-
Chemical Society Reviews Jan 2016Biological membranes play an essential role in living organisms by providing stable and functional compartments, preserving cell architecture, whilst supporting... (Review)
Review
Biological membranes play an essential role in living organisms by providing stable and functional compartments, preserving cell architecture, whilst supporting signalling and selective transport that are mediated by a variety of proteins embedded in the membrane. However, mimicking cell membranes - to be applied in artificial systems - is very challenging because of the vast complexity of biological structures. In this respect a highly promising strategy to designing multifunctional hybrid materials/systems is to combine biological molecules with polymer membranes or to design membranes with intrinsic stimuli-responsive properties. Here we present supramolecular polymer assemblies resulting from self-assembly of mostly amphiphilic copolymers either as 3D compartments (polymersomes, PICsomes, peptosomes), or as planar membranes (free-standing films, solid-supported membranes, membrane-mimetic brushes). In a bioinspired strategy, such synthetic assemblies decorated with biomolecules by insertion/encapsulation/attachment, serve for development of multifunctional systems. In addition, when the assemblies are stimuli-responsive, their architecture and properties change in the presence of stimuli, and release a cargo or allow "on demand" a specific in situ reaction. Relevant examples are included for an overview of bioinspired polymer compartments with nanometre sizes and membranes as candidates in applications ranging from drug delivery systems, up to artificial organelles, or active surfaces. Both the advantages of using polymer supramolecular assemblies and their present limitations are included to serve as a basis for future improvements.
Topics: Animals; Biomimetic Materials; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Polymers; Proteins; Surface Properties
PubMed: 26563574
DOI: 10.1039/c5cs00569h -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2020BioPolymers could be either natural polymers (polymer naturally occurring in Nature, such as cellulose or starch…), or biobased polymers that are artificially...
BioPolymers could be either natural polymers (polymer naturally occurring in Nature, such as cellulose or starch…), or biobased polymers that are artificially synthesized from natural resources [...].
Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Biopolymers; Humans; Plants; Polymers
PubMed: 33383720
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010112 -
International Journal of Biological... Sep 2019Metal based nanocomposites are gaining popularity for the past few years due to their promising chemical and physical properties. These nanocomposites can be obtained by... (Review)
Review
Metal based nanocomposites are gaining popularity for the past few years due to their promising chemical and physical properties. These nanocomposites can be obtained by incorporation of metal nanoparticles with glass, ceramic and polymer. Metal polymer nanoparticles can be formed through direct reduction method, in situ methods like chemical reduction, photoreduction and thermal decomposition of metallic salt inside the polymer, ex-situ by direct insertion of metallic nanoparticles into the polymer, through vapor phase deposition techniques and ion implantation. Natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, chitin, chitosan, gelatin, dextran, alginate, pectin, guar gum, rubber and fibrin are preferred than the synthetic ones due to their amazing properties including maximized purity and crystallinity, tensile solidity, improved elasticity and extensive surface area. In our review, we spotlight the fabrication methods and the innovative applications of many natural polymers metal nanocomposites, as well as their antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biological Products; Metal Nanoparticles; Nanocomposites; Polymers
PubMed: 31220496
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.06.114 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2020Polymers in which phosphorus is an integral part of the main chain, including polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters, have been widely investigated in recent years for... (Review)
Review
Polymers in which phosphorus is an integral part of the main chain, including polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters, have been widely investigated in recent years for their potential in a number of therapeutic applications. Phosphorus, as the central feature of these polymers, endears the chemical functionalization, and in some cases (bio)degradability, to facilitate their use in such therapeutic formulations. Recent advances in the synthetic polymer chemistry have allowed for controlled synthesis methods in order to prepare the complex macromolecular structures required, alongside the control and reproducibility desired for such medical applications. While the main polymer families described herein, polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters and their analogues, as well as phosphorus-based dendrimers, have hitherto predominantly been investigated in isolation from one another, this review aims to highlight and bring together some of this research. In doing so, the focus is placed on the essential, and often mutual, design features and structure-property relationships that allow the preparation of such functional materials. The first part of the review details the relevant features of phosphorus-containing polymers in respect to their use in therapeutic applications, while the second part highlights some recent and innovative applications, offering insights into the most state-of-the-art research on phosphorus-based polymers in a therapeutic context.
Topics: Hydrolysis; Macromolecular Substances; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Phosphorus; Polymerization; Polymers
PubMed: 32276516
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071716 -
Chembiochem : a European Journal of... Feb 2023Combining polymers with functional proteins is an approach that has brought several successful stories in the field of biomedicine with PEGylated therapeutic proteins.... (Review)
Review
Combining polymers with functional proteins is an approach that has brought several successful stories in the field of biomedicine with PEGylated therapeutic proteins. The latest advances in polymer chemistry have facilitated the expansion of protein-polymer hybrids to other research areas such as biocatalysis. Polymers can impart stability and novel functionalities to the enzyme of interest, thereby improving the catalytic performance of a given reaction. In this review, we have revisited the main methodologies currently used for the synthesis of enzyme-polymer hybrids, unveiling the interplay between the configuration and the composition of the assembled structure and the eventual traits of the hybrid. Finally, the latest advances, such as the assembly of polymer-based chemoenzymatic nanoreactors and the use of deep learning methodologies to achieve the most suitable polymer compositions for catalysis, are discussed.
Topics: Polymers; Biocatalysis; Proteins; Catalysis
PubMed: 36507915
DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200611 -
Stomatologija 2018The aim of this study is to review polyether ether ketone (PEEK), its characteristics and use in prosthodontics. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to review polyether ether ketone (PEEK), its characteristics and use in prosthodontics.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Information search for articles about PEEK and it's use in prosthodontics between January 2010 and April 2017 was conducted in Medline via PubMed, Science direct, Wiley online library as well as the Web search Google Scholar sources. Twelve full text articles were selected and used in this review.
