Biopolymers[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Harnessing Nature's Power: Plant and Polymeric-Based Antibacterials as Potential Therapeutics for Infectious Skin Wound Healing.
Kheradmandi R, Zamani S, Farahani MK … +2 more , Ehterami A, Salehi M
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 40033706 · Publisher ↗
This comprehensive review explores the potential of plant- and biopolymeric-based antibacterials as innovative therapeutic agents for infectious skin wound healing. By researching the antibacterial properties of various...
This comprehensive review explores the potential of plant- and biopolymeric-based antibacterials as innovative therapeutic agents for infectious skin wound healing. By researching the antibacterial properties of various plants, the review highlights their application in skin tissue engineering. Beyond reviewing antibacterial plant extracts, the article delves into the limitations these natural compounds face, such as hydrophilicity, drug release rates, cell attachment, and scaffold stability when integrated into tissue engineering constructs. The review also emphasizes the role of biopolymeric materials, hydrogel optimization, and crosslinkers to improve scaffold performance. This review provides a roadmap for future research by addressing critical factors in scaffold construction. In the end, it aims to guide the development of more effective wound dressings and tissue scaffolds, combining the natural power of plants with advanced biopolymeric materials for enhanced wound healing therapies.
Effect of Surface Properties of Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles in the Skin-Diffusion Rate.
Ramírez L, Corral D, Betanzo I … +3 more , Rodarte D, Chauhan K, Vazquez-Duhalt R
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39960104 · Full text
Skin diseases may cause rash, inflammation, itchiness, and other important skin changes, including dysplasia. Some skin conditions may be due to genetic and lifestyle factors and immune-mediated factors. The current skin...
Skin diseases may cause rash, inflammation, itchiness, and other important skin changes, including dysplasia. Some skin conditions may be due to genetic and lifestyle factors and immune-mediated factors. The current skin disease treatment can include oral medication, topical cream, or ointments. Nanotechnology is revolutionizing the drug delivery systems, increasing the time life of active therapeutic compounds and improving the treatment efficiency. This work hypothesizes that varying the surface properties of chitosan nanoparticles (Ch-NPs) can modulate their diffusion through dermal tissue. Thus, Ch-NPs were synthesized, and their surface was modified with polyethylene glycol, oxalic acid, and linoleic acid for transdermal therapy. The different Ch-NPs were labeled with a fluorophore, and the dermal diffusion was measured on human skin by histological preparations and fluorescent microscopy. The surface properties of nanoparticles were shown to play an essential role in skin diffusion rate. Surface modification with a lipophilic moiety such as linoleic fatty acid showed a diffusion rate of 7.23 mm/h in human full-thickness abdominal flap, which is 2.7 times faster nanoparticle diffusion through dermal tissue when compared with the unmodified Ch-NPs (2.92 mm/h). The positive (zeta potential +27.5 mV) or negative (zeta potential -2.2 mV) surface charge does not affect the chitosan nanoparticle diffusion. Polyethylene glycol surface modification slightly improved the nanoparticle diffusion rate (3.63 mm/h). Thus, modulating the nanoparticle surface properties can control the skin diffusion rate. The implications of this finding on dermic drug delivery are discussed.
The Influence of Cuprorivaite Nanoparticles on the Physicomechanical and Biological Performance of 3D-Printed Scaffold Based on Carboxymethyl Chitosan Combined With Zein for Bone Tissue Engineering.
Ansari M, Eslami H, Karimi A … +3 more , Dehestani A, Razmaein MR, Ghanbari F
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39945191 · Publisher ↗
This study demonstrates a new degradable 3D-printed carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)/zein bone scaffold loaded with different content of cuprorivaite (Cup) nanoparticles which labeled as CMCS/Z/Cup. Only a few studies have u...
