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Polymers
Special Issues
Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications
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Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2023) | Viewed by 41126

Printed Edition Available!
A printed edition of this Special Issue is available here.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Andrada Serafim

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Advanced Polymer Materials Group, Faculty of Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest 011061, Romania
Interests: hydrogels with medical applications; nanostructured scaffolds; biofunctionalization; QCM-D; microstructural and architectural analyses; mechanical properties; rheological behavior
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Stefan Ioan Voicu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Advanced Polymer Materials Group, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
2. Department of Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: synthesis and characterisation of polymeric membranes; biomedical applications of polymeric membranes; functionalization and derivatization of carbon-based nanospecies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The synthesis and characterization of scaffolds and surfaces with improved properties for biomedical applications represents an ever-expanding field of research that is continuously gaining momentum. As technology and society evolves, the golden standard of autografts has been contested due to their lack of availability, and tremendous efforts have been dedicated to develop nature-inspired materials able to either undertake the functions of damaged tissue or contribute significantly to its repair. To this end, multidisciplinary research aiming at the engineering of new or improved materials has been conducted with the purpose of finding suitable candidates that replicate the characteristics of natural tissue with regard to its function, mechanical behaviour, microarchitectural features, etc. 

This objective of this Special Issue is to present manuscripts that describe the synthesis of new materials with biomedical applications and their thorough characterization using conventional and emerging techniques. Emphasis will be placed on materials with improved bioactivity, tailored microarchitecture, enhanced mechanical properties, or personalized features to answer specific demands in the field of regenerative medicine.

Researchers are encouraged to submit relevant papers either in the form of full research articles, communications, or reviews. Submissions may cover, but are not limited to, the following topics:

  • Surface functionalization for improved bioactivity and biomimicry
  • Synthesis of scaffolds based on natural and synthetic polymers
  • Synthesis of functionalized or composite polymer-based coatings
  • Synthesis of polymeric membranes with biomedical applications
  • Advanced characterization techniques for polymer-based materials with potential biomedical applications
  • Materials for regenerative medicine.

Dr. Andrada Serafim
Prof. Dr. Stefan Ioan Voicu
Guest Editors

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

  • bioactivity and biomimicry
  • natural and synthetic polymer-based scaffolds
  • coatings
  • membranes
  • functionalized surfaces
  • modern characterization techniques
  • biomedical applications
  • regenerative medicine

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 194 KiB  
Editorial
Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications
by Andrada Serafim and Stefan Ioan Voicu
Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2126; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15092126 - 29 Apr 2023
Viewed by 2910
Abstract
The engineering of scaffolds and surfaces with enhanced properties for biomedical applications represents an ever-expanding field of research that is continuously gaining momentum [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 2913 KiB  
Article
Branched Amphiphilic Polylactides as a Polymer Matrix Component for Biodegradable Implants
by Vladislav Istratov, Vitaliy Gomzyak, Valerii Vasnev, Oleg V. Baranov, Yaroslav Mezhuev and Inessa Gritskova
Polymers 2023, 15(5), 1315; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym15051315 - 06 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1428
Abstract
The combination of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high mechanical strength has provided a steady growth in interest in the synthesis and application of lactic acid-based polyesters for the creation of implants. On the other hand, the hydrophobicity of polylactide limits the possibilities of its [...] Read more.
