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Polymers
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Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications
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Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2022) | Viewed by 35742

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jeevithan Elango

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Guest Editor
Department of Biomaterials Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCAM-Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
Interests: proteins; amino acids; carbohydrates; glycoproteins; regeneration of bone; skin and dental; tissue engineering; marine polysaccharides; marine collagen; in-vitro cell culture; electrospinning; scaffolds; hydrogels; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Wenhui Wu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Marine Biopharmacology, College of Food Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: biomaterials; polymeric compsites; synthetic biology; marine derived materials; tissue engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Shujun Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Jiangsu Key Lab Marine Biotechnol, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, China
Interests: carbohydrate polymer; multifunctional polymer; antibacteria; antioxidant; degradable polymers; polymer synthesis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, bio-based and biodegradable polymers create several new opportunities such as packaging, coatings, drug delivery systems in food, pharma and biomedical industries. Hence, bio-based degradable materials are unavoidable in current global situation to minimise the use of non-degradable synthetic materials usage, which remain in our ecosystem for almost 400-500 years and potentially become dangerous hazards to the entire world, affecting almost every organism. Consequently, biocompatible and biodegradable polymers nowadays have become hot topics to replace the synthetic plastic materials. The empirical evidences also confirm the biocompatibility and bio-functionality of biopolymers in various applications. Recently, researchers have been trying several new techniques for biopolymer synthesis and fabrications, and thus exploring more and more natural resources, including oceans, in order to discover innovative biomaterials for commercial applications. Therefore, the intent of this Special Issue is to provide an avenue for the current progress in bio-based polymeric composites synthesis, characterization and applications. More specifically, this Special Issue aims to highlight the current advancement and fundamental concept of biobased polymeric composite derived from natural resources. Topics of interest include all aspects of isolation, chemical synthesis, characterisation, physicofunctional properties, manufacturing, and applications of bio-based biodegradable polymers, related copolymers, composites, blends and intelligent biomimic materials.

Prof. Dr. Jeevithan Elango
Prof. Dr. Wenhui Wu
Prof. Dr. Shujun Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. 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

  • bio-based degradable polymers
  • bio(3D)composites blends
  • multifunctional composites
  • design and manufacturing
  • physico-chemical characterization
  • monomers from renewable resources
  • eco-friendly sustainable materials
  • bioplastics
  • polymer-(in)organic composites
  • Inteligent packaging materials
  • biomimic materials
  • tissue regeneration
  • biological properties

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 6104 KiB  
Article
Chitin Nanocrystal Hydrophobicity Adjustment by Fatty Acid Esterification for Improved Polylactic Acid Nanocomposites
by Ivanna Colijn, Murat Yanat, Geertje Terhaerdt, Karin Molenveld, Carmen G. Boeriu and Karin Schroën
Polymers 2022, 14(13), 2619; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132619 - 28 Jun 2022
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2780
Abstract
Bioplastics may solve environmental issues related to the current linear plastic economy, but they need improvement to be viable alternatives. To achieve this, we aimed to add chitin nanocrystals (ChNC) to polylactic acid (PLA), which is known to alter material properties while maintaining [...] Read more.
Bioplastics may solve environmental issues related to the current linear plastic economy, but they need improvement to be viable alternatives. To achieve this, we aimed to add chitin nanocrystals (ChNC) to polylactic acid (PLA), which is known to alter material properties while maintaining a fully bio-based character. However, ChNC are not particularly compatible with PLA, and surface modification with fatty acids was used to improve this. We used fatty acids that are different in carbon chain length (C4–C18) and degree of saturation (C18:2). We successfully used Steglich esterification and confirmed covalent attachment of fatty acids to the ChNC with FTIR and solid-state 13C NMR. The morphology of the ChNC remained intact after surface modification, as observed by TEM. ChNC modified with C4 and C8 showed higher degrees of substitution compared to fatty acids with a longer aliphatic tail, while particles modified with the longest fatty acid showed the highest hydrophobicity. The addition of ChNC to the PLA matrix resulted in brown color formation that was reduced when using modified particles, leading to higher transparency, most probably as a result of better dispersibility of modified ChNC, as observed by SEM. In general, addition of ChNC provided high UV-protection to the base polymer material, which is an additional feature that can be created through the addition of ChNC, which is not at the expense of the barrier properties, or the mechanical strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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14 pages, 2773 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Immunogenicity Associated with the Biocompatibility of Type I Collagen from Tilapia Fish Skin
by Jingyi Zhang, Jeevithan Elango, Shujun Wang, Chunyu Hou, Meng Miao, Jia Li, Lixin Na and Wenhui Wu
Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2300; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112300 - 6 Jun 2022
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3375
Abstract
Collagen from fish has been proven to have a low antigenicity that has no difference in the genetic codes compared with mammalian-based collagen. This study was designed to investigate the impact of tilapia skin collagen on immunogenicity and biocompatibility in vivo and in [...] Read more.
Collagen from fish has been proven to have a low antigenicity that has no difference in the genetic codes compared with mammalian-based collagen. This study was designed to investigate the impact of tilapia skin collagen on immunogenicity and biocompatibility in vivo and in vitro. The structural characteristics of both acid-soluble and pepsin-soluble collagen (ASC and PSC), determined using SDS-PAGE and atomic force microscopy imaging experiments, revealed that the collagen had the basic characteristics of type I collagen (COL-I). The in vitro biocompatibility of the collagens showed good cell proliferation against human foreskin fibroblast (HFF-1) cells. PSC and ASC were considered to be almost non-hemolytic biomaterials with favorable blood compatibility in hemolysis tests. The in vivo antigenicity of the collagen in an ICR mouse model evoked an acceptable specific inflammatory response compared to bovine collagen. The implant’s position had developed a complete granulation tissue and the sponge disappeared after 8 weeks. The level of cytokines produced by the COL-I immune response was much lower than bovine collagen, which indicated the appropriate implantable property and biodegradability of the collagens. In conclusion, the tilapia COL-I has a lower immunogenicity with better compatibility than bovine COL-I and is a potential alternative to conventional mammalian collagens in biomedical uses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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13 pages, 4352 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Coumarin Derivatives: A New Class of Coumarin-Based G Protein-Coupled Receptor Activators and Inhibitors
by Zhe Fu, Linjie Zhang, Sijin Hang, Shiyi Wang, Na Li, Xiaojing Sun, Zian Wang, Ruilong Sheng, Fang Wang, Wenhui Wu and Ruihua Guo
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2021; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102021 - 15 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3215
Abstract
To expand the range of daphnetin-based inhibitors/activators used for targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in disease treatment, twenty-five coumarin derivatives 1–25, including 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin and 7-hydroxycoumarin derivatives with various substitution patterns/groups at C3-/4- positions, were synthesized via mild Pechmann condensation and hydroxyl modification. The [...] Read more.
To expand the range of daphnetin-based inhibitors/activators used for targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in disease treatment, twenty-five coumarin derivatives 1–25, including 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin and 7-hydroxycoumarin derivatives with various substitution patterns/groups at C3-/4- positions, were synthesized via mild Pechmann condensation and hydroxyl modification. The structures were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and ESI-MS. Their inhibition or activation activities relative to GPCRs were evaluated by double-antibody sandwich ELISA (DAS–ELISA) in vitro. The results showed that most of the coumarin derivatives possessed a moderate GPCR activation or inhibitory potency. Among them, derivatives 14, 17, 18, and 21 showed a remarkable GPCR activation potency, with EC50 values of 0.03, 0.03, 0.03, and 0.02 nM, respectively. Meanwhile, derivatives 4, 7, and 23 had significant GPCR inhibitory potencies against GPCRs with IC50 values of 0.15, 0.02, and 0.76 nM, respectively. Notably, the acylation of hydroxyl groups at the C-7 and C-8 positions of 7,8-dihydroxycoumarin skeleton or the etherification of the hydroxyl group at the C-7 position of the 7-hydroxycoumarin skeleton could successfully change GPCRs activators into inhibitors. This work demonstrated a simple and efficient approach to developing coumarin derivatives as remarkable GPCRs activators and inhibitors via molecular diversity-based synthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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17 pages, 3595 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Effect of Nile Tilapia Type II Collagen on Rigidity in CD8+ Cells by Alleviating Inflammation and Rheumatoid Arthritis in Rats by Oral Tolerance
by Chunyu Hou, Na Li, Mengyao Liu, Jingjing Chen, Jeevithan Elango, Saeed Ur Rahman, Bin Bao and Wenhui Wu
Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1284; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071284 - 22 Mar 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2500
Abstract
Fibrillins are microfibril-associated macro glycoproteins found in connective tissues and structurally related to latent TGF-β-binding proteins (LTBPs). The special cellular immunity and blocking glycoprotein receptors IIb and IIIa of fibrillins are emerging topics in recent years. In this study, Nile Tilapia type IIcollagen [...] Read more.
Fibrillins are microfibril-associated macro glycoproteins found in connective tissues and structurally related to latent TGF-β-binding proteins (LTBPs). The special cellular immunity and blocking glycoprotein receptors IIb and IIIa of fibrillins are emerging topics in recent years. In this study, Nile Tilapia type IIcollagen (NTCII) was extracted and purified from the skull cartilages by a pepsin-soluble method. Amino acid analysis indicated that NTCII consisted of 315/1000 glycine residues, 72/1000 hydroxyproline residues and 108/1000 proline residues. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that NTCII was composed of three identical 130 kDa α-chains. The results of glycoprotein/carbohydrate assay indicated that the total polysaccharide content of NTCII was 5.6–19.0%. The IR spectrum of NTCII displayed five characteristic peaks of amide I, II, III, A, B. NTCII at 10–100 μg/mL concentration downregulated the content of cytokines in the presence or absence of LPS, especially the secretion of cytokines IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α. Interestingly, NTCII promoted the secretion of Fas/Apo-1 compared to the control group and 25 μg/mL of NTCII resulted in a higher Fas/Apo-1 secretion level in CD8+ T cells. FITC-TCII fluorescence images confirmed that NTCII could bind to the membrane surface of CD8+ T cells, leading to the induction of rigidity. NTCII could bind to the membrane surface of CD8+ T cells that leads to the induction of rigidity, as evidenced by the FITC-NTCII fluorescence images. The qRT-PCR gene expression analysis of caspase-8 collected with Fas/Apo-1 was upregulated significantly in the 1 and 50 μg/mL NTCII-treated groups compared with the control group. Overall, the results conclude that the rigidity did not lead to an increase in inflammatory factors in CD8+ T cells treated with NTCII. The oral administration of NTCII 3 mg/kg dosage caused more prominent repair of damaged ankle cartilage than the 1 mg/kg dosage in Freund’s adjuvant-induced model of arthritis in rats. Therefore, this study disclosed the immunological and anti-arthritic effect of fibrillar collagen, which could be a potential biomaterial for practical applications with lower toxicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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Review

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30 pages, 8195 KiB  
Review
The Frontiers of Functionalized Nanocellulose-Based Composites and Their Application as Chemical Sensors
by Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim, Victor Feizal Knight, Norizan Mohd Nurazzi, Mohd Azwan Jenol, Muhammad Syukri Mohamad Misenan, Nurjahirah Janudin, Noor Azilah Mohd Kasim, Muhammad Faizan A. Shukor, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas, Muhammad Rizal Muhammad Asyraf and Jesuarockiam Naveen
Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4461; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204461 - 21 Oct 2022
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3053
Abstract
Chemical sensors are a rapidly developing technology that has received much attention in diverse industries such as military, medicine, environmental surveillance, automotive power and mobility, food manufacturing, infrastructure construction, product packaging and many more. The mass production of low-cost devices and components for [...] Read more.