This study demonstrates a new degradable 3D-printed carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC)/zein bone scaffold loaded with different content of cuprorivaite (Cup) nanoparticles which labeled as CMCS/Z/Cup. Only a few studies have utilized these components to fabricate a three-component porous osteogenic scaffold. The aim of this study was to comprehensively assess the mechanical and biocompatibility of the nanocomposite which synthesized by 3D printing method. For this purpose, the Cup powder was initially synthesized through sol-gel process and its confirmation was proved using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Then, three CMC/Z scaffolds were made with different Cup contents: group A (0 wt.% Cup), group B (2.5 wt.% Cup) and group C (5 wt.% Cup). The scaffolds were well-ordered microporous with a high porosity and pore connectivity, as observed by morphological analysis by SEM. Additionally, the pore size of group B was more homogeneous than that of groups A and C. There were no significance differences in physicochemical characterization among the three groups. Mechanical properties analysis showed that values of compression modulus are significantly increased with addition of 2.5% Cup nanoparticles into CMCS/zein matrix, from 1.2 to 9.6 MPa. The incorporation of Cup nanoparticles into CMCS along with zein can provide a suitable substrate for the growth of osteoblast cells after implantation, as indicated by the results of in vitro degradation. The scaffolds were cultured in vitro with MG-63 cells, showing that cell viability increased with the Cup content, 95%, 105%, and 110% for the pure polymeric scaffold, and scaffolds reinforced with 2.5% and 5% Cup, respectively. As a result, the scaffolds designed in this study possess the ability to be used in bone tissue engineering due to having characteristics similar to natural bone.
Advanced Drug Delivery Systems Utilizing β-Lactoglobulin: An Efficient Protein-Based Drug Carrier.
Gowda CM, Sharma S, Wairkar S
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39912193 · Publisher ↗
Proteins have shown significant potential as carrier systems due to specific binding interactions with several drug molecules. Among several other animal proteins, whey protein (WP) is a by-product of the dairy industry,...
Proteins have shown significant potential as carrier systems due to specific binding interactions with several drug molecules. Among several other animal proteins, whey protein (WP) is a by-product of the dairy industry, mainly composed of globular proteins. β-Lactoglobulin (BLG) is a major component of WP, which offers a unique functional property for drug delivery, such as thermal stability, binding interactions, favorable charge characteristics, and a spherical shape. Several drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been developed using BLG as a carrier, including nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanocomposites, nanoemulsions, solid dispersions, microparticles, and hydrogels. These delivery systems improve drug solubility, loading capacity, bioavailability, stability, and release rate and can provide targeted delivery. They have been employed in diverse applications, from treating cancer to enhancing oral drug delivery, reducing the toxicity of specific drugs, and offering controlled drug release. The future of BLG DDSs holds the promise of combination therapies, personalized medicine, and improved targeting precision. This review aims to discuss the role and utilization of BLG in several DDSs as a versatile carrier, revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. However, further research is expected to focus on optimizing degradation rates, enhancing biological compatibility, and addressing potential immune responses of BLG-based drug carriers.
Multi-Scale Structures, Functional Properties, and Applications of Starch Modified by Dry Heat Treatment.
Velazquez G, Mendez-Montealvo G, Flores-Silva PC … +1 more , Soler A
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39887324 · Publisher ↗
Dry heat treatment (DHT) is considered a green technology to modify starch structure and functionality since it does not generate effluents and avoids the use of chemical compounds, however, there is still no comprehensi...
Dry heat treatment (DHT) is considered a green technology to modify starch structure and functionality since it does not generate effluents and avoids the use of chemical compounds, however, there is still no comprehensive understanding of the effects and mechanisms on the multi-scale structure and their relationship with functionality. This paper reviewed and analyzed the effects of DHT on multi-scale starch structures and functional properties, compared the performance of continuous and repeated DHT, discussed a mechanism of starch dry heating, and summarized the applications of dry-heated starches. DHT evaporates water, accelerates the movement of starch molecules, and breaks hydrogen bonds, which changes the multi-scale structure. In turn, structural modifications promoted by DHT affect the hydration properties, thermal stability, slowly digestible/resistant starch formation, and glycemic index. The multi-scale structure and functional changes after DHT are strongly affected by the starch botanical source and process conditions. This review contributes to understanding the starch DHT modification and establishes a theoretical basis for advancing DHT applications in the starch industry.
