-
1.
Smart and Functionalized Development of Nucleic Acid-Based Hydrogels: Assembly Strategies, Recent Advances, and Challenges.
Zhang, Y, Zhu, L, Tian, J, Zhu, L, Ma, X, He, X, Huang, K, Ren, F, Xu, W
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany). 2021;(14):2100216
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based hydrogels that integrate intrinsic biological properties of nucleic acids and mechanical behavior of their advanced assemblies are appealing bioanalysis and biomedical studies for the development of new-generation smart biomaterials. It is inseparable from development and incorporation of novel structural and functional units. This review highlights different functional units of nucleic acids, polymers, and novel nanomaterials in the order of structures, properties, and functions, and their assembly strategies for the fabrication of nucleic acid-based hydrogels. Also, recent advances in the design of multifunctional and stimuli-responsive nucleic acid-based hydrogels in bioanalysis and biomedical science are discussed, focusing on the applications of customized hydrogels for emerging directions, including 3D cell cultivation and 3D bioprinting. Finally, the key challenge and future perspectives are outlined.
-
2.
Harnessing the physicochemical properties of DNA as a multifunctional biomaterial for biomedical and other applications.
Chakraborty, A, Ravi, SP, Shamiya, Y, Cui, C, Paul, A
Chemical Society reviews. 2021;(13):7779-7819
Abstract
The biological purpose of DNA is to store, replicate, and convey genetic information in cells. Progress in molecular genetics have led to its widespread applications in gene editing, gene therapy, and forensic science. However, in addition to its role as a genetic material, DNA has also emerged as a nongenetic, generic material for diverse biomedical applications. DNA is essentially a natural biopolymer that can be precisely programed by simple chemical modifications to construct materials with desired mechanical, biological, and structural properties. This review critically deciphers the chemical tools and strategies that are currently being employed to harness the nongenetic functions of DNA. Here, the primary product of interest has been crosslinked, hydrated polymers, or hydrogels. State-of-the-art applications of macroscopic, DNA-based hydrogels in the fields of environment, electrochemistry, biologics delivery, and regenerative therapy have been extensively reviewed. Additionally, the review encompasses the status of DNA as a clinically and commercially viable material and provides insight into future possibilities.
-
3.
Recent advances of thermal properties of sugar palm lignocellulosic fibre reinforced polymer composites.
Asyraf, MRM, Ishak, MR, Norrrahim, MNF, Nurazzi, NM, Shazleen, SS, Ilyas, RA, Rafidah, M, Razman, MR
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2021;(Pt B):1587-1599
Abstract
Biocomposites are materials that are easy to manufacture and environmentally friendly. Sugar palm fibre (SPF) is considered to be an emerging reinforcement candidate that could provide improved mechanical stiffness and strength to the biocomposites. Numerous studies have been recently conducted on sugar palm biocomposites to evaluate their physical, mechanical and thermal properties in various conditions. Sugar palm biocomposites are currently limited to the applications of traditional household products despite their good thermal stability as a prospective substitute candidate for synthetic fibres. Thus, thermal analysis methods such as TGA and DTG are functioned to determine the thermal properties of single fibre sugar palm composites (SPCs) in thermoset and thermoplastic matrix as well as hybrid SPCs. The biocomposites showed a remarkable change considering thermal stability by varying the individual fibre compositions and surface treatments and adding fillers and coupling agents. However, literature that summarises the thermal properties of sugar palm biocomposites is unavailable. Particularly, this comprehensive review paper aims to guide all composite engineers, designers, manufacturers and users on the selection of suitable biopolymers for sugar palm biocomposites for thermal applications, such as heat shields and engine components.
-
4.
Functional biomedical materials derived from proteins in the acquired salivary pellicle.
Zhang, F, Cheng, Z, Ding, C, Li, J
Journal of materials chemistry. B. 2021;(33):6507-6520
Abstract
In the oral environment, the acquired salivary pellicle (ASP) on the tooth surface comprises proteins, glycoproteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. The ASP can specifically and rapidly adsorb on the enamel surface to provide effective lubrication, protection, hydration, and remineralisation, as well as be recognised by various bacteria to form a microbial biofilm (plaque). The involved proteins, particularly various phosphoproteins such as statherins, histatins, and proline-rich proteins, are vital to their specific functions. This review first describes the relationship between the biological functions of these proteins and their structures. Subsequently, recent advances in functional biomedical materials derived from these proteins are reviewed in terms of dental/bone therapeutic materials, antibacterial materials, tissue engineering materials, and coatings for medical devices. Finally, perspectives and challenges regarding the rational design and biomedical applications of ASP-derived materials are discussed.
-
5.
An insight on egg white: From most common functional food to biomaterial application.
Dong, X, Zhang, YQ
Journal of biomedical materials research. Part B, Applied biomaterials. 2021;(7):1045-1058
Abstract
Natural egg white tis widely used as an ingredient in nutritional foods and for food processing. Due to its characteristic foaming, emulsification, adhesion, and gelation, and its heat setting, biocompatibility, and low cost, research into the application and development of egg white in biomaterials, especially medical biomaterials, have been receiving attention. The composition and characteristics of egg white protein, and the physical mixing and chemically cross-linking of egg white with other materials used to make degradable packaging films, bioceramics, bioplastics, biomimetic films, hydrogels, 3D scaffolds, bone regeneration, biopatterning, biosensors, and so forth, are reviewed in detail in this report. The novel egg white-based biomaterials in various forms and applications could be constructed mostly through physical treatments such as ultrasonic wave, ultraviolet, laser and other radiation or high-temperature calcination. Furthermore, the application and prospects for the use of egg white in biomaterials is also discussed.
-
6.
