Biopolymers[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Untreated Rosehip Powder/Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-4-Hydroxybutyrate) Electrospun Mats for Wound Dressing Applications.
Akman N, Samatya Yilmaz S, Orkan Ucar I … +2 more , Uzuner H, Aytac A
Biopolymers · 2026 Jul · PMID 42400169 · Full text
This study investigated the effects of directly incorporating untreated rosehip (RoHi) powder into electrospun poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)) (70/30, w/w) blends, focus...
This study investigated the effects of directly incorporating untreated rosehip (RoHi) powder into electrospun poly(lactic acid)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (PLA/P(3HB-co-4HB)) (70/30, w/w) blends, focusing on the structural, morphological, mechanical, wettability, and biological properties of resulting nanofibrous mats. The average fiber diameter of pure nanofibers was 776 nm, while RoHi addition resulted in diameters ranging from 468 nm (1% RoHi) to 1496 nm (5% RoHi). FTIR analysis confirmed that the characteristic functional groups of RoHi were preserved within the polymer matrix without chemical interaction. The water contact angle decreased from 136.45° for the pure mat to 116.11° for nanofibers containing 5% RoHi, leading to an increase in liquid adsorption capacity from 1.49% to 249.38%. Cytotoxicity results demonstrated that all samples were biocompatible, with the highest cell viability (148.91%) observed for nanofibers containing 1% RoHi. In vitro scratch assays revealed enhanced fibroblast migration for RoHi-containing nanofibers, particularly within the first 24 h, with the fastest wound closure observed at 3% and 5% RoHi contents. DPPH analysis showed increased antioxidant activity from 27.68% to 63.84%, whereas no antibacterial activity was detected against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Overall, RoHi-doped nanofibers exhibit promising potential as wound dressing materials considered suitable for use in chronic wounds due to their antioxidant activity and bio-responsive wound-healing performance.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antidiabetic Evaluation of Sequence-Modified Liraglutide Analogs in a Drosophila melanogaster Model.
Ravi T, Dash K, Barman DK … +3 more , Kwon H, Mishra M, Sahoo H
Biopolymers · 2026 Jul · PMID 42394279 · Publisher ↗
Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is widely used as a therapeutic macromolecule for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; however, its large-scale production is limited by high manufacturing costs and...
Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is widely used as a therapeutic macromolecule for the treatment of type 2 diabetes; however, its large-scale production is limited by high manufacturing costs and the frequent occurrence of closely related deletion impurities during synthesis. In the present study, we describe a novel, impurity-controlled, and industrially feasible synthetic strategy for liraglutide and its sequence-modified analogs. This method utilizes solution-phase incorporation of Pal-γ-Glu-OtBu in combination with a preassembled Boc-His (Boc)-Ala-Glu (OtBu)-OH tripeptide fragment, effectively minimizing the formation of des-His, des-Ala, and des-Glu impurities. The optimized protocol enabled the production of liraglutide and its analogs with consistent isolated yields and high chromatographic purity (> 95% by RP-HPLC), suitable for subsequent biological evaluation. The antidiabetic potential of liraglutide and three sequence-modified analogs, Lira (Trp-O), Lira (desGly), and Lira (Glu), was evaluated using a Drosophila melanogaster model of high-sucrose diet induced diabetes. Among these, Lira (Glu) exhibited the most pronounced metabolic improvements, significantly reducing free glucose (p < 0.001), trehalose (p < 0.001), and triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) when compared to diabetic controls. Furthermore, this analog effectively decreased lipid accumulation and reactive oxygen species in larval gut tissues and enhanced locomotor performance in both larva and adult flies. While Lira (Trp-O) also demonstrated beneficial effects, Lira (desGly) showed comparatively limited efficacy. Collectively, this study presents a cost-effective and impurity-controlled synthetic platform for liraglutide production and identifies Lira (Glu) as a promising analog with enhanced antidiabetic activity, offering valuable insights for peptide manufacturing and GLP-1-based therapeutic development.
Fabrication of an Antibacterial Alginate/Chitosan Hydrogel Dressing Loaded With CuO Nanoparticles for Wound Dressing Applications.
