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Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications
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Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications

A special issue of Journal of Functional Biomaterials (ISSN 2079-4983).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 22663

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Yi Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha, China
Interests: biomaterials; bio-nano interaction; molecular mechanism; biological procedure; medical applications

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomaterials have emerged as a potentially powerful paradigm in clinical medicine due to their unique physicochemical properties such as topographical cues, charges, etc. Many efforts have been made to explore various avenues to process tailored nanomaterials for medical applications, including regenerative medicine, therapeutic delivery and additive manufacturing. Intriguingly, many studies have identified the existence of bio–nano interactions, which play important roles in biological procedures. Furthermore, biomaterials with diverse physical and/or chemical characteristics will induce different biological effects. However, their detailed mechanisms are unclear.

The translational application of biomaterials for clinical medicine is still in progress. Here, the molecular mechanisms and biological procedures of biomaterials in medical applications include the technologies for processing biomaterials, techniques for characterizing physiochemical properties and analyzing bio–nano interactions, biological behaviors and mechanisms, indications for medical applications etc.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Functional Biomaterials, “Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications”, aims to collect articles on topics that include, but are not limited to, biological procedures induced by biomaterials, interactions between biomaterials and biological cells, medical applications of biomaterials etc.

Dr. Yi Zhang
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. Journal of Functional Biomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

  • biological procedures induced by biomaterials
  • interactions between biomaterials and biological cells
  • medical applications of biomaterials