RESULTS
143 articles were found in the database using keywords: PEEK, prosthodontics, dentistry. Data on the suitability of PEEK polymer were organized according to mechanical, chemical, physical properties and PEEK surface preparation.
CONCLUSIONS
PEEK polymer is suitable to use in prosthodontics. However, there are not enough statements about complications, biofilm formation on PEEK surface and its resistance to compression. More research should be done to find out the results.
Topics: Benzophenones; Biocompatible Materials; Databases, Factual; Dental Materials; Dental Prosthesis; Dental Prosthesis Design; Humans; Ketones; Polyethylene Glycols; Polymers; Prosthodontics
PubMed: 30531169
DOI: No ID Found -
ACS Applied Bio Materials Dec 2023The biopolymer lignin, which is heterogeneous and abundant, is usually present in plant cell walls and gives them rigidity and strength. As a byproduct of the wood,... (Review)
Review
The biopolymer lignin, which is heterogeneous and abundant, is usually present in plant cell walls and gives them rigidity and strength. As a byproduct of the wood, paper, and pulp manufacturing industry, lignin ranks as the second most prevalent biopolymer worldwide, following cellulose. This review paper explores the extraction, modification, and prospective applications of lignin in various industries, including the enhancement of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers, biomedical applications such as vanillin production, fuel development, carbon fiber composites, and the creation of nanomaterials for food packaging and drug delivery. The structural characteristics of lignin remain undefined due to its origin, separation, and fragmentation processes. This comprehensive overview encompasses state-of-the-art techniques, potential applications, diverse extraction methods, chemical modifications, carbon fiber utilization, and the extraction of vanillin. Moreover, the review focuses on the utilization of lignin-modified polymer blends across multiple manufacturing sectors, providing insights into the advantages and limitations of this innovative approach for the development of environmentally friendly materials.
Topics: Lignin; Polymers; Carbon Fiber; Biopolymers
PubMed: 38036466
DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00783 -
Current Pharmaceutical Design 2017Polymer-based systems are attractive in drug delivery and regenerative medicine due to the possibility of tailoring their properties and functions to a specific... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Polymer-based systems are attractive in drug delivery and regenerative medicine due to the possibility of tailoring their properties and functions to a specific application.
METHODS
The present review provides several examples of molecularly engineered polymer systems, including stimuli responsive polymers and supramolecular polymers.
RESULTS
The advent of controlled polymerization techniques has enabled the preparation of polymers with controlled molecular weight and well-defined architecture. By using these techniques coupled to orthogonal chemical modification reactions, polymers can be molecularly engineered to incorporate functional groups able to respond to small changes in the local environment or to a specific biological signal. This review highlights the properties and applications of stimuli-responsive systems and polymer therapeutics, such as polymer-drug conjugates, polymer-protein conjugates, polymersomes, and hyperbranched systems. The applications of polymeric membranes in regenerative medicine are also discussed.
CONCLUSION
The examples presented in this review suggest that the combination of membranes with polymers that are molecularly engineered to respond to specific biological functions could be relevant in the field of regenerative medicine.
Topics: Drug Delivery Systems; Polymers; Regenerative Medicine
PubMed: 27774909
DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666161021104239 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Feb 2019Fiber structures with nanoscale diameters offer many fascinating features, such as excellent mechanical properties and high specific surface areas, making them... (Review)
Review
Fiber structures with nanoscale diameters offer many fascinating features, such as excellent mechanical properties and high specific surface areas, making them attractive for many applications. Among a variety of technologies for preparing nanofibers, electrospinning is rapidly evolving into a simple process, which is capable of forming diverse morphologies due to its flexibility, functionality, and simplicity. In such review, more emphasis is put on the construction of polymer nanofiber structures and their potential applications. Other issues of electrospinning device, mechanism, and prospects, are also discussed. Specifically, by carefully regulating the operating condition, modifying needle device, optimizing properties of the polymer solutions, some unique structures of core⁻shell, side-by-side, multilayer, hollow interior, and high porosity can be obtained. Taken together, these well-organized polymer nanofibers can be of great interest in biomedicine, nutrition, bioengineering, pharmaceutics, and healthcare applications.
Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Electrochemistry; Nanofibers; Particle Size; Polymers; Porosity
PubMed: 30813599
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050834 -
Journal of Biomaterials Science.... Mar 2020Attributed to the excellent biocompatibility and desirable mechanical properties to natural tissue, natural polymer-based electrospun nanofibers have drawn extensive... (Review)
Review
Attributed to the excellent biocompatibility and desirable mechanical properties to natural tissue, natural polymer-based electrospun nanofibers have drawn extensive research interests in tissue engineering. Electrospun nanofibers have been explored as scaffolds in tissue engineering to modulate cellular behavior. Also, electrospun nanofiber matrices have morphological similarities to the natural extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Natural polymer and its composite nanofiber mats are the promising candidates in governing nerve cells growth and nerve regeneration due to their unique characteristics such as high permeability, stability, porosity, suitable mechanical performance and excellent biocompatibility. In this review, the progress in electrospun natural polymers and its composite nanofibers scaffold for neural tissue engineering are presented. The influences of fiber orientation and electrical stimulation on the nerve cell behavior and neurite growth are systematically summarized. Furthermore, the current application of natural polymer composite scaffold as implantable device for nerve regeneration is also discussed (see Figure 1).
Topics: Animals; Electricity; Humans; Nanofibers; Nerve Tissue; Polymers; Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds
PubMed: 31774364
DOI: 10.1080/09205063.2019.1697170