Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2022) | Viewed by 41442

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Wael Mamdouh

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Chemistry, School of Sciences and Engineering, the American University in Cairo (AUC), AUC Avenue, P.O. Box 74, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
Interests: biomedical polymer nanocomposites; hydrogels; nanofibers; scaffolds; nanoparticles; drug delivery; membranes; antimicrobial; food packaging and tissue engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymer nanocomposites (PNC) are promising materials made from polymers as a matrix and fillers (inclusion materials) as reinforcement, with small quantities (less than 5% by weight) of nano-sized particulates having high aspect ratios. The mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, electrochemical, catalytic properties of the nanocomposite differ markedly from that of the parent materials. Novel PNC have been used in a wide variety of different applications including drug delivery, dental, medical devices, sensors, and tissue engineering applications as well as engineering and environmental applications.

This Special Issue is concerned with the methods of preparation, optimization and application of novel Polymers and Nanocomposites, including natural, synthetic polymers, biopolymers, and their networks or gels. Topics may include wet chemical approaches, high speed homogenization, electrospinning, mechanical, thermal methods, etc. Moreover, the final forms of PNC may vary ranging from particles, fibers, and emulsions, etc. which might be reflected on the final applications of these PNCs.

Ideally, contributions focus on fundamental results, mechanisms, and applications that will help to compile the current state-of-the-art and to highlight their range of application. Both original contributions and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Wael Mamdouh
Guest Editor

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

Antimicrobial
Drug delivery
Tissue engineering
Membranes
Water treatment
Food packaging
Sensors
Scaffolds

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (11 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 7650 KiB

Open AccessArticle

One-Pot and Green Preparation of Phyllanthus emblica Extract/Silver Nanoparticles/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Spray-On Dressing

by Whijitra Suvandee, Veerawat Teeranachaideekul, Nutjaree Jeenduang, Patcharakamon Nooeaid, Arthit Makarasen, Laemthong Chuenchom, Supanna Techasakul and Decha Dechtrirat

Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2205; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112205 - 29 May 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3034

Abstract

A spray-on wound dressing has many benefits, including easy and quick administration to broad and uneven wounds, better interface with the wound site, adhesion without additional dressing, and multiple applications in a portable package. By limiting direct contact with the wound site, such a design can prevent wound damage during treatment. This study revealed a simple, one-pot synthesis of spray-on wound dressing relying on polyvinylpyrrolidone solution incorporating silver nanoparticles as a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent and wound-healing antioxidant Phyllanthus emblica extract. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized in situ using Phyllanthus emblica extract as a biogenic reducing agent. Polyvinylpyrrolidone was employed as a film-forming agent to create an adhesive hydrogel-based dressing matrix to provide moisture and establish a shielding barrier for the wound bed as well as to regulate the release of fruit extract. In vitro tests revealed that the produced dressing film had a controlled release of the fruit extract, high antioxidant activity, and a good antibacterial action against S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and MRSA. Additionally, a biocompatibility study has shown that both human fibroblasts and keratinocytes are unaffected by the dressing film. Based on established findings, the current spray-on solution might be a potential option for antibacterial wound dressing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 5758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Mechanistic Studies of Ternary Nanocomposites for Hydrogen Production from Water Splitting to Yield Sustainable/Green Energy and Environmental Remediation

by Asim Jilani, Syed Zajif Hussain, Ammar A. Melaibari and Nidal H. Abu-Hamdeh

Polymers 2022, 14(7), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14071290 - 23 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2532

Abstract

Photocatalysts lead vitally to water purifications and decarbonise environment each by wastewater treatment and hydrogen (H₂) production as a renewable energy source from water-photolysis. This work deals with the photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and H₂ production by novel silver-nanoparticle (AgNPs) based ternary-nanocomposites of thiolated reduce-graphene oxide graphitic carbon nitride (AgNPs-S-rGO_2%@g-C₃N₄) material. Herein, the optimised balanced ratio of thiolated reduce-graphene oxide in prepared ternary-nanocomposites played matchlessly to enhance activity by increasing the charge carriers’ movements via slowing down charge-recombination ratios. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO), >2 wt.% or <2 wt.%, rendered H₂ production by light-shielding effect. As a result, CIP degradation was enhanced to 95.90% by AgNPs-S-rGO_2%@g-C₃N₄ under the optimised pH(6) and catalyst dosage(25 mg/L) irradiating beneath visible-light (450 nm, 150 watts) for 70 min. The chemical and morphological analysis of AgNPs-S-rGO_2%@g-C₃N₄ surface also supported the possible role of thiolation for this enhancement, assisted by surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs having size < 10 nm. Therefore, AgNPs-S-rGO_2%@g-C₃N₄ has 3772.5 μmolg⁻¹ h⁻¹ H₂ production, which is 6.43-fold higher than g-C₃N₄ having cyclic stability of 96% even after four consecutive cycles. The proposed mechanism for AgNPs-S-rGO_2%@g-C₃N₄ revealed that the photo-excited electrons in the conduction-band of g-C₃N₄ react with the adhered water moieties to generate H₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 3899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System of Cephalexin: Physiochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Evaluation

