Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 163920

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Special Issue Editors

Technological Institute of Materials (ITM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Plaza Ferrandiz y Carbonell s/n, Alcoy, Alicante, Spain
Interests: biodegradable polymers; recycling; natural additives; biocomposites; polymer compatibilization; polymer rheology;surface modification fillers; thermal and mechanical properties
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Technological Institute of Materials (ITM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Plaza Ferrandiz y Carbonell s/n, Alcoy, Alicante, Spain
Interests: mechanical properties; polymers; composites; surface modification; biodegradable and biocompatible polymers; atmospheric plasma
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Food Science and Biotechnology Department, National Polytechnic School, Quito, Ecuador
Interests: mechanical properties; nanomaterials; nanotechnology; materials processing; composites; materials technology; polymer engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

Among the strategies to reduce the negative effects produced in the environment, due to the uncontrolled consumption and low recovery of conventional plastics, the synthesis of new biodegradable and recyclable plastics is considered one of the potential methods to minimize the negative effects of non-biodegradable ones. The spectrum of existing biodegradable materials is still very narrow, and so, to achieve greater applicability of these, mixtures of biodegradable polymers are investigated through blending. However, the incompatibilities shown by these mixtures lead to the establishment of several strategies (incorporation of additives, reactive extrusion, copolymerization) to improve compatibility between them. 

This Special Issue of Polymers invites contributions that address advances in the synthesis of new biodegradable polymers, the formulation of mixtures of biodegradable polymers, and in particular compatibility studies between them, as well as the influence on their chemical, thermal, mechanical and rheological properties. In addition, we welcome work that carries out studies of biocompatibility of polymers with the human body, including studies of degradation in physiological serum, as well as the influence of their mechanical and thermal properties depending on the time of contact with the physiological serum.

Dr. Vicent Fombuena Borràs
Dr. José Miguel Ferri
Dr. Miguel Fernando Aldás Carrasco
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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

  • biodegradable polymers
  • biocompatible polymers
  • compatibility
  • blends
  • disintegration
  • polymer miscibility

Published Papers (54 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3424 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Anti–Inflammation of Poly(L–Lactic Acid) by Stereocomplexes of PLLA/PDLA and Surface–Modified Magnesium Hydroxide Nanoparticles
by Seung-Woon Baek, Jun Hyuk Kim, Duck Hyun Song, Da-Seul Kim, Chun Gwon Park and Dong Keun Han
Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14183790 - 10 Sep 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2068
Abstract
Poly(L–lactic acid) (PLLA), as a biodegradable polymer, has attracted attention for use as a biomaterial. In order to apply PLLA as a cardiovascular stent, stronger mechanical properties and anti–inflammatory effects against acidic by–products are required. In this study, PLLA/PDLA stereocomplex microparticles (SC) were [...] Read more.
Poly(L–lactic acid) (PLLA), as a biodegradable polymer, has attracted attention for use as a biomaterial. In order to apply PLLA as a cardiovascular stent, stronger mechanical properties and anti–inflammatory effects against acidic by–products are required. In this study, PLLA/PDLA stereocomplex microparticles (SC) were developed and surface–modified magnesium hydroxide (MH) nanoparticles with oligolactide were combined with these PLLA composites. The SC improved the mechanical properties of the PLLA composites through the formation of stereocomplex structures. The surface–modified MH nanoparticles showed enhanced mechanical properties due to the stereocomplex structures formed by PLLA chains and inhibited inflammatory responses by pH neutralization as a result of MH. Additionally, the MH nanoparticles containing PLLA composites had antibacterial effects and increased the viability of human vascular endothelial cells. This technology is expected to have great potential in the development of PLLA composite materials for the production of various medical devices, such as cardiovascular stents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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13 pages, 4929 KiB  
Article
Blended Polymer Dry Electrodes for Reliable Electrocardiogram and Electromyogram Measurements and Their Eco-Friendly Disposal Led by Degradability in Hot Water
by Dong Hyun Lee, Eun Kwang Lee, Chae Hyun Kim, Hyung Joong Yun, Young-Joon Kim and Hocheon Yoo
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2586; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132586 - 26 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2203
Abstract
To increase the human lifespan, healthcare monitoring devices that diagnose diseases and check body conditions have attracted considerable interest. Commercial AgCl-based wet electrodes with the advantages of high conductivity and strong adaptability to human skin are considered the most frequently used electrode material [...] Read more.
To increase the human lifespan, healthcare monitoring devices that diagnose diseases and check body conditions have attracted considerable interest. Commercial AgCl-based wet electrodes with the advantages of high conductivity and strong adaptability to human skin are considered the most frequently used electrode material for healthcare monitoring. However, commercial AgCl-based wet electrodes, when exposed for a long period, cause an evaporation of organic solvents, which could reduce the signal-to-noise ratio of biosignals and stimulate human skin. In this context, we demonstrate a dry electrode for a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)-based blended polymer electrode using a combination of PEDOT:PSS, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) and ethylene glycol (EG) that could be reused for a long period of time to detect electrocardiography (ECG) and electromyography (EMG). Both ECG and EMG are reliably detected by the wireless real-time monitoring system. In particular, the proposed dry electrode detects biosignals without deterioration for over 2 weeks. Additionally, a double layer of a polyimide (PI) substrate and fluorinated polymer CYTOP induces the strong waterproof characteristics of external liquids for the proposed dry electrodes, having a low surface energy of 14.49 mN/m. In addition, the proposed electrode has excellent degradability in water; it dissolves in hot water at 60 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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12 pages, 2435 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable Nonwovens with Poultry Feather Addition as a Method for Recycling and Waste Management
by Jagoda Jóźwik-Pruska, Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik, Tomasz Mik, Ewa Wesołowska, Tomasz Kowalewski, Michalina Pałczyńska, Damian Walisiak and Magdalena Szalczyńska
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2370; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122370 - 11 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1891
Abstract
Geotextiles are used for separation, drainage, filtration and anti-erosion protection sealing, as well as to improve plant vegetation conditions. The research objective of this study was to verify the influence of the addition of poultry feathers on accelerating the biodegradation of nonwovens in [...] Read more.
Geotextiles are used for separation, drainage, filtration and anti-erosion protection sealing, as well as to improve plant vegetation conditions. The research objective of this study was to verify the influence of the addition of poultry feathers on accelerating the biodegradation of nonwovens in cultivated soil. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions and were based on the assessment of weight loss. The experiments confirmed the positive effects of the presence of waste that was rich in keratin on the time required for the biodegradation of the tested materials (the period of biodegradation was 8–24 weeks). Additionally, the influence of the biodegradation of the tested materials on the ecotoxicity was investigated and showed no negative effects on the microbiological activity (106 cfu). The research also included the determination of the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the test medium (blank, 12–14:1; with feather addition, 19–20:1). A statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the mechanical properties and the period of biological decomposition. This research was an important step for the management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could be seen an alternative that meets all ecological criteria, which seems to be a golden solution that not only allows the delivery of important nutrients to the soil, but also manages waste in an environmentally safe manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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21 pages, 6414 KiB  
Article
Recent Advances in Production of Ecofriendly Polylactide (PLA)–Calcium Sulfate (Anhydrite II) Composites: From the Evidence of Filler Stability to the Effects of PLA Matrix and Filling on Key Properties
by Marius Murariu, Yoann Paint, Oltea Murariu, Fouad Laoutid and Philippe Dubois
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122360 - 10 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2142
Abstract
The melt–mixing of polylactide (PLA) with micro- and/or nanofillers is a key method used to obtain specific end-use characteristics and improvements of properties. So-called “insoluble” CaSO4 (CS) β-anhydrite II (AII) is a mineral filler recently considered for the industry of polymer composites. [...] Read more.
The melt–mixing of polylactide (PLA) with micro- and/or nanofillers is a key method used to obtain specific end-use characteristics and improvements of properties. So-called “insoluble” CaSO4 (CS) β-anhydrite II (AII) is a mineral filler recently considered for the industry of polymer composites. First, the study proves that AII made from natural gypsum by a specifically thermal treatment is highly stable compared to other CS forms. Then, PLAs of different isomer purity and molecular weights (for injection molding (IM) and extrusion), have been used to produce “green” composites filled with 20–40 wt.% AII. The composites show good thermal and mechanical properties, accounting for the excellent filler dispersion and stability. The stiffness of composites increases with the amount of filler, whereas their tensile strength is found to be dependent on PLA molecular weights. Interestingly, the impact resistance is improved by adding 20% AII into all investigated PLAs. Due to advanced kinetics of crystallization ascribed to the effects of AII and use of a PLA grade of high L-lactic acid isomer purity, the composites show after IM an impressive degree of crystallinity (DC), i.e., as high as 50%, while their Vicat softening temperature is remarkably increased to 160 °C, which are thermal properties of great interest for applications requiring elevated rigidity and heat resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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17 pages, 2964 KiB  
Article
Development of Olive Oil and α-Tocopherol Containing Emulsions Stabilized by FucoPol: Rheological and Textural Analyses
by Sílvia Baptista, João R. Pereira, Cátia V. Gil, Cristiana A. V. Torres, Maria A. M. Reis and Filomena Freitas
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2349; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122349 - 09 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1909
Abstract
Biobased raw materials like natural polysaccharides are increasingly sought by the cosmetic industry for their valuable properties. Such biodegradable and usually non-cytotoxic biopolymers are commonly used in skin-care products as rheological modifiers, bioemulsifiers and/or bioactive ingredients. FucoPol is a natural polysaccharide with reported [...] Read more.
Biobased raw materials like natural polysaccharides are increasingly sought by the cosmetic industry for their valuable properties. Such biodegradable and usually non-cytotoxic biopolymers are commonly used in skin-care products as rheological modifiers, bioemulsifiers and/or bioactive ingredients. FucoPol is a natural polysaccharide with reported biocompatibility, emulsion-forming and stabilizing capacity, shear-thinning behavior and bioactivity (e.g., antioxidant capacity, wound healing ability) that potentiate its utilization in skin-care products. In this study, olive oil and α-tocopherol containing emulsions were stabilized with FucoPol. Although the presence of α-tocopherol negatively impacted the emulsions’ stability, it increased their emulsification index (EI). Moreover, FucoPol outperformed the commercial emulsifier Sepigel® 305, under the tested conditions, with higher EI and higher stability under storage for 30 days. The formulation of FucoPol-based emulsions with olive oil and α-tocopherol was studied by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) that allowed the definition of the ingredients’ content to attain high emulsification. The RSM model established that α-tocopherol concentration had no significant impact on the EI within the tested ranges, with optimal emulsification for FucoPol concentration in the range 0.7–1.2 wt.% and olive oil contents of 20–30 wt.%. Formulations with 25 wt.% olive oil and either 0.5 or 2.0 wt.% α-tocopherol were emulsified with 1.0 wt.% or 0.7 wt.% FucoPol, respectively, resulting in oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions. The emulsions had similar shear-thinning behavior, but the formulation with higher FucoPol content displayed higher apparent viscosity, higher consistency, as well as higher firmness, adhesiveness and cohesiveness, but lower spreadability. These findings show FucoPol’s high performance as an emulsifier for olive oil/α-tocopherol, which are supported by an effective impact on the physicochemical and structural characteristics of the emulsions. Hence, this natural polysaccharide is a potential alternative to other emulsifiers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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15 pages, 4836 KiB  
Article
Biodeterioration of Microplastics: A Promising Step towards Plastics Waste Management
by Aatikah Tareen, Saira Saeed, Atia Iqbal, Rida Batool and Nazia Jamil
Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2275; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112275 - 02 Jun 2022
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3842
Abstract
Polyethylene and Polyester materials are resistant to degradation and a significant source of microplastics pollution, which is an emerging concern. In the present study, the potential of a dumped site bacterial community was evaluated. After primary screening, it was observed that 68.5% were [...] Read more.