Chemical sensors are a rapidly developing technology that has received much attention in diverse industries such as military, medicine, environmental surveillance, automotive power and mobility, food manufacturing, infrastructure construction, product packaging and many more. The mass production of low-cost devices and components for use as chemical sensors is a major driving force for improvements in each of these industries. Recently, studies have found that using renewable and eco-friendly materials would be advantageous for both manufacturers and consumers. Thus, nanotechnology has led to the investigation of nanocellulose, an emerging and desirable bio-material for use as a chemical sensor. The inherent properties of nanocellulose, its high tensile strength, large specific surface area and good porous structure have many advantages in its use as a composite material for chemical sensors, intended to decrease response time by minimizing barriers to mass transport between an analyte and the immobilized indicator in the sensor. Besides which, the piezoelectric effect from aligned fibers in nanocellulose composites is beneficial for application in chemical sensors. Therefore, this review presents a discussion on recent progress and achievements made in the area of nanocellulose composites for chemical sensing applications. Important aspects regarding the preparation of nanocellulose composites using different functionalization with other compounds are also critically discussed in this review. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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35 pages, 5502 KiB  
Review
Polymers Based on PLA from Synthesis Using D,L-Lactic Acid (or Racemic Lactide) and Some Biomedical Applications: A Short Review
by Juliene Oliveira Campos de França, Deborah da Silva Valadares, Mateus Freitas Paiva, Sílvia Cláudia Loureiro Dias and José Alves Dias
Polymers 2022, 14(12), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14122317 - 8 Jun 2022
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 11166
Abstract
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an important polymer that is based on renewable biomass resources. Because of environmental issues, more renewable sources for polymers synthesis have been sought for industrial purposes. In this sense, cheaper monomers should be used to facilitate better utilization of [...] Read more.
Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an important polymer that is based on renewable biomass resources. Because of environmental issues, more renewable sources for polymers synthesis have been sought for industrial purposes. In this sense, cheaper monomers should be used to facilitate better utilization of less valuable chemicals and therefore granting more sustainable processes. Some points are raised about the need to study the total degradability of any PLA, which may require specific composting conditions (e.g., temperature, type of microorganism, adequate humidity and aerobic environment). Polymerization processes to produce PLA are presented with an emphasis on D,L-lactic acid (or rac-lactide) as the reactant monomer. The syntheses involving homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic processes to produce poly(D,L-Lactic acid) (PDLLA) are also addressed. Additionally, the production of blends, copolymers, and composites with PDLLA are also presented exemplifying different preparation methods. Some general applications of these materials mostly dedicated to the biomedical area over the last 10–15 years will be pointed out. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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25 pages, 7320 KiB  
Review
The Molecular Interaction of Collagen with Cell Receptors for Biological Function
by Jeevithan Elango, Chunyu Hou, Bin Bao, Shujun Wang, José Eduardo Maté Sánchez de Val and Wu Wenhui
Polymers 2022, 14(5), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050876 - 23 Feb 2022
Cited by 60 | Viewed by 8276
Abstract
Collagen, an extracellular protein, covers the entire human body and has several important biological functions in normal physiology. Recently, collagen from non-human sources has attracted attention for therapeutic management and biomedical applications. In this regard, both land-based animals such as cow, pig, chicken, [...] Read more.
Collagen, an extracellular protein, covers the entire human body and has several important biological functions in normal physiology. Recently, collagen from non-human sources has attracted attention for therapeutic management and biomedical applications. In this regard, both land-based animals such as cow, pig, chicken, camel, and sheep, and marine-based resources such as fish, octopus, starfish, sea-cucumber, and jellyfish are widely used for collagen extraction. The extracted collagen is transformed into collagen peptides, hydrolysates, films, hydrogels, scaffolds, sponges and 3D matrix for food and biomedical applications. In addition, many strategic ideas are continuously emerging to develop innovative advanced collagen biomaterials. For this purpose, it is important to understand the fundamental perception of how collagen communicates with receptors of biological cells to trigger cell signaling pathways. Therefore, this review discloses the molecular interaction of collagen with cell receptor molecules to carry out cellular signaling in biological pathways. By understanding the actual mechanism, this review opens up several new concepts to carry out next level research in collagen biomaterials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Based and Biodegradable Polymeric Composites: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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