Histidine Tags in Human Recombinant Alpha B-Crystallin (HSPB5) Proteins Are Detrimental for Zinc Binding Studies.
Karmakar S, Das KP
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39878199 · Publisher ↗
The stability of α-crystallin, the major protein of the mammalian eye lens and a molecular chaperone, is one of the most crucial factors for its survival and function. The chaperone-like activity and stability of α-cryst...
The stability of α-crystallin, the major protein of the mammalian eye lens and a molecular chaperone, is one of the most crucial factors for its survival and function. The chaperone-like activity and stability of α-crystallin dramatically increased in the presence of Zn. Each subunit of α-crystallin could bind multiple zinc atoms through inter-subunit bridging and cause enhanced stability. Three histidines H104, H111, and H119 of recombinant human αB-crystallin (HSPB5) are found to be the Zn binding residues. In this article, we did site-directed mutagenesis of six histidine residues and made five-point mutants and a double mutant of αB-crystallin. We studied the effect of zinc on the chaperone function, surface hydrophobicity, and stability of the histidine mutants. We removed the histidine tag from H18A and H101V mutants and studied the stability and chaperone function in the presence and absence of zinc. H83 and H111 mutations showed similar enhancement in chaperone function like WT in the presence of Zn. Point mutants having his tags showed similar stability enhancement, but point mutant H18A without his tag showed less enhancement in stability in the presence of zinc. This indicates the significance of the presence of his tags in the study of zinc binding interaction with recombinant human αB-crystallin.
Preparation and Adsorption Properties of Sodium Trimetaphosphate Crosslinked Porous Corn Starch.
Liu Y, Pan Q, Liang Z … +2 more , Li J, Wu R
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39873347 · Publisher ↗
The crosslinked porous corn starch was prepared by two steps: the native corn starch was hydrolyzed by α-amylase and glucoamylase, then the porous corn was crosslinked by sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The morphology an...
The crosslinked porous corn starch was prepared by two steps: the native corn starch was hydrolyzed by α-amylase and glucoamylase, then the porous corn was crosslinked by sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The morphology and size of granules, spherulites, crystal type, molecular structure, swelling properties, thermal stability and adsorption properties of the crosslinked porous starch were investigated. The results indicated that a lot of holes formed in the porous starch, and the particle size of starch granules decreased. Under the cross-linking action of STMP, the porous starch particles are cross-linked and agglomerated together. The crystalline form of porous starch presents A + V type, and crystallinity increased after crosslinking. The crosslinked porous starches have higher short-range ordering comparing to the porous without crosslinked porous starch. The crosslinking degree, melting enthalpy and melting peak of starch increased with the increase of STMP content. The bulk density and the vibrated density of the porous starch increased after crosslinking. With the increase of the content of STMP, the water and oil absorption of porous starch increased and then decreased. The MB adsorption capacity of crosslinked porous starch has the maximum value with the STMP 20 wt% content. MB adsorption behavior of porous starch is more consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the equilibrium adsorption increased after crosslinking.
Reversible Redox Controlled DNA Condensation by a Simple Noncanonical Dicationic Diphenylalanine Derivative.
Bernal-Martínez AM, Angulo-Pachón CA, Galindo F … +1 more , Miravet JF
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39873341 · Publisher ↗
We report the reversible redox-controlled DNA condensation using a simple dicationic diphenylalanine derivative which contains a disulfide unit as linker. Despite the conventional belief that DNA condensing agents requir...