by Ameeduzzafar Zafar, Mohd Yasir, Nabil K. Alruwaili, Syed Sarim Imam, Omar Awad Alsaidan, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Ali Alquraini, Alenazy Rawaf, Mohammad Javed Ansari and Udai Vir Singh Sara

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 1055; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14051055 - 7 Mar 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2947

Abstract

A cephalexin (CEP) self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) was developed in this study to improve the drug’s oral administration. The CEP-SNEDDS was made utilizing an aqueous titration method employing Lauroglycol 90, Poloxamer 188, and Transcutol-HP. Box-Behnken design (BBD) with three factors at three levels was used for optimization, and their impacts on globule size (nm), transmittance (percent), and emulsification time (s) were assessed. The optimized formulation (Opt-F3) was further tested for zeta potential, refractive index, percent transmittance, thermodynamic stability, in-vitro release, ex vivo permeability, antibacterial activity, and bioavailability. The chosen formulation (Opt-F3) had a globule size of 87.25 ± 3.16 nm, PDI of 0.25, zeta potential of −24.37 mV, self-emulsification duration of 52 ± 1.7 s, and percentage transmittance of 99.13 ± 1.5%, viscosity of 96.26 ± 2.72 cp, and refractive index of 1.29 ± 0.1. It showed a sustained release profile (94.28 ± 5.92 percent in 24 h). The Opt-F3 formulation had 3.95 times the permeability of CEP-dispersion. In comparison to CEP-dispersion, it also demonstrated greater antibacterial efficacy against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The oral bioavailability of Opt-F3 is 3.48 times higher than that of CEP-dispersion, according to an in-vivo investigation. It has been determined that the prepared CEP-SNEDDS may be an advantageous carrier for CEP delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formulation of Chitosan-Coated Apigenin Bilosomes: In Vitro Characterization, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Assessment

by Syed Sarim Imam, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammad A. Altamimi, Raed Khalid Hassan Almalki, Afzal Hussain, Sarah I. Bukhari, Wael A. Mahdi and Wajhul Qamar

Polymers 2022, 14(5), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14050921 - 25 Feb 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 2882

Abstract

We prepared apigenin (APG)-loaded bilosomes (BLs) and evaluated them for vesicle size, zeta-potential and encapsulation efficiency. The formulations were prepared with cholesterol (CHL), sodium deoxy cholate (SDC), Tween 80 (T80) and phosphatidylcholine (PC) using solvent evaporation method. The prepared formulations showed the optimum result was coated with much mucoadhesive polymer chitosan (CH, 0.25 and 0.5% w/v). The chitosan-coated bilosomes (CH-BLs) were further evaluated for surface morphology, drug–polymer interaction, mucoadhesion, permeation, antimicrobial activity and cell viability. The prepared APG-BLs showed nano-metric size (211 ± 2.87 nm to 433 ± 1.98 nm), polydispersibility index <0.5, negative zeta potential (−15 to −29 mV) and enhanced encapsulation efficiency (69.5 ± 0.93 to 81.9 ± 1.3%). Based on these findings, selected formulation (F2) was further coated with chitosan and showed a marked increase in vesicle size (298 ± 3.56 nm), a positive zeta potential (+17 mV), superior encapsulation efficiency (88.1 ± 1.48%) and improved drug release (69.37 ± 1.34%). Formulation F2C1 showed significantly enhanced permeation and mucoadhesion (p < 0.05) compared to formulation F2 due to the presence of CH as a mucoadhesive polymer. The presence of CH on the surfaces of BLs helps to open the tight membrane junctions and leads to enhanced permeation. A TEM study revealed non-aggregated smooth surface vesicles. The antimicrobial and cell viability assessment revealed better effects in terms of zone of inhibition and cell line assessment against two different cancer cell line. From the study, it can be concluded that APG-CHBLs could be a superior alternative to conventional delivery systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 6126 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Applying Box–Behnken Design for Formulation and Optimization of PLGA-Coffee Nanoparticles and Detecting Enhanced Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities

by Nouran S. Sharaf, Amro Shetta, Jailan E. Elhalawani and Wael Mamdouh

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010144 - 31 Dec 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3848