Mushtaq B, Bashir S, Shaheen S … +6 more , Azam F, Ahmad F, Rasheed A, Ahmad S, Zafar MS, Rehan ZA
Biopolymers · 2026 Jul · PMID 42200298 · Publisher ↗
Chronic wounds require multifunctional dressings capable of simultaneously controlling infection, managing exudate, and promoting tissue regeneration. This study develops CuO nanoparticles incorporated alginate/chitosan...
Chronic wounds require multifunctional dressings capable of simultaneously controlling infection, managing exudate, and promoting tissue regeneration. This study develops CuO nanoparticles incorporated alginate/chitosan hydrogel dressing reinforced onto nonwoven fabrics of pure cotton, pure hemp, and 50:50 cotton: hemp blend fabricated via full factorial design for wound dressing applications. The composites were characterized by surface morphology, chemical structure, mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, air permeability, and water absorbency. Morphological analysis confirms uniform hydrogel coating and successful CuO deposition. Mechanical strength and water absorbency increased with hydrogel concentration, with a maximum tensile strength of 115.61 N for the hemp reinforced sample at 2%. All CuO-loaded hydrogel composite dressings exhibited effective antibacterial performance. Although higher hydrogel concentrations reduce air permeability, blended substrates achieve a balanced combination of strength, breathability, and exudate management. This eco-friendly, cost-effective composite demonstrates strong potential for infection control for wound healing applications.
Effect of Chitosan-Alginate Polyelectrolyte Complex Formation and Multilayer Polymer Configuration on the Characteristics of 3D-Printed Metronidazole-Loaded Periodontal Films.
Denizhan D, Buke AN, Kilicarslan M … +3 more , Orhan K, Erol HB, Kaskatepe B
Biopolymers · 2026 Jul · PMID 42170731 · Publisher ↗
This study aimed to prepare six different metronidazole-loaded film formulations by 3D printing for periodontal treatment. Chitosan (CH) and alginate (ALG) gels were prepared separately and printed layer-by-layer, varyin...
This study aimed to prepare six different metronidazole-loaded film formulations by 3D printing for periodontal treatment. Chitosan (CH) and alginate (ALG) gels were prepared separately and printed layer-by-layer, varying polymer type and number of layers. Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) gels were prepared by mixing CH and ALG (1:1) at different polymer concentrations to investigate the effect of complexation strength on film performance. Films were characterized by thickness measurements, drug content analysis, Micro-CT and SEM imaging, swelling, adhesion, antimicrobial activity, release kinetics, and cumulative drug release. Increasing ALG layers significantly enhanced swelling and accelerated metronidazole release, whereas CH-dominant films exhibited lower swelling and slower release. Overall, PEC films modified the drug release profile. Layer-by-layer printing promoted more uniform diffusion, whereas stronger polyelectrolyte complexation slowed drug release due to increased structural irregularity. All films were confirmed to exhibit microbiological activity. Micro-CT analysis in conjunction with SEM enabled precise evaluation of the layered film structure produced by 3D printing and detailed assessment of layer definition, internal heterogeneity, and their relationship with swelling and drug release behaviour. These findings suggest that tailoring the structural design via polymer layering or complexation represents a promising strategy for local drug delivery systems in periodontal therapy.
Phenolic Grafting of Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers Using Ferulic Acid: Structural and Antioxidant Analysis Toward Bioactive Nanomaterials.
Mariño MA, Sillard C, Rueda-Ordóñez YJ … +3 more , Dufresne A, Palacio DA, Castaño J
Biopolymers · 2026 Jul · PMID 42163446 · Publisher ↗
Incorporating ferulic acid (FA) into a polymeric hydrogel impairs its bioactive properties. The synthesis used in this study involved radical-mediated surface grafting of nanocellulose for 24 h, using 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl...
Incorporating ferulic acid (FA) into a polymeric hydrogel impairs its bioactive properties. The synthesis used in this study involved radical-mediated surface grafting of nanocellulose for 24 h, using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) to oxidize cellulose nanofibers (oCNF) and phosphorylated cellulose nanofibers (pCNF), resulting in total polyphenol contents of 30.6 and 6.3 mg/g, respectively. Spectroscopic analyses of oCNF included solid-state high-power decoupling with magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (C HPDEC/MAS NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confirming that FA was successfully grafted onto the backbone through ester linkages on the nanofibril surface. Rheology testing and morphological analysis via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further supported these findings. TEM imaging revealed that the grafting process preserved the nanoscale morphology, yielding fibrils with an average diameter of approximately 28.2 ± 9.3 nm. Key aspects affecting FA grafting include the colloidal stability of the CNF suspension, evaluated by zeta potential, and surface activation via oxidation. In this study, FA was grafted onto oCNF through a radical-induced reaction to enhance their functional performance, enabling the development of functional and sustainable hydrogels with high antioxidant capacity (85.62% ± 1.65%).
