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22 pages, 10303 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sol-Gel Derived Gelatin–Bioactive Glass Nanocomposite Biomaterials Incorporating Calcium Chloride and Calcium Ethoxide

by Rebeca Arambula-Maldonado and Kibret Mequanint

Polymers 2024, 16(6), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16060747 - 08 Mar 2024

Viewed by 527

Calcium-containing organic–inorganic nanocomposites play an essential role in developing bioactive bone biomaterials. Ideally, bone substitute materials should mimic the organic–inorganic composition of bone. In this study, the roles of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and calcium ethoxide (Ca(OEt)₂) were evaluated for [...] Read more.

Calcium-containing organic–inorganic nanocomposites play an essential role in developing bioactive bone biomaterials. Ideally, bone substitute materials should mimic the organic–inorganic composition of bone. In this study, the roles of calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and calcium ethoxide (Ca(OEt)₂) were evaluated for the development of sol-gel-derived organic–inorganic biomaterials composed of gelatin, bioactive glass (BG) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to create nanocomposites that mimic the elemental composition of bone. Nanocomposites composed of either CaCl₂ or Ca(OEt)₂ were chemically different but presented uniform elemental distribution. The role of calcium sources in the matrix of the nanocomposites played a major role in the swelling and degradation properties of biomaterials as a function of time, as well as the resulting porous properties of the nanocomposites. Regardless of the calcium source type, biomineralization in simulated body fluid and favorable cell attachment were promoted on the nanocomposites. 10T1/2 cell viability studies using standard media (DMEM with 5% FBS) and conditioned media showed that Ca(OEt)₂-based nanocomposites seemed more favorable biomaterials. Collectively, our study demonstrated that CaCl₂ and Ca(OEt)₂ could be used to prepare sol-gel-derived gelatin–BG–MWCNT nanocomposites, which have the potential to function as bone biomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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15 pages, 5982 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Catalyst-Free Amino-Yne Click Reaction: An Efficient Way for Immobilizing Amoxicillin onto Polymeric Surfaces

by Julia Sánchez-Bodón, Maria Diaz-Galbarriatu, Rebeca Sola-Llano, Leire Ruiz-Rubio, José Luis Vilas-Vilela and Isabel Moreno-Benitez

Polymers 2024, 16(2), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020246 - 15 Jan 2024

Viewed by 800

Abstract

Surface modifications play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of biomaterials. Different approaches can be followed in order to achieve the bioconjugation of drugs and biological compounds onto polymer surfaces. In this study, we focused on the immobilization of an amoxicillin antibiotic [...] Read more.

Surface modifications play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of biomaterials. Different approaches can be followed in order to achieve the bioconjugation of drugs and biological compounds onto polymer surfaces. In this study, we focused on the immobilization of an amoxicillin antibiotic onto the surface of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) using a copper-free amino-yne click reaction. The utilization of this reaction allowed for a selective and efficient bioconjugation of the amoxicillin moiety onto the PLLA surface, avoiding copper-related concerns and ensuring biocompatibility. The process involved sequential steps that included surface activation via alkaline hydrolysis followed by an amidation reaction with ethylendiamine, functionalization with propiolic groups, and subsequent conjugation with amoxicillin via a click chemistry approach. Previous amoxicillin immobilization using tryptophan and fluorescent amino acid conjugation was carried out in order to determine the efficacy of the proposed methodology. Characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Attenuated Total Reflection (ATR)–Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, surface imaging, water contact angle determination, and spectroscopic analysis confirmed the successful immobilization of both tryptophan and amoxicillin while maintaining the integrity of the PLLA surface. This tailored modification not only exhibited a novel method for surface functionalization but also opens avenues for developing antimicrobial biomaterials with improved drug-loading capacity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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12 pages, 2554 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Facilitated Transport across Glycocalyceal Barriers in the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane

by Anuhya Dayal, Jennifer M. Pan, Stacey P. Kwan, Maximilian Ackermann, Hassan A. Khalil and Steven J. Mentzer

Polymers 2024, 16(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16010004 - 19 Dec 2023

Viewed by 656

Abstract

Targeted drug delivery to visceral organs offers the possibility of not only limiting the required dose, but also minimizing drug toxicity; however, there is no reliable method for delivering drugs to the surface of visceral organs. Here, we used six color tracers and [...] Read more.

Targeted drug delivery to visceral organs offers the possibility of not only limiting the required dose, but also minimizing drug toxicity; however, there is no reliable method for delivering drugs to the surface of visceral organs. Here, we used six color tracers and the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to investigate the use of the heteropolysaccharide pectin to facilitate tracer diffusion across the glycocalyceal charge barrier. The color tracers included brilliant blue, Congo red, crystal violet, indocyanine green, methylene blue, and methyl green. The direct application of the tracers to the CAM surface or embedding tracers into linear-chain nanocellulose fiber films resulted in no significant diffusion into the CAM. In contrast, when the tracers were actively loaded into branched-chain pectin films, there was significant detectable diffusion of the tracers into the CAM. The facilitated diffusion was observed in the three cationic tracers but was limited in the three anionic tracers. Diffusion appeared to be dependent on ionic charge, but independent of tracer size or molecular mass. We conclude that dye-loaded pectin films facilitated the diffusion of color tracers across the glycocalyceal charge barrier and may provide a therapeutic path for drug delivery to the surface of visceral organs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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26 pages, 4791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Favorable Heteroaromatic Thiazole-Based Polyurea Derivatives as Interesting Biologically Active Products

by Mostafa A. Hussien, Gadeer R. Ashour, Soha M. Albukhari, Tamer S. Saleh and Mahmoud A. Hussein

Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2662; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122662 - 13 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1025

Abstract

This research sought to synthesize a new set of heteroaromatic thiazole-based polyurea derivatives with sulfur links in the polymers’ main chains, which were denoted by the acronyms PU_1–5. Using pyridine as a solvent, a diphenylsulfide-based aminothiazole monomer (M2) was polymerized via [...] Read more.

This research sought to synthesize a new set of heteroaromatic thiazole-based polyurea derivatives with sulfur links in the polymers’ main chains, which were denoted by the acronyms PU_1–5. Using pyridine as a solvent, a diphenylsulfide-based aminothiazole monomer (M2) was polymerized via solution polycondensation with varied aromatic, aliphatic, and cyclic diisocyanates. Typical characterization methods were used to confirm the structures of the premonomer, monomer, and fully generated polymers. The XRD results revealed that aromatic-based polymers had higher crystallinity than aliphatic and cyclic derivatives. SEM was used to visualize the surfaces of PU₁, PU₄, and PU₅, revealing spongy and porous shapes, shapes resembling wooden planks and sticks, and shapes resembling coral reefs with floral shapes at various magnifications. The polymers demonstrated thermal stability. The numerical results for PDTmax are listed in the following order, ranked from lowest to highest: PU₁ < PU₂ < PU₃ < PU₅ < PU₄. The FDT values for the aliphatic-based derivatives (PU₄ and PU₅) were lower than those for the aromatic-based ones (616, 655, and 665 °C). PU₃ showed the greatest inhibitory impact against the bacteria and fungi under investigation. In addition, PU₄ and PU₅ demonstrated antifungal activities that, in contrast with the other products, were on the lower end of the spectrum. Furthermore, the intended polymers were also tested for the presence of the proteins 1KNZ, 1JIJ, and 1IYL, which are frequently utilized as model organisms for E. coli (Gram-negative bacteria), S. aureus (Gram-positive bacteria), and C. albicans (fungal pathogens). This study’s findings are consistent with the outcomes of the subjective screening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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14 pages, 7199 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ex Vivo Transdermal Delivery of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Using Polyvinyl Alcohol Microneedles

by Farzaneh Sabbagh and Beom-Soo Kim

Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2031; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092031 - 25 Apr 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2569

Abstract

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which has recently been spotlighted as an anti-aging agent, is a precursor of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide that plays an important role in intracellular redox reactions. NMN capsules for oral administration currently on the market have a problem in [...] Read more.

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which has recently been spotlighted as an anti-aging agent, is a precursor of the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide that plays an important role in intracellular redox reactions. NMN capsules for oral administration currently on the market have a problem in that they are almost fully metabolized in the stomach and liver and excreted as nicotinamide. Therefore, there is a need to develop a patient-friendly delivery method that can improve the bioavailability of NMN. For this purpose, various polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based microneedle patches were fabricated to develop a transdermal delivery system for NMN. First, the molecular weight effect of PVA on the shape and microstructure of microneedles was studied. After selecting the optimal molecular weight PVA, the swelling of the microneedles and the ex vivo release of NMN were studied. The effect of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and dimethyl sulfoxide on NMN release was also investigated. The highest NMN release of 91.94% in 18 h was obtained using a 9.5 kDa molecular weight PVA microneedle containing NMN and CMC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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10 pages, 4608 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Active Loading of Pectin Hydrogels for Targeted Drug Delivery

by Oraya Vesvoranan, Betty S. Liu, Yifan Zheng, Willi L. Wagner, Joseph Sutlive, Zi Chen, Hassan A. Khalil, Maximilian Ackermann and Steven J. Mentzer

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010092 - 26 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2122

Abstract

Hydrogels provide a promising method for the targeted delivery of protein drugs. Loading the protein drug into the hydrogel free volume can be challenging due to limited quantities of the drug (e.g., growth factor) and complex physicochemical properties of the hydrogel. Here, we [...] Read more.