Abstract

In an attempt to prove biological activity enhancement upon particle size reduction to the nanoscale, coffee (Cf) was chosen to be formulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) using the single emulsion-solvent evaporation (SE-SE) method via Box–Behnken Design (BBD) to study the impact of certain process and formulation parameters on the particle size and size homogeneity, surface stability and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The coffee-loaded PLGA (PLGA-Cf) NPs were characterized by different methods to aid in selecting the optimum formulation conditions. The desirable physicochemical characteristics involved small particle sizes with an average of 318.60 ± 5.65 nm, uniformly distributed within a narrow range (PDI of 0.074 ± 0.015), with considerable stability (Zeta Potential of −20.50 ± 0.52 mV) and the highest EE% (85.92 ± 4.01%). The antioxidant and anticancer activities of plain PLGA NPs, pure Cf and the optimum PLGA-Cf NPs, were evaluated using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays, respectively. As a result of nano-encapsulation, antioxidant activity was enhanced by 26.5%. Encapsulated Cf showed higher anticancer potency than pure Cf against different cancerous cell lines with an increase of 86.78%, 78.17%, 85.84% and 84.84% against MCF-7, A-549, HeLa and HepG-2, respectively. The in vitro release followed the Weibull release model with slow and biphasic release profile in both tested pH media, 7.4 and 5.5. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mass Transfer and Optical Properties of Active PET/PP Food-Grade Films Impregnated with Olive Leaf Extract

by Cristina Cejudo Bastante, Marlene J. Cran, Lourdes Casas Cardoso, Casimiro Mantell Serrano and Stephen W. Bigger

Polymers 2022, 14(1), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14010084 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3438

Abstract

A supercritical solvent impregnation (SSI) technique was employed to incorporate, by batch- and semicontinuous-modes, bioactive olive leaf extract (OLE) into a food-grade multilayer polyethylene terephthalate/polypropylene (PET/PP) film for active food packaging applications. The inclusion of OLE in the polymer surfaces significantly modified the colour properties of the film. A correlation of 87.06% between the CIELAB colour parameters and the amount of the OLE impregnated in the film was obtained which suggests that colour determination can be used as a rapid, non-destructive technique to estimate the OLE loading in the impregnated matrices. The UV barrier and water permeability properties of the films were not significantly modified by the incorporation of OLE. The migration of OLE into a 50% (v/v) ethanol food simulant demonstrated faster release of OLE from the PP surface than from the PET surface which may be due to the different interactions between OLE and each polymer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Nanoparticles Using Fortunella margarita Leaves

by Rutaba Amjad, Bismillah Mubeen, Syed Shahbaz Ali, Syed Sarim Imam, Sultan Alshehri, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Sami I. Alzarea, Rabia Rasool, Inam Ullah, Muhammad Shahid Nadeem and Imran Kazmi

Polymers 2021, 13(24), 4364; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13244364 - 13 Dec 2021

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6264

Abstract

The use of biomaterials in the synthesis of nanoparticles is one of the most up-to-date focuses in modern nanotechnologies and nanosciences. More and more research on green methods of producing metal oxide nanoparticles (NP) is taking place, with the goal to overcome the possible dangers of toxic chemicals for a safe and innocuous environment. In this study, we synthesized copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using Fortunella margarita leaves’ extract, which reflects its novelty in the field of nanosciences. The visual observation of a color change from dark green to bluish green clearly shows the instant and spontaneous formation of CuNPs when the phytochemicals of F. margarita come in contact with Cu⁺² ions. The synthesis of CuNPs was carried out at different conditions, including pH, temperature, concentration ratio and time, and were characterized with UV-Vis absorption spectra, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV-Vis analysis reveals the surface plasmon resonance property (SPR) of CuNPs, showing a characteristic absorption peak at 679 nm, while SEM reveals the spherical but agglomerated shape of CuNPs of the size within the range of 51.26–56.66 nm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

22 pages, 6273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Manifest/Non-Manifest Drug Release Patterns from Polysaccharide Based Hydrogels—Case Study on Cyclodextrin—κ Carrageenan Crosslinked Hydrogels

by Elena Simona Băcăiță, Cătălina Anișoara Peptu, Corina-Lenuta Savin (Logigan), Marian Luțcanu and Maricel Agop

Polymers 2021, 13(23), 4147; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13234147 - 27 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2003

