Assessment of the Biocompatibility Ability and Differentiation Capacity of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Biopolymer/Gold Nanocomposites.

This study assessed the biocompatibility of two types of nanogold composites: fibronectin-gold (FN-Au) and collagen-gold (Col-Au). It consisted of three main parts: surface characterization, in vitro biocompatibility assessments, and animal models. To determine the structural and functional differences between the materials used in this study, atomic force microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry were used to investigate their surface topography and functional groups. The F-actin staining, proliferation, migration, reactive oxygen species generation, platelet activation, and monocyte activation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on the FN-Au and Col-Au nanocomposites were investigated to determine their biological and cellular behaviors. Additionally, animal biocompatibility experiments measured capsule formation and collagen deposition in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The results showed that MSCs responded better on the FN-Au and Col-AU nanocomposites than on the control (tissue culture polystyrene) or pure substances, attributed to their incorporation of an optimal Au concentration (12.2 ppm), which induced significant surface morphological changes, nano topography cues, and better biocompatibility. Moreover, neuronal, endothelial, bone, and adipose tissues demonstrated better differentiation ability on the FN-Au and Col-Au nanocomposites. Nanocomposites have a crucial role in tissue engineering and even vascular grafts. Finally, MSCs were demonstrated to effectively enhance the stability of the endothelial structure, indicating that they can be applied as promising alternatives to clinics in the future.

Remote magnetically stimulated xanthan-biochar-Fe3O4-molecularly imprinted biopolymer hydrogel toward electrochemical enantioselection of l-tryptophan.

Monitoring the levels of L-Tryptophan (L-Trp) in body fluids is crucial due to its significant role in metabolism and protein synthesis, which ultimately affects neurological health. Herein, we have developed a novel magneto-responsive electrochemical enantioselective sensor for the recognition of L-Trp based on oriented biochar derived from Loofah, Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and molecularly imprinted polydopamine (MIPDA) in xanthan hydrogel. The successful synthesis of these materials has been confirmed through physicochemical and electrochemical characterization. Various operational factors such as pH, response time, loading sample volume, and loading of active materials were optimized. As a result, the sensor exhibited an affordable linear range of 1.0-60.0 µM, with a desirable limit of detection of 0.44 µM. Furthermore, the proposed electrochemical sensor demonstrated good reproducibility and desirable selectivity for the determination of L-Trp, making it suitable for analyzing L-Trp levels in human plasma and serum samples. The development presented offers an appealing, easily accessible, and efficient strategy. It utilizes xanthan hydrogel to improve mass transfer and adhesion, biochar-stabilized Fe3O4 to facilitate magnetic orientation and accelerate mass transfer and sensitivity, and polydopamine MIP to enhance selectivity. This approach enables on-site evaluation of L-Trp levels, which holds significant value for healthcare monitoring and early detection of related conditions.

Progress in food packaging applications of biopolymer-nanometal composites - A comprehensive review.

Eco-friendly nanotechnology-enabled biopolymers are one of the novel concepts of packaging materials to substitute traditional synthetic polymers and their composites. This article succinctly reviews the recent developments of introducing additional functionalities to biopolymers using metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The functionality of metal nanoparticles such as silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, copper oxide, gold, and magnesium oxide, as food packaging materials were discussed. The addition of nanoparticles in biopolymers improves mechanical properties, gas barrier properties, durability, temperature stability, moisture stability, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant property, and UV absorbance and can prevent the presence of ethylene and oxygen, hence extending the shelf life of foodstuffs. Other than this, the functional activity of these biopolymer composite films helps them to act like smart or intelligent packaging. The selection of metal nanoparticles, particle migration, toxicological effect, and potential future scope in the food packaging industry are also reviewed.

