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New Composites for Medical Applications
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New Composites for Medical Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2022) | Viewed by 40764

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Elia Marin

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
Interests: bioactive materials; materials characterization; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Francesco Boschetto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki Hashikamicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
2. Department of Dental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
Interests: biopolymers; polymer-based composites; bioceramics; electrospinning; centrifugal spinning; orthopedic implants; materials characterization; antibacterial behavior; bone regeneration.
Dr. Alfredo Rondinella

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Polytechnic Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
Interests: raman spectroscopy; FTIR spectroscopy; zirconia-toughened alumina; Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); polymer-based composites; PTFE; biomaterials
Dr. Faisal Raza

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
Interests: biomimetic nanomedicine; polymeric nanoparticle; drug delivery; cancer; tumor microenvironment; biomaterials; cancer nanomedicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Composite materials emerged in the middle of the twentieth century as a promising class of engineering materials, and over the past 40 years composites have increasingly been used in different applications, e.g., aeronautic, automotive, naval, etc. Many composite biomaterials have recently been studied and tested in the medical field for cell growth-promoting tissue engineering, wound dressing, drug release, surgical implantation, and other orthopedic and dental applications.

In light of this, we are organizing a Special Issue focused on original and new research works in the area of composite materials, which includes biocomposites, functional and smart foam composites, nanocomposites, structural composites, eco-composites, and composites mimicking natural materials. This Special Issue is open to any subject that deals with biocomposites, ranging from nano- to micro- and meso- to macro-scales in different matrices (ceramics, polymers, metals, and cementitious materials), and will highlight the consistent improvement of using composite materials in the medical field.

Prof. Dr. Elia Marin
Dr. Francesco Boschetto
Dr. Alfredo Rondinella
Dr. Faisal Raza
Guest Editors

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. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly 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

  • biomaterials
  • dental resin-based composites
  • nanocomposites
  • electrospinning
  • polymer-based composites
  • wound dressing composites.

