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Polymers
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Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II
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Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2024 | Viewed by 5210

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Vsevolod Aleksandrovich Zhuikov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 33, Bld. 2., Leninsky Ave., Moscow 119071, Russia
Interests: polyhydroxyalkanoates; atomic force microscopy; biomechanics; nanostructure; poly-3-hydroxybutyrate; biodegradation; biosynthesis; polymers; structural and dynamic; crystallinity; kinetics; alginates; antibacterial drugs; scaffolds; bioengineering; microbiota
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

One of the fundamental tasks of materials science is the creation of biodegradable composite materials with controlled decomposition times. To solve this problem, researchers have proposed using polymeric materials. Biodegradable polymers are polymeric materials that degrade naturally through microbiological and chemical processes. Such materials have real-world applications in a variety of human activities.

First, the use of biodegradable materials is justified in the field of biomedicine, including for the controlled delivery of drugs and the creation of implants for tissue engineering. The scaffolds used for in situ tissue engineering include hydrogels, aerogels, films, nanoparticles, monolithic, fibrous, microporous, and 3D-printed scaffolds. Biodegradable materials may be functional at the time of implantation or have the ability to perform the intended function after implantation and integrate into the host.

Other applications are also relevant, such as environmental protection (packaging materials with controlled degradation rates) and agriculture. Edible and/or biodegradable packages formed from multiple compounds (composite materials) are being developed to exploit the functional properties of constituent materials and overcome their respective disadvantages.

We invite you to submit articles and reviews of the latest research in multifunctional biodegradable polymers and the development of new materials based on them.

Dr. Vsevolod Aleksandrovich Zhuikov
Guest Editor

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

  • biopolymers
  • biodegradation
  • tissue engineering
  • agriculture
  • biomedicine
  • scaffolds
  • films
  • microcarriers
  • composites
  • packaging
  • antimicrobial and fungicidal activity
  • coatings
  • polysaccharides
  • nanoparticles

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2297 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Chemical and Biological Properties of Biodegradable Composites Based on Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Chitosan
by Yulia V. Zhuikova, Vsevolod A. Zhuikov, Dolgor D. Khaydapova, Alexey P. Lunkov, Garina A. Bonartseva and Valery P. Varlamov
Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081124 - 17 Apr 2024
Viewed by 392
Abstract
In this study, composite films and scaffolds of polyester poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and polysaccharide chitosan obtained via a simple and reproducible blending method using acetic acid as a solvent were considered. The degradation process of the films was studied gravimetrically in a model biological medium [...] Read more.
In this study, composite films and scaffolds of polyester poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and polysaccharide chitosan obtained via a simple and reproducible blending method using acetic acid as a solvent were considered. The degradation process of the films was studied gravimetrically in a model biological medium in the presence of enzymes in vitro for 180 days. The kinetics of weight reduction depended on the amount of chitosan in the composition. The biocompatibility of the films was evaluated using the Alamar blue test and fluorescence microscopy. The materials were non-cytotoxic, and the addition of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) to chitosan improved its matrix properties on mesenchymal stem cells. Then, the 3D composites were prepared by freeze-drying. Their structure (using SEM), rheological behavior, moisture absorption, and porosity were investigated. The addition of different amounts of chitosan allowed us to vary the chemical and biological properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) materials and their degradation rate, which is extremely important in the development of biomedical poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) materials, especially implantable ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II)
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24 pages, 12201 KiB  
Article
Advancing Food Preservation: Sustainable Green-AgNPs Bionanocomposites in Paper-Starch Flexible Packaging for Prolonged Shelf Life
by Federico Trotta, Sidonio Da Silva, Alessio Massironi, Seyedeh Fatemeh Mirpoor, Stella Lignou, Sameer Khalil Ghawi and Dimitris Charalampopoulos
Polymers 2024, 16(7), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16070941 - 29 Mar 2024
Viewed by 550
Abstract
In the pursuit of enhancing food packaging, nanotechnology, particularly green silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), have gained prominence for its remarkable antimicrobial properties with high potential for food shelf-life extension. Our study aims to develop corn starch-based coating materials reinforced with G-AgNPs. The mechanical properties [...] Read more.
In the pursuit of enhancing food packaging, nanotechnology, particularly green silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs), have gained prominence for its remarkable antimicrobial properties with high potential for food shelf-life extension. Our study aims to develop corn starch-based coating materials reinforced with G-AgNPs. The mechanical properties were examined using a uniaxial tensile tester, revealing that starch coated with the highest G-AgNPs concentration (12.75 ppm) exhibited UTS of 87.6 MPa compared to 48.48 MPa of control paper, a significant (p < 0.02) 65% increase. The assessment of the WVP showcased a statistical reduction in permeability by up to 8% with the incorporation of the hydrophobic layer. Furthermore, antibacterial properties were assessed following ISO 22196:2011, demonstrating a strong and concentration-dependent activity of G-AgNPs against E. coli. All samples successfully disintegrated in both simulated environments (soil and seawater), including samples presenting G-AgNPs. In the food trial analysis, the presence of starch and G-AgNPs significantly reduced weight loss after 6 days, with cherry tomatoes decreasing by 8.59% and green grapes by 6.77% only. The results of this study contribute to the advancement of environmentally friendly packaging materials, aligning with the UN sustainable development goals of reducing food waste and promoting sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II)
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17 pages, 23191 KiB  
Article
Life Expectancy of Transformer Paper Insulation Retrofilled with Natural Ester in the Laboratory
by Andrés Montero, Belén García and Carlos López
Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4345; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224345 - 07 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 925
Abstract
The use of alternative insulating liquids instead of mineral oil in transformers is spreading around the world due to their superior fire resistance. Furthermore, researchers have demonstrated that these oils increase the lifespan of the solid insulation of the transformers and, thus, the [...] Read more.
The use of alternative insulating liquids instead of mineral oil in transformers is spreading around the world due to their superior fire resistance. Furthermore, researchers have demonstrated that these oils increase the lifespan of the solid insulation of the transformers and, thus, the life expectancy of the equipment. Retrofilling of transformers with natural and synthetic esters allows companies to benefit from the properties of using these liquids without making an investment into new machinery. This paper investigated the ageing process of Kraft paper that was retrofilled with a natural ester in the laboratory. The Kraft paper samples were subjected to accelerated thermal ageing in an oven at 130 °C, and markers such as the degree of polymerisation and tensile strength were measured. The ageing tests comprised a first period, where the samples were immersed in mineral oil, followed by a replacement of the oil with a natural ester. As moisture is a determinant factor for paper ageing, two sets of samples with different moisture contents were tested. The results showed that the retrofilling of the transformers may slow down the degradation rate of the solid insulation despite the presence of remaining mineral oil adsorbed in the paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II)
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Review

