Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition最新文献

Hydrogel-based drug delivery technologies have garnered considerable interest in the biomedical field, aiming to overcome the challenges associated with conventional treatments. This investigation reports a novel injectable hydrogel composed of non-chemically modified hyaluronic acid and κ-carrageenan, crosslinked using a Fe(III)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) complex for the delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent. The system exhibits shear-thinning behavior, possessing both appropriate rheological and drug-release properties, thereby eliminating the need for chemical or thermoresponsive additives. This study examines this system in the context of chemotherapeutic delivery, providing a novel approach to achieving biocompatibility, structural flexibility, injectability, and prolonged release properties. The developed hydrogels were evaluated in vitro for their ability to deliver the model drug daunorubicin (DNR). Physicochemical characterizations of hydrogels, including FTIR, DSC, and SEM analysis, were carried out. Furthermore, the rheological properties, in vitro release, swelling, degradation, and cytotoxicity of the developed hydrogels were evaluated. Homopolymer hydrogels of metal ion crosslinked HA, KCG, and hybrid hydrogels of HA-KCG were developed and evaluated. All studied hydrogels can control DNR release; compared to homopolymer hydrogels, the HA-KCG hybrid hydrogels showed a better swelling ratio, a slower degradation rate, and a higher capability to prolong DNR release over 16 days. In addition, the evaluated hydrogels exhibit shear-thinning properties and diverse viscoelastic properties, as well as enhanced DNR cytotoxic activities. Overall, Injectable self-healing hydrogels of HA and KCG interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) produced by metal ionic crosslinking were successfully created, exhibiting shear-thinning ability and thixotropic properties, making them a potential candidate for localized chemotherapeutic drug delivery.

Metformin, a widely used antidiabetic drug, has gained attention for its potential applications in antimicrobial surfaces, delivery systems, and anticancer therapy. However, immobilizing metformin in a stable, bioactive, and dose-controllable manner onto a chemically inert, hydrophobic surface is challenging. The objective of this study is to immobilize metformin at various concentration (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 g·L^-1) onto low-density polyethylene (LDPE) surfaces by a multistep approach with the aim of creating bioactive coatings. In this approach, LDPE was first treated with a 40 kHz low pressure plasma discharge in air atmosphere, followed by non-covalent attachment of acrylic acid via a grafting technique. Metformin was covalently attached to the surface via N-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) activation, while its presence on the polymer surface was confirmed by Water contact angle (WCA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Sustained metformin release with a shift from Fickian to first-order kinetics was observed at higher drug loading. Antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed no antibacterial effect at the selected concentration levels. Cytocompatibility assays with multipotent mesenchymal cells showed good biocompatibility of modified surfaces, with only dose-dependent cytotoxicity at higher metformin concentrations (>5 g·L^-1). These results demonstrate that despite the absence of antibacterial effects, the developed system offers a promising platform for further biomedical applications requiring controlled drug surface functionalization and retained cytocompatibility.

Oral sustained-release dosage forms have gained considerable attention for their ability to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve patient compliance. Among these, expandable drug delivery systems represent a significant innovation, offering extended gastric retention and controlled drug release through size-based retention strategies. These systems expand in the stomach after administration, delaying gastric emptying and enabling prolonged drug action. This review presents a consolidated overview of key expandable mechanisms-such as swelling, unfolding, floating, and mucoadhesion-along with a detailed discussion on formulation strategies, polymeric materials, and in vivo behavior. Special emphasis is placed on recent advancements in smart polymers, 3D printing, and novel fabrication techniques. The review also explores clinical applications, manufacturing challenges, safety concerns, and future research directions. By integrating scientific, technical, and translational insights, this paper aims to highlight the potential of expandable dosage forms in advancing oral drug delivery technologies.