Detection of a Target Nucleic Acid by Ligation-Assisted Fluorescence Enhancement of a Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) Twin Probe via Disulfide Binding.
Ouchi Y, Ishii K, Sato Y … +7 more , Imai Y, Matsui H, Ohtsuki T, Hakata Y, Shigeto H, Yamamura S, Kitamatsu M
Biopolymers · 2026 Jul · PMID 42138345 · Full text
The development of methods for detecting specific nucleic acids is important for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases at the genetic level. We have developed a pair of pyrene (Pyr)-modified peptide nucleic acids (PN...
The development of methods for detecting specific nucleic acids is important for early diagnosis and treatment of diseases at the genetic level. We have developed a pair of pyrene (Pyr)-modified peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), PNA twin probe, as a tool for such detection. In this study, we prepared Pyr-PNAs containing chloroacetyl (-COCHCl) or thiol (-SH) groups at the termini by solid-phase peptide synthesis. By analyzing various candidates, we clarified that a pair of Pyr-PNAs, each containing an SH group, formed a disulfide bond through the hybrid formation of two PNAs with complementary DNA, resulting in excimer emission at 455 nm. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these Pyr-PNAs provide fluorescent detection of intracellular target RNAs through enhanced excimer emission via the ligation. This work should aid future studies aimed at the specific fluorescent detection of RNA in living cells.
Influence of the Adsorption Time on the Growth of Bovine Serum Albumin-Chondroitin Sulfate Multilayer Films: A Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy Study.
Pavlopoulos A, Katsenou N, Papagiannopoulos A … +2 more , Anastassopoulos DL, Spiliopoulos N
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 42124540 · Publisher ↗
Multilayer films of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were assembled on gold substrates at pH 4.2 using the layer-by-layer (LbL) method, and their structural evolution was investigated via surface p...
Multilayer films of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) were assembled on gold substrates at pH 4.2 using the layer-by-layer (LbL) method, and their structural evolution was investigated via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy. To elucidate the role of adsorption kinetics in multilayer buildup, BSA adsorption times of 15, 30, 60, and 120 min (for each BSA adsorption cycle) were examined, while the CS adsorption time was kept constant at 15 min. Analysis of SPR reflectivity curves revealed two distinct growth regimes for all cases, an initial exponential followed by a linear regime. Longer BSA adsorption time promoted deeper chain infiltration, extending the exponential region and shifting the exponential-to-linear transition to higher bilayer numbers. In parallel, evaluation of the average dielectric constant of the polymer layer enabled quantification of the film volume fraction, which initially increased linearly before reaching a saturation plateau. The evolution of the adsorbed mass was inferred from the combined analysis of film thickness and volume fraction, revealing two distinct growth cases depending on the adsorption time. These cases reflect different relationships between the transition from exponential to linear growth and the saturation of the volume fraction. These findings demonstrate that BSA adsorption time is a key kinetic parameter governing chain diffusion, film compaction, and overall multilayer architecture. The results provide insight into the physicochemical mechanisms that dictate biopolymer film growth and offer a route for tuning the structural and optical properties of protein-polysaccharide coatings.
Correction to "Electropsun Composite Nanofibers of Ulvan/Chitosan/PVA: A Synergistic Approach to Enhance the Wound Healing Process".
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 42124510 · Publisher ↗
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Influence of Boron Nitride Nanosheets on the Properties of Gelatin-Chitosan Bioinks for Extrusion-Based 3D Bioprinting.
Erdogan A, Sumbelli Y, Goncu Y … +1 more , Ay N
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 42101942 · Full text
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing functional bioink systems that better replicate biological and biochemical microenvironments while maintaining high print fidelity and cell viability. Thi...
