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Polymers
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Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications
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Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 April 2024) | Viewed by 14143

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francisco Javier Manzano-Moreno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
Interests: cell culture; bisphosphonate; biomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric membranes are employed increasingly in different medical aspects as physical barriers. For example, they are commonly used in Guided bone regeneration (GBR) to facilitate bone in-growth.

Different resorbable or non-resorbable polymeric membranes have been designed which will act as barriers, playing an important role by isolating soft tissue and allowing bone to grow. Several combinations of materials may be employed but the use of polymeric barrier membranes is highly encouraged as it prevented significant bone resorption during the healing period and, thus, greater mean ridge width gain is obtained. The barrier polymeric membrane excluded undesirable cells, for example, epithelial and connective tissue cells from populating the wound site, therefore allowing cells with regenerative potential, for example, osteoblasts to colonize the defect and form bone. Non-resorbable membranes, with polytetrafluroethyelene (PTFE) membranes as the maximum representative, have a superior space-making capability but there is a high frequency of wound dehiscence and the subsequent risk of bacterial contamination and infection that require retreatment. In addition, different bioactive and biomimetic treatments have been applied to increase the ability of these membranes to participate in the healing and regeneration of the bone.

The objective of this special issue is to highlight the new research in synthesis and characterization of new polymer membranes and its possible medical applications. Full research papers, communications and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Francisco Javier Manzano-Moreno
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 membranes
  • membrane aplications
  • medical applications
  • guided bone regeneration
  • membrane fabrication
  • bioactive treatment
  • resorbable membranes
  • non resorbable membranes

