Article
Polymer Science
B. . . Hermenegildo, R. M. Meira, A. G. Diez, D. M. Correia, S. Ribeiro, J. P. Serra, C. Ribeiro, L. Perez-Alvarez, Jose L. Vilas-Vilela, S. Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: This study reports on the development of oriented electrospun fibers and films based on PVDF and PHBV blended with the IL choline acetate. The inclusion of IL in the polymer matrix affects the fiber orientation and thermal properties, resulting in changes in melting temperature and surface characteristics. The materials also exhibit good ionic conductivity and cytocompatibility, showing potential for tissue engineering applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Lin, Jinglin Wang, Xiangyi Wu, Yuan Luo, Yongan Wang, Yuanjin Zhao
Summary: Marine organisms provide valuable resources for biomaterials, especially natural hydrogels, which have outstanding bioactivity and biocompatibility. These hydrogels can not only mimic tissue extracellular matrix but also be applied in biomedicine through various techniques. This review summarizes the classification and characteristics of marine-derived hydrogels, introduces their role in biomaterial development, and discusses the influence of hydrogel types on their functions in biomedical applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liliana C. Fernandes, Rafaela M. Meira, Daniela M. Correia, Clarisse Ribeiro, Eduardo Fernandez, Carmen R. Tubio, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: This study reports on the development of magnetically responsive nanofibers based on PVDF and MIL. The inclusion of MIL increases the polar beta-phase content and decreases the crystallinity and thermal stability of the fibers. The magnetization of the nanofibers is proportional to the MIL content and decreases with temperature. Furthermore, cytotoxicity assays show a decrease in cell viability with increasing MIL content.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sofie Houben, Louis M. Pitet
Summary: Ionically crosslinked alginate hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering. Different crosslinking methods and metal ions have been studied in the formation of hybrid hydrogels. The mechanical properties of the resulting gels are strongly influenced by the preparation protocol and the identity of the counter-ion.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Ana R. Nabais, Sadia Ahmed, Muhammad Younis, Jin-Xiu Zhou, Joao R. Pereira, Filomena Freitas, David Mecerreyes, Joao G. Crespo, Mu-Hua Huang, Luisa A. Neves, Liliana C. Tome
Summary: In this study, a new type of mixed matrix iongel membrane, composed entirely of organic materials, was fabricated by combining ionic liquids (ILs) and porous organic polymers (POPs). The resulting membranes exhibited improved gas separation performance and ideal selectivity, making them promising for CO2 separation processes.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Esther E. Jaekel, Steven Kluge, Steffen Troeger-Mueller, Murat Tutus, Svitlana Filonenko
Summary: This study explores the possibilities of using glucose and ionic liquids as additives to achieve various applications of cellulose nanocrystal-based membranes. The gas permeation behavior and selectivity of the membranes can be controlled by the choice of plasticizer and CNC source. The results highlight the diversity and tunability of bio-derived functional materials.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Esther E. Jaekel, Steven Kluge, Steffen Troeger-Mueller, Murat Tutus, Svitlana Filonenko
Summary: This study investigates the gas permeation behavior of glucose and ionic liquid additives in cellulose nanocrystal-based membranes. The choice of plasticizer and CNC source allows for tunability from impermeable to permeable membranes. The contributions of the matrix and additive are analyzed by comparing to chitosan membranes.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Denisa-Maria Radulescu, Ionela Andreea Neacsu, Alexandru-Mihai Grumezescu, Ecaterina Andronescu
Summary: In recent years, the development and characterization of biomaterials for regenerative medicine and controlled release have posed significant challenges. Hydrogels are considered optimal applications in the biomedical field, particularly in tissue engineering. However, their delicate nature and low mechanical strength limit their use. Therefore, developing stronger and more stable hydrogels with increased biocompatibility is essential. Natural and synthetic polymers both have limitations, but the development of hydrogels based on mixtures of these materials can optimize their properties. Incorporating different nanoparticles can improve stability and yield various biological effects. Essential oils and drug molecules can facilitate desired biological effects and even produce a synergistic effect. The main purpose of this study is to identify the key properties required to develop sustainable polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering without adverse environmental effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jae Seo Lee, Hyo-Sung Kim, Haram Nah, Sang Jin Lee, Ho-Jin Moon, Jae Beum Bang, Jung Bok Lee, Sun Hee Do, Il Keun Kwon, Dong Nyoung Heo
Summary: This study synthesized succinylated chitosan (SCS)-based hydrogels with high decomposition rate and excellent biocompatibility, confirming well distributed Bone Graft Materials (BGMs) inside the SCS hydrogel. Increasing succinylation rate in SCS-B hydrogels led to a decrease in mechanical properties, such as compressive strength and Young's modulus, while also exhibiting high cell growth rate and bone differentiation rate. In vivo results showed that the SCS hydrogel could resorb into surrounding tissues while maintaining BGMs in the transplantation area for up to 6 weeks, indicating potential as a bioactive drug carrier for various biomedical applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Francesco Galiano, Raffaella Mancuso, Lorenzo Guazzelli, Michele Mauri, Cinzia Chiappe, Roberto Simonutti, Adele Brunetti, Christian S. Pomelli, Giuseppe Barbieri, Bartolo Gabriele, Alberto Figoli
Summary: This study developed novel polymeric membranes based on polymerized ionic liquids for CO2 separation, which showed a preference towards CO2 permeation in wet conditions and some membranes exceeded the Robeson upper bound for the CO2/H2 gas pair.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Sania Ghobadi Alamdari, Abbas Alibakhshi, Miguel de la Guardia, Behzad Baradaran, Reza Mohammadzadeh, Mohammad Amini, Prashant Kesharwani, Ahad Mokhtarzadeh, Fatemeh Oroojalian, Amirhossein Sahebkar
Summary: This article introduces the use of synthetic and natural polymer hydrogels, nanocarbon-based hydrogels, and other nanoparticle-based materials in cardiac tissue engineering, with a focus on conductive nanostructured hydrogels.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ankur Sood, Seong Min Ji, Anuj Kumar, Sung Soo Han
Summary: Developing bioactive hydrogels for bone tissue engineering is a key challenge, with enzyme-based crosslinking methods considered the optimal approach for designing efficient hydrogel systems. Utilizing different enzymes as crosslinking agents allows for efficient preparation of hydrogels and their application in bone tissue engineering.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marc Kostag, Kerstin Jedvert, Omar A. El Seoud
Summary: This review explores composites prepared from cellulose and silk fibroin for tissue engineering applications. The discussion on molecular structures, dissolution mechanisms, and fabrication and characterization of these materials reveals that they exhibit improved mechanical properties compared to precursor biopolymers, making them excellent candidates for biomedical applications due to their inherent biocompatibility.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Po-Wen Chen, Dian-Huan Ji, You-Sheng Zhang, Celine Lee, Mei-Yu Yeh
Summary: In this study, copolymers with various molar ratios of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) to thiophene (Th) were synthesized as conductive additives in hydrogels. By doping engineering and incorporating P(EDOT-co-Th) copolymers, hydrogels exhibited excellent physical/chemical/electrical properties. The mechanical strength, adhesion ability, and conductivity of hydrogels were found to be highly dependent on the molar ratio of EDOT to Th. Higher EDOT content resulted in stronger tensile strength and higher conductivity, but lower elongation break. After comprehensive evaluation of the properties and cost, the hydrogel incorporated with a 7:3 molar ratio P(EDOT-co-Th) copolymer was found to be the optimal formulation for soft electronic devices.
Article
Polymer Science
Antonela Gallastegui, Fabrizia Foglia, Paul F. McMillan, Nerea Casado, Aurelie Gueguen, David Mecerreyes
Summary: High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been studied for their high energy efficiency, superior heat/water management, CO tolerance, and electrode reaction kinetics. In this study, new poly(diallylmethylammonium) proton conducting membranes with high ionic conductivity at 120°C were developed. The membranes showed good thermal stability and mechanical properties without the need for additives. The effect of different counter-anions on membrane properties was investigated.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Lya Piaia, Simone S. Silva, Joana M. Gomes, Albina R. Franco, Emanuel M. Fernandes, Flavia C. M. Lobo, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Isabel B. Leonor, Marcio C. Fredel, Gean Salmoria, Dachamir Hotza, Rui L. Reis
Summary: Tissue engineering provides new approaches to manage bone regeneration by introducing scaffolds that can be autografts and/or allografts. The chitosan/beta-tricalcium phosphate-based scaffolds developed in this study have excellent biological and mechanical performance, making them suitable for bone tissue engineering.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Joana M. Gomes, Simone S. Silva, Emanuel M. Fernandes, Flavia C. M. Lobo, Manuel Martin-Pastor, Pablo Taboada, Rui L. Reis
Summary: The combination of natural resources with biologically active biocompatible ionic liquids is proposed as an approach for developing tools to manage inflammatory diseases. Silk fibroin and Ch[Gallate] were used to construct 3D-based sponges with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The concentration of Ch[Gallate] affected the structure, mechanical properties, and degradation of the sponges. The sponges showed high water uptake ability, supported stem cell growth, and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines concentrations.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Oliveira, Ana Araujo, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Catarina S. Silva, Rui L. Reis, Nuno M. Neves, Pedro Leao, Albino Martins
Summary: In the treatment of intestinal infections, a drug delivery system based on metronidazole-loaded nanoparticles immobilized on fibrous meshes can significantly reduce the numbers of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with no toxicity to human colonic cells.
Article
Polymer Science
Simone S. Silva, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Emanuel M. Fernandes, Flavia C. M. Lobo, Joana M. Gomes, Rui L. Reis
Summary: This study tailored edible Oleogels by combining ethylcellulose with virgin coconut oil and investigated the influence of different ratios on their properties. The results showed that the Oleogels had a stable network structure, good structural stability, and antioxidant activity, indicating the compatibility between ethylcellulose and virgin coconut oil.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lara L. Reys, Simone S. Silva, Diana Soares da Costa, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Rui L. Reis, Tiago H. Silva
Summary: The study aimed to create agarose/fucoidan hydrogels as a potential biomaterial for diabetes therapeutics. The hydrogels were produced by combining fucoidan and agarose, marine polysaccharides derived from seaweeds, and a thermal gelation process. Rheological tests showed a non-Newtonian and viscoelastic behavior, and the mechanical behavior indicated that increasing agarose concentrations resulted in hydrogels with higher Young's modulus. Encapsulating pancreatic cells in the hydrogels showed the ability to sustain cell viability and promote self-organization of pancreatic beta cells into pseudo-islets.
Article
Polymer Science
Duarte Nuno Carvalho, Flavia C. M. Lobo, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Emanuel M. M. Fernandes, David S. S. Williams, Andrew Mearns-Spragg, Carmen G. G. Sotelo, Ricardo I. I. Perez-Martin, Rui L. L. Reis, Michael Gelinsky, Tiago H. H. Silva
Summary: The self-repair capacity of human tissue is limited, leading to the development of tissue engineering for tissue regeneration. This study proposes the development and characterization of innovative polymeric membranes formed by blending marine origin polymers as biomaterials for tissue regeneration. The polymeric membranes demonstrated promising chemical and physical properties, suitable for tissue engineering approaches, particularly for the regeneration of damaged articular cartilage.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana M. Gomes, Simone S. Silva, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Rui L. Reis
Summary: Combining biomacromolecules with green chemistry principles and clean technologies is an effective approach for drug delivery. In this study, cholinium caffeate entrapped in alginate/acemannan beads showed potential as a drug delivery system for osteoarthritis treatment. The beads had a porous structure and high swelling ability. Cholinium caffeate improved antioxidant activities and promoted cell proliferation and the formation of cartilage-like ECM. The beads also blocked the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Overall, this strategy has great potential for therapeutic use in OA patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Simone S. Silva, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Emanuel M. Fernandes, Diana Soares da Costa, Denise G. Villalva, Watson Loh, Rui L. Reis
Summary: This study reports on an emulsion system combining chitosan (CHT) and virgin coconut oil (VCO) to develop structures with potential for biomedical applications. The scaffolds produced through freezing and freeze-drying possessed a porous structure, high swelling ability, and suitable stiffness. Moreover, the sustained release of the encapsulated drug from the cubosomes into the CHT/VCO-based system was achieved. Overall, this approach provides a new avenue for designing porous biomaterials for drug delivery.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kardelen Ecevit, Eduardo Silva, Luisa C. Rodrigues, Ivo Aroso, Alexandre A. A. Barros, Joana M. M. Silva, Rui L. L. Reis
Summary: In this study, the surface of polyurethane (PU) ureteral stents was functionalized with chitosan-fatty acid (CS-FA) derivatives to prevent bacterial colonization. The modified stents showed improved antibacterial performance against Gram-negative bacteria. These findings suggest the potential use of CS-FA derivatives for surface functionalization of medical devices.
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Vijayaganapathy Vaithilingam, Lara L. Reys, Mireille M. J. P. E. Sthijns, Timo Rademakers, Rick de Vries, Sami J. Mohammed, Denise de Bont, Marlon Jetten, Eelco de Koning, Nizar I. Mourad, Pierre Gianello, Simone S. Silva, Rui L. Reis, Tiago H. Silva, Aart van Apeldoorn
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ana R. Ribeiro, Simone S. Silva, Rui L. Reis
Summary: This review highlights the potential applications of vegetable oils in the field of biomedical science. Vegetable oils are abundant, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, and their natural compounds possess beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects. These oils are considered important building blocks for the development of functional biomaterials and can contribute to reducing carbon footprint.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
