogels were characterized by high elasticity (percentage elongation within the range of 24–29%), and their surfaces were hydrophilic (wetting angles below 90°). Hydrogels containing both licorice extract and nanosilver showed smooth and homogeneous surfaces. Importantly, cytotoxic properties towards L929 murine fibroblasts were excluded; thus, developed materials seem to have great potential for application as innovative dressings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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19 pages, 7216 KiB  
Article
Colourimetric Plate Assays Based on Functionalized Gelatine Hydrogel Useful for Various Screening Purposes in Enzymology
by Karolina Labus and Halina Maniak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010033 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1634
Abstract
Hydrogels are intensively investigated biomaterials due to their useful physicochemical and biological properties in bioengineering. In particular, naturally occurring hydrogels are being deployed as carriers for bio-compounds. We used two approaches to develop a plate colourimetric test by immobilising (1) ABTS or (2) [...] Read more.
Hydrogels are intensively investigated biomaterials due to their useful physicochemical and biological properties in bioengineering. In particular, naturally occurring hydrogels are being deployed as carriers for bio-compounds. We used two approaches to develop a plate colourimetric test by immobilising (1) ABTS or (2) laccase from Trametes versicolor in the gelatine-based hydrogel. The first system (1) was applied to detect laccase in aqueous samples. We investigated the detection level of the enzyme between 0.05 and 100 µg/mL and pH ranging between 3 and 9; the stability of ABTS in the solution and the immobilised form, as well as the retention functional property of the hydrogel in 4 °C for 30 days. The test can detect laccase within 20 min in the concentration range of 2.5–100 µg/mL; is effective at pH 3–6; preserves high stability and functionality under storage and can be also successfully applied for testing samples from a microbial culture. The second system with the immobilised laccase (2) was tested in terms of substrate specificity (ABTS, syringaldazine, guaiacol) and inhibitor (NaN3) screening. ABTS appeared the most proper substrate for laccase with detection sensitivity CABTS > 0.5 mg/mL. The NaN3 tested in the range of 0.5–100 µg/mL showed a distinct inhibition effect in 20 min for 0.5 µg/mL and total inhibition for ≥75 µg/mL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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16 pages, 2030 KiB  
Article
Electrochemical and Ion Transport Studies of Li+ Ion-Conducting MC-Based Biopolymer Blend Electrolytes
by Elham M. A. Dannoun, Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Mohamad A. Brza, Sameerah I. Al-Saeedi, Muaffaq M. Nofal, Kuldeep Mishra, Ranjdar M. Abdullah, Wrya O. Karim and Jihad M. Hadi
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169152 - 15 Aug 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1619
Abstract
A facile methodology system for synthesizing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on methylcellulose, dextran, lithium perchlorate (as ionic sources), and glycerol (such as a plasticizer) (MC:Dex:LiClO4:Glycerol) has been implemented. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and two imperative electrochemical techniques, including linear [...] Read more.
A facile methodology system for synthesizing solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on methylcellulose, dextran, lithium perchlorate (as ionic sources), and glycerol (such as a plasticizer) (MC:Dex:LiClO4:Glycerol) has been implemented. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and two imperative electrochemical techniques, including linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were performed on the films to analyze their structural and electrical properties. The FTIR spectra verify the interactions between the electrolyte components. Following this, a further calculation was performed to determine free ions (FI) and contact ion pairs (CIP) from the deconvolution of the peak associated with the anion. It is verified that the electrolyte containing the highest amount of glycerol plasticizer (MDLG3) has shown a maximum conductivity of 1.45 × 10−3 S cm−1. Moreover, for other transport parameters, the mobility (μ), number density (n), and diffusion coefficient (D) of ions were enhanced effectively. The transference number measurement (TNM) of electrons (tel) was 0.024 and 0.976 corresponding to ions (tion). One of the prepared samples (MDLG3) had 3.0 V as the voltage stability of the electrolyte. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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18 pages, 2274 KiB  
Article
Valorization of Berries’ Agro-Industrial Waste in the Development of Biodegradable Pectin-Based Films for Fresh Salmon (Salmo salar) Shelf-Life Monitoring
by Janira Romero, Rui M. S. Cruz, Alexandra Díez-Méndez and Irene Albertos
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 8970; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23168970 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2237
Abstract
The healthy properties of berries are known; however, red fruits are very perishable, generating large losses in production and marketing. Nonetheless, these wastes can be revalued and used. The main objective of this study was the development of biodegradable pectin films with berry [...] Read more.
