Polymers

Research

17 pages, 4609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antibacterial Performance of Protonated Polyaniline-Integrated Polyester Fabrics

by Muhammad Faiz Aizamddin, Mohd Muzamir Mahat, Zaidah Zainal Ariffin, Mohd Azizi Nawawi, Nur Aimi Jani, Nur Asyura Nor Amdan and Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni

Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2617; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132617 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1791

Abstract

During the last few years, there has been an increase in public awareness of antimicrobial fabrics, as well as an increase in commercial opportunities for their use in pharmaceutical and medical settings. The present study reports on the optimized fabrication of protonated polyaniline [...] Read more.

During the last few years, there has been an increase in public awareness of antimicrobial fabrics, as well as an increase in commercial opportunities for their use in pharmaceutical and medical settings. The present study reports on the optimized fabrication of protonated polyaniline (PANI)-integrated polyester (PES) fabric. Para-toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) was used to protonate the PANI fabric and thus grant it antibacterial performance. The results of a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay showed high antioxidant activity of protonated PANI fabric at a scavenging efficiency of 84.83%. Moreover, the findings revealed remarkably sensitive antibacterial performance of PANI-integrated fabric against the following Gram-positive bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), S. epidermidis, and S. aureus; and also against the following Gram-negative bacteria: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. typhi. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence (EDXRF) were used to determine the changes in the structural and elemental compositions of PANI fabric upon treatment with bacterial strains. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that the electrical conductivity value of protonated PANI fabric decreased by one (1) order of magnitude against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, from 3.35 ± 7.81 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ to 6.11 ± 7.81 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ and 4.63 ± 7.81 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the disruption of bacterial membranes and their structures when exposed to protonated PANI fabric; meanwhile, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the fabric retained its thermal stability characteristics. These findings open up potential for the use of antimicrobial fabrics in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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20 pages, 4264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Printed Scaffold Based on Type I Collagen/PLGA_TGF-β1 Nanoparticles Mimicking the Growth Factor Footprint of Human Bone Tissue

by Federica Banche-Niclot, Caterina Licini, Giorgia Montalbano, Sonia Fiorilli, Monica Mattioli-Belmonte and Chiara Vitale-Brovarone

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050857 - 22 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2897

Abstract

In bone regenerative strategies, the controlled release of growth factors is one of the main aspects for successful tissue regeneration. Recent trends in the drug delivery field increased the interest in the development of biodegradable systems able to protect and transport active agents. [...] Read more.

In bone regenerative strategies, the controlled release of growth factors is one of the main aspects for successful tissue regeneration. Recent trends in the drug delivery field increased the interest in the development of biodegradable systems able to protect and transport active agents. In the present study, we designed degradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid (PLGA) nanocarriers suitable for the release of Transforming Growth Factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), a key molecule in the management of bone cells behaviour. Spherical TGF-β1-containing PLGA (PLGA_TGF-β1) nanoparticles (ca.250 nm) exhibiting high encapsulation efficiency (ca.64%) were successfully synthesized. The TGF-β1 nanocarriers were subsequently combined with type I collagen for the fabrication of nanostructured 3D printed scaffolds able to mimic the TGF-β1 presence in the human bone extracellular matrix (ECM). The homogeneous hybrid formulation underwent a comprehensive rheological characterisation in view of 3D printing. The 3D printed collagen-based scaffolds (10 mm × 10 mm × 1 mm) successfully mimicked the TGF-β1 presence in human bone ECM as assessed by immunohistochemical TGF-β1 staining, covering ca.3.4% of the whole scaffold area. Moreover, the collagenous matrix was able to reduce the initial burst release observed in the first 24 h from about 38% for the PLGA_TGF-β1 alone to 14.5%, proving that the nanocarriers incorporation into collagen allows achieving sustained release kinetics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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11 pages, 2877 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Printable Resin Modified by Grafted Silver Nanoparticles for Preparation of Antifouling Microstructures with Antibacterial Effect

by Hazem Idriss, Roman Elashnikov, Silvie Rimpelová, Barbora Vokatá, Petr Haušild, Zdeňka Kolská, Oleksiy Lyukatov and Václav Švorčík

Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3838; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213838 - 06 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1675

Abstract

The usage of three-dimensional (3D) printed materials in many bioapplications has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in the nanobiomaterial industry in the last couple of years. In this work, we present a chemical approach for grafting silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into a resin [...] Read more.