Strain-Modulated Flexible Bio-Organic/Graphene/PET Sensors Based on DNA-Curcumin Biopolymer.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the development of metal-free, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective biopolymer-based piezoelectric strain sensors (bio-PSSs) for flexible applications. In this study, we have developed a bio-PSS based on pure deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and curcumin materials in a thin-film form and studied its strain-induced current-voltage characteristics based on piezoelectric phenomena. The bio-PSS exhibited flexibility under varying compressive and tensile loads. Notably, the sensor achieved a strain gauge factor of 407 at an applied compressive strain of -0.027%, which is 8.67 times greater than that of traditional metal strain gauges. Furthermore, the flexible bio-PSS demonstrated a rapid response under a compressive strain of -0.08%. Our findings suggest that the proposed flexible bio-PSS holds significant promise as a motion sensor, addressing the demand for environmentally safe, wearable, and flexible strain sensor applications.

4-Ethylphenyl Sulfate Detection by an Electrochemical Sensor Based on a MoS2 Nanosheet-Modified Molecularly Imprinted Biopolymer.

One of the gut-derived uremic toxins 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4-EPS) exhibits significantly elevated plasma levels in chronic kidney diseases and autism, and its early quantification in bodily fluids is important. Therefore, the development of rapid and sensitive technologies for 4-EPS detection is of significant importance for clinical diagnosis. In the current work, the synthesis of a molecularly imprinted biopolymer (MIBP) carrying 4-EPS specific cavities only using the biopolymer polydopamine (PDA) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets has been reported. The fabricated electrode was prepared using screen-printed carbon electrodes on a polyvinyl chloride substrate. The synthesized material was characterized using several techniques, and electrochemical studies were performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) techniques. The DPV technique for the electrochemical sensing of 4-EPS using the fabricated sensor (PDA@MoS2-MIBP) determined a sensitivity of 0.012 µA/ng mL/cm2 and a limit of detection of 30 ng/mL in a broad linear range of 1-2200 ng/mL. Also, the interferent study was performed to evaluate the selectivity of the fabricated sensor along with the control and stability study. Moreover, the performance of the sensor was evaluated in the spiked urine sample, and a comparison was made with the data obtained by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy.

Dry and wet wrinkling of a silk fibroin biopolymer by a shape-memory material with insight into mechanical effects on secondary structures in the silk network.

Surface wrinkling provides an approach to modify the surfaces of biomedical devices to better mimic features of the extracellular matrix and guide cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Biopolymer wrinkling on active materials holds promise but is poorly explored. Here we report a mechanically actuated assembly process to generate uniaxial micro-and nanosized silk fibroin (SF) wrinkles on a thermo-responsive shape-memory polymer (SMP) substrate, with wrinkling demonstrated under both dry and hydrated (cell compatible) conditions. By systematically investigating the influence of SMP programmed strain magnitude, film thickness, and aqueous media on wrinkle stability and morphology, we reveal how to control the wrinkle sizes on the micron and sub-micron length scale. Furthermore, as a parameter fundamental to SMPs, we demonstrate that the temperature during the recovery process can also affect the wrinkle characteristics and the secondary structures in the silk network. We find that with increasing SMP programmed strain magnitude, silk wrinkled topographies with increasing wavelengths and amplitudes are achieved. Furthermore, silk wrinkling is found to increase ß-sheet content, with spectroscopic analysis suggesting that the effect may be due primarily to tensile (e.g., Poisson effect and high-curvature wrinkle) loading modes in the SF, despite the compressive bulk deformation (uniaxial contraction) used to produce wrinkles. Silk wrinkles fabricated from sufficiently thick films (roughly 250 nm) persist after 24 h in cell culture medium. Using a fibroblast cell line, analysis of cellular response to the wrinkled topographies reveals high viability and attachment. These findings demonstrate use of wrinkled SF films under physiologically relevant conditions and suggest the potential for biopolymer wrinkles on biomaterials surfaces to find application in cell mechanobiology, wound healing, and tissue engineering.

Assessment of sustainable baits for passive fishing gears through automatic fish behavior recognition.