The combination of biocompatibility, biodegradability, and high mechanical strength has provided a steady growth in interest in the synthesis and application of lactic acid-based polyesters for the creation of implants. On the other hand, the hydrophobicity of polylactide limits the possibilities of its use in biomedical fields. The ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide, catalyzed by tin (II) 2-ethylhexanoate in the presence of 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid, and an ester of polyethylene glycol monomethyl ester and 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid accompanied by the introduction of a pool of hydrophilic groups, that reduce the contact angle, were considered. The structures of the synthesized amphiphilic branched pegylated copolylactides were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The resulting amphiphilic copolylactides, with a narrow MWD (1.14–1.22) and molecular weight of 5000–13,000, were used to prepare interpolymer mixtures with PLLA. Already, with the introduction of 10 wt% branched pegylated copolylactides, PLLA-based films had reduced brittleness, hydrophilicity, with a water contact angle of 71.9–88.5°, and increased water absorption. An additional decrease in the water contact angle, of 66.1°, was achieved by filling the mixed polylactide films with 20 wt% hydroxyapatite, which also led to a moderate decrease in strength and ultimate tensile elongation. At the same time, the PLLA modification did not have a significant effect on the melting point and the glass transition temperature; however, the filling with hydroxyapatite increased the thermal stability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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9 pages, 1162 KiB  
Article
Cytotoxicity Assessment of a New Design for a Biodegradable Ureteral Mitomycin Drug-Eluting Stent in Urothelial Carcinoma Cell Culture
by Federico Soria, Luna Martínez-Pla, Salvador D. Aznar-Cervantes, Julia E. de la Cruz, Tomás Fernández, Daniel Pérez-Fentes, Luis Llanes and Francisco Miguel Sánchez-Margallo
Polymers 2022, 14(19), 4081; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14194081 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1476
Abstract
Urothelial tumour of the upper urinary tract is a rare neoplasm, but unfortunately, it has a high recurrence rate. The reduction of these tumour recurrences could be achieved by the intracavitary instillation of adjuvant chemotherapy after nephron-sparing treatment in selected patients, but current [...] Read more.
Urothelial tumour of the upper urinary tract is a rare neoplasm, but unfortunately, it has a high recurrence rate. The reduction of these tumour recurrences could be achieved by the intracavitary instillation of adjuvant chemotherapy after nephron-sparing treatment in selected patients, but current instillation methods are ineffective. Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the cytotoxic capacity of a new instillation technology through a biodegradable ureteral stent/scaffold coated with a silk fibroin matrix for the controlled release of mitomycin C as an anti-cancer drug. Through a comparative study, we assessed, in urothelial carcinoma cells in a human cancer T24 cell culture for 3 and 6 h, the cytotoxic capacity of mitomycin C by viability assay using the CCK-8 test (Cell counting Kit-8). Cell viability studies in the urothelial carcinoma cell line confirm that mitomycin C embedded in the polymeric matrix does not alter its cytotoxic properties and causes a significant decrease in cell viability at 6 h versus in the control groups. These findings have a clear biomedical application and could be of great use to decrease the recurrence rate in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinomas by increasing the dwell time of anti-cancer drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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12 pages, 2974 KiB  
Article
Development of 3D Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)/Maghemite (ϒ-Fe2O3) Using Ultra-Hard and Tough (UHT) Bio-Resin for Soft Tissue Engineering
by Ehsan Fallahiarezoudar, Nor Hasrul Akhmal Ngadiman, Noordin Mohd Yusof, Ani Idris and Mohamad Shaiful Ashrul Ishak
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14132561 - 23 Jun 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1351
Abstract
The use of soft tissue engineering scaffolds is an advanced approach to repairing damaged soft tissue. To ensure the success of this technique, proper mechanical and biocompatibility properties must be taken into consideration. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold was developed using [...] Read more.
