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Multi-Functional Collagen-Based Biomaterials for Biomedical Applications II

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 10830

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: regenerative medicine; medical devices; biomaterials; collagen; scaffolds; drug delivery systems
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Guest Editor
Department of Engineering for Innovation, University of Salento, Via per Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: polymeric devices for biomedical applications, including scaffolds for regenerative medicine, micro- and nano-particles for controlled drug delivery, wound dressings, and perm-selective barriers for cell encapsulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Institute of Nanotechnology, CNR NANOTEC, Campus ECOTEKNE, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: nano- and biomaterials; nanoformulations; 3D cell cancer models
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DeBEST), Università del Salento, Via per Monteroni c/o Ecotekne, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Interests: cell physiology; comparative and applied physiology; cellular homeostasis; transmembrane transport processes/systems; solute carriers (SLC); epithelial physiology; epithelial cell models; oligopeptides; immunity and inflammation; animal models; zebrafish; cytotoxicity; cell–material interactions; biomaterials; tissue engineering; tissue regeneration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric biomaterials are an essential tool in the biomedical field. Their high biocompatibility and ability to provide adequate regenerative support are fundamental for the development of new successful approaches for different therapeutic purposes. In particular, biomaterials derived from living organisms exhibit not only structural roles, but also several non-structural functions implicated in cellular growth, migration, and differentiation. For example, type I collagen—an ubiquitarian structural protein present in the mammalian body—plays a dominant role in maintaining the biological and structural integrity of various tissues. In recent years, with the ultimate goal of developing multi-functional collagen-based devices that are able to better promote the functional recovery of damaged tissues, there have been numerous studies focused on the development of novel techniques and methods for the development and characterization of innovative and advanced high-performance formulations. The ability to control, modify, and tune the performance of collagen-based biomaterials by optimizing scaffold architecture—besides modifying their chemistry, blending with other materials/therapeutics, or by developing stimuli-responsive formulations—is extremely important when specific multi-functionalities are sought. The present Special Issue welcomes contributions in the form of original articles, clinical studies, or review articles on the broad topic of multi-functional collagen-based biomaterials for biomedical applications, with a focus on any aspect regarding developmental methods (including novel production, processing, and modification of innovative strategies) and a particular attention to the function enhancement of collagen-based formulations. Articles in interdisciplinary areas where the pairing of multiple approaches plays a significant role in the development of multi-functional devices are also welcome.

Dr. Nunzia Gallo
Dr. Marta Madaghiele
Dr. Alessandra Quarta
Dr. Amilcare Barca
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • biomaterials
  • collagen
  • tissue engineering
  • regenerative medicine
  • scaffold
  • crosslinking
  • medical devices
  • biomedical
  • biocompatibility

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

22 pages, 5638 KiB  
Article
Collagen Matrix to Restore the Tympanic Membrane: Developing a Novel Platform to Treat Perforations
by Mikhail Svistushkin, Svetlana Kotova, Anna Zolotova, Alexey Fayzullin, Artem Antoshin, Natalia Serejnikova, Anatoly Shekhter, Sergei Voloshin, Aliia Giliazova, Elena Istranova, Galina Nikiforova, Arina Khlytina, Elena Shevchik, Anna Nikiforova, Liliya Selezneva, Anastasia Shpichka and Peter S. Timashev
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020248 - 15 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2213
Abstract
Modern otology faces challenges in treating tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. Instead of surgical intervention, alternative treatments using biomaterials are emerging. Recently, we developed a robust collagen membrane using semipermeable barrier-assisted electrophoretic deposition (SBA-EPD). In this study, a collagen graft shaped like a sponge [...] Read more.
Modern otology faces challenges in treating tympanic membrane (TM) perforations. Instead of surgical intervention, alternative treatments using biomaterials are emerging. Recently, we developed a robust collagen membrane using semipermeable barrier-assisted electrophoretic deposition (SBA-EPD). In this study, a collagen graft shaped like a sponge through SBA-EPD was used to treat acute and chronic TM perforations in a chinchilla model. A total of 24 ears from 12 adult male chinchillas were used in the study. They were organized into four groups. The first two groups had acute TM perforations and the last two had chronic TM perforations. We used the first and third groups as controls, meaning they did not receive the implant treatment. The second and fourth groups, however, were treated with the collagen graft implant. Otoscopic assessments were conducted on days 14 and 35, with histological evaluations and TM vibrational studies performed on day 35. The groups treated with the collagen graft showed fewer inflammatory changes, improved structural recovery, and nearly normal TM vibrational properties compared to the controls. The porous collagen scaffold successfully enhanced TM regeneration, showing high biocompatibility and biodegradation potential. These findings could pave the way for clinical trials and present a new approach for treating TM perforations. Full article
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14 pages, 7507 KiB  
Article
Mimicking Transmural Helical Cardiomyofibre Orientation Using Bouligand-like Pore Structures in Ice-Templated Collagen Scaffolds
by Huijie L. Zhang, Sanjay Sinha, Ruth E. Cameron and Serena M. Best
Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4420; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224420 - 16 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1401
Abstract
The helical arrangement of cardiac muscle fibres underpins the contractile properties of the heart chamber. Across the heart wall, the helical angle of the aligned fibres changes gradually across the range of 90–180°. It is essential to recreate this structural hierarchy in vitro [...] Read more.
The helical arrangement of cardiac muscle fibres underpins the contractile properties of the heart chamber. Across the heart wall, the helical angle of the aligned fibres changes gradually across the range of 90–180°. It is essential to recreate this structural hierarchy in vitro for developing functional artificial tissue. Ice templating can achieve single-oriented pore alignment via unidirectional ice solidification with a flat base mould design. We hypothesise that the orientation of aligned pores can be controlled simply via base topography, and we propose a scalable base design to recapitulate the transmural fibre orientation. We have utilised finite element simulations for rapid testing of base designs, followed by experimental confirmation of the Bouligand-like orientation. X-ray microtomography of experimental samples showed a gradual shift of 106 ± 10°, with the flexibility to tailor pore size and spatial helical angle distribution for personalised medicine. Full article
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19 pages, 6513 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Electric Field on the Biomineralization of Collagen
by Fiorella Ortiz, Antonio Díaz-Barrios, Zoraya E. Lopez-Cabaña and Gema González
Polymers 2023, 15(14), 3121; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15143121 - 22 Jul 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1532
Abstract
Collagen/hydroxyapatite hybrids are promising biomimetic materials that can replace or temporarily substitute bone tissues. The process of biomineralization was carried out through a double diffusion system. The methodological principle consisted in applying an electric field on the incubation medium to promote the opposite [...] Read more.
Collagen/hydroxyapatite hybrids are promising biomimetic materials that can replace or temporarily substitute bone tissues. The process of biomineralization was carried out through a double diffusion system. The methodological principle consisted in applying an electric field on the incubation medium to promote the opposite migration of ions into collagen membranes to form hydroxyapatite (HA) on the collagen membrane. Two physically separated solutions were used for the incubation medium, one rich in phosphate ions and the other in calcium ions, and their effects were evaluated against the traditional mineralization in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF). Pre-polarization of the organic membranes and the effect of incubation time on the biomineralization process were also assessed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopies.Our results demonstrated that the membrane pre-polarization significantly accelerated the mineralization process on collagen. On the other side, it was found that the application of the electric field influenced the collagen structure and its interactions with the mineral phase. The increment of the mineralization degree enhanced the photoluminescence properties of the collagen/HA materials, while the conductivity and the dielectric constant were reduced. These results might provide a useful approach for future applications in manufacturing biomimetic bone-like materials. Full article
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15 pages, 3038 KiB  
Article
