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Synthesis, Properties and Application of Novel Nanostructured Biomaterials

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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Medicines".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2022) | Viewed by 18452

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Dipak K. Sarker

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Guest Editor

School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, The University of Brighton, Moulsecoomb Science Campus, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
Interests: soft matter physics; nanotechnology; materials science; drug delivery science; food technology and chemical engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomaterials that are natural, naturally-derived or chemically-modified represent a class of compounds that are both unique as source of substrates and present themselves as an adaptable platform substance for functional and structural improvement. The array of compounds is limited only by the imagination as the pool of natural and available materials is vast. Substrates range in diversity from biosurfactant lipids and crosslinked-polysaccharides to metallo-proteins and bio-organosilicates or apatites, and calcium carbonate-based aragonite. The applications of these compounds can range from nano-sized and coarse dispersion carriers for therapeutics, direct functional agents, and tissue replacement or bio-integrated implants, to functional biosensors, as in the case of photo-sensitisers, enzymes, and cell redox agents. The surface patterning and association of nanostructured biomaterial (NB) components can provide an array of different shapes, forms, and opportunities for constructs facilitating active-agent inclusion. Some of the more unusual applications of NBs have included intraocular lens materials, artificial ligaments, and dental implants. The most common biomaterial on the planet is cellulose. Various natural or synthetic cellulose derivatives or similar biomaterials, such as chitin, represent huge opportunities for crafting soft matter assemblies, supramolecular structures, and structural or fibrous materials.

Dr. Dipak K. Sarker
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. Nanomaterials 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 2900 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

supramolecular
networks
functionalization
sensor
encapsulation
innovation
utility
unique
natural

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1846 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of a Hydrogel Nanofiber Wound Dressing

by Radek Jirkovec, Alzbeta Samkova, Tomas Kalous, Jiri Chaloupek and Jiri Chvojka

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(9), 2178; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11092178 - 25 Aug 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2589

Abstract

The study addressed the production of a hydrogel nanofiber skin cover and included the fabrication of hydrogel nanofibers from a blend of polyvinyl alcohol and alginate. The resulting fibrous layer was then crosslinked with glutaraldehyde, and, after 4 h of crosslinking, although the gelling component, i.e., the alginate, crosslinked, the polyvinyl alcohol failed to do so. The experiment included the comparison of the strength and ductility of the layers before and after crosslinking. It was determined that the fibrous layer following crosslinking evinced enhanced mechanical properties, which acted to facilitate the handling of the material during its application. The subsequent testing procedure proved that the fibrous layer was not cytotoxic. The study further led to the production of a modified hydrogel nanofiber layer that combined polyvinyl alcohol with alginate and albumin. The investigation of the fibrous layers produced determined that following contact with water the polyvinyl alcohol dissolved leading to the release of the albumin accompanied by the swelling of the alginate and the formation of a hydrogel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties and Application of Novel Nanostructured Biomaterials)

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23 pages, 2170 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interfacial Effects and the Nano-Scale Disruption in Adsorbed-Layer of Acrylate Polymer-Tween 80 Fabricated Steroid-Bearing Emulsions: A Rheological Study of Supramolecular Materials

by Nana Adu-Gyamfi and Dipak K. Sarker

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1612; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061612 - 19 Jun 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2958

Abstract

The effect of polymer adsorption on the stability and viable shelf life of 55 μm diameter oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions containing the steroid, betamethasone 21-phosphate was investigated. Two acrylate polymers, Carbopol^® 971P and 974P, were added in the role of emulsion stabilizers to a model system, representing a non-ionic low molecular weight surfactant-stabilized emulsion (topically applied medicinal cream). For the purposes of this study the dosage of the viscosifier was maintained below 1% w/v and consequently, the consistency of the emulsion was measured in the diluted form. One of the polymers was responsible for elevated degrees of droplet creaming and coalescence and this was closely linked to its surface tension lowering capacity. This lowering was seen at 62 mN/m compared to the routine values at equivalent concentrations of 68 mN/m and 35 mN/m for the betamethasone drug and non-ionic surfactant-Tween 80, respectively. The same polymer also demonstrated a predisposition to form low-micron and greater sized aggregates of nanoparticles that led to extensive flocculation and the formation of a sedimentary precipitate, formed from an amalgam of the components found in the creamed droplet layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties and Application of Novel Nanostructured Biomaterials)

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19 pages, 36571 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Functional Core-Shell Nanofibers for Wound Healing

by Zhen Li, Shunqi Mei, Yajie Dong, Fenghua She, Puwang Li, Yongzhen Li and Lingxue Kong

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(6), 1546; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11061546 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3187

Abstract

Core-shell nanofibers have great potential for bio-medical applications such as wound healing dressings where multiple drugs and growth factors are expected to be delivered at different healing phases. Compared to monoaxial nanofibers, core-shell nanofibers can control the drug release profile easier, providing sustainable and effective drugs and growth factors for wound healing. However, it is challenging to produce core-shell structured nanofibers with a high production rate at low energy consumption. Co-axial centrifugal spinning is an alternative method to address the above limitations to produce core-shell nanofibers effectively. In this study, a co-axial centrifugal spinning device was designed and assembled to produce core-shell nanofibers for controlling the release rate of ibuprofen and hEGF in inflammation and proliferation phases during the wound healing process. Core-shell structured nanofibers were confirmed by TEM. This work demonstrated that the co-axial centrifugal spinning is a high productivity process that can produce materials with a 3D environment mimicking natural tissue scaffold, and the specific drug can be loaded into different layers to control the drug release rate to improve the drug efficiency and promote wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties and Application of Novel Nanostructured Biomaterials)

