Acyclic N-halamine-immobilized polyurethane: Preparation and antimicrobial and biofilm-controlling functions
Hydroxyl groups were introduced onto polyurethane surfaces through 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate activation, followed by diethanolamine hydroxylation. Polymethacrylamide was covalently attached to the hydroxylated polyurethane through surface grafting polymerization of methacrylamide using cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate as an initiator. After bleach treatment, the amide groups of the covalently bound polymethacrylamide chains were transformed into N-halamines. The new N-halamine-immobilized polyurethane provided a total sacrifice of 107–108 colony forming units per milliliter of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive ba...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - February 18, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Luo, J., Porteous, N., Lin, J., Sun, Y. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Antimicrobial activity of hyperbranched polymers: Synthesis, characterization, and activity assay study
Poly(cyanurateamine) and poly(triacrylatetrimine) hyperbranched polymers were synthesized for the first time by adopting Michael addition reaction. These polymers were obtained by reacting diethylenetriamine (A2) with 2,4,6-triallylcyanurate (B3) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (B3), respectively, at room temperature. The polymers were characterized by spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier transform infrared, 1H-, and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of hyperbranched polymers was studied against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli, Bacillus firmus, Bacillus subtil...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - February 18, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Kanai, T., Thirumoolan, D., Mohanram, R., Vetrivel, K., Basha, K. A. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Specific gene delivery mediated by poly(ethylene glycol)-grafted polyamidoamine dendrimer modified with a novel HER2-targeting nanobody
As compared to other nanobiopolymers used in gene delivery applications, polyamidoamine dendrimers possess significantly improved physical and chemical properties such as monodispersity, well-defined size and shape, and biocompatibility, which make them ideal vectors for biomedical purposes. The aim of this study was fine-tuning of an anti–human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) nanobody–polyethylene glycol (PEG)–G5 polyamidoamine gene delivery vector for potential in vivo applications. Polyethylene glycol was conjugated to polyamidoamine dendrimers at three different molar ratios of 10, 20, and 3...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - February 18, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Jafari Iri Sofla, F., Rahbarizadeh, F., Ahmadvand, D., Nomani, A., Rahimi Jamnani, F. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

In vivo study of an extended release bupivacaine formulation following site-directed nerve injection
Site-directed administration of local anesthetic agents incorporated into a slow controlled-release injectable implant prolongs the analgesic effect. However, there are potential neuro- and myotoxic consequences. We evaluated a local anesthetic agent (bupivacaine) loaded into a slow-release biodegradable polymer based on castor oil and poly(lactic acid). The formulation was applied directly to the sciatic nerve area in female imprinting control region mice along with appropriate controls. Local nerve and muscle and systemic toxicity were evaluated over a 3-month period following injection of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.125 mL of the ...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Golovanevski, L., Ickowicz, D., Sokolsky-Papkov, M., Domb, A., Weiniger, C. F. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Polyurethane-extracellular matrix/silver bionanocomposites for urinary catheters
Polyurethane–extracellular matrix membranes with bionanocomposites or coatings containing a small amount of biocompatible polymers such as hydrolyzed collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid or chondroitin sulfate, and silver were obtained by solvent casting or electrospinning/electrospraying of the polyurethane–extracellular matrix–Ag formulations onto pure polyurethane membrane in order to achieve improved antibacterial biomaterials for urinary catheters. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the interaction of the incorporated silver nanoparticles with polyurethane–extracellular matrix was fou...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Macocinschi, D., Filip, D., Paslaru, E., Munteanu, B. S., Dumitriu, R. P., Pricope, G. M., Aflori, M., Dobromir, M., Nica, V., Vasile, C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Fibroblast cell proliferation on photo-cured trehalose cinnamoyl ester thin films
Trehalose cinnamoyl esters (TCs) were synthesized by esterification of trehlaose with cinnamoyl chloride. Two TCs with different degrees of substitution were synthesized, and trehalose cinnamoyl ester thin film-coated glass plates were prepared by a dip-coating method. Photocuring of the TCs was confirmed by ultraviolet–visible spectral changes. The surface of photo-cured TCs were found smooth as observed in a scanning electron microscope. The cell proliferation on the photo-cured TCs was investigated using 3T3 Swiss Albino mouse embryo fibroblasts. The results of the cell proliferation assay revealed that the photo-...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Yano, S., Teramoto, N., Miyamoto, R., Nakajima, E., Hashimoto, K., Shibata, M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Photopolymerized poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/poly({varepsilon}-caprolactone)/poly(ethylene glycol) system as a potential wound dressing material
Polymeric hydrogel systems based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(-caprolactone), and poly(ethylene glycol) were prepared by photopolymerization using 2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl diphenyl phosphine oxide as the photoinitiator. The structural details, morphology, and crystallinity were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The fluid uptake of the hydrogels was measured using swelling analysis. Based on a hemolysis assay, the prepared hydrogels were non-hemolytic. No attachment of fibroblasts to the hydrogel systems was observed. Stress–strain resul...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Rethikala, P., Kalliyana, K. V. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Improved immobilization of gelatin on a modified polyurethane urea
In this study, polyurethane urea was surface-modified to elevate cell recognition through immobilization of bioactive gelatin. The poly(urethane urea) was synthesized using poly(-caprolactone) diol in the absence of a chain extender. The synthesized polyurethane urea was then functionalized with gelatin (gelatin-grafted poly(urethane urea)) via aminolysis. Chemical changes at the polyurethane urea surface were monitored using titration, water contact angle. Fourier transform infrared, and zeta potential measurements. Significantly larger amounts of gelatin were grafted on the polyurethane urea surface compared to those pre...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Shaneh, S., Shokrolahi, F., Shokrollahi, P., Yeganeh, H., Seyedjafari, E., Ardeshirylajimi, A., Omidian, H. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Natural alginate biopolymer montmorillonite clay composites for vitamin B2 delivery
This work describes the in vitro release of a small drug, riboflavin, from novel calcium and barium crosslinked alginate–montmorillonite composite beads via oral route. Effect of crosslinking cation, concentration of montmorillonite and media on encapsulation efficiencies, and release profiles of riboflavin were studied. Beads were characterized using gravimetric swelling ability study, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate that addition of montmorillonite increases the encapsulation efficiencies and slows down the release rates significantly. (Source: Journal of ...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Kaygusuz, H., Uysal, M., Adımcılar, V., Erim, F. B. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

