Advanced Biomaterials: Processing and Applications

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The progress of biomaterial science and engineering has allowed the creation of increasingly advanced and innovative interfaces with biological systems capable of performing multiple functions aimed at supporting the growth of new tissue during healing/regeneration processes. To achieve this aim, an accurate design study of the material properties is required to guarantee a controlled structure and the dynamic functionality capable of adapting/integrating with the biological complexity of tissues and organs. In this context, the transition from inert to bioactive materials has been consolidated, leading to the development of new strategies in chemistry and nanotechnologies capable of responding to the growing needs in terms of promotion and control of biological phenomena in vitro and in vivo. In this perspective, this topic issue aims to review recent achievements in the field of hard and soft biomaterials with a specific emphasis on micro and nanotechnology advances which have showed the potential of controlling morphology and static/dynamic functionalities at micro/sub micrometer scale, including tailoring of biomechanical/sensing properties for the creation of bio-complex materials that might be used ad hoc in challenging applications of biomedicine and biotechnology. Research on the potential impact of recent technological developments, including safety laws and toxicology for large scale applications, will also be considered.

Dr. Vincenzo Guarino
Dr. Roberto De Santis
Dr. Ugo D'Amora
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Chemistry chemistry	2.4	3.2	2019	13.4 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Molecules molecules	4.2	7.4	1996	15.1 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Polymers polymers	4.7	8.0	2009	14.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Pharmaceutics pharmaceutics	4.9	7.9	2009	14.9 Days	CHF 2900	Submit

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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27 pages, 5077 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Ag and Cu Nanoparticles Using E. telmateia Ehrh Extract: Coating, Characterization, and Bioactivity on PEEK Polymer Substrates

by Şakir Altınsoy, Kadriye Kızılbey and Hümeyra Berfin İlim

Materials 2024, 17(22), 5501; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17225501 - 11 Nov 2024

Viewed by 524

Abstract

PEEK-based implant materials have gained increasing attention as an alternative to titanium due to their biocompatibility and bone-like elasticity. However, PEEK’s surface quality and wear resistance are lower than those of metals. This study aimed to enhance the bioactivity and surface quality of [...] Read more.

PEEK-based implant materials have gained increasing attention as an alternative to titanium due to their biocompatibility and bone-like elasticity. However, PEEK’s surface quality and wear resistance are lower than those of metals. This study aimed to enhance the bioactivity and surface quality of PEEK by coating it with silver and copper nanoparticles synthesized via a green method using Equisetum telmateia Ehrh. extract. PEEK samples (Ø 25 mm, 3 mm thick) were coated with single and double layers using spray (airbrush-spray) and drop-coating methods. Comprehensive analyses including SEM, EDX, FT-IR, UV-Vis, surface roughness, release studies, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity, and antibacterial tests were conducted on the coated samples. The results demonstrated that AgNPs and CuNPs coatings significantly improved the surface quality of PEEK. SEM analysis revealed particle sizes ranging from 48 to 160 nm for AgNPs and 50–135 nm for CuNPs, with superior dispersion obtained using the airbrush-spray method. Surface roughness measurements showed a reduction of 17–33% for AgNPs-coated samples and 7–15% for CuNPs-coated samples compared to uncoated PEEK, with airbrush-spray coatings providing smoother surfaces. Antioxidant activity tests indicated that AgNPs provided 35% higher antioxidant activity compared to CuNPs. Additionally, antibacterial tests revealed that AgNPs exhibited a higher zone of inhibition (up to 14 mm for S. aureus and 18 mm for E. coli) compared to CuNPs, which exhibited zones of 8 mm and 10 mm, respectively. This study concludes that green-synthesized AgNPs, in particular, enhance the bioactivity and surface properties of PEEK, making it a promising material for biomedical applications such as infection-resistant implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Biomaterials: Processing and Applications)

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14 pages, 5048 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Design and Characterization of an Antimicrobial Biocomposite for Wound Dressings

by Leslie Becerril-Serna, Blanca Rosa Aguilar-Uscanga, Mario Flores-Soto, Josué Raymundo Solís-Pacheco and Erick Omar Cisneros-López

Materials 2024, 17(19), 4705; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17194705 - 25 Sep 2024

Viewed by 671

Abstract

Skin wounds, due to their high vulnerability to infections, represent a significant public health issue. These wounds are not only disabling but also entail costly treatments and slow recovery. Consequently, it is crucial to implement new treatments based on bioactive and natural antimicrobial [...] Read more.

Skin wounds, due to their high vulnerability to infections, represent a significant public health issue. These wounds are not only disabling but also entail costly treatments and slow recovery. Consequently, it is crucial to implement new treatments based on bioactive and natural antimicrobial compounds utilizing fibers, polymers, hydrocolloids, and hydrogels to control potential infections and promote wound healing. This study aimed to develop a biocomposite with antimicrobial activity for the treatment of skin wounds, using sodium alginate, bamboo fiber, and a natural antimicrobial as ingredients. The physico-mechanical properties (Young’s modulus, tensile strength, elongation at break, moisture absorption, and water vapor permeability) and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus hominis were determined. The results demonstrated that the designed biocomposite possesses adequate physico-mechanical properties, such as flexibility, strength, and water absorption capacity, in addition to exhibiting antibacterial activity, making it suitable to be used as a dressing in wound treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Biomaterials: Processing and Applications)

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17 pages, 6199 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Design and Synthesis of an Azo Reductase Responsive Flavonol–Indomethacin Hybrid Used for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Colitis

by Yaqin Gu, Rui Yang, Jine Chen, Yu Fan, Wenna Xie, Hongyan Wu and Jinfeng Ding

Molecules 2024, 29(17), 4244; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29174244 - 6 Sep 2024

Viewed by 729

Abstract

Human intestinal bacteria are the primary producers of azo reductase, and the content of azo reductase is closely associated with various intestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). The rapid detection of changes in azo reductase levels is crucial for diagnosing and promptly intervening [...] Read more.

Human intestinal bacteria are the primary producers of azo reductase, and the content of azo reductase is closely associated with various intestinal diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC). The rapid detection of changes in azo reductase levels is crucial for diagnosing and promptly intervening in UC. In this study, a therapeutic agent, FAI, specifically targeting UC, was designed and synthesized. This agent was developed by linking the anti-inflammatory drug indomethacin to flavonols with antioxidant activity via an azo bond (off–on). Breakage of the azo bond breaks results in the release of both fluorophores and drugs, achieving targeted tracing and integrated treatment effects. In vivo and in vitro fluorescence imaging experiments were used to demonstrate the potential of FAI in the diagnosis of UC, together with synergistic therapeutic effects through the release of both fluorophores and anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, this diagnostic agent shows promise as a potential tool for diagnosing and treating UC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Biomaterials: Processing and Applications)

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15 pages, 4963 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Desmodium intortum (Mill.) Urb. Protein Isolate Aggregates as Pickering Stabilizers: Physicochemical Characteristics and Emulsifying Properties

by Xuemei Tang, Hui Chang, Guanglong Yao, Jian Chen and Rongshu Dong

Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3923; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163923 - 20 Aug 2024

Viewed by 755

Abstract

This work aimed to investigate the feasibility of fabricating Pickering emulsions stabilized by Desmodium intortum protein isolate (DIPI) aggregates. The DIPI aggregates were formed using heat treatment, and the effects of ionic strength and pH on their properties were investigated. The heat-treated protein [...] Read more.

This work aimed to investigate the feasibility of fabricating Pickering emulsions stabilized by Desmodium intortum protein isolate (DIPI) aggregates. The DIPI aggregates were formed using heat treatment, and the effects of ionic strength and pH on their properties were investigated. The heat-treated protein exposes its hydrophobic groups due to structural damage, resulting in rapid aggregation of the protein into aggregates with a size of 236 nm. The results showed that the aggregates induced by ionic strength had larger particle size and higher surface hydrophobicity and partial wettability. Moreover, this study explored effective strategies for bolstering Pickering emulsion stability through optimized DIPI aggregate concentration (c) and oil fraction (ø). The DIPI Pickering emulsion (DIPIPE) formed at c = 5% and ø = 0.7 was still highly stable after 30 days of storage. As confirmed by laser confocal microscopy, DIPI aggregates could be adsorbed onto the oil–water interface to form a network structure that could trap oil droplets in the network. Collectively, the Pickering emulsion stabilized by DIPI aggregates exhibited excellent stability, which not only deeply utilizes the low-value protein resources in the Desmodium intortum for the first time, but also demonstrates the potential of DIPI for the bio-based field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Biomaterials: Processing and Applications)

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26 pages, 5993 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Impact of Eco-Friendly Synthesized Nanoparticles on Vegetative Growth and Gene Expression in Pelargonium graveolens and Sinapis alba L.

by Maha M. Kamel, Abdelfattah Badr, Dalal Hussien M. Alkhalifah, Rehab Mahmoud, Yasser GadelHak and Wael N. Hozzein

Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3394; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143394 - 19 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1227

Abstract

Nanoscale geranium waste (GW) and magnesium nanoparticle/GW nanocomposites (Mg NP/GW) were prepared using green synthesis. The Mg NP/GW samples were subjected to characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-FT). The surface morphology of the materials was examined using a scanning [...] Read more.

Nanoscale geranium waste (GW) and magnesium nanoparticle/GW nanocomposites (Mg NP/GW) were prepared using green synthesis. The Mg NP/GW samples were subjected to characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-FT). The surface morphology of the materials was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their thermal stability was assessed through thermal gravimetric analysis (TG). The BET-specific surface area, pore volume, and pore size distribution of the prepared materials were determined using the N2 adsorption–desorption method. Additionally, the particle size and zeta potentials of the materials were also measured. The influence of the prepared nanomaterials on seed germination was intensively investigated. The results revealed an increase in seed germination percent at low concentrations of Mg NP/GWs. Upon treatment with Mg NP/GW nanoparticles, a reduction in the mitotic index (MI) was observed, indicating a decrease in cell division. Additionally, an increase in chromosomal abnormalities was detected. The efficacy of GW and Mg NP/GW nanoparticles as new elicitors was evaluated by studying their impact on the expression levels of the farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPPS1) and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GPPS1) genes. These genes play a crucial role in the terpenoid biosynthesis pathway in Sinapis alba (S. alba) and Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) plants. The expression levels were analyzed using reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. The qRT-PCR analysis of FPPS and GPPS gene expression was performed. The outputs of FPPS1 gene expression demonstrated high levels of mRNA in both S. alba and P. graveolens with fold changes of 25.24 and 21.68, respectively. In contrast, the minimum expression levels were observed for the GPPS1 gene, with fold changes of 11.28 and 6.48 in S. alba and P. graveolens, respectively. Thus, this study offers the employment of medicinal plants as an alternative to fertilizer usage resulting in promoting environmental preservation, optimal waste utilization, reducing water consumption, and cost reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Biomaterials: Processing and Applications)

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17 pages, 3385 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Multifunctional Hydrogel with 3D Printability, Fluorescence, Biodegradability, and Biocompatibility for Biomedical Microrobots

by Gang Wang, Sisi Wang, Tao Hu and Famin Shi

Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3351; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143351 - 17 Jul 2024

Viewed by 972

Abstract

As micron-sized objects, mobile microrobots have shown significant potential for future biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. However, to make these microrobots viable for clinical applications, several crucial aspects should be implemented, including customizability, motion-controllability, imageability, biodegradability, and [...] Read more.

As micron-sized objects, mobile microrobots have shown significant potential for future biomedical applications, such as targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. However, to make these microrobots viable for clinical applications, several crucial aspects should be implemented, including customizability, motion-controllability, imageability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Developing materials to meet these requirements is of utmost importance. Here, a gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and (2-(4-vinylphenyl)ethene-1,1,2-triyl)tribenzene (TPEMA)-based multifunctional hydrogel with 3D printability, fluorescence imageability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility is demonstrated. By using 3D direct laser writing method, the hydrogel exhibits its versatility in the customization and fabrication of 3D microstructures. Spherical hydrogel microrobots were fabricated and decorated with magnetic nanoparticles on their surface to render them magnetically responsive, and have demonstrated excellent movement performance and motion controllability. The hydrogel microstructures also represented excellent drug loading/release capacity and degradability by using collagenase, along with stable fluorescence properties. Moreover, cytotoxicity assays showed that the hydrogel was non-toxic, as well as able to support cell attachment and growth, indicating excellent biocompatibility of the hydrogel. The developed multifunctional hydrogel exhibits great potential for biomedical microrobots that are integrated with customizability, 3D printability, motion controllability, drug delivery capacity, fluorescence imageability, degradability, and biocompatibility, thus being able to realize the real in vivo biomedical applications of microrobots. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Biomaterials: Processing and Applications)

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