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in developing functional bioink systems that better replicate biological and biochemical microenvironments while maintaining high print fidelity and cell viability. This study reports the development and characterization of gelatin-chitosan-based bioinks reinforced with hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) for extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. Structural, chemical, and morphological analyses demonstrated the successful incorporation of BNNSs without the formation of new chemical bonds, while minor shifts in amide bands indicated enhanced hydrogen bonding and physical interactions. Rheological studies revealed that gelatin concentration was the primary factor governing viscosity, whereas BNNSs provided a composition-dependent reinforcing effect. Notably, at a low shear rate (0.001 s), viscosity increased from 2865 Pa·s for low concentration gelatin bioinks to 9322 Pa·s for BNNS-containing high concentration formulations, representing more than a threefold increase. In contrast all formulations exhibited low viscosities below 3 Pa·s at 100 s, confirming favorable extrusion behavior. Viscoelastic analysis further showed lower tan δ values for high gelatin content formulations, indicating elastic-dominant behavior and improved shape retention at printing temperatures. BNNS incorporation slightly reduced the glass transition temperature by approximately 10°C while preserving blend compatibility, contributing to enhanced thermal responsiveness and more uniform temperature distribution during printing. Printability analysis demonstrated that BNNSs improved shape fidelity in high-viscosity formulations, yielding printability index (Pr) values close to unity (Pr ≈ 0.94) and stable filament formation. Swelling and degradation studies showed that BNNS-containing 7.5% gelatin scaffolds exhibited reduced swelling and retained approximately 70% structural integrity after 14 days, whereas low-polymer formulations underwent rapid degradation. Cell viability assessments confirmed improved fibroblast adhesion and proliferation on BNNS-containing scaffolds. The incorporation of BNNSs improves the rheological and thermal characteristics of the gelatin-chitosan bioinks and positively influences cell response. These findings suggest that BNNS-containing formulations provide a more stable and thermally responsive printing platform.
Mild Acidic Solvent Inducing Tobacco Stem Cellulose Nanocrystals for Fabrication of Film Materials With Enhanced Flexibility and Toughness.
Liu Z, Chen H, Yang J … +8 more , Li X, Tang S, Deng R, Si X, Liu C, Zhu L, Zhang T, Ling Z
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 42095417 · Publisher ↗
With rapid development of material science, application of lignocellulose and agricultural wastes to produce green and functional packaging materials has received much interest. Herein, tobacco stem cellulose nanocrystal...
With rapid development of material science, application of lignocellulose and agricultural wastes to produce green and functional packaging materials has received much interest. Herein, tobacco stem cellulose nanocrystals (TC) were firstly prepared via facile and mild formic acid/choline chloride (FA/ChCl) deep eutectic solvent (DES) treatment. Systematic comparison of the TC nanomaterials with conventional cotton cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were performed from nanoscale to the applicable functions of the prepared films. Tobacco stem showed notable delignification after the FA/ChCl treatment with well-maintaining of xylan matrix, which induced more sphere (with average width of ~32 nm) and shorter nanocrystals after homogenization. The treatment also caused a series of crystalline structural variations, including reduced crystallinity and crystallite size, favorable for promoting molecular flexibility of TC. Vacuum-assisted drying induced the fabrication of the film materials. Even though TC films had less visible iridescence than CNCs films, they exhibited satisfying mechanical strength promotion, with breakage of ~30 MPa, and the elongation of ~14%, mainly due to the reduced rigidity, crystallinity and remaining xylan matrix. Therefore, the present study provided a novel approach to controllable fabricating high-quality cellulose nanocrystals for film materials fabrication, as well as a facile strategy for high-value added utilization of tobacco stem biomass.
Ascidians as a Sustainable Source of Cellulose: Physicochemical Characterization, Degradability, and Relevance for Bioplastic Applications.
Zamora-Mendoza L, Valdiviezo-Cuenca YJ, Agurto-Rodríguez G … +8 more , Guillén PO, López F, Guanoliquin LV, Zambrano C, Zamora-Ledezma C, Rodríguez J, Gómez-Guerra G, Alexis F
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 42087562 · Publisher ↗
Cellulose derived from ascidians (tunicates) is distinguished from plant-based counterparts by its marine origin, with high crystallinity, and complex hierarchical architecture. However, quantitative structure-property r...
