Research

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17 pages, 5466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrolytic Degradation of Polylactic Acid Fibers as a Function of pH and Exposure Time

by Radhika Vaid, Erol Yildirim, Melissa A. Pasquinelli and Martin W. King

Molecules 2021, 26(24), 7554; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26247554 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3653

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bioresorbable polymer in medical devices owing to its biocompatibility, bioresorbability, and biodegradability. It is also considered a sustainable solution for a wide variety of other applications, including packaging. Because of its widespread use, there have been [...] Read more.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a widely used bioresorbable polymer in medical devices owing to its biocompatibility, bioresorbability, and biodegradability. It is also considered a sustainable solution for a wide variety of other applications, including packaging. Because of its widespread use, there have been many studies evaluating this polymer. However, gaps still exist in our understanding of the hydrolytic degradation in extreme pH environments and its impact on physical and mechanical properties, especially in fibrous materials. The goal of this work is to explore the hydrolytic degradation of PLA fibers as a function of a wide range of pH values and exposure times. To complement the experimental measurements, molecular-level details were obtained using both molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with ReaxFF and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The hydrolytic degradation of PLA fibers from both experiments and simulations was observed to have a faster rate of degradation in alkaline conditions, with 40% of strength loss of the fibers in just 25 days together with an increase in the percent crystallinity of the degraded samples. Additionally, surface erosion was observed in these PLA fibers, especially in extreme alkaline environments, in contrast to bulk erosion observed in molded PLA grafts and other materials, which is attributed to the increased crystallinity induced during the fiber spinning process. These results indicate that spun PLA fibers function in a predictable manner as a bioresorbable medical device when totally degraded at end-of-life in more alkaline conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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13 pages, 7096 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison between the Test and Simulation Results for PLA Structures 3D Printed, Bending Stressed

by Dorin Catana, Mihai-Alin Pop and Denisa-Iulia Brus

Molecules 2021, 26(11), 3325; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26113325 - 01 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2528

Abstract

The additive manufacturing process is one of the technical domains that has had a sustained development in recent decades. The designers’ attention to equipment and materials for 3D printing has been focused on this type of process. The paper presents a comparison between [...] Read more.

The additive manufacturing process is one of the technical domains that has had a sustained development in recent decades. The designers’ attention to equipment and materials for 3D printing has been focused on this type of process. The paper presents a comparison between the results of the bending tests and those of the simulation of the same type of stress applied on 3D-printed PLA and PLA–glass structures. The comparison of the results shows that they are close, and the simulation process can be applied with confidence for the streamline of filament consumption, with direct consequences on the volume and weight of additive manufactured structures. The paper determines whether the theories and concepts valid in the strength of materials can be applied to the additive manufacturing pieces. Thus, the study shows that the geometry of the cross-section, by its shape (circular or elliptical) and type (solid or ring shaped), influences the strength properties of 3D-printed structures. The use of simulation will allow a significant shortening of the design time of the new structures. Moreover, the simulation process was applied with good results on 3D-printed structures in which two types of filaments were used for a single piece (structure). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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16 pages, 3434 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Chitosan Derivatives Modified Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles as Delivery Carrier

by Qi Li, Wenqian Wang, Gaowei Hu, Xianlan Cui, Dejun Sun, Zheng Jin and Kai Zhao

Molecules 2021, 26(9), 2490; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092490 - 24 Apr 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3100

Abstract

Chitosan is a non-toxic biological material, but chitosan is insoluble in water, which hinders the development and utilization of chitosan. Chitosan derivatives N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (N-2-HACC) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with good water solubility were synthesized by our laboratory. [...] Read more.

Chitosan is a non-toxic biological material, but chitosan is insoluble in water, which hinders the development and utilization of chitosan. Chitosan derivatives N-2-Hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (N-2-HACC) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with good water solubility were synthesized by our laboratory. In this study, we synthesized mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles by the emulsion, and then the mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles were modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to synthesize aminated mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles; CMCS and N-2-HACC was used to cross-link the aminated mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles to construct SiO₂@CMCS-N-2-HACC nanoparticles. Because the aminated mesoporous SiO₂ nanoparticles with positively charged can react with the mucous membranes, the virus enters the body mainly through mucous membranes, so Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was selected as the model drug to evaluate the performance of the SiO₂@CMCS-N-2-HACC nanoparticles. We prepared the SiO₂@CMCS-N-2-HACC nanoparticles loaded with inactivated NDV (NDV/SiO₂@CMCS-N-2-HACC). The SiO₂@CMCS-N-2-HACC nanoparticles as delivery carrier had high loading capacity, low cytotoxicity, good acid resistance and bile resistance and enteric solubility, and the structure of NDV protein encapsulated in the nano vaccine was not destroyed. In addition, the SiO₂@CMCS-N-2-HACC nanoparticles could sustain slowly released NDV. Therefore, the SiO₂@CMCS-N-2-HACC nanoparticles have the potential to be served as delivery vehicle for vaccine and/or drug. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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17 pages, 2240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption Studies of Waterborne Trihalomethanes Using Modified Polysaccharide Adsorbents