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 7819 KiB  
Article
Extraction of Cellulose from Ulva lactuca Algae and Its Use for Membrane Synthesis
by Claudia Ana Maria Patrichi, Doinita Roxana Cioroiu Tirpan, Ali A. Abbas Aljanabi, Bogdan Trica, Ioana Catalina Gifu and Tanase Dobre
Polymers 2023, 15(24), 4673; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15244673 - 11 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1207
Abstract
Green algae are a sustainable source of biopolymers for the global demand due to their high photosynthetic efficiency. This article describes the extraction of cellulose from plant systems represented by Ulva lactuca species. In order to extract various substances, algae were finely ground [...] Read more.
Green algae are a sustainable source of biopolymers for the global demand due to their high photosynthetic efficiency. This article describes the extraction of cellulose from plant systems represented by Ulva lactuca species. In order to extract various substances, algae were finely ground with the help of solvents (liquid media). This was carried out to achieve the necessary conditions that help reduce the resistance this phase shows in regard to the transport and transfer of the species being extracted. The highest yield of extracted cellulose (20,944%) was obtained for the following factors: S/L = 1/20; conc. ethanol = 90%, conc. salts = 4 g/L. Hydrogel membranes are a unique class of macromolecular networks that contain a large fraction of aqueous solvent within their structure. With the cellulose extracted from algae, we obtained membranes which underwent the process of swelling in liquid media (ethyl alcohol) of different concentrations. The swelling of biocellulose membranes in alcoholic solutions of high concentrations was investigated. It was observed that the process of absorption of the alcoholic solution by the membrane occurred rapidly in the first part. After stabilization, the membranes continued to absorb at a slower rate until stabilization or saturation concentration was reached. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications)
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21 pages, 6741 KiB  
Article
Doped Electrospinned Material-Guides High Efficiency Regional Bone Regeneration
by Manuel Toledano, Cristina Vallecillo, María-Angeles Serrera-Figallo, Marta Vallecillo-Rivas, Aida Gutierrez-Corrales, Christopher D. Lynch and Manuel Toledano-Osorio
Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071726 - 30 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1235
Abstract
The main target of bone tissue engineering is to design biomaterials that support bone regeneration and vascularization. Nanostructured membranes of (MMA)1-co-(HEMA)1/(MA)3-co-(HEA)2 loaded with 5% wt of SiO2-nanoparticles (Si-M) were doped with zinc (Zn-Si-M) or doxycycline (Dox-Si-M). Critical bone defects were effectuated [...] Read more.
The main target of bone tissue engineering is to design biomaterials that support bone regeneration and vascularization. Nanostructured membranes of (MMA)1-co-(HEMA)1/(MA)3-co-(HEA)2 loaded with 5% wt of SiO2-nanoparticles (Si-M) were doped with zinc (Zn-Si-M) or doxycycline (Dox-Si-M). Critical bone defects were effectuated on six New Zealand-bred rabbit skulls and then they were covered with the membranes. After six weeks, a histological analysis (toluidine blue technique) was employed to determine bone cell population as osteoblasts, osteoclasts, osteocytes, M1 and M2 macrophages and vasculature. Membranes covering the bone defect determined a higher count of bone cells and blood vessels than in the sham group at the top regions of the defect. Pro-inflammatory M1 appeared in a higher number in the top regions than in the bottom regions, when Si-M and Dox-Si-M were used. Samples treated with Dox-Si-M showed a higher amount of anti-inflammatory and pro-regenerative M2 macrophages. The M1/M2 ratio obtained its lowest value in the absence of membranes. On the top regions, osteoblasts were more abundant when using Si-M and Zn-Si-M. Osteoclasts were equally distributed at the central and lateral regions. The sham group and samples treated with Zn-Si-M attained a higher number of osteocytes at the top regions. A preferential osteoconductive, osteoinductive and angiogenic clinical environment was created in the vicinity of the membrane placed on critical bone defects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications)
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19 pages, 55990 KiB  
Article
Fundamental Structural and Kinetic Principals of High Strength UHMWPE Fibers Production by Gel-Technology
by Elena Ivan’kova, Viktor Egorov, Vyacheslav Marikhin, Liubov Myasnikova, Yuri Boiko and Elena Radovanova
Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4771; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214771 - 07 Nov 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1690
Abstract
One of the main research work in the field of polymeric materials was, is and always will be the improvement of their mechanical properties. Comprehensive structural studies of UHMWPE reactor powder, the features of its dissolution and the formation of a gel-state, as [...] Read more.
One of the main research work in the field of polymeric materials was, is and always will be the improvement of their mechanical properties. Comprehensive structural studies of UHMWPE reactor powder, the features of its dissolution and the formation of a gel-state, as well as UHMWPE films oriented up to various draw ratios, were carried out using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. For comparison, decalin and vaseline oil were chosen as solvents. The mechanical properties of oriented UHMWPE films were also studied. In the process of orientation drawing, basing on the developed structural-kinetic principles of strengthening for highly oriented speciments gel-cast from UHMWPE powders, the average values of tensile strength of 4.7 GPa (about 6% of the samples had strength values up to 6.0 GPa) and an Young’s modulus of 170 GPa (about 6% of the samples had Young’s modulus values of 200 GPa). These values are among the highest according to the world scientific literature. A significant increase in the mechanical characteristics of highly oriented UHMWPE films was achieved using experimentally confirmed scientific approaches to revealing the structure-property relationship at each stage of the gel process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications)
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13 pages, 5728 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Films Made of Bacterial Cellulose
by Zhenbing Sun, Xiaoping Li, Zhengjie Tang, Xiaobao Li, Jeffrey J. Morrell, Johnny Beaugrand, Yao Yao and Qingzhuang Zheng
Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3306; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163306 - 13 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2400
Abstract
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is naturally degradable, highly biocompatible, hydrophilic, and essentially non-toxic, making it potentially useful as a base for creating more sophisticated bio-based materials. BC is similar to plant-derived cellulose in terms of chemical composition and structure but has a number of [...] Read more.
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is naturally degradable, highly biocompatible, hydrophilic, and essentially non-toxic, making it potentially useful as a base for creating more sophisticated bio-based materials. BC is similar to plant-derived cellulose in terms of chemical composition and structure but has a number of important differences in microstructure that could provide some unique opportunities for use as a scaffold for other functions. In this study, bacterial cellulose was alkylated and then esterified to produce a carboxymethyl bacterial cellulose (CMBC) that was then used to produce six different composite films with potential antibacterial properties. The films were assessed for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, pyrolysis characteristics using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microstructure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties. The addition of nano-silver (nano-Ag) markedly improved the antimicrobial activity of the films while also enhancing the physical and mechanical properties. The results indicate that the three-dimensional reticulated structure of the bacterial cellulose provides an excellent substrate for scaffolding other bioactive materials. Thus, the nano-BC was added into the CMBC/nano-Ag composites furthermore, and then the antibacterial and mechanical properties were improved 44% for E. coli, 59% for S. aureus, and 20% for tensile strength, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications)
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17 pages, 5466 KiB  
Article
Biomimetic Remineralization of an Extracellular Matrix Collagen Membrane for Bone Regeneration
by Raquel Osorio, Samara Asady, Manuel Toledano-Osorio, Manuel Toledano, Juan M. Bueno, Rosa M. Martínez-Ojeda and Estrella Osorio
Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3274; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163274 - 11 Aug 2022
Viewed by 1463
Abstract
Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen membranes are frequently used for bone regeneration procedures. Some disadvantages, such as rapid degradation and questionable mechanical properties, limit their clinical use. These membranes have a heterologous origin and may proceed from different tissues. Biomineralization is a process [...] Read more.
Natural extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen membranes are frequently used for bone regeneration procedures. Some disadvantages, such as rapid degradation and questionable mechanical properties, limit their clinical use. These membranes have a heterologous origin and may proceed from different tissues. Biomineralization is a process in which hydroxyapatite deposits mainly in collagen fibrils of the matrices. However, when this deposition occurs on the ECM, its mechanical properties are increased, facilitating bone regeneration. The objective of the present research is to ascertain if different membranes from distinct origins may undergo biomineralization. Nanomechanical properties, scanning electron (SEM) and multiphoton (MP) microscopy imaging were performed in three commercially available ECMs before and after immersion in simulated body fluid solution for 7 and 21 d. The matrices coming from porcine dermis increased their nanomechanical properties and they showed considerable mineralization after 21 d, as observed in structural changes detected through SEM and MP microscopy. It is hypothesized that the more abundant crosslinking and the presence of elastin fibers within this membrane explains the encountered favorable behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications)
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19 pages, 5104 KiB  
Article
Optimizing the Surface Structural and Morphological Properties of Silk Thin Films via Ultra-Short Laser Texturing for Creation of Muscle Cell Matrix Model
by Liliya Angelova, Albena Daskalova, Emil Filipov, Xavier Monforte Vila, Janine Tomasch, Georgi Avdeev, Andreas H. Teuschl-Woller and Ivan Buchvarov
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2584; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132584 - 25 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2482
Abstract
Temporary scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix’s structure and provide a stable substratum for the natural growth of cells are an innovative trend in the field of tissue engineering. The aim of this study is to obtain and design porous 2D fibroin-based cell [...] Read more.
Temporary scaffolds that mimic the extracellular matrix’s structure and provide a stable substratum for the natural growth of cells are an innovative trend in the field of tissue engineering. The aim of this study is to obtain and design porous 2D fibroin-based cell matrices by femtosecond laser-induced microstructuring for future applications in muscle tissue engineering. Ultra-fast laser treatment is a non-contact method, which generates controlled porosity—the creation of micro/nanostructures on the surface of the biopolymer that can strongly affect cell behavior, while the control over its surface characteristics has the potential of directing the growth of future muscle tissue in the desired direction. The laser structured 2D thin film matrices from silk were characterized by means of SEM, EDX, AFM, FTIR, Micro-Raman, XRD, and 3D-roughness analyses. A WCA evaluation and initial experiments with murine C2C12 myoblasts cells were also performed. The results show that by varying the laser parameters, a different structuring degree can be achieved through the initial lifting and ejection of the material around the area of laser interaction to generate porous channels with varying widths and depths. The proper optimization of the applied laser parameters can significantly improve the bioactive properties of the investigated 2D model of a muscle cell matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications)
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Review

