Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
6.6
5.0
Journals
Polymers
Special Issues
Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
share announcement

Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules, Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2024 | Viewed by 7255

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kohei Iritani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Japan
Interests: organic chemistry; supramolecular chemistry; material chemistry
Prof. Dr. Piotr Dobrzynski

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, 34 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej Str., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
Interests: biodegradable polymers; ring-opening polymerization; polymeric biomaterials; antibacterial polymers; controlled drug release; tissue engineering; biodegradable implants; biodegradable vascular stents
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomaterials have attracted intense interest for solving problems such as increase in CO2 gas emission, exhaustion of petroleum resources, and expansion of microplastics. As bio-based materials, biomass polymers, which are made from plant-based raw materials such as corn and sugarcane, are well known. Although CO2 gas is emitted by burning biomass polymers, carbon recycling can be achieved through photosynthesis of plant growth. As another significant material, biodegradable polymers, which are decomposed into CO2 and H2O in nature by microorganisms, have been widely researched all over the world, with some studies focusing on marine decomposed polymers to solve the problem of micro-plastics in the ocean. For the construction of a sustainable society, it would be necessary to develop technologies for the efficient production of materials from biomass and for the development of materials with a low environmental impact. 

The use of biocompatible biodegradable polymers in modern medicine and veterinary medicine is also the next exciting field, including creating bioresorbable implants for surgery, controlled drug release systems, or the use of these types of polymers for tissue engineering. Due to the wide range of applications, it is still relevant to create new biodegradable polymers with a selected chain structure and composition, resulting in obtaining properties closely tailored to the planned application. 

Thus, this Special Issue invites researchers to submit original research and review articles on biodegradable polymers. describing their synthesis, processing, the course of degradation, as well as examples of various interesting applications.

Dr. Kohei Iritani
Dr. Piotr Dobrzynski
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • carbon cycle
  • sustainability
  • biomass
  • bio-based resins
  • biodegradable polymers
  • marine decomposition
  • microorganism
  • composite
  • bioresorbable polymers
  • temporary surgical implants
  • controlled drug release
  • polymer scaffolds