Cellulose derived from ascidians (tunicates) is distinguished from plant-based counterparts by its marine origin, with high crystallinity, and complex hierarchical architecture. However, quantitative structure-property relationships governing its performance in bioplastic applications remain underexplored. Here, cellulose isolated from three ascidian species Ascidia sp. (T1), Herdmania cf. pallida (T2), and Ascidia sydneiensis (T3) was systematically characterized. X-ray diffraction reveals crystallinity indices (CrI) of 48% (T1) and 60% (T2, T3), the latter approaching values reported for highly ordered systems such as bacterial cellulose. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates species-dependent thermal stability, with maximum degradation temperatures of 345°C (T1) versus 400°C-401°C (T2, T3). Notably, T2 and T3 exhibit thermal behavior comparable to microcrystalline and bacterial cellulose, despite CrI values lower than those systems, indicating that hydrogen-bonding density and microfibrillar order govern thermal resilience. Scanning electron microscopy reveals distinct microfibrillar architectures, ranging from highly branched networks to compact laminar structures, which govern water interaction and mechanical response. Water absorption varies markedly by species: T1 and T3 absorb 2200-2400 wt% within 10 min, consistent with their branched, open fibrillar morphologies, whereas T2 absorbs only 1200 wt%, reflecting a compact lamellar microstructure that restricts water diffusion. Hydrolytic degradation after 28 days in neutral water remains minimal across all samples, confirming exceptional resistance to hydrolytic scission under mild conditions. Bioplastics fabricated from these celluloses exhibit tensile strengths of 1-4 MPa, directly correlating with microstructural packing. Collectively, these results establish that ascidian cellulose is the combination of thermal stability up to 400°C, tunable water affinity (1200-2400% absorption), and hydrolytic resistance (1-9% loss over 28 days) arises from species-specific interactions between crystallinity, hydrogen bonding, and microfibrillar architecture. This positions ascidian-derived cellulose as a distinct marine macromolecular scaffold for sustainable bioplastics where controlled water interaction and structural durability are required. In general, it is established the relationship between the biological origin, hierarchical structure, and macroscopic properties of tunicate cellulose, highlighting its potential as a marine-derived macromolecular building block suitable for sustainable bioplastics applications.
The Cellulose Renaissance: Reimagining Bacterial Bioproducts for Health and Earth.
Patel A, Parmar M, Patel P … +4 more , Patel R, Bandyopadhyay S, Choi H, Gosai H
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 42050961 · Publisher ↗
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural nanofiber with numerous desirable properties, including porosity, flexibility, high water capacity, biocompatibility, and high crystallinity. BC is appealing to researchers in materi...
Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural nanofiber with numerous desirable properties, including porosity, flexibility, high water capacity, biocompatibility, and high crystallinity. BC is appealing to researchers in materials science and engineering due to its potential applications in healthcare, biosensing, food, and bioremediation. However, high production costs and inconsistencies in strain production have hindered large-scale production and commercial applications. BC production optimization is required to boost industrial-scale productivity while reducing production time and expenses. This review covers BC biosynthesis and assembly, nutrient requirements, and structure and properties. Strategies for improved BC production, either through conventional or statistical optimization, have been discussed. Genetic approaches to modify BC-producing strains to increase BC yield have been explored. Various applications of BC in medical and environmental sectors have been compiled here for better understanding. The authors have investigated BC's significance in day-to-day life and how they can be useful to society.
Freeze-Thaw-Induced Physically Cross-Linked Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Alginate Hydrogels Incorporating Silver-Doped Zinc Oxide and Clove Oil.
Mutlu B
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 41937417 · Full text
This study reports the fabrication and comprehensive characterization of multicomponent silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO)-poly(vinyl alcohol)/alginate(PVA/Alg) biocomposite hydrogels enriched with clove oil (CO), prepared...
This study reports the fabrication and comprehensive characterization of multicomponent silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag/ZnO)-poly(vinyl alcohol)/alginate(PVA/Alg) biocomposite hydrogels enriched with clove oil (CO), prepared via a scalable and solvent-free freeze-thaw (F-T) process. The F-T treatment generated physically cross-linked hydrogel networks with preserved structural integrity and favorable mechanical performance. Morphological analysis revealed a homogeneous and interconnected porous architecture at low CO contents, while contact-angle measurements confirmed hydrophilic surfaces with composition-dependent wettability. X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy verified the successful incorporation of Ag/ZnO and CO into the PVA/Alg matrix without disrupting the overall polymer network. Barrier performance was strongly governed by CO content. Increasing CO loading reduced water vapor transmission through the formation of hydrophobic domains, while oxygen permeability reached a maximum at 1 wt.% CO, highlighting tunable mass transport behavior. The hydrogels exhibited rapid swelling, sustained hydration stability for up to 72 h, and a composition-dependent CO release behavior. Collectively, these findings elucidate clear structure-processing-property relationships in Ag/ZnO-incorporated PVA/Alg hydrogels containing CO and demonstrate their promise as multifunctional materials for further investigation in wound dressing applications.
