Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 36762

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Vincent Chan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi 127788, United Arab Emirates
Interests: bio-polymers; cellular biophysics; cell mechanics; cell imaging; actin
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

“Bio-Based Polymeric Materials” encompass a broad spectrum of biofunctional macromolecules ranging from naturally occurring polymers, to biodegradable polymers, and polymeric biocomposites to bioinspired synthetic polymers. Recent advances in the synthesis, purification, fabrication, functionalization, and characterization of bio-based polymeric materials have opened new venues for emerging applications in nucleic acid delivery, tissue engineering, controlled release, biological imaging, antimicrobial therapeutics, soft robotics, bioseparations, etc. In order to propel the development of such novel materials for practical devices, further elucidations of structure–property–biofunction relationships under physiological or bioprocess conditions with innovative approaches will be critical.

This Special Issue of the open-access journal Polymers welcomes the submissions of original research papers and reviews from all multidisciplinary areas of “Bio-Based Polymeric Materials”, including, but not limited to:

Live-cell imaging probes
Nucleic acid carriers
Polymeric scaffold
Controlled release devices
Regenerative medicine
Polymeric hydrogels
Soft nanorobotics
Surface functionalization
Layer-by-layer biomaterials
Polymer–biomembrane interactions
Biodegradable polymers
Molecular biosensors
Biophysical characterizations
Antimicrobial coating
Vaccine formulation

Prof. Dr. Vincent Chan
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

Live-cell imaging probes
Nucleic acid carriers
Polymeric scaffold
Controlled release devices
Regenerative medicine
Polymeric hydrogels
Soft nanorobotics
Surface functionalization
Layer-by-layer biomaterials
Polymer–biomembrane interactions
Biodegradable polymers
Molecular biosensors
Biophysical characterizations
Antimicrobial coating
Vaccine formulation

Published Papers (13 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 6217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mushroom β-Glucan Recovered from Antler-Type Fruiting Body of Ganoderma lucidum by Enzymatic Process and Its Potential Biological Activities for Cosmeceutical Applications

by Pilanee Vaithanomsat, Nutthamon Boonlum, Wantida Chaiyana, Singkome Tima, Songyot Anuchapreeda, Chanaporn Trakunjae, Waraporn Apiwatanapiwat, Phornphimon Janchai, Antika Boondaeng, Hataitip Nimitkeatkai and Amnat Jarerat

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4202; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14194202 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2127

Abstract

Mushrooms are incredibly valuable macro fungi that are an important and integral part of the ecosystem. In addition to being used as cuisine, mushrooms have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. This research applied a process for recovering β-glucan (BG) from the antler-type fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum as well as tested the biological activities related to cosmeceutical applications. The characterization of complex structure was performed by fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (MNR) spectroscopies. The obtained extract contained 40.57% BG and 7.47% protein, with the detectable bioactivities of anti-tyrosinase and antioxidation. Consequently, it showed the activity that can be used to whiten the skin by reducing or inhibiting the process of skin pigmentation. The BG also showed moderate activities of anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase. The test by the HET-CAM confirmed no skin irritation of the complex extract. Based on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) test, the BG had no significant inhibiting effect on cell viability. In addition, the obtained BG had functional properties higher than commercially available BG, especially oil-binding capacity. These findings provided new insights into the potential application of G. lucidum BG as a polymeric material in the cosmeceutical industries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoscopic Characterization of Starch Biofilms Extracted from the Andean Tubers Ullucus tuberosus, Tropaeolum tuberosum, Oxalis tuberosa, and Solanum tuberosum

by Cynthia Pico, Jhomara De la Vega, Irvin Tubón, Mirari Arancibia and Santiago Casado

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4116; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14194116 - 01 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2463

Abstract

The replacement of synthetic polymers by starch biofilms entails a significant potentiality. They are non-toxic materials, biodegradable, and relatively easy to gather from several sources. However, various applications may require physicochemical properties that might prevent the use of some types of starch biofilms. Causes should be explored at the nanoscale. Here we present an atomic force microscopy surface analysis of starch biofilms extracted from the Andean tubers melloco (Ullucus tuberosus), mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum), oca (Oxalis tuberosa), and potato (Solanum tuberosum) and relate the results to the macroscopic effects of moisture content, water activity, total soluble matter, water vapor permeability, elastic properties, opacity and IR absorption. Characterization reveals important differences at the nanoscale between the starch-based biofilms examined. Comparison permitted correlating macroscopic properties observed to the topography and tapping phase contrast segregation at the nanoscale. For instance, those samples presenting granular topography and disconnected phases at the nanoscale are associated with less elastic strength and more water molecule affinity. As an application example, we propose using the starch biofilms developed as a matrix to dispose of mouthwash and discover that melloco films are quite appropriate for this purpose. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1694 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis of P(3HB-co-3HHx) Copolymers by a Newly Engineered Strain of Cupriavidus necator PHB⁻4/pBBR_CnPro-phaC_Rp for Skin Tissue Engineering Application