Polyethylene and Polyester materials are resistant to degradation and a significant source of microplastics pollution, which is an emerging concern. In the present study, the potential of a dumped site bacterial community was evaluated. After primary screening, it was observed that 68.5% were linear low-density polyethylene, 33.3% were high-density, and 12.9% were Polyester degraders. Five strains were chosen for secondary screening, in which they were monitored by FTIR, SEM and weight loss degradation trials. Major results were observed for Alcaligenes faecalis (MK517568) and Bacillus cereus (MK517567), as they showed the highest degradation activity. Alcaligenes faecalis (MK517568) degrades LLDPE by 3.5%, HDPE by 5.8% and Polyester by 17.3%. Bacillus cereus (MK517567) is better tolerated at 30 °C and degrades Polyester by 29%. Changes in infrared spectra indicated degradation pathways of different strains depending on the types of plastics targeted. Through SEM analysis, groves, piths and holes were observed on the surface. These findings suggest that soil bacteria develop an effective mechanism for degradation of microplastics and beads that enables them to utilize plastics as a source of energy without the need for pre-treatments, which highlights the importance of these soil bacteria for the future of effective plastic waste management in a soil environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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22 pages, 4177 KiB  
Article
Polyhydroxyalkanoates from a Mixed Microbial Culture: Extraction Optimization and Polymer Characterization
by Ana Marta Rodrigues, Rita Dias Guardão Franca, Madalena Dionísio, Chantal Sevrin, Christian Grandfils, Maria A. M. Reis and Nídia Dana Lourenço
Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112155 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2795
Abstract
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biopolymers with potential to replace conventional oil-based plastics. However, PHA high production costs limit their scope of commercial applications. Downstream processing is currently the major cost factor for PHA production but one of the least investigated aspects of the PHA [...] Read more.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are biopolymers with potential to replace conventional oil-based plastics. However, PHA high production costs limit their scope of commercial applications. Downstream processing is currently the major cost factor for PHA production but one of the least investigated aspects of the PHA production chain. In this study, the extraction of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) produced at pilot scale by a mixed microbial culture was performed using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as digestion agents of non-PHA cellular mass. Optimal conditions for digestion with NaOH (0.3 M, 4.8 h) and NaClO (9.0%, 3.4 h) resulted in polymers with a PHA purity and recovery of ca. 100%, in the case of the former and ca. 99% and 90%, respectively, in the case of the latter. These methods presented higher PHA recoveries than extraction by soxhlet with chloroform, the benchmark protocol for PHA extraction. The polymers extracted by the three methods presented similar PHA purities, molecular weights and polydispersity indices. Using the optimized conditions for NaOH and NaClO digestions, this study analyzed the effect of the initial intracellular PHA content (40–70%), biomass concentration (20–100 g/L) and biomass pre-treatment (fresh vs. dried vs. lyophilized) on the performance of PHA extraction by these two methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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12 pages, 1210 KiB  
Article
Characterization of the Thermostable Biosurfactant Produced by Burkholderia thailandensis DSM 13276
by Cátia V. Gil, Ana Teresa Rebocho, Asiyah Esmail, Chantal Sevrin, Christian Grandfils, Cristiana A. V. Torres, Maria A. M. Reis and Filomena Freitas
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102088 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1722
Abstract
Biosurfactants synthesized by microorganisms represent safe and sustainable alternatives to the use of synthetic surfactants, due to their lower toxicity, better biodegradability and biocompatibility, and their production from low-cost feedstocks. In line with this, the present study describes the physical, chemical, and functional [...] Read more.
Biosurfactants synthesized by microorganisms represent safe and sustainable alternatives to the use of synthetic surfactants, due to their lower toxicity, better biodegradability and biocompatibility, and their production from low-cost feedstocks. In line with this, the present study describes the physical, chemical, and functional characterization of the biopolymer secreted by the bacterium Burkholderia thailandensis DSM 13276, envisaging its validation as a biosurfactant. The biopolymer was found to be a glycolipopeptide with carbohydrate and protein contents of 33.1 ± 6.4% and 23.0 ± 3.2%, respectively. Galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose, and glucuronic acid were detected in the carbohydrate moiety at a relative molar ratio of 4:3:2:2:1. It is a high-molecular-weight biopolymer (1.0 × 107 Da) with low polydispersity (1.66), and forms aqueous solutions with shear-thinning behavior, which remained after autoclaving. The biopolymer has demonstrated a good emulsion-stabilizing capacity towards different hydrophobic compounds, namely, benzene, almond oil, and sunflower oil. The emulsions prepared with the biosurfactant, as well as with its autoclaved solution, displayed high emulsification activity (>90% and ~50%, respectively). Moreover, the almond and sunflower oil emulsions stabilized with the biosurfactant were stable for up to 4 weeks, which further supports the potential of this novel biopolymer for utilization as a natural bioemulsifier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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13 pages, 1709 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Enzymatic Degradation of Sustainable Levoglucosenone-Derived Copolyesters with Renewable Citronellol Side Chains
by Sami Fadlallah, Quentin Carboué, Louis M. M. Mouterde, Aihemaiti Kayishaer, Yasmine Werghi, Aurélien A. M. Peru, Michel Lopez and Florent Allais
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2082; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102082 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1807
Abstract
Recently, a renewable five-membered lactone containing citronellol (HBO-citro) was synthesized from levoglucosenone (LGO). A one-pot two-step pathway was then developed to produce a mixture of 5- and 6-membered Lactol-citro molecules (5ML and 6ML, respectively) from HBO-citro. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H [...] Read more.
Recently, a renewable five-membered lactone containing citronellol (HBO-citro) was synthesized from levoglucosenone (LGO). A one-pot two-step pathway was then developed to produce a mixture of 5- and 6-membered Lactol-citro molecules (5ML and 6ML, respectively) from HBO-citro. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) of a mixture of 5ML and 6ML at varying temperatures showed that the chemical shifts of the hydroxyls, as well as the 5ML:6ML ratio, are temperature-dependent. Indeed, a high temperature, such as 65 °C, led to an up-field shielding of the hydroxyl protons as well as a drop in the 5ML:6ML ratio. The monomers 5ML and 6ML were then engaged in polycondensation reactions involving diacyl chlorides. Renewable copolyesters with low glass transition temperatures (as low as −67 °C) and cross-linked citronellol chains were prepared. The polymers were then hydrolyzed using a commercial lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipopan® 50 BG). A higher degradation rate was found for the polymers prepared using Lactol-citro molecules, compared to those obtained by the polycondensation reactions of diacyl chlorides with Triol-citro—a monomer recently obtained by the selective reduction of HBO-citro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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16 pages, 2661 KiB  
Article
Development of a Highly Efficient Environmentally Friendly Plasticizer
by Irina N. Vikhareva, Guliya K. Aminova and Aliya K. Mazitova
Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1888; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091888 - 05 May 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2173
Abstract
The purpose of this work is the synthesis of adipic acid ester and the study of the possibility of its use as a PVC plasticizer. The resulting butyl phenoxyethyl adipate was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry [...] Read more.
The purpose of this work is the synthesis of adipic acid ester and the study of the possibility of its use as a PVC plasticizer. The resulting butyl phenoxyethyl adipate was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The compatibility, effectiveness and plasticizing effect of butyl phenoxyethyl adipate in comparison with dioctylphthalate (DOP) were determined. The new environmentally friendly plasticizer has good compatibility with PVC and high thermal stability. The effectiveness of the plasticizing action of adipate based on the glass-transition temperature was 132.2 °C in relation to pure PVC and 7.7 °C in comparison to compounds based on DOP. An increase in the fluidity of the melt of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compounds in the temperature range of 160–205 °C by 19–50% confirms a decrease in the energy intensity of the processes of manufacturing and the processing of polymer materials containing a new additive. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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15 pages, 3188 KiB  
Article
Impact of Bis-O-dihydroferuloyl-1,4-butanediol Content on the Chemical, Enzymatic and Fungal Degradation Processes of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)
by Quentin Carboué, Sami Fadlallah, Yasmine Werghi, Lionel Longé, Antoine Gallos, Florent Allais and Michel Lopez
Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14081564 - 11 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1790
Abstract
Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a very common bio-based and biocompatible polymer obtained from the fermentation of soil bacteria. Due to its important crystallinity, PHB is extremely brittle in nature, which results in poor mechanical properties with low extension at the break. To overcome these [...] Read more.
Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a very common bio-based and biocompatible polymer obtained from the fermentation of soil bacteria. Due to its important crystallinity, PHB is extremely brittle in nature, which results in poor mechanical properties with low extension at the break. To overcome these issues, the crystallinity of PHB can be reduced by blending with plasticizers such as ferulic acid derivatives, e.g., bis-O-dihydroferuloyl-1,4-butanediol (BDF). The degradation potential of polymer blends of PHB containing various percentages (0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 w%) of BDF was investigated through chemical, enzymatic and fungal pathways. Chemical degradation revealed that, in 0.25 M NaOH solution, the presence of BDF in the blend was necessary to carry out the degradation, which increased as the BDF percentage increased. Whereas no enzymatic degradation could be achieved in the tested conditions. Fungal degradation was achieved with a strain isolated from the soil and monitored through imagery processing. Similar to the chemical degradation, higher BDF content resulted in higher degradation by the fungus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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18 pages, 3950 KiB  
Article
Kraft Lignin/Tannin as a Potential Accelerator of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties in an Active Thermoplastic Polyester-Based Multifunctional Material
by Klementina Pušnik Črešnar, Alexandra Zamboulis, Dimitrios N. Bikiaris, Alexandra Aulova and Lidija Fras Zemljič
Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14081532 - 09 Apr 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2539
Abstract
This research focuses on key priorities in the field of sustainable plastic composites that will lead to a reduction in CO2 pollution and support the EU’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The main challenge is to develop high-performance polyphenol-reinforced thermoplastic [...] Read more.
This research focuses on key priorities in the field of sustainable plastic composites that will lead to a reduction in CO2 pollution and support the EU’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The main challenge is to develop high-performance polyphenol-reinforced thermoplastic composites, where the use of natural fillers replaces the usual chemical additives with non-toxic ones, not only to improve the final performance but also to increase the desired multifunctionalities (structural, antioxidant, and antibacterial). Therefore, poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composites based on Kraft lignin (KL) and tannin (TANN) were investigated. Two series of PLA composites, PLA-KL and PLA-TANN, which contained natural fillers (0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.5% (w/w)) were prepared by hot melt extrusion. The effects of KL and TANN on the PLA matrices were investigated, especially the surface physicochemical properties, mechanical properties, and antioxidant/antimicrobial activity. The surface physicochemical properties were evaluated by measuring the contact angle (CA), roughness, zeta potential, and nanoindentation. The results of the water contact angle showed that neither KL nor TANN caused a significant change in the wettability, but only a slight increase in the hydrophilicity of the PLA composites. The filler loading, the size of the particles with their available functional groups on the surfaces of the PLA composites, and the interaction between the filler and the PLA polymer depend on the roughness and zeta potential behavior of the PLA-KL and PLA-TANN composites and ultimately improve the surface mechanical properties. The antioxidant properties of the PLA-KL and PLA-TANN composites were determined using the DPPH (2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) test. The results show an efficient antioxidant behavior of all PLA-KL and PLA-TANN composites, which increases with the filler content. Finally, the KL- and PLA-based TANN have shown resistance to the Gram-negative bacteria, E. coli, but without a correlation trend between polyphenol filler content and structure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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22 pages, 42790 KiB  
Article
Improvement in Thermochromic Offset Print UV Stability by Applying PCL Nanocomposite Coatings
by Marina Vukoje, Rahela Kulčar, Katarina Itrić Ivanda, Josip Bota and Tomislav Cigula
Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1484; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071484 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2057
Abstract
Thermochromic (TC) printing inks change their colouration as a response to a change in temperature. This ability renders them attractive for various applications such as smart packaging, security printing, and marketing, but their application is limited due to their low UV stability, i.e., [...] Read more.
