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Open AccessEditorial

Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites

by Haw-Ming Huang

Polymers 2020, 12(11), 2560; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12112560 - 31 Oct 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2736

Abstract

Composites are materials composed of two or more different components [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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16 pages, 4625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mucoadhesive Bletilla striata Polysaccharide-Based Artificial Tears to Relieve Symptoms and Inflammation in Rabbit with Dry Eyes Syndrome

by Minal Thacker, Ching-Li Tseng, Chih-Yen Chang, Subhaini Jakfar, Hsuan Yu Chen and Feng-Huei Lin

Polymers 2020, 12(7), 1465; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12071465 - 30 Jun 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3913

Abstract

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface affecting many people all over the world. However, there have been many therapeutic advancements for the treatment of DES, substantial long-term treatment remains a challenge. Natural plant-based polysaccharides have gained much [...] Read more.

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface affecting many people all over the world. However, there have been many therapeutic advancements for the treatment of DES, substantial long-term treatment remains a challenge. Natural plant-based polysaccharides have gained much importance in the field of tissue engineering for their excellent biocompatibility and unique physical properties. In this study, polysaccharides from a Chinese ground orchid, Bletilla striata, were successfully extracted and incorporated into the artificial tears for DES treatment due to its anti-inflammatory and mucoadhesive properties. The examination for physical properties such as refractive index, pH, viscosity and osmolality of the Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) artificial tears fabricated in this study showed that it was in close association with that of the natural human tears. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and inflammatory gene expression tested in human corneal epithelium cells (HCECs) indicated that the low BSP concentrations (0.01–0.1% v/v) could effectively reduce inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL8) and ROS levels in HCECs, respectively. Longer retention of the BSP-formulated artificial tears on the ocular surface is due to the mucoadhesive nature of BSP allowing lasting lubrication. Additionally, a rabbit’s DES model was created to evaluate the effect of BSP for treating dry eye. Schirmer test results exhibited the effectiveness of 0.1% (v/v) BSP-containing artificial tears in enhancing the tear volume in DES rabbits. This work combines the effectiveness of artificial tears and anti-inflammatory herb extract (BSP) to moisturize ocular surface and to relieve the inflammatory condition in DES rabbit, which further shows great potential of BSP in treating ocular surface diseases like DES in clinics in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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15 pages, 7643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical and Biological Evaluation of Low-Molecular-Weight Hyaluronic Acid/Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticle for Targeting MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells

by Hsin-Ta Wang, Po-Chien Chou, Ping-Han Wu, Chi-Ming Lee, Kang-Hsin Fan, Wei-Jen Chang, Sheng-Yang Lee and Haw-Ming Huang

Polymers 2020, 12(5), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12051094 - 11 May 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3083

Abstract

Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) was integrated with superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs). The size distribution, zeta potential, viscosity, thermogravimetric and paramagnetic properties of the LMWHA-Fe₃O₄ NPs were systematically examined. For cellular experiments, MCF7 breast [...] Read more.

Low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) was integrated with superparamagnetic Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs). The size distribution, zeta potential, viscosity, thermogravimetric and paramagnetic properties of the LMWHA-Fe₃O₄ NPs were systematically examined. For cellular experiments, MCF7 breast cancer cell line was carried out. In addition, the cell targeting ability and characteristics of the LMWHA-Fe₃O₄ NPs for MCF7 breast cancer cells were analyzed using the thiocyanate method and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The experimental results showed that the LMWHA-Fe₃O₄ NPs were not only easily injectable due to their low viscosity, but also exhibited a significant superparamagnetic property. Furthermore, the in vitro assay results showed that the NPs had negligible cytotoxicity and exhibited a good cancer cell targeting ability. Overall, the results therefore suggest that the LMWHA-Fe₃O₄ NPs have considerable potential as an injectable agent for enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or hyperthermia treatment in breast cancer therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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17 pages, 5060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Mechanical Properties, Secondary Structure, and Osteogenic Activity of Photopolymerized Fibroin

by Ivan Bessonov, Anastasia Moysenovich, Anastasia Arkhipova, Mariam Ezernitskaya, Yuri Efremov, Vitaliy Solodilov, Peter Timashev, Konstantin Shaytan, Alexander Shtil and Mikhail Moisenovich

Polymers 2020, 12(3), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12030646 - 12 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3012

Abstract

Previously, we have described the preparation of a novel fibroin methacrylamide (FbMA), a polymer network with improved functionality, capable of photocrosslinking into Fb hydrogels with elevated stiffness. However, it was unclear how this new functionality affects the structure of the material and its [...] Read more.