Recombinant Fibrinogen-Gamma-Chain as a Crosslinker of Thiol-ene Hydrogels.
Schlauch D, Güler CS, Harzi M … +3 more , Kara S, Lavrentieva A, Pepelanova I
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 41933468 · Full text
Hydrogels based on thiol-ene step-growth chemistry have gained increased attention due to their superior properties over the currently standard materials based on chain growth polymerization. In the thiol-ene reaction, a...
Hydrogels based on thiol-ene step-growth chemistry have gained increased attention due to their superior properties over the currently standard materials based on chain growth polymerization. In the thiol-ene reaction, a crosslinker with at least two thiol groups is necessary for network formation. Many currently used crosslinkers exhibit cytotoxic potential, are non-biodegradable, or involve toxic chemicals and relatively complicated procedures in their synthesis, thus hindering their broader application. As an alternative, the use of a protein (fibrinogen gamma chain, FGG) recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli was investigated. The FGG is part of the multimeric fibrinogen involved in hemostasis. This protein complex is stabilized by disulfide crosslinking. This presence of cysteines in the sequence makes FGG a promising candidate as a thiol donor in thiol-ene reactions. It was shown for the first time, that a cysteine-containing protein expressed in E. coli was capable of forming hydrogels with norbornene functionalized gelatin. An increase in FGG concentration led to higher gel stiffness and a decrease in the swelling ratio. Furthermore, the material exhibited cell adhesive properties and biocompatibility. Overall, a proof-of-principle could be achieved, opening up the use of recombinant proteins without further modifications as crosslinkers in thiol-ene based hydrogels, providing a cost-effective, safe, and scalable material source.
The Reactive Extrusion Cationization of Starches as a Novel Physicochemical Surface Modification Method.
Posada-Vélez MC, Millán-Malo BM, Barrón-García OY … +2 more , Gaytán-Martínez M, Buitrón G
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 41914022 · Full text
The modification of starches by cationization is a fundamental physicochemical process aimed at improving their physicochemical properties and expanding their industrial applications. Traditionally, this modification is...
The modification of starches by cationization is a fundamental physicochemical process aimed at improving their physicochemical properties and expanding their industrial applications. Traditionally, this modification is associated with long duration, high energy consumption, and waste generation. This article proposes a method based on reactive extrusion (REX) as a sustainable alternative for modifying corn (Zea mays everta) and chayote roots (Sechium edule) or chinchayote starches. A single-screw extruder was utilized to assess the effects of temperature on the degree of substitution (DS) and the functional and structural properties of the modified starches. Glycyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTAC) was used as a cationizing agent in both methods, REX and conventional cationization (CT), at a concentration of 3%. The results indicate that extrusion can produce starches with a DS equivalent to that obtained by CT in the case of corn starch (0.21-0.23). Rheometry shows a decrease in the viscosity peaks due to the pre-gelatinization process. Calorimetry showed a decrease in enthalpy and an increase in tractability temperature for the REX-modified starches due to the temperature and shear to which they were subjected. The spectroscopic technique showed the incorporation of GTAC into the starch structure. The results of physicochemical characterization show that the REX is identified as a viable alternative to CT, offering a faster, more energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly process. The effectiveness of REX in altering the physicochemical properties of starch suggests its potential for innovative industrial applications, such as water treatment or the production of biodegradable materials.
Biomimetic Double-Protein Semi-IPN Hydrogels: Synergistic Protein-Polysaccharide Biomatrices for Healing, Immunomodulation, and Mineralization.
