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Polymers
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Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures
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Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 20574

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Miroslawa El Fray

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Polymer and Biomaterials Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Al. Piastow 45, 71-311 Szczecin, Poland
Interests: polyesters; tissue engineering; impants; electrospinning; photocurable systems; biopolymers; renewable resources; composites and nanocomposites.
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Rapid development of polymer science has triggered an enormous development of materials for medical applications in recent decades. Polymers were first introduced into medical practice, with inert and passive implants evolving to bioactive templates and advanced structures for regenerative medicine. Development of various methods allowing precise macromolecular engineering and combination of polymer and bioactive cues has opened up many possibilities for rational design of drug and gene delivery systems, medical devices, and biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering. Moreover, taking inspiration from nature, advanced polymers and composite structures have opened up new avenues towards the fabrication of artificial tissues and organs using rapid prototyping and other advanced processing techniques, including bioprinting/bioplotting and electrospinning.

This Special Issue on “Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures” will focus on recent developments on polymeric materials, both of synthetic and natural origin. It aims to provide a platform for communication and fast publication of high-quality original and review papers spanning the synthesis, characterization, and processing/manufacturing of various polymeric systems with different functionalities.

Prof. Dr. Miroslawa El Fray
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Polymer chemistry and physics
  • Macromolecular engineering
  • Tissue engineering
  • Biomimetic materials
  • Polymeric biomaterials for regenerative medicine
  • Biocompatibility
  • Advanced nanostructures
  • Biomaterial fabrication