Previously, we have described the preparation of a novel fibroin methacrylamide (FbMA), a polymer network with improved functionality, capable of photocrosslinking into Fb hydrogels with elevated stiffness. However, it was unclear how this new functionality affects the structure of the material and its beta-sheet-associated crystallinity. Here, we show that the proposed method of Fb methacrylation does not disturb the protein’s ability to self-aggregate into the stable beta-sheet-based crystalline domains. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) shows that, although the precursor ethanol-untreated Fb films exhibited a slightly higher degree of beta-sheet content than the FbMA films (46.9% for Fb-F-aq and 41.5% for FbMA-F-aq), both materials could equally achieve the highest possible beta-sheet content after ethanol treatment (49.8% for Fb-F-et and 49.0% for FbMA-F-et). The elasticity modulus for the FbMA-F-et films was twofold higher than that of the Fb-F-et as measured by the uniaxial tension (130 ± 1 MPa vs. 64 ± 6 MPa), and 1.4 times higher (51 ± 11 MPa vs. 36 ± 4 MPa) as measured by atomic force microscopy. The culturing of human MG63 osteoblast-like cells on Fb-F-et, FbMA-F-et-w/oUV, and FbMA-F-et substrates revealed that the photocrosslinking-induced increment of stiffness increases the area covered by the cells, rearrangement of actin cytoskeleton, and vinculin distribution in focal contacts, altogether enhancing the osteoinductive activity of the substrate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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15 pages, 5602 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermosensitive Chitosan–Gelatin–Glycerol Phosphate Hydrogels as Collagenase Carrier for Tendon–Bone Healing in a Rabbit Model

by Yu-Min Huang, Yi-Cheng Lin, Chih-Yu Chen, Yueh-Ying Hsieh, Chen-Kun Liaw, Shu-Wei Huang, Yang-Hwei Tsuang, Chih-Hwa Chen and Feng-Huei Lin

Polymers 2020, 12(2), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12020436 - 13 Feb 2020

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4318

Abstract

Healing of an anterior cruciate ligament graft in bone tunnel yields weaker fibrous scar tissue, which may prolong an already prolonged healing process within the tendon–bone interface. In this study, gelatin molecules were added to thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerol phosphate disodium salt hydrogels [...] Read more.

Healing of an anterior cruciate ligament graft in bone tunnel yields weaker fibrous scar tissue, which may prolong an already prolonged healing process within the tendon–bone interface. In this study, gelatin molecules were added to thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerol phosphate disodium salt hydrogels to form chitosan/gelatin/β-glycerol phosphate (C/G/GP) hydrogels, which were applied to 0.1 mg/mL collagenase carrier in the tendon–bone junction. New Zealand white rabbit’s long digital extensor tendon was detached and translated into a 2.5-mm diameter tibial plateau tunnel. Thirty-six rabbits underwent bilateral surgery and hydrogel injection treatment with and without collagenase. Histological analyses revealed early healing and more bone formation at the tendon–bone interface after collagenase partial digestion. The area of metachromasia significantly increased in both 4-week and 8-week groups after collagenase treatment (p < 0.01). Micro computed tomography showed a significant increase in total bone volume and bone volume/tissue volume in the 8 weeks after collagenase treatment, compared with the control group. Load-to-failure was significantly higher in the treated group at 8 weeks (23.8 ± 8.13 N vs 14.3 ± 3.9 N; p = 0.008). Treatment with collagenase digestion resulted in a 66% increase in pull-out strength. In conclusion, injection of C/G/GP hydrogel with collagenase improves tendon-to-bone healing in a rabbit model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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8 pages, 2900 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Label-Free Multi-Microfluidic Immunoassays with Liquid Crystals on Polydimethylsiloxane Biosensing Chips

by Yu-Jui Fan, Fu-Lun Chen, Jian-Chiun Liou, Yu-Wen Huang, Chun-Han Chen, Zi-Yin Hong, Jia-De Lin and Yu-Cheng Hsiao

Polymers 2020, 12(2), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12020395 - 10 Feb 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3282

Abstract

We developed a new format for liquid crystal (LC)-based multi-microfluidic immunoassays, hosted on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. In this design, the orientations of the LCs were strongly affected by the interface between the four microchannel walls and surrounding LCs. When the alignment layer was [...] Read more.

We developed a new format for liquid crystal (LC)-based multi-microfluidic immunoassays, hosted on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate. In this design, the orientations of the LCs were strongly affected by the interface between the four microchannel walls and surrounding LCs. When the alignment layer was coated inside a microchannel, the LCs oriented homeotropically and appeared dark under crossed polarizers. After antigens bound to the immobilized antibodies on the alignment layer were coated onto the channel walls, the light intensity of the LC molecules changed from dark to bright because of disruption of the LCs. By employing pressure-driven flow, binding of the antigen/antibody could be detected by optical signals in a sequential order. The multi-microfluidic LC biosensor was tested by detecting bovine serum albumin (BSA) and an immunocomplex of BSA antigen/antibody pairs, a protein standard commonly used in labs. We show that this multi-microfluidic immunoassay was able to detect BSA and antigen/antibody BSA pairs with a naked-eye detection limitation of −0.01 µg/mL. Based on this new immunoassay design, a simple and robust device for LC-based label-free microfluidic immunodetection was demonstrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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16 pages, 6277 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Porcine Collagen–Bone Composite Induced Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Regeneration In Vitro and In Vivo

by Eisner Salamanca, Chia Chen Hsu, Wan Ling Yao, Cheuk Sing Choy, Yu Hwa Pan, Nai-Chia Teng and Wei-Jen Chang

Polymers 2020, 12(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12010093 - 4 Jan 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3558

Abstract

Due to autogenous bone limitations, some substitute bone grafts were developed. Collagenated porcine graft (CPG) is able to regenerate new bone, although the number of studies is insufficient, highlighting the need for future studies to better understand the biomaterial. In order to understand [...] Read more.

Due to autogenous bone limitations, some substitute bone grafts were developed. Collagenated porcine graft (CPG) is able to regenerate new bone, although the number of studies is insufficient, highlighting the need for future studies to better understand the biomaterial. In order to understand better CPG′s possible dental guided bone regeneration indications, the aim of this work was to determine CPG′s biological capacity to induce osteoblast differentiation in vitro and guided bone regeneration in vivo, whilst being compared with commercial hydroxyapatite and beta tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) and porcine graft alone. Cell cytotoxicity (WST-1), alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP), and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were assessed in vitro. Critical size defects of New Zealand white rabbits were used for the in vivo part, with critical size defect closures and histological analyses. WST-1 and ALP indicated that CPG directly stimulated a greater proliferation and confluency of cells with osteoblastic differentiation in vitro. Gene sequencing indicated stable bone formation markers, decreased resorption makers, and bone remodeling coupling factors, making the transition from osteoclast to osteoblast expression at the end of seven days. CPG resulted in the highest new bone regeneration by osteoconduction in critical size defects of rabbit calvaria at eight weeks. Nonetheless, all biomaterials achieved nearly complete calvaria defect closure. CPG was found to be osteoconductive, like porcine graft and HA/β-TCP, but with higher new bone formation in critical size defects of rabbit calvaria at eight weeks. CPG can be used for different dental guided bone regeneration procedures; however, further studies are necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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17 pages, 6964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of PLLA/C₃S Composite Membrane for the Prevention of Bone Cement Leakage

by Tsai-Hsueh Leu, Yang Wei, Yi-Shi Hwua, Xiao-Juan Huang, Jung-Tang Huang and Ren-Jei Chung

Polymers 2019, 11(12), 1971; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11121971 - 30 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3358

Abstract

Kyphoplasty is an important treatment for stabilizing spine fractures due to osteoporosis. However, leakage of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement during this procedure into the spinal canal has been reported to cause many adverse effects. In this study, we prepared an implantable membrane to [...] Read more.

Kyphoplasty is an important treatment for stabilizing spine fractures due to osteoporosis. However, leakage of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement during this procedure into the spinal canal has been reported to cause many adverse effects. In this study, we prepared an implantable membrane to serve as a barrier that avoids PMMA cement leakage during kyphoplasty procedures through a hybrid composite made of poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA) and tricalcium silicate (C₃S), with the addition of C₃S into PLLA matrix, showing enhanced mechanical and anti-degradation properties while keeping good cytocompatibility when compared to PLLA alone and most importantly, when this material design was applied under standardized PMMA cement injection conditions, no posterior wall leakage was observed after the kyphoplasty procedure in pig lumbar vertebral bone models. Testing results assess its effectiveness for clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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19 pages, 3379 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioadhesive Matrix Tablets Loaded with Lipophilic Nanoparticles as Vehicles for Drugs for Periodontitis Treatment: Development and Characterization

by Denise Murgia, Giuseppe Angellotti, Fabio D’Agostino and Viviana De Caro

Polymers 2019, 11(11), 1801; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11111801 - 2 Nov 2019

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4094

Abstract

Periodontitis treatment is usually focused on the reduction or eradication of periodontal pathogens using antibiotics against anaerobic bacteria, such as metronidazole (MTR). Moreover, recently the correlation between periodontal diseases and overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) led to the introduction of antioxidant biomolecules [...] Read more.

Periodontitis treatment is usually focused on the reduction or eradication of periodontal pathogens using antibiotics against anaerobic bacteria, such as metronidazole (MTR). Moreover, recently the correlation between periodontal diseases and overexpression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) led to the introduction of antioxidant biomolecules in therapy. In this work, bioadhesive buccal tablets, consisting of a hydrophilic matrix loaded with metronidazole and lipophilic nanoparticles as a vehicle of curcumin, were developed. Curcumin (CUR)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared using glycyrrhetic acid, hexadecanol, isopropyl palmitate and Tween^®80 as a surfactant. As method, homogenization followed by high-frequency sonication was used. After dialysis, CUR-NLC dispersion was evaluated in terms of drug loading (DL, 2.2% w/w) and drug recovery (DR, 88% w/w). NLC, characterized by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), exhibited a spherical shape, an average particle size of 121.6 nm and PDI and PZ values considered optimal for a colloidal nanoparticle dispersion indicating good stability of the system. Subsequently, a hydrophilic sponge was obtained by lyophilization of a gel based on trehalose, Natrosol and PVP-K90, loaded with CUR-NLC and MTR. By compression of the sponge, matrix tablets were obtained and characterized in term of porosity, swelling index, mucoadhesion and drugs release. The ability of the matrix tablets to release CUR and MTR when applied on buccal mucosa and the aptitude of actives to penetrate and/or permeate the tissue were evaluated. The data demonstrate the ability of NLC to promote the penetration of CUR into the lipophilic domains of the mucosal membrane, while MTR can penetrate and permeate the mucosal tissue, where it can perform a loco-regional antibacterial activity. These results strongly support the possibility of using this novel matrix tablet for delivering MTR together with CUR for topical treatment of periodontal diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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9 pages, 2992 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wasted Ganoderma tsugae Derived Chitosans for Smear Layer Removal in Endodontic Treatment

by Sheng-Tung Huang, Nai-Chia Teng, Hsin-Hui Wang, Sung-Chih Hsieh and Jen-Chang Yang

Polymers 2019, 11(11), 1795; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11111795 - 1 Nov 2019