The usage of three-dimensional (3D) printed materials in many bioapplications has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in the nanobiomaterial industry in the last couple of years. In this work, we present a chemical approach for grafting silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into a resin matrix, which is convenient for 3D printing. In this way, the samples can be prepared and are able to release silver ions (Ag⁺) with excellent antibacterial effect against bacterial strains of E. coli and S. epidermidis. By the proposed process, the AgNPs are perfectly mixed and involved in the polymerization process and their distribution in the matrix is homogenous. It was also demonstrated that this approach does not affect the printing resolution and the resin is therefore suitable for the construction of microstructures enabling controlled silver ion release and antifouling properties. At the same time the physical properties of the material, such as viscosity and elasticity modulus are preserved. The described approach can be used for the fabrication of facile, low-cost 3D printed resin with antifouling-antibacterial properties with the possibility to control the release of Ag⁺ through microstructuring. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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16 pages, 4761 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Performance of a Semiaromatic/Aliphatic Polyamide Blend: The Case for Polyphthalamide (PPA) and Polyamide 4,10 (PA410)

by Mateo Gonzalez de Gortari, Feng Wu, Amar K. Mohanty and Manjusri Misra

Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3391; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193391 - 02 Oct 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3419

Abstract

This paper studies the structure–property–processing relationship of polyphthalamide (PPA) PPA/polyamide 4,10 (PA410) blends, via co-relating their thermal-mechanical properties with their morphology, crystallization, and viscoelastic properties. When compared to neat PPA, the blends show improved processability with a lower processing temperature (20 °C lower [...] Read more.

This paper studies the structure–property–processing relationship of polyphthalamide (PPA) PPA/polyamide 4,10 (PA410) blends, via co-relating their thermal-mechanical properties with their morphology, crystallization, and viscoelastic properties. When compared to neat PPA, the blends show improved processability with a lower processing temperature (20 °C lower than neat PPA) along with a higher modulus/strength and heat deflection temperature (HDT). The maximum tensile modulus is that of the 25PPA/75PA410 blend, ~3 GPa, 25% higher than neat PPA (~2.4 GPa). 25PPA/75PA410 also exhibits the highest HDT (136 °C) among all the blends, being 11% more than PPA (122 °C). The increase in the thermo-mechanical properties of the blends is explained by the partial miscibility between the two polymers. The blends improve the processing performance of PPA and broaden its applicability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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Review

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35 pages, 3107 KiB

Open AccessReview

Broad-Spectrum Theranostics and Biomedical Application of Functionalized Nanomaterials

by Meshal Alshamrani

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061221 - 17 Mar 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4011

Abstract

Nanotechnology is an important branch of science in therapies known as “nanomedicine” and is the junction of various fields such as material science, chemistry, biology, physics, and optics. Nanomaterials are in the range between 1 and 100 nm in size and provide a [...] Read more.

Nanotechnology is an important branch of science in therapies known as “nanomedicine” and is the junction of various fields such as material science, chemistry, biology, physics, and optics. Nanomaterials are in the range between 1 and 100 nm in size and provide a large surface area to volume ratio; thus, they can be used for various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, bacterial infections, and diabetes. Nanoparticles play a crucial role in therapy as they can enhance the accumulation and release of pharmacological agents, improve targeted delivery and ultimately decrease the intensity of drug side effects. In this review, we discussthe types of nanomaterials that have various biomedical applications. Biomolecules that are often conjugated with nanoparticles are proteins, peptides, DNA, and lipids, which can enhance biocompatibility, stability, and solubility. In this review, we focus on bioconjugation and nanoparticles and also discuss different types of nanoparticles including micelles, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, nanospheres, dendrimers, quantum dots, and metallic nanoparticles and their crucial role in various diseases and clinical applications. Additionally, we review the use of nanomaterials for bio-imaging, drug delivery, biosensing tissue engineering, medical devices, and immunoassays. Understandingthe characteristics and properties of nanoparticles and their interactions with the biological system can help us to develop novel strategies for the treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of many diseases including cancer, pulmonary diseases, etc. In this present review, the importance of various kinds of nanoparticles and their biomedical applications are discussed in much detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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31 pages, 3072 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanocluster-Based Drug Delivery and Theranostic Systems: Towards Cancer Therapy

by Alma Lucia Villela Zumaya, Rosica Mincheva, Jean-Marie Raquez and Fatima Hassouna

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061188 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3228

Abstract

Over the last decades, the global life expectancy of the population has increased, and so, consequently, has the risk of cancer development. Despite the improvement in cancer therapies (e.g., drug delivery systems (DDS) and theranostics), in many cases recurrence continues to be a [...] Read more.