Low-impact fishing gear, such as fish pots, could help reduce human's impact on coastal marine ecosystems in fisheries but catch rates remain low and the harvest of resources used for baiting increases their environmental cost. Using black seabreams (Spondyliosoma cantharus) as target species in the Bay of Biscay, we developed and assessed the efficiency of biodegradable biopolymer-based baits (hereafter bio-baits) made of cockles (Cerastoderma edule) and different biopolymer concentrations. Through a suite of deep and machine learning models, we automatized both the tracking and behavior classification of seabreams based on quantitative metrics describing fish motion. The models were used to predict the interest behavior of seabream towards the bait over 127 h of video. All behavior predictions categorized as interested to the bait were validated, highlighting that bio-baits have a much weaker attractive power than natural bait yet with higher activity after 4 h once natural baits have been consumed. We also show that even with imperfect tracking models, fine behavioral information can be robustly extracted from video footage through classical machine learning methods, dramatically lifting the constraints related to monitoring fish behavior. This work therefore offers new perspectives both for the improvement of bio-baits and automatic fish behavior recognition.

Cellulose-inspired approaches to sustainable EMI shielding materials: A comprehensive review.

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) shielding has become essential across various industries to counteract the detrimental impact of EMI on electronic devices and delicate machinery. Traditional EMI shielding materials, predominantly composed of metals and metal alloys, raise environmental concerns due to their non-biodegradability and energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Consequently, demand for environmentally friendly materials for EMI shielding applications is rising. This comprehensive review focuses on sustainable materials derived from bamboo, wood, cellulose, biopolymers, and industrial recycled materials for EMI shielding. The study begins with an overview of the theoretical principles and mechanisms underlying EMI shielding, providing insights into the ideal requirements and structure-property relationships of shielding materials. Subsequently, various categories of sustainable materials for EMI shielding are compared, including aerogel-based, foam-based, nanocarbon (CNT/graphene)-based, nanocellulose-based, and hybrid biocomposites. These materials will be studied in-depth based on their material type, structure type, and production method, encompassing diverse approaches such as bottom-up synthesis, top-down fabrication, and composite assembly. Furthermore, the review highlights the difficulties and potential advantages linked with developing sustainable materials for EMI shielding. By exploring bamboo, wood, cellulose and biopolymer-based materials, this review contributes to the ongoing efforts in advancing sustainable practices in EMI shielding technology.

The development of multifunctional materials for water pollution remediation using pollen and sporopollenin.

Pollen is a promising material for water treatment owing to its renewable nature, abundant sources, and vast reserves. The natural polymer sporopollenin, found within pollen exine, possesses a distinctive layered porous structure, mechanical strength, and stable chemical properties, which can be utilized to prepare sporopollenin exine capsules (SECs). Leveraging these attributes, pollen or SECs can be used to develop water pollution remediation materials. In this review, the structure of pollen is first introduced, followed by the categorization of various methods for extracting SECs. Then, the functional expansion of pollen adsorbents, with an emphasis on their recyclability, reusability, and visual sensing capabilities, as opposed to mere functional group modification, is discussed. Furthermore, the progress made in utilizing pollen as a biological template for synthesizing catalysts is summarized. Intriguingly, pollen can also be engineered into self-propelled micromotors, enhancing its potential application in adsorption and catalysis. Finally, the challenges associated with the application of pollen in water pollution treatment are discussed. These challenges include the selection of environmentally friendly, non-toxic reagents in synthesizing pollen water remediation products and the large-scale application after synthesis. Moreover, the multifunctional synthesis and application of different water remediation products are prospected.

A review of the fungal polysaccharides as natural biopolymers: Current applications and future perspective.