by Rui Guo, Lalita Bharadwaj and Lee D. Wilson

Molecules 2021, 26(5), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26051431 - 06 Mar 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2035

Abstract

The adsorptive removal of trihalomethanes (THMs) from spiked water samples was evaluated with a series of modified polysaccharide adsorbents that contain β-cylodextrin or chitosan. The uptake properties of these biodegradable polymer adsorbents were evaluated with a mixture of THMs in aqueous solution. Gas [...] Read more.

The adsorptive removal of trihalomethanes (THMs) from spiked water samples was evaluated with a series of modified polysaccharide adsorbents that contain β-cylodextrin or chitosan. The uptake properties of these biodegradable polymer adsorbents were evaluated with a mixture of THMs in aqueous solution. Gas chromatography employing a direct aqueous injection (DAI) method with electrolytic conductivity detection enabled quantification of THMs in water at 295 K and at pH 6.5. The adsorption isotherms for the polymer-THMs was evaluated using the Sips model, where the monolayer adsorption capacities ranged between 0.04 and 1.07 mmol THMs/g for respective component THMs. Unique adsorption characteristics were observed that vary according to the polymer structure, composition, and surface chemical properties. The modified polysaccharide adsorbents display variable molecular recognition and selectivity toward component THMs in the mixed systems according to the molecular size and polarizability of the adsorbates. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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16 pages, 2328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upgrading Solid Digestate from Anaerobic Digestion of Agricultural Waste as Performance Enhancer for Starch-Based Mulching Biofilm

by Nan Zhao, Huawei Mou, Yuguang Zhou, Xinxin Ju, Shoujun Yang, Shan Liu and Renjie Dong

Molecules 2021, 26(4), 832; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040832 - 05 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2241

Abstract

Developing a green and sustainable method to upgrade biogas wastes into high value-added products is attracting more and more public attention. The application of solid residues as a performance enhancer in the manufacture of biofilms is a prospective way to replace conventional plastic [...] Read more.

Developing a green and sustainable method to upgrade biogas wastes into high value-added products is attracting more and more public attention. The application of solid residues as a performance enhancer in the manufacture of biofilms is a prospective way to replace conventional plastic based on fossil fuel. In this work, solid digestates from the anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes, such as straw, cattle and chicken manures, were pretreated by an ultrasonic thermo-alkaline treatment to remove the nonfunctional compositions and then incorporated in plasticized starch paste to prepare mulching biofilms by the solution casting method. The results indicated that solid digestate particles dispersed homogenously in the starch matrix and gradually aggregated under the action of a hydrogen bond, leading to a transformation of the composites to a high crystalline structure. Consequently, the composite biofilm showed a higher tensile strength, elastic modulus, glass transition temperature and degradation temperature compared to the pure starch-based film. The light, water and GHG (greenhouse gas) barrier properties of the biofilm were also reinforced by the addition of solid digestates, performing well in sustaining the soil quality and minimizing N₂O or CH₄ emissions. As such, recycling solid digestates into a biodegradable plastic substitute not only creates a new business opportunity by producing high-performance biofilms but also reduces the environmental risk caused by biogas waste and plastics pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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13 pages, 9943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effective and Sustained Control of Soil-Borne Plant Diseases by Biodegradable Polyhydroxybutyrate Mulch Films Embedded with Fungicide of Prothioconazole

by Ge Chen, Lidong Cao, Chong Cao, Pengyue Zhao, Fengmin Li, Bo Xu and Qiliang Huang

Molecules 2021, 26(3), 762; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030762 - 02 Feb 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3997

Abstract

Soil-borne diseases and plant rhizosphere nematode have caused many crop yield losses. Increased environmental awareness is leading to more restrictions on the use of certain fumigants and root irrigation methods due to their impact on human health and soil system. Therefore, it is [...] Read more.

Soil-borne diseases and plant rhizosphere nematode have caused many crop yield losses. Increased environmental awareness is leading to more restrictions on the use of certain fumigants and root irrigation methods due to their impact on human health and soil system. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternative treatments to maintain crop economic yields and environmental sustainability. In the present work, biodegradable antifungal mulches were prepared by blending poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) with fungicide of prothioconazole (PRO), which were used for effective and sustained control of soil-borne plant diseases. To reveal the application prospect of the PHB/PRO composite films in the management of soilborne plant diseases, some physical and biological properties were evaluated. The proper mulch film of PHB/PRO was assessed based on its mechanical and optical properties, while water solubility and the film micromorphology was further characterized. The release patterns of composite films under different pH levels were investigated. Moreover, the in vitro antifungal bioassay and pot experiment showed satisfactory bioactivity of the PHB/PRO films against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc., a soil-borne disease in peanut fields. This study demonstrated that the biodegradable mulch films containing PRO fungicide are capable of inhibiting soil-borne plant pathogenic fungi effectively, and this facile but powerful strategy may find wide applicability in sustainable plant and horticulture protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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11 pages, 837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antifungal and Surface Properties of Chitosan-Salts Modified PMMA Denture Base Material

by Katarzyna Walczak, Georg Schierz, Sabine Basche, Carola Petto, Klaus Boening and Mieszko Wieckiewicz

Molecules 2020, 25(24), 5899; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245899 - 13 Dec 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 2844

Abstract

Chitosan (CS) and its derivatives show antimicrobial properties. This is of interest in preventing and treating denture stomatitis, which can be caused by fungi. Therefore, the aim of this study was the development of a novel antifungal denture base material by modifying polymethyl [...] Read more.

Chitosan (CS) and its derivatives show antimicrobial properties. This is of interest in preventing and treating denture stomatitis, which can be caused by fungi. Therefore, the aim of this study was the development of a novel antifungal denture base material by modifying polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) with CS-salt and characterizing its antifungal and surface properties in vitro. For this purpose, the antifungal effect of chitosan-hydrochloride (CS-HCl) or chitosan-glutamate (CS-G) as solutions in different concentrations was determined. To obtain modified PMMA resin specimens, the CS-salts were added to the PMMA before polymerization. The roughness of these specimens was measured by contact profilometry. For the evaluation of the antifungal properties of the CS-salt modified resins, a C. albicans biofilm assay on the specimens was performed. As solutions, both the CS-G and CS-HCl-salt had an antifungal effect and inhibited C. albicans growth in a dose-dependent manner. In contrast, CS-salt modified PMMA resins showed no significant reduced C. albicans biofilm formation. Furthermore, the addition of CS-salts to PMMA significantly increased the surface roughness of the specimens. This study shows that despite the antifungal effect of CS-salts in solution, a modification of PMMA resin with these CS-salts does not improve the antifungal properties of PMMA denture base material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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17 pages, 5388 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradation of Poly (Butylene Succinate) (PBS)/Stearate Modified Magnesium-Aluminium Layered Double Hydroxide Composites under Marine Conditions Prepared via Melt Compounding

by Parameswaran Shaiju, Benamor-Bois Dorian, Ramsankar Senthamaraikannan and Ramesh Babu Padamati

Molecules 2020, 25(23), 5766; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25235766 - 07 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3787

Abstract

In the present work, polybutylene succinate (PBS)/stearate modified magnesium-aluminium layered double hydroxide (St-Mg-Al LDH) composites were prepared via melt processing and the effect of different loadings of St-Mg-Al LDH on the degradation behaviour of PBS under marine conditions was investigated. The morphological, mechanical [...] Read more.

In the present work, polybutylene succinate (PBS)/stearate modified magnesium-aluminium layered double hydroxide (St-Mg-Al LDH) composites were prepared via melt processing and the effect of different loadings of St-Mg-Al LDH on the degradation behaviour of PBS under marine conditions was investigated. The morphological, mechanical and thermal characteristics of the composites were studied using different characterisation techniques. Optical imaging and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the incorporation of St-Mg-Al LDH accelerates the degradation of PBS along with the activity of microorganisms adhered to the composite films. PBS/St-Mg-Al LDH composites are found to have lower thermal degradation temperatures than those of pure PBS. The decrease in thermal stability is correlated with the degradation of PBS due to the catalytic action Mg and Al present in LDH. Tensile and DMA analysis revealed that the addition of St-Mg-Al LDH did not have a significant impact on the mechanical properties of PBS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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15 pages, 4461 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradation Behavior of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT), Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA), and Their Blend in Freshwater with Sediment

by Ye Fu, Gang Wu, Xinchao Bian, Jianbing Zeng and Yunxuan Weng

Molecules 2020, 25(17), 3946; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25173946 - 29 Aug 2020

Cited by 92 | Viewed by 9742

Abstract

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are well-known biodegadable polyesters due to their outstanding performance. The biodegradation behavior of PLA/PBAT blends in freshwater with sediment is investigated in this study by analyzing the appearance, chemical structure and aggregation structure of their degraded [...] Read more.