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3432 KiB  
Communication
Bio-Based Photoreversible Networks Containing Coumarin Groups for Future Medical Applications
by Iskenderbek Elchiev, Gokhan Demirci and Miroslawa El Fray
Polymers 2023, 15(8), 1885; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15081885 - 14 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1165
Abstract
Photocurable biomaterials that can be delivered as liquids and rapidly (within seconds) cured in situ using UV light are gaining increased interest in advanced medical applications. Nowadays, fabrication of biomaterials that contain organic photosensitive compounds have become popular due to their self-crosslinking and [...] Read more.
Photocurable biomaterials that can be delivered as liquids and rapidly (within seconds) cured in situ using UV light are gaining increased interest in advanced medical applications. Nowadays, fabrication of biomaterials that contain organic photosensitive compounds have become popular due to their self-crosslinking and versatile abilities of changing shape or dissolving upon external stimuli. Special attention is paid to coumarin due to its excellent photo- and thermoreactivity upon UV light irradiation. Thus, by modifying the structure of coumarin to make it reactive with a bio-based fatty acid dimer derivative, we specifically designed a dynamic network that is sensitive to UV light and able to both crosslink and re-crosslink upon variable wave lengths. A simple condensation reaction was applied to obtain future biomaterial suitable for injection and photocrosslinking in situ upon UV light exposure and decrosslinking at the same external stimuli but at different wave lengths. Thus, we performed the modification of 7-hydroxycoumarin and condensation with fatty acid dimer derivatives towards a photoreversible bio-based network for future medical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures)
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36 pages, 6749 KiB  
Article
Coating Methods of Carbon Nonwovens with Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid and Its Conjugates with BMP Fragments
by Sylwia Magdziarz, Maciej Boguń and Justyna Frączyk
Polymers 2023, 15(6), 1551; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15061551 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1455
Abstract
The cross-linking of polysaccharides is a universal approach to affect their structure and physical properties. Both physical and chemical methods are used for this purpose. Although chemical cross-linking provides good thermal and mechanical stability for the final products, the compounds used as stabilizers [...] Read more.
The cross-linking of polysaccharides is a universal approach to affect their structure and physical properties. Both physical and chemical methods are used for this purpose. Although chemical cross-linking provides good thermal and mechanical stability for the final products, the compounds used as stabilizers can affect the integrity of the cross-linked substances or have toxic properties that limit the applicability of the final products. These risks might be mitigated by using physically cross-linked gels. In the present study, we attempted to obtain hybrid materials based on carbon nonwovens with a layer of cross-linked hyaluronan and peptides that are fragments of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). A variety of cross-linking procedures and cross-linking agents (1,4-butanediamine, citric acid, and BDDE) were tested to find the most optimal method to coat the hydrophobic carbon nonwovens with a hydrophilic hyaluronic acid (HA) layer. Both the use of hyaluronic acid chemically modified with BMP fragments and a physical modification approach (layer-by-layer method) were proposed. The obtained hybrid materials were tested with the spectrometric (MALDI-TOF MS) and spectroscopic methods (IR and 1H-NMR). It was found that the chemical cross-linking of polysaccharides is an effective method for the deposition of a polar active substance on the surface of a hydrophobic carbon nonwoven fabric and that the final material is highly biocompatible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures)
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20 pages, 4762 KiB  
Article
Effect of Electrospun PLGA/Collagen Scaffolds on Cell Adhesion, Viability, and Collagen Release: Potential Applications in Tissue Engineering
by Aldo Guzmán-Soria, Viviana Moreno-Serna, Daniel A. Canales, Claudio García-Herrera, Paula A. Zapata and Pedro A. Orihuela
Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1079; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15051079 - 21 Feb 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2293
Abstract
The development of scaffolding obtained by electrospinning is widely used in tissue engineering due to porous and fibrous structures that can mimic the extracellular matrix. In this study, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/collagen fibers were fabricated by electrospinning method and then evaluated in the [...] Read more.
The development of scaffolding obtained by electrospinning is widely used in tissue engineering due to porous and fibrous structures that can mimic the extracellular matrix. In this study, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/collagen fibers were fabricated by electrospinning method and then evaluated in the cell adhesion and viability of human cervical carcinoma HeLa and NIH-3T3 fibroblast for potential application in tissue regeneration. Additionally, collagen release was assessed in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts. The fibrillar morphology of PLGA/collagen fibers was verified by scanning electron microscopy. The fiber diameter decreased in the fibers (PLGA/collagen) up to 0.6 µm. FT-IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis confirmed that both the electrospinning process and the blend with PLGA give structural stability to collagen. Incorporating collagen in the PLGA matrix promotes an increase in the material’s rigidity, showing an increase in the elastic modulus (38%) and tensile strength (70%) compared to pure PLGA. PLGA and PLGA/collagen fibers were found to provide a suitable environment for the adhesion and growth of HeLa and NIH-3T3 cell lines as well as stimulate collagen release. We conclude that these scaffolds could be very effective as biocompatible materials for extracellular matrix regeneration, suggesting their potential applications in tissue bioengineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures)
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16 pages, 6528 KiB  
Article
Design, Manufacturing Technology and In-Vitro Evaluation of Original, Polyurethane, Petal Valves for Application in Pulsating Ventricular Assist Devices
by Roman Major, Maciej Gawlikowski, Marek Sanak, Juergen M. Lackner and Artur Kapis
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122986 - 15 Dec 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2260
Abstract
Minimizing of the life-threatening thrombo-emboli formation in pulsatile heart assist devices by a new biomimetic heart valve design is presently one of the most important problems in medicine. As part of this work, an original valve structure was proposed intended for pneumatic, extracorporeal [...] Read more.
Minimizing of the life-threatening thrombo-emboli formation in pulsatile heart assist devices by a new biomimetic heart valve design is presently one of the most important problems in medicine. As part of this work, an original valve structure was proposed intended for pneumatic, extracorporeal ventricular assist devices. The valve design allows for direct integration with other parts of the pulsating blood pump. Strengthening in the form of the titanium or steel frame has been introduced into the polyurethane lagging, which allows for maintaining material continuity and eliminating the risk of blood clotting. The prototype of the valve was made by the injection molding method assisted by numerical simulation of this process. The prototype was introduced into a modified pulsating, extracorporeal heart assist pump ReligaHeart EXT (developed for tilting disc valves) and examined in-vitro using the “artificial patient” model in order to determine hydrodynamic properties of the valve in the environment similar to physiological conditions. Fundamental blood tests, like hemolysis and thrombogenicity have been carried out. Very low backflow through the closed valve was observed despite their slight distortion due to pressure. On the basis of immunofluorescence tests, only slight activation of platelets was found on the inlet valve and slight increased risk of clotting of the outlet valve commissures as a result of poor valve leaflets assembling in the prototype device. No blood hemolysis was observed. Few of the clots formed only in places where the valve surfaces were not smooth enough. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures)
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15 pages, 4912 KiB  
Article
In-Vitro Biocompatibility and Hemocompatibility Study of New PET Copolyesters Intended for Heart Assist Devices
by Maciej Gawlikowski, Miroslawa El Fray, Karolina Janiczak, Barbara Zawidlak-Węgrzyńska and Roman Kustosz
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2857; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12122857 - 29 Nov 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2937
Abstract
(1) Background: The evaluation of ventricular assist devices requires the usage of biocompatible and chemically stable materials. The commonly used polyurethanes are characterized by versatile properties making them well suited for heart prostheses applications, but simultaneously they show low stability in biological environments. [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The evaluation of ventricular assist devices requires the usage of biocompatible and chemically stable materials. The commonly used polyurethanes are characterized by versatile properties making them well suited for heart prostheses applications, but simultaneously they show low stability in biological environments. (2) Methods: An innovative material-copolymer of poly(ethylene-terephthalate) and dimer linoleic acid—with controlled and reproducible physico-mechanical and biological properties was developed for medical applications. Biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, surface thrombogenicity, hemolysis, and biodegradation) were evaluated. All results were compared to medical grade polyurethane currently used in the extracorporeal heart prostheses. (3) Results: No cytotoxicity was observed and no significant decrease of cells density as well as no cells growth reduction was noticed. Thrombogenicity analysis showed that the investigated copolymers have the thrombogenicity potential similar to medical grade polyurethane. No hemolysis was observed (the hemolytic index was under 2% according to ASTM 756-00 standard). These new materials revealed excellent chemical stability in simulated body fluid during 180 days aging. (4) Conclusions: The biodegradation analysis showed no changes in chemical structure, molecular weight distribution, good thermal stability, and no changes in surface morphology. Investigated copolymers revealed excellent biocompatibility and great potential as materials for blood contacting devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures)
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19 pages, 10959 KiB  
Article
Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate)-Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Electrospun Scaffolds Modified with Curcumin
by Nader Tanideh, Negar Azarpira, Najmeh Sarafraz, Shahrokh Zare, Aida Rowshanghiyas, Nima Farshidfar, Aida Iraji, Moein Zarei and Miroslawa El Fray
Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112588 - 04 Nov 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3580
Abstract
Appropriate selection of suitable materials and methods is essential for scaffolds fabrication in tissue engineering. The major challenge is to mimic the structure and functions of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the native tissues. In this study, an optimized 3D structure containing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [...] Read more.
Appropriate selection of suitable materials and methods is essential for scaffolds fabrication in tissue engineering. The major challenge is to mimic the structure and functions of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the native tissues. In this study, an optimized 3D structure containing poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB), multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MCNTs) and curcumin (CUR) was created by electrospinning a novel biomimetic scaffold. CUR, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, has been selected as a bioactive component to increase the biocompatibility and reduce the potential inflammatory reaction of electrospun scaffolds. The presence of CUR in electrospun scaffolds was confirmed by 1H NMR and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed highly interconnected porosity of the obtained 3D structures. Addition of up to 20 wt% CUR has enhanced mechanical properties of the scaffolds. CUR has also promoted in vitro bioactivity and hydrolytic degradation of the electrospun nanofibers. The developed P3HB-MCNT composite scaffolds containing 20 wt% of CUR revealed excellent in vitro cytocompatibility using mesenchymal stem cells and in vivo biocompatibility in rat animal model study. Importantly, the reduced inflammatory reaction in the rat model after 8 weeks of implantation has also been observed for scaffolds modified with CUR. Overall, newly developed P3HB-MCNTs-CUR electrospun scaffolds have demonstrated their high potential for tissue engineering applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures)
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Review