As a unique natural resource, fungi are a sustainable source of lipids, polysaccharides, vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients. As a result, they have beneficial medicinal and nutritional properties. Polysaccharides are among the most significant bioactive components found in fungi. Increasing research has revealed that fungal polysaccharides (FPS) contain a variety of bioactivities, including antitumor, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-aging properties. However, the exact knowledge about FPS and their applications related to their future possibilities must be thoroughly examined to enhance a better understanding of this sustainable biopolymer source. Therefore, FPS' biological applications and their role in the food and feed industry, agriculture, and cosmetics applications were all discussed in this work. In addition, this review highlighted the mode of action of FPS on human diseases by regulating gut microbiota and discussed the mechanism of FPS as antioxidants in the living cell. The structure-activity connections of FPS were also highlighted and explored. Moreover, future perspectives were listed to pave the way for future studies of FPS applications. Hence, this study can be a scientific foundation for future FPS research and industrial applications.

Sustainable production of cellulosic biopolymers for enhanced smart food packaging: An up-to-date review.

Biodegradable and sustainable food packaging (FP) materials have gained immense global importance to reduce plastic pollution and environmental impact. Therefore, this review focused on the recent advances in biopolymers based on cellulose derivatives for FP applications. Cellulose, an abundant and renewable biopolymer, and its various derivatives, namely cellulose acetate, cellulose sulphate, nanocellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, and methylcellulose, are explored as promising substitutes for conventional plastic in FP. These reviews focused on the production, modification processes, and properties of cellulose derivatives and highlighted their potential for their application in FP. Finally, we reviewed the effects of incorporating cellulose derivatives into film in various aspects of packaging properties, including barrier, mechanical, thermal, preservation aspects, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. Overall, the findings suggest that cellulose derivatives have the potential to replace conventional plastics in food packaging applications. This can contribute to reducing plastic pollution and lessening the environmental impact of food packaging materials. The review likely provides insights into the current state of research and development in this field and underscores the significance of sustainable food packaging solutions.

Biopolymer electrolyte from banana powder-konjac glucomannan for zinc-ion batteries.

Herein, the novel eco-friendly biopolymer electrolytes consisting of banana powder and konjac glucomannan host matrix doped with zinc acetate salt were successfully fabricated through simple casting technique. The biopolymer electrolyte exhibited satisfactory thermal stability and mechanical properties; tensile strength (13.82 MPa); elongation at break (60.52 %) and Young's modulus (93.2 MPa). The electrochemical studies were carried out in symmetrical cells Zn/Zn cells. Biopolymer electrolyte showed favorable ionic conductivity of 5.59 × 10-4 S/cm along with stable cycling performance. The potential stability was found to be 2.52 V. The as-prepared biopolymer electrolytes demonstrated the potential as green, simple yet effective biopolymer electrolytes for zinc-ion batteries.

Use of photosensitive molecules in the crosslinking of biopolymers: applications and considerations in biomaterials development.

The development of diverse types of biomaterials has significantly contributed to bringing new biomedical strategies to treat clinical conditions. Applications of these biomaterials can range from mechanical support and protection of injured tissues to joint replacement, tissue implants, and drug delivery systems. Among the strategies commonly used to prepare biomaterials, the use of electromagnetic radiation to initiate crosslinking stands out. The predominance of photo-induced polymerization methods relies on a fast, efficient, and straightforward process that can be easily adjusted to clinical needs. This strategy consists of irradiating the components that form the material with photons in the near ultraviolet-visible wavelength range (i.e., ∼310 to 750 nm) in the presence of a photoactive molecule. Upon photon absorption, photosensitive molecules can generate excited species that initiate photopolymerization through different reaction mechanisms. However, this process could promote undesired side reactions depending on the target zone or treatment type (e.g., oxidative stress and modification of biomolecules such as proteins and lipids). This review explores the basic concepts behind the photopolymerization process of ex situ and in situ biomaterials. Particular emphasis was put on the photosensitization initiated by the most employed photosensitizers and the photoreactions that they mediate in aqueous media. Finally, the undesired oxidation reactions at the bio-interface and potential solutions are presented.