The use of soft tissue engineering scaffolds is an advanced approach to repairing damaged soft tissue. To ensure the success of this technique, proper mechanical and biocompatibility properties must be taken into consideration. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) scaffold was developed using digital light processing (DLP) and ultra-hard and tough (UHT) bio-resin. The 3D scaffold structure consisted of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and maghemite (ϒ-Fe2O3) nanoparticles mixed with UHT bio-resin. The solution sample for fabricating the scaffolds was varied with the concentration of the TPU (10, 12.5, and 15% wt/v) and the amount of ϒ-Fe2O3 (1, 3, and 5% v/v) added to 15% wt/v of TPU. Before developing the real geometry of the sample, a pre-run of the DLP 3D printing process was done to determine the optimum curing time of the structure to be perfectly cured, which resulted in 30 s of curing time. Then, this study proceeded with a tensile test to determine the mechanical properties of the developed structure in terms of elasticity. It was found that the highest Young’s Modulus of the scaffold was obtained with 15% wt/v TPU/UHT with 1% ϒ-Fe2O3. Furthermore, for the biocompatibility study, the degradation rate of the scaffold containing TPU/UHT was found to be higher compared to the TPU/UHT containing ϒ-Fe2O3 particles. However, the MTT assay results revealed that the existence of ϒ-Fe2O3 in the scaffold improved the proliferation rate of the cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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18 pages, 8827 KiB  
Article
Investigating Potential Effects of Ultra-Short Laser-Textured Porous Poly-ε-Caprolactone Scaffolds on Bacterial Adhesion and Bone Cell Metabolism
by Emil Filipov, Liliya Angelova, Sanjana Vig, Maria Helena Fernandes, Gerard Moreau, Marie Lasgorceix, Ivan Buchvarov and Albena Daskalova
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2382; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14122382 - 12 Jun 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
Developing antimicrobial surfaces that combat implant-associated infections while promoting host cell response is a key strategy for improving current therapies for orthopaedic injuries. In this paper, we present the application of ultra-short laser irradiation for patterning the surface of a 3D biodegradable synthetic [...] Read more.
Developing antimicrobial surfaces that combat implant-associated infections while promoting host cell response is a key strategy for improving current therapies for orthopaedic injuries. In this paper, we present the application of ultra-short laser irradiation for patterning the surface of a 3D biodegradable synthetic polymer in order to affect the adhesion and proliferation of bone cells and reject bacterial cells. The surfaces of 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were processed with a femtosecond laser (λ = 800 nm; τ = 130 fs) for the production of patterns resembling microchannels or microprotrusions. MG63 osteoblastic cells, as well as S. aureus and E. coli, were cultured on fs-laser-treated samples. Their attachment, proliferation, and metabolic activity were monitored via colorimetric assays and scanning electron microscopy. The microchannels improved the wettability, stimulating the attachment, spreading, and proliferation of osteoblastic cells. The same topography induced cell-pattern orientation and promoted the expression of alkaline phosphatase in cells growing in an osteogenic medium. The microchannels exerted an inhibitory effect on S. aureus as after 48 h cells appeared shrunk and disrupted. In comparison, E. coli formed an abundant biofilm over both the laser-treated and control samples; however, the film was dense and adhesive on the control PCL but unattached over the microchannels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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20 pages, 10280 KiB  
Article
Nanostructured Polyacrylamide Hydrogels with Improved Mechanical Properties and Antimicrobial Behavior
by Elena Olăreț, Ștefan Ioan Voicu, Ruxandra Oprea, Florin Miculescu, Livia Butac, Izabela-Cristina Stancu and Andrada Serafim
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2320; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14122320 - 08 Jun 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
This work proposes a simple method to obtain nanostructured hydrogels with improved mechanical characteristics and relevant antibacterial behavior for applications in articular cartilage regeneration and repair. Low amounts of silver-decorated carbon-nanotubes (Ag@CNTs) were used as reinforcing agents of the semi-interpenetrating polymer network, consisting [...] Read more.