Stimuli-responsive natural gums-based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.
Soleimani, K, Derakhshankhah, H, Jaymand, M, Samadian, H
Carbohydrate polymers. 2021;:117422
Abstract
Chemotherapy as the main cancer treatment method has non-specific effects and various side-effects. Accordingly, significant attempts have been conducted to enhance its efficacy through design and development of "smart" drug delivery systems (DDSs). In this context, natural gums, as a nice gift by the nature, can be exploited as stimuli-responsive DDSs for cancer treatment in part due to their renewability, availability, low cost, bioactivity, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, biodegradability, and acceptable stability in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. However, some shortcomings (e.g., poor mechanical properties and high hydration rate) restrict their biomedical application ranges that can be circumvented through modification process (e.g., grafting of stimuli-responsive polymers or small molecules) to obtain tailored biomaterials. This review article aimed to compile the stimuli-responsive DDSs based on natural gums. In addition, different types of stimuli, the fundamental features of natural gums, as well as their chemical modification approaches are also shortly highlighted.
-
7.
Recent progress in preparation and applications of chitosan/calcium phosphate composite materials.
Salama, A
International journal of biological macromolecules. 2021;:240-252
Abstract
Studying the development of unique materials from sustainable and renewable resources has gained increasing concern due to the depletion of fossil resources. Chitosan and its derivatives have been considered as versatile candidates for preparing attractive materials. The fabrication of chitosan/calcium phosphate composite compounds has received much attention for the development of numerous promising products in different fields. In this short review, recent preparation strategies for chitosan/calcium phosphate composites such as freeze casting, vacuum-assisted filtration, and biomimetic mineralization were discussed. The review presented their advances for diverse applications such as bone tissue engineering implants, drug delivery, wound healing, dental caries, as well adsorption of organic and heavy metals from polluted water. The challenges and future perspectives for the application of chitosan/calcium phosphate materials in biomedical and environmental applications were also involved in this review article.
-
8.
Review of the Mechanism of Nanocarriers and Technological Developments in the Field of Nanoparticles for Applications in Cancer Theragnostics.
Shreyash, N, Sonker, M, Bajpai, S, Tiwary, SK
ACS applied bio materials. 2021;(3):2307-2334
Abstract
Cancer cannot be controlled by the usage of drugs alone, and thus, nanotechnology is an important technique that can provide the drug with an impetus to act more effectively. There is adequate availability of anticancer drugs that are classified as alkylating agents, hormones, or antimetabolites. Nanoparticle (NP) carriers increase the residence time of the drug, thereby enhancing the survival rate of the drug, which otherwise gets washed off owing to the small size of the drug particles by the excretory system. For example, for enhancing the circulation, a coating of nonfouling polymers like PEG and dextran is done. Famous drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX) are commonly encapsulated inside the nanocomposite. The various classes of nanoparticles are used to enhance drug delivery by aiding it to fight against the tumor. Targeted therapy aims to attack the cells with features common to the cancer cells while minimizing damage to the normal cell, and these therapies work in one in four ways. Some block the cancer cells from reproducing newer cells, others release toxic substances to kill the cancer cells, some stimulate the immune system to destroy the cancer cells, and some block the growth of more blood vessels around cancer cells, which starve the cells of the nutrients, which is needed for their growth. This review aims to testify the advancements nanotechnology has brought in cancer therapy, and its statements are supported with recent research findings and clinical trial results.
-
9.
On the Future Design of Bio-Inspired Polyetheretherketone Dental Implants.
Knaus, J, Schaffarczyk, D, Cölfen, H
Macromolecular bioscience. 2020;(1):e1900239
Abstract
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising implant material because of its excellent mechanical characteristics. Although this polymer is a standard material in spinal applications, PEEK is not in use in the manufacturing of dental implants, where titanium is still the most-used material. This may be caused by its relative bio-inertness. By the use of various surface modification techniques, efforts have been made to enhance its osseointegrative characteristics to enable the polymer to be used in dentistry. In this feature paper, the state-of-the-art for dental implants is given and different surface modification techniques of PEEK are discussed. The focus will lie on a covalently attached surface layer mimicking natural bone. The usage of such covalently anchored biomimetic composite materials combines many advantageous properties: A biocompatible organic matrix and a mineral component provide the cells with a surrounding close to natural bone. Bone-related cells may not recognize the implant as a foreign body and therefore, may heal and integrate faster and more firmly. Because neither metal-based nor ceramics are ideal material candidates for a dental implant, the combination of PEEK and a covalently anchored mineralized biopolymer layer may be the start of the desired evolution in dental surgery.
-
10.
Biological Factors, Metals, and Biomaterials Regulating Osteogenesis through Autophagy.
di Giacomo, V, Cataldi, A, Sancilio, S
International journal of molecular sciences. 2020;(8)
Abstract
Bone loss raises great concern in numerous situations, such as ageing and many diseases and in both orthopedic and dentistry fields of application, with an extensive impact on health care. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms and the determinants that can regulate osteogenesis and ensure bone balance. Autophagy is a well conserved lysosomal degradation pathway, which is known to be highly active during differentiation and development. This review provides a revision of the literature on all the exogen factors that can modulate osteogenesis through autophagy regulation. Metal ion exposition, mechanical stimuli, and biological factors, including hormones, nutrients, and metabolic conditions, were taken into consideration for their ability to tune osteogenic differentiation through autophagy. In addition, an exhaustive overview of biomaterials, both for orthopedic and dentistry applications, enhancing osteogenesis by modulation of the autophagic process is provided as well. Already investigated conditions regulating bone regeneration via autophagy need to be better understood for finely tailoring innovative therapeutic treatments and designing novel biomaterials.