Exploring the Frontier of Biopolymer-Assisted Drug Delivery: Advancements, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives in Cancer Nanomedicine.

The burgeoning global mortality rates attributed to cancer have precipitated a critical reassessment of conventional therapeutic modalities, most notably chemotherapy, due to their pronounced adverse effects. This reassessment has instigated a paradigmatic shift towards nanomedicine, with a particular emphasis on the potentialities of biopolymer-assisted drug delivery systems. Biopolymers, distinguished by their impeccable biocompatibility, versatility, and intrinsic biomimetic properties, are rapidly ascending as formidable vectors within the cancer theragnostic arena. This review endeavors to meticulously dissect the avant-garde methodologies central to biopolymer-based nanomedicine, exploring their synthesis, functional mechanisms, and subsequent clinical ramifications. A key focus of this analysis is the pioneering roles and efficacies of lipid-based, polysaccharide, and composite nano-carriers in enhancing drug delivery, notably amplifying the enhanced permeation and retention effect. This examination is further enriched by referencing flagship nano formulations that have received FDA endorsement, thereby underscoring the transformative potential and clinical viability of biopolymer-based nanomedicines. Furthermore, this discourse illuminates groundbreaking advancements in the realm of photodynamic therapy and elucidates the implications of advanced imaging techniques in live models. Conclusively, this review not only synthesizes current research trajectories but also delineates visionary pathways for the integration of cutting-edge biomaterials in cancer treatment. It charts a course for future explorations within the dynamic domain of biopolymer-nanomedicine, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding and enhanced application of these novel therapeutic strategies.

Application of seed mucilage as functional biopolymer in meat product processing and preservation.

Meat products consumption is rising globally, but concerns about sustainability, fat content, and shelf life. Synthetic additives and preservatives used for extending the shelf life of meat often carry health and environmental drawbacks. Seed mucilage, natural polysaccharides, possesses unique functional properties like water holding, emulsifying, and film forming, offering potential alternatives in meat processing and preservation. This study explores the application of seed mucilage from diverse sources (e.g., flaxseed, psyllium, basil) in various meat and meat products processing and preservation. Mucilage's water-holding and emulsifying properties can potentially bind fat and decrease the overall lipid content in meat and meat-based products. Moreover, antimicrobial and film-forming properties of mucilage can potentially inhibit microbial growth and reduce oxidation, extending the shelf life. This review emphasizes the advantages of incorporating mucilage into processing and coating strategies for meat and seafood products.

Biopolymeric nanoencapsulation of model drug: Its development and characterisation.

This research aimed to develop the phenytoin-loaded bionanosuspension by utilising the novel biopolymer from Juglans regia andreduce the long-term treatment cost of epilepsy and increase the efficiency of therapy. A novel biopolymer with remarkable inbuilt properties was isolated and used in the development of a nano capsulated dispersed system. The diverse proportions of phenytoin and biopolymer with different ratios 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:8 were taken for the planning of details PJNC1-PJNC5. The bionanosuspension was assessed for dispersibility, pH, % entrapment efficiency, stability study and in vitro drug discharge. The formulation PJNC2 with 1:3 drug biopolymer proportion showed significant outcomes for various assessments with t50% of 16.51 h and r2 estimation of 0.9884. PJNC2 showed 92.07%±2.5 drug delivery in 36h and was stable. The bionanosuspension was found to be stable and safe for the delivery of nanosized phenytoin utilising the biopolymer having a remarkable stabiliser cum retardant property.

Advances in enhancing the mechanical properties of biopolymer hydrogels via multi-strategic approaches.