Profitability of Chemically Cross-Linked Collagen Scaffold Production Using Bovine Pericardium: Revaluing Waste from the Meat Industry for Biomedical Applications
by José Arturo de la Cruz Bosques, José de Jesús Ibarra Sánchez, Birzabith Mendoza-Novelo, Juan Gabriel Segovia-Hernandez and Carlos Eduardo Molina-Guerrero
Polymers 2023, 15(13), 2797; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15132797 - 23 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1184
Abstract
The meat industry generates a large amount of waste that can be used to create useful products such as bio-implants, which are usually expensive. In this report, we present an economic analysis of a continuous process for large-scale chemically cross-linked collagen scaffold (CCLCS) [...] Read more.
The meat industry generates a large amount of waste that can be used to create useful products such as bio-implants, which are usually expensive. In this report, we present an economic analysis of a continuous process for large-scale chemically cross-linked collagen scaffold (CCLCS) production in a Mexican context. For this purpose, three production capacities were simulated using SuperPro Designer® v 12.0: 5, 15, and 25 × 103 bovine pericardium units (BPU) per month as process feedstock. Data indicated that these capacities produced 2.5, 7.5, and 12.5 kg of biomesh per batch (per day), respectively. In addition, Net Unit Production Costs (NUPC) of 784.57, 458.94, and 388.26 $USD.kg−1 were obtained, correspondingly, with selling prices of 0.16 ± 0.078 USD.cm−2, 0.086 ± 0.043 USD.cm−2, and 0.069 ± 0.035 USD.cm−2, in the same order. We found that these selling prices were significantly lower than those in the current market in Mexico. Finally, distribution of costs associated with the process followed the order: raw materials > facility-dependent > labor > royalties > quality analysis/quality control (QA/QC) > utilities. The present study showed the feasibility of producing low-cost and highly profitable CCLCS with a relatively small investment. As a result, the circular bioeconomy may be stimulated. Full article
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19 pages, 23584 KiB  
Article
Scaffold Chemical Model Based on Collagen—Methyl Methacrylate Graft Copolymers
by Yulia L. Kuznetsova, Ksenya S. Gushchina, Karina S. Lobanova, Victoria O. Chasova, Marfa N. Egorikhina, Alexandra O. Grigoreva, Yulia B. Malysheva, Daria A. Kuzmina, Ekaterina A. Farafontova, Daria D. Linkova, Yulia P. Rubtsova and Luydmila L. Semenycheva
Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2618; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122618 - 8 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1459
Abstract
Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in aqueous collagen (Col) dispersion was studied in the presence of tributylborane (TBB) and p-quinone: 2,5-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (2,5-DTBQ), p-benzoquinone (BQ), duroquinone (DQ), and p-naphthoquinone (NQ). It was found that this system leads to the [...] Read more.
Polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in aqueous collagen (Col) dispersion was studied in the presence of tributylborane (TBB) and p-quinone: 2,5-di-tert-butyl-p-benzoquinone (2,5-DTBQ), p-benzoquinone (BQ), duroquinone (DQ), and p-naphthoquinone (NQ). It was found that this system leads to the formation of a grafted cross-linked copolymer. The inhibitory effect of p-quinone determines the amount of unreacted monomer, homopolymer, and percentage of grafted poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The synthesis combines two approaches to form a grafted copolymer with a cross-linked structure—“grafting to” and “grafting from”. The resulting products exhibit biodegradation under the action of enzymes, do not have toxicity, and demonstrate a stimulating effect on cell growth. At the same time, the denaturation of collagen occurring at elevated temperatures does not impair the characteristics of copolymers. These results allow us to present the research as a scaffold chemical model. Comparison of the properties of the obtained copolymers helps to determine the optimal method for the synthesis of scaffold precursors—synthesis of a collagen and poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer at 60 °C in a 1% acetic acid dispersion of fish collagen with a mass ratio of the components collagen:MMA:TBB:2,5-DTBQ equal to 1:1:0.015:0.25. Full article
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23 pages, 6138 KiB  
Article
Properties of Bovine Collagen as Influenced by High-Pressure Processing
by Milan Houška, Aleš Landfeld, Pavla Novotná, Jan Strohalm, Monika Šupová, Tomáš Suchý, Hynek Chlup, Jan Skočilas, Jan Štípek, Margit Žaloudková and Miloslav Šulc
Polymers 2023, 15(11), 2472; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15112472 - 26 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2075
Abstract
The physical properties and structure of collagen treated with high-pressure technologies have not yet been investigated in detail. The main goal of this work was to determine whether this modern gentle technology significantly changes the properties of collagen. High pressure in the range [...] Read more.
The physical properties and structure of collagen treated with high-pressure technologies have not yet been investigated in detail. The main goal of this work was to determine whether this modern gentle technology significantly changes the properties of collagen. High pressure in the range of 0–400 MPa was used, and the rheological, mechanical, thermal, and structural properties of collagen were measured. The rheological properties measured in the area of linear viscoelasticity do not statistically significantly change due to the influence of pressure or the duration of pressure exposure. In addition, the mechanical properties measured by compression between two plates are not statistically significantly influenced by pressure value or pressure hold time. The thermal properties Ton and ∆H measured by differential calorimetry depend on pressure value and pressure hold time. Results from amino acids and FTIR analyses show that exposure of collagenous gels to high pressure (400 MPa), regardless of applied time (5 and 10 min), caused only minor changes in the primary and secondary structure and preserved collagenous polymeric integrity. SEM analysis did not show changes in collagen fibril ordering orientation over longer distances after applying 400 MPa of pressure for 10 min. Full article
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