The healthy properties of berries are known; however, red fruits are very perishable, generating large losses in production and marketing. Nonetheless, these wastes can be revalued and used. The main objective of this study was the development of biodegradable pectin films with berry agro-industrial waste extracts to monitor salmon shelf-life. The obtained extracts from blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries wastes were evaluated in terms of flavonols, phenols and anthocyanins contents, and antioxidant capacity. Then, pectin films with the extracts of different berries were developed and characterized. The results showed that the blueberry extract film was thicker (0.248 mm), darker (L* = 61.42), and opaquer (17.71%), while the highest density (1.477 g/cm3) was shown by the raspberry films. The results also showed that blueberries were the best for further application due to their composition in bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and color change at different pHs. The salmon samples wrapped in blueberry films showed lower values of pH and deterioration of fish during storage compared to the control and pectin samples. This study contributes to the valorization of berries agro-industrial waste by the development of eco-friendly films that can be used in the future as intelligent food packaging materials contributing to the extension of food shelf-life as a sustainable packaging alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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Review

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17 pages, 999 KiB  
Review
The Osteogenic Properties of Calcium Phosphate Cement Doped with Synthetic Materials: A Structured Narrative Review of Preclinical Evidence
by Siti Sarah Md Dali, Sok Kuan Wong, Kok-Yong Chin and Fairus Ahmad
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(8), 7161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24087161 - 12 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1496
Abstract
Bone grafting is commonly used as a treatment to repair bone defects. However, its use is challenged by the presence of medical conditions that weaken the bone, like osteoporosis. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is used to restore bone defects, and it is commonly [...] Read more.
Bone grafting is commonly used as a treatment to repair bone defects. However, its use is challenged by the presence of medical conditions that weaken the bone, like osteoporosis. Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is used to restore bone defects, and it is commonly available as a bioabsorbable cement paste. However, its use in clinical settings is limited by inadequate mechanical strength, inferior anti-washout characteristics, and poor osteogenic activity. There have been attempts to overcome these shortcomings by adding various natural or synthetic materials as enhancers to CPC. This review summarises the current evidence on the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of CPC after doping with synthetic materials. The incorporation of CPC with polymers, biomimetic materials, chemical elements/compounds, and combination with two or more synthetic materials showed improvement in biocompatibility, bioactivity, anti-washout properties, and mechanical strength. However, the mechanical property of CPC doped with trimethyl chitosan or strontium was decreased. In conclusion, doping of synthetic materials enhances the osteogenic features of pure CPC. The positive findings from in vitro and in vivo studies await further validation on the efficacy of these reinforced CPC composites in clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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19 pages, 1874 KiB  
Review
Natural Gum-Based Functional Bioactive Films and Coatings: A Review
by Arushri Nehra, Deblina Biswas, Valentina Siracusa and Swarup Roy
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010485 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3850
Abstract
Edible films and coatings are a current and future food packaging trend. In the food and envi-ronmental sectors, there is a growing need to understand the role of edible packaging and sus-tainability. Gums are polysaccharides of natural origin that are frequently utilized as [...] Read more.