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19 pages, 2397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Hyaluronic Acid Functionalized Self-Nano-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS) for Enhancement in Ciprofloxacin Targeted Delivery against Intracellular Infection

by Rabia Arshad, Tanveer A. Tabish, Maria Hassan Kiani, Ibrahim M. Ibrahim, Gul Shahnaz, Abbas Rahdar, Misook Kang and Sadanand Pandey

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1086; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11051086 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 48 | Viewed by 3700

Abstract

Ciprofloxacin (CIP), a potent anti-bacterial agent of the fluroquinolone family, shows poor solubility and permeability, thus leading to the development of intracellular pathogens induced multi-drug resistance and biofilms formation. To synergistically improve the biopharmaceutical parameters of CIP, a hyaluronic acid (FDA approved biocompatible polymer) functionalized self-nano emulsifying drug delivery system (HA-CIP-SNEDDS) was designed in the present study. SNEDDS formulations were tested via solubility, droplet size, zeta potential, a polydispersity index, thermodynamic stability, surface morphology, solid-state characterization, drug loading/release, cellular uptake, and biocompatibility. The final (HA-CIP-SNEDDS) formulation exhibited a mean droplet size of 50 nm with the 0.3 poly dispersity index and negative zeta potential (−11.4 mV). HA-based SNEDDS containing CIP showed an improved ability to permeate goat intestinal mucus. After 4 h, CIP-SNEDDS showed a 2-fold and HA-CIP-SNEDDS showed a 4-fold permeation enhancement as compared to the free CIP. Moreover, 80% drug release of HA-CIP-SNEDDS was demonstrated to be superior and sustained for 72 h in comparison to free CIP. However, anti-biofilm activity of HA-CIP-SNEDDS against Salmonella typhi was higher than CIP-SNEDDS and free CIP. HA-CIP-SNEDDS exhibited increased biocompatibility and improved oral pharmacokinetics as compared to free CIP. Taken together, HA-CIP-SNEDDS formulation seems to be a promising agent against Salmonella typhi with a strong targeting potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties and Application of Novel Nanostructured Biomaterials)

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21 pages, 10661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Application of the Newly Developed Nano-Biomaterial, β-TCP/PDLLA, in Maxillofacial Reconstructive Surgery: A Pilot Rat Study

by Erina Toda, Yunpeng Bai, Jingjing Sha, Quang Ngoc Dong, Huy Xuan Ngo, Takashi Suyama, Kenichi Miyamoto, Yumi Matsuzaki and Takahiro Kanno

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 303; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11020303 - 25 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1717

Abstract

This study was performed to examine the applicability of the newly developed nano-biocomposite, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)/u-HA/poly-d/l-lactide (PDLLA), to bone defects in the oral and maxillofacial area. This novel nano-biocomposite showed several advantages, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and osteoconductivity. In addition, its optimal plasticity also allowed its utilization in irregular critical bone defect reconstructive surgery. Here, three different nano-biomaterials, i.e., β-TCP/PDLLA, β-TCP, and PDLLA, were implanted into critical bone defects in the right lateral mandible of 10-week-old Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats as bone graft substitutes. Micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) and immunohistochemical staining for the osteogenesis biomarkers, Runx2, osteocalcin, and the leptin receptor, were performed to investigate and compare bone regeneration between the groups. Although the micro-CT results showed the highest bone mineral density (BMD) and bone volume to total volume (BV/TV) with β-TCP, immunohistochemical analysis indicated better osteogenesis-promoting ability of β-TCP/PDLLA, especially at an early stage of the bone healing process. These results confirmed that the novel nano-biocomposite, β-TCP/PDLLA, which has excellent biocompatibility, bioresorbability and bioactive/osteoconductivity, has the potential to become a next-generation biomaterial for use as a bone graft substitute in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties and Application of Novel Nanostructured Biomaterials)

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Review

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16 pages, 5288 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Graphene and Reproduction: A Love-Hate Relationship

by Marina Ramal-Sanchez, Antonella Fontana, Luca Valbonetti, Alessandra Ordinelli, Nicola Bernabò and Barbara Barboni

Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 547; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11020547 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3088

Abstract

Since its discovery, graphene and its multiple derivatives have been extensively used in many fields and with different applications, even in biomedicine. Numerous efforts have been made to elucidate the potential toxicity derived from their use, giving rise to an adequate number of publications with varied results. On this basis, the study of the reproductive function constitutes a good tool to evaluate not only the toxic effects derived from the use of these materials directly on the individual, but also the potential toxicity passed on to the offspring. By providing a detailed scientometric analysis, the present review provides an updated overview gathering all the research studies focused on the use of graphene and graphene-based materials in the reproductive field, highlighting the consequences and effects reported to date from experiments performed in vivo and in vitro and in different animal species (from Archea to mammals). Special attention is given to the oxidized form of graphene, graphene oxide, which has been recently investigated for its ability to increase the in vitro fertilization outcomes. Thus, the potential use of graphene oxide against infertility is hypothesized here, probably by engineering the spermatozoa and thus manipulating them in a safer and more efficient way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Properties and Application of Novel Nanostructured Biomaterials)

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