This work proposes a simple method to obtain nanostructured hydrogels with improved mechanical characteristics and relevant antibacterial behavior for applications in articular cartilage regeneration and repair. Low amounts of silver-decorated carbon-nanotubes (Ag@CNTs) were used as reinforcing agents of the semi-interpenetrating polymer network, consisting of linear polyacrylamide (PAAm) embedded in a PAAm-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) hydrogel. The rational design of the materials considered a specific purpose for each employed species: (1) the classical PAAm-MBA network provides the backbone of the materials; (2) the linear PAAm (i) aids the dispersion of the nanospecies, ensuring the systems’ homogeneity and (ii) enhances the mechanical properties of the materials with regard to resilience at repeated compressions and ultimate compression stress, as shown by the specific mechanical tests; and (3) the Ag@CNTs (i) reinforce the materials, making them more robust, and (ii) imprint antimicrobial characteristics on the obtained scaffolds. The tests also showed that the obtained materials are stable, exhibiting little degradation after 4 weeks of incubation in phosphate-buffered saline. Furthermore, as revealed by micro-computed tomography, the morphometric features of the scaffolds are adequate for applications in the field of articular tissue regeneration and repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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11 pages, 2561 KiB  
Article
Evolution of Spinal Cord Transection of Rhesus Monkey Implanted with Polymer Synthesized by Plasma Evaluated by Diffusion Tensor Imaging
by Axayacatl Morales-Guadarrama, Hermelinda Salgado-Ceballos, Israel Grijalva, Juan Morales-Corona, Braulio Hernández-Godínez, Alejandra Ibáñez-Contreras, Camilo Ríos, Araceli Diaz-Ruiz, Guillermo Jesus Cruz, María Guadalupe Olayo, Stephanie Sánchez-Torres, Rodrigo Mondragón-Lozano, Laura Alvarez-Mejia, Omar Fabela-Sánchez and Roberto Olayo
Polymers 2022, 14(5), 962; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14050962 - 28 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2028
Abstract
In spinal cord injury (SCI) there is damage to the nervous tissue, due to the initial damage and pathophysiological processes that are triggered subsequently. There is no effective therapeutic strategy for motor functional recovery derived from the injury. Several studies have demonstrated neurons [...] Read more.
In spinal cord injury (SCI) there is damage to the nervous tissue, due to the initial damage and pathophysiological processes that are triggered subsequently. There is no effective therapeutic strategy for motor functional recovery derived from the injury. Several studies have demonstrated neurons growth in cell cultures on polymers synthesized by plasma derived from pyrrole, and the increased recovery of motor function in rats by implanting the polymer in acute states of the SCI in contusion and transection models. In the process of transferring these advances towards humans it is recommended to test in mayor species, such as nonhuman primates, prioritizing the use of non-invasive techniques to evaluate the injury progression with the applied treatments. This work shows the ability of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to evaluate the evolution of the SCI in nonhuman primates through the fraction of anisotropy (FA) analysis and the diffusion tensor tractography (DTT) calculus. The injury progression was analysed up to 3 months after the injury day by FA and DTT. The FA recovery and the DTT re-stabilization were observed in the experimental implanted subject with the polymer, in contrast with the non-implanted subject. The parameters derived from DTI are concordant with the histology and the motor functional behaviour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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Graphical abstract

25 pages, 12643 KiB  
Article
Adult Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells on 3D Silk Fibroin Nonwovens Release Exosomes Enriched in Angiogenic and Growth-Promoting Factors
by Peng Hu, Anna Chiarini, Jun Wu, Zairong Wei, Ubaldo Armato and Ilaria Dal Prà
Polymers 2022, 14(4), 697; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14040697 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2066
Abstract
Background. Our earlier works showed the quick vascularization of mouse skin grafted Bombyx mori 3D silk fibroin nonwoven scaffolds (3D-SFnws) and the release of exosomes enriched in angiogenic/growth factors (AGFs) from in vitro 3D-SFnws-stuck human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Here, we explored whether coronary [...] Read more.