Thermochromic (TC) printing inks change their colouration as a response to a change in temperature. This ability renders them attractive for various applications such as smart packaging, security printing, and marketing, but their application is limited due to their low UV stability, i.e., loss of their thermochromic effect when exposed to UV radiation. In order to improve the UV stability of TC prints, one offset TC printing ink was printed and coated with nanomodified polycaprolactone (PCL) coating. The coating was prepared with the incorporation of 1%, 2%, and 3% mass ratios of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles in the PCL matrix. The prepared nanocomposite coatings were applied onto the TC print and exposed to UV radiation; afterwards, they were characterized by the colour properties of prints, SEM microscopy, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy. SEM microscopy, FTIR, and fluorescence spectroscopy showed higher rates of polymer degradation, and the results of colour stability indicated that 3% TiO2 in PCL matrix gave the best UV stability and protection of TC prints. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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14 pages, 2448 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Biodegradabilities of Biosynthetic Polyhydroxyalkanoates in Thailand Seawater and Toxicity Assessment of Environmental Safety Levels
by Nuttapol Tanadchangsaeng and Anchana Pattanasupong
Polymers 2022, 14(3), 428; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14030428 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2243
Abstract
Every year, thousands of tons of non-biodegradable plastic products are dumped into marine environments in Thailand’s territorial seawater, impacting various marine animals. Recently, there has been a surge in interest in biodegradable plastics as a solution for aquatic environments. However, in Thailand’s coastal [...] Read more.
Every year, thousands of tons of non-biodegradable plastic products are dumped into marine environments in Thailand’s territorial seawater, impacting various marine animals. Recently, there has been a surge in interest in biodegradable plastics as a solution for aquatic environments. However, in Thailand’s coastal waters, no suitable biodegradable plastic has been used as ocean-biodegradable packaging. Among them, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) have excellent biodegradability even in seawater, which is the desired property for packaging applications in tourist places such as plastic bags and bottles. In this report, we assess the environment’s safety and study the biodegradation in Thailand seawater of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and PHA copolymer (PHBVV) that were successfully synthesized by bacteria with similar molecular weight. The two types of extracted PHA samples were preliminary biodegradability tested in the marine environment compared with cellulose and polyethylene. Within 28 days, PHB and PHBVV could be biodegraded in both natural and synthetic seawater with 61.2 and 96.5%, respectively. Furthermore, we assessed residual toxicity after biodegradation for environmental safety using seawater samples containing residual digested compounds and the standard guide for acute toxicity tests. It was discovered that marine water mites (Artemia franciscana) have 100 percent viability, indicating that they are non-toxic to the marine environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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21 pages, 4999 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Parametric Study on Mechanical Properties Enhancement in Biodegradable Chitosan-Reinforced Starch-Based Bioplastic Film
by Shiou Xuan Tan, Hwai Chyuan Ong, Andri Andriyana, Steven Lim, Yean Ling Pang, Fitranto Kusumo and Gek Cheng Ngoh
Polymers 2022, 14(2), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14020278 - 11 Jan 2022
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5195
Abstract
Bioplastic has been perceived as a promising candidate to replace petroleum-based plastics due to its environment-friendly and biodegradable characteristics. This study presents the chitosan reinforced starch-based bioplastic film prepared by the solution casting and evaporation method. The effects of processing parameters, i.e., starch [...] Read more.
Bioplastic has been perceived as a promising candidate to replace petroleum-based plastics due to its environment-friendly and biodegradable characteristics. This study presents the chitosan reinforced starch-based bioplastic film prepared by the solution casting and evaporation method. The effects of processing parameters, i.e., starch concentration, glycerol loading, process temperature and chitosan loading on mechanical properties were examined. Optimum tensile strength of 5.19 MPa and elongation at break of 44.6% were obtained under the combined reaction conditions of 5 wt.% starch concentration, 40 wt.% glycerol loading, 20 wt.% chitosan loading and at a process temperature of 70 °C. From the artificial neural network (ANN) modeling, the coefficient of determination (R2) for tensile strength and elongation at break were found to be 0.9955 and 0.9859, respectively, which proved the model had good fit with the experimental data. Interaction and miscibility between starch and chitosan were proven through the peaks shifting to a lower wavenumber in FTIR and a reduction of crystallinity in XRD. TGA results suggested the chitosan-reinforced starch-based bioplastic possessed reasonable thermal stability under 290 °C. Enhancement in water resistance of chitosan-incorporated starch-based bioplastic film was evidenced with a water uptake of 251% as compared to a 302% registered by the pure starch-based bioplastic film. In addition, the fact that the chitosan-reinforced starch-based bioplastic film degraded to 52.1% of its initial weight after 28 days suggests it is a more sustainable alternative than the petroleum-based plastics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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14 pages, 23336 KiB  
Article
Material Extrusion-Based Additive Manufacturing of Poly(Lactic Acid) Antibacterial Filaments—A Case Study of Antimicrobial Properties
by Piotr Gruber, Viktoria Hoppe, Emilia Grochowska, Justyna Paleczny, Adam Junka, Irina Smolina and Tomasz Kurzynowski
Polymers 2021, 13(24), 4337; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13244337 - 11 Dec 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2375
Abstract
In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, one of the most demanding areas was the supply of healthcare systems in essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including face-shields and hands-free door openers. This need, impossible to fill by traditional manufacturing methods, was met by [...] Read more.
In the era of the coronavirus pandemic, one of the most demanding areas was the supply of healthcare systems in essential Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), including face-shields and hands-free door openers. This need, impossible to fill by traditional manufacturing methods, was met by implementing of such emerging technologies as additive manufacturing (AM/3D printing). In this article, Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filaments for Fused filament fabrication (FFF) technology in the context of the antibacterial properties of finished products were analyzed. The methodology included 2D radiography and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis to determine the presence of antimicrobial additives in the material and their impact on such hospital pathogens as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Clostridium difficile. The results show that not all tested materials displayed the expected antimicrobial properties after processing in FFF technology. The results showed that in the case of specific species of bacteria, the FFF samples, produced using the declared antibacterial materials, may even stimulate the microbial growth. The novelty of the results relies on methodological approach exceeding scope of ISO 22196 standard and is based on tests with three different species of bacteria in two types of media simulating common body fluids that can be found on frequently touched, nosocomial surfaces. The data presented in this article is of pivotal meaning taking under consideration the increasing interest in application of such products in the clinical setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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23 pages, 15463 KiB  
Article
Modeling of the Influence of Input AM Parameters on Dimensional Error and Form Errors in PLA Parts Printed with FFF Technology
by Carmelo J. Luis-Pérez, Irene Buj-Corral and Xavier Sánchez-Casas
Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4152; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234152 - 27 Nov 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2085
Abstract
As is widely known, additive manufacturing (AM) allows very complex parts to be manufactured with porous structures at a relatively low cost and in relatively low manufacturing times. However, it is necessary to determine in a precise way the input values that allow [...] Read more.
As is widely known, additive manufacturing (AM) allows very complex parts to be manufactured with porous structures at a relatively low cost and in relatively low manufacturing times. However, it is necessary to determine in a precise way the input values that allow better results to be obtained in terms of microgeometry, form errors, and dimensional error. In an earlier work, the influence of the process parameters on surface roughness obtained in fused filament fabrication (FFF) processes was analyzed. This present study focuses on form errors as well as on dimensional error of hemispherical cups, with a similar shape to that of the acetabular cup of hip prostheses. The specimens were 3D printed in polylactic acid (PLA). Process variables are nozzle diameter, temperature, layer height, print speed, and extrusion multiplier. Their influence on roundness, concentricity, and dimensional error is considered. To do this, adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) models were used. It was observed that dimensional error, roundness, and concentricity depend mainly on the nozzle diameter and on layer height. Moreover, high nozzle diameter of 0.6 mm and high layer height of 0.3 mm are not recommended. A desirability function was employed along with the ANFIS models in order to determine the optimal manufacturing conditions. The main aim of the multi-objective optimization study was to minimize average surface roughness (Ra) and roundness, while dimensional error was kept within the interval Dimensional Error0.01. When the simultaneous optimization of both the internal and the external surface of the parts is performed, it is recommended that a nozzle diameter of 0.4 mm be used, to have a temperature of 197 °C, a layer height of 0.1 mm, a print speed of 42 mm/s, and extrusion multiplier of 94.8%. This study will help to determine the influence of the process parameters on the quality of the manufactured parts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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17 pages, 4040 KiB  
Article
Biostable Shape Memory Polymer Foams for Smart Biomaterial Applications
by Anand Utpal Vakil, Natalie Marie Petryk, Ellen Shepherd and Mary Beth B. Monroe
Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4084; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234084 - 24 Nov 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2015
Abstract
Polyurethane foams provide a wide range of applications as a biomaterial system due to the ability to tune their physical, chemical, and biological properties to meet the requirements of the intended applications. Another key parameter that determines the usability of this biomaterial is [...] Read more.
Polyurethane foams provide a wide range of applications as a biomaterial system due to the ability to tune their physical, chemical, and biological properties to meet the requirements of the intended applications. Another key parameter that determines the usability of this biomaterial is its degradability under body conditions. Several current approaches focus on slowing the degradation rate for applications that require the implant to be present for a longer time frame (over 100 days). Here, biostable shape memory polymer (SMP) foams were synthesized with added ether-containing monomers to tune the degradation rates. The physical, thermal and shape memory properties of these foams were characterized along with their cytocompatibility and blood interactions. Degradation profiles were assessed in vitro in oxidative (3% H2O2; real-time) and hydrolytic media (0.1 M NaOH; accelerated) at 37 °C. The resulting foams had tunable degradation rates, with up 15% mass remaining after 108 days, and controlled erosion profiles. These easy-to-use, shape-filling SMP foams have the potential for various biomaterial applications where longer-term stability without the need for implant removal is desired. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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15 pages, 2533 KiB  
Article
Kinetics of the Thermal Degradation of Poly(lactic acid) and Polyamide Bioblends
by Félix Carrasco, Orlando Santana Pérez and Maria Lluïsa Maspoch
Polymers 2021, 13(22), 3996; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223996 - 19 Nov 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2148
Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and biosourced polyamide (PA) bioblends, with a variable PA weight content of 10–50%, were prepared by melt blending in order to overcome the high brittleness of PLA. During processing, the properties of the melt were stabilized and enhanced by the [...] Read more.
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and biosourced polyamide (PA) bioblends, with a variable PA weight content of 10–50%, were prepared by melt blending in order to overcome the high brittleness of PLA. During processing, the properties of the melt were stabilized and enhanced by the addition of a styrene-acrylic multi-functional-epoxide oligomeric reactive agent (SAmfE). The general analytical equation (GAE) was used to evaluate the kinetic parameters of the thermal degradation of PLA within bioblends. Various empirical and theoretical solid-state mechanisms were tested to find the best kinetic model. In order to study the effect of PA on the PLA matrix, only the first stage of the thermal degradation was taken into consideration in the kinetic analysis (α < 0.4). On the other hand, standardized conversion functions were evaluated. Given that it is not easy to visualize the best accordance between experimental and theoretical values of standardized conversion functions, an index, based on the integral mean error, was evaluated to quantitatively support our findings relative to the best reaction mechanism. It was demonstrated that the most probable mechanism for the thermal degradation of PLA is the random scission of macromolecular chains. Moreover, y(α) master plots, which are independent of activation energy values, were used to confirm that the selected reaction mechanism was the most adequate. Activation energy values were calculated as a function of PA content. Moreover, the onset thermal stability of PLA was also determined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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20 pages, 5365 KiB  
Article
Poly(L-lactic acid) Reinforced with Hydroxyapatite and Tungsten Disulfide Nanotubes
by Ofek Golan, Hila Shalom, Ifat Kaplan-Ashiri, Sidney R. Cohen, Yishay Feldman, Iddo Pinkas, Rakefet Ofek Almog, Alla Zak and Reshef Tenne
Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3851; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213851 - 08 Nov 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2303
Abstract
Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and semi-crystalline polymer with numerous applications including food packaging, medical implants, stents, tissue engineering scaffolds, etc. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the major component of natural bone. Conceptually, combining PLLA and HA could produce a bioceramic suitable for [...] Read more.
Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable, and semi-crystalline polymer with numerous applications including food packaging, medical implants, stents, tissue engineering scaffolds, etc. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is the major component of natural bone. Conceptually, combining PLLA and HA could produce a bioceramic suitable for implants and bone repair. However, this nanocomposite suffers from poor mechanical behavior under tensile strain. In this study, films of PLLA and HA were prepared with small amounts of nontoxic WS2 nanotubes (INT-WS2). The structural aspects of the films were investigated via electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman microscopy, and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The mechanical properties were evaluated via tensile measurements, micro-hardness tests, and nanoindentation. The thermal properties were investigated via differential scanning calorimetry. The composite films exhibited improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to the films prepared from the PLLA and HA alone, which is advantageous for medical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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19 pages, 3558 KiB  
Article
Multifunctional, Robust, and Porous PHBV—GO/MXene Composite Membranes with Good Hydrophilicity, Antibacterial Activity, and Platelet Adsorption Performance
by Yuandong Wu, Weishuang Zheng, Yinan Xiao, Beining Du, Xingru Zhang, Min Wen, Chen Lai, Yi Huang and Liyuan Sheng
Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3748; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213748 - 29 Oct 2021
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2623
Abstract
The limitations of hydrophilicity, strength, antibacterial activity adsorption performance of the biobased and biocompatible polymer materials, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), significantly restrict their wider applications especially in medical areas. In this paper, a novel composite membrane with high antibacterial activity and platelet adsorption [...] Read more.
The limitations of hydrophilicity, strength, antibacterial activity adsorption performance of the biobased and biocompatible polymer materials, such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), significantly restrict their wider applications especially in medical areas. In this paper, a novel composite membrane with high antibacterial activity and platelet adsorption performance was prepared based on graphene oxide (GO), MXene and 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV), which are medium-chain-length-copolymers of PHA. The GO/MXene nanosheets can uniformly inset on the surface of PHBV fibre and give the PHBV—GO/MXene composite membranes superior hydrophilicity due to the presence of hydroxyl groups and terminal oxygen on the surface of nanosheets, which further provides the functional site for the free radical polymerization of ester bonds between GO/MXene and PHBV. As a result, the tensile strength, platelet adsorption, and blood coagulation time of the PHBV—GO/MXene composite membranes were remarkably increased compared with those of the pure PHBV membranes. The antibacterial rate of the PHBV—GO/MXene composite membranes against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria can reach 97% due to the antibacterial nature of MXene. The improved strength, hydrophilicity, antibacterial activity and platelet adsorption performance suggest that PHBV—GO/MXene composite membranes might be ideal candidates for multifunctional materials for haemostatic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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13 pages, 1738 KiB  
Article
Biodegradation of Polystyrene by Tenebrio molitor, Galleria mellonella, and Zophobas atratus Larvae and Comparison of Their Degradation Effects
by Shan Jiang, Tingting Su, Jingjing Zhao and Zhanyong Wang
Polymers 2021, 13(20), 3539; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13203539 - 14 Oct 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6085
Abstract
Plastic waste pollution and its difficult degradation process have aroused widespread concern. Research has demonstrated that the larvae of Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm), Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth), and Zophobas atratus (superworm) possess a biodegradation ability for polystyrene (PS) within the gut microbiota [...] Read more.
Plastic waste pollution and its difficult degradation process have aroused widespread concern. Research has demonstrated that the larvae of Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm), Galleria mellonella (greater wax moth), and Zophobas atratus (superworm) possess a biodegradation ability for polystyrene (PS) within the gut microbiota of these organisms. In this study, the difference in PS degradation and the changes of the gut microbiota were compared before and after feeding PS. The results showed that superworm had the strongest PS consumption capacity and the highest survival rate during the 30 d experiment period. They all could degrade PS to different degrees. Superworm showed the highest ability to degrade PS into low-molecular-weight substances, while yellow mealworm depolymerized PS strongly by destroying the benzene ring. The changes of the intestinal microbiome caused by feeding PS showed that after ingesting PS, there was a decrease in community diversity in superworm and yellow mealworm, but an increase in greater wax moth. Meanwhile, Enterococcus and Enterobacteriaceae, found in all three species’ larvae upon 20 d of PS feeding, might play an important role in PS degradation. The results will provide more accurate PS degradation comparative data of the three species’ larvae and theoretical guidance for further research on the efficient PS biodegradations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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17 pages, 3625 KiB  
Article
Polylactide, Processed by a Foaming Method Using Compressed Freon R134a, for Tissue Engineering
by María Aguado, Laura Saldaña, Eduardo Pérez del Río, Judith Guasch, Marc Parera, Alba Córdoba, Joaquín Seras-Franzoso, Olivia Cano-Garrido, Esther Vázquez, Antonio Villaverde, Jaume Veciana, Imma Ratera, Nuria Vilaboa and Nora Ventosa
Polymers 2021, 13(20), 3453; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13203453 - 09 Oct 2021
Viewed by 2146
Abstract
Fabricating polymeric scaffolds using cost-effective manufacturing processes is still challenging. Gas foaming techniques using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) have attracted attention for producing synthetic polymer matrices; however, the high-pressure requirements are often a technological barrier for its widespread use. Compressed 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, [...] Read more.
Fabricating polymeric scaffolds using cost-effective manufacturing processes is still challenging. Gas foaming techniques using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) have attracted attention for producing synthetic polymer matrices; however, the high-pressure requirements are often a technological barrier for its widespread use. Compressed 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, known as Freon R134a, offers advantages over CO2 in manufacturing processes in terms of lower pressure and temperature conditions and the use of low-cost equipment. Here, we report for the first time the use of Freon R134a for generating porous polymer matrices, specifically polylactide (PLA). PLA scaffolds processed with Freon R134a exhibited larger pore sizes, and total porosity, and appropriate mechanical properties compared with those achieved by scCO2 processing. PLGA scaffolds processed with Freon R134a were highly porous and showed a relatively fragile structure. Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) attached to PLA scaffolds processed with Freon R134a, and their metabolic activity increased during culturing. In addition, MSCs displayed spread morphology on the PLA scaffolds processed with Freon R134a, with a well-organized actin cytoskeleton and a dense matrix of fibronectin fibrils. Functionalization of Freon R134a-processed PLA scaffolds with protein nanoparticles, used as bioactive factors, enhanced the scaffolds’ cytocompatibility. These findings indicate that gas foaming using compressed Freon R134a could represent a cost-effective and environmentally friendly fabrication technology to produce polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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16 pages, 24944 KiB  
Article
Novel Poly(Methylenelactide-g-L-Lactide) Graft Copolymers Synthesized by a Combination of Vinyl Addition and Ring-Opening Polymerizations
by Tanyaluck Mekpothi, Puttinan Meepowpan, Montira Sriyai, Robert Molloy and Winita Punyodom
Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3374; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193374 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2017
Abstract
In this work, a novel poly (methylenelactide-g-L-lactide), P(MLA-g-LLA) graft copolymer was synthesized from poly(methylenelactide) (PMLA) and L-lactide (LLA) using 0.03 mol% liquid tin(II) n-butoxide (Sn(OnBu)2) as an initiator by a combination of vinyl addition [...] Read more.
In this work, a novel poly (methylenelactide-g-L-lactide), P(MLA-g-LLA) graft copolymer was synthesized from poly(methylenelactide) (PMLA) and L-lactide (LLA) using 0.03 mol% liquid tin(II) n-butoxide (Sn(OnBu)2) as an initiator by a combination of vinyl addition and ring-opening polymerization (ROP) at 120 °C for 72 h. Proton and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H- and 13C-NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the grafted structure of P(MLA-g-LLA). The P(MLA-g-LLA) melting temperatures (Tm) range of 144–164 °C, which was lower than that of PLA (170–180 °C), while the thermal decomposition temperature (Td) of around 314–335 °C was higher than that of PLA (approx. 300 °C). These results indicated that the grafting reaction could widen the melt processing range of PLA and in doing so increase PLA’s thermal stability during melt processing. The graft copolymers were obtained with weight-average molecular weights (M¯w) = 4200–11,000 g mol−1 and a narrow dispersity (Đ = 1.1–1.4). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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14 pages, 4480 KiB  
Article
Major Factors Influencing the Size Distribution Analysis of Cellulose Nanocrystals Imaged in Transmission Electron Microscopy
by Hui Qian
Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3318; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193318 - 28 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1972
Abstract
Size distributions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), extracted from softwood pulp via strong sulfuric acid hydrolysis, exhibit large variability when analyzed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. In this article, the causes of this variability are studied and discussed. In order to obtain results [...] Read more.
Size distributions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), extracted from softwood pulp via strong sulfuric acid hydrolysis, exhibit large variability when analyzed from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. In this article, the causes of this variability are studied and discussed. In order to obtain results comparable with those reported, a reference material of CNCs (CNCD-1) was used to evaluate size distribution. CNC TEM specimens were prepared as-stained and dried with a rapid-flushing staining method or hydrated and embedded in vitreous ice with the plunge-freezing method. Several sets of bright-field TEM (BF-TEM), annular dark-field scanning TEM (ADF-STEM) and cryogenic-TEM (cryo-TEM) images were acquired for size distribution analysis to study the contributing factors. The rapid-flushing staining method was found to be the most effective for contrast enhancement of CNCs, not only revealing the helical structure of single CNCs but also resolving the laterally jointed CNCs. During TEM specimen preparation, CNCs were fractionated on TEM grids driven by the coffee-ring effect, as observed from contrast variation of CNCs with a stain-depth gradient. From the edge to the center of the TEM grids, the width of CNCs increases, while the aspect ratio (length to width) decreases. This fractionated dispersion of CNCs suggests that images taken near the center of a droplet would give a larger mean width. In addition to particle fractionation driven by the coffee-ring effect, the arrangement and orientation of CNC particles on the substrate significantly affect the size measurement when CNC aggregation cannot be resolved in images. The coexistence of asymmetric cross-section CNC particles introduces a large variation in size measurement, as TEM images of CNCs are mixed projections of the width and height of particles. As a demonstration of how this contributes to inflated size measurement, twisted CNC particles, rectangular cross-section particles and end-to-end jointed CNCs were revealed in reconstructed three-dimensional (3D) micrographs by electron tomography (ET). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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13 pages, 3664 KiB  
Article
Safety and Efficacy of Kartigen® in Treating Cartilage Defects: A Randomized, Controlled, Phase I Trial
by Yen-Liang Liu, Chun-Che Yen, Tzu-Shang Thomas Liu, Chih-Hung Chang, Tiffany Ting-Fang Shih, Jyh-Horng Wang, Ming-Chia Yang, Feng-Huei Lin and Hwa-Chang Liu
Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3029; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183029 - 07 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2396
Abstract
Here, we aimed to investigate the safety and preliminary efficacy of Kartigen®, a matrix with autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived chondrocyte precursors embedded in atelocollagen. As a surgical graft, Kartigen® was implanted onto the cartilage defects at the weight-bearing [...] Read more.