Over the last decades, the global life expectancy of the population has increased, and so, consequently, has the risk of cancer development. Despite the improvement in cancer therapies (e.g., drug delivery systems (DDS) and theranostics), in many cases recurrence continues to be a challenging issue. In this matter, the development of nanotechnology has led to an array of possibilities for cancer treatment. One of the most promising therapies focuses on the assembly of hierarchical structures in the form of nanoclusters, as this approach involves preparing individual building blocks while avoiding handling toxic chemicals in the presence of biomolecules. This review aims at presenting an overview of the major advances made in developing nanoclusters based on polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) and/or inorganic NPs. The preparation methods and the features of the NPs used in the construction of the nanoclusters were described. Afterwards, the design, fabrication and properties of the two main classes of nanoclusters, namely noble-metal nanoclusters and hybrid (i.e., hetero) nanoclusters and their mode of action in cancer therapy, were summarized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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44 pages, 9346 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bacterial Cellulose and Its Applications

by Soon Mo Choi, Kummara Madhusudana Rao, Sun Mi Zo, Eun Joo Shin and Sung Soo Han

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1080; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061080 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 62 | Viewed by 15101

Abstract

The sharp increase in the use of cellulose seems to be in increasing demand in wood; much more research related to sustainable or alternative materials is necessary as a lot of the arable land and natural resources use is unsustainable. In accordance, attention [...] Read more.

The sharp increase in the use of cellulose seems to be in increasing demand in wood; much more research related to sustainable or alternative materials is necessary as a lot of the arable land and natural resources use is unsustainable. In accordance, attention has focused on bacterial cellulose as a new functional material. It possesses a three-dimensional, gelatinous structure consisting of cellulose with mechanical and thermal properties. Moreover, while a plant-originated cellulose is composed of cellulose, hemi-cellulose, and lignin, bacterial cellulose attributable to the composition of a pure cellulose nanofiber mesh spun is not necessary in the elimination of other components. Moreover, due to its hydrophilic nature caused by binding water, consequently being a hydrogel as well as biocompatibility, it has only not only used in medical fields including artificial skin, cartilage, vessel, and wound dressing, but also in delivery; some products have even been commercialized. In addition, it is widely used in various technologies including food, paper, textile, electronic and electrical applications, and is being considered as a highly versatile green material with tremendous potential. However, many efforts have been conducted for the evolution of novel and sophisticated materials with environmental affinity, which accompany the empowerment and enhancement of specific properties. In this review article, we summarized only industry and research status regarding BC and contemplated its potential in the use of BC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

14 pages, 2522 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

The Effect of Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂) Nanoparticles Addition on the Mechanical Parameters of Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies

by Kamila Chęcińska, Maciej Chęciński, Maciej Sikora, Zuzanna Nowak, Sławomir Karwan and Dariusz Chlubek

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14051047 - 06 Mar 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3622

Abstract

The number of studies on the subject of effects of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles addition on the mechanical parameters of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is still very limited. Therefore, in this research, the authors wanted to assess PMMA modified with the nano-ZrO [...] Read more.

The number of studies on the subject of effects of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) nanoparticles addition on the mechanical parameters of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is still very limited. Therefore, in this research, the authors wanted to assess PMMA modified with the nano-ZrO₂ additive in terms of changes in flexural, impact and tensile strength values in relation to PMMA without such component. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of incorporating nano-ZrO₂ into PMMA on individual types of material strength. The obtained numerical data were tabulated and analyzed in the search for percentage changes in those parameters. It was then calculated for each set and the procured model was examined using residual sum of squares (RSS) to assess the discrepancy between the data and the estimation model whilst mean absolute deviation (MAD) was employed to determine robustness. The results of the systematic review were composed of data obtained from individual studies presented in eight independent articles. Overall, the addition of nano-ZrO₂ increases the flexural strength of the composite with the PMMA matrix depending on the size of the ZrO₂ grains administered. Unfortunately, these conclusions are based on a very limited amount of research and require further verification, especially regarding tensile strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymer Materials and Nanomaterials: Bioapplications and Beyond)

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