Oyervides-Guajardo VG, Claudio-Rizo JA, León-Campos MI … +5 more , Cabrera-Munguia DA, González-Díaz MO, Soriano-Corral F, Herrera-Guerrero A, Sierra-Rivera CA
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 41889002 · Publisher ↗
This study introduces a biomimetic dual-protein semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) platform integrating collagen (C) and the phosphorylated globular protein ovalbumin within a bioactive polyurethane (PU) cr...
This study introduces a biomimetic dual-protein semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) platform integrating collagen (C) and the phosphorylated globular protein ovalbumin within a bioactive polyurethane (PU) cross-linked matrix. Unlike previously reported collagen-PU-polysaccharide systems, the structural incorporation of a second protein phase enables cooperative regulation of mineral nucleation, interfacial charge distribution, and biological response. Three polysaccharides-starch (CA-A), carboxymethyl cellulose (CA-CMC), and xanthan gum (CA-GX)-were incorporated to modulate network architecture and functionality. Ovalbumin reduced gelation time (t/≈30 min), while polysaccharide chemistry governed crosslink density, swelling behavior, crystallinity, and degradation kinetics. CA-GX achieved the highest crosslinking degree (~63%), whereas CA-A exhibited pronounced swelling (~1125%). CA-CMC developed dendritic fibrillar domains with enhanced semicrystallinity, resembling extracellular matrix organization. The semi-IPN structure, confirmed by urea linkage formation, improved viscoelastic strength (G'≈420 Pa) and thermal stability (T≈380°C). All scaffolds were cytocompatible and supported fibroblast, monocyte, and bone-marrow-derived cell metabolism. The dual-protein architecture contributed to hemocompatibility, regulated platelet adhesion, selective antibacterial activity (stronger against Gram-negative bacteria), modulation of inflammatory markers (reduced TNF-α expression), and significant in vitro mineralization, with CA-CMC promoting nearly a 200% increase in carbonated hydroxyapatite deposition in simulated body fluid. By integrating structural collagen fibrils with a mineralization-active globular protein within a tunable polysaccharide-PU framework, this work establishes a multifunctional hybrid scaffold platform capable of coordinated soft- and hard-tissue regenerative responses beyond single-protein semi-IPN systems.
Comprehensive Characterization of Solution-Cast Polycaprolactone/MXene/Gelatin Composite Films for Biomedical Applications.
Dodda JM, Bělský P, Šlouf M … +6 more , Brož A, Futóová T, Vavruňková V, Kovářík T, Deshmukh K, Bačáková L
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 41863067 · Full text
Despite significant advances in the development of biocompatible platforms, such as scaffolds, films, and hydrogels, a challenge remains in formulating films with the right balance of mechanical properties and bioactivit...
Despite significant advances in the development of biocompatible platforms, such as scaffolds, films, and hydrogels, a challenge remains in formulating films with the right balance of mechanical properties and bioactivity. Herein, we developed biocompatible composite films based on polycaprolactone (PCL), MXene, and gelatin that can be utilized for biomedical applications. PCL and gelatin (from bovine, fish, and porcine skin) were used to design the biocompatible matrix, while MXenes were used as a filler to enhance the mechanical and biological properties of the films. We investigated the influence of these three types of gelatin on the chemical structure, morphology, physicochemical properties, cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and cell growth. All the films exhibited high tensile strength, ranging from 5 to 10 MPa. The incorporation of a relatively small content of MXene (0.5 wt%) altered the tensile properties of the films with the lower gelatin contents (12-15 wt%). SAXS analysis revealed that the nanometer-scale lamellar stack structures characteristic of PCL, consisting of alternating crystalline and amorphous lamellae, were present in all samples and exhibited a morphology identical to that of neat PCL. In contrast, WAXS showed that the relative intensities of individual PCL reflections varied with sample composition, indicating a preferential orientation of PCL crystallites-and consequently of the lamellar stacks-particularly, in MXene-containing samples. The SEM/SE micrographs displayed a coarse morphology of gelatin nanoparticles in the PCL matrix, and the structure coarseness decreased in the following order: PCL/MX/fish gelatin > PCL/MX/bovine gelatin > PCL/MX/porcine gelatin. In vitro, cell culture experiments with SAOS-2 cells revealed that cell confluence was relatively high on samples with the 14.5 wt% porcine gelatin.
Structural, Rheological, and Physicochemical Properties of Yam Starch Modified by Moderate Electric Fields.