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28 pages, 4032 KiB  
Review
Melanin, the What, the Why and the How: An Introductory Review for Materials Scientists Interested in Flexible and Versatile Polymers
by A. Bernardus Mostert
Polymers 2021, 13(10), 1670; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13101670 - 20 May 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 5876
Abstract
Today, western society is facing challenges to create new medical technologies to service an aging population as well as the ever-increasing e-waste of electronic devices and sensors. A key solution to these challenges will be the use of biomaterials and biomimetic systems. One [...] Read more.
Today, western society is facing challenges to create new medical technologies to service an aging population as well as the ever-increasing e-waste of electronic devices and sensors. A key solution to these challenges will be the use of biomaterials and biomimetic systems. One material that has been receiving serious attention for its biomedical and device applications is eumelanin. Eumelanin, or commonly known as melanin, is nature’s brown-black pigment and is a poly-indolequinone biopolymer, which possess unique physical and chemical properties for material applications. Presented here is a review, aimed at polymer and other materials scientists, to introduce eumelanin as a potential material for research. Covered here are the chemical and physical structures of melanin, an overview of its unique physical and chemical properties, as well as a wide array of applications, but with an emphasis on device and sensing applications. The review is then finished by introducing interested readers to novel synthetic protocols and post synthesis fabrication techniques to enable a starting point for polymer research in this intriguing and complex material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials for Regenerative Medicine and Advanced Structures)
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