by Chanaporn Trakunjae, Kumar Sudesh, Soon Zher Neoh, Antika Boondaeng, Waraporn Apiwatanapiwat, Phornphimon Janchai and Pilanee Vaithanomsat

Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4074; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14194074 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1750

Abstract

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable polymers synthesized by certain bacteria and archaea with functions comparable to conventional plastics. Previously, our research group reported a newly PHA-producing bacterial strain, Rhodococcus pyridinivorans BSRT1-1, from the soil in Thailand. However, this strain’s PHA synthase (phaC_Rp) gene has not yet been characterized. Thus, this study aims to synthesize PHA using a newly engineered bacterial strain, Cupriavidus necator PHB⁻4/pBBR_CnPro-phaC_Rp, which harbors the phaC_Rp from strain BSRT1-1, and characterize the properties of PHA for skin tissue engineering application. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study on the characterization of the PhaC from R. pyridinivorans species. The results demonstrated that the expression of the phaC_Rp in C. necator PHB⁻4 had developed in PHA production up to 3.1 ± 0.3 g/L when using 10 g/L of crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) as a sole carbon source. Interestingly, the engineered strain produced a 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) with 2 mol% of 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) monomer without adding precursor substrates. In addition, the 70 L stirrer bioreactor improved P(3HB-co-2 mol% 3HHx) yield 1.4-fold over the flask scale without altering monomer composition. Furthermore, the characterization of copolymer properties showed that this copolymer is promising for skin tissue engineering applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2357 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrical Tree Characteristics of Bisphenol A Epoxy Resin/Maleopimaric Anhydride Curing System

by Hechen Liu, Xuan Wu, Zhanpeng Guo, Peng Dong, Qi Ge, Liwei Wei and Zhanglin Sun

Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3867; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14183867 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1718

Abstract

Epoxy resin insulation materials are mainly derived from petrochemical materials which have the disadvantages of resource consumption and environmental pollution. In order to cure bisphenol A epoxy resin, a maleopimaric anhydride (MPA) curing agent was prepared from rosin, a renewable resource, and blended with a petroleum-based curing agent (methylhexahy-drophthalic anhydride). The influence of maleopimaric anhydride content on the initiation and growth characteristics of electrical trees was studied and analyzed in this paper using molecular dynamics simulation (MD) and electrical tree tests at an 18-kilovolt power frequency voltage. When the MPA content used was ≤10%, the free volume percentage of the curing system increased with MPA content, and thus the initiation voltage became lower; when the MPA content was ≥20%, the hydrogenated phenanthrene ring structure content increased significantly with increasing MPA content, and the rigidity of the curing system increased significantly; thus, the initiation voltage gradually increased. MPA4 had an 11.11% higher initiation voltage than the petroleum-based control group. The effect of the polar rigid structure within the curing system significantly inhibited the growth rate and length of electrical trees as MPA content increased. Electrical trees developed into light-colored, thin, and narrow dendritic structures when the MPA content reached 40%. The results show that curing epoxy resin with the rosin-based curing agent maleopimaric anhydride (MPA), in place of a petroleum-based curing agent, can produce environmentally friendly resins with excellent electrical tree resistance and potential application prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 5912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multifunction Web-like Polymeric Network Bacterial Cellulose Derived from SCOBY as Both Electrodes and Electrolytes for Pliable and Low-Cost Supercapacitor

by Muhamad Hafiz Hamsan, Norhana Abdul Halim, Siti Zulaikha Ngah Demon, Nurul Syahirah Nasuha Sa’aya, Mohd Fakhrul Zamani Kadir, Zul Hazrin Zainal Abidin, Nursaadah Ahmad Poad, Nurul Farhana Abu Kasim, Nur Amira Mamat Razali, Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Khairol Amali Ahmad, Azizi Miskon and Norazman Mohamad Nor

Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3196; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14153196 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1554

Abstract

In this work, bacterial cellulose (BC)-based polymer derived from a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) are optimized as both electrodes and electrolytes to fabricate a flexible and free-standing supercapacitor. BC is a multifunction and versatile polymer. Montmorillonite (MMT) and sodium bromide (NaBr) are used to improve mechanical strength and as the ionic source, respectively. From XRD analysis, it is found that the addition of MMT and NaBr has reduced the crystallinity of the electrolyte. Most interaction within the electrolyte happens in the region of the OH band, as verified using FTIR analysis. A maximum room temperature conductivity of (1.09 ± 0.02) × 10⁻³ S/cm is achieved with 30 wt.% NaBr. The highest conducting SCOBY-based electrolytes have a decompose voltage and ionic transference number of 1.48 V and 0.97, respectively. The multiwalled carbon nanotube is employed as the active material held by the fibrous network of BC. Cyclic voltammetry shows a rectangular shape CV plot with the absence of a redox peak. The supercapacitor is charged and discharged in a zig-zag-shaped Perspex plate for 1000 cycles with a decent performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 1719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Oral Raft Forming In Situ Gelling System of Neratinib Anticancer Drug Using 3² Factorial Design

by Umme Hani, Mohamed Rahamathulla, Riyaz Ali M. Osmani, M.Yasmin Begum, Shadma Wahab, Mohammed Ghazwani, Adel Al Fatease, Ali H. Alamri, Devegowda V. Gowda and Ali Alqahtani

Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2520; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14132520 - 21 Jun 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2095

Abstract

Neratinib (NTB) is an irreversible inhibitor of pan-human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER-2) tyrosine kinase and is used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is a poorly aqueous soluble drug and exhibits extremely low oral bioavailability at higher pH, leading to a diminishing of the therapeutic effects in the GIT. The main objective of the research was to formulate an oral raft-forming in situ gelling system of NTB to improve gastric retention and drug release in a controlled manner and remain floating in the stomach for a prolonged time. In this study, NTB solubility was enhanced by polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based solid dispersions (SDs), and an in situ gelling system was developed and optimized by a two-factor at three-level (3²) factorial design. It was analyzed to study the impact of two independent variables viz sodium alginate [A] and HPMC K4M [B] on the responses, such as floating lag time, percentage (%) water uptake at 2 h, and % drug release at 6 h and 12 h. Among various SDs prepared using PEG 6000, formulation 1:3 showed the highest drug solubility. FT-IR spectra revealed no interactions between the drug and the polymer. The percentage of drug content in NTB SDs ranged from 96.22 ± 1.67% to 97.70 ± 1.89%. The developed in situ gel formulations exhibited a pH value of approximately 7. An in vitro gelation study of the in situ gel formulation showed immediate gelation and was retained for a longer period. From the obtained results of 3² factorial designs, it was observed that all the selected factors had a significant effect on the chosen response, supporting the precision of design employed for optimization. Thus, the developed oral raft-forming in situ gelling system of NTB can be a promising and alternate approach to enhance retention in the stomach and to attain sustained release of drug by floating, thereby augmenting the therapeutic efficacy of NTB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2889 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Polyethyleneimine-Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes Enabling Potent Antimycotic Activity of Lyticase

by Weibing Liang, Ming Chen, Lin Li, Liqiang Yan, Xiuli Wang, Xiongzhi Wu and Chenghong Lei

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 959; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14050959 - 28 Feb 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1870

Abstract

In this work, the positively-charged polymer polyethyleneimine was used to functionalize carbon nanotubes and activated carbon to load antimycotic enzyme lyticase. Interestingly, polyethyleneimine played a dual role functionalizing carbon materials to synergistically enhance antimycotic activity of loaded lyticase as well as exhibiting its own apparent antimycotic activity, where the enhanced enzymatic activity of loaded lyticase on functionalized carbon nanotubes was more than 2.8 times as high as the activity of free enzyme in solution. The actual activity of loaded lyticase on functionalized carbon nanotubes was applied with Penicillium janthinellum, exhibiting much faster digesting lysis of the bacteria in comparison with free lyticase. The synergistic and potent antimycotic activities from combined action of antimycotic lyticase and polyethyleneimine on carbon nanotubes provides a new antimycotic protection for medicine, food industry, and other biochemical processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 28750 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Biofouling and Its Effect on the Properties of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Plastic Rebars Exposed to Extremely Cold Climate Conditions

by Anatoly K. Kychkin, Larisa Anatoljevna Erofeevskaya, Aisen Kychkin, Elena D. Vasileva, Nikolay F. Struchkov and Mikhail P. Lebedev