We report the reversible redox-controlled DNA condensation using a simple dicationic diphenylalanine derivative which contains a disulfide unit as linker. Despite the conventional belief that DNA condensing agents require a charge of +3 or higher, this dicationic molecule functions below its critical aggregation concentration, representing a non-canonical DNA condensing agent. The interaction with DNA of the studied compound combines electrostatic effects with hydrophobic/stacking interactions provided with the diphenylalanine moiety. Upon reduction, the condensing agent is cleaved, weakening its interaction with DNA and resulting in DNA decondensation. Oxidation reverses this process, restoring the condensed state. This behavior was confirmed through ThT displacement, circular dichroism, H NMR, and dynamic light scattering studies. Overall, this study introduces an innovative alternative for dynamic DNA manipulation applications.
Eco-Friendly Fabrication of FeS QD-Chitosan Biopolymer Composites: Green Synthetic Approach.
Sharma A, Tharuny S, Pandey T … +1 more , Pandey V
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39865285 · Publisher ↗
In this paper, we offer a unique green synthetic approach for producing iron sulfide quantum dots (FeS QD)-chitosan composites using gel chemistry. The technique uses the environmental features of chitosan, a biocompatib...
In this paper, we offer a unique green synthetic approach for producing iron sulfide quantum dots (FeS QD)-chitosan composites using gel chemistry. The technique uses the environmental features of chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polysaccharide, and the excellent electrical properties of FeS QDs. By sustainable chemistry principles, the synthesis process is carried out under gentle settings, using aqueous solutions and avoiding hazardous solvents and strong chemicals. The resulting FeS QD-chitosan composite has superior structural integrity, homogeneous QD distribution, and improved physicochemical characteristics. Comprehensive characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and photoluminescence spectroscopy, confirm the successful integration of FeS QDs into the chitosan matrix while preserving their quantum properties. This work demonstrates the viability of gel chemistry as a green synthetic technique for generating functional nanocomposites, providing a scalable and environmentally responsible option for advanced material development.
Evaluating Electrospun Polycaprolactone Fibers for Blood-Contacting Applications.
Kuddushi M, Pawar AS, Ghaffari Sharaf M … +2 more , Unsworth LD, Zhang X
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39840712 · Publisher ↗
When the kidneys are injured, uremic toxins (UTXs) accumulate in the body, affecting other tissues and causing a loss of essential body functions. This study investigated the adsorption of blood plasma-laden UTXs on the...
When the kidneys are injured, uremic toxins (UTXs) accumulate in the body, affecting other tissues and causing a loss of essential body functions. This study investigated the adsorption of blood plasma-laden UTXs on the surface of PCL fibers to assess their potential as an alternative to membrane dialysis materials. Using plasma containing 26 UTXs at a concentration similar to that found in end-stage kidney disease patients, we analyzed the adsorbed proteins and examined clot formation in normal and toxin-treated plasma in the presence of PCL fibers. Our findings revealed that the presence of UTXs significantly increased the adsorption of proteins on PCL fiber meshes, without leading to increased clot formation. This suggests a lack of enzymatic activation despite the higher protein adsorption. Additionally, our study indicates that unmodified PCL surfaces have the potential to trigger a strong humoral immune response, underscoring the importance of understanding these interactions for the development of personalized treatment approaches for patients with kidney failure.
Plasma-Activated Water/Ultrasound as a Green Method to Modify Wood Fiber By-Product: Insights of Their Mechanical Performance in Polylactic Acid-Based Biofilms.
Trejo-Zuñiga A, Flores-Silva PC, Hernandez-Hernandez E … +5 more , Neira-Velazquez G, Hernandez-Gamez JF, Mendez-Padilla G, Saucedo-Salazar E, Sifuentes-Nieves I
Biopolymers · 2025 Mar · PMID 39825514 · Publisher ↗
Exploring new ecological and simultaneous processes to modify wood fibers (WF) by-products is a required pathway toward circular economy and sustainability. Thus, plasma-activated water (PAW) and ultrasound (U) were empl...
