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1.
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.
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2.
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.
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3.
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.
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4.
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.
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5.
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.
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6.
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.
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7.
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.
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8.
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.
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9.
Hydroxyapatite as a biomaterial - a gift that keeps on giving.
Ghiasi, B, Sefidbakht, Y, Mozaffari-Jovin, S, Gharehcheloo, B, Mehrarya, M, Khodadadi, A, Rezaei, M, Ranaei Siadat, SO, Uskoković, V
Drug development and industrial pharmacy. 2020;(7):1035-1062
Abstract
The synthetic analogue to biogenic apatite, hydroxyapatite (HA) has a number of physicochemical properties that make it an attractive candidate for diagnosis, treatment of disease and augmentation of biological tissues. Here we describe some of the recent studies on HA, which may provide bases for a number of new medical applications. The content of this review is divided to different medical application modes utilizing HA, including tissue engineering, medical implants, controlled drug delivery, gene therapies, cancer therapies and bioimaging. A number of advantages of HA over other biomaterials emerge from this discourse, including (i) biocompatibility, (ii) bioactivity, (iii) relatively simple synthesis protocols for the fabrication of nanoparticles with specific sizes and shapes, (iv) smart response to environmental stimuli, (v) facile functionalization and surface modification through noncovalent interactions, and (vi) the capacity for being simultaneously loaded with a wide range of therapeutic agents and switched to bioimaging modalities for uses in theranostics. A special section is dedicated to analysis of the safety of particulate HA as a component of parenterally administrable medications. It is concluded that despite the fact that many benefits come with the usage of HA, its deficiencies and potential side effects must be addressed before the translation to the clinical domain is pursued. Although HA has been known in the biomaterials world as the exemplar of safety, this safety proves to be the function of size, morphology, surface ligands and other structural and compositional parameters defining the particles. For this reason, each HA, especially when it comes in a novel structural form, must be treated anew from the safety research angle before being allowed to enter the clinical stage.
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10.
Recent advances in protein derived bionanocomposites for food packaging applications.
Zubair, M, Ullah, A
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2020;(3):406-434
Abstract
This review article critically presents a comprehensive overview of the current advances in the research and development of proteins derived bionanocomposites used in food packaging applications. The recent interest in protein-based biomaterials is due to sustainability, renewability, biodegradability and low carbon footprint. The inherent drawbacks of proteins-based materials for food packaging applications are their low mechanical strength, poor thermal, barrier and inferior physicochemical properties. The nanoreinforced bio-based polymers called bionanocomposites provide an opportunity to overcome these issues and have ability to supersede non-biodegradable food packaging plastics produced from petroleum resources. So far, most studied protein derived bionanocomposites suitable for food packaging are soy protein isolates (SPI) and gelatin proteins. Layered silicates are the most promising nanofillers used to increase strength, improve heat resistance and enhance barrier properties of proteins derived materials while montmorillonites (MMT) is the most commonly used silicate nanofiller. This review emphases on the processing strategies used for proteins-based biomaterials, their mechanical and moisture barrier properties for food packaging applications. Different proteins and nanofillers that have been studied to date in proteins derived food packaging applications are also discussed in detail.