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 5026 KiB  
Article
Toxicological Evaluation toward Refined Montmorillonite with Human Colon Associated Cells and Human Skin Associated Cells
by Zhou Wang, Yibei Jiang, Guangjian Tian, Chuyu Zhu and Yi Zhang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15030075 - 20 Mar 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1335
Abstract
Montmorillonite has been refined to overcome uncertainties originating from different sources, which offers opportunities for addressing various health issues, e.g., cosmetics, wound dressings, and antidiarrheal medicines. Herein, three commercial montmorillonite samples were obtained from different sources and labeled M1, M2, and M3 for [...] Read more.
Montmorillonite has been refined to overcome uncertainties originating from different sources, which offers opportunities for addressing various health issues, e.g., cosmetics, wound dressings, and antidiarrheal medicines. Herein, three commercial montmorillonite samples were obtained from different sources and labeled M1, M2, and M3 for Ca-montmorillonite, magnesium-enriched Ca-montmorillonite, and silicon-enriched Na-montmorillonite, respectively. Commercial montmorillonite was refined via ultrasonic scission-differential centrifugation and labeled S, M, or L according to the particle sizes (small, medium, or large, respectively). The size distribution decreased from 2000 nm to 250 nm with increasing centrifugation rates from 3000 rpm to 12,000 rpm. Toxicological evaluations with human colon-associated cells and human skin-associated cells indicated that side effects were correlated with excess dosages and silica sand. These side effects were more obvious with human colon-associated cells. The microscopic interactions between micro/nanosized montmorillonite and human colon-associated cells or human skin-associated cells indicated that those interactions were correlated with the size distributions. The interactions of the M1 series with the human cells were attributed to size effects because montmorillonite with a broad size distribution was stored in the M1 series. The M2 series interactions with human cells did not seem to be correlated with size effects because large montmorillonite particles were retained after refining. The M3 series interactions with human cells were attributed to size effects because small montmorillonite particles were retained after refining. This illustrates that toxicological evaluations with refined montmorillonite must be performed in accordance with clinical medical practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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15 pages, 3572 KiB  
Article
Surface Properties of a Biocompatible Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Its Anti-Adhesive Effect against E. coli and S. aureus
by Elisa Restivo, Emanuela Peluso, Nora Bloise, Giovanni Lo Bello, Giovanna Bruni, Marialaura Giannaccari, Roberto Raiteri, Lorenzo Fassina and Livia Visai
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15010024 - 15 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3007
Abstract
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a polymer used in a variety of fields, including medical applications. Here, we aimed to verify if the brush and bar coater deposition techniques did not alter TPU properties. The topography of the TPU-modified surfaces was studied via AFM [...] Read more.
Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is a polymer used in a variety of fields, including medical applications. Here, we aimed to verify if the brush and bar coater deposition techniques did not alter TPU properties. The topography of the TPU-modified surfaces was studied via AFM demonstrating no significant differences between brush and bar coater-modified surfaces, compared to the un-modified TPU (TPU Film). The effect of the surfaces on planktonic bacteria, evaluated by MTT assay, demonstrated their anti-adhesive effect on E. coli, while the bar coater significantly reduced staphylococcal planktonic adhesion and both bacterial biofilms compared to other samples. Interestingly, Pearson’s R coefficient analysis showed that Ra roughness and Haralick’s correlation feature were trend predictors for planktonic bacterial cells adhesion. The surface adhesion property was evaluated against NIH-3T3 murine fibroblasts by MTT and against human fibrinogen and human platelet-rich plasma by ELISA and LDH assay, respectively. An indirect cytotoxicity experiment against NIH-3T3 confirmed the biocompatibility of the TPUs. Overall, the results indicated that the deposition techniques did not alter the antibacterial and anti-adhesive surface properties of modified TPU compared to un-modified TPU, nor its bio- and hemocompatibility, confirming the suitability of TPU brush and bar coater films in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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11 pages, 3566 KiB  
Communication
Montmorillonite-Sodium Alginate Oral Colon-Targeting Microcapsule Design for WGX-50 Encapsulation and Controlled Release in Gastro-Intestinal Tract
by Yibei Jiang, Zhou Wang, Ke Cao, Lu Xia, Dongqing Wei and Yi Zhang
J. Funct. Biomater. 2024, 15(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb15010003 - 19 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1997
Abstract
The montmorillonite-sodium alginate (MMT-SA) colon-targeting microcapsules have been designed as a WGX-50 encapsulation and controlled release vehicle used in oral administration. The MMT-SA microcapsule was formed from a cross-linking reaction, and the stable micropore in the microcapsule changed with a different MMT-SA mixed [...] Read more.
The montmorillonite-sodium alginate (MMT-SA) colon-targeting microcapsules have been designed as a WGX-50 encapsulation and controlled release vehicle used in oral administration. The MMT-SA microcapsule was formed from a cross-linking reaction, and the stable micropore in the microcapsule changed with a different MMT-SA mixed mass ratio. The MMT-SA microcapsule has a reinforced micropore structure and an enhanced swell–dissolution in SIF and SCF with alkaline environment, which is attributed to the incorporated MMT. The MMT-SA microcapsule exhibited a high WGX-50 encapsulation rate up to 98.81 ± 0.31% and an obvious WGX-50 controlled release in the simulated digestive fluid in vitro. The WGX-50 loaded with MMT-SA microcapsule showed a weak minimizing drug loss in SGF (Simulated Gastric Fluid) with an acidic environment, while it showed a strong maximizing drug release in SIF (Simulated Intestinal Fluid) and SCF (Simulated Colonic Fluid) with an alkaline environment. These features make the MMT-SA microcapsule a nominated vehicle for colon disease treatment used in oral administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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13 pages, 1862 KiB  
Article
Development and Functionalization of a Novel Chitosan-Based Nanosystem for Enhanced Drug Delivery
by Carmen Grierosu, Gabriela Calin, Daniela Damir, Constantin Marcu, Radu Cernei, Georgeta Zegan, Daniela Anistoroaei, Mihaela Moscu, Elena Mihaela Carausu, Letitia Doina Duceac, Marius Gabriel Dabija, Geta Mitrea, Cristian Gutu, Elena Roxana Bogdan Goroftei and Lucian Eva