Salazar ES, Mendoza JS, Montealvo GM … +3 more , Velazquez G, Soler A, Rhenals DEL
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 41846308 · Publisher ↗
Moderate electric fields (MEF) have emerged as a non-thermal technology with the potential to modify the structure of biopolymers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MEF (5-15 V/cm) on the structural and techno-f...
Moderate electric fields (MEF) have emerged as a non-thermal technology with the potential to modify the structure of biopolymers. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of MEF (5-15 V/cm) on the structural and techno-functional properties of yam starch. The working hypothesis was that MEF application induces molecular reorganization without inducing starch gelatinization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed slight morphological changes in the shape and surface of yam starch granules treated with MEF, while X-ray diffraction evidenced an increase in relative crystallinity from 25.24% to 26.91% after MEF treatment. Amylose content also increased from 49.8% to 51.8% after treatment at 15 V/cm. MEF also induced changes in short-range molecular order, which were more pronounced at 15 V/cm, as evidenced by increases in the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy band ratios of 1047/1022 cm (0.724-0.734) and 995/1022 cm (1.272-1.277) compared to native starch. The gelatinization enthalpy remained nearly unchanged after MEF treatment (16.9-19.0 J/g). In addition, MEF modulated viscosity in a field-intensity-dependent manner. The viscosity at 90°C increased from 314.0 mPa·s (native starch) to 366.5 mPa·s at 5 V/cm and decreased to 218.5 mPa·s at 15 V/cm. Principal component analysis indicated that MEF treatment induced structural and functional changes in starch as a function of the applied voltage.
Aggregation of Modified Glucuronoxylan in Water and DMSO.
Palasingh C, Janewithayapun R, Cavalcanti LP … +5 more , Abik F, Mikkonen KS, Cousin F, Ström A, Nypelö T
Biopolymers · 2026 May · PMID 41840941 · Full text
Glucuronoxylans are known to be only partly soluble in aqueous media. Chemical modification often aims to improve solubility, yet observations of aggregation even of the modified xylans are not uncommon. We investigated...
Glucuronoxylans are known to be only partly soluble in aqueous media. Chemical modification often aims to improve solubility, yet observations of aggregation even of the modified xylans are not uncommon. We investigated the aggregation of glucuronoxylans of two different molar masses (XS and XM with M = 14 and 24 kg/mol, respectively), as well as their derivatives that were modified using periodate oxidation and borohydride reduction. Investigations were carried out in water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by means of small angle neutron scattering (SANS). All dispersions of XS and its derivatives were turbid in water and translucent in DMSO. All samples based on XM were translucent in water and transparent in DMSO. In all cases, dispersions showed aggregates at the nanoscale with SANS, even for visually translucent and transparent dispersions with individual chains in a good solvent environment, indicated by the obtained Flory exponent of 0.588. Xylans dispersed in DMSO were less aggregated than xylan dispersed in water. The effect of solvent choice on the dispersibility of the modified xylans depended on the starting material composition. We propose that aggregation on the nanoscale is an intrinsic property of these polysaccharides and must be accounted for in processing, analysis, modification and applications.
From Synthesis to Therapeutics: Bioactive-Coated Zein Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery.
de Lima MF, Taipe Huisa AJ, da Silva Neto A … +6 more , Silva CBG, Cavalcanti IDL, de Araújo KB, de Britto Lira-Nogueira MC, Magalhães NSS, Gubert P
Biopolymers · 2026 Mar · PMID 41834224 · Full text
Polymeric zein nanoparticles (ZNP), derived from corn protein, are biodegradable drug carriers with high stability and low synthesis costs. Their amphiphilic nature allows efficient encapsulation of both hydrophilic and...
Polymeric zein nanoparticles (ZNP), derived from corn protein, are biodegradable drug carriers with high stability and low synthesis costs. Their amphiphilic nature allows efficient encapsulation of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, making them promising for drug delivery. However, their instability under physiological pH can limit therapeutic efficacy, necessitating protective coatings for improved absorption. This review discusses synthesis methods, coating materials, and biological activities of bioactive-coated ZNP. We found that the antisolvent method is the most commonly used due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while chitosan is the preferred coating material. ZNP exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, anesthetic, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, and immunogenic properties, as demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Their ability to enhance bioavailability, reduce toxicity, and enable targeted drug delivery highlights their potential in nanomedicine.
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