Background. Our earlier works showed the quick vascularization of mouse skin grafted Bombyx mori 3D silk fibroin nonwoven scaffolds (3D-SFnws) and the release of exosomes enriched in angiogenic/growth factors (AGFs) from in vitro 3D-SFnws-stuck human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Here, we explored whether coronary artery adult human smooth muscle cells (AHSMCs) also release AGFs-enriched exosomes when cultured on 3D-SFnws in vitro. Methods. Media with exosome-depleted FBS served for AHSMCs and human endothelial cells (HECs) cultures on 3D-SFnws or polystyrene. Biochemical methods and double-antibody arrays assessed cell growth, metabolism, and intracellular TGF-β and NF-κB signalling pathways activation. AGFs conveyed by CD9+/CD81+ exosomes released from AHSMCs were double-antibody array analysed and their angiogenic power evaluated on HECs in vitro. Results. AHSMCs grew and consumed D-glucose more intensely and showed a stronger phosphorylation/activation of TAK-1, SMAD-1/-2/-4/-5, ATF-2, c-JUN, ATM, CREB, and an IκBα phosphorylation/inactivation on SFnws vs. polystyrene, consistent overall with a proliferative/secretory phenotype. SFnws-stuck AHSMCs also released exosomes richer in IL-1α/-2/-4/-6/-8; bFGF; GM-CSF; and GRO-α/-β/-γ, which strongly stimulated HECs’ growth, migration, and tubes/nodes assembly in vitro. Conclusions. Altogether, the intensified AGFs exosomal release from 3D-SFnws-attached AHSMCs and HDFs could advance grafts’ colonization, vascularization, and take in vivo—noteworthy assets for prospective clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 3417 KiB  
Article
Highly Porous Composite Scaffolds Endowed with Antibacterial Activity for Multifunctional Grafts in Bone Repair
by Ana S. Neto, Patrícia Pereira, Ana C. Fonseca, Carla Dias, Mariana C. Almeida, Inês Barros, Catarina O. Miranda, Luís P. de Almeida, Paula V. Morais, Jorge F. J. Coelho and José M. F. Ferreira
Polymers 2021, 13(24), 4378; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13244378 - 14 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2505
Abstract
The present study deals with the development of multifunctional biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds coated with biopolymers—poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(ester urea) (PEU)—loaded with an antibiotic drug, Rifampicin (RFP). The amounts of RFP incorporated into the PCL and PEU-coated scaffolds were 0.55 ± 0.04 [...] Read more.
The present study deals with the development of multifunctional biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) scaffolds coated with biopolymers—poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) or poly(ester urea) (PEU)—loaded with an antibiotic drug, Rifampicin (RFP). The amounts of RFP incorporated into the PCL and PEU-coated scaffolds were 0.55 ± 0.04 and 0.45 ± 0.02 wt%, respectively. The in vitro drug release profiles in phosphate buffered saline over 6 days were characterized by a burst release within the first 8h, followed by a sustained release. The Korsmeyer–Peppas model showed that RFP release was controlled by polymer-specific non-Fickian diffusion. A faster burst release (67.33 ± 1.48%) was observed for the PCL-coated samples, in comparison to that measured (47.23 ± 0.31%) for the PEU-coated samples. The growth inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated. Although the RFP-loaded scaffolds were effective in reducing bacterial growth for both strains, their effectiveness depends on the particular bacterial strain, as well as on the type of polymer coating, since it rules the drug release behavior. The low antibacterial activity demonstrated by the BCP-PEU-RFP scaffold against E. coli could be a consequence of the lower amount of RFP that is released from this scaffold, when compared with BCP-PCL-RFP. In vitro studies showed excellent cytocompatibility, adherence, and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells on the BCP-PEU-RFP scaffold surface. The fabricated highly porous scaffolds that could act as an antibiotic delivery system have great potential for applications in bone regeneration and tissue engineering, while preventing bacterial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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17 pages, 3640 KiB  
Article
Architecture and Composition Dictate Viscoelastic Properties of Organ-Derived Extracellular Matrix Hydrogels
by Francisco Drusso Martinez-Garcia, Roderick Harold Jan de Hilster, Prashant Kumar Sharma, Theo Borghuis, Machteld Nelly Hylkema, Janette Kay Burgess and Martin Conrad Harmsen
Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3113; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13183113 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7101
Abstract
The proteins and polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide architectural support as well as biochemical and biophysical instruction to cells. Decellularized, ECM hydrogels replicate in vivo functions. The ECM’s elasticity and water retention renders it viscoelastic. In this study, we compared the [...] Read more.
