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Polymers
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Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications
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Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications

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 January 2022) | Viewed by 20298

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Nirichan Sanoj Rejinold

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Inelligent Nanohybrid Materials Laboratory (INML), Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Korea
Interests: drug delivery; cancer therapy; biopolymers; biomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Both synthetic and natural polymers have been widely applied for various biomedical applications, mainly due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functionality. Specifically, PLGA-, PLA-, PCL-, and PLLA-based synthetic polymers, as well as gelatin/alginate/chitin- and chitosan-based biopolymers have been utilized for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. The Special issue aims to showcase recent trends in polymeric materials in the biomedical field with special attention to various functionalized nano polymeric systems.

Prof. Nirichan Sanoj Rejinold
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

  • polymeric particles
  • functionalized polymers
  • bio polymeric systems
  • theranostic polymers
  • biomedical applications
  • tissue engineering
  • drug delivery
  • bio imaging
  • advanced theranostic polymeric nanoparticles

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 2951 KiB  
Article
Niclosamide–Clay Intercalate Coated with Nonionic Polymer for Enhanced Bioavailability toward COVID-19 Treatment
by Seungjin Yu, Huiyan Piao, N. Sanoj Rejinold, Geunwoo Jin, Goeun Choi and Jin-Ho Choy
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1044; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13071044 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6960
Abstract
Niclosamide (NIC), a conventional anthelmintic agent, is emerging as a repurposed drug for COVID-19 treatment. However, the clinical efficacy is very limited due to its low oral bioavailability resulting from its poor aqueous solubility. In the present study, a new hybrid drug delivery [...] Read more.
Niclosamide (NIC), a conventional anthelmintic agent, is emerging as a repurposed drug for COVID-19 treatment. However, the clinical efficacy is very limited due to its low oral bioavailability resulting from its poor aqueous solubility. In the present study, a new hybrid drug delivery system made of NIC, montmorillonite (MMT), and Tween 60 is proposed to overcome this obstacle. At first, NIC molecules were immobilized into the interlayer space of cationic clay, MMT, to form NIC–MMT hybrids, which could enhance the solubility of NIC, and then the polymer surfactant, Tween 60, was further coated on the external surface of NIC–MMT to improve the release rate and the solubility of NIC and eventually the bioavailability under gastrointestinal condition when orally administered. Finally, we have performed an in vivo pharmacokinetic study to compare the oral bioavailability of NIC for the Tween 60-coated NIC–MMT hybrid with Yomesan®, which is a commercially available NIC. Exceptionally, the Tween 60-coated NIC–MMT hybrid showed higher systemic exposure of NIC than Yomesan®. Therefore, the present NIC–MMT–Tween 60 hybrid can be a potent NIC drug formulation with enhanced solubility and bioavailability in vivo for treating Covid-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications)
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10 pages, 3038 KiB  
Article
Poly(Ethylene Glycol)-Poly(l-Alanine)/Hyaluronic Acid Complex as a 3D Platform for Understanding Cancer Cell Migration in the Tumor Microenvironment
by Jooyoung Sim, Hyun Jung Lee, Byeongmoon Jeong and Min Hee Park
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1042; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13071042 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1594
Abstract
Cancer progression and migration in the tumor microenvironment are related to cell types and three-dimensional (3D) matrices. Therefore, developing biomimetic tumor models, including co-culture systems and a tunable 3D matrix, could play an essential role in understanding the cancer environment. Here, multicellular spheroids [...] Read more.
Cancer progression and migration in the tumor microenvironment are related to cell types and three-dimensional (3D) matrices. Therefore, developing biomimetic tumor models, including co-culture systems and a tunable 3D matrix, could play an essential role in understanding the cancer environment. Here, multicellular spheroids using human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) and breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) within the 3D matrix were used as a tumor microenvironment (TME) mimicking platform. The amphiphilic peptide block copolymer and hyaluronic acid (HA) formed a self-assembled structure, which provides a biocompatible 3D environment for the cells. Multicellular spheroids were formed on the optimized plate and were observed as cell migration from a spheroid within a 3D matrix, such as the invasive and metastatic cancer of TME. This study suggests a new 3D platform using polymer complexes and the importance of tumor complexities, including various cell types and microenvironments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications)
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10 pages, 3701 KiB  
Article
Noninvasive Tracking of mPEG-poly(Ala) Hydrogel-Embedded MIN6 Cells after Subcutaneous Transplantation in Mice
by Jyuhn-Huarng Juang, Hsiu-Chao Lin, Chen-Yi Chen, Chen-Wei Kao, Chen-Ling Chen, Shu-Ting Wu, Sung-Han Lin, Chia-Rui Shen, Jiun-Jie Wang, Zei-Tsan Tsai and I-Ming Chu
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 885; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13060885 - 13 Mar 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1918
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated the feasibility of subcutaneous transplantation of MIN6 cells embedded in a scaffold with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (mPEG)-poly(Ala) hydrogels. In this study, we further tracked these grafts using magnetic resonance (MR) and bioluminescence imaging. After being incubated overnight with chitosan-coated [...] Read more.
