Application and Performance of Biopolymers

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 (25 February 2022) | Viewed by 42579

Special Issue Editor

Advanced Polymer Materials Group, Department of Bioresources and Polymer Science, Politehnica University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: protein structure; protein function; protein folding; protein-synthetic polymers interaction; protein-based complexes for tissue engineering; protein-based biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

All aspects concerning the synthesis, procedures, and characterization methods for high-performance biopolymers are welcome in this Special Issue. Topics such as protein engineering, tissue engineering, tissue construct and regeneration, and implants can also be addressed if the work reported is focused on biopolymers and the role played by biopolymers to achieve the final aim of the product. Applications of biopolymers in various fields focusing on the relationship between properties and chemical structure are desirable within the proposed papers. Moreover, different types of biopolymers with pre-designed structures which are parts of complex systems can also be the subject of the reported work, as well as the technological issues encountered in developing new biopolymers-based products.

Prof. Dr. Horia Iovu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • synthesis and characterization of biopolymers
  • biopolymer construct
  • protein engineering
  • tissue regeneration
  • applications of biopolymers

Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 4828 KiB  
Article
3D-Printed Gelatin Methacryloyl-Based Scaffolds with Potential Application in Tissue Engineering
by Rebeca Leu Alexa, Horia Iovu, Jana Ghitman, Andrada Serafim, Cristina Stavarache, Maria-Minodora Marin and Raluca Ianchis
Polymers 2021, 13(5), 727; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13050727 - 27 Feb 2021
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 5267
Abstract
The development of materials for 3D printing adapted for tissue engineering represents one of the main concerns nowadays. Our aim was to obtain suitable 3D-printed scaffolds based on methacrylated gelatin (GelMA). In this respect, three degrees of GelMA methacrylation, three different concentrations of [...] Read more.
The development of materials for 3D printing adapted for tissue engineering represents one of the main concerns nowadays. Our aim was to obtain suitable 3D-printed scaffolds based on methacrylated gelatin (GelMA). In this respect, three degrees of GelMA methacrylation, three different concentrations of GelMA (10%, 20%, and 30%), and also two concentrations of photoinitiator (I-2959) (0.5% and 1%) were explored to develop proper GelMA hydrogel ink formulations to be used in the 3D printing process. Afterward, all these GelMA hydrogel-based inks/3D-printed scaffolds were characterized structurally, mechanically, and morphologically. The presence of methacryloyl groups bounded to the surface of GelMA was confirmed by FTIR and 1H-NMR analyses. The methacrylation degree influenced the value of the isoelectric point that decreased with the GelMA methacrylation degree. A greater concentration of photoinitiator influenced the hydrophilicity of the polymer as proved using contact angle and swelling studies because of the new bonds resulting after the photocrosslinking stage. According to the mechanical tests, better mechanical properties were obtained in the presence of the 1% initiator. Circular dichroism analyses demonstrated that the secondary structure of gelatin remained unaffected during the methacrylation process, thus being suitable for biological applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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12 pages, 1419 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Biosludge Dewaterability with Hemoglobin from Waste Blood as a Bioflocculant
by Hamed Ghazisaidi, Rafael A. Garcia, Honghi Tran, Runlin Yuan and D. Grant Allen
Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2755; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12112755 - 22 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2083
Abstract
Synthetic polymers are widely used in the treatment of biosludge (waste activated sludge) to enhance its dewaterability. This paper discusses the results of a systematic study using hemoglobin (Hb) from animal blood and methylated hemoglobin (MeHb), a derivative in which a methyl group [...] Read more.
Synthetic polymers are widely used in the treatment of biosludge (waste activated sludge) to enhance its dewaterability. This paper discusses the results of a systematic study using hemoglobin (Hb) from animal blood and methylated hemoglobin (MeHb), a derivative in which a methyl group replaces the hydrogen carboxyl groups, to replace synthetic polymers to improve the dewatering efficiency of biosludge. With regular hemoglobin, no improvement in biosludge dewatering was found. With 10% of methylated hemoglobin per total solids content, however, the dry solids content of biosludge increased from 10.2 (±0.3) wt% to 15.0 (±1.0) wt%. Zeta potential measurements showed a decrease in the negative surface charge of the particles in biosludge from −34.3 (±3.2) mV to −19.0 (±2.1) mV after the treatment with methylated hemoglobin. This, along with an unchanged particle size distribution after conditioning, suggests that charge neutralization is likely the main cause of particle flocculation. With charges neutralized, the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) around the biosludge flocs become loose, releasing the trapped water, thus increasing dewaterability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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17 pages, 16936 KiB  
Article
Room-Temperature Self-Standing Cellulose-Based Hydrogel Electrolytes for Electrochemical Devices
by Iñaki Gomez, Yolanda Alesanco, Jose Alberto Blázquez, Ana Viñuales and Luis C. Colmenares
Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2686; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12112686 - 13 Nov 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2992
Abstract
The trend of research towards more sustainable materials is pushing the application of biopolymers in a variety of unexplored fields. In this regard, hydrogels are attracting significant attention as electrolytes for flexible electrochemical devices thanks to their combination of ionic conductivity and mechanical [...] Read more.
The trend of research towards more sustainable materials is pushing the application of biopolymers in a variety of unexplored fields. In this regard, hydrogels are attracting significant attention as electrolytes for flexible electrochemical devices thanks to their combination of ionic conductivity and mechanical properties. In this context, we present the use of cellulose-based hydrogels as aqueous electrolytes for electrochemical devices. These materials were obtained by crosslinking of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) with divinyl sulfone (DVS) in the presence of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), creating a semi-IPN structure. The reaction was confirmed by NMR and FTIR. The small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) technique revealed that the rheological properties could be conveniently varied by simply changing the gel composition. Additionally, the hydrogels presented high ionic conductivity in the range of mS cm−1. The ease of synthesis and processing of the hydrogels allowed the assembly of an all-in-one electrochromic device (ECD) with high transmittance variation, improved switching time and good color efficiency. On the other hand, the swelling ability of the hydrogels permits the tuning of the electrolyte to improve the performance of a printed Zinc/MnO2 primary battery. The results prove the potential of cellulose-based hydrogels as electrolytes for more sustainable electrochemical devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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14 pages, 3288 KiB  
Article
Novel Bovine Serum Albumin Protein Backbone Reassembly Study: Strongly Twisted β-Sheet Structure Promotion upon Interaction with GO-PAMAM
by Andra Mihaela Onaș, Iuliana Elena Bîru, Sorina Alexandra Gârea and Horia Iovu
Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2603; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12112603 - 05 Nov 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2579
Abstract
This study investigates the formation of a graphene oxide-polyamidoamine dendrimer complex (GO-PAMAM) and its association and interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry indicated the formation of covalent linkage between the GO surface and PAMAM with 7.22% [...] Read more.
