Biopolymers最新文献

A novel carboxymethyl xanthan gum-based glycidyl methacrylate copolymer (CMXG-g-PGMA) was successfully synthesized using the graft copolymerization technique. During the grafting process, the epoxide ring of GMA was opened by the carboxylic groups of the CMXG, inducing crosslinking of their chains. The percentages of graft, graft efficiency, and homopolymer were 260%, 85%, and 35%, respectively. Two different concentrations of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were impregnated into the copolymer to obtain CMXG-g-PGMA/CNTs-3% and CMXG-g-PGMA/CNTs-5% composites. The topography, chemical, and inner structure of CMXG-g-PGMA and its CNTs composites were investigated employing FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, and BET. DPPH scavenging activity of CMXG-g-PGMA/CNTs-5% is higher than that of CMXG-g-PGMA, since their IC₅₀ values were 57.88 and 201.8 μg/mL, respectively. The CMXG-g-PGMA/CNTs-5% has better inhibition performance against the HepG-2 cancer cells growth than CMXG-g-PGMA, since their IC₅₀ values were 52.1 and 269.8 μg/mL, respectively. CMXG-g-PGMA/CNTs-5% showed better anti-inflammatory activity than CMXG-g-PGMA with IC₅₀ values of 10.9 and 217.8 μg/mL, respectively. CMXG-g-PGMA/CNTs-5% exhibited good biocompatibility, showing no cytotoxic effects on normal human lung fibroblast cells at concentrations below 62.5 μg/mL. Thus, the incorporation of both GMA and CNTs into CMXG appreciably reinforced its antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory features. This represents a good way to achieve adequate formulations to contend with the classical medications employed for such implementations.

To cope with the increased plastic production rate and the upsurge in hazards to the Earth, natural, eco-friendly packaging is urged as an alternative. Nanotechnology impresses a prime contribution to improving foods' shelf life and biodegradability of packaging film. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with three different molar concentrations (0.3, 0.6, 0.9 M) were synthesised using the sol–gel process. A fibrous, degradable, bio-active corn husks (CH) biocomposite was used in the packaging film. Four films, CZ0-0 M (CZ-Corn Zinc), CZ1-0.3, CZ2-0.6, and CZ3-0.9 M, were prepared with a biodegradable plasticiser and CH. The particle sizes of NPs synthesised with different molar concentrations were investigated to be 24, 31, and 29 nm using the XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis, and their effective stability was estimated using zeta potential analysis. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectrometer) analysis confirmed the presence of ZnO with a peak observed at 510–490 cm⁻¹. An upsurge in the molar concentration of NPs in the prepared film increases its hydrophobicity to 103.44°, UV (Ultra Violet) blocking > 50%, Young's Modulus between 11.23 and 24.11 MPa, and dielectric constant with a range between 14.94 and 25.57 was observed. Homogeneity, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and insulation properties of the films enhance their suitability for storing foodstuffs, industrial applications, and for electrical and electronic packaging.

Wound dressing is crucial for managing wound healing, protecting wounds from the environment, and accelerating the healing process. Recently, wound dressing is evolving from traditional to modern-interactive design. The main problem with traditional wound dressings is their limited effectiveness, which hinders optimal wound therapy. Wound dressings can be developed into modern wound dressings (film, sponge, injectable hydrogel, and nanofiber). They can be fabricated using natural polymers, such as chitosan, alginate, cellulose, gelatin, and collagen, combined with metals. Natural polymers, known as biopolymers, offer beneficial properties for wound healing, including bioactivity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Additionally, metals like silver, copper, cerium, and zinc also exhibit potential pharmacological activity in the medical field. The fabrication of these materials holds significant potential for addressing wound healing challenges. This article discusses the development of natural polymer/metal-based scaffolds and their potential for wound healing management therapy. This innovative approach stands to offer an alternative to the existing strategies and enhance the effectiveness of wound healing management.

Biopolymers are naturally occurring macromolecules derived from renewable biological sources such as plants, animals, and microorganisms. Their intrinsic biodegradability, biocompatibility, and reduced reliance on fossil resources render them environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic polymers. Owing to their diverse physicochemical properties, biopolymers have found extensive applications in sectors like pharmaceuticals, food packaging, and biomedicine. In recent years, their relevance in agriculture, particularly in seed science and technology, has gained momentum. Biopolymer-based interventions such as seed coatings, priming agents, and encapsulation systems are being increasingly employed to enhance seed germination, vigor, and resilience under a variety of abiotic and biotic stress conditions. These treatments offer multiple benefits, including protection from pathogens, moisture retention, and the controlled release of nutrients and bioactive compounds to optimize early seedling development. The emergence of novel techniques such as nano-priming and the valorization of agricultural waste for biopolymer extraction further reinforces their role in sustainable agriculture. Additionally, the integration of traceability tools such as molecular markers and embedded digital identifiers into biopolymer seed coatings supports robust quality assurance, supply chain transparency, and regulatory compliance. To advance these aims, future research should focus on seed-responsive, climate-resilient biopolymers with scalable, eco-friendly formulations, field validation, and built-in traceability. This review critically examines current advancements in biopolymer-assisted seed enhancement technologies, identifies prevailing challenges, and explores their expanding potential in promoting climate-resilient and sustainable crop production systems.