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(11), 538; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14110538 - 1 Nov 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2189
Abstract
Nowadays, infection diseases are one of the most significant threats to humans all around the world. An encouraging strategy for solving this issue and fighting resistant microorganisms is to develop drug carriers for a prolonged release of the antibiotic to the target site. [...] Read more.
Nowadays, infection diseases are one of the most significant threats to humans all around the world. An encouraging strategy for solving this issue and fighting resistant microorganisms is to develop drug carriers for a prolonged release of the antibiotic to the target site. The purpose of this work was to obtain metronidazole-encapsulated chitosan nanoparticles using an ion gelation route and to evaluate their properties. Due to the advantages of the ionic gelation method, the synthesized polymeric nanoparticles can be applied in various fields, especially pharmaceutical and medical. Loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency varFied depending on the amount of antibiotic in each formulation. Physicochemical characterization using scanning electron microscopy revealed a narrow particle size distribution where 90% of chitosan particles were 163.7 nm in size and chitosan-loaded metronidazole nanoparticles were 201.3 nm in size, with a zeta potential value of 36.5 mV. IR spectra revealed characteristic peaks of the drug and polymer nanoparticles. Cell viability assessment revealed that samples have no significant impact on tested cells. Release analysis showed that metronidazole was released from the chitosan matrix for 24 h in a prolonged course, implying that antibiotic-encapsulated polymer nanostructures are a promising drug delivery system to prevent or to treat various diseases. It is desirable to obtain new formulations based on drugs encapsulated in nanoparticles through different preparation methods, with reduced cytotoxic potential, in order to improve the therapeutic effect through sustained and prolonged release mechanisms of the drug correlated with the reduction of adverse effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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27 pages, 10103 KiB  
Article
Exploring CVD Method for Synthesizing Carbon–Carbon Composites as Materials to Contact with Nerve Tissue
by Aneta Fraczek-Szczypta, Natalia Kondracka, Marcel Zambrzycki, Maciej Gubernat, Pawel Czaja, Miroslawa Pawlyta, Piotr Jelen, Ryszard Wielowski and Danuta Jantas
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(9), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14090443 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2805
Abstract
The main purpose of these studies was to obtain carbon–carbon composites with a core built of carbon fibers and a matrix in the form of pyrolytic carbon (PyC), obtained by using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with direct electrical heating of a [...] Read more.
The main purpose of these studies was to obtain carbon–carbon composites with a core built of carbon fibers and a matrix in the form of pyrolytic carbon (PyC), obtained by using the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with direct electrical heating of a bundle of carbon fibers as a potential electrode material for nerve tissue stimulation. The methods used for the synthesis of PyC proposed in this paper allow us, with the appropriate selection of parameters, to obtain reproducible composites in the form of rods with diameters of about 300 µm in 120 s (CF_PyC_120). To evaluate the materials, various methods such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and tensiometer techniques were used to study their microstructural, structural, chemical composition, surface morphology, and surface wettability. Assessing their applicability for contact with nervous tissue cells, the evaluation of cytotoxicity and biocompatibility using the SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell line was performed. Viability and cytotoxicity tests (WST-1 and LDH release) along with cell morphology examination demonstrated that the CF_PyC_120 composites showed high biocompatibility compared to the reference sample (Pt wire), and the best adhesion of cells to the surface among all tested materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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17 pages, 6567 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of How Methacrylate Gelatin Hydrogel Loaded with Ximenia americana L. Extract (Steam Bark) Effects Bone Repair Activity Using Rats as Models
by Seânia Santos Leal, Gustavo Oliveira de Meira Gusmão, Valdiléia Teixeira Uchôa, José Figueiredo-Silva, Lucielma Salmito Soares Pinto, Carla R. Tim, Lívia Assis, Antonio Luiz Martins Maia-Filho, Rauirys Alencar de Oliveira, Anderson Oliveira Lobo and Adriana Pavinatto
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(9), 438; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14090438 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1574
Abstract
The use of bioactive materials, such as Ximenia americana L., to stimulate the bone repair process has already been studied; however, the synergistic effects of its association with light emitting diode (LED) have not been reported. The present work aims to evaluate the [...] Read more.
The use of bioactive materials, such as Ximenia americana L., to stimulate the bone repair process has already been studied; however, the synergistic effects of its association with light emitting diode (LED) have not been reported. The present work aims to evaluate the effect of its stem bark extract incorporated into methacrylate gelatin hydrogel (GelMA) on the bone repair process using pure hydrogel and hydrogel associated with LED therapy. For this purpose, the GelMA hydrogel loaded with Ximenia americana L. extract (steam bark) was produced, characterized and applied in animal experiments. The tests were performed using 50 male Wistar rats (divided into 5 groups) submitted to an induced tibia diaphyseal fracture. The therapy effects were verified for a period of 15 and 30 days of treatment using histological analysis and Raman spectroscopy. After 15 days of induced lesion/treatment, the new bone formation was significantly higher in the GXG (GelMA + X. americana L.) group compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). After 30 days, a statistically significant difference was observed when comparing the GXLEDG (GelMA + X. americana L. + LED) and the control group (p < 0.0001), the GXG and the control group (p < 0.001), and when comparing the GG, GXG (p < 0.005) and GXLEDG (p < 0.001) groups. The results shows that the Ximenia americana L. stem extract incorporated into GelMA hydrogel associated with LED therapy is a potentiator for animal bone repair. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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Review