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 3323 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Microleakage in Nanocomposite and Amalgam as a Crown Foundation Material Luted with Different Luting Cements under CAD-CAM Milled Metal Crowns: An In Vitro Microscopic Study
by Amina, Geeta Rajput, Saad Ahmed, Saurabh Chaturvedi, Mohamed Khaled Addas, Tushar Vitthalrao Bhagat, Vishwanath Gurumurthy, Saeed M. Alqahtani, Mohammed A. Alobaid, Ebrahim Fihaid Alsubaiy and Kanishk Gupta
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2609; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132609 - 27 Jun 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2123
Abstract
Microleakage is a persistent problem despite advancement in materials and techniques in fixed prosthodontics. This leads to the importance of sound crown foundation material and luting agents used to maintain the marginal seal. The literature is deficient with studies, comparing microleakage under various [...] Read more.
Microleakage is a persistent problem despite advancement in materials and techniques in fixed prosthodontics. This leads to the importance of sound crown foundation material and luting agents used to maintain the marginal seal. The literature is deficient with studies, comparing microleakage under various crown foundation materials and luting agents, especially with CAD-CAM (computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing) metal crowns. This study was aimed to compare microleakage in a nanocomposite/dentinal bonding agent and amalgam/cavity varnish as crown foundation materials luted with two different luting cements: resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement and self-adhesive resin cement, under both dry and contaminated conditions. A hundred intact, caries-free human molars were prepared to receive crown foundation material and extra coronal restorations. Amalgams with cavity varnish and nanocomposites with dentinal bonding agent in both ideal and contaminated conditions were used as crown foundation materials. After restoration, each sample was cemented with a CAD-CAM milled metal crown using two different luting agents—resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement and self-adhesive resin cements both in ideal and contaminated conditions. Cementation was followed by thermocycling of samples, immersion in erythrosine B dye, embedding in clear auto polymerizing acrylic resin and sectioning to evaluate microleakage using stereomicroscope. The mean microleakage between different luting cements on the experimental side of the facial surface was 137.64 μm and 211.01 μm for resin-reinforced GIC and for self-adhesive resin cement was 119.78 μm and 150.42 μm, under ideal and contaminated condition, respectively. There was a significant difference in mean micro-leakage between different crown foundation material and cement groups used in the study. The composites and amalgam, both when used as crown foundation material and luted with use of technically advanced CAD-CAM metal crown with self-adhesive resin cement (in both ideal or contaminated condition), showed less microleakage than in resin-reinforced glass ionomer cement. Overall, the self-adhesive resin cement showed comparatively reduced microleakage in all combinations with different crown foundations. Thus, this combination can be used in daily clinical practice to provide better protection from further decay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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15 pages, 9446 KiB  
Article
Osteoinductive Moldable and Curable Bone Substitutes Based on Collagen, BMP-2 and Highly Porous Polylactide Granules, or a Mix of HAP/β-TCP
by Andrey Vyacheslavovich Vasilyev, Valeriya Sergeevna Kuznetsova, Tatyana Borisovna Bukharova, Egor Olegovich Osidak, Timofei Evgenevich Grigoriev, Yuriy Dmitrievich Zagoskin, Irina Alekseevna Nedorubova, Sergey Petrovich Domogatsky, Igor Ivanovich Babichenko, Oksana Aleksandrovna Zorina, Sergey Ivanovich Kutsev, Sergei Nicolaevich Chvalun, Anatoly Alekseevich Kulakov, Fedor Fedorovich Losev and Dmitry Vadimovich Goldshtein
Polymers 2021, 13(22), 3974; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223974 - 17 Nov 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2923
Abstract
In dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, and orthopedics, there is a need to use osteoplastic materials that have not only osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties but are also convenient for use. In the study, compositions based on collagen hydrogel were developed. Polylactide granules (PLA) or [...] Read more.