Endothelialization of biomaterials enhances biocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and reduces inflammatory responses in blood-contacting materials. Surface topographies, particularly groove-like structures, influence endothelial cell morphology and function. This study investigates the impact of microgroove dimensions on endothelialization in gelatin hydrogel scaffolds, alongside assessing their physical and mechanical properties. Using sequential replications, six microgroove geometries with widths ranging from 2.86 µm to 84.20 µm and depths from 284 nm to 919 nm were fabricated on gelatin hydrogel. Surface characterization of the scaffolds over 5 days using confocal microscopy revealed a shrinkage followed by dimensional stability after 24 h. Tensile testing after conditioning in cell culture environments showed Young's modulus of 327.2-529.5 kPa comparable to natural blood vessels. Cultivation of human endothelial cells demonstrated improved cell orientation and elongation on microstructured surfaces. Notably, two specific microgrooved scaffolds (9.33 µm width, 599 nm depth and 22.27 µm width, 919 nm depth) enhanced cell proliferation, adhesion and accelerated confluent monolayer formation as confirmed through fluorescent staining for cell nuclei, Vinculin, and VE-cadherin expression, respectively. This study identifies optimal microgroove dimensions for surface modification of gelatin hydrogel scaffolds demonstrating how geometric cues can positively impact cell morphology and function. This surface engineering approach has a potential application in in vitro endothelialized models for cardiovascular research as well as in vascular implants for tissue remodeling.

In this study, Alangium salvifolium and Ocimum sanctum extracts were investigated for their antioxidant, antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activities individually and in combined form. HPLC, LC-MS and UPLC phytochemicals profiling identified phenolics and flavonoids as major bioactives. Antioxidant assays showed significant DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, with the combined formulation (1:1 ratio) 91.2 and 89.6% inhibition was achieved respectively. Antidiabetic activities were first investigated in vitro with the ability of the combination to inhibit both α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 38.4 µg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 45.2 µg/mL) having the strongest inhibitory effects. The hypolipidemic activity included inhibition of lipid peroxidation (78.5%); pancreatic lipase inhibition (70.2%). The bioactives were further molecular docked to find strong binding affinities with PPARγ, DPP-IV, and HMG-CoA reductase. Results were confirmed statistically different (p < 0.05) between treated and control groups. These results suggest that the extracts can exhibit synergy as natural therapeutics in diabetes and lipid disorders.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol with potent antioxidant activity; however, its application in topical formulations is limited by low aqueous solubility and poor stability. Polymeric nanoparticles represent an attractive strategy to overcome these limitations. Poly(D,L-lactic acid) (PLA) nanoparticles coated with poly(arginine) were prepared by nanoprecipitation and loaded with resveratrol at 5%, 10%, and 15% (w/w). The systems were characterized in terms of particle size, morphology, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, antioxidant activity, thermal stability, chemical structure, and cytocompatibility using L929 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes. The nanoparticles exhibited spherical morphology and mean diameters in the range of 100-150 nm, with high colloidal stability maintained for up to six months. Encapsulation efficiency decreased with increasing drug loading, from 84% at 5% to 62% at 15%. FTIR analysis indicated physical incorporation of poly(arginine) and resveratrol without detectable chemical interactions, while TGA confirmed adequate thermal stability of the systems. Antioxidant activity ranged within similar levels for free and encapsulated resveratrol, with no statistically significant differences among formulations in the DPPH assay. All formulations demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility, with cell viabilities exceeding 95%. Poly(arginine)-coated PLA nanoparticles constitute an effective platform to enhance the physicochemical stability of resveratrol while maintaining its antioxidant activity and biocompatibility. Among the evaluated systems, the 5% and 10% formulations exhibited the most balanced overall performance.

This study focuses on the preparation and evaluation of a catechol-modified hydroxypropyl chitosan/silver nanoparticle/phenylboronic acid alginate composite hydrogel (C/S/A/P/P). Hydroxypropyl chitosan (HCS) was modified with 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (DBA) via Schiff base reaction to produce adhesive catechol-modified hydroxypropyl chitosan (CHCS). The mechanical properties and self-healing ability of the hydrogel were enhanced by grafting phenylboronic acid (PBA) onto sodium alginate (SA) to form SA-PBA. The incorporation of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) further improved the mechanical properties, water absorption, and moisture retention of the hydrogel. Silver ions were reduced to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the reducing property of catechol and integrated into the hydrogel network, endowing it with antibacterial functionality. The C/S/A/P/P hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties (tensile stress of 391.99 kPa and strain of 149.11%), photothermal properties, and antibacterial performance (inhibition rates of 95.1% against Escherichia coli and 64.3% against Staphylococcus aureus). This green preparation method offers a new approach for developing advanced wound dressings.

This study compared the application-specific benefits of PAC (Periplaneta americana chitin) and SC (Shrimp chitin) blended with PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) in innovative wound-dressing materials. By preparing SC/PEG and PAC/PEG porous blended membranes, it was found that PAC/PEG has better breathability, degradability. Based on this, we developed a Janus PAC/PEG@Zn0.3 composite film dressing for wound healing. After crosslinking PAC with PEG, a hydrophilic layer was formed through phase separation and selective dissolution, loaded with Zn²⁺, and combined with a hydrophobic PCL (Polycaprolactone) membrane using a simple coating technique. This composite film has the characteristics of being moist, breathable, and stretchable, and exhibits good biodegradability and compatibility. The addition of Zn²⁺ enhanced the hemostatic and antibacterial properties of the film. The mouse wound healing experiment showed that the dressing promoted collagen deposition and capillary generation, accelerating wound healing. Overall, the Janus PAC/PEG@Zn0.3 composite film is a wound dressing with promising application prospects.

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve, potentially leading to severe vision loss or even blindness. Lowering IOP is a crucial strategy in managing the disease. Although trabeculectomy is considered the gold standard in conventional treatment for preventing vision loss, surgical interventions often face challenges such as poor prognosis, high failure rates, and complications. Consequently, pharmacological treatment remains a main method in the management of glaucoma. The efficacy of drug therapy is hindered by the ocular barrier, which impedes drug penetration into the eye to reach the target tissues, resulting in low drug bioavailability. Composite nano-in-micro drug delivery systems as a solution, capable of simultaneously addressing issues such as poor ocular barrier penetration, surface adhesion, and bioavailability. This review explores different fabrication methods, materials, and design strategies for composite nano-in-micro drug delivery systems aimed at treating glaucoma. The review concludes that composite drug delivery systems hold promise as an effective strategy to enhance the bioavailability of glaucoma medications and extend drug release duration. Furthermore, these Composite systems offer innovative approaches to gene and targeted therapy, opening new avenues for the treatment of glaucoma.

Conductive tissue engineering has emerged as a revolutionary approach to addressing the limitations of traditional regenerative therapies by integrating electrical and mechanical properties into biomaterials. This field focuses on mimicking the natural microenvironment of excitable tissues, such as nerves, cardiac, and skeletal muscles, to enhance cellular functions and facilitate tissue repair. Conducting polymers (CP), including polypyrrole, polyaniline, and PEDOT, have been widely utilized for their exceptional electrical conductivity, biocompatibility, and tunable properties. The incorporation of these polymers into electroactive scaffolds has demonstrated significant potential in promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and alignment, while also enabling functional recovery through electrical stimulation. Applications in nerve regeneration have shown promise in restoring synaptic connections, while in cardiac and skeletal muscle tissues, conductive scaffolds aid in synchronized contractions and structural reinforcement. Despite these advancements, challenges such as optimizing conductivity, achieving long-term biocompatibility, and scaling production remain key areas of focus. This review thoroughly examines the use of conducting polymers for different tissue types such as neural, cardiac, and muscular tissues in light of the most recent literature. By addressing key topics such as electrical stimulation, multifunctional scaffold systems, biological responses, and emerging research trends, this study presents a holistic and up-to-date contribution to the field. Future directions aim to refine scaffold designs, enhance electrical stimulation protocols, and explore translational potential, paving the way for advanced regenerative therapies.