Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition最新文献

In this study, a cationic biopolymer has been developed through the chemical modification of a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer such as poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGGAH). A series of PGGAH_xTMEA_y copolymers with varying degrees of cationic groups incorporation (11-95%) were synthesized by partial esterification of carboxylate side groups of PGGAH with 2-bromoethyl trimethylammonium bromide (BrETABr). The copolymers were thoroughly characterized using ¹H NMR, FTIR, TGA, and GPC analyses. It was found that the degree of esterification had a pronounced effect on the thermal stability, and DNA-binding capacity of the copolymers. Higher degrees of modification were shown to enhance the excellent potential for DNA complexation, forming polyplex nanoaggregates with sizes in the range of 80-220 nm at various ammonium-to-phosphate (N/P) ratios. The stability, size, and surface charge of these polyplexes were monitored over two weeks in aqueous solutions using dynamic light scattering (DLS). Enhanced stability in polyplex formation was exhibited by copolymers with higher degrees of modification, which maintained consistent particle sizes across different N/P ratios. This study provides valuable insights into the development of efficient DNA delivery systems based on a new cationically modified poly(γ-glutamic acid) derivative.

This study presents the synthesis and biological evaluation of chitosan quaternary ammonium salt-stabilized cerium oxide nanoparticles (CS/CeO₂NPs), green-synthesized using Thymus vulgaris (thyme) extract. Characterization through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) revealed uniform spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 120 nm and crystalline structure with an average crystal size of 28.32 nm. The incorporation of thyme extract into the CS matrix was confirmed. Drug release studies exhibited a biphasic pattern, with a rapid initial release (75.41% in 3 h) followed by a sustained release, achieving 92.56% over 10 days. Antibacterial assays demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, with significant antibacterial activity at concentrations above 60 μg/mL. In vitro anticancer assays revealed potent cytotoxicity against breast cancer (MCF-7) and colon cancer (CT26) cell lines, with 50% inhibition in MCF-7 and over 80% inhibition in CT26 cells at 60 μg/mL. In vivo evaluations further highlighted the therapeutic potential of CS/CeO₂NPs. Wound-healing assays demonstrated accelerated wound closure and enhanced epithelial regeneration in CS/CeO₂NPs-treated rats. In vivo antibacterial assays showed significant bacterial load reduction, particularly against S. aureus, indicating effective infection control. Histological analysis confirmed improved tissue regeneration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced re-epithelialization in CSQ/CeO₂NPs-treated wounds, suggesting efficient wound healing. These results underscore the multi-functional therapeutic potential of CS/CeO₂NPs, highlighting their antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. Further research is needed to optimize formulations and elucidate the mechanisms driving their biological activities for clinical applications.

A common Gram-negative bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa poses a special risk to people with compromised immune systems, including those receiving chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, and people with cystic fibrosis. The purpose of this study was to use PLGA nanoparticles conjugated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and alginate antigens to create an efficient nanovaccine against P. aeruginosa. The mass culture of P. aeruginosa was prepared and its lipopolysaccharide as well as its polysaccharide capsule (alginate) were extracted, purified and conjugated with PLGA NPs. Using a zeta sizer, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy, the conjugation process was verified. Then, vaccination was administered in two ways of intramuscular and intranasal to 48 New Zealand white male rabbits (each trial 24). The blood sampling was performed from marginal ear vein of the rabbits two weeks after the last administration to carry out the antibody titration and opsonophagocytosis assay. Then, to check the immunogenicity, the rabbits were challenged by injecting a direct dose of P. aeruginosa. In general, LPS-PLGA conjugate produced significantly higher immunogenicity compared to ALG-PLGA conjugate, pure antigens, and PLGA NPs in both ways of administration. It was also found that vaccination by intramuscular injection causes better immunity compared to intranasal vaccination.

Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular protective effects. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an innovative biodegradable hemostatic gelatinous sponge containing curcumin nanoparticles for use in dentistry. This research investigated the efficacy and safety of this material in both in vitro tests and some clinical settings. The novel sponge was prepared via the freeze-drying method. It was characterized by common approaches. The biocompatibility and biological effects of the new sponge were evaluated in vitro. In the next step, thirty-eight patients who needed dental extraction on two teeth were selected for clinical assessment. The prepared sponge was placed inside the cavity of the experimental group. On the control side, the teeth were extracted normally. All patients were studied for pain, swelling, repair of the extracted site, clot quantity, and the occurrence of dry sockets. Results revealed a porous structure with micro- and nanosized pores and a 12-day degradation period. The produced sponge could absorb blood 38 times its weight. It showed no toxic effect. In the clinical study, pain reduction was larger in the experimental group compared to the control group. The extracted site was normal in terms of repair and clot formation. Finally, there was no dry socket in any of the experimental and control groups. The abovementioned advantages may make the new sponge more effective in tooth extraction and other surgical applications in dentistry.

The goal of this study is to develop a novel injectable hydrogel, referred to as PPMF, and evaluate its biosafety profile. The PPMF polymer, which serves as the gelation precursor, was synthesized through a redox radical polymerization and amidation process. The molecular structures of the synthesized polymers were thoroughly characterized using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The PPMF hydrogel was formed via Diels-Alder reactions between the PPMF polymer and four-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide (4-armed-PEG-Mal) cross-linkers. A comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate the hydrogel's injectability, swelling ratios, hematotoxicity, biodegradability, and overall biosafety. Both FTIR and ¹H NMR spectra confirmed the successful synthesis of the PPMF polymers. The results revealed that the PPMF hydrogel demonstrated remarkable injectability, favorable swelling ratios, and minimal in vitro cytotoxicity. Upon subcutaneous injection into Kunming mice, the PPMF hydrogel degraded and was absorbed within 25 days. Importantly, the PPMF hydrogel showed no significant physiological or pathological changes in the internal organs of the treated mice. No inflammatory responses were observed at the injection sites, and blood routine and biochemical tests further emphasized the hydrogel's excellent biocompatibility and safety. In conclusion, the PPMF hydrogel's outstanding biosafety and unique properties make it a promising candidate for a wide range of applications in biological fields.

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.