Here, we aimed to investigate the safety and preliminary efficacy of Kartigen®, a matrix with autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived chondrocyte precursors embedded in atelocollagen. As a surgical graft, Kartigen® was implanted onto the cartilage defects at the weight-bearing site of the medial femoral condyle of the knee. Fifteen patients were enrolled and stratified into two groups, undergoing either Kartigen® implantation (n = 10) or microfracture (control group, n = 5). The primary endpoint was to evaluate the safety of Kartigen® by monitoring the occurrence of adverse events through physician queries, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and radiological analyses for 2 years. There were no infections, inflammations, adhesions, loose body, or tumor formations in the Kartigen®-implanted knees. The preliminary efficacy was assessed using the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, visual analog scale, and second-look arthroscopy. The postoperative IKDC scores of the Kartigen® group significantly improved in the 16th week (IKDC = 62.1 ± 12.8, p = 0.025), kept increasing in the first year (IKDC = 78.2 ± 15.4, p < 0.005), and remained satisfactory in the second year (IKDC = 73.6 ± 13.8, p < 0.005), compared to the preoperative condition (IKDC = 47.1 ± 17.0), while the postoperative IKDC scores of the control group also achieved significant improvement in the 28th week (IKDC = 68.5 ± 6.1, p = 0.032) versus preoperative state (IKDC = 54.0 ± 9.1). However, the IKDC scores decreased in the first year (IKDC = 63.5 ± 11.6) as well as in the second year (IKDC = 52.6 ± 16.4). Thirteen patients underwent second-look arthroscopy and biopsy one year after the operation. The Kartigen® group exhibited integration between Kartigen® and host tissue with a smooth appearance at the recipient site, whereas the microfracture group showed fibrillated surfaces. The histological and immunohistochemical analyses of biopsy specimens demonstrated the columnar structure of articular cartilage and existence of collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan mimic hyaline cartilage. This study indicates that Kartigen® is safe and effective in treating cartilage defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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10 pages, 1675 KiB  
Article
Laser-Induced Graphene-Based Enzymatic Biosensor for Glucose Detection
by Kalpana Settu, Pin-Tzu Chiu and Yu-Ming Huang
Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162795 - 20 Aug 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3709
Abstract
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has recently been receiving increasing attention due to its simple fabrication and low cost. This study reports a flexible laser-induced graphene-based electrochemical biosensor fabricated on a polymer substrate by the laser direct engraving process. For this purpose, a 450 nm [...] Read more.
Laser-induced graphene (LIG) has recently been receiving increasing attention due to its simple fabrication and low cost. This study reports a flexible laser-induced graphene-based electrochemical biosensor fabricated on a polymer substrate by the laser direct engraving process. For this purpose, a 450 nm UV laser was employed to produce a laser-induced graphene electrode (LIGE) on a polyimide substrate. After the laser engraving of LIGE, the chitosan–glucose oxidase (GOx) composite was immobilized on the LIGE surface to develop the biosensor for glucose detection. It was observed that the developed LIGE biosensor exhibited good amperometric responses toward glucose detection over a wide linear range up to 8 mM. The GOx/chitosan-modified LIGE biosensor showed high sensitivity of 43.15 µA mM−1 cm−2 with a detection limit of 0.431 mM. The interference studies performed with some possible interfering compounds such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, and urea exhibited no interference as there was no difference observed in the amperometric glucose detection. It was suggested that the LIGE-based biosensor proposed herein was easy to prepare and could be used for low-cost, rapid, and sensitive/selective glucose detection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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7 pages, 1141 KiB  
Communication
Investigation of the Thermal and Hydrolytic Degradation of Polylactide during Autoclave Foaming
by Julia Dreier, Christian Brütting, Holger Ruckdäschel, Volker Altstädt and Christian Bonten
Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2624; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162624 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2679
Abstract
Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most important bioplastics worldwide and thus represents a good potential substitute for bead foams made of the fossil-based Polystyrene (PS). However, foaming of PLA comes with a few challenges. One disadvantage of commercially available PLA is its [...] Read more.
Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most important bioplastics worldwide and thus represents a good potential substitute for bead foams made of the fossil-based Polystyrene (PS). However, foaming of PLA comes with a few challenges. One disadvantage of commercially available PLA is its low melt strength and elongation properties, which play an important role in foaming. As a polyester, PLA is also very sensitive to thermal and hydrolytic degradation. Possibilities to overcome these disadvantages can be found in literature, but improving the properties for foaming of PLA as well as the degradation behavior during foaming have not been investigated yet. In this study, reactive extrusion on a twin-screw extruder is used to modify PLA in order to increase the melt strength and to protect it against thermal degradation and hydrolysis. PLA foams are produced in an already known process from the literature and the influence of the modifiers on the properties is estimated. The results show that it is possible to enhance the foaming properties of PLA and to protect it against hydrolysis at the same time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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13 pages, 2050 KiB  
Article
Effect of Crystallinity on the Properties of Polycaprolactone Nanoparticles Containing the Dual FLAP/mPEGS-1 Inhibitor BRP-187
by Antje Vollrath, Christian Kretzer, Baerbel Beringer-Siemers, Blerina Shkodra, Justyna A. Czaplewska, Damiano Bandelli, Steffi Stumpf, Stephanie Hoeppener, Christine Weber, Oliver Werz and Ulrich S. Schubert
Polymers 2021, 13(15), 2557; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152557 - 31 Jul 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2067
Abstract
Seven polycaprolactones (PCL) with constant hydrophobicity but a varying degree of crystallinity prepared from the constitutional isomers ε-caprolactone (εCL) and δ-caprolactone (δCL) were utilized to formulate nanoparticles (NPs). The aim was to investigate the effect of the crystallinity of the bulk polymers on [...] Read more.
Seven polycaprolactones (PCL) with constant hydrophobicity but a varying degree of crystallinity prepared from the constitutional isomers ε-caprolactone (εCL) and δ-caprolactone (δCL) were utilized to formulate nanoparticles (NPs). The aim was to investigate the effect of the crystallinity of the bulk polymers on the enzymatic degradation of the particles. Furthermore, their efficiency to encapsulate the hydrophobic anti-inflammatory drug BRP-187 and the final in vitro performance of the resulting NPs were evaluated. Initially, high-throughput nanoprecipitation was employed for the εCL and δCL homopolymers to screen and establish important formulation parameters (organic solvent, polymer and surfactant concentration). Next, BRP-187-loaded PCL nanoparticles were prepared by batch nanoprecipitation and characterized using dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy and UV-Vis spectroscopy to determine and to compare particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, drug loading as well as the apparent enzymatic degradation as a function of the copolymer composition. Ultimately, NPs were examined for their potency in vitro in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes to inhibit the BRP-187 target 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP). It was evident by Tukey’s multi-comparison test that the degree of crystallinity of copolymers directly influenced their apparent enzymatic degradation and consequently their efficiency to inhibit the drug target. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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18 pages, 39376 KiB  
Article
An Innovative Computational Strategy to Optimize Different Furnish Compositions of Tissue Materials Using Micro/Nanofibrillated Cellulose and Biopolymer as Additives
by Flávia P. Morais, Ana M. M. S. Carta, Maria E. Amaral and Joana M. R. Curto
Polymers 2021, 13(15), 2397; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152397 - 21 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1757
Abstract
The furnish management of tissue materials is fundamental to obtain maximum quality products with a minimum cost. The key fiber properties and fiber modification process steps have a significant influence on the structural and functional properties of tissue paper. In this work, two [...] Read more.
The furnish management of tissue materials is fundamental to obtain maximum quality products with a minimum cost. The key fiber properties and fiber modification process steps have a significant influence on the structural and functional properties of tissue paper. In this work, two types of additives, a commercial biopolymer additive (CBA) that replaces the traditional cationic starch and micro/nanofibrillated cellulose (CMF), were investigated. Different formulations were prepared containing eucalyptus fibers and softwood fibers treated mechanically and enzymatically and both pulps with these two additives incorporated independently and simultaneously with drainage in the tissue process range. The use of these additives to reduce the percentage of softwood fibers on tissue furnish formulations was investigated. The results indicated that a maximum of tensile strength was obtained with a combination of both additives at the expense of softness and water absorbency. With a reduction of softwood fibers, the incorporation of additives increased the tensile strength and water absorbency with a slight decrease in HF softness compared with a typical industrial furnish. Additionally, a tissue computational simulator was also used to predict the influence of these additives on the final end-use properties. Both additives proved to be a suitable alternative to reduce softwood fibers in the production of tissue products, enhancing softness, strength and absorption properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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17 pages, 5465 KiB  
Article
Comparative Study of the Properties of Plasticized Polylactic Acid with Maleinized Hemp Seed Oil and a Novel Maleinized Brazil Nut Seed Oil
by Aina Perez-Nakai, Alejandro Lerma-Canto, Ivan Domingez-Candela, Daniel Garcia-Garcia, Jose Miguel Ferri and Vicent Fombuena
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2376; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142376 - 20 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2547
Abstract
In this study, for the first time, Brazil nut seed oil was chemically modified with maleic anhydride to obtain maleinized Brazil nut seed oil (MBNO). The same process was developed to obtain maleinized hemp seed oil (MHO). The use of MBNO and MHO [...] Read more.
In this study, for the first time, Brazil nut seed oil was chemically modified with maleic anhydride to obtain maleinized Brazil nut seed oil (MBNO). The same process was developed to obtain maleinized hemp seed oil (MHO). The use of MBNO and MHO was studied as bio-based plasticizers by incorporating them with different contents ranging from 0 to 10 phr in a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix. By means of mechanical, thermal and thermomechanical characterization techniques, the properties of the different formulations were studied to evaluate the plasticizing effect of the MBNO and MHO. With the addition of both plasticizers, a significant increase in ductile properties was observed, reaching an increase in elongation at break of 643% with 7.5 phr MBNO and 771% with 10 phr MHO compared to neat PLA. In addition, it has been observed that the mechanical resistant properties do not decrease, since the oils enhance the crystallization of PLA by increasing the free volume between its chains and counteracting the effect. Finally, a disintegration test was carried out under thermophilic conditions at 58 °C for 27 days, demonstrating that the incorporation of MHO and MBNO does not significantly affect the biodegradability of neat PLA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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10 pages, 2746 KiB  
Article
Effects of Poloxamer Content and Storage Time of Biodegradable Starch-Chitosan Films on Its Thermal, Structural, Mechanical, and Morphological Properties
by Abril Fonseca-García, Carolina Caicedo, Enrique Javier Jiménez-Regalado, Graciela Morales and Rocio Yaneli Aguirre-Loredo
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2341; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142341 - 17 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2344
Abstract
Biodegradable packaging prepared from starch is an alternative to fossil-based plastic packaging. However, the properties of starch packaging do not comply with the necessary physicochemical properties to preserve food. Hence, in a previous study, we reported the preparation of a composite polymer material [...] Read more.
Biodegradable packaging prepared from starch is an alternative to fossil-based plastic packaging. However, the properties of starch packaging do not comply with the necessary physicochemical properties to preserve food. Hence, in a previous study, we reported the preparation of a composite polymer material based on starch-chitosan-pluronic F127 that was found to be an adequate alternative packaging material. In this study, we modified the physicochemical properties of this material by storing it for 16 months under ambient conditions. The results indicate that the incorporation of pluronic F127 in the blend polymer can help avoid the retrogradation of starch. Moreover, at higher concentrations of pluronic F127, wettability is reduced. Finally, after storage, the materials exhibited surface modification, which is related to a color change and an increase in solubility, as well as a slight increase in stiffness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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10 pages, 2422 KiB  
Article
Prediction of the Miscibility of PBAT/PLA Blends
by Shen Su
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142339 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 5451
Abstract
Designing polymer structures and polymer blends opens opportunities to improve the performance of plastics. Blending poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactide (PLA) is a cost-effective approach to achieve a new sustainable material with complementary properties. This study aimed to predict the theoretical miscibility of [...] Read more.