Edible films and coatings are a current and future food packaging trend. In the food and envi-ronmental sectors, there is a growing need to understand the role of edible packaging and sus-tainability. Gums are polysaccharides of natural origin that are frequently utilized as thickeners, clarifying agents, gelling agents, emulsifiers, and stabilizers in the food sector. Gums come in a variety of forms, including seed gums, mucilage gums, exudate gums, and so on. As a biodegradable and sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based film and coatings, gums could be a promising option. Natural plant gum-based edible packaging helps to ensure extension of shelf-life of fresh and processed foods while also reducing microbiological alteration and/or oxidation processes. In this review, the possible applications of gum-based polymers and their functional properties in development of edible films and coatings, were comprehensively dis-cussed. In the future, technology for developing natural gum-based edible films and coatings might be applied commercially to improve shelf life and preserve the quality of foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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45 pages, 3335 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances of Chitosan Formulations in Biomedical Applications
by Mohammed A. S. Abourehab, Sheersha Pramanik, Mohamed A. Abdelgawad, Bassam M. Abualsoud, Ammar Kadi, Mohammad Javed Ansari and A. Deepak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10975; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810975 - 19 Sep 2022
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 5876
Abstract
Chitosan, a naturally abundant cationic polymer, is chemically composed of cellulose-based biopolymers derived by deacetylating chitin. It offers several attractive characteristics such as renewability, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as [...] Read more.
Chitosan, a naturally abundant cationic polymer, is chemically composed of cellulose-based biopolymers derived by deacetylating chitin. It offers several attractive characteristics such as renewability, hydrophilicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity towards gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as well as fungi, etc., because of which it is receiving immense attention as a biopolymer for a plethora of applications including drug delivery, protective coating materials, food packaging films, wastewater treatment, and so on. Additionally, its structure carries reactive functional groups that enable several reactions and electrochemical interactions at the biomolecular level and improves the chitosan’s physicochemical properties and functionality. This review article highlights the extensive research about the properties, extraction techniques, and recent developments of chitosan-based composites for drug, gene, protein, and vaccine delivery applications. Its versatile applications in tissue engineering and wound healing are also discussed. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for chitosan in biomedical applications are elucidated. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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57 pages, 4269 KiB  
Review
Alginate as a Promising Biopolymer in Drug Delivery and Wound Healing: A Review of the State-of-the-Art
by Mohammad A. S. Abourehab, Rahul R. Rajendran, Anshul Singh, Sheersha Pramanik, Prachi Shrivastav, Mohammad Javed Ansari, Ravi Manne, Larissa Souza Amaral and A. Deepak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 9035; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23169035 - 12 Aug 2022
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 5452
Abstract
Biopolymeric nanoparticulate systems hold favorable carrier properties for active delivery. The enhancement in the research interest in alginate formulations in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, owing to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioadhesive characteristics, reiterates its future use as an efficient drug delivery matrix. Alginates, [...] Read more.
Biopolymeric nanoparticulate systems hold favorable carrier properties for active delivery. The enhancement in the research interest in alginate formulations in biomedical and pharmaceutical research, owing to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioadhesive characteristics, reiterates its future use as an efficient drug delivery matrix. Alginates, obtained from natural sources, are the colloidal polysaccharide group, which are water-soluble, non-toxic, and non-irritant. These are linear copolymeric blocks of α-(1→4)-linked l-guluronic acid (G) and β-(1→4)-linked d-mannuronic acid (M) residues. Owing to the monosaccharide sequencing and the enzymatically governed reactions, alginates are well-known as an essential bio-polymer group for multifarious biomedical implementations. Additionally, alginate’s bio-adhesive property makes it significant in the pharmaceutical industry. Alginate has shown immense potential in wound healing and drug delivery applications to date because its gel-forming ability maintains the structural resemblance to the extracellular matrices in tissues and can be altered to perform numerous crucial functions. The initial section of this review will deliver a perception of the extraction source and alginate’s remarkable properties. Furthermore, we have aspired to discuss the current literature on alginate utilization as a biopolymeric carrier for drug delivery through numerous administration routes. Finally, the latest investigations on alginate composite utilization in wound healing are addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Multifunctional Application of Biopolymers and Biomaterials)
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