Biopolymers最新文献

The foreign body response (FBR) is a major hurdle in the success of biomedical implants, often leading to persistent inflammation and eventual rejection. Developing biomaterials that can minimize immune reactions while supporting tissue healing is essential. In this study, nanocomposite fibers composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin, reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles, were fabricated using electrospinning. The fibers were evaluated for their morphology, structural properties, and mechanical strength using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and a universal testing machine (UTM). In vitro cytocompatibility was assessed using the MTT assay on L929 fibroblast cells. For in vivo analysis, subcutaneous implantation was carried out in Sprague–Dawley rats, followed by histological examination at weekly intervals for 4 weeks. The fibers displayed good mechanical properties, a uniform surface morphology, and a consistent structure. The in vitro results indicated high cell viability with no signs of toxicity. In vivo studies revealed reduced macrophage accumulation and enhanced fibroblast activity, indicating a favorable immune response and tissue integration. TiO₂-incorporated PCL/gelatin nanocomposite fibers demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, minimal immune reaction, and effective tissue response, highlighting their potential as advanced materials for biomedical implant applications.

Availability of economic and biocompatible wound dressings with controlled degradation, good wettability, and excellent cell adhesion and proliferation is crucial for addressing the challenges of chronic wounds. In this study, we fabricated a novel composite nanofibrous dressing composed of chitosan (CS), ulvan (UL), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using the electrospinning technique. The use of water-soluble polymers ensured biodegradability, while citric acid (CA), a green cross-linker, enhanced mechanical stability. SEM analysis revealed uniform, smooth nanofibers with diameters ranging from 100 to 350 nm. Characterization using ATR-FTIR, TGA, and XRD confirmed the absence of undesirable polymer interactions and verified the structural integrity of the dressing. In vitro evaluations showed excellent mechanical strength upto 5.51 ± 0.012 MPa, water retention (1059.05 ± 10.5 g/m²/24 h), high porosity (92.49% ± 4.6%), and a controlled degradation rate, supporting gas exchange, nutrient diffusion, and tissue regeneration. Cell culture studies demonstrated steady cell proliferation, and the dressing also exhibited promising blood-clotting ability in TAT analysis. In vivo wound contraction and histological studies in the Sprague–Dawley rat model confirmed complete healing (with a wound closure rate of 93.29% ± 2.29%) with new skin formation. Overall, the UL/CS/PVA composite nanofibrous dressing offers an effective and sustainable approach for accelerated wound healing while overcoming the limitations of conventional dressings.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent promising scaffolds for therapeutic development, but many natural sequences show limited potency or poor selectivity. Among them, Cn-AMP1, a coconut-derived peptide, exhibits excellent biocompatibility but weak antibacterial and anticancer activities owing to low hydrophobicity and minimal cationic charge. Here, we rationally designed a series of Cn-AMP1 derivatives with systematic modulation of charge and hydrophobicity to probe structure–activity relationships. Among them, CAP10, displayed 2–4-fold stronger antibacterial potency than earlier analogs while maintaining hemolysis below 10%. CAP10 also achieved measurable cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, representing a clear improvement over the other Cn-AMP1 derivatives. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that CAP10 penetrates deeply into bacterial and cancer membranes, inducing local bilayer thinning and density depletion, whereas Cn-AMP1 remained surface-bound with limited disruption. These results establish that simultaneous optimization of hydrophobicity and charge enhances membrane-active selectivity and dual functionality. Our findings provide structural principles for the rational design of next-generation AMPs with improved efficacy and safety profiles.

Polyacrylamide (PAAm) was made from acrylamide (AAm), polycarbondisulfide (PCS₂) from carbon disulfide (CS₂), and their copolymer P(AAm/CS₂) at a fixed equal ratio using gamma irradiation. The polymers were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), CHNS/O elemental microanalysis, x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results demonstrated the effective synthesis of PAAm, PCS₂, and P(AAm/CS₂), with the copolymer having an average molecular weight of 187,673 Da. The produced polymers were tested for their cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic effects on human pancreatic carcinoma (PANC-1) cells in light of the urgent need for efficient treatments against this aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. With half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) of > 500 μg/mL for PAAm, 156 μg/mL for PCS₂, and 99.2 μg/mL for P(AAm/CS₂), the copolymer demonstrated superior cytotoxic potential. Flow cytometric analysis provided additional support for these findings. Treatment with 125 μg/mL of PAAm resulted in 4.8% early and 13.3% late apoptosis, whereas PCS₂ at the same concentration caused 30.8% early and 18.5% late apoptosis. Notably, 125 μg/mL of P(AAm/CS₂) caused a significant increase in apoptosis, resulting in 39.3% of early apoptotic cell populations and 28.6% of late apoptotic cell populations. According to gene expression analysis, P53, Caspase-3, Caspase-7, and Bax genes were upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated after treatment with 125 μg/mL of PCS₂ or P(AAm/CS₂). However, PAAm had no significant impact on these apoptotic markers. In comparison to untreated PANC-1 cells, P(AAm/CS₂) showed the strongest response, resulting in significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in P53 (4.4-fold), Caspase-3 (2.9-fold), Caspase-7 (8.3-fold), and Bax (5.5-fold) expression levels, while Bcl-2 expression was significantly reduced (0.09-fold). In conclusion, the produced copolymer P(AAm/CS₂) exhibits a strong anticancer effect on pancreatic carcinoma cells by inducing apoptosis, thereby supporting its potential as a promising polymer-based therapeutic agent.