Exploring new ecological and simultaneous processes to modify wood fibers (WF) by-products is a required pathway toward circular economy and sustainability. Thus, plasma-activated water (PAW) and ultrasound (U) were employed as alternative methods to modify WF in a continuous process. Such treatments promoted the etching and cavities on the WF surface that destabilized the hydrogen bonds of the hemicellulose and lignin molecules, increasing the cellulose fraction. The addition of modified WF in the PLA matrix increased the storage modulus (2937 up to 5834) and Young modulus (3990 up to 6000 MPa), indicating well fiber/matrix interactions. The results corroborated that the use of modified WF as fillers could reduce the cost of extruded PLA-based composites and expand the production of bio-based materials for the mobility or packaging field.
Molecular Weight-Dependent Boron Release Effect in PVA/Chitosan Cryogels and In Vitro Mineralization Evaluations by Osteoblast Cells.
Ceylan S, Arıcı Ş, Ege D … +1 more , Yang Y
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39791386 · Publisher ↗
Cryogels were fabricated by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan of varying molecular weights (Mw). In this study, the effects of chitosan Mw, types of boron-containing molecules on network formation, and boron...
Cryogels were fabricated by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan of varying molecular weights (Mw). In this study, the effects of chitosan Mw, types of boron-containing molecules on network formation, and boron release rate in resulted cryogels were investigated. The PVA/chitosan blend maintained a constant 4.5% (w/v) polymer content. PVA to chitosan weight ratio of 6:1 was maintained and fixed. Five percent w/w boric acid and borax (sodium tetraborate) crosslinkers were added in PVA and chitosan mixtures to construct cryogels. The freeze-dried specimens underwent crosslinking evaluation, chemical composition analysis by FTIR, and boron release studies by ICP-MS. The pore morphology and the swelling capacity of the cryogel have been assessed by SEM and incubation in water, respectively. Mechanical test was also used to evaluate the effect of borax and Mw of chitosan on cryogels' mechanical properties. It was demonstrated that the types of boron supply had a significant role on the cryogelation capability. For different chitosan Mw, the cryogels made using borax showed stable cryogels. In contrast, even after altering the chitosan Mw, the formula with boric acid was unable to create stable cryogels. In addition, boron release assay showed that the quantity of free boron in the incubation solutions decreased as the Mw of the chitosan component of the cryogel was reduced. Cell culture studies with MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblast cells in the cryogels indicated that borax-crosslinked samples exhibited sustained cell viability. Alizarin red staining assay was used to study mineralization capacity of boron-containing hydrogels, which confirmed increase of mineralization in low molecular weight chitosan groups.
Highly Flexible Methyl Cellulose/Gelatin Hydrogels for Potential Cartilage Tissue Engineering Applications.
Karaca MA, Khalili V, Ege D
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39775686 · Full text
Cartilage damage resulting from trauma demonstrates a poor capacity for repair due to its avascular nature. Cartilage tissue engineering offers a unique therapeutic option for cartilage recovery. In this study, methylcel...
Cartilage damage resulting from trauma demonstrates a poor capacity for repair due to its avascular nature. Cartilage tissue engineering offers a unique therapeutic option for cartilage recovery. In this study, methylcellulose (MC)/gelatin (GEL) hydrogels (MC10G20, MC12.5G20, MC15G20, and MC17.5G20) were developed to assess and compare their chemical, mechanical, and biological characteristics for cartilage repair. First, the interaction between MC and GEL after blending and subsequent crosslinking with EDC/NHS was confirmed by using FTIR. Mechanical tests under compression test revealed that hydrogels' resistance to both elastic and plastic deformation increased with higher wt.% of MC. The % strain of the hydrogels doubled with the addition of MC, likely due to abundant hydrogen bonding between polymeric chains. Furthermore, the compressive modulus of MC/GEL hydrogels was approximately 0.2 MPa, closely matching modulus of human cartilage tissue. Similarly, the % water retention capacity of the hydrogels increased over the 7 days as the MC content increased. Additionally, SEM images showed that the incorporation of MC to GEL introduced porosity with the diameters ranging from 10 to 50 μm, similar to the size of pores in native cartilage. In vitro cell culture studies confirmed the biocompatibility of MC/GEL hydrogels. Fluorescence staining showed a 2.5-fold increase in F-actin staining following the incorporation of MC into the hydrogels. Overall, this study highlights the potential of MC/GEL hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering, however, further research is required to assess its full potential.
Synergy of Hydrophilic Properties and Antibacterial Inhibition in Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofibrous Mats Loaded With Croton Bonplandianum Baill Leaf Extract.
Karim MR, Hasan S, Islam MA … +3 more , Uddin MS, Salam MA, Zakaria M
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39760542 · Publisher ↗
The antibacterial nanofibrous mat is crucial in biomedicine as it enhances infection control, expedites wound healing, and mitigates health hazards by decreasing antibiotic usage. A novel synergistic antibacterial and hy...
The antibacterial nanofibrous mat is crucial in biomedicine as it enhances infection control, expedites wound healing, and mitigates health hazards by decreasing antibiotic usage. A novel synergistic antibacterial and hydrophilic nanofibrous mat successfully fabricated by solution electrospinning from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated Croton bonplandianum Baill (CBB) leaves extract. Antioxidant-enriched leaf extract of the CBB plant was integrated with PVA in varying proportions of 30% (CBB-30), 40% (CBB-40), and 50% (CBB-50) to manufacture antibacterial nanofibrous mat. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) was recorded at 16, 18, and 21 mm for CBB-30, CBB-40, and CBB-50, respectively. The wetted radius, a key parameter for moisture management properties, reached up to 20 mm for CBB-40 and CBB-50. This demonstrates the rapid absorption and quick-drying characteristics, highlighting the exceptional hydrophilicity of the nanofibrous mat. The increased dozing of CBB extract into the PVA also reduced its fiber diameter. The diameters of pure PVA, CBB-30, CBB-40, and CBB-50 were found as 396, 388, 279, and 241 nm, correspondingly. The developed nanofibrous mat, exhibiting ZOI of up to 21 mm, efficient moisture management properties, and a nanoscale fiber diameter of 241 nm, may possess significant uses in the biomedical domain.
Chitosan-Camphor Beads as a Novel Starting Biomaterial: Insights Into Methodological Approaches for Preparation.
Sebaaly C, Gerges P, Greige H
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39723672 · Publisher ↗
Biomaterials with antimicrobial and muco-adhesive properties represent an efficient system for different applications. In this paper, a new biomaterial based on chitosan-camphor beads and their crosslinked form with glut...
Biomaterials with antimicrobial and muco-adhesive properties represent an efficient system for different applications. In this paper, a new biomaterial based on chitosan-camphor beads and their crosslinked form with glutaraldehyde was optimized. Low and high molecular weight chitosan were considered. After an optimization procedure of blank beads preparation, various strategies were used to load camphor into chitosan beads where eight different beads suspensions were characterized for their size and encapsulation efficiency of camphor. Powdered camphor was added to the chitosan solution during the beads preparation or to preformed beads while it was dissolving in water or in 2% acetic acid solution. Results showed that, camphor addition to chitosan solution led to the formation of homogeneous suspensions with reproducible and higher encapsulation efficiencies of camphor compared to the other formulations, irrespective of the chitosan weight. In addition, these beads were stable for 1 month of storage at 4°C. The camphor loaded cross-linked beads with glutaraldehyde (referred to as Cam-beads-GA) were more stable than noncross-linked beads (Cam-beads), which also demonstrated satisfactory stability results. Camphor embedding in chitosan beads was proven to occur through hydrogen bonding and potentially imine bonds by FTIR analysis. The optimized formulations constitute a suitable delivery system for other bioactive agents.
Mucoadhesive Enhancement of Gelatine by Tannic Acid Crosslinking for Buccal Application.
Ahmady A, Anuar NK, Ariffin SA … +1 more , Abu Samah NH
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39720867 · Publisher ↗
This study aims to evaluate the impact of formulation parameters on tannic acid-crosslinked gelatine (GelTA) films, intended as a mucoadhesive matrix for extended buccal drug delivery. GelTA films were prepared using the...
This study aims to evaluate the impact of formulation parameters on tannic acid-crosslinked gelatine (GelTA) films, intended as a mucoadhesive matrix for extended buccal drug delivery. GelTA films were prepared using the solvent evaporation technique and screened based on their mucoadhesive and dissolution characteristics. The formulation variables included the source of gelatine (bovine and fish), tannic acid concentration, pH of the film-forming solutions, and the type and concentration of plasticisers. Subsequently, selected films underwent further characterisation (e.g., crosslinking density, stability) to elucidate their features as a drug delivery matrix. GelTA films exhibited a significantly improved dissolution time compared to the non-crosslinked film (BG-GLY20), while maintaining a substantial water uptake capacity conducive to a matrix system with extended action. The bovine GelTA film containing 5% w/w tannic acid and 20% w/w glycerine, prepared at pH 7 (BG-GLY20-7), exhibited a 1.6-fold increase in mucoadhesivity and an extended dissolution time of up to 6 h compared to BG-GLY20 (control), along with superior antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, stability studies indicate the need for an oxygen-free environment for film storage. In conclusion, GelTA films show promise as a buccal film matrix, offering extended dissolution times, substantial water uptake, and enhanced adhesive strength.
Boc-Protected Phenylalanine and Tryptophan-Based Dipeptides: A Broad Spectrum Anti-Bacterial Agent.
Halder A, Pasupuleti R, Sivagnanam S … +2 more , Das P, Mukherjee O
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39718897 · Publisher ↗
Dipeptides were constructed using hydrophobic amino acid residues following AMP prediction. After that Boc-modification was performed on the screened peptides and finally Boc-Phe-Trp-OMe and Boc-Trp-Trp-OMe were synthesi...
Dipeptides were constructed using hydrophobic amino acid residues following AMP prediction. After that Boc-modification was performed on the screened peptides and finally Boc-Phe-Trp-OMe and Boc-Trp-Trp-OMe were synthesized. Even though no inhibition zones were observed in agar well diffusion assays, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis revealed anti-bacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with MIC ranging from 230 to 400 μg/mL. The crystal violet assay confirmed the dipeptides' biofilm eradication and disruption capabilities. Furthermore, membrane permeabilization assays indicated outer and inner membrane permeabilization, while SEM analysis revealed the formation of fibril and spherical nanostructures, likely contributing to this effect. The peptides also exhibited resistance to protein adsorption, non-cytotoxicity, and non-hemolytic properties, making them promising broad-spectrum anti-bacterial agents with biofilm eradication and disruption potential. This study concludes that Boc-protected phenylalanine- and tryptophan-based dipeptides can self-assemble and can be used as broad-spectrum anti-bacterial agents. The self-assembly of these peptides offers a versatile platform for designing biomaterials with tailored properties and functionalities. Research exploring the anti-bacterial potential of Boc-protected dipeptides has been limited, prompting our investigation to shed light on this overlooked area. Our analysis of synthesized Boc-protected dipeptides revealed notable anti-bacterial activity, marking a significant advancement. This finding suggests that these dipeptides could emerge as potent, broad-spectrum anti-bacterial agents, addressing the urgent need for effective treatments against bacterial resistance and opening new avenues in therapy. This study not only enhances our understanding of these dipeptides but also highlights their potential as innovative and efficacious anti-bacterial agents, making a substantial impact in the clinical field.
Nanofiber Applications From Hijiki Macroalgae: Antibacterial and Cytotoxicity Properties in Biocompatible Polymers.
Gümüş NE
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39708373 · Publisher ↗
One of the current biotechnological applications is nanofiber applications made from algae using the electrospinning technique. Nanofibers containing poly-caprolactone (PCL) extracted from the brown seaweed Hijiki (Sarga...