Polymers 2022, 14(3), 369; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14030369 - 18 Jan 2022

Viewed by 1278

Abstract

For the first time, the possibility of penetration of mold fungi mycelium and spore-forming bacteria into the structure of basalt fiber reinforced plastic rebars has been shown in laboratory and field experiments. Biological contamination at the “fiber-binding” border reveals areas of swelling and penetration of mold fungi mycelium and bacterial spore cells into the binder component. After the exposure of samples at extremely low temperatures, strains of mold fungi of the genus Aspergillus were also isolated from the surface of the rebars. Additionally, spore-forming bacteria of the genus Bacillus immobilized for samples from two years ago. This indicates the high viability of immobilized strains in cold climates. Aboriginal microflora isolated by the enrichment culture technique from the samples was represented by: actinobacteria of the genera Nocardia and Streptomyces; yeast of the genus Rhodotorula; and mold fungi of the genus Penicillium. It was shown that the enrichment culture technique is a highly informative method of diagnosing the bio-infection of polymer composite materials during their operation in extremely low temperatures. The metabolic activity of the cells of cryophilic microorganisms isolated from experimental samples of basalt fiber reinforced plastic rebars was associated with the features of the enzymes and fatty acid composition of the lipid bilayer of cell membranes. In the case of temperature conditions when conventional (mesophilic) microorganisms stop developing vegetative cells, the process of transition of the lipid bilayer of cell membranes into a gel-like state was activated. This transition of the lipid bilayer to a gel-like state allowed the prevention of crystallization and death of the microbial cell when the ambient temperature dropped to negative values and as a result, after thawing, growth resumed and the metabolic activity of the microorganisms was restored. Studies have been carried out on the effect of biodepletion on the elastic strength characteristics, porosity and monolithicity of these materials, while at the same time, after a two year exposure, the strength preservation coefficient was k = 0.82 and the porosity increased by more than two times. The results show that the selected strains affect the properties of polymeric materials in cold climates in relation to the organic components in the structure of polymer composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

37 pages, 2482 KiB

Open AccessReview

Acellular Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts from Polymers: Methods, Achievements, Characterization, and Challenges

by Xinyu Wang, Vincent Chan and Peter R. Corridon

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4825; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14224825 - 09 Nov 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3040

Abstract

Extensive and permanent damage to the vasculature leading to different pathogenesis calls for developing innovative therapeutics, including drugs, medical devices, and cell therapies. Innovative strategies to engineer bioartificial/biomimetic vessels have been extensively exploited as an effective replacement for vessels that have seriously malfunctioned. However, further studies in polymer chemistry, additive manufacturing, and rapid prototyping are required to generate highly engineered vascular segments that can be effectively integrated into the existing vasculature of patients. One recently developed approach involves designing and fabricating acellular vessel equivalents from novel polymeric materials. This review aims to assess the design criteria, engineering factors, and innovative approaches for the fabrication and characterization of biomimetic macro- and micro-scale vessels. At the same time, the engineering correlation between the physical properties of the polymer and biological functionalities of multiscale acellular vascular segments are thoroughly elucidated. Moreover, several emerging characterization techniques for probing the mechanical properties of tissue-engineered vascular grafts are revealed. Finally, significant challenges to the clinical transformation of the highly promising engineered vessels derived from polymers are identified, and unique perspectives on future research directions are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3023 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogel Application in Urban Farming: Potentials and Limitations—A Review

by Swarna Devi Palanivelu, Nur Amira Zainul Armir, Amalia Zulkifli, Ainul Hafiza Abdul Hair, Kushairi Mohd Salleh, Keith Lindsey, Muhamad Hafiz Che-Othman and Sarani Zakaria

Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2590; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14132590 - 26 Jun 2022