The proteins and polysaccharides of the extracellular matrix (ECM) provide architectural support as well as biochemical and biophysical instruction to cells. Decellularized, ECM hydrogels replicate in vivo functions. The ECM’s elasticity and water retention renders it viscoelastic. In this study, we compared the viscoelastic properties of ECM hydrogels derived from the skin, lung and (cardiac) left ventricle and mathematically modelled these data with a generalized Maxwell model. ECM hydrogels from the skin, lung and cardiac left ventricle (LV) were subjected to a stress relaxation test under uniaxial low-load compression at a 20%/s strain rate and the viscoelasticity determined. Stress relaxation data were modelled according to Maxwell. Physical data were compared with protein and sulfated GAGs composition and ultrastructure SEM. We show that the skin-ECM relaxed faster and had a lower elastic modulus than the lung-ECM and the LV-ECM. The skin-ECM had two Maxwell elements, the lung-ECM and the LV-ECM had three. The skin-ECM had a higher number of sulfated GAGs, and a highly porous surface, while both the LV-ECM and the lung-ECM had homogenous surfaces with localized porous regions. Our results show that the elasticity of ECM hydrogels, but also their viscoelastic relaxation and gelling behavior, was organ dependent. Part of these physical features correlated with their biochemical composition and ultrastructure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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16 pages, 7064 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial Activity and Protection Efficiency of Polyvinyl Butyral Nanofibrous Membrane Containing Thymol Prepared through Vertical Electrospinning
by Wen-Chi Lu, Ching-Yi Chen, Chia-Jung Cho, Manikandan Venkatesan, Wei-Hung Chiang, Yang-Yen Yu, Chen-Hung Lee, Rong-Ho Lee, Syang-Peng Rwei and Chi-Ching Kuo
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1122; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13071122 - 01 Apr 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3102
Abstract
Human safety, health management, and disease transmission prevention have become crucial tasks in the present COVID-19 pandemic situation. Masks are widely available and create a safer and disease transmission–free environment. This study presents a facile method of fabricating masks through electrospinning nontoxic polyvinyl [...] Read more.
Human safety, health management, and disease transmission prevention have become crucial tasks in the present COVID-19 pandemic situation. Masks are widely available and create a safer and disease transmission–free environment. This study presents a facile method of fabricating masks through electrospinning nontoxic polyvinyl butyral (PVB) polymeric matrix with the antibacterial component Thymol, a natural phenol monoterpene. Based on the results of Japanese Industrial Standards and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists methods, the maximum antibacterial value of the mask against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was 5.6 and 6.4, respectively. Moreover, vertical electrospinning was performed to prepare Thymol/PVB nanofiber masks, and the effects of parameters on the submicron particulate filtration efficiency (PFE), differential pressure, and bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) were determined. Thorough optimization of the small-diameter nanofiber–based antibacterial mask led to denser accumulation and improved PFE and pressure difference; the mask was thus noted to meet the present pandemic requirements. The as-developed nanofibrous masks have the antibacterial activity suggested by the National Standard of the Republic of China (CNS 14774) for general medical masks. Their BFE reaches 99.4%, with a pressure difference of <5 mmH2O/cm2. The mask can safeguard human health and promote a healthy environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

22 pages, 1313 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Biopolymer Fabrication in Additive Manufacturing Processing for 3D-Tissue-Engineering Scaffolds
by Nurulhuda Arifin, Izman Sudin, Nor Hasrul Akhmal Ngadiman and Mohamad Shaiful Ashrul Ishak
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2119; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14102119 - 23 May 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2790
Abstract
The selection of a scaffold-fabrication method becomes challenging due to the variety in manufacturing methods, biomaterials and technical requirements. The design and development of tissue engineering scaffolds depend upon the porosity, which provides interconnected pores, suitable mechanical strength, and the internal scaffold architecture. [...] Read more.
