Review
Chemistry, Applied
Anuj Kumar, Ankur Sood, Sung Soo Han
Summary: Advances in polymers have led to their wide application in various fields. Blending natural and synthetic polymers has resulted in the development of materials with synergistic effects. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and alginate (AG) blends (PVAG) have shown promising results in biomedical and industrial sectors. This review summarizes the recent progress in designing PVAG matrices and complexes and discusses their structure and functional properties. The applicability of PVAG matrices in wastewater treatment, biomedical applications, photocatalysis, food packaging, and fuel cells is comprehensively outlined. Moreover, the review highlights the challenges that need to be addressed and explores the potential of PVAG matrices in unexplored fields like aircraft industry, nuclear science, and space exploration.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yang Feng, Shao-Cong Dai, Khoon Lim, Yogambha Ramaswamy, Ahmad Jabbarzadeh
Summary: Polymeric PVA-based composite hydrogels were fabricated with gellan gum (GG) and their rheological and tribological properties were investigated. Increasing the concentration of GG enhanced the storage modulus of the hydrogels, making them suitable for cartilage regeneration applications. Furthermore, the addition of GG reduced the friction coefficient, increasing the chance of survival under mechanical shear stresses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jirapat Namkaew, Panitporn Laowpanitchakorn, Nuttapong Sawaddee, Sirinee Jirajessada, Sittisak Honsawek, Supansa Yodmuang
Summary: Cartilage has limited self-healing capacity after injury, but tissue engineering in conjunction with biomaterials shows promise for generating cartilage substitutes. This study explores how the incorporation of CMC and crosslinking density affect scaffold properties and potential cartilage formation support. The results suggest that PVA/CMC scaffolding material can be tailored to support cartilage formation.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Deepali Warale, Sabia Kouser, G. K. Nagaraja, M. Shabeena, D. J. Manasa
Summary: Novel surface-functionalized lignin-rough HNTs were synthesized and reinforced onto PVA matrix, showing improved mechanical and thermal qualities compared to pure PVA film. The functionalized rough HNTs were investigated using various spectroscopic and morphological techniques. Nanocomposite films exhibited better proliferative and adhesion capacity, enzymatic breakdown, and hemocompatibility, suggesting their potential for tissue engineering and wound healing.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Monica L. Mejia L. Suaza, Jennifer C. Leos C. Rivera, Maria C. Rodriguez C. Padilla, Maria E. Moncada E. Acevedo, Claudia P. Ossa P. Orozco, Diana G. Zarate G. Trivino
Summary: Nanofiber scaffolds of polyvinyl alcohol, silk fibroin, and silver nanoparticles were developed for MG-63 growth. The addition of fibroin and silver nanoparticles enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the scaffolds. The incorporation of fibroin also improved the hydrophilicity of the scaffolds. The nanofibers showed potential as a substitute for bone tissue engineering.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
M. Shabeena, Sabia Kouser, Ashwini Prabhu, G. K. Nagaraja, Deepali Warale, D. J. Manasa
Summary: The present study demonstrates the incorporation of pectin-functionalised halloysite nanotubes (Pec-f-HNT) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix, resulting in polymer nanocomposite films. The modified HNTs and nanocomposite films were characterized using various techniques. The nanocomposite films showed enhanced surface roughness and water behavior compared to plain PVA. The films also exhibited hemocompatibility and were found to promote cell adhesion and proliferation, indicating their potential use in tissue engineering applications.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiraporn Sinna, Rachasit Jeencham, Priyapat Mueangkhot, Sorasak Sophon, Pornpattara Noralak, Romtira Raksapakdee, Piya-on Numpaisal, Yupaporn Ruksakulpiwat
Summary: This study developed a PVA-g-GMA/CNF injectable hydrogel for meniscus tissue engineering. The addition of CNF improved the mechanical properties and cell proliferation of the hydrogel. The optimized hydrogel showed excellent properties and promoted cell proliferation, making it a potential candidate for meniscus tissue engineering.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yifan Zheng, Hong Huang, Yan Wang, Jing Zhu, Junrong Yu, Zuming Hu
Summary: This study presents a facile and low-cost design strategy for a transparent, gradient cross-linked, patternable and reprogrammable humidity-responsive actuator based on PVA. The actuator is capable of humidity-responsive ability, gradient cross-linking, and photo-controlled reversible cross-linking. It demonstrates fast actuation speed, large actuation amplitude, and complex shape deformation control.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Srijoni Sengupta, Abhishek Singh, Koushik Dutta, Ram Prasad Sahu, Satish Kumar, Chandan Goswami, Saurabh Chawla, Luna Goswami, Abhijit Bandyopadhyay
Summary: The multifunctional branched/hyperbranched copolymers synthesized from PVA and CA show compact structure and smaller size, making them suitable for encapsulating and releasing bioactive molecules, as well as serving as scaffolds for cell adhesion and growth. These copolymers have lower viscosity, high biocompatibility, strong antibacterial properties, and adequate macromolecular voids, making them a potential platform for tissue engineering applications.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pejman Ghaffari-Bohlouli, Hafez Jafari, Alireza Khatibi, Mamak Bakhtiari, Beeta Tavana, Payam Zahedi, Amin Shavandi
Summary: By reinforcing electrospun PLDLLA/PVA nanofibers with PCCNWs, the hydrophilicity, degradation rate, and mechanical properties of the composite material were enhanced, promoting cellular activity and showing potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Delfo D'Alessandro, Stefania Moscato, Alessandra Fusco, Jose Gustavo De la Ossa, Mario D'Acunto, Luisa Trombi, Marta Feula, Lorenzo Pio Serino, Giovanna Donnarumma, Mario Petrini, Stefano Berrettini, Serena Danti
Summary: The study provides a platform for nasal tissue regeneration using specific scaffolds and mesodermal progenitor cells, which show promise for rhinoplasty and nasal tissue reconstruction following tumor resection.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
P. Narmatha Christy, S. Khaleel Basha, V. Sugantha Kumari
Summary: This study developed a novel organic-inorganic hybrid bionanocomposite for bone tissue engineering by incorporating nanocellulose as a template material into a chitosan-poly(vinyl alcohol)-nanobioactive glass system. The resulting CPBNC bionanocomposite exhibited strong electrostatic interactions, improved mechanical properties, suitable porosity, and enhanced antibacterial effects. The findings suggest a simple method for synthesizing high-performance scaffolds for bone tissue engineering using nanocellulose.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nadia Sueli Vieira Capanema, Alexandra Ancelmo Piscitelli Mansur, Isadora Cota Carvalho, Sandhra Maria Carvalho, Herman Sander Mansur
Summary: The study reports the synthesis and characterization of hybrid hydrogels for wound dressings using a water-responsive system. These hydrogels demonstrated tunable physicochemical properties and were produced through an eco-friendly process. The hydrogels showed high absorbency and cytocompatibility, making them suitable for chronic wound healing and skin tissue engineering applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Changxin Xiang, Qing Zhang, Zijian Guo, Zehua Wang, Weiyi Chen, Xiaona Li, Xiaochun Wei, Pengcui Li
Summary: In this study, a series of porous biocompatible composite hydrogels were designed for bone tissue engineering, consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol), trehalose, and nano-clay. These hydrogels exhibited excellent mechanical properties and microscopic structures, and had the ability to promote cell growth and bone defect repair. The concentrations of trehalose and nano-clay could be adjusted to control the mechanical properties and microscopic structures of the hydrogels.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Seong Baek Yang, Mohammad Rezaul Karim, Jungeon Lee, Jeong Hyun Yeum, Sabina Yeasmin
Summary: Novel poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl butyral-vinyl alcohol) films with improved hydrophobicity were prepared by saponification of poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(vinyl butyral) blend films. The saponification process was confirmed by various analysis techniques. The hydrophobicity of the films increased with increasing poly(vinyl butyral) content. The saponified films exhibited improved mechanical properties and unique surface characteristics. These films have potential applications in biomaterials, filters, and medical devices.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhiyuan Liu, Yunxin Zhu, Chenyu Zhao, Cheng Zhang, Jie Ming, Aditya Sharma, Guoping Chen, Yingnan Yang
Summary: A light stimulation strategy was investigated to promote bio-H-2 production. The optimal light condition increased H-2 yield and promoted efficient H-2 producing pathway. The microbial community was also affected by light stimulation. Long-term operation showed higher and more stable H-2 production in the light stimulated bioreactor.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Cheng Zhang, Na Liu, Jie Ming, Aditya Sharma, Qiansu Ma, Zhiyuan Liu, Guoping Chen, Yingnan Yang
Summary: The novel Linear fresnel photoreactor (LFP) developed in this study optimizes sunlight for wastewater treatment by flexibly controlling mirrors according to solar position and weather conditions. This reactor shows great potential in improving wastewater treatment efficiency in densely populated areas through effective adjustment of light irradiance and temperature.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Linawati Sutrisno, Huajian Chen, Toru Yoshitomi, Naoki Kawazoe, Yingnan Yang, Guoping Chen
Summary: The study developed a bifunctional PLGA-collagen-BPNS composite scaffold with high mechanical strength, photothermal ablation capability, and promotion of skin tissue regeneration.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongtao Wang, Toru Yoshitomi, Naoki Kawazoe, Yingnan Yang, Guoping Chen
Summary: This study investigates the impact of cell density on gene transfection of mesenchymal stem cells. It shows that moderate cell density is beneficial for gene transfection, while low and high cell densities have negative effects. The influence of cell density on gene transfection is strongly correlated with its effect on cellular uptake capacity and DNA synthesis.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yan Xie, Linawati Sutrisno, Toru Yoshitomi, Naoki Kawazoe, Yingnan Yang, Guoping Chen
Summary: Interconnected scaffolds promote the chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells. In this study, collagen scaffolds with interconnected pore structures were fabricated using PLGA sponge templates and were used to culture human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results showed that the interconnected scaffolds can enhance the chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells and improve the production of cartilaginous matrices and the mechanical properties of the implants after subcutaneous implantation.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoshiki Komatsu, Toru Yoshitomi, Kinji Furuya, Takafumi Ikeda, Azusa Terasaki, Aoi Hoshi, Naoki Kawazoe, Guoping Chen, Hirofumi Matsui
Summary: A tissue-adhesive porphyrin with polycations has been developed in this study, which can effectively mark tissues during laparoscopic surgery. This is a promising technique for tumor localization.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie Ming, Na Liu, Qiansu Ma, Aditya Sharma, Xiang Sun, Naoki Kawazoe, Guoping Chen, Yingnan Yang
Summary: In this study, a solar-light-driven photocatalyst Ag/Ag2O/BiPO4/Bi2WO6 was used for water disinfection for the first time. The composite showed complete inactivation of Escherichia coli within 20 minutes under light irradiation. The mechanism of inactivation was investigated from various aspects, including antioxidant enzymes, cell membrane, intracellular components, and active species. The composite exhibited high adaptability for water disinfection under different environmental factors and released a negligible amount of Ag+ during the process. This work introduced an efficient photocatalyst with great potential for practical application in water disinfection.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Zheng, Yan Xie, Toru Yoshitomi, Naoki Kawazoe, Yingnan Yang, Guoping Chen
Summary: This study investigated different microenvironmental conditions for the controlled proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation of human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The results showed that collagen sponges promoted cell proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation. Combining collagen sponges with collagen hydrogels and induction factors had the highest promotive effect on chondrogenic differentiation. These findings provide useful information for stem cell chondrogenic differentiation and cartilage tissue engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Russul Mamdooh Al-Nakashli, Cheng Cao, Radhika Raveendran, Hongxu Lu, Martina H. Stenzel
Summary: Polymeric micelles with different drug loading contents were studied to investigate their cellular uptake, penetration, and effects on biological activities. The results showed that micelles with high drug loading content exhibited higher cellular uptake and toxicity.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Ming, Xiang Sun, Qiansu Ma, Na Liu, Cheng Zhang, Naoki Kawazoe, Guoping Chen, Yingnan Yang
Summary: Pathogenic contamination is a major cause of clean water shortage and poses a risk to human health. This study introduced g-C3N4 (CN) into Ag/Ag2O/BiPO4/Bi2WO6 (Ag/P/BWO) to construct a novel composite CN-Ag/P/BWO for disinfecting Enterococcus sp. contaminated water. The composite showed excellent disinfection performance under simulated solar light irradiation, attributed to improved light absorption ability, charge carries separation/transfer efficiency, and surface wettability. The disinfection mechanism involved photogenerated active species working together and damaging bacterial cells. The composite also exhibited high practicability and stability for different environmental factors and real lake water disinfection, providing an efficient method for water disinfection.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guocheng Fang, Yu-Cheng Chen, Hongxu Lu, Dayong Jin
Summary: Multicellular spheroids and organoids are promising models in personalized medicine and drug screening, replicating the structural and functional characteristics of human organs. Microfluidic technology and micro-nano fabrication meet the high requirements of engineering approaches in spheroids and organoids research. This review discusses how spheroids- and organoids-on-a-chip technology facilitates their establishment, expansion, and application through spatial-temporal control, mechanical cues modeling, high-throughput analysis, co-culture, multi-tissue interactions, biosensing, and bioimaging integration. The potential opportunities and challenges in developing spheroids- and organoids-on-a-chip technology are also highlighted.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)