This study investigates the formation of a graphene oxide-polyamidoamine dendrimer complex (GO-PAMAM) and its association and interaction with bovine serum albumin (BSA). Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry indicated the formation of covalent linkage between the GO surface and PAMAM with 7.22% nitrogen content in the GO-PAMAM sample, and various interactions between BSA and GO-PAMAM, including π-π* interactions at 291.5 eV for the binding energy value. Thermogravimetric analysis highlighted the increasing thermal stability throughout the modification process, from 151 to 192 °C for the 10% weight loss temperature. Raman spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis were used in order to examine the complexes’ assembly, showing a prominent (0 0 2) lattice in GO-PAMAM. Dynamic light scattering tests proved the formation of stable graphenic and graphenic-protein aggregates. The secondary structure rearrangement of BSA after interaction with GO-PAMAM was investigated using circular dichroism spectroscopy. We have observed a shift from 10.9% β-sheet composition in native BSA to 64.9% β-sheet composition after the interaction with GO-PAMAM. This interaction promoted the rearrangement of the protein backbone, leading to strongly twisted β-sheet secondary structure architecture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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16 pages, 4215 KiB  
Article
Biopolymer Hydrogel Scaffold as an Artificial Cell Niche for Mesenchymal Stem Cells
by Marfa N. Egorikhina, Yulia P. Rubtsova, Irina N. Charykova, Marina L. Bugrova, Irina I. Bronnikova, Polina A. Mukhina, Larisa N. Sosnina and Diana Ya. Aleynik
Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2550; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12112550 - 30 Oct 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2187
Abstract
The activity of stem cell processes is regulated by internal and external signals of the cell “niche”. In general, the niche of stem cells can be represented as the microenvironment of the cells, providing a signal complex, determining the properties of the cells. [...] Read more.
The activity of stem cell processes is regulated by internal and external signals of the cell “niche”. In general, the niche of stem cells can be represented as the microenvironment of the cells, providing a signal complex, determining the properties of the cells. At the same time, the “niche” concept implies feedback. Cells can modify their microenvironment, supporting homeostasis or remodeling the composition and structure of the extracellular matrix. To ensure the regenerative potential of tissue engineering products the “niche” concept should be taken into account. To investigate interactions in an experimental niche, an original hydrogel biopolymer scaffold with encapsulated mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) was used in this study. The scaffold provides for cell adhesion, active cell growth, and proliferative activity. Cells cultured within a scaffold are distinguished by the presence of a developed cytoskeleton and they form a cellular network. ASCs cultured within a scaffold change their microenvironment by secreting VEGF-A and remodeling the scaffold structure. Scaffold biodegradation processes were evaluated after previous culturing of the ASCs in the scaffolds for periods of either 24 h or six days. The revealed differences confirmed that changes had occurred in the properties of scaffolds remodeled by cells during cultivation. The mechanisms of the identified changes and the possibility of considering the presented scaffold as an appropriate artificial niche for ASCs are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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21 pages, 3471 KiB  
Article
The Study of Plasticized Amorphous Biopolymer Blend Electrolytes Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA): Chitosan with High Ion Conductivity for Energy Storage Electrical Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC) Device Application
by Shujahadeen B. Aziz, Jihad M. Hadi, Elham M. A. Dannoun, Rebar T. Abdulwahid, Salah R. Saeed, Ayub Shahab Marf, Wrya O. Karim and Mohd F.Z. Kadir
Polymers 2020, 12(9), 1938; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12091938 - 27 Aug 2020
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 4042
Abstract
In this study, plasticized films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): chitosan (CS) based electrolyte impregnated with ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) were successfully prepared using a solution-casting technique. The structural features of the electrolyte films were investigated through the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The [...] Read more.
In this study, plasticized films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA): chitosan (CS) based electrolyte impregnated with ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN) were successfully prepared using a solution-casting technique. The structural features of the electrolyte films were investigated through the X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern. The enrichment of the amorphous phase with increasing glycerol concentration was confirmed by observing broad humps. The electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) portrays the improvement of ionic conductivity from 10−5 S/cm to 10−3 S/cm upon the addition of plasticizer. The electrolytes incorporated with 28 wt.% and 42 wt.% of glycerol were observed to be mainly ionic conductor as the ionic transference number measurement (TNM) was found to be 0.97 and 0.989, respectively. The linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) investigation indicates that the maximum conducting sample is stable up to 2 V. An electrolyte with the highest conductivity was used to make an energy storage electrical double-layer capacitor (EDLC) device. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) plot depicts no distinguishable peaks in the polarization curve, which means no redox reaction has occurred at the electrode/electrolyte interface. The fabricated EDLC displays the initial specific capacitance, equivalent series resistance, energy density, and power density of 35.5 F/g, 65 Ω, 4.9 Wh/kg, and 399 W/kg, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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18 pages, 19579 KiB  
Article
Composite Fiber Networks Based on Polycaprolactone and Bioactive Glass-Ceramics for Tissue Engineering Applications
by Sorin-Ion Jinga, Claudiu-Constantin Costea, Andreea-Ioana Zamfirescu, Adela Banciu, Daniel-Dumitru Banciu and Cristina Busuioc
Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1806; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12081806 - 12 Aug 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2513
Abstract
In this work, composite fibers connected in three-dimensional porous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning, starting from polycaprolactone and inorganic powders synthesized by the sol-gel method. The aim was to obtain materials dedicated to the field of bone regeneration, with controllable properties of bioresorbability [...] Read more.