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) are well-known biodegadable polyesters due to their outstanding performance. The biodegradation behavior of PLA/PBAT blends in freshwater with sediment is investigated in this study by analyzing the appearance, chemical structure and aggregation structure of their degraded residues via SEM, TG, DSC, gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and XPS. The effect of aggregation structure, hydrophilia and biodegradation mechanisms of PBAT and PLA on the biodegradability of PLA/PBAT blends is illuminated in this work. After biodegradation, the butylene terephthalate unit in the molecular structure of the components and the molecular weight of PLA/PBAT blends decreased, while the content of C-O bond in the composites increased, indicating that the samples indeed degraded. After 24 months of degradation, the increase in the relative peak area proportion of C-O to C=O in PLA/PBAT-25, PLA/PBAT-50 and PLA/PBAT-75 was 62%, 46% and 68%, respectively. The biodegradation rates of PBAT and PLA in the PLA/PBAT blend were lower than those for the respective single polymers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1851 KiB

Open AccessReview

Preparation and Antimicrobial Activity of Chitosan and Its Derivatives: A Concise Review

by Luminita Georgeta Confederat, Cristina Gabriela Tuchilus, Maria Dragan, Mousa Sha’at and Oana Maria Dragostin

Molecules 2021, 26(12), 3694; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26123694 - 17 Jun 2021

Cited by 79 | Viewed by 4751

Abstract

Despite the advantages presented by synthetic polymers such as strength and durability, the lack of biodegradability associated with the persistence in the environment for a long time turned the attention of researchers to natural polymers. Being biodegradable, biopolymers proved to be extremely beneficial [...] Read more.

Despite the advantages presented by synthetic polymers such as strength and durability, the lack of biodegradability associated with the persistence in the environment for a long time turned the attention of researchers to natural polymers. Being biodegradable, biopolymers proved to be extremely beneficial to the environment. At present, they represent an important class of materials with applications in all economic sectors, but also in medicine. They find applications as absorbers, cosmetics, controlled drug delivery, tissue engineering, etc. Chitosan is one of the natural polymers which raised a strong interest for researchers due to some exceptional properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, nontoxicity, non-antigenicity, low-cost and numerous pharmacological properties as antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, antidiabetic, immunoenhancing. In addition to this, the free amino and hydroxyl groups make it susceptible to a series of structural modulations, obtaining some derivatives with different biomedical applications. This review approaches the physico-chemical and pharmacological properties of chitosan and its derivatives, focusing on the antimicrobial potential including mechanism of action, factors that influence the antimicrobial activity and the activity against resistant strains, topics of great interest in the context of the concern raised by the available therapeutic options for infections, especially with resistant strains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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23 pages, 5178 KiB

Open AccessReview

Waterborne Polyurethane Dispersions and Thin Films: Biodegradation and Antimicrobial Behaviors

by Samy A. Madbouly

Molecules 2021, 26(4), 961; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26040961 - 11 Feb 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7478

Abstract

Biodegradable and antimicrobial waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) and their casted solid films have recently emerged as important alternatives to their solvent-based and non-biodegradable counterparts for various applications due to their versatility, health, and environmental friendliness. The nanoscale morphology of the PUDs, dispersion stability, [...] Read more.

Biodegradable and antimicrobial waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) and their casted solid films have recently emerged as important alternatives to their solvent-based and non-biodegradable counterparts for various applications due to their versatility, health, and environmental friendliness. The nanoscale morphology of the PUDs, dispersion stability, and the thermomechanical properties of the solid films obtained from the solvent cast process are strongly dependent on several important parameters, such as the preparation method, polyols, diisocyanates, solid content, chain extension, and temperature. The biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties and biomedical applications can be tailored based on the nature of the polyols, polarity, as well as structure and concentration of the internal surfactants (anionic or cationic). This review article provides an important quantitative experimental basis and structure evolution for the development and synthesis of biodegradable waterborne PUDs and their solid films, with prescribed macromolecular properties and new functions, with the aim of understanding the relationships between polymer structure, properties, and performance. The review article will also summarize the important variables that control the thermomechanical properties and biodegradation kinetics, as well as antimicrobial and biocompatibility behaviors of aqueous PUDs and their films, for certain industrial and biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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19 pages, 1749 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Biopolymeric Composite Materials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicines: A Review

by Muhammad Umar Aslam Khan, Saiful Izwan Abd Razak, Wafa Shamsan Al Arjan, Samina Nazir, T. Joseph Sahaya Anand, Hassan Mehboob and Rashid Amin