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 1592 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Antimicrobial Poly(Lactic Acid)- and Polyurethane-Based Materials Enduring Closed-Loop Recycling with Applications in Space
by Andrew J. D’Ovidio, Brian Knarr, Alexander J. Blanchard, Gregory W. Bennett, William Leiva, Bin Duan and Jorge M. Zuniga
Polymers 2024, 16(5), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050626 - 25 Feb 2024
Viewed by 773
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that astronauts experience altered immune response behavior during spaceflight, resulting in heightened susceptibility to illness. Resources and resupply shuttles will become scarcer with longer duration spaceflight, limiting access to potentially necessary medical treatment and facilities. Thus, there is a [...] Read more.
Recent studies have shown that astronauts experience altered immune response behavior during spaceflight, resulting in heightened susceptibility to illness. Resources and resupply shuttles will become scarcer with longer duration spaceflight, limiting access to potentially necessary medical treatment and facilities. Thus, there is a need for preventative health countermeasures that can exploit in situ resource utilization technologies during spaceflight, such as additive manufacturing (i.e., 3D printing). The purpose of the current study was to test and validate recyclable antimicrobial materials compatible with additive manufacturing. Antimicrobial poly(lactic acid)- and polyurethane-based materials compatible with 3D printing were assessed for antimicrobial, mechanical, and chemical characteristics before and after one closed-loop recycling cycle. Our results show high biocidal efficacy (>90%) of both poly(lactic acid) and polyurethane materials while retaining efficacy post recycling, except for recycled-state polyurethane which dropped from 98.91% to 0% efficacy post 1-year accelerated aging. Significant differences in tensile and compression characteristics were observed post recycling, although no significant changes to functional chemical groups were found. Proof-of-concept medical devices developed show the potential for the on-demand manufacturing and recyclability of typically single-use medical devices using antimicrobial materials that could serve as preventative health countermeasures for immunocompromised populations, such as astronauts during spaceflight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 4588 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of L-Lactide from Lactic Acid and Production of PLA Pellets: Full-Cycle Laboratory-Scale Technology
by Gadir Aliev, Roman Toms, Pavel Melnikov, Alexander Gervald, Leonid Glushchenko, Nikita Sedush and Sergei Chvalun
Polymers 2024, 16(5), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16050624 - 25 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1113
Abstract
Lactide is one of the most popular and promising monomers for the synthesis of biocompatible and biodegradable polylactide and its copolymers. The goal of this work was to carry out a full cycle of polylactide production from lactic acid. Process conditions and ratios [...] Read more.
Lactide is one of the most popular and promising monomers for the synthesis of biocompatible and biodegradable polylactide and its copolymers. The goal of this work was to carry out a full cycle of polylactide production from lactic acid. Process conditions and ratios of reagents were optimized, and the key properties of the synthesized polymers were investigated. The influence of synthesis conditions and the molecular weight of lactic acid oligomers on the yield of lactide was studied. Lactide polymerization was first carried out in a 500 mL flask and then scaled up and carried out in a 2000 mL laboratory reactor setup with a combined extruder. Initially, the lactic acid solution was concentrated to remove free water; then, the oligomerization and synthesis of lactide were carried out in one flask in the presence of various concentrations of tin octoate catalyst at temperatures from 150 to 210 °C. The yield of lactide was 67–69%. The resulting raw lactide was purified by recrystallization in solvents. The yield of lactide after recrystallization in butyl acetate (selected as the optimal solvent for laboratory purification) was 41.4%. Further, the polymerization of lactide was carried out in a reactor unit at a tin octoate catalyst concentration of 500 ppm. Conversion was 95%; Mw = 228 kDa; and PDI = 1.94. The resulting products were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The resulting polylactide in the form of pellets was obtained using an extruder and a pelletizer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 2990 KiB  
Article
Solution Blow-Spun Poly (Ethylene Oxide)-Polysulfone Bicomponent Fibers—Characterization of Morphology, Structure, and Properties
by José Ernesto Domínguez-Herrera, Octavio Maldonado-Saavedra, José Roberto Grande-Ramírez, Luis Rolando Guarneros-Nolasco and Javier González-Benito
Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3402; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163402 - 14 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 930
Abstract
Solution blow spinning was used to prepare nonwoven bicomponent fibers constituted by poly (ethylene oxide)-Polysulfone (PEO-PSF). As a new material, deep characterization was carried out to have a database to understand final performance regarding its multiple functions as a potential material for biomedical [...] Read more.
Solution blow spinning was used to prepare nonwoven bicomponent fibers constituted by poly (ethylene oxide)-Polysulfone (PEO-PSF). As a new material, deep characterization was carried out to have a database to understand final performance regarding its multiple functions as a potential material for biomedical applications. The morphology was studied by field emission scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy and optical profilometry. Structural characterization was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal degradation by thermogravimetric analysis. Additionally, wettability and mechanical behavior were studied by contact angle measurements and tensile tests, respectively. The bicomponent material was constituted of fibers with a structure mainly described by a core-shell structure, where the PSF phase is located at the center of the fibers, and the PEO phase is mainly located at the outer parts of the fibers, leading to a kind of shell wall. The study of possible interactions between different phases revealed them to be lacking, pointing to the presence of an interface core/shell more than an interphase. The morphology and roughness of the bicomponent material improved its wettability when glycerol was tested. Indeed, its mechanical properties were enhanced due to the PSF core provided as reinforcement material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2902 KiB  
Article
Development of Epoxy and Urethane Thermosetting Resin Using Chlorella sp. as Curing Agent for Materials with Low Environmental Impact
by Kohei Iritani, Akihito Nakanishi, Rinka Nihei, Shiomi Sugitani and Takashi Yamashita
Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2968; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15132968 - 06 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1101
Abstract
In the current system, the disposal of plastic materials causes serious environmental pollution such as the generation of carbon dioxide and destruction of the ecosystem by micro-plastics. To solve this problem, bioplastics, biomass and biodegradable plastics have been developed. As part of our [...] Read more.
In the current system, the disposal of plastic materials causes serious environmental pollution such as the generation of carbon dioxide and destruction of the ecosystem by micro-plastics. To solve this problem, bioplastics, biomass and biodegradable plastics have been developed. As part of our research, we have developed novel bioplastics called “cell-plastics”, in which a unicellular green algal cell serves as a fundamental resource. The production of the cell-plastics would be expected to reduce environmental impact due to the usage of a natural product. Herein, to overcome the mechanical strength of cell-plastics, we used thermosetting epoxy and urethane resins containing Chlorella sp. as the green algae. We successfully fabricated thermosetting resins with a Chlorella sp. content of approximately 70 wt% or more. IR measurements revealed that the chemical structure of an epoxide or isocyanate monomer mixed with Chlorella sp. was modified, which suggests that the resins were hardened by the chemical reaction. In addition, we investigated the effect of thermosetting conditions such as temperature and compression for curing both resins. It was revealed that the Young’s moduli and tensile strengths were controlled by thermosetting temperature and compression, whereas the elongation ratios of the resins were constant at low values regardless of the conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