Designing polymer structures and polymer blends opens opportunities to improve the performance of plastics. Blending poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and polylactide (PLA) is a cost-effective approach to achieve a new sustainable material with complementary properties. This study aimed to predict the theoretical miscibility of PBAT/PLA blends at the molecular level. First, the basic properties and the structure of PBAT and PLA are introduced, respectively. Second, using the group contribution methods of van Krevelen and Hoy, the Hansen and Hildebrand solubility parameters of PBAT and PLA were calculated, and the effect of the molar ratio of the monomers in PBAT on the miscibility with PLA was predicted. Third, the dependence of the molecular weight on the blend miscibility was simulated using the solubility parameters and Flory–Huggins theory. Next, the glass transition temperature of miscible PBAT/PLA blends, estimated using the Fox equation, is shown graphically. According to the prediction and simulation, the blends with a number-average molecular weight of 30 kg/mol for each component were thermodynamically miscible at 296 K and 463 K with the possibility of spinodal decomposition at 296 K and 30% volume fraction of PBAT. This study contributes to the strategic synthesis of PBAT and the development of miscible PBAT/PLA blends. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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10 pages, 1906 KiB  
Article
Rheological Characterization and Modeling of Thermally Unstable Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)
by Silvia Lajewski, Annika Mauch, Kalman Geiger and Christian Bonten
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2294; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142294 - 13 Jul 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2465
Abstract
Presently, almost every industry uses conventional plastics. Its production from petroleum and extensive plastic pollution cause environmental problems. More sustainable alternatives to plastics include bioplastics such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), which is produced by bacteria and is biodegradable even in seawater. High temperature sensitivity [...] Read more.
Presently, almost every industry uses conventional plastics. Its production from petroleum and extensive plastic pollution cause environmental problems. More sustainable alternatives to plastics include bioplastics such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), which is produced by bacteria and is biodegradable even in seawater. High temperature sensitivity as well as massive thermal degradation cause difficulties during the processing of PHBV. The aim of this work is to create a detailed rheological characterization and master curves to gain deeper knowledge about the material and its processing parameters. The rheological characterization was performed with frequency sweeps in the range of 0.1 rad/s to 628 rad/s and time sweeps over 300 s. Creating master curves at the reference temperature of 180 °C with the software IRIS delivers Carreau and Arrhenius parameters. These parameters allow for a calculation of the master curves for all other temperatures by means of the temperature shift factor. Moreover, the rheological measurements reveal a minimum rheological measurement temperature of 178 °C and a surprisingly high activation energy of 241.8 kJ/mol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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12 pages, 5623 KiB  
Article
Role of Organically-Modified Zn-Ti Layered Double Hydroxides in Poly(Butylene Succinate-Co-Adipate) Composites: Enhanced Material Properties and Photodegradation Protection
by Jie-Mao Wang, Hao Wang, Erh-Chiang Chen, Yun-Ju Chen and Tzong-Ming Wu
Polymers 2021, 13(13), 2181; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13132181 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2049
Abstract
In this research, the effects of Zn-Ti layered double hydroxide (Zn-Ti LDH) as a UV-protection additive, which was added to the poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) matrix, were investigated. Stearic acid was used to increase the hydrophobicity of Zn-Ti LDH via ion-exchange method. Transmission electron [...] Read more.
In this research, the effects of Zn-Ti layered double hydroxide (Zn-Ti LDH) as a UV-protection additive, which was added to the poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) matrix, were investigated. Stearic acid was used to increase the hydrophobicity of Zn-Ti LDH via ion-exchange method. Transmission electron microscopy images of PBSA composites showed that modified Zn-Ti LDH (m-LDH) well-dispersed in the polymer matrix. Due to the effect of heterogeneous nucleation, the crystallization temperature of the composite increased to 52.9 °C, and the accompanying crystallinity increased to 31.0% with the addition of 1 wt% m-LDH. The additional m-LDH into PBSA copolymer matrix significantly enhanced the storage modulus, as compared to pure PBSA. Gel permeation chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the addition of m-LDH can reduce the photodegradation of PBSA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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18 pages, 10358 KiB  
Article
Nanocomposite Materials Based on TMDCs WS2 Modified Poly(l-Lactic Acid)/Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Polymer Blends
by Mohammed Naffakh
Polymers 2021, 13(13), 2179; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13132179 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1680
Abstract
Novel multifunctional biopolymer blend nanocomposites composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) and tungsten disulfide nanotubes (INT-WS2) that are layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) were easily prepared by applying an economical, scalable, and versatile melt processing route. Furthermore, their synergistic effect to enhance the [...] Read more.
Novel multifunctional biopolymer blend nanocomposites composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF) and tungsten disulfide nanotubes (INT-WS2) that are layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) were easily prepared by applying an economical, scalable, and versatile melt processing route. Furthermore, their synergistic effect to enhance the properties of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix was investigated. From morphological analysis, it was shown that the incorporation of 1D (INT)-WS2 into the immiscible PLLA/PVDF mixtures (weight ratios: 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, and 20/80) led to an improvement in the dispersibility of the PVDF phase, a reduction in its average domain size, and consequently a larger interfacial area. In addition, the nanoparticles INT-WS2 can act as effective nucleating agents and reinforcing fillers in PLLA/PVDF blends, and as such, greatly improve their thermal and dynamic-mechanical properties. The improvements are more pronounced in the ternary blend nanocomposites with the lowest PVDF content, likely due to a synergistic effect of both highly crystalline PVDF and 1D-TMDCs nano-additives on the matrix performance. Considering the promising properties of the developed materials, the inexpensive synthetic process, and the extraordinary properties of environmentally friendly and biocompatibe 1D-TMDCs WS2, this work may open up opportunities to produce new PLLA/PVDF hybrid nanocomposites that show great potential for biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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19 pages, 7868 KiB  
Article
Gum Rosin as a Size Control Agent of Poly(Butylene Adipate-Co-Terephthalate) (PBAT) Domains to Increase the Toughness of Packaging Formulations Based on Polylactic Acid (PLA)
by Miguel Aldas, José Miguel Ferri, Dana Luca Motoc, Laura Peponi, Marina Patricia Arrieta and Juan López-Martínez
Polymers 2021, 13(12), 1913; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13121913 - 08 Jun 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3823
Abstract
Gum rosin (GR) was used as a natural additive to improve the compatibility between polylactic acid, PLA, and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate, PBAT, blended with 20 wt.% of PBAT (PLA/PBAT). The PBAT was used as a soft component to increase the ductility of PLA and [...] Read more.
Gum rosin (GR) was used as a natural additive to improve the compatibility between polylactic acid, PLA, and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate, PBAT, blended with 20 wt.% of PBAT (PLA/PBAT). The PBAT was used as a soft component to increase the ductility of PLA and its fracture toughness. The coalescence of the PBAT domains was possible due to the plasticization effect of the GR component. These domains contributed to increasing the toughness of the final material due to the variation and control of the PBAT domains’ size and consequently, reducing the stress concentration points. The GR was used in contents of 5, 10, 15, and 20 phr. Consequently, the flexural properties were improved and the impact resistance increased up to 80% in PLA/PBAT_15GR with respect to the PLA/PBAT formulation. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images allowed observing that the size of PBAT domains of 2–3 µm was optimal to reduce the impact stress. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed a reduction of up to 8 °C on the PLA melting temperature and up to 5.3 °C of the PLA glass transition temperature in the PLA/PBAT_20GR formulation, which indicates an improvement in the processability of PLA. Finally, transparent films with improved oxygen barrier performance and increased hydrophobicity were obtained suggesting the potential interest of these blends for the food packaging industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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16 pages, 3882 KiB  
Article
Dual Plasticizer/Thermal Stabilizer Effect of Epoxidized Chia Seed Oil (Salvia hispanica L.) to Improve Ductility and Thermal Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)
by Ivan Dominguez-Candela, Jose Miguel Ferri, Salvador Cayetano Cardona, Jaime Lora and Vicent Fombuena
Polymers 2021, 13(8), 1283; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13081283 - 14 Apr 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2854
Abstract
The use of a new bio-based plasticizer derived from epoxidized chia seed oil (ECO) was applied in a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. ECO was used due to its high epoxy content (6.7%), which led to an improved chemical interaction with PLA. Melt extrusion [...] Read more.
The use of a new bio-based plasticizer derived from epoxidized chia seed oil (ECO) was applied in a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. ECO was used due to its high epoxy content (6.7%), which led to an improved chemical interaction with PLA. Melt extrusion was used to plasticize PLA with different ECO content in the 0–10 wt.% range. Mechanical, morphological, and thermal characterization was carried out to evaluate the effect of ECO percentage. Besides, disintegration and migration tests were studied to assess the future application in packaging industry. Ductile properties improve by 700% in elongation at break with 10 wt.% ECO content. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed a phase separation with ECO content equal or higher than 7.5 wt.%. Thermal stabilization was improved 14 °C as ECO content increased. All plasticized PLA was disintegrated under composting conditions, not observing a delay up to 5 wt.% ECO. Migration tests pointed out a very low migration, less than 0.11 wt.%, which is to interest to the packaging industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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16 pages, 4112 KiB  
Article
Recyclability Analysis of Starch Thermoplastic/Almond Shell Biocomposite
by Ana Ibáñez-García, Asunción Martínez-García and Santiago Ferrándiz-Bou
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071159 - 05 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2021
Abstract
This article is focused on studying the effect of the reprocessing cycles on the mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties of a biocomposite. This process is based on starch thermoplastic polymer (TPS) filled with 20 wt% almond shell powder (ASP) and epoxidized linseed oil [...] Read more.
This article is focused on studying the effect of the reprocessing cycles on the mechanical, thermal, and aesthetic properties of a biocomposite. This process is based on starch thermoplastic polymer (TPS) filled with 20 wt% almond shell powder (ASP) and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) as a compatibilizing additive. To do so, the biocomposite was prepared in a twin-screw extruder, molded by injection, and characterized in terms of its mechanical, thermal, and visual properties (according to CieLab) and the melt flow index (MFI). The analyses carried out were tensile, flexural, Charpy impact tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The effects of the reprocessing were also studied for the biodegradable unfilled TPS polymer. The results showed that TPS and TPS/ASP biocomposite suffer changes progressively on the properties studied after each reprocessing cycle. Furthermore, it was observed that the addition of ASP intensified these effects regarding TPS. However, in spite of the progressive degradation in both cases, it is technically feasible to reprocess the material at least three times without needing to incorporate virgin material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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19 pages, 9178 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Poly (Ethylene glycol) Emulation on the Degradation of PLA/Starch Composites
by Sarieh Momeni, Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, Mohamadreza Shakiba, Saied Shafiei-Navid, Majid Abdouss, Ashkan Bigham, Fatemeh Khosravi, Zahed Ahmadi, Mehdi Faraji, Hamidreza Abdouss and Seeram Ramakrishna
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071019 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4348
Abstract
As a hydrophilic renewable polymer, starch has been widely used in biocompatible plastics as a filler for more than two decades. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG), as a plasticizer, on the physicochemical properties of a hybrid [...] Read more.
As a hydrophilic renewable polymer, starch has been widely used in biocompatible plastics as a filler for more than two decades. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG), as a plasticizer, on the physicochemical properties of a hybrid composite—polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic starch (TPS). A solvent evaporation process was adopted to gelatinize the starch and disparate PEG contents ranging from 3 to 15 wt.% (with respect to the sample weight) were examined. It was revealed that the increase in the PEG content was accompanied by an increment in the starch gelatinization degree. Referring to the microstructural analyses, the TPS/PLA mixture yielded a ductile hybrid composite with a fine morphology and a uniform phase. Nevertheless, two different solvents, including acetone and ethanol, were used to assess if they had any effect on the hybrid’s morphology, tensile strength and thermal properties. It was found that ethanol culminated in a porous hybrid composite with a finer morphology and better starch distribution in the PLA structure than acetone. As the result of PEG addition to the composite, the crystallinity and tensile strength were decreased, whereas the elongation increased. The hydrolytic degradation of samples was assessed under different pH and thermal conditions. Moreover, the microbial degradation of the PLA/TPS hybrid composite containing different PEG molar fractions was investigated in the soil for 45 days. The rate of degradation in both hydrolytic and biodegradation increased in the samples with a higher amount of PEG with ethanol solvent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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14 pages, 3712 KiB  
Article
Biocompatibility and Pharmacological Effects of Innovative Systems for Prolonged Drug Release Containing Dexketoprofen in Rats
by Liliana Mititelu-Tartau, Maria Bogdan, Daniela Angelica Pricop, Beatrice Rozalina Buca, Loredana Hilitanu, Ana-Maria Pauna, Lorena Anda Dijmarescu and Eliza Gratiela Popa
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1010; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071010 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1862
Abstract
The present study reports on the in vivo biocompatibility investigation and evaluation of the effects of liposomes containing dexketoprofen in somatic sensitivity in rats. Method: The liposomes were prepared by entrapping dexketoprofen in vesicular systems stabilized with chitosan. The in vivo biocompatibility was [...] Read more.