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26 pages, 4292 KiB  
Review
Decellularization Techniques for Tissue Engineering: Towards Replicating Native Extracellular Matrix Architecture in Liver Regeneration
by Ishita Allu, Ajay Kumar Sahi, Meghana Koppadi, Shravanya Gundu and Alina Sionkowska
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(10), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14100518 - 16 Oct 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4420
Abstract
The process of tissue regeneration requires the utilization of a scaffold, which serves as a structural framework facilitating cellular adhesion, proliferation, and migration within a physical environment. The primary aim of scaffolds in tissue engineering is to mimic the structural and functional properties [...] Read more.
The process of tissue regeneration requires the utilization of a scaffold, which serves as a structural framework facilitating cellular adhesion, proliferation, and migration within a physical environment. The primary aim of scaffolds in tissue engineering is to mimic the structural and functional properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the target tissue. The construction of scaffolds that accurately mimic the architecture of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a challenging task, primarily due to the intricate structural nature and complex composition of the ECM. The technique of decellularization has gained significant attention in the field of tissue regeneration because of its ability to produce natural scaffolds by removing cellular and genetic components from the extracellular matrix (ECM) while preserving its structural integrity. The present study aims to investigate the various decellularization techniques employed for the purpose of isolating the extracellular matrix (ECM) from its native tissue. Additionally, a comprehensive comparison of these methods will be presented, highlighting their respective advantages and disadvantages. The primary objective of this study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical and functional features of the native liver, as well as the prevalence and impact of liver diseases. Additionally, this study aims to identify the limitations and difficulties associated with existing therapeutic methods for liver diseases. Furthermore, the study explores the potential of tissue engineering techniques in addressing these challenges and enhancing liver performance. By investigating these aspects, this research field aims to contribute to the advancement of liver disease treatment and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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35 pages, 1924 KiB  
Review
The Effects of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Behavior of Mineralizing Cells Related to Bone Tissue Regeneration—A Scoping Review of In Vitro Evidence
by Renata de Lima Barbosa, Emanuelle Stellet Lourenço, Julya Vittoria de Azevedo dos Santos, Neilane Rodrigues Santiago Rocha, Carlos Fernando Mourão and Gutemberg Gomes Alves
J. Funct. Biomater. 2023, 14(10), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb14100503 - 9 Oct 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4271
Abstract
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation blood concentrate that serves as an autologous approach for both soft and hard tissue regeneration. It provides a scaffold for cell interaction and promotes the local release of growth factors. PRF has been investigated as an alternative [...] Read more.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a second-generation blood concentrate that serves as an autologous approach for both soft and hard tissue regeneration. It provides a scaffold for cell interaction and promotes the local release of growth factors. PRF has been investigated as an alternative to bone tissue therapy, with the potential to expedite wound healing and bone regeneration, though the mechanisms involved are not yet fully understood. This review aims to explore the in vitro evidence of PRF’s effects on the behavior of mineralizing cells related to bone tissue regeneration. A systematic electronic search was conducted up to August 2023, utilizing three databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. A total of 76 studies were selected, which presented in vitro evidence of PRF’s usefulness, either alone or in conjunction with other biomaterials, for bone tissue treatment. PRF membranes’ influence on the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of bone cells is linked to the constant release of growth factors, resulting in changes in crucial markers of bone cell metabolism and behavior. This further reinforces their therapeutic potential in wound healing and bone regeneration. While there are some notable differences among the studies, the overall results suggest a positive effect of PRF on cell proliferation, differentiation, mineralization, and a reduction in inflammation. This points to its therapeutic potential in the field of regenerative medicine. Collectively, these findings may help enhance our understanding of how PRF impacts basic physiological processes in bone and mineralized tissue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms and Biological Procedures of Biomaterials in Medical Applications)
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