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8158

Abstract

Urban agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring the self-sufficiency of a great variety of fresh vegetables and nutrients. It promotes a sustainable food system as well as reducing the dependency on imports for the growing population. Urban farming has made it possible for agriculture practices to be implemented anywhere at any time in a sophisticated way. Hydrogel has been introduced in urban agriculture in the past few decades. However, the application of hydrogel in urban agriculture is still being explored in terms of hydrogel types, structure, physical and chemical properties, change due to external factors, and its suitability for different plant species. This review discusses the potentials and limitations of hydrogel in different application conditions. We present the state of knowledge on hydrogel production and crosslinking methods, hydrogel characteristics, water absorption and release mechanisms of hydrogel, hydrogel advantages and limitations, and current and future applications in urban farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

33 pages, 3516 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching for Decoupling Transport and Kinetics of Biomacromolecules in Cellular Physiology

by Ning Cai, Alvin Chi-Keung Lai, Kin Liao, Peter R. Corridon, David J. Graves and Vincent Chan

Polymers 2022, 14(9), 1913; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14091913 - 07 May 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3033

Abstract

Among the new molecular tools available to scientists and engineers, some of the most useful include fluorescently tagged biomolecules. Tools, such as green fluorescence protein (GFP), have been applied to perform semi-quantitative studies on biological signal transduction and cellular structural dynamics involved in the physiology of healthy and disease states. Such studies focus on drug pharmacokinetics, receptor-mediated endocytosis, nuclear mechanobiology, viral infections, and cancer metastasis. In 1976, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), which involves the monitoring of fluorescence emission recovery within a photobleached spot, was developed. FRAP allowed investigators to probe two-dimensional (2D) diffusion of fluorescently-labelled biomolecules. Since then, FRAP has been refined through the advancements of optics, charged-coupled-device (CCD) cameras, confocal microscopes, and molecular probes. FRAP is now a highly quantitative tool used for transport and kinetic studies in the cytosol, organelles, and membrane of a cell. In this work, the authors intend to provide a review of recent advances in FRAP. The authors include epifluorescence spot FRAP, total internal reflection (TIR)/FRAP, and confocal microscope-based FRAP. The underlying mathematical models are also described. Finally, our understanding of coupled transport and kinetics as determined by FRAP will be discussed and the potential for future advances suggested. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 2407 KiB

Open AccessReview

Soft Polymer-Based Technique for Cellular Force Sensing

by Zhuonan Yu and Kuo-Kang Liu

Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2672; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13162672 - 10 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2400

Abstract

Soft polymers have emerged as a vital type of material adopted in biomedical engineering to perform various biomechanical characterisations such as sensing cellular forces. Distinct advantages of these materials used in cellular force sensing include maintaining normal functions of cells, resembling in vivo mechanical characteristics, and adapting to the customised functionality demanded in individual applications. A wide range of techniques has been developed with various designs and fabrication processes for the desired soft polymeric structures, as well as measurement methodologies in sensing cellular forces. This review highlights the merits and demerits of these soft polymer-based techniques for measuring cellular contraction force with emphasis on their quantitativeness and cell-friendliness. Moreover, how the viscoelastic properties of soft polymers influence the force measurement is addressed. More importantly, the future trends and advancements of soft polymer-based techniques, such as new designs and fabrication processes for cellular force sensing, are also addressed in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2308 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanomaterial-Based Dual-Emission Ratiometric Fluorescent Sensors for Biosensing and Cell Imaging

by Yanan Zhang, Dajun Hou, Zelong Wang, Ning Cai and Chaktong Au

Polymers 2021, 13(15), 2540; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13152540 - 31 Jul 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3643

Abstract

Owing to the unique optophysical properties of nanomaterials and their self-calibration characteristics, nanomaterial-based (e.g., polymer dots (Pdots) quantum dots (QDs), silicon nanorods (SiNRs), and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs), etc.) ratiometric fluorescent sensors play an essential role in numerous biosensing and cell imaging applications. The dual-emission ratiometric fluorescence technique has the function of effective internal referencing, thereby avoiding the influence of various analyte-independent confounding factors. The sensitivity and precision of the detection can therefore be greatly improved. In this review, the recent progress in nanomaterial-based dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent biosensors is systematically summarized. First, we introduce two general design approaches for dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent sensors, involving ratiometric fluorescence with changes of one response signal and two reversible signals. Then, some recent typical examples of nanomaterial-based dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent biosensors are illustrated in detail. Finally, probable challenges and future outlooks for dual-emission ratiometric fluorescent nanosensors for biosensing and cell imaging are rationally discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Bio-Based Polymeric Materials

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI