Arnold KM, Nykypanchuk D, Schmidt TA
… +1 more, Deymier AC
Biopolymers
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41813614
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Ethanol dehydration is a common step in both scaffold manufacturing and tissue processing, yet the influence of ethanol on collagen is not well understood. This study examined the effects of dehydration, via ethanol trea...Ethanol dehydration is a common step in both scaffold manufacturing and tissue processing, yet the influence of ethanol on collagen is not well understood. This study examined the effects of dehydration, via ethanol treatment and air drying, on collagen structure, behavior, mechanics, and rehydration capacity. Multiple material characterization methods were used including Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, small/medium angle x-ray scattering, volumetric swelling analysis, and tensile testing. Ethanol dehydration removed bulk water from scaffolds, making them stronger and stiffer, but also showed loss of molecular water. This molecular water appears to act as a collagen stabilizer, resulting in less thermally stable scaffolds. The loss of molecular water is also evident in the molecular d-spacing. Secondary structure of scaffolds was also altered by ethanol, resulting in significantly enhanced rehydration capacity. Bulk water, both before and after rehydration, largely determined mechanical properties, which did not correlate with other structural measures such as FTIR. While rehydration largely returned collagen spacing to pre-ethanol treated state, structural alterations seen in FTIR cannot be recovered. These results have implications for not only collagen scaffolds, but in many tissue engineering and processing applications.
Okwuwa CC, Olunusi SO, Abutu D
… +3 more, Umunnawuike C, Amenaghawon A, Ighalo JO
Biopolymers
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41795632
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This review explores the multifaceted role of nanocellulose, comprising cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), in the design and fabrication of scaffolds for biomed...This review explores the multifaceted role of nanocellulose, comprising cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), in the design and fabrication of scaffolds for biomedical applications. Structural insights into nanocellulose reveal its capacity to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a conducive environment for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Modification strategies such as surface functionalization, grafting with bioactive molecules, and incorporation of therapeutic agents further enhance its biological performance and targeted functionality. Innovative scaffold fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, electrospinning, freeze-drying, gas foaming, and cell sheet engineering, are discussed in the context of tailoring scaffold architecture to meet the mechanical and biological requirements of various tissues. The integration of nanocellulose into composite materials and its synergy with other polymers and biomolecules demonstrate great potential in addressing complex tissue regeneration challenges. Biomedical applications cover a wide range of tissues, including skin, bone, cartilage, muscle, nerve, and vascular systems, highlighting the versatility of nanocellulose-based scaffolds. Nanocellulose stands as a key biomaterial in the development of next-generation, eco-friendly scaffolds that align with the principles of sustainability and regenerative medicine.
Levy-Ontman O, Bar-Gil A, Shemesh E
… +5 more, Huliehel M, Amor Y, Landes N, Sadeh Y, Tchernov D
Biopolymers
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41793409
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Sulfated polysaccharides from the red microalgae Porphyridium cruentum demonstrate unique physicochemical properties and antiviral activity. Despite growing interest, it is yet unclear how the sulfates within these polys...Sulfated polysaccharides from the red microalgae Porphyridium cruentum demonstrate unique physicochemical properties and antiviral activity. Despite growing interest, it is yet unclear how the sulfates within these polysaccharides affect their rheological properties and whether they are required for the antiviral activity. We report a nondestructive method to deplete sulfates from these polysaccharides by directly exposing the growth medium to a moderate electric field (3.43 V/cm); a 5 min exposure yielded a polysaccharide fraction around the cathode, which we collected and compared to polysaccharides extracted via a traditional, ethanol-based method. Although the electric field did not affect the sugar composition of the polysaccharide and retained its gel-like properties, it substantially reduced its sulfate content (from 5.8% to 1.2%), viscosity (by fivefold), and stiffness (by eightfold) relative to the ethanol-separated fraction. Yet, the bioactivity of the sulfate-depleted polysaccharide against Herpes simplex virus 1 was only slightly reduced (~15%), suggesting that the sulfate groups do not significantly contribute to the antiviral potency of this polysaccharide. The reported electric-field separation methods is, therefore, a simple, straightforward, and nontoxic means for the direct recovery of desulfated polysaccharides from P. cruentum cultures, yielding a low-toxicity and highly stable gel-like material with enhanced amenability for antiviral applications.
Şentürk S, Kaplan Ö, Bal K
… +3 more, Küçükertuğrul Çelik S, Gökşen Tosun N, Gök MK
Biopolymers
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41699981
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This study focused on functionalizing chitosan with nicotinic acid, the active form of vitamin B3, to obtain a new derivative (Chi) with enhanced solubility at physiological pH, improved proton buffering capacity, and in...This study focused on functionalizing chitosan with nicotinic acid, the active form of vitamin B3, to obtain a new derivative (Chi) with enhanced solubility at physiological pH, improved proton buffering capacity, and in vitro anticancer activity, and to develop resveratrol-loaded nanoparticles (nChi) for enhanced anticancer performance. Chitosan was modified through EDC-mediated amidation, and successful conjugation was confirmed by FTIR, H NMR, and GPC/SEC analyses. Nicotinic acid grafting increased molecular weight, introduced characteristic amide signals, improved solubility at physiological pH, and enhanced proton buffering capacity. Nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation and showed sizes of 100-140 nm, PDI values below 0.4, and a positive surface charge of +18 to +20 mV. Blank nanoparticles exhibited minimal cytotoxicity, while resveratrol-loaded formulations demonstrated significant anticancer activity in HeLa cervical cancer cells and HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cell line. Notably, nChi reduced HeLa and HT-29 cell viability more effectively than free resveratrol and nanoparticles based on unmodified chitosan, indicating an additive contribution from nicotinic acid. In contrast, the cytotoxic effect on healthy BJ fibroblasts remained considerably lower, supporting the biocompatibility and selective potential of the system. Overall, nicotinic acid modification improves chitosan's carrier performance and offers a novel strategy by combining two natural bioactive molecules within a single nanoparticle platform.
Biopolymers
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41685621
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Elastin-like peptides (ELPs) comprise repetitive pentapeptide sequences and exhibit liquid-liquid phase separation through lower critical solution temperature-type behavior. Their stimuli-responsive behavior has enabled...Elastin-like peptides (ELPs) comprise repetitive pentapeptide sequences and exhibit liquid-liquid phase separation through lower critical solution temperature-type behavior. Their stimuli-responsive behavior has enabled diverse applications in biomedical and chemical contexts. Although the miscibility and interactions of ELP mixtures have been previously studied, it remains unclear whether mixtures of short-chain ELPs with minimal differences in intrinsic parameters, such as chain length, can exhibit distinct phase behaviors. In this study, we investigated whether synthetic short-chain ELPs differing in length by only one or two repeat units (i.e., 5 or 10 residues) could exhibit independent phase transitions in mixed systems. Turbidity measurements of single- and two-component ELP solutions supported by UPLC-MS analysis revealed stepwise phase transitions upon heating. Our mechanistic analyses revealed that the mixtures undergo a structural transition from polyproline type II helix to β-sheet or β-turn structures. In addition, although the mixtures exhibited stepwise phase separation, our results indicate that heterotypic interactions influenced the sequential phase behavior. These findings reveal that even subtle variations in the ELP chain length and architecture can drive distinct phase separation, providing a rational strategy for designing functional, multicomponent, responsive peptide-based materials.
Landa-Tencle F, Hernández-Valencia CG, Guzmán-Lagunes F
… +9 more, Montiel C, Cuellar-Entenza Y, Guerrero-Sánchez C, Stumpf S, Hoeppener S, Schubert US, Zamudio-Cuevas Y, Sánchez-Sánchez R, Gimeno M
Biopolymers
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41631664
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Protease-catalyzed synthesis of a peptide composed of l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine (2.2:1 M ratio) was achieved in a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) medium and subsequently employed to encapsulate the anti-inflam...Protease-catalyzed synthesis of a peptide composed of l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine (2.2:1 M ratio) was achieved in a natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) medium and subsequently employed to encapsulate the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). IL-10 was loaded into enzyme-mediated peptide nanocrystals at doses of 200 and 400 ng, achieving stable nanocomposite formulations. Release studies were conducted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) at 37°C under gentle agitation, revealing a sustained release profile extending up to 30-31 days, with an initial release of approximately 16% within the first 5 days and near-complete release between Days 10 and 25, depending on loading. Encapsulation effectively protected IL-10 from rapid degradation observed for the free cytokine under identical conditions, resulting in markedly enhanced stability. The nanocrystals were further integrated into porcine gelatin-hyaluronic acid (Ge:HA) and microbial poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) matrices, where IL-10 release was further modulated, reaching up to ~80% release from Ge:HA and ~100% from PHBV-based systems over 31 days. Cytotoxicity assays using primary human dermal fibroblasts confirmed excellent biocompatibility of all formulations. Moreover, studies in PMA-activated THP-1 macrophage-like cells demonstrated reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and suppression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, highlighting the combined protective and immunomodulatory effects of IL-10 encapsulation. The presence of tyrosine residues within the nanocarrier further suggests intrinsic antioxidant contributions. Overall, these results support enzyme-mediated peptide nanocrystals as an effective platform for the stabilization and prolonged release of IL-10, with strong potential for treating inflammation-related skin conditions.
Torlopov MA, Drozd NN, Mikhaylov VI
… +2 more, Sitnikov PA, Udoratina EV
Biopolymers
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41578836
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The functionalization of alginate through the introduction of sulfonate groups represents a promising strategy for the targeted improvement of its bioactive characteristics. In this study, novel alginic acid derivatives...The functionalization of alginate through the introduction of sulfonate groups represents a promising strategy for the targeted improvement of its bioactive characteristics. In this study, novel alginic acid derivatives modified with benzene sulfonate groups were synthesized in an aqueous alkaline medium, achieving a degree of substitution up to 0.51. The chemical structures of the obtained ethers were confirmed by NMR, FTIR, and UV spectroscopy. The effects of pH and ionic strength on the size of macromolecular aggregates in aqueous solutions were investigated using dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering techniques. Potentiometric titration results revealed enhanced intra- and intermolecular interactions correlating with increasing degrees of substitution. Furthermore, the anticoagulant activity of the modified alginates was assessed, demonstrating a significant prolongation of blood and plasma coagulation times.
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41518104
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Rice husk-polyvinyl alcohol (RH-PVA) biocomposites offer a biodegradable alternative to synthetic mulches but are prone to moisture-induced degradation under tropical conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the hydrolyt...Rice husk-polyvinyl alcohol (RH-PVA) biocomposites offer a biodegradable alternative to synthetic mulches but are prone to moisture-induced degradation under tropical conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the hydrolytic stability of RH-PVA composites enhanced with NPK-Mg fertilizer at 0%, 9%, and 18% (w/w) under simulated field watering levels of 4, 8, and 16 mm/day. Fertilizer incorporation markedly improved dimensional and mechanical stability. At 16 mm/day, unfertilized mats showed a 27.5% thickness reduction and 12% diameter shrinkage, whereas 9%-18% fertilizer mats maintained > 97.5% thickness and > 96% diameter. Biomass loss decreased from 42% (0% fertilizer) to 35% (18% fertilizer), while tensile strength increased from 0.21 to 0.37 MPa (1.8-fold) and stress resistance from 2.6 to 7.6 MPa (2.9-fold). Scanning electron microscopy imaging indicated fertilizer-induced PVA agglomeration forming a continuous protective matrix that reduced fiber-matrix separation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis showed selective PVA degradation but preserved Si-O-Si bands, indicating silica network stability and controlled nutrient release. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis revealed progressive melting point depression from 223.6°C for pure PVA to 190.8°C for the composite with 18% fertilizer and reduced crystallinity consistent with ionic interactions restricting polymer chain mobility. Overall, fertilizer integration significantly enhances RH-PVA moisture resistance, supporting its use as a durable, biodegradable mulch for high-rainfall agricultural systems.
Sneka A, Subbarao RB, Selvamuthukumaran T
… +1 more, Muneer S
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41504008
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The phyto-fabrication of nanoparticles offers an eco-friendly route to novel functional materials. This study demonstrates the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. extract and thei...The phyto-fabrication of nanoparticles offers an eco-friendly route to novel functional materials. This study demonstrates the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. extract and their incorporation into an Eri silk fibroin (ESF) film to create a novel antimicrobial biomaterial. The AgNPs and the resulting composite films were characterized via UV-Vis, FTIR, and SEM-EDX analyses. Incorporating the green-synthesized AgNPs significantly enhanced the film's physical properties, resulting in high porosity (up to 88.46%) and an optimal water vapor transmission rate (2503.19 g/m/day). The final ESF-AVAg composite film exhibited potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Specifically, the Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) area for the optimal concentration (AVAg6) was 13.00 mm against Escherichia coli, 13.69 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 17.55 mm against Candida albicans, significantly outperforming the controls. This work successfully bridges sustainable green synthesis with biomaterial engineering, demonstrating that Aloe vera-derived AgNPs can be effectively integrated into a silk fibroin matrix to produce a high-performance antimicrobial film.
Ahmed MS, Wang CL, Chen S
… +2 more, Pauli GF, Bedran-Russo AK
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41489422
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Natural products, particularly plant-derived compounds, have long inspired the development of novel dental biomaterials. This study explored the modularity and bioactivity of natural stilbenoids as dental tissue biomodul...Natural products, particularly plant-derived compounds, have long inspired the development of novel dental biomaterials. This study explored the modularity and bioactivity of natural stilbenoids as dental tissue biomodulators, focusing on their ability to reinforce dentin mechanically through interactions with type I collagen. Mid-coronal dentin specimens from human molars were demineralized and treated with 1% solutions of modularly defined stilbenoids (MoDS): a monomer (resveratrol), dimers (ε-viniferin, ampelopsin A), and tetramers (vitisin A, vitisin B). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) assessed viscoelastic properties (E', E″, E*, tan δ) over 6 months, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) evaluated biochemical changes, and cell viability assays determined biocompatibility. Statistical analysis used ANOVA with post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Only oligomeric MoDS significantly enhanced dentin viscoelasticity (p < 0.001), with vitisin B showing the highest fold increase in E* modulus (17-fold), followed by vitisin A and ε-viniferin. FTIR confirmed permanent collagen modifications in oligomer-treated groups, while resveratrol showed no mechanical effect. MoDS-induced changes stabilized over time, and all compounds exhibited high biocompatibility, with vitisin B maintaining the highest cell viability. These results demonstrate that MoDS improve dentin mechanical properties and stability through structure-dependent cross-linking, highlighting their potential for durable, bioinspired dental restorations.
Coelho CB, Dos Santos Cerqueira Alves C, Novaes GUM
… +10 more, Segundo RSB, Rocha FOB, de Andrade Souza Magalhães JM, Carvalho LS, Barbosa JLA, de Almeida Ribeiro FPR, do Monte APO, de Matos MHT, de Oliveira AP, da Silva Almeida JRG
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41486636
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The use of medicinal plant extracts in the repair of dermal wounds has been widely discussed in the literature, especially those based on collagen, due to the diverse biological activities conferred by these extracts in...The use of medicinal plant extracts in the repair of dermal wounds has been widely discussed in the literature, especially those based on collagen, due to the diverse biological activities conferred by these extracts in combination with the biocompatibility and interactivity of the material. This study aimed to develop films based on collagen and Jatropha mutabilis stalk extracts (SEJM) to evaluate the scar repair process in rodents. SEJM demonstrated the presence of phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity (DPPH: IC of 7.522 ± 0.068 μg mL; β-carotene %: 83.770 ± 2.636), and antimicrobial action against different strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, hydrolyzed collagen was combined with PVA, glycerol, and SEJM to produce healing films (C_SEJM). Preclinical studies showed that treatment with C_SEJM was able to accelerate reepithelialization from the edges to the center of the wound, enhancing wound repair tissue in the open skin lesion model in rodents. In this study, J. mutabilis extract presented a possible clinical application for the treatment of skin lesions due to its important healing, antioxidant, and antibacterial in vivo and in vitro activities, which accelerated wound healing by stimulating tissue formation.
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41486603
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Publisher ↗
Chitosan, a naturally occurring cationic biopolymer, is a linear polysaccharide composed of D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It is produced from demineralization and deprot...Chitosan, a naturally occurring cationic biopolymer, is a linear polysaccharide composed of D-glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. It is produced from demineralization and deproteinization of chitin, which is abundant in the exoskeletons of arthropods, fungal cell walls, algae, microorganisms, and the radulae and beaks of mollusks and cephalopods. Chitosan exhibits several favorable properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and unique biological and physiological characteristics. These attributes make chitosan a promising material for diverse applications across various industries. Chitosan nanoparticles, in particular, have found extensive use in fields such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food technology, cosmetics, water treatment, and textiles. Their versatile applications include functioning as food additives and preservatives, antimicrobial agents, encapsulations of active ingredients, enzyme immobilizers, gelling and coating agents, and biopolymeric nanofilms. Ongoing clinical trials and a steadily growing number of patents across pharmaceutical, biomedical, food, agricultural, and environmental sectors highlight chitosan's multipurpose industrial potential and promising future as a versatile biopolymer.
Kottaraparambil AU, Kamalasanan K, Thrivikraman S
… +5 more, Varma P, Sapa H, Shaji SS, Mathew SA, Kannaghut Puthukudi A
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41486580
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Publisher ↗
Selective protein adsorption on biomaterial surfaces is pivotal for regulating cell behavior and tissue organization in regenerative medicine. However, conventional 2D culture platforms fail to replicate the aligned arch...Selective protein adsorption on biomaterial surfaces is pivotal for regulating cell behavior and tissue organization in regenerative medicine. However, conventional 2D culture platforms fail to replicate the aligned architecture characteristic of vascular tissues. This study investigates whether a poly (vinyl alcohol)-stearate (PVA-stearate) surface coating can differentially modulate protein adsorption to direct extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly and cell alignment. The PVA-stearate conjugate was synthesized via esterification and extensively characterized by XRD, DSC, TGA, FTIR, AFM, and XPS, confirming successful chemical integration and a uniform nanoscale topography with moderate roughness compared to uncoated controls. Protein interaction analyses (MALDI-TOF and BCA assays) revealed selective suppression of non-specific globular protein adsorption (albumin, insulin) while facilitating collagen fibrillar assembly. Fibroblast (L929) cultures on the modified surfaces exhibited delayed initial adhesion followed by progressive elongation, unidirectional alignment, and coordinated cytoskeletal organization within 48 h, whereas unmodified substrates supported random orientation and disordered ECM deposition. These findings demonstrate that the PVA-stearate coating functions as a bioinstructive interface, enabling protein-specific modulation and guiding biomimetic cell-ECM interactions. This scalable and fully synthetic approach offers promising applications in vascular tissue engineering, antifibrotic surface design, and regenerative medicine platforms requiring controlled cellular organization.
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41467512
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Publisher ↗
Biopolymer binders have been proposed as sustainable soil stabilizers due to their gelation properties and extraction process. This study investigates the potential of gum arabic, a polysaccharide-based biopolymer, for s...Biopolymer binders have been proposed as sustainable soil stabilizers due to their gelation properties and extraction process. This study investigates the potential of gum arabic, a polysaccharide-based biopolymer, for soil stabilization. Various types of sands are used to examine the strength and stiffness characteristics of gum arabic-treated sand. Three different biopolymer contents are used to investigate the influence of gum arabic on rheological behavior, the strength, and stiffness characteristics of treated sand. Rheological analysis indicated that both shear stress and viscosity remain almost constant for 24 h, regardless of biopolymer content. The rheological behavior, such as shear thinning and thickening, of hydrogel varies with biopolymer content. The compressive strength of treated specimens improved significantly within the range of 1.3-7.5 MPa after curing for 28 days. The shear wave measurements demonstrate enhanced stiffness across curing periods, with higher biopolymer contents demonstrating the most significant improvements. Microscopy image of the treated sand shows the effective bonding and cohesive network formed by gum arabic hydrogel, which filled pore spaces and reinforced the soil matrix. Therefore, the findings from this study suggest that gum arabic biopolymer can serve as a soil stabilizer, providing effective strength and stiffness improvement.
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41388847
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The deterioration of the cuticle and cortex hair due to routine cosmetic practices has been identified as a primary factor contributing to undesirable changes in the esthetic qualities of hair. Chemical and physical trea...The deterioration of the cuticle and cortex hair due to routine cosmetic practices has been identified as a primary factor contributing to undesirable changes in the esthetic qualities of hair. Chemical and physical treatments can cause significant damage to hair fibers. In this study, the damage induced by heating in chemically treated hair subjected to acid straightening, bleaching, and the combination of both treatments is investigated. Previous results published by our group have already clarified certain aspects of the mechanism of action of acid straightening on hair fibers. In this new work, we show other relevant aspects to the hair care area with the aim to respond: how can we assist cosmetic product developers and consumers in understanding the changes caused by the combined use of chemical transformation procedures (specifically acid straightening and bleaching) and exposure to heat? By examining the thermal behavior of chemically treated hair fibers, we shed light on key aspects of both external (through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance [FTIR/ATR] and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]) and internal (through ultra-small angle x-ray scattering [USAXS], small angle x-ray scattering [SAXS], and wide-angle x-ray scattering [WAXS]) changes. SAXS and WAXS structural analyses provided information on the internal structure and hierarchical organization of hair samples. While these techniques have been widely used to evaluate hair fibers, the effects of heating on their structure have been less explored. We examined the changes in the hierarchical arrangements as the fibers were heated in situ during the x-ray scattering experiments. It was possible to evaluate the specific regions where heat causes damage to both the cortex and the cuticle of the hair fiber, and the extent of these damages. Furthermore, it was observed that the bleached and straightened fiber undergoes more changes with the use of heat, due to the loss of important surface components, as shown by FTIR and SEM measurements.
García-Cerón G, Bello-Cortés IH, Ramiro-Cortés Y
… +5 more, Gutiérrez-Aguilar M, Sciutto MR, Sánchez-Bartéz F, Gimeno M, García-Arrazola R
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41378671
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The effect of the enzyme-mediated poly(gallic acid) (PGAL) as a potential redox regulator or redox activity compound (RAC) on the morphology of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and its methionine synthase (MS) activitie...The effect of the enzyme-mediated poly(gallic acid) (PGAL) as a potential redox regulator or redox activity compound (RAC) on the morphology of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and its methionine synthase (MS) activities is contrasted to those for disrupting compounds (EDC). For that, we study the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and monobutylphthalate (MBP) as common EDCs. The results show the expected significant decrease in cell density and predominance of phenotype N associated with shorter neurites after exposure to EDCs; however, homogeneous cell density and an S phenotype consistent with the control are observed after exposure to the polymeric RAC, and compared to other reported RAC metabolites, sulforaphane (SFN) and its precursor gallic acid (GA). Regarding the enzymatic activity of MS, a 64% increase is observed in the presence of EDCs. Surprisingly, control GA also shows a 35% increase in MS enzymatic activity, but this stable multiradical polyanion derivative has an average decrease of 51%. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that MS enzymatic activities-to-risk of endocrine disruption relationships, compared to that of a polymeric RAC, have been established using neuroblastoma cell cultures, laying groundwork for future research in neurobiology and environmental health.
Rajan A, Balakrishnan R, Pradeep P
… +6 more, Babu A, Shylaja K, Thomas NG, Ninan N, Ajith Nishi A, Thomas AS
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41376203
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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 s...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 (TiO) 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. TiO-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.
Sonowal B, Dugam S, Ennackal DJ
… +3 more, Odaneth AA, Jain R, Dandekar P
Biopolymers
· 2026 Jan · PMID 41355209
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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...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/m/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.