The limited mechanical properties of biopolymer-based hydrogels have hindered their widespread applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering. In recent years, researchers have shown significant interest in developing novel approaches to enhance the mechanical performance of hydrogels. This review focuses on key strategies for enhancing mechanical properties of hydrogels, including dual-crosslinking, double networks, and nanocomposite hydrogels, with a comprehensive analysis of their underlying mechanisms, benefits, and limitations. It also introduces the classic application scenarios of biopolymer-based hydrogels and the direction of future research efforts, including wound dressings and tissue engineering based on 3D bioprinting. This review is expected to deepen the understanding of the structure-mechanical performance-function relationship of hydrogels and guide the further study of their biomedical applications.

Exploring the Potential of Sustainable Biopolymers as a Shield against Electromagnetic Radiations.

The increasing demand for biodegradable and environmentally friendly materials is shifting the focus from traditional polymer composites to biocomposites in various applications, especially in electromagnetic shielding. Effective utilization of biopolymers demands improved properties and can be achieved to a certain extent by functionalization. Biopolymers such as cellulose, polylactic acid, and starch are some of the potential candidates for mitigating electromagnetic pollution in next-generation electronic devices because of their high aspect ratio, flexibility, light weight, high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and tunable microwave absorption to the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composites. This Review provides an overview of the current advancements in EMI shielding materials and outlines recent research on EMI shielding composites that utilize various biodegradable polymer structures.

Properties of biopolymer blends based on Rugulopteryx okamurae and hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydrophilic acylated soy protein isolated (SPIa).

The present study explored the utilization of Rugulopteryx okamurae (RO), an invasive brown seaweed, as a renewable raw material for plastic materials based on biopolymer blends. The goal of this study was to improve the previously observed poor mechanical properties of materials based on single biopolymer RO. To enhance these properties, two polymers with distinct hydrophobicities were incorporated into the formulation of different blends: hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) and hydrophilic acylated soy protein isolate (SPIa). SPIa was derived from soy protein through a chemical modification process, introducing hydrophilic carboxyl groups. The addition of PCL significantly strengthened the blend, increasing the storage modulus (E'1 Hz) from ~ 110 to ~ 250 MPa. Conversely, SPIa incorporation resulted in softening, with E' values around 40 MPa. Both additives enhanced deformability proportionally to their concentrations, with SPIa exhibiting notably higher deformability, reaching a maximum deformation of ~ 23% for a RO/SPIa ratio of 25/75. In summary, the study demonstrates the feasibility of producing environmentally friendly blend materials based on RO, tailored for specific applications by incorporating suitable additives into the formulation. Therefore, PCL is recommended for applications susceptible to moisture effects, such as packaging, while SPIa is suggested for highly absorbent applications such as personal care or horticulture.

Microencapsulation of vitamins: A review and meta-analysis of coating materials, release and food fortification.

Vitamins are responsible for providing biological properties to the human body; however, their instability under certain environmental conditions limits their utilization in the food industry. The objective was to conduct a systematic review on the use of biopolymers and lipid bases in microencapsulation processes, assessing their impact on the stability, controlled release, and viability of fortified foods with microencapsulated vitamins. The literature search was conducted between the years 2013-2023, gathering information from databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and publishers including Taylor & Francis, Elsevier, Springer and MDPI; a total of 49 articles were compiled The results were classified according to the microencapsulation method, considering the following information: core, coating material, solvent, formulation, process conditions, particle size, efficiency, yield, bioavailability, bioaccessibility, in vitro release, correlation coefficient and references. It has been evidenced that gums are the most frequently employed coatings in the protection of vitamins (14.04%), followed by alginate (10.53%), modified chitosan (9.65%), whey protein (8.77%), lipid bases (8.77%), chitosan (7.89%), modified starch (7.89%), starch (7.02%), gelatin (6.14%), maltodextrin (5.26%), zein (3.51%), pectin (2.63%) and other materials (7.89%). The factors influencing the release of vitamins include pH, modification of the coating material and crosslinking agents; additionally, it was determined that the most fitting mathematical model for release values is Weibull, followed by Zero Order, Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas; finally, foods commonly fortified with microencapsulated vitamins were described, with yogurt, bakery products and gummy candies being notable examples.