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2609

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects of acid etching and metal-ion chelation in dental smear layer removal using wasted Ganoderma tsugae derived chitosans. The wasted Ganoderma tsugae fruiting body was used to prepare both acid-soluble fungal chitosan (FCS) [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to investigate the synergistic effects of acid etching and metal-ion chelation in dental smear layer removal using wasted Ganoderma tsugae derived chitosans. The wasted Ganoderma tsugae fruiting body was used to prepare both acid-soluble fungal chitosan (FCS) and alkali-soluble polysaccharide (ASP). To explore the effective irrigant concentration for smear layer removal, a chelating effect on ferrous ions was conducted. Specimens of various concentrations of EDTA, citric acid, and polysaccharide solutions were reacted with FerroZine™ then the absorbance was examined at 562 nm by a UV-visible spectrophotometer to calculate their metal chelating capability. Twenty extracted premolars were instrumented and individually soaked in the solutions of 15 wt% EDTA, 10 wt% citric acid, 0.04 wt% ASP, 0.04 wt% FCS, and normal saline were randomly divided into five groups (N=4). Next, each tooth was cleaved longitudinally and examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assay the effectiveness of smear layer removal. The chelating capability for EDTA, FCS, and ASP showed no significant difference over the concentration of 0.04 wt% (p > 0.05). The SEM results showed that 0.04 wt% FCS solution was effective in smear layer removal along the canal wall. These results indicated that Ganoderma tsuage derived FCS in acid solutions could be a potential alternative as a root canal irrigant solution due to its synergistic effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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18 pages, 6099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development of Gelatin/Hyaluronate Copolymer Mixed with Calcium Sulfate, Hydroxyapatite, and Stromal-Cell-Derived Factor-1 for Bone Regeneration Enhancement

by Yun-Liang Chang, Chia-Ying Hsieh, Chao-Yuan Yeh and Feng-Huei Lin

Polymers 2019, 11(9), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11091454 - 5 Sep 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3967

Abstract

In clinical practice, bone defects still remain a challenge. In recent years, apart from the osteoconductivity that most bone void fillers already provide, osteoinductivity has also been emphasized to promote bone healing. Stromal-cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) has been shown to have the ability to [...] Read more.

In clinical practice, bone defects still remain a challenge. In recent years, apart from the osteoconductivity that most bone void fillers already provide, osteoinductivity has also been emphasized to promote bone healing. Stromal-cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) has been shown to have the ability to recruit mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which play an important role in the bone regeneration process. In this study, we developed a gelatin–hyaluronate (Gel-HA) copolymer mixed with calcium sulfate (CS), hydroxyapatite (HAP), and SDF-1 in order to enhance bone regeneration in a bone defect model. The composites were tested in vitro for biocompatibility and their ability to recruit MSCs after material characterization. For the in vivo test, a rat femoral condyle bone defect model was used. Micro computed tomography (Micro-CT), two-photon excitation microscopy, and histology analysis were performed to assess bone regeneration. As expected, enhanced bone regeneration was well observed in the group filled with Gel-HA/CS/HAP/SDF-1 composites compared with the control group in our animal model. Furthermore, detailed blood analysis of rats showed no obvious systemic toxicity or side effects after material implantation. In conclusion, the Gel-HA/CS/HAP/SDF-1 composite may be a safe and applicable material to enhance bone regeneration in bone defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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12 pages, 4834 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gamma-Irradiation-Prepared Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Promotes Skin Wound Healing

by Yu-Chih Huang, Kuen-Yu Huang, Wei-Zhen Lew, Kang-Hsin Fan, Wei-Jen Chang and Haw-Ming Huang

Polymers 2019, 11(7), 1214; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym11071214 - 19 Jul 2019

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5610

Abstract

In this study, we prepared low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) powder by γ-irradiation. The chemical and physical properties of γ-irradiated LMWHA and the in vitro cellular growth experiments with γ-irradiated LMWHA were analyzed. Then, hyaluronic acid exposed to 20 kGy of γ-irradiation was used [...] Read more.

In this study, we prepared low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (LMWHA) powder by γ-irradiation. The chemical and physical properties of γ-irradiated LMWHA and the in vitro cellular growth experiments with γ-irradiated LMWHA were analyzed. Then, hyaluronic acid exposed to 20 kGy of γ-irradiation was used to fabricate a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/LMWHA fabric for wound dressing. Our results showed that γ-irradiated LMWHA demonstrated a significant alteration in carbon–oxygen double bonding and can be detected using nuclear magnetic resonance and ultraviolet (UV)-visible (Vis) spectra. The γ-irradiated LMWHA exhibited strain rate-dependent Newton/non-Newton fluid biphasic viscosity. The viability of L929 skin fibroblasts improved upon co-culture with γ-irradiated LMWHA. In the in vivo animal experiments, skin wounds covered with dressings prepared by γ-irradiation revealed acceleration of wound healing after two days of healing. The results suggest that γ-irradiated LMWHA could be a potential source for the promotion of skin wound healing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medical Application of Polymer-Based Composites)

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