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Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III

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A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Macromolecular Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 31857

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Dr. Matthias Schnabelrauch

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INNOVENT e. V., Department of Biomaterials, Pruessingstrasse 27B, D-07745 Jena, Germany
Interests: biomaterials; biopolymers; polymer synthesis; biodegradable polymers; polysaccharides; glycosaminoglycans; hydrogels; hybrid materials; tissue engineering; electrospinning; antibacterial polymers; material–cell interactions; surface modification
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Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric scaffolds derived from natural and synthetic sources play a crucial role in many clinical methods aimed at repairing or regrowing human tissue damaged by disease or trauma. Driven by the ability to regenerate ever more complex tissues and organ components, the demands on polymer scaffold materials and manufacturing processes have also grown. Scaffolds with defined molecular structures, controlled degradation behavior, mechanical properties that can be adapted to the respective tissue, and the ability of materials to specifically interact with cells and bioactive molecules play an important role here. At the same time, powerful techniques for the production of complex and reproducible scaffold and carrier structures have been established. Furthermore, the surface properties of polymers have been adapted to the needs of the cells by means of efficient modification processes.

This Special Issue will focus on recent innovative developments with regard to the preparation of highly cytocompatible polymer materials and the establishment of high-performance manufacturing and modification processes for polymer and polymer composite scaffolds.

Topics are not limited to the abovementioned studies but can cover all research areas concerning polymeric scaffolds for biomedical applications, including transfer systems for therapeutic nucleic acids; release systems for bioactive molecules, such as growth factors to stimulate tissue regeneration; cell culture systems for organ-on-a-chip models; bioimaging devices; and cell-based production systems for sera and vaccines.

Considering your contribution to this interesting research field, I would like to invite you to submit an article to this Special Issue. Full research papers, communications, and review articles are welcome.

Dr. Matthias Schnabelrauch
Guest Editor

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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. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

polymeric scaffolds
natural and synthetic polymers
scaffold fabrication techniques
regenerative medicine
tissue engineering
additive manufacturing processes
hydrogels
nano- and microfibers
porous materials
polymer–cell interactions

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Related Special Issues

Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications 2020 in Molecules (21 articles)
Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications 2021 in Molecules (11 articles)

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Research

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15 pages, 3910 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Tilapia Skin Collagen for Biomedical Research Applications in Comparison with Mammalian Collagen

by Jyun-Yuan Huang, Tzyy-Yue Wong, Ting-Yuan Tu, Ming-Jer Tang, Hsi-Hui Lin and Yuan-Yu Hsueh

Molecules 2024, 29(2), 402; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29020402 - 13 Jan 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2644

Abstract

Collagen is an important material for biomedical research, but using mammalian tissue-derived collagen carries the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. Marine organisms, such as farmed tilapia, have emerged as a safe alternative source of collagen for biomedical research. However, the tilapia collagen products for biomedical research are rare, and their biological functions remain largely unexamined. In this study, we characterized a commercial tilapia skin collagen using SDS-PAGE and fibril formation assays and evaluated its effects on skin fibroblast adhesion, proliferation, and migration, comparing it with commercial collagen from rat tails, porcine skin, and bovine skin. The results showed that tilapia skin collagen is a type I collagen, similar to rat tail collagen, and has a faster fibril formation rate and better-promoting effects on cell migration than porcine and bovine skin collagen. We also confirmed its application in a 3D culture for kidney cells’ spherical cyst formation, fibroblast-induced gel contraction, and tumor spheroid interfacial invasion. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the freeze-dried tilapia skin collagen scaffold improved wound closure in a mouse excisional wound model, similar to commercial porcine or bovine collagen wound dressings. In conclusion, tilapia skin collagen is an ideal biomaterial for biomedical research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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25 pages, 40068 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering from a Blend of Polyethersulfone and Polyurethane Polymers

by Monika Wasyłeczko, Elżbieta Remiszewska, Wioleta Sikorska, Judyta Dulnik and Andrzej Chwojnowski

Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3195; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073195 - 3 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2501

Abstract

In recent years, one of the main goals of cartilage tissue engineering has been to find appropriate scaffolds for hyaline cartilage regeneration, which could serve as a matrix for chondrocytes or stem cell cultures. The study presents three types of scaffolds obtained from a blend of polyethersulfone (PES) and polyurethane (PUR) by a combination of wet-phase inversion and salt-leaching methods. The nonwovens made of gelatin and sodium chloride (NaCl) were used as precursors of macropores. Thus, obtained membranes were characterized by a suitable structure. The top layers were perforated, with pores over 20 µm, which allows cells to enter the membrane. The use of a nonwoven made it possible to develop a three-dimensional network of interconnected macropores that is required for cell activity and mobility. Examination of wettability (contact angle, swelling ratio) showed a hydrophilic nature of scaffolds. The mechanical test showed that the scaffolds were suitable for knee joint applications (stress above 10 MPa). Next, the scaffolds underwent a degradation study in simulated body fluid (SBF). Weight loss after four weeks and changes in structure were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MeMoExplorer Software, a program that estimates the size of pores. The porosity measurements after degradation confirmed an increase in pore size, as expected. Hydrolysis was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, where the disappearance of ester bonds at about 1730 cm⁻¹ wavelength is noticeable after degradation. The obtained results showed that the scaffolds meet the requirements for cartilage tissue engineering membranes and should undergo further testing on an animal model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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24 pages, 6853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tissue Bioengineering with Fibrin Scaffolds and Deproteinized Bone Matrix Associated or Not with the Transoperative Laser Photobiomodulation Protocol

by Karina Torres Pomini, Daniela Vieira Buchaim, Ana Carolina Cestari Bighetti, Abdul Latif Hamzé, Carlos Henrique Bertoni Reis, Marco Antonio Húngaro Duarte, Murilo Priori Alcalde, Benedito Barraviera, Rui Seabra Ferreira Júnior, Alexandre Teixeira de Souza, Paulo Sérgio da Silva Santos, João Paulo Galletti Pilon, Miguel Ângelo de Marchi, Dayane Maria Braz Nogueira, Cleuber Rodrigo de Souza Bueno, Wendel Cleber Soares and Rogerio Leone Buchaim

Molecules 2023, 28(1), 407; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28010407 - 3 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2756

Abstract

Extending the range of use of the heterologous fibrin biopolymer, this pre-clinical study showed a new proportionality of its components directed to the formation of scaffold with a lower density of the resulting mesh to facilitate the infiltration of bone cells, and combined with therapy by laser photobiomodulation, in order to accelerate the repair process and decrease the morphofunctional recovery time. Thus, a transoperative protocol of laser photobiomodulation (L) was evaluated in critical bone defects filled with deproteinized bovine bone particles (P) associated with heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HF). The groups were: BC_L (blood clot + laser); HF; HF_L; PHF (P+HF); PHF_L (P+HF+L). Microtomographically, bone volume (BV) at 14 days, was higher in the PHF and PHF_L groups (10.45 ± 3.31 mm³ and 9.94 ± 1.51 mm³), significantly increasing in the BC_L, HF_L and PHF_L groups. Histologically, in all experimental groups, the defects were not reestablished either in the external cortical bone or in the epidural, occurring only in partial bone repair. At 42 days, the bone area (BA) increased in all groups, being significantly higher in the laser-treated groups. The quantification of bone collagen fibers showed that the percentage of collagen fibers in the bone tissue was similar between the groups for each experimental period, but significantly higher at 42 days (35.71 ± 6.89%) compared to 14 days (18.94 ± 6.86%). It can be concluded that the results of the present study denote potential effects of laser radiation capable of inducing functional bone regeneration, through the synergistic combination of biomaterials and the new ratio of heterologous fibrin biopolymer components (1:1:1) was able to make the resulting fibrin mesh less dense and susceptible to cellular permeability. Thus, the best fibrinogen concentration should be evaluated to find the ideal heterologous fibrin scaffold. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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16 pages, 3135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PEEK and Hyaluronan-Based 3D Printed Structures: Promising Combination to Improve Bone Regeneration

by Letizia Ferroni, Ugo D’Amora, Sara Leo, Elena Tremoli, Maria Grazia Raucci, Alfredo Ronca, Luigi Ambrosio and Barbara Zavan

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8749; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248749 - 9 Dec 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2065

Abstract

Hybrid bone substitute made up of a 3D printed polyetheretherketone (PEEK) scaffold coated with methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA)-hydroxyapatite (HAp) hydrogel is the objective of the present work. Development and characterization of the scaffold and of the MeHA-HAp after its infiltration and UV photocrosslinking have been followed by analyses of its biological properties using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Interconnected porous PEEK matrices were produced by fused deposition modeling (FDM) characterized by a reticular pattern with 0°/90° raster orientation and square pores. In parallel, a MeHA-HAp slurry has been synthesized and infiltrated in the PEEK scaffolds. The mechanical properties of the coated and pure PEEK scaffold have been evaluated, showing that the inclusion of MeHA-HAp into the lattice geometry did not significantly change the strength of the PEEK structure with Young’s modulus of 1034.9 ± 126.1 MPa and 1020.0 ± 63.7 MPa for PEEK and PEEK-MeHA-HAp scaffolds, respectively. Human MSCs were seeded on bare and coated scaffolds and cultured for up to 28 days to determine the adhesion, proliferation, migration and osteogenic differentiation. In vitro results showed that the MeHA-HAp coating promotes MSCs adhesion and proliferation and contributes to osteogenic differentiation and extracellular matrix mineralization. This study provides an efficient solution for the development of a scaffold combining the great mechanical performances of PEEK with the bioactive properties of MeHA and HAp, having high potential for translational clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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16 pages, 4313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Design of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid–Bioglass Composite Scaffold: A Potential Implant Material for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Sahar Sultan, Nebu Thomas, Mekha Varghese, Yogesh Dalvi, Shilpa Joy, Stephen Hall and Aji P Mathew

Molecules 2022, 27(21), 7214; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27217214 - 25 Oct 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2577

Abstract

Bio-based and patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds can present next generation strategies for bone tissue engineering (BTE) to treat critical bone size defects. In the present study, a composite filament of poly lactic acid (PLA) and 45S5 bioglass (BG) were used to 3D print scaffolds intended for bone tissue regeneration. The thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique was used to produce composite spheres that were extruded into a continuous filament to 3D print a variety of composite scaffolds. These scaffolds were analyzed for their macro- and microstructures, mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility. The results show that the BG particles were homogeneously distributed within the PLA matrix and contributed to an 80% increase in the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis of PLA-BG scaffolds using L929 mouse fibroblast cells confirmed their biocompatibility. During the in vivo studies, the population of the cells showed an elevated level of macrophages and active fibroblasts that are involved in collagen extracellular matrix synthesis. This study demonstrates successful processing of PLA-BG 3D-printed composite scaffolds and their potential as an implant material with a tunable pore structure and mechanical properties for regenerative bone tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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20 pages, 6453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natural and Synthetic Polymer Scaffolds Comprising Upconversion Nanoparticles as a Bioimaging Platform for Tissue Engineering

by Ekaterina M. Trifanova, Maria A. Khvorostina, Aleksandra O. Mariyanats, Anastasia V. Sochilina, Maria E. Nikolaeva, Evgeny V. Khaydukov, Roman A. Akasov and Vladimir K. Popov

Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6547; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196547 - 3 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2488

Abstract

Modern biocompatible materials of both natural and synthetic origin, in combination with advanced techniques for their processing and functionalization, provide the basis for tissue engineering constructs (TECs) for the effective replacement of specific body defects and guided tissue regeneration. Here we describe TECs fabricated using electrospinning and 3D printing techniques on a base of synthetic (polylactic-co-glycolic acids, PLGA) and natural (collagen, COL, and hyaluronic acid, HA) polymers impregnated with core/shell β-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺/NaYF₄ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for in vitro control of the tissue/scaffold interaction. Polymeric structures impregnated with core/shell β-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺/NaYF₄ nanoparticles were visualized with high optical contrast using laser irradiation at 976 nm. We found that the photoluminescence spectra of impregnated scaffolds differ from the spectrum of free UCNPs that could be used to control the scaffold microenvironment, polymer biodegradation, and cargo release. We proved the absence of UCNP-impregnated scaffold cytotoxicity and demonstrated their high efficiency for cell attachment, proliferation, and colonization. We also modified the COL-based scaffold fabrication technology to increase their tensile strength and structural stability within the living body. The proposed approach is a technological platform for “smart scaffold” development and fabrication based on bioresorbable polymer structures impregnated with UCNPs, providing the desired photoluminescent, biochemical, and mechanical properties for intravital visualization and monitoring of their behavior and tissue/scaffold interaction in real time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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12 pages, 4968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrogel Dressing Containing Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Accelerating Chronic Wound Healing in Aged Mouse Model

by Yonghao Xiao, Hui Zhao, Xiaoyu Ma, Zongheng Gu, Xin Wu, Liang Zhao, Lin Ye and Zengguo Feng

Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6361; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196361 - 26 Sep 2022

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2665

Abstract

Due to the decreasing self-repairing ability, elder people are easier to form chronic wounds and suffer from slow and difficult wound healing. It is desirable to develop a novel wound dressing that can accelerate chronic wound healing in elderly subjects to decrease the pain of patients and save medical resources. In this work, Heparin and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) were dissolved in the mixing solution of 4-arm acrylated polyethylene glycol and dithiothreitol to form hydrogel dressing in vitro at room temperature without any catalysts, which is convenient and easy to handle in clinic application. In vitro re-lease test shows the bFGF could be continuously released for at least 7 days, whereas the dressing surface integrity maintained for 3 days degradation in PBS solution. Three groups of treatments including bFGF-Gel, bFGF-Sol and control without any treatment were applied on the full-thickness wound on the 22 months old mice back. The wound closure rate and histological and immunohistochemical staining all illustrated that bFGF-Gel displayed a better wound healing effect than the other two groups. Thus, as-prepared hydrogel dressing seems supe-rior to current clinical treatment and more effective in elderly subjects, which shows promising potential to be applied in the clinic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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Review

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23 pages, 4068 KiB

Open AccessReview

Hydrogel Tissue Bioengineered Scaffolds in Bone Repair: A Review

by Qiteng Ding, Shuai Zhang, Xinglong Liu, Yingchun Zhao, Jiali Yang, Guodong Chai, Ning Wang, Shuang Ma, Wencong Liu and Chuanbo Ding

Molecules 2023, 28(20), 7039; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28207039 - 12 Oct 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3801

Abstract

Large bone defects due to trauma, infections, and tumors are difficult to heal spontaneously by the body’s repair mechanisms and have become a major hindrance to people’s daily lives and economic development. However, autologous and allogeneic bone grafts, with their lack of donors, more invasive surgery, immune rejection, and potential viral transmission, hinder the development of bone repair. Hydrogel tissue bioengineered scaffolds have gained widespread attention in the field of bone repair due to their good biocompatibility and three-dimensional network structure that facilitates cell adhesion and proliferation. In addition, loading natural products with nanoparticles and incorporating them into hydrogel tissue bioengineered scaffolds is one of the most effective strategies to promote bone repair due to the good bioactivity and limitations of natural products. Therefore, this paper presents a brief review of the application of hydrogels with different gel-forming properties, hydrogels with different matrices, and nanoparticle-loaded natural products loaded and incorporated into hydrogels for bone defect repair in recent years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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20 pages, 3547 KiB

Open AccessReview

Promising Role of Polylactic Acid as an Ingenious Biomaterial in Scaffolds, Drug Delivery, Tissue Engineering, and Medical Implants: Research Developments, and Prospective Applications

by Lalit Ranakoti, Brijesh Gangil, Prabhakar Bhandari, Tej Singh, Shubham Sharma, Jujhar Singh and Sunpreet Singh

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020485 - 4 Jan 2023

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 4537

Abstract

In the present scenario, the research is now being focused on the naturally occurring polymers that can gradually replace the existing synthetic polymers for the development of bio composites having applications in medical surgeries and human implants. With promising mechanical properties and bio compatibility with human tissues, poly lactic acid (PLA) is now being viewed as a future bio material. In order to examine the applicability of PLA in human implants, the current article sheds light on the synthesis of PLA and its various copolymers used to alter its physical and mechanical properties. In the latter half, various processes used for the fabrication of biomaterials are discussed in detail. Finally, biomaterials that are currently in use in the field of biomedical (Scaffolding, drug delivery, tissue engineering, medical implants, derma, cosmetics, medical surgeries, and human implants) are represented with respective advantages in the sphere of biomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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17 pages, 2928 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cellulose-Based Composites as Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: Recent Advances

by Siavash Iravani and Rajender S. Varma

Molecules 2022, 27(24), 8830; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248830 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4697

Abstract

Today, numerous studies have focused on the design of novel scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications; however, several challenges still exist in terms of biocompatibility/cytocompatibility, degradability, cell attachment/proliferation, nutrient diffusion, large-scale production, and clinical translation studies. Greener and safer technologies can help to produce scaffolds with the benefits of cost-effectiveness, high biocompatibility, and biorenewability/sustainability, reducing their toxicity and possible side effects. However, some challenges persist regarding their degradability, purity, having enough porosity, and possible immunogenicity. In this context, naturally derived cellulose-based scaffolds with high biocompatibility, ease of production, availability, sustainability/renewability, and environmentally benign attributes can be applied for designing scaffolds. These cellulose-based scaffolds have shown unique mechanical properties, improved cell attachment/proliferation, multifunctionality, and enhanced biocompatibility/cytocompatibility, which make them promising candidates for tissue engineering applications. Herein, the salient developments pertaining to cellulose-based scaffolds for neural, bone, cardiovascular, and skin tissue engineering are deliberated, focusing on the challenges and opportunities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications III)

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