35 pages, 5385 KiB  
Review
Bioabsorbable Composites Based on Polymeric Matrix (PLA and PCL) Reinforced with Magnesium (Mg) for Use in Bone Regeneration Therapy: Physicochemical Properties and Biological Evaluation
by Rubén García-Sobrino, Marta Muñoz, Elías Rodríguez-Jara, Joaquín Rams, Belén Torres and Sandra C. Cifuentes
Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4667; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244667 - 11 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1194
Abstract
Improvements in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM)–type technologies have allowed the development of specific materials that, together with a better understanding of bone tissue structure, have provided new pathways to obtain biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration. In this manuscript, bioabsorbable materials are [...] Read more.
Improvements in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM)–type technologies have allowed the development of specific materials that, together with a better understanding of bone tissue structure, have provided new pathways to obtain biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration. In this manuscript, bioabsorbable materials are presented as emerging materials in tissue engineering therapies related to bone lesions because of their ability to degrade in physiological environments while the regeneration process is completed. This comprehensive review aims to explore the studies, published since its inception (2010s) to the present, on bioabsorbable composite materials based on PLA and PCL polymeric matrix reinforced with Mg, which is also bioabsorbable and has recognized osteoinductive capacity. The research collected in the literature reveals studies based on different manufacturing and dispersion processes of the reinforcement as well as the physicochemical analysis and corresponding biological evaluation to know the osteoinductive capacity of the proposed PLA/Mg and PCL/Mg composites. In short, this review shows the potential of these composite materials and serves as a guide for those interested in bioabsorbable materials applied in bone tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 7315 KiB  
Review
Development of Stereocomplex Polylactide Nanocomposites as an Advanced Class of Biomaterials—A Review
by Muhammad Samsuri and Purba Purnama
Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2730; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122730 - 19 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1190
Abstract
This review paper analyzes the development of advanced class polylactide (PLA) materials through a combination of stereocomplexation and nanocomposites approaches. The similarities in these approaches provide the opportunity to generate an advanced stereocomplex PLA nanocomposite (stereo-nano PLA) material with various beneficial properties. As [...] Read more.
This review paper analyzes the development of advanced class polylactide (PLA) materials through a combination of stereocomplexation and nanocomposites approaches. The similarities in these approaches provide the opportunity to generate an advanced stereocomplex PLA nanocomposite (stereo-nano PLA) material with various beneficial properties. As a potential “green” polymer with tunable characteristics (e.g., modifiable molecular structure and organic–inorganic miscibility), stereo-nano PLA could be used for various advanced applications. The molecular structure modification of PLA homopolymers and nanoparticles in stereo-nano PLA materials enables us to encounter stereocomplexation and nanocomposites constraints. The hydrogen bonding of D- and L-lactide fragments aids in the formation of stereococomplex crystallites, while the hetero-nucleation capabilities of nanofillers result in a synergism that improves the physical, thermal, and mechanical properties of materials, including stereocomplex memory (melt stability) and nanoparticle dispersion. The special properties of selected nanoparticles also allow the production of stereo-nano PLA materials with distinctive characteristics, such as electrical conductivity, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties. The D- and L-lactide chains in PLA copolymers provide self-assembly capabilities to form stable nanocarrier micelles for encapsulating nanoparticles. This development of advanced stereo-nano PLA with biodegradability, biocompatibility, and tunability properties shows potential for use in wider and advanced applications as a high-performance material, in engineering field, electronic, medical device, biomedical, diagnosis, and therapeutic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodegradable Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop