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Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds

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A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 January 2021) | Viewed by 55747

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Prof. Dr. Fedor Senatov

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Director of Center for Biomedical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", Moscow, Russia
Interests: biomaterials; biopolymers; bioprinting; biomimetics; implants; hybrid materials; tissue engineering
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Dr. Rajan Choudhary

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Rudolfs Cimdins Riga Biomaterials Innovations and Development Centre, Institute of General Chemical Engineering, Riga Technical University, 1 Kalku Street, Riga 1658, Latvia
Interests: bone regeneration; biomaterials; antibacterial studies; drug delivery; polymeric composites; Hydrogels, bioceramics: characterization; synthesis; biowaste utilization; bioactivity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biopolymer scaffolds are widely used for the regeneration of damaged or missing tissues, in vitro biological studies, cultivation of cells, etc. Scaffolds are often based on nontoxic, biocompatible materials, and in some cases biodegradable if required. Mechanical properties, biomedical properties, rate of resorption, bioactivity, microstructure, and porous biomimetic architecture are important characteristics of polymer scaffolds. In some cases, increase of bioactivity of scaffolds is required. Therefore, composites based on biopolymers are of special interest. Development of new biopolymer scaffolds is critical to the success of tissue engineering and medical applications, connected with cell cultivation.

This Special Issue is concerned with structure, properties, and applications of biopolymer scaffolds, including bioresorbable and bioinert polymers for medical applications. Topics may include structural features, microstructure, the relationship between structure and properties and biomedical characteristics, tailored–architected scaffolds, biomimetic structure, mechanical properties, and bioactivity. The issue may also address scaffolds based on smart polymers, shape memory polymers, self-fitting implants, tissue/cell engineering devices, tissue reconstruction, and cell–biopolymer interactions. Contributions focus on fundamental results, mechanisms, and applications that will help to compile the current state-of-the-art and to highlight their range of application. Both original contributions and reviews are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Fedor S. Senatov
Dr. Rajan Choudhary
Guest Editors

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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

Biomaterials
Biopolymers
Polymers for biomedical application
Bioresorbable polymers
Biomimetics
Smart materials
Implants
Scaffolds
Tissue engineering
Tissue regeneration
Cell engineering
Polymer biocomposites
Methods for preparing polymeric composites
Surface modification and their characterization

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 11690 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Synthesis and Characterization of Exopolysaccharide Encapsulated PCL/Gelatin Skin Substitute for Full-Thickness Wound Regeneration

by Ahmad Hivechi, Peiman Brouki Milan, Khashayar Modabberi, Moein Amoupour, Kaveh Ebrahimzadeh, Amir Reza Gholipour, Faezeh Sedighi, Naser Amini, S. Hajir Bahrami, Alireza Rezapour, Masoud Hamidi and Cédric Delattre

Polymers 2021, 13(6), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060854 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3398

Abstract

Loss of skin integrity can lead to serious problems and even death. In this study, for the first time, the effect of exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by cold-adapted yeast R. mucilaginosa sp. GUMS16 on a full-thickness wound in rats was evaluated. The GUMS16 strain’s EPS was precipitated by adding cold ethanol and then lyophilized. Afterward, the EPS with polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin was fabricated into nanofibers with two single-needle and double-needle procedures. The rats’ full-thickness wounds were treated with nanofibers and Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s Trichrome staining was done for studying the wound healing in rats. Obtained results from SEM, DLS, FTIR, and TGA showed that EPS has a carbohydrate chemical structure with an average diameter of 40 nm. Cell viability assessments showed that the 2% EPS loaded sample exhibits the highest cell activity. Moreover, in vivo implantation of nanofiber webs on the full-thickness wound on rat models displayed a faster healing rate when EPS was loaded into a nanofiber. These results suggest that the produced EPS can be used for skin tissue engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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14 pages, 3904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gradient 3D Printed PLA Scaffolds on Biomedical Titanium: Mechanical Evaluation and Biocompatibility

by Diana V. Portan, Christos Ntoulias, Georgios Mantzouranis, Athanassios P. Fortis, Despina D. Deligianni, Demosthenes Polyzos and Vassilis Kostopoulos

Polymers 2021, 13(5), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050682 - 24 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2531

Abstract

The goal of the present investigation was to find a solution to crucial engineering aspects related to the elaboration of multi-layered tissue-biomimicking composites. 3D printing technology was used to manufacture single-layered and gradient multi-layered 3D porous scaffolds made of poly-lactic acid (PLA). The scaffolds manufacturing process was optimized after adjusting key printing parameters. The scaffolds with 60 μm side length (square-shaped pores) showed increased stiffness values comparing to the other specimens. A silicone adhesive has been further used to join biomedical titanium plates, and the PLA scaffolds; in addition, titania nanotubes (TNTs were produced on the titanium for improved adhesion. The titanium-PLA scaffold single lap joints were evaluated in micro-tensile testing. The electrochemical processing of the titanium surface resulted in a 248% increase of the ultimate strength in the overlap area for dry specimens and 40% increase for specimens immersed in simulated body fluid. Finally, the biocompatibility of the produced scaffolds was evaluated with primary cell populations obtained after isolation from bone residual tissue. The manufactured scaffolds present promising features for applications in orthopedic implantology and are worth further. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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14 pages, 25795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Curdlan–Chitosan Electrospun Fibers as Potential Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

by Clément Toullec, Jean Le Bideau, Valerie Geoffroy, Boris Halgand, Nela Buchtova, Rodolfo Molina-Peña, Emmanuel Garcion, Sylvie Avril, Laurence Sindji, Admire Dube, Frank Boury and Christine Jérôme

Polymers 2021, 13(4), 526; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040526 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3045

Abstract

Polysaccharides have received a lot of attention in biomedical research for their high potential as scaffolds owing to their unique biological properties. Fibrillar scaffolds made of chitosan demonstrated high promise in tissue engineering, especially for skin. As far as bone regeneration is concerned, curdlan (1,3-β-glucan) is particularly interesting as it enhances bone growth by helping mesenchymal stem cell adhesion, by favoring their differentiation into osteoblasts and by limiting the osteoclastic activity. Therefore, we aim to combine both chitosan and curdlan polysaccharides in a new scaffold for bone regeneration. For that purpose, curdlan was electrospun as a blend with chitosan into a fibrillar scaffold. We show that this novel scaffold is biodegradable (8% at two weeks), exhibits a good swelling behavior (350%) and is non-cytotoxic in vitro. In addition, the benefit of incorporating curdlan in the scaffold was demonstrated in a scratch assay that evidences the ability of curdlan to express its immunomodulatory properties by enhancing cell migration. Thus, these innovative electrospun curdlan–chitosan scaffolds show great potential for bone tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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15 pages, 11380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactivity of a Novel Polycaprolactone-Hydroxyapatite Scaffold Used as a Carrier of Low Dose BMP-2: An In Vitro Study

by Pawornwan Rittipakorn, Nuttawut Thuaksuban, Katanchalee Mai-ngam, Satrawut Charoenla and Warobon Noppakunmongkolchai

Polymers 2021, 13(3), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13030466 - 01 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2287

Abstract

Scaffolds of polycaprolactone-30% hydroxyapatite (PCL-30% HA) were fabricated using melt stretching and multilayer deposition (MSMD), and the in vitro response of osteoblasts to the scaffolds was assessed. In group A, the scaffolds were immersed in 10 µg/mL bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) solution prior to being seeded with osteoblasts, and they were cultured in the medium without BMP-2. In group B, the cell-scaffold constructs without BMP-2 were cultured in medium containing 10 µg/mL BMP-2. The results showed greater cell proliferation in group A. The upregulation of runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin genes correlated with the release of BMP-2 from the scaffolds. The PCL-30% HA MSMD scaffolds appear to be suitable for use as osteoconductive frameworks and BMP-2 carriers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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18 pages, 3355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocompatibility and Physico-Chemical Properties of Highly Porous PLA/HA Scaffolds for Bone Reconstruction

by Anna Zimina, Fedor Senatov, Rajan Choudhary, Evgeniy Kolesnikov, Natalya Anisimova, Mikhail Kiselevskiy, Polina Orlova, Natalia Strukova, Mariya Generalova, Vasily Manskikh, Alexander Gromov and Anna Karyagina

Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2938; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122938 - 09 Dec 2020

Cited by 65 | Viewed by 5363

Abstract

The major problem in bone tissue engineering is the development of scaffolds which can simultaneously meet the requirements of porous structure, as well as have the ability to guide the regeneration of damaged tissue by biological fixation. Composites containing biodegradable matrix and bioactive filler are the new hope in this research field. Herein we employed a simple and facile solvent casting particulate-leaching method for producing polylactide acid/hydroxyapatite (PLA/HA) composites at room temperature. FT-IR analysis confirmed the existence of necessary functional groups associated with the PLA/HA composite, whereas energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra indicated the uniform distribution of hydroxyapatite particles in the polymer matrix. The beehive-like surface morphology of the composites revealed the presence of macropores, ranged from 300 to 400 μm, whereas the thickness of the pores was noticed to be 1–2 μm. The total porosity of the scaffolds, calculated by hydrostatic weighing, was found to be 79%. The water contact angle of pure PLA was decreased from 83.6 ± 1.91° to 62.4 ± 4.17° due to the addition of hydroxyapatite in the polymer matrix. Thus, the wettability of the polymeric biomaterial could be increased by preparing their composites with hydroxyapatite. The adhesion of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells over the surface of PLA/HA scaffolds was 3.2 times (p = 0.03) higher than the pure PLA sample. Subcutaneous implantation in mice demonstrated a good tolerance of all tested porous scaffolds and widespread ingrowth of tissue into the implant pores. HA-containing scaffolds showed a less pronounced inflammatory response after two weeks of implantation compared to pure PLA. These observations suggest that PLA/HA composites have enormous potential for hard tissue engineering and restoring maxillofacial defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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18 pages, 8720 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Approach Based on Glued Multi-Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Forms to Fabricate Bone Replacement Products

by Tarek Dayyoub, Aleksey Maksimkin, Fedor Senatov, Sergey Kaloshkin, Natalia Anisimova and Mikhail Kiselevskiy

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2545; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112545 - 30 Oct 2020

Viewed by 2321

Abstract

Three types of glue based on thiol-ene reaction, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/cellulose, and phenol formaldehyde were prepared and applied on modified ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) samples grafted by cellulose. In comparison with unmodified UHMWPE samples, T-peel tests on the modified and grafted UHMWPE films showed an increase in the peel strength values for the glues based on thiol-ene reaction, PVA/cellulose, and phenol formaldehyde by 40, 29, and 41 times, respectively. The maximum peel strength value of 0.62 Kg/cm was obtained for the glue based on phenol formaldehyde. Mechanical tests for the cylindrical multi-UHMWPE forms samples, made of porous UHMWPE as a trabecular layer and an armored layer (cortical layer) that consists of bulk and UHMWPE films, indicated an improvement in the mechanical properties of these samples for all glue types, as a result of the UHMWPE films existence and the increase in the number of their layers. The maximum compressive yield strength and compressive modulus values for the armored layer (bulk and six layers of the UHMWPE films using the glue based on thiol-ene reaction) were 44.1 MPa (an increase of 17%) and 1130 MPa (an increase of 36%), respectively, in comparison with one armored layer of bulk UHMWPE. A hemocompatibility test carried out on these glues clarified that the modified UHMWPE grafted by cellulose with glues based on PVA/cellulose and thiol-ene reaction were classified as biocompatible materials. These multi-UHMWPE forms composites can be considered a promising development for joint reconstruction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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13 pages, 2580 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Polymer-Based Technology in the Endovascular Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

by Gianmarco de Donato, Edoardo Pasqui, Claudia Panzano, Brenda Brancaccio, Gaia Grottola, Giuseppe Galzerano, Domenico Benevento and Giancarlo Palasciano

Polymers 2021, 13(8), 1196; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081196 - 07 Apr 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4082

Abstract

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilatation of the abdominal aorta that progressively grows until it ruptures. Treatment is typically recommended when the diameter is more than 5 cm. The EVAR (Endovascular aneurysm repair) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the placement of an expandable stent graft within the aorta to treat aortic disease without operating directly on the aorta. For years, stent grafts’ essential design was based on metallic stent frames to support the fabric. More recently, a polymer-based technology has been proposed as an alternative method to seal AAA. This review underlines the two platforms that are based on a polymer technology: (1) the polymer-filled endobags, also known as Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing (EVAS) with Nellix stent graft; and (2) the O-ring EVAR polymer-based proximal neck sealing device, also known as an Ovation stent graft. Polymer characteristics for this particular aim, clinical applications, and durability results are hereby summarized and commented critically. The technique of inflating endobags filled with polymer to exclude the aneurysmal sac was not successful due to the lack of an adequate proximal fixation. The platform that used polymer to create a circumferential sealing of the aneurysmal neck has proven safe and effective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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51 pages, 6854 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Comparative Review of Natural and Synthetic Biopolymer Composite Scaffolds

by M. Sai Bhargava Reddy, Deepalekshmi Ponnamma, Rajan Choudhary and Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni

Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1105; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071105 - 30 Mar 2021

Cited by 424 | Viewed by 20426

Abstract

Tissue engineering (TE) and regenerative medicine integrate information and technology from various fields to restore/replace tissues and damaged organs for medical treatments. To achieve this, scaffolds act as delivery vectors or as cellular systems for drugs and cells; thereby, cellular material is able to colonize host cells sufficiently to meet up the requirements of regeneration and repair. This process is multi-stage and requires the development of various components to create the desired neo-tissue or organ. In several current TE strategies, biomaterials are essential components. While several polymers are established for their use as biomaterials, careful consideration of the cellular environment and interactions needed is required in selecting a polymer for a given application. Depending on this, scaffold materials can be of natural or synthetic origin, degradable or nondegradable. In this review, an overview of various natural and synthetic polymers and their possible composite scaffolds with their physicochemical properties including biocompatibility, biodegradability, morphology, mechanical strength, pore size, and porosity are discussed. The scaffolds fabrication techniques and a few commercially available biopolymers are also tabulated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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22 pages, 812 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bioresorbable Polymers: Advanced Materials and 4D Printing for Tissue Engineering

by Sybele Saska, Livia Pilatti, Alberto Blay and Jamil Awad Shibli

Polymers 2021, 13(4), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040563 - 13 Feb 2021

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 6555

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a valuable tool in the production of complexes structures with specific shapes for tissue engineering. Differently from native tissues, the printed structures are static and do not transform their shape in response to different environment changes. Stimuli-responsive biocompatible materials have emerged in the biomedical field due to the ability of responding to other stimuli (physical, chemical, and/or biological), resulting in microstructures modifications. Four-dimensional (4D) printing arises as a new technology that implements dynamic improvements in printed structures using smart materials (stimuli-responsive materials) and/or cells. These dynamic scaffolds enable engineered tissues to undergo morphological changes in a pre-planned way. Stimuli-responsive polymeric hydrogels are the most promising material for 4D bio-fabrication because they produce a biocompatible and bioresorbable 3D shape environment similar to the extracellular matrix and allow deposition of cells on the scaffold surface as well as in the inside. Subsequently, this review presents different bioresorbable advanced polymers and discusses its use in 4D printing for tissue engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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22 pages, 2003 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review on Nanocrystalline Cellulose in Bone Tissue Engineering Applications

by Nur Ilyana Sahira Murizan, Nur Syahirah Mustafa, Nor Hasrul Akhmal Ngadiman, Noordin Mohd Yusof and Ani Idris

Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2818; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122818 - 27 Nov 2020

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4085

Abstract

Nanocrystalline cellulose is an abundant and inexhaustible organic material on Earth. It can be derived from many lignocellulosic plants and also from agricultural residues. They endowed exceptional physicochemical properties, which have promoted their intensive exploration in biomedical application, especially for tissue engineering scaffolds. Nanocrystalline cellulose has been acknowledged due to its low toxicity and low ecotoxicological risks towards living cells. To explore this field, this review provides an overview of nanocrystalline cellulose in designing materials of bone scaffolds. An introduction to nanocrystalline cellulose and its isolation method of acid hydrolysis are discussed following by the application of nanocrystalline cellulose in bone tissue engineering scaffolds. This review also provides comprehensive knowledge and highlights the contribution of nanocrystalline cellulose in terms of mechanical properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability of bone tissue engineering scaffolds. Lastly, the challenges for future scaffold development using nanocrystalline cellulose are also included. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Biopolymer Scaffolds)

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