Water contamination poses a critical threat to global freshwater resources, requiring innovative and sustainable solutions. This systematic review focuses on bioinspired molecules, particularly polysaccharides such as cellulose, chitosan, tree gums, and alginate, as well as biomass-derived materials (biochar and lignin), due to their high potential in water treatment. These materials exhibit high efficacy in adsorbing pollutants like heavy metals, dyes, and emerging contaminants. They offer advantages such as biodegradability, low cost, and eco-friendliness. However, their scalability and industrial application have significant challenges, including mechanical strength, production inefficiencies, and environmental safety concerns. This review critically evaluates the current state of bioinspired technologies, emphasizing the need for targeted research in surface modification, hybrid material development, and sustainable production methods to overcome these barriers. It also highlights the necessity of integrating life cycle and techno-economic assessments to ensure commercial viability. A forward-looking chart is proposed to guide future advancements, prioritizing circular economy principles, advanced manufacturing techniques, and policy frameworks to bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and real-world implementation. By addressing these challenges, bioinspired molecules can revolutionize water purification, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ensure universal access to clean water.

In this study, the effect of ethylene (E), styrene (S), and hexamethyldisiloxane (H) plasma-modified peanut hulls (PF) on the structural and functional properties of waxy starch-based films (WS) was investigated. TGA analysis confirmed the deposition of the coating on the PF surface after plasma treatment. Nevertheless, using the same operating conditions, the treatments resulted in partially (PFE and PFS) and fully (PFH) coated PF. During the gelatinization process, the fully coated PF interacted more strongly with starch molecules, displacing starch–glycerol interactions and improving the contact angle (from 85° to 93°), water vapor permeance (0.23–0.15 g/daym²Pa), and the storage modulus (from 192 to 554 MPa). Conversely, the partially coated PF were attracted to each other, limiting interaction with starch, resulting in films with high hydrophilicity and low rigidity. Thus, the plasma-modified PF type interacts to a different extent with starch molecules, which determines the functional properties and potential applications of the films in the packaging field.

To solve the global plastic pollution challenge through sustainable polymer innovation, this review article explores the transformational potential of biopolymers generated from marine sources within the blue economy. These biopolymers provide sustainable, biodegradable substitutes for plastics made from fossil fuels by using marine biomass. Using environmentally benign techniques such as alkaline and enzymatic treatments, researchers extract polysaccharides, chitin, and collagen through a simplified procedure, attaining yields of 20%–30% for alginate and 15%–25% for chitin with 80% efficiency. Nanotechnology is used in polymer processing to enable 95% encapsulation efficiency and improve barrier and tensile strengths by 30% and 50%, respectively. The resultant biopolymers—packaging films, medical bandages made of chitosan, and agricultural mulch made from seaweed—degrade by 90% in 6 weeks, providing a sustainable substitute for traditional plastics. Marine biopolymers, which promise less ocean pollution and economic prosperity for coastal communities, are in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 because of breakthroughs, such as carbon-negative PHAs and packaging made from seaweed.

Managing bleeding during surgical or traumatic events is crucial to prevent further complications. Traditional cotton dressings are primarily used for cleaning wounds and do not contribute to bleeding control. In this study, we demonstrate a hemostatic dressing in the form of sponges using a simple and sustainable approach. These sponges, composed of bacterial cellulose (BC) as the base matrix and coated with polydopamine (PDA) nanospheres via in situ oxidative polymerization. The BC–PDA sponges exhibited rapid fluid absorption, robust stability, excellent hemostatic ability and antioxidant properties, and biocompatibility with mammalian cells. The best in vitro blood clotting efficacy of HBC–PDA samples was 90% clotting efficacy within 90 s, highlighting their potential as effective hemostatic materials. The presence of amine groups in PDA played a critical role in activating intrinsic coagulation pathways, enhancing blood clotting. This work highlights the successful fabrication of BC/PDA hemostatic sponges with outstanding properties and safety, making them a promising material for clinical applications.