One of the current biotechnological applications is nanofiber applications made from algae using the electrospinning technique. Nanofibers containing poly-caprolactone (PCL) extracted from the brown seaweed Hijiki (Sargassum fusiforme) were prepared using electrospinning technique. Water extraction was performed to preserve the integrity of Hijiki components, ensuring their efficacy in subsequent electrospinning and characterization. The morphology and chemical composition of the nanofibers were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analyses. Hijiki was found to combine well with electrospun biocompatible polymers and effectively provide the common properties of these materials. The cytotoxicity of algae-doped PCL nanofibers was examined in vitro using liver cancer and liver healthy cell lines (HepG2 and The-2). Among hepatic tumor cell lines, the HepG2 cell line has been preferred due to its wide range of scientific applications. Although the nanofibers caused a 28% decrease in liver cancer cell lines viability (HepG2), the decrease in healthy liver cell viability (The-2) was 12%. Algae-doped PCL nanofiber applied to bacteria showed antibacterial effect. Based on the findings, Hijiki macroalgae nanofibers show great promise for tissue regeneration and band-aid applications in the medical industry.
Green Synthesis of Urethane-Linked Tamarind Seed Xyloglucan: Thermal Stability, Antibacterial Properties, and DFT Study.
Silvadas JD, Pillai RS, Viswanadhan Girija R … +1 more , Simi CK
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39705111 · Publisher ↗
This study presents a feasible, one-pot synthesis approach for the preparation of a composite biopolymer material derived from tamarind seed xyloglucan (XG) by utilizing isocyanate chemistry. Through a facile reaction pr...
This study presents a feasible, one-pot synthesis approach for the preparation of a composite biopolymer material derived from tamarind seed xyloglucan (XG) by utilizing isocyanate chemistry. Through a facile reaction process, urethane bonds are formed in XG, resulting in the formation of a crosslinked network. FTIR spectra confirm the successful urethane link formation in XG via the OH-NCO reaction, and CHN analysis provides insights into the elemental composition. The synthesized XG-urethane composite (U-XG) exhibits enhanced thermal stability compared to native XG, with an enhanced degradation temperature (T) of 276°C (XG marked T at a lower temperature of 163°C). The optimized geometric structure, hydrogen bond types, and hydrogen bond strength of the synthesized U-XG are computationally studied by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level. This study also investigates the antibacterial efficacy of both XG and U-XG against a panel of pathogenic bacteria, including gram-positive bacteria such as S. aureus and S. epidermidis, as well as gram-negative E. coli. The U-XG demonstrates superior antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis compared to pristine XG. This research showcases the feasibility of a one-pot synthesis approach for preparing urethane-linked XG with enhanced thermal properties and superior antibacterial activity, offering promising prospects for biomedical and antimicrobial applications.
Tailoring Gelatin Films: Functionality, Stability, and Beyond Biodegradability.
Bhardwaj N, Ashraf MT, Maitra J
Biopolymers · 2025 Jan · PMID 39679719 · Publisher ↗
This study investigates the enhancement of biodegradable gelatin films through the incorporation of glycerol as a plasticizer, and citric acid and zinc oxide as cross-linkers. The results showed notable improvements in v...
This study investigates the enhancement of biodegradable gelatin films through the incorporation of glycerol as a plasticizer, and citric acid and zinc oxide as cross-linkers. The results showed notable improvements in various properties, including solubility, swelling behavior, thickness, pH, biodegradability, and both mechanical and thermal characteristics. The films demonstrated complete water solubility and UV-visible light absorbance in the 280-480 nm range. Soil burial tests indicated gradual weight loss over 15 days, leading to complete degradation. Structural and thermal analyses via FTIR and TGA confirmed the films' integrity and stability. Additionally, the study highlighted the effectiveness of these modified films in adsorbing copper (II) ions from acidic solutions, showcasing their potential for environmental applications like heavy metal remediation. These findings emphasize the potential of tailored additive combinations to produce biodegradable films with enhanced properties and functionality.
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