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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 18971

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anatoly Olkhov

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Guest Editor

Academic Department of Innovational Materials and Technologies Chemistry, Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, 36 Stremyanny per., Moscow 117997, Russia
Interests: ultrathin fibers; electrospinning; polylactide

Dr. Polina Tyubaeva

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Guest Editor

Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia
Interests: nonwoven fibrous materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of new biomedicine biomaterials with a highly developed structure is of great interest. Electrospinning is one of the most effective methods of creating polymer materials with a unique morphology that is very similar to that of a living organism.

At present, there have been many changes and breakthroughs in the theory, methodology and practical realization of the electrospinning of biopolymers and their composites.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to explore the most recent research articles and reviews in the design and analysis of electrospun polymer composites for biomedical applications.

Dr. Anatoly Olkhov
Dr. Polina Tyubaeva
Guest Editors

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Keywords

electrospun biomaterials
electrospinning process
biocomposites with a highly developed surface area
design of new biocompatible materials
biocompatible polymers
mechanical behavior
bioresorption and biodegradation process
supramolecular structure of fibrous polymeric materials

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 9163 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electrospinning of Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate Fibers Loaded with Chlorophyll for Antibacterial Purposes

by Polina M. Tyubaeva, Ivetta A. Varyan, Roman R. Romanov, Vasily A. Merzlikin, Olga A. Gruznova, Dmitry V. Gruznov, Nikolay I. Popov, Gulizar Sh. Shcherbakova, Ekaterina N. Shuteeva, Irina P. Chesnokova, Anton V. Lobanov and Anatoly A. Olkhov

Polymers 2024, 16(22), 3221; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16223221 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 224

Abstract

This work is devoted to the creation of biocompatible fibrous materials with a high antimicrobial effect based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and chlorophyll (Chl). The data obtained show the possibility of obtaining fibrous materials from PHB and Chl by electrospinning methods. The obtained electrospun matrices were investigated by the SEM, DSC and FTIR methods. Various key properties of the matrices were evaluated, including hydrophilicity and mechanical strength, as well as photodynamic and light-dependent antimicrobial effects against the conditionally pathogenic microorganism Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in electrospinning properties for a concentration of 0.5% Chl and a reduction in fiber formation defects, as well as an increase in the strength of nonwovens. It was found that the antimicrobial potential of Chl-PHB (with concentrations of Chl of 1.25 and 1.5%) is higher than that of Chl in free form. It was also determined that irradiation increases the inhibitory effect of Chl, both in free form and in the form of a complex with a polymer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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19 pages, 4206 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alpha-Tocopherol-Infused Flexible Liposomal Nanocomposite Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive: Enhancing Skin Permeation of Retinaldehyde

by Kanokwan Singpanna, Puchapong Jiratananan, Santipharp Paiboonwasin, Nawinda Petcharawuttikrai, Prin Chaksmithanont, Chaiyakarn Pornpitchanarong and Prasopchai Patrojanasophon

Polymers 2024, 16(20), 2930; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16202930 - 18 Oct 2024

Viewed by 628

Abstract

Retinaldehyde (RAL), or retinal, is a vitamin A derivative that is widely used for several skin conditions. However, it is light sensitive and has low water solubility, limiting its efficiency in transdermal delivery. This study developed a novel delivery system for retinal (RAL) using flexible liposomes (FLPs) infused with α-tocopherol succinate (α-TS) to improve stability, and enhance skin permeability. The RAL-FLPs were embedded in pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) hydrogels, creating a delivery platform that supports prolonged skin residence and efficient permeation of RAL. The stability and skin permeation as well as human skin irritation and adhesion capabilities were assessed to determine the formulation’s safety and efficacy. Our findings suggested that the addition of α-TS could improve liposomal stability and RAL chemical stability. Moreover, the skin permeation and fluorescence microscopic-based studies suggested that the addition of α-TS could enhance skin permeability of RAL through hair follicles. The RAL-FLP was embedded in PSA hydrogels fabricated from 25% Gantrez^TM S-97 (GT) and 1% hyaluronic acid (Hya) with aluminum as a crosslinker. The PSA hydrogel exhibited desirable peeling and tacking strengths. The developed hydrogels also demonstrated greater skin deposition of RAL compared with its aqueous formulation. Additionally, the RAL-FLP-embedded PSA hydrogels showed no skin irritation and maintained better adhesion for up to 24 h compared to commercial patches. Hence, the developed hydrogels could serve as a beneficial platform for delivering RAL in treating skin conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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13 pages, 32818 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Biological Characterization of Ionic and Photo-Crosslinking Effects on Gelatin-Based Hydrogel for Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications

by Gabriele Boretti, Hafsteinn Esjar Baldursson, Luca Buonarrivo, Stina Simonsson, Sigurður Brynjólfsson, Paolo Gargiulo and Ólafur Eysteinn Sigurjónsson

Polymers 2024, 16(19), 2741; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16192741 - 27 Sep 2024

Viewed by 683

Abstract

Articular cartilage degeneration poses a significant public health challenge; techniques such as 3D bioprinting are being explored for its regeneration in vitro. Gelatin-based hydrogels represent one of the most promising biopolymers used in cartilage tissue engineering, especially for its collagen composition and tunable mechanical properties. However, there are no standard protocols that define process parameters such as the crosslinking method to apply. To this aim, a reproducible study was conducted for exploring the influence of different crosslinking methods on 3D bioprinted gelatin structures. This study assessed mechanical properties and cell viability in relation to various crosslinking techniques, revealing promising results particularly for dual (photo + ionic) crosslinking methods, which achieved high cell viability and tunable stiffness. These findings offer new insights into the effects of crosslinking methods on 3D bioprinted gelatin for cartilage applications. For example, ionic and photo-crosslinking methods provide softer materials, with photo-crosslinking supporting cell stretching and diffusion, while ionic crosslinking preserves a spherical stem cell morphology. On the other hand, dual crosslinking provides a stiffer, optimized solution for creating stable cartilage-like constructs. The results of this study offer a new perspective on the standardization of gelatin for cartilage bioprinting, bridging the gap between research and clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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13 pages, 986 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modification of High-Density Polyethylene with a Fibrillar–Porous Structure by Biocompatible Polyvinyl Alcohol via Environmental Crazing

by Alena Yarysheva and Olga Arzhakova

Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1184; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091184 - 23 Apr 2024

Viewed by 944

Abstract

Polymer/polymer nanocomposites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and biocompatible polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared by tensile drawing of HDPE in the PVA solutions via environmental crazing. The mechanism of this phenomenon was described. The HDPE/PVA nanocomposites were studied by the methods of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, gravimetry, tensile tests, and their composition, properties, and performance were characterized. The content of PVA in the HDPE/PVA nanocomposites (up to 22 wt.%) was controlled by the tensile strain of HDPE and concentration of PVA in the solution. Depending on the content of PVA, the wettability of the HDPE/PVA nanocomposite (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) could be varied in a broad interval from 45 to 98°. The modification of HDPE by the biocompatible PVA offers a beneficial avenue for practical applications of the HDPE/PVA composites as biomedical materials, packaging and protective materials, modern textile articles, breathable materials, membranes and sorbents, etc. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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21 pages, 7348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applicability of Electron-Beam and Hybrid Plasmas for Polyethylene Terephthalate Processing to Obtain Hydrophilic and Biocompatible Surfaces

by Tatiana Vasilieva, Elena Nikolskaya, Michael Vasiliev, Mariia Mollaeva, Margarita Chirkina, Maria Sokol, Nikita Yabbarov, Tatiana Shikova, Artem Abramov and Aleksandr Ugryumov

Polymers 2024, 16(2), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020172 - 6 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1361