In this work, composite fibers connected in three-dimensional porous scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning, starting from polycaprolactone and inorganic powders synthesized by the sol-gel method. The aim was to obtain materials dedicated to the field of bone regeneration, with controllable properties of bioresorbability and bioactivity. The employed powders were nanometric and of a glass-ceramic type, a fact that constitutes the premise of a potential attachment to living tissue in the physiological environment. The morphological characterization performed on the composite materials validated both the fibrous character and oxide powder distribution within the polymer matrix. Regarding the biological evaluation, the period of immersion in simulated body fluid led to the initiation of polymer degradation and a slight mineralization of the embedded particles, while the osteoblast cells cultured in the presence of these scaffolds revealed a spatial distribution at different depths and a primary networking tendency, based on the composites’ geometrical and dimensional features. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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17 pages, 2058 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Rheologic and Physicochemical Properties of a Novel Hyaluronic Acid Filler Range with eXcellent Three-Dimensional Reticulation (XTR™) Technology
by Giovanni Salti and Salvatore Piero Fundarò
Polymers 2020, 12(8), 1644; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12081644 - 24 Jul 2020
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4837
Abstract
Soft-tissue fillers made of hyaluronic acid and combined with lidocaine have recently become a popular tool in aesthetic medicine. Several manufacturers have developed their own proprietary formulae with varying manufacturing tools, concentrations, crosslinked three-dimensional network structures, pore size distributions of the fibrous networks, [...] Read more.
Soft-tissue fillers made of hyaluronic acid and combined with lidocaine have recently become a popular tool in aesthetic medicine. Several manufacturers have developed their own proprietary formulae with varying manufacturing tools, concentrations, crosslinked three-dimensional network structures, pore size distributions of the fibrous networks, as well as cohesivity levels and rheological properties, lending fillers and filler ranges their unique properties and degradability profiles. One such range of hyaluronic acid fillers manufactured using the novel eXcellent three-dimensional reticulation (XTR™) technology was evaluated in comparison with other HA fillers and filler ranges by an independent research laboratory. Fillers manufactured with the XTR™ technology were shown to have characteristic rheological, crosslinking and biophysical factors that support the suitability of this filler range for certain patient profiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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12 pages, 2036 KiB  
Article
Bioflocculants Produced by Bacterial Strains Isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent for Application in the Removal of Eriochrome Black T Dye from Water
by Syed Zaghum Abbas, Yang-Chun Yong, Moonis Ali Khan, Masoom Raza Siddiqui, Afnan Ali Hussain Hakami, Shareefa Ahmed Alshareef, Marta Otero and Mohd Rafatullah
Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1545; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12071545 - 13 Jul 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2682
Abstract
Four strains of bioflocculant-producing bacteria were isolated from a palm oil mill effluent (POME). The four bacterial strains were identified as Pseudomonas alcaliphila (B1), Pseudomonas oleovorans (B2), Pseudomonas chengduensis (B3), and Bacillus nitratireducens (B4) by molecular identification. Among the four bacterial strains, Bacillus [...] Read more.