In dentistry, maxillofacial surgery, traumatology, and orthopedics, there is a need to use osteoplastic materials that have not only osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties but are also convenient for use. In the study, compositions based on collagen hydrogel were developed. Polylactide granules (PLA) or a traditional bone graft, a mixture of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate (HAP/β-TCP), were used for gel filling to improve mechanical osteoconductive properties of compositions. The mechanical tests showed that collagen hydrogels filled with 12 wt% highly porous PLA granules (elastic modulus 373 ± 55 kPa) or 35 wt% HAP/β-TCP granules (elastic modulus 451 ± 32 kPa) had optimal manipulative properties. All composite components were cytocompatible. The cell’s viability was above 90%, and the components’ structure facilitated the cell’s surface adhesion. The bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) provided osteoinductive composition properties. It was impregnated directly into the collagen hydrogel with the addition of fibronectin or inside porous PLA granules. The implantation of a collagen hydrogel with BMP-2 and PLA granules into a critical-size calvarial defect in rats led to the formation of the most significant volume of bone tissue: 61 ± 15%. It was almost 2.5 times more than in the groups where a collagen-fibronectin hydrogel with a mixture of HAP/β-TCP (25 ± 7%) or a fibronectin-free composition with porous PLA granules impregnated with BMP-2 (23 ± 8%) were used. Subcutaneous implantation of the compositions also showed their high biocompatibility and osteogenic potential in the absence of a bone environment. Thus, the collagen-fibronectin hydrogel with BMP-2 and PLA granules has optimal biocompatibility, osteogenic, and manipulative properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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12 pages, 4649 KiB  
Article
Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan and Polyvinyl Alcohol/Ag@MOF Bilayer Hydrogel for Tissue Engineering Applications
by Meng Zhang, Guohui Wang, Xin Zhang, Yuqi Zheng, Shaoxiang Lee, Dong Wang and Yang Yang
Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3151; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183151 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 5550
Abstract
In this paper, polyvinyl alcohol/Ag-Metal-organic framework (PVA/Ag@MOF) and polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) were used as the inner and outer layers to successfully prepare a bilayer composite hydrogel for tissue engineering scaffold. The performance of bilayer hydrogels was evaluated. The outer layer (PVA/CS) has a [...] Read more.
In this paper, polyvinyl alcohol/Ag-Metal-organic framework (PVA/Ag@MOF) and polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) were used as the inner and outer layers to successfully prepare a bilayer composite hydrogel for tissue engineering scaffold. The performance of bilayer hydrogels was evaluated. The outer layer (PVA/CS) has a uniform pore size distribution, good water retention, biocompatibility and cell adhesion ability. The inner layer (PVA/Ag@MOF) has good antibacterial activity and poor biocompatibility. PVA, PVA/0.1%Ag@MOF, PVA/0.5%Ag@MOF, and PVA/1.0%Ag@MOF show anti-microbial activity in ascending order. However, its use as an inner layer avoids direct contact with cells and prevents infection. The cell viability of all samples was above 90%, indicating that the bilayer hydrogel was non-toxic to A549 cells. The bilayer hydrogel scaffold combines the advantages of the inner and outer layers. In summary, this new bilayer composite is an ideal lung scaffold for tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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16 pages, 4882 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Salt-Mediated Injectable Thermosensitive Chitosan/Pectin Hydrogels for Cell Embedding and Culturing
by Giulia Morello, Alessandro Polini, Francesca Scalera, Riccardo Rizzo, Giuseppe Gigli and Francesca Gervaso
Polymers 2021, 13(16), 2674; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162674 - 10 Aug 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3391
Abstract
In recent years, growing attention has been directed to the development of 3D in vitro tissue models for the study of the physiopathological mechanisms behind organ functioning and diseases. Hydrogels, acting as 3D supporting architectures, allow cells to organize spatially more closely to [...] Read more.
In recent years, growing attention has been directed to the development of 3D in vitro tissue models for the study of the physiopathological mechanisms behind organ functioning and diseases. Hydrogels, acting as 3D supporting architectures, allow cells to organize spatially more closely to what they physiologically experience in vivo. In this scenario, natural polymer hybrid hydrogels display marked biocompatibility and versatility, representing valid biomaterials for 3D in vitro studies. Here, thermosensitive injectable hydrogels constituted by chitosan and pectin were designed. We exploited the feature of chitosan to thermally undergo sol–gel transition upon the addition of salts, forming a compound that incorporates pectin into a semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN). Three salt solutions were tested, namely, beta-glycerophosphate (βGP), phosphate buffer (PB) and sodium hydrogen carbonate (SHC). The hydrogel formulations (i) were injectable at room temperature, (ii) gelled at 37 °C and (iii) presented a physiological pH, suitable for cell encapsulation. Hydrogels were stable in culture conditions, were able to retain a high water amount and displayed an open and highly interconnected porosity and suitable mechanical properties, with Young’s modulus values in the range of soft biological tissues. The developed chitosan/pectin system can be successfully used as a 3D in vitro platform for studying tissue physiopathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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17 pages, 3064 KiB  