Molecules 2021, 26(3), 619; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26030619 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6021

Abstract

The polymeric composite material with desirable features can be gained by selecting suitable biopolymers with selected additives to get polymer-filler interaction. Several parameters can be modified according to the design requirements, such as chemical structure, degradation kinetics, and biopolymer composites’ mechanical properties. The [...] Read more.

The polymeric composite material with desirable features can be gained by selecting suitable biopolymers with selected additives to get polymer-filler interaction. Several parameters can be modified according to the design requirements, such as chemical structure, degradation kinetics, and biopolymer composites’ mechanical properties. The interfacial interactions between the biopolymer and the nanofiller have substantial control over biopolymer composites’ mechanical characteristics. This review focuses on different applications of biopolymeric composites in controlled drug release, tissue engineering, and wound healing with considerable properties. The biopolymeric composite materials are required with advanced and multifunctional properties in the biomedical field and regenerative medicines with a complete analysis of routine biomaterials with enhanced biomedical engineering characteristics. Several studies in the literature on tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound dressing have been mentioned. These results need to be reviewed for possible development and analysis, which makes an essential study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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18 pages, 2402 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Concise Review on the Physicochemical Properties of Biopolymer Blends Prepared in Ionic Liquids

by Ahmad Adlie Shamsuri, Khalina Abdan and Tatsuo Kaneko

Molecules 2021, 26(1), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26010216 - 04 Jan 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3326

Abstract

An enhancement of environmental concern lately has improved the awareness of researchers in employing eco-friendly solvents for processing biopolymers. Recently, ionic liquids have been utilized to prepare biopolymer blends as they are non-volatile and recyclable. Biopolymers such as cellulose, chitin, chitosan, keratin, lignin, [...] Read more.

An enhancement of environmental concern lately has improved the awareness of researchers in employing eco-friendly solvents for processing biopolymers. Recently, ionic liquids have been utilized to prepare biopolymer blends as they are non-volatile and recyclable. Biopolymers such as cellulose, chitin, chitosan, keratin, lignin, silk, starch, and zein are widely used for the preparation of biopolymer blends via dissolution in ionic liquids, followed by coagulation procedure. In this concise review, three types of ionic liquids based on imidazolium cations combined with different counter anions that are frequently utilized to prepare biopolymer blends are described. Moreover, three types of biopolymer blends that are prepared in ionic liquids were classified, specifically polysaccharide/polysaccharide blends, polysaccharide/polypeptide blends, and polysaccharide/bioplastic blends. The physicochemical properties of biopolymer blends prepared in different imidazolium-based ionic liquids are also concisely reviewed. This paper may assist the researchers in the polymer blend area and generate fresh ideas for future research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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16 pages, 3096 KiB

Open AccessReview

Applications of Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) Hydrogels in Microfluidic Technique-Assisted Tissue Engineering

by Taotao Liu, Wenxian Weng, Yuzhuo Zhang, Xiaoting Sun and Huazhe Yang

Molecules 2020, 25(22), 5305; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225305 - 13 Nov 2020

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 8083

Abstract

In recent years, the microfluidic technique has been widely used in the field of tissue engineering. Possessing the advantages of large-scale integration and flexible manipulation, microfluidic devices may serve as the production line of building blocks and the microenvironment simulator in tissue engineering. [...] Read more.

In recent years, the microfluidic technique has been widely used in the field of tissue engineering. Possessing the advantages of large-scale integration and flexible manipulation, microfluidic devices may serve as the production line of building blocks and the microenvironment simulator in tissue engineering. Additionally, in microfluidic technique-assisted tissue engineering, various biomaterials are desired to fabricate the tissue mimicking or repairing structures (i.e., particles, fibers, and scaffolds). Among the materials, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-based hydrogels have shown great potential due to their biocompatibility and mechanical tenability. In this work, applications of GelMA hydrogels in microfluidic technique-assisted tissue engineering are reviewed mainly from two viewpoints: Serving as raw materials for microfluidic fabrication of building blocks in tissue engineering and the simulation units in microfluidic chip-based microenvironment-mimicking devices. In addition, challenges and outlooks of the exploration of GelMA hydrogels in tissue engineering applications are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers)

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