Abstract

The aim of this study is to offer a comprehensive view on drug release from hydrogel, from both an experimental and a theoretical point of view. Aiming to benefit cyclodextrins’ properties (not irritant; stable; able to modify the physical, chemical and biological properties of active compounds; accessible at low prices) and those of carrageenan polysaccharide (antitumor, immunomodulatory, antihyperlipidemic, anticoagulant, biocompatibility, biodegradability), original hydrogel films based on beta cyclodextrin and kappa carrageenan using epichlorohydrin as crosslinking agent were prepared and characterized from morphological and physical/chemical points of view. The results (morphology, the swelling degree, and the loading/release capacity) proved their potential as carriers for different types of drugs. Further, a new theoretical model, from a multifractal paradigm of motion, was proposed for the drug release from hydrogel films, starting from the fundaments of its evolution at a microscopic level, and aiming to obtain information on system evolution, at both the spatial and temporal scales, inapproachable by quantitative measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 4265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Silver Containing Free Standing Polymer FILMS for Dosimetry Applications

by Mantvydas Merkis, Judita Puišo, Diana Adliene and Jurgita Laurikaitiene

Polymers 2021, 13(22), 3925; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13223925 - 13 Nov 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2055

Abstract

Polymer gels and films, due to their near equivalence to biological tissue, are amongst the most promising future dosimetry tools for medical applications. The application of polymer dose gels is limited by the sensitivity of dose readout methods and dose gel properties. It is a challenge to find suitable dosimeters for registration of doses delivered to the target by orthovoltage therapy units. The application of metal-particle-enriched polymer composites for dose registration in X-ray therapy might be an elegant solution, especially if recent dose-reading technologies exploring advantages of different physical phenomena are involved. In this work, X-rays from the orthovoltage therapy range were used for the irradiation of experimental samples. In addition, radiation-induced processes of formation of silver nanoparticles in AgNO₃–PVA gels and in free standing AgNO₃PVA films, also containing some additional solvents, namely glycerol, ethanol, and isopropanol, have been investigated, with the aim to apply the developed composites for medical dosimetry purposes. A simple and environmentally friendly method for the formation of free-standing AgPVA films at room temperature was proposed and realized for preparing AgPVA films for investigation. Radiation-induced synthesis of silver nanoparticles in AgPVA composites was investigated, analyzing LPSR-based UV-VIS spectral changes to the irradiated films with respect to irradiation doses, and dose-related tendencies were also evaluated. It was shown that AgPVA films were more sensitive for detection of doses from the interval 0–1.0 Gy, thus indicating potential application of AgPVA films for dosimetry purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 3590 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Developments in Blood-Compatible Superhydrophobic Surfaces

by Zhiqian Wang, Sumona Paul, Louis H. Stein, Arash Salemi and Somenath Mitra

Polymers 2022, 14(6), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14061075 - 8 Mar 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3941

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces, as indicated in the name, are highly hydrophobic and readily repel water. With contact angles greater than 150° and sliding angles less than 10°, water droplets flow easily and hardly wet these surfaces. Superhydrophobic materials and coatings have been drawing increasing attention in medical fields, especially on account of their promising applications in blood-contacting devices. Superhydrophobicity controls the interactions of cells with the surfaces and facilitates the flowing of blood or plasma without damaging blood cells. The antibiofouling effect of superhydrophobic surfaces resists adhesion of organic substances, including blood components and microorganisms. These attributes are critical to medical applications such as filter membranes, prosthetic heart valves, extracorporeal circuit tubing, and indwelling catheters. Researchers have developed various methods to fabricate blood-compatible or biocompatible superhydrophobic surfaces using different materials. In addition to being hydrophobic, these surfaces can also be antihemolytic, antithrombotic, antibacterial, and antibiofouling, making them ideal for clinical applications. In this review, the authors summarize recent developments of blood-compatible superhydrophobic surfaces, with a focus on methods and materials. The expectation of this review is that it will support the biomedical research field by providing current trends as well as future directions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 2597 KiB

Open AccessReview

Application of Aramid Nanofibers in Nanocomposites: A Brief Review

by Yangyang Fan, Zhihua Li and Junchao Wei

Polymers 2021, 13(18), 3071; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183071 - 11 Sep 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6799

Abstract

The diameter of fibers is a critical factor in determining their final applications. When the diameter of aramid fibers changes from microns to nanoscale, its range of applications will be greatly extended. In this short review, the preparation of aramid nanofibers (ANFs) with diameters from ten nanometers to more than one hundred nanometers is introduced. Due to their excellent mechanical properties and their chemical and thermal stability, ANFs have been widely used as novel nanomaterials and composited with other materials, mainly for use in reinforced composites, energy storage, filtration and adsorption, biomedicine and electromagnetic fields. In this short review, the application of ANFs and their composites during the last 10 years is concisely summarized and a brief perspective on ANFs and their composites is also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Novel Polymers and Nanocomposites

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (11 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI