Editorial

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4 pages, 448 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Biobased Materials for Skin-Contact Products Promoted by POLYBIOSKIN Project

by Maria-Beatrice Coltelli and Serena Danti

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(4), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11040077 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2703

Abstract

The skin is the body outermost tissue and acts as a barrier and defense line to protect our organs [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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Research

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12 pages, 14759 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Bionanocomposites Based on Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate)/PolylActide Blends Reinforced with Cloisite 30B

by Clément Lacoste, Benjamin Gallard, José-Marie Lopez-Cuesta, Ozlem Ipek Kalaoglu-Altan and Karen De Clerck

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(3), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11030064 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2215

Abstract

In the present study, poly(3-hydroxybuturate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and plasticized polylactide acid (PLA) blends were processed by melt extrusion with different weight ratio (up to 20 wt.% of PHBV). Bionanocomposites were obtained through the incorporation of an organomodified montmorillonite (C30B) at 3 wt.%. The main [...] Read more.

In the present study, poly(3-hydroxybuturate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and plasticized polylactide acid (PLA) blends were processed by melt extrusion with different weight ratio (up to 20 wt.% of PHBV). Bionanocomposites were obtained through the incorporation of an organomodified montmorillonite (C30B) at 3 wt.%. The main features of the processing and physico-chemical characterization of films and injected samples were assessed and the influence of the components on the chemical, thermal and mechanical properties of the bionanocomposites was investigated. The results indicated that plasticized PLA/PHBV/C30B bionanocomposites present optimal mechanical properties for sanitary applications. Moreover, plasticized PLA/PHBV could lead to finely tuned biomaterials able to form electrospun nanofibers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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17 pages, 11862 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Electrosprayed Chitin Nanofibril/Electrospun Polyhydroxyalkanoate Fiber Mesh as Functional Nonwoven for Skin Application

by Bahareh Azimi, Lily Thomas, Alessandra Fusco, Ozlem Ipek Kalaoglu-Altan, Pooja Basnett, Patrizia Cinelli, Karen De Clerck, Ipsita Roy, Giovanna Donnarumma, Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Serena Danti and Andrea Lazzeri

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(3), 62; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11030062 - 03 Sep 2020

Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5267

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of bio-based polyesters that have found different biomedical applications. Chitin and lignin, byproducts of fishery and plant biomass, show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity on the nanoscale. Due to their polarities, chitin nanofibril (CN) and nanolignin (NL) can be [...] Read more.

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a family of bio-based polyesters that have found different biomedical applications. Chitin and lignin, byproducts of fishery and plant biomass, show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity on the nanoscale. Due to their polarities, chitin nanofibril (CN) and nanolignin (NL) can be assembled into micro-complexes, which can be loaded with bioactive factors, such as the glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and CN-NL/GA (CLA) complexes, and can be used to decorate polymer surfaces. This study aims to develop completely bio-based and bioactive meshes intended for wound healing. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)/Poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate-co-3-hydroxydecanoate), P(3HB)/P(3HO-co-3HD) was used to produce films and fiber meshes, to be surface-modified via electrospraying of CN or CLA to reach a uniform distribution. P(3HB)/P(3HO-co-3HD) fibers with desirable size and morphology were successfully prepared and functionalized with CN and CLA using electrospinning and tested in vitro with human keratinocytes. The presence of CN and CLA improved the indirect antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of the electrospun fiber meshes by downregulating the expression of the most important pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulating human defensin 2 expression. This natural and eco-sustainable mesh is promising in wound healing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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16 pages, 4139 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination and Quantification of the Distribution of CN-NL Nanoparticles Encapsulating Glycyrrhetic Acid on Novel Textile Surfaces with Hyperspectral Imaging

by Kudirat A. Obisesan, Simona Neri, Elodie Bugnicourt, Inmaculada Campos and Laura Rodriguez-Turienzo

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11020032 - 20 May 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4071

Abstract

Chitin Lignin nanoparticles (CN-NL), standalone and encapsulating glycyrrhetic acid (GA), were applied on novel substrates for textiles to obtain antibacterial, antioxidant properties. Their homogeneous application is an important parameter that can strongly influence the final performance of the investigated textiles for its cosmetic [...] Read more.