Abstract

The applicability of beam-plasma chemical reactors generating cold hybrid plasma for the production of noncytotoxic polymeric surfaces with high hydrophilicity and good biocompatibility with human fibroblast culture and human red blood cells was studied. Oxygen hybrid plasma was excited by the joint action of a continuous scanning electron beam and a capacity-coupled RF-gas discharge. Experiments showed that hybrid plasma treatment caused polar oxygen-containing functional group formation in the surface layer of poly (ethylene terephthalate) films. No thermal or radiative damage in tested polymer samples was found. The plasma-modified polymers turned out to be noncytotoxic and revealed good biocompatibility with human fibroblasts BJ-5ta as well as lower hemolytic activity than untreated poly (ethylene terephthalate). Experiments also demonstrated that no phenomena caused by the electrostatic charging of polymers occur in hybrid plasma because the electron beam component of hybrid plasma eliminates the item charge when it is treated. The electron beam can effectively control the reaction volume geometry as well as the fluxes of active plasma particles falling on the item surface. This provides new approaches to the production of abruptly structured patterns or smooth gradients of functionalities on a plane and 3D polymeric items of complicated geometry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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19 pages, 13462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solvent Swelling-Induced Halogenation of Butyl Rubber Using Polychlorinated N-Alkanes: Structure and Properties

by Ksenia Valeriyevna Sukhareva, Nikita Romanovich Sukharev, Irina Ivanovna Levina, Peter Ogbuna Offor and Anatoly Anatolyevich Popov

Polymers 2023, 15(20), 4137; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15204137 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1951

Abstract

Traditional butyl rubber halogenation technology involves the halogenation of IIR using molecular chlorine or bromine in a solution. However, this method is technologically complex. This study investigated a novel method for the halogenation of butyl rubber to enhance its stability and resistance to thermal oxidation and aggressive media. The butyl rubber was modified through mechanochemical modification, induced by solvent swelling in a polychlorinated n-alkane solution. During the modification, samples were obtained with chlorine content ranging from 3 to 15%. After extraction, the halogen content was quantitatively determined with the oxygen flask combustion method and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was shown that for samples with total chlorine content of up to 6%, there was almost no leaching of chlorine from the samples. The chemical structure of the extracted rubbers was ascertained using FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and it was demonstrated that all samples showed absorption peaks and signals typical for chlorobutyl rubbers. It was observed that modification with polychlorinated n-alkanes improved the thermal and oxidative stability (the oxygen absorption rate decreased by 40%) and chemical resistance, estimated by the degree of swelling, which decreased with the increase in the chlorine content. This technology allows the production of a chlorinated rubber solution that can be directly used by rubber goods manufacturers and suppliers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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13 pages, 2439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hybrid Polyelectrolyte Capsules Loaded with Gadolinium-Doped Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles as a Biocompatible MRI Agent for Theranostic Applications

by Danil D. Kolmanovich, Nikita N. Chukavin, Irina V. Savintseva, Elena A. Mysina, Nelli R. Popova, Alexander E. Baranchikov, Madina M. Sozarukova, Vladimir K. Ivanov and Anton L. Popov

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3840; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183840 - 21 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled polyelectrolyte capsules have demonstrated their unique advantages and capability in drug delivery applications. These ordered micro/nanostructures are also promising candidates as imaging contrast agents for diagnostic and theranostic applications. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), one of the most powerful clinical imaging modalities, is moving forward to the molecular imaging field and requires advanced imaging probes. This paper reports on a new design of MRI-visible LbL capsules, loaded with redox-active gadolinium-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeGdO_2−x NPs). CeGdO_2−x NPs possess an ultrasmall size, high colloidal stability, and pronounced antioxidant properties. A comprehensive analysis of LbL capsules by TEM, SEM, LCSM, and EDX techniques was carried out. The research demonstrated a high level of biocompatibility and cellular uptake efficiency of CeGdO_2−x-loaded capsules by cancer (human osteosarcoma and adenocarcinoma) cells and normal (human mesenchymal stem) cells. The LbL-based delivery platform can also be used for other imaging modalities and theranostic applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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15 pages, 4145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Nonwoven Fibrous Materials Based on Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate with a High Content of α-Tricalcium Phosphate

by Polina M. Tyubaeva, Kristina G. Gasparyan, Alexander Yu. Fedotov, Pavel V. Lobzhanidze, Oleg V. Baranov, Alexey A. Egorov, Vladimir P. Sirotinkin, Vladimir S. Komlev and Anatoly A. Olkhov

Polymers 2023, 15(15), 3167; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15153167 - 26 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1219

Abstract

α-tricalcium (α-TCP) phosphate is widely used as an osteoinductive biocompatible material, serving as an alternative to synthetic porous bone materials. The objective of this study is to obtain a highly filled fibrous nonwoven material composed of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and α-TCP and to investigate the morphology, structure, and properties of the composite obtained by the electrospinning method (ES). The addition of α-TCP had a significant effect on the supramolecular structure of the material, allowing it to control the crystallinity of the material, which was accompanied by changes in mechanical properties, FTIR spectra, and XRD curves. The obtained results open the way to the creation of new osteoconductive materials with a controlled release of the source of calcium into the living organism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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Review

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17 pages, 3234 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progress of Electrospun Nanofiber Dressing in the Promotion of Wound Healing

by Xiaoqi Lu, Libo Zhou and Weiye Song

Polymers 2024, 16(18), 2596; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16182596 - 13 Sep 2024

Viewed by 998

Abstract

The nanofiber materials of three-dimensional spatial structure synthesized by electrospun have the characteristics of high porosity, high specific surface area, and high similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the human body. These are beneficial for absorbing wound exudate, effectively blocking the invasion of external bacteria, and promoting cell respiration and proliferation, which provides an ideal microenvironment for wound healing. Moreover, electrospun nanofiber dressings can flexibly load drugs according to the condition of the wound, further promoting wound healing. Recently, electrospun nanofiber materials have shown promising application prospects as medical dressings in clinical. Based on current research, this article reviewed the development history of wound dressings and the principles of electrospun technology. Subsequently, based on the types of base material, polymer-based electrospun nanofiber dressing and electrospun nanofiber dressing containing drug-releasing factors were discussed. Furthermore, the application of electrospun nanofiber dressing on skin tissue is highlighted. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the current research on electrospun nanomaterials for wound healing, addressing challenges and suggesting future research directions to advance the field of electrospun dressings in wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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33 pages, 6789 KiB

Open AccessReview

Natural and Synthetic Polymers for Biomedical and Environmental Applications

by Galina Satchanska, Slavena Davidova and Petar D. Petrov

Polymers 2024, 16(8), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16081159 - 20 Apr 2024

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8333

Abstract

Natural and synthetic polymers are a versatile platform for developing biomaterials in the biomedical and environmental fields. Natural polymers are organic compounds that are found in nature. The most common natural polymers include polysaccharides, such as alginate, hyaluronic acid, and starch, proteins, e.g., collagen, silk, and fibrin, and bacterial polyesters. Natural polymers have already been applied in numerous sectors, such as carriers for drug delivery, tissue engineering, stem cell morphogenesis, wound healing, regenerative medicine, food packaging, etc. Various synthetic polymers, including poly(lactic acid), poly(acrylic acid), poly(vinyl alcohol), polyethylene glycol, etc., are biocompatible and biodegradable; therefore, they are studied and applied in controlled drug release systems, nano-carriers, tissue engineering, dispersion of bacterial biofilms, gene delivery systems, bio-ink in 3D-printing, textiles in medicine, agriculture, heavy metals removal, and food packaging. In the following review, recent advancements in polymer chemistry, which enable the imparting of specific biomedical functions of polymers, will be discussed in detail, including antiviral, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. This work contains the authors’ experimental contributions to biomedical and environmental polymer applications. This review is a vast overview of natural and synthetic polymers used in biomedical and environmental fields, polymer synthesis, and isolation methods, critically assessessing their advantages, limitations, and prospects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biopolymer Composites for Biomedicine Applications)

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