Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Zhao, Zihong Wu, Lei Chen, Xiong Shu, Juan Guan, Kang Yang, Ruya Shi, Yibin Li, Keiji Numata, Zhengzhong Shao
Summary: Natural fiber-reinforced biocomposites with excellent mechanical and biological properties have attractive prospects for internal medical devices. However, poor interfacial adhesion between natural silk fiber and the polymer matrix has been a disturbing issue for such applications. In this study, rigid-flexible agents, such as polydopamine (PDA) and epoxy soybean oil (ESO), were introduced to enhance the interfacial adhesion between Antheraea pernyi (Ap) silk and polycaprolactone (PCL). The Ap-PDA-ESO strategy exhibited a greater enhancement in interfacial adhesion, and proposed interfacial toughening mechanisms.
Review
Materials Science, Textiles
Christopher Igwe Idumah, Anthony Chidi Ezika, Uzoma Ebenezer Enwerem
Summary: Recent research has led to the fabrication of NF biocomposites for biomedical applications by combining natural fibers with nanoparticles. These materials immobilize biomolecules to achieve various medical behaviors suitable for drug delivery and biomedicals.
JOURNAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Harshdeep Rana, Amita Sharma, Subhasish Dutta, Saswata Goswami
Summary: This article investigates the recycling of lignocellulosic waste, with a focus on the application of crystalline nanocellulose. The study shows that surface modification, nanocellulose-protein interactions, and the use of cellulose-based composites have great potential. Recycling agricultural waste can lead to a pollution-free environment and increased income for farmers.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ricardo Perez-Chavez, Jons Sanchez-Aguilar, Fausto Calderas, Lorenza Maddalena, Federico Carosio, Guadalupe Sanchez-Olivares
Summary: This study investigates the effects of compounding variables on flame retardant polymer composites using a statistical approach. By replacing aluminum trihydroxide with keratin fibers, the content is reduced while producing biocomposites with both flame retardancy and mechanical strength.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ruya Shi, Dongdong Ye, Ke Ma, Wenhan Tian, Yan Zhao, Hongbo Guo, Zhengzhong Shao, Juan Guan, Robert O. Ritchie
Summary: This study investigated the interfacial properties between silk fibers and polycaprolactone (PCL) at different scales and fabricated continuous silk-PCL composite filaments. The results showed that Antheraea pernyi (Ap) silk had the best interfacial shear strength with PCL. Raman imaging technique revealed the physical fusion of the interface phase in these silk-reinforced PCL composites.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Christian Gauss, Kim L. Pickering
Summary: A new methodology was developed to disperse nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) in polylactic acid (PLA) composites for 3D printing. The nanofibres were modified by grafting PLA onto their surface through in-situ polymerisation of L-lactide. This modification changed subsequent fibre/PLA interaction and enabled the production of reinforced microparticles by a Pickering emulsion approach.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hossein Baniasadi, Sami Lipponen, Max Asplund, Jukka Seppala
Summary: Blending polymers with a high concentration of bio-based fillers can reduce dependency on petroleum-based feedstocks and decrease the carbon footprint. In this study, n-octadecyl isocyanate (ODI) molecules were grafted onto lignin particles to make them compatible with a copolyamide matrix. Different concentrations of the surface-modified particles were blended with a low-melting point copolyimide, resulting in improved mechanical properties of the biocomposites. The findings suggest that these newly developed biocomposites with a green content of up to 80% are attractive alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Justyna Miedzianowska, Marcin Maslowski, Przemyslaw Rybinski, Krzysztof Strzelec
Summary: The research aimed at producing and characterizing elastomeric materials with a straw-based filler and four different types of montmorillonite in order to improve the functional properties of natural rubber-based vulcanizates.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gennadii Beketov, Olena Shynkarenko, Mariia Apatska
Summary: This study explores the application of surface plasmon resonance in evaluating polystyrene modification efficiency to enhance biomolecule adsorption. It facilitates the development of advanced immobilization strategies for biofunctionalization of the polystyrene surface. Using a thin layer of polystyrene over the SPR chip surface allows for a detailed characterization of biomolecular interactions at the polystyrene surface.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bernardo Zuccarello, Francesco Bongiorno, Carmelo Militello
Summary: The growing focus on environmental protection has led researchers to explore biocomposites, particularly those reinforced with sisal fibers. Hybridizations with natural fibers or basalt fibers are the most promising in terms of enhancing mechanical performance without increasing environmental impact. Experimental analysis has shown that such hybridization can lead to improvements in strength and stiffness and reduce aging effects, making it suitable for outdoor applications exposed to environmental agents.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marco Curto, Maelenn Le Gall, Ana Isabel Catarino, Zhiyue Niu, Peter Davies, Gert Everaert, Hom N. Dhakal
Summary: The article discusses the importance of using sustainable and renewable biobased composite materials in automotive, aerospace, and marine applications, as well as the long-term durability and related degradation mechanisms of these materials in marine environments.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Piotr Szatkowski, Martyna Szatkowska, Jacek Gralewski, Leszek Czechowski, Slawomir Kedziora
Summary: This study presents different forms of cellulose and their impact on material properties. The use of plant additives in composites can improve mechanical properties, and the potential of nanoscale cellulose has attracted attention.
Article
Polymer Science
Antonio Pantano, Carmelo Militello, Francesco Bongiorno, Bernardo Zuccarello
Summary: The use of natural fiber-based composites has been increasing in various industries due to their eco-sustainability. This study investigated the effects of volume fraction, fiber length, orientation distribution, and curvature on the Young's modulus using a numerical approach for a biocomposite reinforced with short natural fibers.
Review
Polymer Science
Piedad Ganan, Jaime Barajas, Robin Zuluaga, Cristina Castro, Daniel Marin, Agnieszka Tercjak, Daniel H. Builes
Summary: This work uses bibliometric analysis to study the evolution and current state of unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) biocomposites. The study examines 531 published papers from 1982 to July 2022 and provides insights into the most commonly used natural fibers as reinforcements, fiber treatments, and composite design parameters. The findings offer valuable information for future research in this field.
Article
Polymer Science
Mayara de Oliveira Camillo, Barbara Maria Mateus Goncalves, Veronica Scarpini Candido, Luciano Da Costa Dias, Jordao Cabral Moulin, Sergio Neves Monteiro, Michel Picanco Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluates the properties of castor-oil-based polyurethane (COPU) composites reinforced with coconut coir fibers. The results show that the 30 min hydrothermal treatment improves the interfacial adhesion and reduces water absorption. The inclusion of hydrothermal-treated coir fibers (HTCFs) significantly enhances the flexural strength, elastic modulus, and toughness of the composites compared to neat COPU.
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Helena P. Felgueiras, Jorge Padrao, Joana C. Antunes
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Nuna G. Costa, Joana C. Antunes, Antonio J. Paleo, Ana M. Rocha
Summary: The development of efficient and cost-effective healthcare products, such as textile biosensors, has been encouraged by the focus on improving the quality of human life. These biosensors have the potential to provide medical diagnosis anytime and anywhere, and can also aid in improving road safety, especially in the case of alcohol-related accidents.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Natalia C. Homem, Catarina S. Miranda, Marta A. Teixeira, Marta O. Teixeira, Joana M. Domingues, Daiana Seibert, Joana C. Antunes, Maria Teresa P. Amorim, Helena P. Felgueiras
Summary: In the past few years, graphene oxide (GO), the best-known derivative of graphene, has been widely utilized in various applications, including biomedical devices. GO-based composites exhibit excellent stability, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial potential, making them suitable for wound dressings and drug delivery systems. This review presents the latest and most innovative research on GO-containing biomedical devices conducted in the last 10 years, providing an overview of GO's global and specific biomedical properties, manufacturing methods, and future challenges.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ligia Barcellos, Christopher K. Pham, Gui Menezes, Raul Bettencourt, Nieta Rocha, Miguel Carvalho, Helena P. Felgueiras
Summary: The invasive species Rugulopteryx okamurae, a brown macroalgae, has been found in European waters and the Strait of Gibraltar. Its proliferation poses significant threats to local ecosystems and results in a socioeconomic burden due to the accumulation of biomass as waste. Researchers have explored using the algae biomass in value-added products or technologies to minimize its impact. This review highlights the potential uses of R. okamurae, such as biogas production, composting, bioplastic, and pharmaceutical purposes.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Helena P. P. Felgueiras
Summary: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are complex and severe complications of diabetes, often exacerbated by inflammation and infections. Current dressing systems combined with antibiotic or immunomodulatory therapies have limitations in fighting microbial presence and providing a suitable environment for wound healing. Research in this field has rapidly expanded in recent years to develop new and more effective therapeutic systems for DFU care. This review compiles emerging innovations in DFU dressing systems using fiber-based scaffolds modified with bioactive compounds, focusing on advancements from 2017 to 2022.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena P. Felgueiras
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marta O. Teixeira, Elina Marinho, Carla Silva, Joana C. Antunes, Helena P. Felgueiras
Summary: Developing new therapeutic systems to combat the spreading and evolution of various pathologies globally is increasingly urgent. Hydrogels, with their tunable properties and various material options, have shown potential as drug delivery systems.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Catarina S. Miranda, A. Francisca G. Silva, Catarina L. Seabra, Salette Reis, M. Manuela P. Silva, Silvia M. M. A. Pereira-Lima, Susana P. G. Costa, Helena P. Felgueiras, Natalia C. Homem
Summary: In chronic wound (CW) scenarios, Staphylococcus aureus-induced infections are very prevalent. This leads to abnormal inflammatory processes, in which proteolytic enzymes, such as human neutrophil elastase (HNE), become highly expressed. A co-axial drug delivery system was developed to incorporate the antimicrobial peptide AAPV, which can suppress HNE activity, and release it controlled by N-carboxymethyl chitosan (NCMC), an antimicrobial polymer effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Marta A. Teixeira, Aureliano Fertuzinhos, David S. Freitas, Carla Silva, Diana P. Ferreira, Helena P. Felgueiras
Summary: The purpose of this research was to analyze the morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of PVA-based electrospun mats reinforced with CA or CNC for wound dressings. Crosslinking slightly increased the nanofibers' diameters while maintaining their bead-free morphology. The addition of CA and CNC improved the thermal and mechanical properties of the mats.
Article
Polymer Science
Tania Ferreira, Ana Catarina Vale, Alexandra C. Pinto, Rita V. Costa, Vania Pais, Diana Sousa, Fernanda Gomes, Graca Pinto, Jose Guilherme Dias, Ines P. Moreira, Carlos Mota, Joao Bessa, Joana C. Antunes, Mariana Henriques, Fernando Cunha, Raul Fangueiro
Summary: The development of advanced facemasks is a top priority for enhancing healthcare preparedness. This study characterized different polypropylene non-woven fabrics and used zinc oxide nanoparticles to functionalize the selected fabric for improved antimicrobial properties. The functionalized fabric showed promising results, with the ability to eradicate bacteria and inhibit virus growth. A three-layered facemask with antimicrobial capacity was developed and evaluated for filtration efficiency and breathability. These findings demonstrate the potential of these advanced facemasks for individual protection.
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Helena P. P. Felgueiras
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana M. M. Domingues, Catarina S. S. Miranda, Natalia C. Homem, Helena P. P. Felgueiras, Joana C. C. Antunes
Summary: The combination of nanoparticles and fibers has led to the development of new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. This review focuses on the possibilities and trends of functionalized fibers with nanoparticles, including inorganic and organic nanoparticles, and polymer-based fibers.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jorge Padrao, Ines Pinheiro, Carla Silva, Alice Ribeiro, Veronica Bouca, Liliana Melro, Rui Daniel Vilaca Fernandes, Ana Isabel Ribeiro, Helena Felgueiras, Andrea Zille
Summary: Wound infection is a major obstacle to adequate healing, especially in burn wounds and chronic wounds. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are effective antimicrobial agents used in wound dressings, but their cytotoxicity and potential neurotoxic effects are concerns. This study proposes two strategies to immobilize and increase the concentration of AgNPs in wound dressings to avoid systemic cytotoxicity and enhance their antimicrobial properties. The effectiveness of the composite materials against bacteria and a bacteriophage was tested, providing insights into their antimicrobial capabilities and the release of AgNPs.
JOURNAL OF BIOMIMETICS BIOMATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