Hydrogels provide a promising method for the targeted delivery of protein drugs. Loading the protein drug into the hydrogel free volume can be challenging due to limited quantities of the drug (e.g., growth factor) and complex physicochemical properties of the hydrogel. Here, we investigated both passive and active loading of the heteropolysaccharide hydrogel pectin. Passive loading of glass phase pectin films was evaluated by contact angles and fractional thickness of the pectin films. Four pectin sources demonstrated mean contact angles of 88° with water and 122° with pleural fluid (p < 0.05). Slow kinetics and evaporative losses precluded passive loading. In contrast, active loading of the translucent pectin films was evaluated with the colorimetric tracer methylene blue. Active loading parameters were systematically varied and recorded at 500 points/s. The distribution of the tracer was evaluated by image morphometry. Active loading of the tracer into the pectin films required the optimization of probe velocity, compression force, and contact time. We conclude that active loading using pectin-specific conditions is required for the efficient embedding of low viscosity liquids into pectin hydrogels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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15 pages, 4797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Appropriate Immediate Dentin Sealing to Improve the Bonding of CAD/CAM Ceramic Crown Restorations

by Miwa Nakazawa, Masahiko Maeno, Mei Komoto and Yoichiro Nara

Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4541; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214541 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2092

Abstract

This study aimed to use quantitative and qualitative evaluations based on micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) to clarify the appropriate immediate dentin sealing (IDS) approach for improving the bonding of CAD/CAM ceramic crown restorations. Forty-eight extracted human molars were prepared to obtain standardized abutment [...] Read more.

This study aimed to use quantitative and qualitative evaluations based on micro-tensile bond strength (μTBS) to clarify the appropriate immediate dentin sealing (IDS) approach for improving the bonding of CAD/CAM ceramic crown restorations. Forty-eight extracted human molars were prepared to obtain standardized abutment specimens and divided into three groups: no IDS (group C: control), IDS performed by a single application of an all-in-one adhesive system (group A), and IDS performed by the combined application of an adhesive system and a flowable resin composite (group F). All specimens were restored with a ceramic crown fabricated by a chair-side CAD/CAM system and were divided into no-stress and stressed groups. After cyclic loading (78.5 N; total, 3 × 105 cycles; 90 cycles/min) on the specimens in the stressed group, all specimens were sectioned. The μTBS values for the occlusal and mesioaxial walls were measured (n = 16) and analyzed statistically. The quantitative bonding performance of groups A and F were superior to that of group C, regardless of the cyclic loading and abutment wall conditions. Group F showed the maximum bond strength and the highest bond durability in the qualitative bonding performance even under the cyclic loading condition simulating clinical mastication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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Review

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14 pages, 718 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polymer-Based Additive Manufacturing for Orthotic and Prosthetic Devices: Industry Outlook in Canada

by Chowdhury Sakib-Uz-Zaman and Mohammad Abu Hasan Khondoker

Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1506; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061506 - 17 Mar 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5060

Abstract

The conventional manufacturing methods for fabricating orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) devices have been in practice for a very long time. Recently, O&P service providers have started exploring different advanced manufacturing techniques. The objective of this paper is to perform a mini review on [...] Read more.

The conventional manufacturing methods for fabricating orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) devices have been in practice for a very long time. Recently, O&P service providers have started exploring different advanced manufacturing techniques. The objective of this paper is to perform a mini review on recent progress in the use of polymer-based additive manufacturing (AM) for O&P devices and to gather insights from the O&P professionals on the current practices and technologies and on the prospect of using AM techniques in this field. In our study, first, scientific articles on AM for O&P devices were studied. Then, twenty-two (22) interviews were conducted with O&P professionals from Canada. The primary focus was on five key areas: cost, material, design and fabrication efficiency, structural strength, functionality, and patient satisfaction. The cost of manufacturing the O&P devices using AM techniques is lower as compared to the conventional methods. O&P professionals expressed their concern over the materials and structural strength of the 3D-printed prosthetic devices. Published articles report comparable functionality and patient satisfaction for both O&P devices. AM also greatly improves design and fabrication efficiency. However, due to a lack of qualification standards for 3D printed O&P devices, 3D printing is being embraced more slowly in the O&P business than in other industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials in Medical Applications II)

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