Article
Lyophilized Composite Loaded with Meloxicam-Peppermint oil Nanoemulsion for Periodontal Pain
by Amal M. Sindi, Khaled M. Hosny and Waleed S. Alharbi
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142317 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3167
Abstract
Maintaining oral health helps to prevent periodontal inflammation and pain, which can progress into more detrimental issues if left untreated. Meloxicam (MX) is a commonly used analgesic for periodontal pain, but it can have adverse gastrointestinal effects and poor solubility. Therefore, this study [...] Read more.
Maintaining oral health helps to prevent periodontal inflammation and pain, which can progress into more detrimental issues if left untreated. Meloxicam (MX) is a commonly used analgesic for periodontal pain, but it can have adverse gastrointestinal effects and poor solubility. Therefore, this study aimed to enhance the solubility of MX by developing a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS). Considering the anti-ulcer activity of peppermint oil (PO), it was added in a mixture with medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) to the MX-loaded SNEDDS formulation (MX-PO-SNEDDS). After optimization, MX-PO-SNEDDS exhibited a PO:MCT ratio of 1.78:1, surfactant mixture HLB value of 14, and MX:oil mix ratio of 1:15, a particle size of 47 ± 3 nm, stability index of 85 ± 4%, ex vivo Jss of 4 ± 0.6 μg/cm2min, and ulcer index of 1 ± 0.25 %. Then, orally flash disintegrating lyophilized composites (MX-SNELCs) were prepared using the optimized MX-PO-SNEDDs. Results reveal that MX-SNELCs had a wetting time of 4 ± 1 s and disintegration time of 3 ± 1 s with a high in vitro MX release of 91% by the end of 60 min. The results of pharmacokinetic studies in human volunteers further demonstrated that, compared to a marketed MX tablets, MX-SNELCs provided a higher Cmax, Tmax, and AUC and a relatively greater bioavailability of 152.97 %. The successfully developed MX-SNELCs were found to be a better alternative than the conventional tablet dosage form, thus indicating their potential for further development in a clinically acceptable strategy for managing periodontal pain. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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16 pages, 3654 KiB  
Article
Detailed Process Analysis of Biobased Polybutylene Succinate Microfibers Produced by Laboratory-Scale Melt Electrospinning
by Maike-Elisa Ostheller, Naveen Kumar Balakrishnan, Robert Groten and Gunnar Seide
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1024; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071024 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3828
Abstract
Melt electrospinning is widely used to manufacture fibers with diameters in the low micrometer range. Such fibers are suitable for many biomedical applications, including sutures, stents and tissue engineering. We investigated the preparation of polybutylene succinate microfibers using a single-nozzle laboratory-scale device, while [...] Read more.
Melt electrospinning is widely used to manufacture fibers with diameters in the low micrometer range. Such fibers are suitable for many biomedical applications, including sutures, stents and tissue engineering. We investigated the preparation of polybutylene succinate microfibers using a single-nozzle laboratory-scale device, while varying the electric field strength, process throughput, nozzle-to-collector distance and the temperature of the polymer melt. The formation of a Taylor cone followed by continuous fiber deposition was observed for all process parameters, but whipping behavior was enhanced when the electric field strength was increased from 50 to 60 kV. The narrowest fibers (30.05 µm) were produced using the following parameters: electric field strength 60 kV, melt temperature 235 °C, throughput 0.1 mL/min and nozzle-to-collector distance 10 cm. Statistical analysis confirmed that the electric field strength was the most important parameter controlling the average fiber diameter. We therefore report the first production of melt-electrospun polybutylene succinate fibers in the low micrometer range using a laboratory-scale device. This offers an economical and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional solution electrospinning for the preparation of safe fibers in the micrometer range suitable for biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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Review

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19 pages, 1050 KiB  
Review
Polymeric Hydrogels as Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome Delivery System in Biomedical Applications
by Mia Arifka, Gofarana Wilar, Khaled M. Elamin and Nasrul Wathoni
Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061218 - 17 Mar 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3867
Abstract
Secretomes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been successfully studied in preclinical models for several biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. Hydrogels are known to imitate a three-dimensional extracellular matrix to offer a friendly environment for stem cells; therefore, [...] Read more.
Secretomes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been successfully studied in preclinical models for several biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and cancer therapy. Hydrogels are known to imitate a three-dimensional extracellular matrix to offer a friendly environment for stem cells; therefore, hydrogels can be used as scaffolds for tissue construction, to control the distribution of bioactive compounds in tissues, and as a secretome-producing MSC culture media. The administration of a polymeric hydrogel-based MSC secretome has been shown to overcome the fast clearance of the target tissue. In vitro studies confirm the bioactivity of the secretome encapsulated in the gel, allowing for a controlled and sustained release process. The findings reveal that the feasibility of polymeric hydrogels as MSC -secretome delivery systems had a positive influence on the pace of tissue and organ regeneration, as well as an enhanced secretome production. In this review, we discuss the widely used polymeric hydrogels and their advantages as MSC secretome delivery systems in biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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18 pages, 2493 KiB  
Review
Oxygen-Releasing Composites: A Promising Approach in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
by Dong-Jin Lim and Insoo Jang
Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4131; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234131 - 26 Nov 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3189
Abstract
In diabetes, lower extremity amputation (LEA) is an irreversible diabetic-related complication that easily occurs in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Because DFUs are a clinical outcome of different causes including peripheral hypoxia and diabetic foot infection (DFI), conventional wound dressing materials are [...] Read more.
In diabetes, lower extremity amputation (LEA) is an irreversible diabetic-related complication that easily occurs in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Because DFUs are a clinical outcome of different causes including peripheral hypoxia and diabetic foot infection (DFI), conventional wound dressing materials are often insufficient for supporting the normal wound healing potential in the ulcers. Advanced wound dressing development has recently focused on natural or biocompatible scaffolds or incorporating bioactive molecules. This review directs attention to the potential of oxygenation of diabetic wounds and highlights current fabrication techniques for oxygen-releasing composites and their medical applications. Based on different oxygen-releasable compounds such as liquid peroxides and solid peroxides, for example, a variety of oxygen-releasing composites have been fabricated and evaluated for medical applications. This review provides the challenges and limitations of utilizing current oxygen releasable compounds and provides perspectives on advancing oxygen releasing composites for diabetic-related wounds associated with DFUs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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19 pages, 690 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Enhancement of Calcium Phosphate Cement with Biological Materials in Bone Defect Healing
by Sok Kuan Wong, Yew Hoong Wong, Kok-Yong Chin and Soelaiman Ima-Nirwana
Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3075; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183075 - 12 Sep 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3466
Abstract
Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a promising material used in the treatment of bone defects due to its profitable features of self-setting capability, osteoconductivity, injectability, mouldability, and biocompatibility. However, the major limitations of CPC, such as the brittleness, lack of osteogenic property, and [...] Read more.
Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is a promising material used in the treatment of bone defects due to its profitable features of self-setting capability, osteoconductivity, injectability, mouldability, and biocompatibility. However, the major limitations of CPC, such as the brittleness, lack of osteogenic property, and poor washout resistance, remain to be resolved. Thus, significant research effort has been committed to modify and reinforce CPC. The mixture of CPC with various biological materials, defined as the materials produced by living organisms, have been fabricated by researchers and their characteristics have been investigated in vitro and in vivo. This present review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview enabling the readers to compare the physical, mechanical, and biological properties of CPC upon the incorporation of different biological materials. By mixing the bone-related transcription factors, proteins, and/or polysaccharides with CPC, researchers have demonstrated that these combinations not only resolved the lack of mechanical strength and osteogenic effects of CPC but also further improve its own functional properties. However, exceptions were seen in CPC incorporated with certain proteins (such as elastin-like polypeptide and calcitonin gene-related peptide) as well as blood components. In conclusion, the addition of biological materials potentially improves CPC features, which vary depending on the types of materials embedded into it. The significant enhancement of CPC seen in vitro and in vivo requires further verification in human trials for its clinical application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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20 pages, 2749 KiB  
Review
In Vivo Imaging of Biodegradable Implants and Related Tissue Biomarkers
by Leon Riehakainen, Chiara Cavallini, Paolo Armanetti, Daniele Panetta, Davide Caramella and Luca Menichetti
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2348; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142348 - 17 Jul 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3373
Abstract
Non-invasive longitudinal imaging of osseointegration of bone implants is essential to ensure a comprehensive, physical and biochemical understanding of the processes related to a successful implant integration and its long-term clinical outcome. This study critically reviews the present imaging techniques that may play [...] Read more.
Non-invasive longitudinal imaging of osseointegration of bone implants is essential to ensure a comprehensive, physical and biochemical understanding of the processes related to a successful implant integration and its long-term clinical outcome. This study critically reviews the present imaging techniques that may play a role to assess the initial stability, bone quality and quantity, associated tissue remodelling dependent on implanted material, implantation site (surrounding tissues and placement depth), and biomarkers that may be targeted. An updated list of biodegradable implant materials that have been reported in the literature, from metal, polymer and ceramic categories, is provided with reference to the use of specific imaging modalities (computed tomography, positron emission tomography, ultrasound, photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging) suitable for longitudinal and non-invasive imaging in humans. The advantages and disadvantages of the single imaging modality are discussed with a special focus on preclinical imaging for biodegradable implant research. Indeed, the investigation of a new implant commonly requires histological examination, which is invasive and does not allow longitudinal studies, thus requiring a large number of animals for preclinical testing. For this reason, an update of the multimodal and multi-parametric imaging capabilities will be here presented with a specific focus on modern biomaterial research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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17 pages, 2472 KiB  
Review
Reviewing Chitin/Chitosan Nanofibers and Associated Nanocomposites and Their Attained Medical Milestones
by Iyyakkannu Sivanesan, Judy Gopal, Manikandan Muthu, Juhyun Shin and Jae-Wook Oh
Polymers 2021, 13(14), 2330; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13142330 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3976
Abstract
Chitin/chitosan research is an expanding field with wide scope within polymer research. This topic is highly inviting as chitin/chitosan’s are natural biopolymers that can be recovered from food waste and hold high potentials for medical applications. This review gives a brief overview of [...] Read more.
Chitin/chitosan research is an expanding field with wide scope within polymer research. This topic is highly inviting as chitin/chitosan’s are natural biopolymers that can be recovered from food waste and hold high potentials for medical applications. This review gives a brief overview of the chitin/chitosan based nanomaterials, their preparation methods and their biomedical applications. Chitin nanofibers and Chitosan nanofibers have been reviewed, their fabrication methods presented and their biomedical applications summarized. The chitin/chitosan based nanocomposites have also been discussed. Chitin and chitosan nanofibers and their binary and ternary composites are represented by scattered superficial reports. Delving deep into synergistic approaches, bringing up novel chitin/chitosan nanocomposites, could help diligently deliver medical expectations. This review highlights such lacunae and further lapses in chitin related inputs towards medical applications. The grey areas and future outlook for aligning chitin/chitosan nanofiber research are outlined as research directions for the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Composites for Medical Applications)
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