The development of multifunctional nanoplatforms capable of enhancing the efficacy and precision of cancer radiochemotherapy remains a significant clinical need. Here, we report a dual-targeted cerium-based metal–organic framework nanoplatform (Pt@Ce-MOF-RGD/FA) designed for synergistic radiosensitization and chemotherapeutic delivery in breast cancer. The Ce-MOF core acts as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) amplifier under radiotherapy, while encapsulated cisplatin (Pt) serves as a chemotherapeutic agent. Surface modification with RGD and folic acid (FA) enables active targeting of tumor cells via αvβ3 integrin and folate receptor pathways. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization confirmed successful construction of the nanocomposite. In vitro, Pt@Ce-MOF-RGD/FA exhibited potent cytotoxicity, enhanced cellular uptake, inhibition of tumor cell migration, and robust ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. In vivo fluorescence imaging demonstrated superior tumor accumulation of the dual-ligand-modified formulation. Under radiotherapy, Pt@Ce-MOF-RGD/FA achieved significant tumor growth suppression in a 4T1 murine breast cancer model without inducing systemic toxicity, as confirmed by blood biochemistry, hematological analysis, and histopathology. Collectively, this work presents a rationally engineered nanoplatform with precise tumor targeting, efficient drug delivery, and enhanced radiosensitization, offering a promising strategy for safe and effective cancer treatment.

In this study, calcium aminopolycarboxylate-based coordination polymers, calcium acetamidoiminodiacetate (CaADA) and tetraaqua(ethylenediaminetetraacetato)-calcium (II) strontium (II) monohydrate (SrCaEDTA) were incorporated into polyacrylamide–sodium alginate hydrogel scaffolds, aiming to improve calcium absorption in MG-63 cells. Cytotoxicity of the coordination polymers in MG-63 osteoblast-like cells was studied by MTT assay. The mechanical performance and degradation behaviour of the scaffolds were systematically investigated. Porosity measurements were done via SEM analysis, and calcium ion release profile was evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements. The calcium deposition studies revealed that the integration of the coordination polymers enhanced the calcium absorption in MG-63 cells. The coordination polymer-incorporated hydrogel scaffolds can be developed as future materials for bone tissue engineering and bone repair applications.

Skin damage and aging are caused by various factors, including UV radiation and air pollution. Edible bird's nest peptide (EBNP) was a type of safe short molecule peptide that could protect the skin by providing anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, the effect of EBNP on pro-tissue regeneration was examined. The findings revealed that EBNP contained epidermal growth factor (EGF) and could stimulate wound healing in cells and zebrafish larvae. The mechanism of skin repairing was further investigated. On the one hand, EBNP increased the synthesis of structural proteins and remodelled the extracellular matrix (ECM) by up-regulating the expression of COL1A1 gene in cells as well as col1a1b, eln1, and eln2 genes in zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, EBNP had an anti-inflammatory effect, as evidenced by its capacity to reduce the production of NO and ROS, as well as the levels of IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α and the count of neutrophils. Therefore, it was suggested that EBNP accelerated wound healing by reducing inflammation, as well as enhancing ECM remodeling through EGF-like activity, including promoting the synthesis of collagen and elastin to quickly mend wounds. It could be concluded that the EBNP had the potential to promote tissue regeneration and skin repair in the fields of food, medicine and cosmetics.

With the increase in human population and rising food demand, the need for an efficient and sustainable food packaging solution has intensified. This review discusses the edible and biodegradable packaging systems, emphasizing their potential as an environmentally safe and sustainable alternative to synthetic packaging. It also highlights various biopolymers, fabrication methods, and bioactive agents such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, and nanoparticles to improve the biopolymer's functionality, food preservation, and shelf-life extension. While edible and biodegradable packaging shows promising potential as sustainable packaging, further research is essential to optimize their formulations, cost-effectiveness, and improve scalability. The long-term safety of these packaging materials on human health, their industrial applicability, and interaction with food products still require thorough investigations.