The present study reports on the in vivo biocompatibility investigation and evaluation of the effects of liposomes containing dexketoprofen in somatic sensitivity in rats. Method: The liposomes were prepared by entrapping dexketoprofen in vesicular systems stabilized with chitosan. The in vivo biocompatibility was evaluated after oral administration in white Wistar rats: Group I (DW): distilled water 0.3 mL/100 g body weight; Group II (DEX): dexketoprofen 10 mg/kg body weight (kbw); Group III (nano-DEX): liposomes containing dexketoprofen 10 mg/kbw. Blood samples were collected from caudal lateral vein one day and seven days after the substance administration, to assess the eventual hematological, biochemical, and immunological changes. The investigation of somatic pain reactivity was performed using the hot plate test, to count the latency time response evoked by the thermal paws’ noxious stimulation. Results: Original liposomes entrapping dexketoprofen, with mean size of 680 nm and good stability, were designed. Laboratory analysis indicated no substantial variances between the three treated groups. The treatment with liposomes containing dexketoprofen resulted in a prolongation of the latency time response, statistically significant in the interval between 90 min and 10 h, in the hot plate test. Conclusions: The use of liposomes with dexketoprofen proved a good in vivo biocompatibility in rats and prolonged analgesic effects in the hot plate test. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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13 pages, 3388 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Antifouling Property of Polyurethane Film Modified by PHMG and HA Using Layer-by-Layer Assembly
by Huihui Yuan, Chenli Xue, Jiaqian Zhu, Zhaogang Yang and Minbo Lan
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060934 - 18 Mar 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2480
Abstract
To reduce the possibility of bacterial infection and implant-related complications, surface modification on polyurethane (PU) film is an ideal solution to endow hydrophobic PU with antibacterial and antifouling properties. In this work, a variety of polyhexamethylene guanidine/ hyaluronic acid (PHMG/HA) multilayer films were [...] Read more.
To reduce the possibility of bacterial infection and implant-related complications, surface modification on polyurethane (PU) film is an ideal solution to endow hydrophobic PU with antibacterial and antifouling properties. In this work, a variety of polyhexamethylene guanidine/ hyaluronic acid (PHMG/HA) multilayer films were self-assembled layer-by-layer on PU films using polyanions, carboxyl-activated HA, and polycations PHMG by controlling the concentration of these polyelectrolytes as well as the number of layers self-assembled. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectra, water contact angle (WCA), and A Atomic force microscope (AFM) of PU and modified PU films were studied. Protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion as well as the cytotoxicity against L929 of the film on selected PU-(PHMG/HA)5/5-5 were estimated. The results showed that PU-(PHMG/HA)5/5-5 had the best hydrophilicity among all the prepared films, possessing the lowest level of protein adsorption. Meanwhile, this film showed efficient broad-spectrum antibacterial performance as well as significant resistance of bacterial adhesion of more than a 99.9% drop for the selected bacteria. Moreover, almost no influence on cell viability of L929 enhanced the biocompatibility of film. Therefore, the modified PU films with admirable protein absorption resistance, antimicrobial performance, and biocompatibility would have promising applications in biomedical aspect. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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22 pages, 6986 KiB  
Article
On the Use of OPEFB-Derived Microcrystalline Cellulose and Nano-Bentonite for Development of Thermoplastic Starch Hybrid Bio-Composites with Improved Performance
by Di Sheng Lai, Azlin Fazlina Osman, Sinar Arzuria Adnan, Ismail Ibrahim, Awad A. Alrashdi, Midhat Nabil Ahmad Salimi and Anwar Ul-Hamid
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 897; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13060897 - 15 Mar 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2754
Abstract
Thermoplastic starch (TPS) hybrid bio-composite films containing microcrystalline cellulose (C) and nano-bentonite (B) as hybrid fillers were studied to replace the conventional non-degradable plastic in packaging applications. Raw oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) was subjected to chemical treatment and acid hydrolysis to [...] Read more.
Thermoplastic starch (TPS) hybrid bio-composite films containing microcrystalline cellulose (C) and nano-bentonite (B) as hybrid fillers were studied to replace the conventional non-degradable plastic in packaging applications. Raw oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) was subjected to chemical treatment and acid hydrolysis to obtain C filler. B filler was ultra-sonicated for better dispersion in the TPS films to improve the filler–matrix interactions. The morphology and structure of fillers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). TPS hybrid bio-composite films were produced by the casting method with different ratios of B and C fillers. The best ratio of B/C was determined through the data of the tensile test. FTIR analysis proved the molecular interactions between the TPS and the hybrid fillers due to the presence of polar groups in their structure. XRD analysis confirmed the intercalation of the TPS chains between the B inter-platelets as a result of well-developed interactions between the TPS and hybrid fillers. SEM images suggested that more plastic deformation occurred in the fractured surface of the TPS hybrid bio-composite film due to the higher degree of stretching after being subjected to tensile loading. Overall, the results indicate that incorporating the hybrid B/C fillers could tremendously improve the mechanical properties of the films. The best ratio of B/C in the TPS was found to be 4:1, in which the tensile strength (8.52MPa), Young’s modulus (42.0 MPa), elongation at break (116.4%) and tensile toughness of the film were increased by 92%, 146%, 156% and 338%, respectively. The significantly improved strength, modulus, flexibility and toughness of the film indicate the benefits of using the hybrid fillers, since these features are useful for the development of sustainable flexible packaging film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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12 pages, 4345 KiB  
Article
Nano/Micro Hybrid Bamboo Fibrous Preforms for Robust Biodegradable Fiber Reinforced Plastics
by Junsik Bang, Hyunju Lee, Yemi Yang, Jung-Kwon Oh and Hyo Won Kwak
Polymers 2021, 13(4), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040636 - 20 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2657
Abstract
The focus on high-strength and functional natural fiber-based composite materials is growing as interest in developing eco-friendly plastics and sustainable materials increases. An eco-friendly fibrous composite with excellent mechanical properties was prepared by applying the bamboo-derived nano and microfiber multiscale hybridization phenomenon. As [...] Read more.
The focus on high-strength and functional natural fiber-based composite materials is growing as interest in developing eco-friendly plastics and sustainable materials increases. An eco-friendly fibrous composite with excellent mechanical properties was prepared by applying the bamboo-derived nano and microfiber multiscale hybridization phenomenon. As a result, the cellulose nanofibers simultaneously coated the micro-bamboo fiber surface and adhered between them. The multiscale hybrid phenomenon implemented between bamboo nano and microfibers improved the tensile strength, elongation, Young’s modulus, and toughness of the fibrous composite. The enhancement of the fibrous preform mechanical properties also affected the reinforcement of biodegradable fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). This eco-friendly nano/micro fibrous preform can be extensively utilized in reinforced preforms for FRPs and other green plastic industry applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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20 pages, 1618 KiB  
Article
Steroid Eluting Esophageal-Targeted Drug Delivery Devices for Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
by Alka Prasher, Roopali Shrivastava, Denali Dahl, Preetika Sharma-Huynh, Panita Maturavongsadit, Tiffany Pridgen, Allison Schorzman, William Zamboni, Jisun Ban, Anthony Blikslager, Evan S. Dellon and Soumya Rahima Benhabbour
Polymers 2021, 13(4), 557; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040557 - 13 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2645
Abstract
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic atopic disease that has become increasingly prevalent over the past 20 years. A first-line pharmacologic option is topical/swallowed corticosteroids, but these are adapted from asthma preparations such as fluticasone from an inhaler and yield suboptimal response rates. [...] Read more.
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic atopic disease that has become increasingly prevalent over the past 20 years. A first-line pharmacologic option is topical/swallowed corticosteroids, but these are adapted from asthma preparations such as fluticasone from an inhaler and yield suboptimal response rates. There are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of EoE, and esophageal-specific drug formulations are lacking. We report the development of two novel esophageal-specific drug delivery platforms. The first is a fluticasone-eluting string that could be swallowed similar to the string test “entero-test” and used for overnight treatment, allowing for a rapid release along the entire length of esophagus. In vitro drug release studies showed a target release of 1 mg/day of fluticasone. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies were carried out after deploying the string in a porcine model, and our results showed a high local level of fluticasone in esophageal tissue persisting over 1 and 3 days, and a minimal systemic absorption in plasma. The second device is a fluticasone-eluting 3D printed ring for local and sustained release of fluticasone in the esophagus. We designed and fabricated biocompatible fluticasone-loaded rings using a top-down, Digital Light Processing (DLP) Gizmo 3D printer. We explored various strategies of drug loading into 3D printed rings, involving incorporation of drug during the print process (pre-loading) or after printing (post-loading). In vitro drug release studies of fluticasone-loaded rings (pre and post-loaded) showed that fluticasone elutes at a constant rate over a period of one month. Ex vivo pharmacokinetic studies in the porcine model also showed high tissue levels of fluticasone and both rings and strings were successfully deployed into the porcine esophagus in vivo. Given these preliminary proof-of-concept data, these devices now merit study in animal models of disease and ultimately subsequent translation to testing in humans. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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18 pages, 6945 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Biodegradability of Rice Husk-Filled Polymer Composites
by Saw Yin Yap, Srimala Sreekantan, Mohd Hassan, Kumar Sudesh and Ming Thong Ong
Polymers 2021, 13(1), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13010104 - 29 Dec 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4881
Abstract
The fabrication of affordable biodegradable plastics remains a challenging issue for both the scientific community and industries as mechanical properties and biodegradability improve at the expense of the high cost of the material. Hence, the present work deals with fabrication and characterization of [...] Read more.
The fabrication of affordable biodegradable plastics remains a challenging issue for both the scientific community and industries as mechanical properties and biodegradability improve at the expense of the high cost of the material. Hence, the present work deals with fabrication and characterization of biodegradable polymer with 40% rice husk waste filler and 60% polymer-containing mixture of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and poly butylenes adipate-Co-terephthalate (PBAT) to achieve good mechanical properties, 92% biodegradation in six months, and competitive pricing. The challenge in incorporating high amounts of hydrophilic nature filler material into hydrophobic PBS/PBAT was addressed by adding plasticizers such as glycerol and calcium stearate. The compatibilizers such as maleic anhydride (MA) and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was used to improve the miscibility between hydrophobic PBS/PBAT and hydrophilic filler material. The component with the formulation of 24:36:40 (PBS/PBAT/TPRH) possessed the tensile strength of 14.27 MPa, modulus of 200.43 MPa, and elongation at break of 12.99%, which was suitable for the production of molded products such as a tray, lunch box, and straw. The obtained composite polymer achieved 92% mass loss after six months of soil burial test confirming its biodegradability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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Review

Jump to: Research

28 pages, 1008 KiB  
Review
The Use of Carbohydrate Biopolymers in Plant Protection against Pathogenic Fungi
by Grażyna Korbecka-Glinka, Klaudia Piekarska and Maria Wiśniewska-Wrona
Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2854; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142854 - 13 Jul 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3117
Abstract
Fungal pathogens cause significant yield losses of many important crops worldwide. They are commonly controlled with fungicides which may have negative impact on human health and the environment. A more sustainable plant protection can be based on carbohydrate biopolymers because they are biodegradable [...] Read more.
Fungal pathogens cause significant yield losses of many important crops worldwide. They are commonly controlled with fungicides which may have negative impact on human health and the environment. A more sustainable plant protection can be based on carbohydrate biopolymers because they are biodegradable and may act as antifungal compounds, effective elicitors or carriers of active ingredients. We reviewed recent applications of three common polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate and cellulose) to crop protection against pathogenic fungi. We distinguished treatments dedicated for seed sowing material, field applications and coating of harvested fruits and vegetables. All reviewed biopolymers were used in the three types of treatments, therefore they proved to be versatile resources for development of plant protection products. Antifungal activity of the obtained polymer formulations and coatings is often enhanced by addition of biocontrol microorganisms, preservatives, plant extracts and essential oils. Carbohydrate polymers can also be used for controlled-release of pesticides. Rapid development of nanotechnology resulted in creating new promising methods of crop protection using nanoparticles, nano-/micro-carriers and electrospun nanofibers. To summarize this review we outline advantages and disadvantages of using carbohydrate biopolymers in plant protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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21 pages, 3090 KiB  
Review
Monomer Release from Dental Resins: The Current Status on Study Setup, Detection and Quantification for In Vitro Testing
by Tristan Hampe, Andreas Wiessner, Holm Frauendorf, Mohammad Alhussein, Petr Karlovsky, Ralf Bürgers and Sebastian Krohn
Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14091790 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3158
Abstract
Improvements in mechanical properties and a shift of focus towards esthetic dentistry led to the application of dental resins in various areas of dentistry. However, dental resins are not inert in the oral environment and may release monomers and other substances such as [...] Read more.
Improvements in mechanical properties and a shift of focus towards esthetic dentistry led to the application of dental resins in various areas of dentistry. However, dental resins are not inert in the oral environment and may release monomers and other substances such as Bisphenol-A (BPA) due to incomplete polymerization and intraoral degradation. Current research shows that various monomers present cytotoxic, genotoxic, proinflammatory, and even mutagenic effects. Of these eluting substances, the elution of BPA in the oral environment is of particular interest due to its role as an endocrine disruptor. For this reason, the release of residual monomers and especially BPA from dental resins has been a cause for public concern. The assessment of patient exposure and potential health risks of dental monomers require a reliable experimental and analytical setup. However, the heterogeneous study design applied in current research hinders biocompatibility testing by impeding comparative analysis of different studies and transfer to the clinical situation. Therefore, this review aims to provide information on each step of a robust experimental and analytical in vitro setup that allows the collection of clinically relevant data and future meta-analytical evaluations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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28 pages, 2516 KiB  
Review
Application of Non-Viral Vectors in Drug Delivery and Gene Therapy
by Shuaikai Ren, Mengjie Wang, Chunxin Wang, Yan Wang, Changjiao Sun, Zhanghua Zeng, Haixin Cui and Xiang Zhao
Polymers 2021, 13(19), 3307; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13193307 - 28 Sep 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4750
Abstract
Vectors and carriers play an indispensable role in gene therapy and drug delivery. Non-viral vectors are widely developed and applied in clinical practice due to their low immunogenicity, good biocompatibility, easy synthesis and modification, and low cost of production. This review summarized a [...] Read more.
Vectors and carriers play an indispensable role in gene therapy and drug delivery. Non-viral vectors are widely developed and applied in clinical practice due to their low immunogenicity, good biocompatibility, easy synthesis and modification, and low cost of production. This review summarized a variety of non-viral vectors and carriers including polymers, liposomes, gold nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes from the aspects of physicochemical characteristics, synthesis methods, functional modifications, and research applications. Notably, non-viral vectors can enhance the absorption of cargos, prolong the circulation time, improve therapeutic effects, and provide targeted delivery. Additional studies focused on recent innovation of novel synthesis techniques for vector materials. We also elaborated on the problems and future research directions in the development of non-viral vectors, which provided a theoretical basis for their broad applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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19 pages, 2824 KiB  
Review
A Review on Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Polylactic Acid/Silica Composites
by Mosab Kaseem, Zeeshan Ur Rehman, Shakhawat Hossain, Ashish Kumar Singh and Burak Dikici
Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3036; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183036 - 08 Sep 2021
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4342
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA)/silica composites as multifunctional high-performance materials have been extensively examined in the past few years by virtue of their outstanding properties relative to neat PLA. The fabrication methods, such as melt-mixing, sol–gel, and in situ polymerization, as well as the surface [...] Read more.
Polylactic acid (PLA)/silica composites as multifunctional high-performance materials have been extensively examined in the past few years by virtue of their outstanding properties relative to neat PLA. The fabrication methods, such as melt-mixing, sol–gel, and in situ polymerization, as well as the surface functionalization of silica, used to improve the dispersion of silica in the polymer matrix are outlined. The rheological, thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of PLA/silica nanocomposites are highlighted. The potential applications arising from the addition of silica nanoparticles into the PLA matrix are also described. Finally, we believe that a better understanding of the role of silica additive with current improvement strategies in the dispersion of this additive in the polymer matrix is the key for successful utilization of PLA/silica nanocomposites and to maximize their fit with industrial applications needs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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32 pages, 1943 KiB  
Review
Effect of Polymeric Matrix Stiffness on Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem/Progenitor Cells: Concise Review
by Aiah A. El-Rashidy, Sara El Moshy, Israa Ahmed Radwan, Dina Rady, Marwa M. S. Abbass, Christof E. Dörfer and Karim M. Fawzy El-Sayed
Polymers 2021, 13(17), 2950; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13172950 - 31 Aug 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3541
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) have a multi-differentiation potential into specialized cell types, with remarkable regenerative and therapeutic results. Several factors could trigger the differentiation of MSCs into specific lineages, among them the biophysical and chemical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including its [...] Read more.
Mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells (MSCs) have a multi-differentiation potential into specialized cell types, with remarkable regenerative and therapeutic results. Several factors could trigger the differentiation of MSCs into specific lineages, among them the biophysical and chemical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including its stiffness, composition, topography, and mechanical properties. MSCs can sense and assess the stiffness of extracellular substrates through the process of mechanotransduction. Through this process, the extracellular matrix can govern and direct MSCs’ lineage commitment through complex intracellular pathways. Hence, various biomimetic natural and synthetic polymeric matrices of tunable stiffness were developed and further investigated to mimic the MSCs’ native tissues. Customizing scaffold materials to mimic cells’ natural environment is of utmost importance during the process of tissue engineering. This review aims to highlight the regulatory role of matrix stiffness in directing the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, addressing how MSCs sense and respond to their ECM, in addition to listing different polymeric biomaterials and methods used to alter their stiffness to dictate MSCs’ differentiation towards the osteogenic lineage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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33 pages, 1486 KiB  
Review
Applications of Biopolymers for Drugs and Probiotics Delivery
by Roxana Gheorghita, Liliana Anchidin-Norocel, Roxana Filip, Mihai Dimian and Mihai Covasa
Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2729; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162729 - 15 Aug 2021
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 9870
Abstract
Research regarding the use of biopolymers has been of great interest to scientists, the medical community, and the industry especially in recent years. Initially used for food applications, the special properties extended their use to the pharmaceutical and medical industries. The practical applications [...] Read more.
Research regarding the use of biopolymers has been of great interest to scientists, the medical community, and the industry especially in recent years. Initially used for food applications, the special properties extended their use to the pharmaceutical and medical industries. The practical applications of natural drug encapsulation materials have emerged as a result of the benefits of the use of biopolymers as edible coatings and films in the food industry. This review highlights the use of polysaccharides in the pharmaceutical industries and as encapsulation materials for controlled drug delivery systems including probiotics, focusing on their development, various applications, and benefits. The paper provides evidence in support of research studying the use of biopolymers in the development of new drug delivery systems, explores the challenges and limitations in integrating polymer-derived materials with product delivery optimization, and examines the host biological/metabolic parameters that can be used in the development of new applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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31 pages, 1650 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Antioxidant Polymers: From Sustainable and Natural Monomers to Synthesis and Applications
by Chrysanthos Maraveas, Ilker S. Bayer and Thomas Bartzanas
Polymers 2021, 13(15), 2465; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13152465 - 27 Jul 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5055
Abstract
Advances in technology have led to the production of sustainable antioxidants and natural monomers for food packaging and targeted drug delivery applications. Of particular importance is the synthesis of lignin polymers, and graft polymers, dopamine, and polydopamine, inulin, quercetin, limonene, and vitamins, due [...] Read more.
Advances in technology have led to the production of sustainable antioxidants and natural monomers for food packaging and targeted drug delivery applications. Of particular importance is the synthesis of lignin polymers, and graft polymers, dopamine, and polydopamine, inulin, quercetin, limonene, and vitamins, due to their free radical scavenging ability, chemical potency, ideal functional groups for polymerization, abundance in the natural environment, ease of production, and activation of biological mechanisms such as the inhibition of the cellular activation of various signaling pathways, including NF-κB and MAPK. The radical oxygen species are responsible for oxidative damage and increased susceptibility to cancer, cardiovascular, degenerative musculoskeletal, and neurodegenerative conditions and diabetes; such biological mechanisms are inhibited by both synthetic and naturally occurring antioxidants. The orientation of macromolecules in the presence of the plasticizing agent increases the suitability of quercetin in food packaging, while the commercial viability of terpenes in the replacement of existing non-renewable polymers is reinforced by the recyclability of the precursors (thyme, cannabis, and lemon, orange, mandarin) and marginal ecological effect and antioxidant properties. Emerging antioxidant nanoparticle polymers have a broad range of applications in tumor-targeted drug delivery, food fortification, biodegradation of synthetic polymers, and antimicrobial treatment and corrosion inhibition. The aim of the review is to present state-of-the-art polymers with intrinsic antioxidant properties, including synthesis scavenging activity, potential applications, and future directions. This review is distinct from other works given that it integrates different advances in antioxidant polymer synthesis and applications such as inulin, quercetin polymers, their conjugates, antioxidant-graft-polysaccharides, and polymerization vitamins and essential oils. One of the most comprehensive reviews of antioxidant polymers was published by Cirillo and Iemma in 2012. Since then, significant progress has been made in improving the synthesis, techniques, properties, and applications. The review builds upon existing research by presenting new findings that were excluded from previous reviews. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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25 pages, 4393 KiB  
Review
Macro and Micro Routes to High Performance Bioplastics: Bioplastic Biodegradability and Mechanical and Barrier Properties
by Olivia A. Attallah, Marija Mojicevic, Eduardo Lanzagorta Garcia, Muhammad Azeem, Yuanyuan Chen, Shumayl Asmawi and Margaret Brenan Fournet
Polymers 2021, 13(13), 2155; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13132155 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4610
Abstract
On a score sheet for plastics, bioplastics have a medium score for combined mechanical performance and a high score for biodegradability with respect to counterpart petroleum-based plastics. Analysis quickly confirms that endeavours to increase the mechanical performance score for bioplastics would be far [...] Read more.
On a score sheet for plastics, bioplastics have a medium score for combined mechanical performance and a high score for biodegradability with respect to counterpart petroleum-based plastics. Analysis quickly confirms that endeavours to increase the mechanical performance score for bioplastics would be far more achievable than delivering adequate biodegradability for the recalcitrant plastics, while preserving their impressive mechanical performances. Key architectural features of both bioplastics and petroleum-based plastics, namely, molecular weight (Mw) and crystallinity, which underpin mechanical performance, typically have an inversely dependent relationship with biodegradability. In the case of bioplastics, both macro and micro strategies with dual positive correlation on mechanical and biodegradability performance, are available to address this dilemma. Regarding the macro approach, processing using selected fillers, plasticisers and compatibilisers have been shown to enhance both targeted mechanical properties and biodegradability within bioplastics. Whereas, regarding the micro approach, a whole host of bio and chemical synthetic routes are uniquely available, to produce improved bioplastics. In this review, the main characteristics of bioplastics in terms of mechanical and barrier performances, as well as biodegradability, have been assessed—identifying both macro and micro routes promoting favourable bioplastics’ production, processability and performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biocompatible and Biodegradable Polymers)
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