Chitin Lignin nanoparticles (CN-NL), standalone and encapsulating glycyrrhetic acid (GA), were applied on novel substrates for textiles to obtain antibacterial, antioxidant properties. Their homogeneous application is an important parameter that can strongly influence the final performance of the investigated textiles for its cosmetic and medical use. In this paper, hyperspectral imaging techniques combined with chemometric tools were investigated to study the distribution and quantification of CN-NL/GA on chitosan and CN-NL on pullulan substrates. To do so, samples of chitosan and pullulan impregnated with CN-NL/GA and CN-NL were analysed through Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) and Visible-Near Infrared (VisNIR) hyperspectral cameras. Two different chemometric tools for qualitative and quantitative analysis have been applied, principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square regression (PLSR) models. Promising results were obtained in the VisNIR range, which made it possible for us to visualize the CN-NL/GA compound on chitosan and CN-NL on pullulan substrates. Additionally, the PLSR model results had determination coefficient (

R_{C}^{2})

for calibration and cross-validation (

R_{C V}^{2})

values of 0.983 and 0.857, respectively. Minimum values of root-mean-square error for calibration (RMSEC) and cross-validation (RMSECV) of CN-NL/GA were 0.333 and 0.993 g, respectively. The results demonstrate that hyperspectral imaging combined with chemometrics offers a powerful tool for studying the distribution on chitosan and pullulan substrates and to quantify the content of CN-NL/GA compounds on chitosan substrates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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16 pages, 3040 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of PLA-Based Films by Grafting or Coating

by Aleksandra Miletić, Ivan Ristić, Maria-Beatrice Coltelli and Branka Pilić

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11020030 - 07 May 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4628

Abstract

Recently, the demand for the use of natural polymers in the cosmetic, biomedical, and sanitary sectors has been increasing. In order to meet specific functional properties of the products, usually, the incorporation of the active component is required. One of the main problems [...] Read more.

Recently, the demand for the use of natural polymers in the cosmetic, biomedical, and sanitary sectors has been increasing. In order to meet specific functional properties of the products, usually, the incorporation of the active component is required. One of the main problems is enabling compatibility between hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. Therefore, surface modification is necessary. Poly(lactide) (PLA) is a natural polymer that has attracted a lot ofattention in recent years. It is bio-based, can be produced from carbohydrate sources like corn, and it is biodegradable. The main goal of this work was the functionalization of PLA, inserting antiseptic and anti-inflammatory nanostructured systems based on chitin nanofibrils–nanolignin complexes ready to be used in the biomedical, cosmetics, and sanitary sectors. The specific challenge of this investigation was to increase the interaction between the hydrophobic PLA matrix with hydrophilic chitin–lignin nanoparticle complexes. First, chemical modification via the “grafting from” method using lactide oligomers was performed. Then, active coatings with modified and unmodified chitin–lignin nanoparticle complexes were prepared and applied on extruded PLA-based sheets. The chemical, thermal, and mechanical characterization of prepared samples was carried out and the obtained results were discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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14 pages, 6084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Materials with Lime Oil and a Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) Produced via Valorisation of Sugar Cane Molasses

by Pooja Basnett, Elena Marcello, Barbara Lukasiewicz, Rinat Nigmatullin, Alexandra Paxinou, Muhammad Haseeb Ahmad, Bhavana Gurumayum and Ipsita Roy

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11020024 - 10 Apr 2020

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5204

Abstract

A medium chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) was produced by Pseudomonas mendocina CH50 using a cheap carbon substrate, sugarcane molasses. A PHA yield of 14.2% dry cell weight was achieved. Chemical analysis confirmed that the polymer produced was a medium chain-length PHA, a copolymer of [...] Read more.

A medium chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) was produced by Pseudomonas mendocina CH50 using a cheap carbon substrate, sugarcane molasses. A PHA yield of 14.2% dry cell weight was achieved. Chemical analysis confirmed that the polymer produced was a medium chain-length PHA, a copolymer of 3-hydroxyoctanoate and 3-hydroxydecanoate, P(3HO-co-3HD). Lime oil, an essential oil with known antimicrobial activity, was used as an additive to P(3HO-co-3HD) to confer antibacterial properties to this biodegradable polymer. The incorporation of lime oil induced a slight decrease in crystallinity of P(3HO-co-3HD) films. The antibacterial properties of lime oil were investigated using ISO 20776 against Staphylococcus aureus 6538P and Escherichia coli 8739, showing a higher activity against the Gram-positive bacteria. The higher activity of the oil against S. aureus 6538P defined the higher efficiency of loaded polymer films against this strain. The effect of storage on the antimicrobial properties of the loaded films was investigated. After one-year storage, the content of lime oil in the films decreased, causing a reduction of the antimicrobial activity of the materials produced. However, the films still possessed antibacterial activity against S. aureus 6538P. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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20 pages, 14494 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Skin-Compatible Biobased Beauty Masks Prepared by Extrusion

by Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Luca Panariello, Pierfrancesco Morganti, Serena Danti, Adone Baroni, Andrea Lazzeri, Alessandra Fusco and Giovanna Donnarumma

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11020023 - 06 Apr 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5674

Abstract

In the cosmetic sector, natural and sustainable products with a high compatibility with skin, thus conjugating wellness with a green-oriented consumerism, are required by the market. Poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA)/starch blends represent a promising alternative to prepare flexible films as support for innovative beauty masks, [...] Read more.