Recently, we demonstrated the feasibility of subcutaneous transplantation of MIN6 cells embedded in a scaffold with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether (mPEG)-poly(Ala) hydrogels. In this study, we further tracked these grafts using magnetic resonance (MR) and bioluminescence imaging. After being incubated overnight with chitosan-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide (CSPIO) nanoparticles and then mixed with mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogels, MIN6 cells appeared as dark spots on MR scans. For in vivo experiments, we transfected MIN6 cells with luciferase and/or incubated them overnight with CSPIO overnight; 5 × 106 MIN6 cells embedded in mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogels were transplanted into the subcutaneous space of each nude mouse. The graft of CSPIO-labeled MIN6 cells was visualized as a distinct hypointense area on MR images located at the implantation site before day 21. However, this area became hyperintense on MR scans for up to 64 days. In addition, positive bioluminescence images were also observed for up to 64 days after transplantation. The histology of removed grafts showed positive insulin and iron staining. These results indicate mPEG-poly(Ala) is a suitable scaffold for β-cell encapsulation and transplantation. Moreover, MR and bioluminescence imaging are useful noninvasive tools for detecting and monitoring mPEG-poly(Ala) hydrogel-embedded MIN6 cells at a subcutaneous site. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications)
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9 pages, 1759 KiB  
Communication
Viscosity-Regulated Control of RNA Microstructure Fabrication
by Sunghyun Moon, Hyejin Kim, Dajeong Kim and Jong Bum Lee
Polymers 2021, 13(3), 454; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13030454 - 31 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2579
Abstract
The development of RNA self-assemblies offers a powerful platform for a wide range of biomedical applications. The fabrication process has become more elaborate in order to achieve functional structures with maximized potential. As a facile means to control the structure, here, we report [...] Read more.
The development of RNA self-assemblies offers a powerful platform for a wide range of biomedical applications. The fabrication process has become more elaborate in order to achieve functional structures with maximized potential. As a facile means to control the structure, here, we report a new approach to manipulate the polymerization rate and subsequent self-assembly process through regulation of the reaction viscosity. As the RNA polymerization rate has a dependence on solution viscosity, the resulting assembly, crystallization, and overall sizes of the product could be manipulated. The simple and precise control of RNA polymerization and self-assembly by reaction viscosity will provide a way to widen the utility of RNA-based materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications)
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16 pages, 5242 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Membranes Based on “Poly(ε-caprolactone)”, “Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)” and Their Blend for Tunable Drug Delivery of Curcumin
by Giuliana Gorrasi, Raffaele Longo and Gianluca Viscusi
Polymers 2020, 12(10), 2239; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12102239 - 28 Sep 2020
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2885 | Correction
Abstract
Membranes based on poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blends (PCL/PHB at 50 wt%) were obtained by electrospinning and curcumin encapsulated at 1 wt% as active agent, as drug delivery systems for biomedical applications. PCL and PHB were also separately electrospinned and loaded with 1 wt% of curcumin. [...] Read more.
Membranes based on poly(ε-caprolactone)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) blends (PCL/PHB at 50 wt%) were obtained by electrospinning and curcumin encapsulated at 1 wt% as active agent, as drug delivery systems for biomedical applications. PCL and PHB were also separately electrospinned and loaded with 1 wt% of curcumin. The processing parameters of PHB were drastically different from PCL and the blend PCL/PHB; in fact, the temperature used was 40 °C, and the distance injector–collector was 28 cm. Different conditions were used for PCL: lower temperature (i.e., 25 °C) and shorter distance injector–collector (i.e., 18 cm). The blend was processed in the same conditions of PCL. The fibers obtained with PHB showed diameters in the order of magnitude of micron (i.e., ≈ 3.45 µm), while the PCL mats is composed of fiber of nanometric dimensions (i.e., ≈ 340 nm). PCL/PHB blend allowed to obtain nanometric fibers (i.e., ≈520 nm). Same trend of results was obtained for the fibers’ porosity. The morphology, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties (sorption and diffusion) through water vapor were evaluated on all the electrospun fibers, as well as the release behavior of curcumin, and correlated to the processing parameter and the fibers’ morphologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications)
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Review

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26 pages, 5989 KiB  
Review
Recent Developments on Semiconducting Polymer Nanoparticles as Smart Photo-Therapeutic Agents for Cancer Treatments—A Review
by N. Sanoj Rejinold, Goeun Choi and Jin-Ho Choy
Polymers 2021, 13(6), 981; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13060981 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3126
Abstract
Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPN) have been emerging as novel functional nano materials for phototherapy which includes PTT (photo-thermal therapy), PDT (photodynamic therapy), and their combination. Therefore, it is important to look into their recent developments and further explorations specifically in cancer treatment. Therefore, [...] Read more.
Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPN) have been emerging as novel functional nano materials for phototherapy which includes PTT (photo-thermal therapy), PDT (photodynamic therapy), and their combination. Therefore, it is important to look into their recent developments and further explorations specifically in cancer treatment. Therefore, the present review describes novel semiconducting polymers at the nanoscale, along with their applications and limitations with a specific emphasis on future perspectives. Special focus is given on emerging and trending semiconducting polymeric nanoparticles in this review based on the research findings that have been published mostly within the last five years. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Materials in Biomedical Applications)
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