Four strains of bioflocculant-producing bacteria were isolated from a palm oil mill effluent (POME). The four bacterial strains were identified as Pseudomonas alcaliphila (B1), Pseudomonas oleovorans (B2), Pseudomonas chengduensis (B3), and Bacillus nitratireducens (B4) by molecular identification. Among the four bacterial strains, Bacillus nitratireducens (B4) achieved the highest flocculating activity (49.15%) towards kaolin clay suspension after eight hours of cultivation time and was selected for further studies. The optimum conditions for Eriochrome Black T (EBT) flocculation regarding initial pH, type of cation, and B4 dosage were determined to be pH 2, Ca2⁺ cations, and a dosage of 250 mL/L of nutrient broth containing B4. Under these conditions, above 90% of EBT dye removal was attained. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) analysis of the bioflocculant revealed the presence of hydroxyl, alkyl, carboxyl, and amino groups. This bioflocculant was demonstrated to possess a good flocculating activity, being a promissory, low-cost, harmless, and environmentally friendly alternative for the treatment of effluents contaminated with dyes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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11 pages, 3018 KiB  
Article
A Silk Fibroin Based Hydration Accelerator for Root Canal Filling Materials
by Ching-Shuan Huang, Sung-Chih Hsieh, Nai-Chia Teng, Wei-Fang Lee, Poonam Negi, Wendimi Fatimata Belem, Hsuan-Chen Wu and Jen-Chang Yang
Polymers 2020, 12(4), 994; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12040994 - 24 Apr 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2974
Abstract
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is widely used in various dental endodontic applications such as root-end filling, furcal perforation repair, and vital pulp therapy. In spite of many attempts to improve handling properties and reduce the discoloration of MTA, the ideal root canal filling [...] Read more.
Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is widely used in various dental endodontic applications such as root-end filling, furcal perforation repair, and vital pulp therapy. In spite of many attempts to improve handling properties and reduce the discoloration of MTA, the ideal root canal filling material has yet to be fully developed. The objective of this study was to investigate the setting time, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of MTA set by a silk fibroin solution. A 5 wt% silk fibroin (SF) solution (a novel hydration accelerant) was used to set SavDen® MTA and ProRoot® white MTA (WMTA). Changes in setting time, diametral tensile strength (DTS), material crystallization, in vitro cell viability, and cell morphology were assessed by Vicat needle measurement, a universal testing machine, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and WST-1 assay, respectively. The initial setting time of ProRoot® MTA and SavDen® MTA experienced a drastic decrease of 83.9% and 42.1% when deionized water was replaced by 5 wt% SF solution as the liquid phase. The DTS of SavDen® MTA showed a significant increase after set by the SF solution in 24 h. A human osteoblast-like cell (MG-63)-based WST-1 assay revealed that both ProRoot® MTA and SavDen® MTA hydrated using SF solution did not significantly differ (p > 0.05) in cell viability. MG-63 cells with pseudopodia attachments and nuclear protrusions represent a healthier and more adherent status on the surface of MTA when set with SF solution. The results suggest that the 5 wt% SF solution may be used as an alternative hydration accelerant for MTA in endodontic applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1691 KiB  
Review
Role of Biomaterials Used for Periodontal Tissue Regeneration—A Concise Evidence-Based Review
by Jothi Varghese, Anjale Rajagopal and Shashikiran Shanmugasundaram
Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3038; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14153038 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2977
Abstract
Periodontal infections are noncommunicable chronic inflammatory diseases of multifactorial origin that can induce destruction of both soft and hard tissues of the periodontium. The standard remedial modalities for periodontal regeneration include nonsurgical followed by surgical therapy with the adjunctive use of various biomaterials [...] Read more.
Periodontal infections are noncommunicable chronic inflammatory diseases of multifactorial origin that can induce destruction of both soft and hard tissues of the periodontium. The standard remedial modalities for periodontal regeneration include nonsurgical followed by surgical therapy with the adjunctive use of various biomaterials to achieve restoration of the lost tissues. Lately, there has been substantial development in the field of biomaterial, which includes the sole or combined use of osseous grafts, barrier membranes, growth factors and autogenic substitutes to achieve tissue and bone regeneration. Of these, bone replacement grafts have been widely explored for their osteogenic potential with varied outcomes. Osseous grafts are derived from either human, bovine or synthetic sources. Though the biologic response from autogenic biomaterials may be better, the use of bone replacement synthetic substitutes could be practical for clinical practice. This comprehensive review focuses initially on bone graft replacement substitutes, namely ceramic-based (calcium phosphate derivatives, bioactive glass) and autologous platelet concentrates, which assist in alveolar bone regeneration. Further literature compilations emphasize the innovations of biomaterials used as bone substitutes, barrier membranes and complex scaffold fabrication techniques that can mimic the histologically vital tissues required for the regeneration of periodontal apparatus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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58 pages, 4440 KiB  
Review
Proteasome Biology: Chemistry and Bioengineering Insights
by Lucia Račková and Erika Csekes
Polymers 2020, 12(12), 2909; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12122909 - 04 Dec 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2618
Abstract
Proteasomal degradation provides the crucial machinery for maintaining cellular proteostasis. The biological origins of modulation or impairment of the function of proteasomal complexes may include changes in gene expression of their subunits, ubiquitin mutation, or indirect mechanisms arising from the overall impairment of [...] Read more.
Proteasomal degradation provides the crucial machinery for maintaining cellular proteostasis. The biological origins of modulation or impairment of the function of proteasomal complexes may include changes in gene expression of their subunits, ubiquitin mutation, or indirect mechanisms arising from the overall impairment of proteostasis. However, changes in the physico-chemical characteristics of the cellular environment might also meaningfully contribute to altered performance. This review summarizes the effects of physicochemical factors in the cell, such as pH, temperature fluctuations, and reactions with the products of oxidative metabolism, on the function of the proteasome. Furthermore, evidence of the direct interaction of proteasomal complexes with protein aggregates is compared against the knowledge obtained from immobilization biotechnologies. In this regard, factors such as the structures of the natural polymeric scaffolds in the cells, their content of reactive groups or the sequestration of metal ions, and processes at the interface, are discussed here with regard to their influences on proteasomal function. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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19 pages, 876 KiB  
Review
Research Progress and Development Demand of Nanocellulose Reinforced Polymer Composites
by Renjie Shen, Shiwen Xue, Yanru Xu, Qi Liu, Zhang Feng, Hao Ren, Huamin Zhai and Fangong Kong
Polymers 2020, 12(9), 2113; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym12092113 - 17 Sep 2020
Cited by 44 | Viewed by 3758
Abstract
Nanocellulose is a type of nanomaterial with high strength, high specific surface area and high surface energy. Additionally, it is nontoxic, harmless, biocompatible and environmentally friendly and can be extracted from biomass resources. The surface groups of cellulose show high surface energy and [...] Read more.
Nanocellulose is a type of nanomaterial with high strength, high specific surface area and high surface energy. Additionally, it is nontoxic, harmless, biocompatible and environmentally friendly and can be extracted from biomass resources. The surface groups of cellulose show high surface energy and binding activity on the nanoscale and can be modified by using various methods. Because nanocellulose has a high elastic modulus, rigidity and a low thermal expansion coefficient, it is an excellent material for polymer reinforcement. This paper summarizes the reinforcement mechanisms of nanocellulose polymer composites with a focus on the role of theoretical models in elucidating these mechanisms. Furthermore, the influence of various factors on the properties of nanocellulose reinforced polymer composites are discussed in combination with analyses and comparisons of specific research results in related fields. Finally, research focus and development directions for the design of high-performance nanocellulose reinforced polymer composites are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Performance of Biopolymers)
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