In the cosmetic sector, natural and sustainable products with a high compatibility with skin, thus conjugating wellness with a green-oriented consumerism, are required by the market. Poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHA)/starch blends represent a promising alternative to prepare flexible films as support for innovative beauty masks, wearable after wetting and releasing starch and other selected molecules. Nevertheless, preparing these films by extrusion is difficult due to the high viscosity of the polymer melt at the temperature suitable for processing starch. The preparation of blends including poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) or poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) was investigated as a strategy to better modulate melt viscosity in view of a possible industrial production of beauty mask films. The release properties of films in water, connected to their morphology, was also investigated by extraction trials, infrared spectroscopy and stereo and electron microscopy. Then, the biocompatibility with cells was assessed by considering both mesenchymal stromal cells and keratinocytes. All the results were discussed considering the morphology of the films. This study evidenced the possibility of modulating thanks to the selection of composition and the materials processing of the properties necessary for producing films with tailored properties and processability for beauty masks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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23 pages, 2742 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Properties and Skin Compatibility of Films Based on Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA) Bionanocomposites Incorporating Chitin Nanofibrils (CN)

by Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Laura Aliotta, Alessandro Vannozzi, Pierfrancesco Morganti, Luca Panariello, Serena Danti, Simona Neri, Cristina Fernandez-Avila, Alessandra Fusco, Giovanna Donnarumma and Andrea Lazzeri

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11020021 - 01 Apr 2020

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 5782

Abstract

Nanobiocomposites suitable for preparing skin compatible films by flat die extrusion were prepared by using plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), and Chitin nanofibrils as functional filler. Chitin nanofibrils (CNs) were dispersed in the blends thanks to the preparation of pre-nanocomposites containing [...] Read more.

Nanobiocomposites suitable for preparing skin compatible films by flat die extrusion were prepared by using plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), and Chitin nanofibrils as functional filler. Chitin nanofibrils (CNs) were dispersed in the blends thanks to the preparation of pre-nanocomposites containing poly(ethylene glycol). Thanks to the use of a melt strength enhancer (Plastistrength) and calcium carbonate, the processability and thermal properties of bionanocomposites films containing CNs could be tuned in a wide range. Moreover, the resultant films were flexible and highly resistant. The addition of CNs in the presence of starch proved not advantageous because of an extensive chain scission resulting in low values of melt viscosity. The films containing CNs or CNs and calcium carbonate resulted biocompatible and enabled the production of cells defensins, acting as indirect anti-microbial. Nevertheless, tests made with Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter spp. (Gram positive and negative respectively) by the qualitative agar diffusion test did not show any direct anti-microbial activity of the films. The results are explained considering the morphology of the film and the different mechanisms of direct and indirect anti-microbial action generated by the nanobiocomposite based films. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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Review

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36 pages, 9300 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Bio-Based Electrospun Fibers for Wound Healing

by Bahareh Azimi, Homa Maleki, Lorenzo Zavagna, Jose Gustavo De la Ossa, Stefano Linari, Andrea Lazzeri and Serena Danti

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(3), 67; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11030067 - 22 Sep 2020

Cited by 129 | Viewed by 10118

Abstract

Being designated to protect other tissues, skin is the first and largest human body organ to be injured and for this reason, it is accredited with a high capacity for self-repairing. However, in the case of profound lesions or large surface loss, the [...] Read more.

Being designated to protect other tissues, skin is the first and largest human body organ to be injured and for this reason, it is accredited with a high capacity for self-repairing. However, in the case of profound lesions or large surface loss, the natural wound healing process may be ineffective or insufficient, leading to detrimental and painful conditions that require repair adjuvants and tissue substitutes. In addition to the conventional wound care options, biodegradable polymers, both synthetic and biologic origin, are gaining increased importance for their high biocompatibility, biodegradation, and bioactive properties, such as antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, cell proliferative, and angiogenic. To create a microenvironment suitable for the healing process, a key property is the ability of a polymer to be spun into submicrometric fibers (e.g., via electrospinning), since they mimic the fibrous extracellular matrix and can support neo- tissue growth. A number of biodegradable polymers used in the biomedical sector comply with the definition of bio-based polymers (known also as biopolymers), which are recently being used in other industrial sectors for reducing the material and energy impact on the environment, as they are derived from renewable biological resources. In this review, after a description of the fundamental concepts of wound healing, with emphasis on advanced wound dressings, the recent developments of bio-based natural and synthetic electrospun structures for efficient wound healing applications are highlighted and discussed. This review aims to improve awareness on the use of bio-based polymers in medical devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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20 pages, 3361 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Biodegradable Polymeric Micro/Nano-Structures with Intrinsic Antifouling/Antimicrobial Properties: Relevance in Damaged Skin and Other Biomedical Applications

by Mario Milazzo, Giuseppe Gallone, Elena Marcello, Maria Donatella Mariniello, Luca Bruschini, Ipsita Roy and Serena Danti

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(3), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11030060 - 19 Aug 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 6149

Abstract

Bacterial colonization of implanted biomedical devices is the main cause of healthcare-associated infections, estimated to be 8.8 million per year in Europe. Many infections originate from damaged skin, which lets microorganisms exploit injuries and surgical accesses as passageways to reach the implant site [...] Read more.

Bacterial colonization of implanted biomedical devices is the main cause of healthcare-associated infections, estimated to be 8.8 million per year in Europe. Many infections originate from damaged skin, which lets microorganisms exploit injuries and surgical accesses as passageways to reach the implant site and inner organs. Therefore, an effective treatment of skin damage is highly desirable for the success of many biomaterial-related surgical procedures. Due to gained resistance to antibiotics, new antibacterial treatments are becoming vital to control nosocomial infections arising as surgical and post-surgical complications. Surface coatings can avoid biofouling and bacterial colonization thanks to biomaterial inherent properties (e.g., super hydrophobicity), specifically without using drugs, which may cause bacterial resistance. The focus of this review is to highlight the emerging role of degradable polymeric micro- and nano-structures that show intrinsic antifouling and antimicrobial properties, with a special outlook towards biomedical applications dealing with skin and skin damage. The intrinsic properties owned by the biomaterials encompass three main categories: (1) physical–mechanical, (2) chemical, and (3) electrostatic. Clinical relevance in ear prostheses and breast implants is reported. Collecting and discussing the updated outcomes in this field would help the development of better performing biomaterial-based antimicrobial strategies, which are useful to prevent infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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13 pages, 1299 KiB

Open AccessReview

Autologous Matrix of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Wound Care Settings: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

by Chayane Karla Lucena de Carvalho, Beatriz Luci Fernandes and Mauren Abreu de Souza

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11020031 - 14 May 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4149

Abstract

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) consists of a matrix that provides the necessary elements for wound healing, acting as a biodegradable scaffold for cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, in addition to the delivery of growth factors and angiogenesis. This study aims to determine the effectiveness [...] Read more.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) consists of a matrix that provides the necessary elements for wound healing, acting as a biodegradable scaffold for cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, in addition to the delivery of growth factors and angiogenesis. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the autologous PRF in the treatment of wounds of different etiologies. We carried out a systematic review of randomized clinical trials, guided by the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration using the following databases: Pubmed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CENTRAL. The search strategy resulted in the inclusion of ten studies that evaluated the use of PRF dressings for the healing of acute or chronic wounds of multiple etiologies. Among the 172 participants treated with PRF in wounds of varying etiologies and different segment times, 130 presented favorable events with the use of the intervention. Among the 10 studies included, only two of them did not demonstrate better results than the control group. The studies showed clinical heterogeneity, making it impossible to perform a meta-analysis. The findings do not provide enough evidence to support the routine use of PRF dressings as the first line of treatment for the healing of acute or chronic wounds of different etiologies. There was great variability in the application of the various protocols and the ways to prepare the PRF, resulting in clinical heterogeneity. Therefore, it makes it impossible to synthesize and to collect evidence from different types of studies in the meta-analysis, which affects the results and their proper discussion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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17 pages, 1861 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceReview

Pullulan for Advanced Sustainable Body- and Skin-Contact Applications

by Maria-Beatrice Coltelli, Serena Danti, Karen De Clerck, Andrea Lazzeri and Pierfrancesco Morganti

J. Funct. Biomater. 2020, 11(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb11010020 - 18 Mar 2020

Cited by 57 | Viewed by 9905

Abstract

The present review had the aim of describing the methodologies of synthesis and properties of biobased pullulan, a microbial polysaccharide investigated in the last decade because of its interesting potentialities in several applications. After describing the implications of pullulan in nano-technology, biodegradation, compatibility [...] Read more.

The present review had the aim of describing the methodologies of synthesis and properties of biobased pullulan, a microbial polysaccharide investigated in the last decade because of its interesting potentialities in several applications. After describing the implications of pullulan in nano-technology, biodegradation, compatibility with body and skin, and sustainability, the current applications of pullulan are described, with the aim of assessing the potentialities of this biopolymer in the biomedical, personal care, and cosmetic sector, especially in applications in contact with skin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue High Performance Functional Bio-based Polymers for Skin-contact Products)

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