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11 pages, 614 KiB  
Review
Antibiotic-Loaded Polymeric Barrier Membranes for Guided Bone/Tissue Regeneration: A Mini-Review
by Manuel Toledano-Osorio, Cristina Vallecillo, Marta Vallecillo-Rivas, Francisco-Javier Manzano-Moreno and Raquel Osorio
Polymers 2022, 14(4), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14040840 - 21 Feb 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2628
Abstract
Polymeric membranes are frequently used for bone regeneration in oral and periodontal surgery. Polymers provide adequate mechanical properties (i.e., Young’s modulus) to support oral function and also pose some porosity with interconnectivity to permit for cell proliferation and migration. Bacterial contamination of the [...] Read more.
Polymeric membranes are frequently used for bone regeneration in oral and periodontal surgery. Polymers provide adequate mechanical properties (i.e., Young’s modulus) to support oral function and also pose some porosity with interconnectivity to permit for cell proliferation and migration. Bacterial contamination of the membrane is an event that may lead to infection at the bone site, hindering the clinical outcomes of the regeneration procedure. Therefore, polymeric membranes have been proposed as carriers for local antibiotic therapy. A literature search was performed for papers, including peer-reviewed publications. Among the different membranes, collagen is the most employed biomaterial. Collagen membranes and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene loaded with tetracyclines, and polycaprolactone with metronidazole are the combinations that have been assayed the most. Antibiotic liberation is produced in two phases. A first burst release is sometimes followed by a sustained liberation lasting from 7 to 28 days. All tested combinations of membranes and antibiotics provoke an antibacterial effect, but most of the time, they were measured against single bacteria cultures and usually non-specific pathogenic bacteria were employed, limiting the clinical relevance of the attained results. The majority of the studies on animal models state a beneficial effect of these antibiotic functionalized membranes, but human clinical assays are scarce and controversial. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis of Polymer Membranes and Their Applications)
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