The selection of a scaffold-fabrication method becomes challenging due to the variety in manufacturing methods, biomaterials and technical requirements. The design and development of tissue engineering scaffolds depend upon the porosity, which provides interconnected pores, suitable mechanical strength, and the internal scaffold architecture. The technology of the additive manufacturing (AM) method via photo-polymerization 3D printing is reported to have the capability to fabricate high resolution and finely controlled dimensions of a scaffold. This technology is also easy to operate, low cost and enables fast printing, compared to traditional methods and other additive manufacturing techniques. This article aims to review the potential of the photo-polymerization 3D-printing technique in the fabrication of tissue engineering scaffolds. This review paper also highlights the comprehensive comparative study between photo-polymerization 3D printing with other scaffold fabrication techniques. Various parameter settings that influence mechanical properties, biocompatibility and porosity behavior are also discussed in detail. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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22 pages, 4804 KiB  
Review
Functionalized Hemodialysis Polysulfone Membranes with Improved Hemocompatibility
by Elena Ruxandra Radu and Stefan Ioan Voicu
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1130; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym14061130 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4102
Abstract
The field of membrane materials is one of the most dynamic due to the continuously changing requirements regarding the selectivity and the upgradation of the materials developed with the constantly changing needs. Two membrane processes are essential at present, not for development, but [...] Read more.
The field of membrane materials is one of the most dynamic due to the continuously changing requirements regarding the selectivity and the upgradation of the materials developed with the constantly changing needs. Two membrane processes are essential at present, not for development, but for everyday life—desalination and hemodialysis. Hemodialysis has preserved life and increased life expectancy over the past 60–70 years for tens of millions of people with chronic kidney dysfunction. In addition to the challenges related to the efficiency and separative properties of the membranes, the biggest challenge remained and still remains the assurance of hemocompatibility—not affecting the blood during its recirculation outside the body for 4 h once every two days. This review presents the latest research carried out in the field of functionalization of polysulfone membranes (the most used polymer in the preparation of membranes for hemodialysis) with the purpose of increasing the hemocompatibility and efficiency of the separation process itself with a decreasing impact on the body. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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24 pages, 3106 KiB  
Review
Application of Computational Method in Designing a Unit Cell of Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffold: A Review
by Nur Syahirah Mustafa, Nor Hasrul Akhmal, Sudin Izman, Mat Hussin Ab Talib, Ashrul Ishak Mohamad Shaiful, Mohd Nazri Bin Omar, Nor Zaiazmin Yahaya and Suhaimi Illias
Polymers 2021, 13(10), 1584; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym13101584 - 14 May 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3807
Abstract
The design of a scaffold of bone tissue engineering plays an important role in ensuring cell viability and cell growth. Therefore, it is a necessity to produce an ideal scaffold by predicting and simulating the properties of the scaffold. Hence, the computational method [...] Read more.
The design of a scaffold of bone tissue engineering plays an important role in ensuring cell viability and cell growth. Therefore, it is a necessity to produce an ideal scaffold by predicting and simulating the properties of the scaffold. Hence, the computational method should be adopted since it has a huge potential to be used in the implementation of the scaffold of bone tissue engineering. To explore the field of computational method in the area of bone tissue engineering, this paper provides an overview of the usage of a computational method in designing a unit cell of bone tissue engineering scaffold. In order to design a unit cell of the scaffold, we discussed two categories of unit cells that can be used to design a feasible scaffold, which are non-parametric and parametric designs. These designs were later described and being categorised into multiple types according to their characteristics, such as circular structures and Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) structures. The advantages and disadvantages of these designs were discussed. Moreover, this paper also represents some software that was used in simulating and designing the bone tissue scaffold. The challenges and future work recommendations had also been included in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scaffolds and Surfaces with Biomedical Applications)
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