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20 pages, 838 KiB  
Review
The Potential for Foreign Body Reaction of Implanted Poly-L-Lactic Acid: A Systematic Review
by Melanie Nonhoff, Jan Puetzler, Julian Hasselmann, Manfred Fobker, Georg Gosheger and Martin Schulze
Polymers 2024, 16(6), 817; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060817 - 14 Mar 2024
Viewed by 645
Abstract
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) implants have been used for bone fixation for decades. However, upon insertion, they can cause a foreign body reaction (FBR) that may lead to complications. On 15 December 2023, a systematic review was conducted to search for articles on the [...] Read more.
Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) implants have been used for bone fixation for decades. However, upon insertion, they can cause a foreign body reaction (FBR) that may lead to complications. On 15 December 2023, a systematic review was conducted to search for articles on the PubMed, MeSH term, and Scopus databases using the keywords ‘PLLA’ and ‘foreign body reaction’. The articles were reviewed not only for the question of FBR, its severity, and the manifestation of symptoms but also for the type of implant and its location in the body, the species, and the number of individuals included. A total of 71 original articles were identified. Of these, two-thirds reported on in vivo trials, and one-third reported on clinical applications. The overall majority of the reactions were mild in more than half of the investigations. Symptoms of extreme and extensive FBR mainly include osteolysis, ganglion cysts, and swelling. The localization of PLLA implants in bone can often result in osteolysis due to local acidosis. This issue can be mitigated by adding hydroxyapatite. There should be no strong FBR when PLLA is fragmented to 0.5–4 µm by extracorporeal shock wave. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II)
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15 pages, 669 KiB  
Review
Anti-Obesity Effects of Chitosan and Its Derivatives
by Balzhima Shagdarova, Mariya Konovalova, Valery Varlamov and Elena Svirshchevskaya
Polymers 2023, 15(19), 3967; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15193967 - 01 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1987
Abstract
The number of obese people in the world is rising, leading to an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The search for medications including natural compounds for the prevention of obesity is an urgent task. Chitosan polysaccharide [...] Read more.
The number of obese people in the world is rising, leading to an increase in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders. The search for medications including natural compounds for the prevention of obesity is an urgent task. Chitosan polysaccharide obtained through the deacetylation of chitin, and its derivatives, including short-chain oligosaccharides (COS), have hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant properties. Chemical modifications of chitosan can produce derivatives with increased solubility under neutral conditions, making them potential therapeutic substances for use in the treatment of metabolic disorders. Multiple studies both in animals and clinical trials have demonstrated that chitosan improves the gut microbiota, restores intestinal barrier dysfunction, and regulates thermogenesis and lipid metabolism. However, the effect of chitosan is rather mild, especially if used for a short periods, and is mostly independent of chitosan’s physical characteristics. We hypothesized that the major mechanism of chitosan’s anti-obesity effect is its flocculant properties, enabling it to collect the chyme in the gastrointestinal tract and facilitating the removal of extra food. This review summarizes the results of the use of COS, chitosan, and its derivatives in obesity control in terms of pathways of action and structural activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural-Based Biodegradable Polymeric Materials II)
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