A novel chlorhexidine-releasing composite bone cement: Characterization of antimicrobial effectiveness and cement strength
In this study, a two-solution bone cement composite was designed for high viscosity and high pseudoplasticity to improve injection and mitigate the risk of extravasation. By pre-mixing these cements, the fillers are incorporated into the matrix and should not detrimentally affect the performance properties. To expand the functionality of this cement system, the addition of bioactive and antimicrobial phases were explored. Brushite and chlorhexidine were used as calcium phosphate filler and the antimicrobial phase, respectively. By controlling the free radical quenching mechanism provided by the chlorhexidine molecule, it w...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Rodriguez, L. C., Palmer, K., Montagner, F., Rodrigues, D. C. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Antimicrobial regenerated cellulose/nano-silver fiber without leaching
The formation of antimicrobial regenerated cellulose fibers using an ionic liquid solvent, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, and silver nanoparticles was studied. The cellulose preparation and dispersion efficiency of the silver nanoparticles in the solvent were evaluated via scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscopy in terms of different processing conditions. The influence of silver nanoparticles on regenerated cellulose fiber crystallization and strength was examined using a wide angle X-ray diffractometry and tensiometry, respectively. The bioactive efficacy of the cellulose/nano-silver fibe...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Chen, J. Y., Sun, L., Jiang, W., Lynch, V. M. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

A new approach to determining the performance of superdisintegrants
In this study, a novel technique was developed and explored to measure the swelling pressure of superdisintegrants under compressed conditions. The measurement of swelling pressure was chosen as it is not directly dependent on the mechanisms involved in tablet disintegration (swelling, wicking, and deformation). Three commercial superdisintegrants including Ac-Di-Sol® (internally crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose), Explotab® (internally crosslinked carboxymethylstarch), and Polyplasdone® XL (crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone) were evaluated using this technique as well as free swelling and videography. Swelling...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - January 12, 2015 Category: Research Authors: Joshi, Y., Mastropietro, D., Muppalaneni, S., Omidian, H. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Large-scale production of a ternary composite nanofiber membrane for wound dressing applications
In this study, chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol binary and tannic acid/chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol ternary composite nanofiber membranes from chitosan citric acid salt aqueous solutions without the use of toxic solvents through Forcespinning® technology were successfully mass produced. Chitosan is being widely evaluated as a wound dressing material based on its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial properties. Tannic acid has been applied as a drug for the treatment of wounds due to its astringent, antioxidant, hemostatic, and antibacterial properties. The ternary composite nanofiber membranes were in situ cro...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - October 31, 2014 Category: Research Authors: Xu, F., Weng, B., Materon, L. A., Gilkerson, R., Lozano, K. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the wound healing capability of electrospun gelatin/PLLCL nanofibers
In this study, a series of cost-effective nanofibrous scaffolds aimed at full-thickness wound healing are fabricated by blending gelatin (Gel) with poly(l-lactic acid)-b-poly( -caprolactone) (PLLCL) and electrospun to obtain composite Gel/PLLCL nanofibers in four different weight ratios (w/w) of 80:20 [Gel/PLLCL(20)], 70:30 [Gel/PLLCL(30)], 60:40 [Gel/PLLCL(40)], and 50:50 [Gel/PLLCL(50)]. The mechanical properties of these nanofibrous scaffolds were evaluated in both dry and wet conditions, and the Gel/PLLCL(40) retained suitable tensile stress (1.16 ± 0.03 MPa) to be handled eve...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - October 31, 2014 Category: Research Authors: Jin, G., Li, Y., Prabhakaran, M. P., Tian, W., Ramakrishna, S. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research

Curcumin-loaded poly(l-lactide-co-D,l-lactide) electrospun fibers: Preparation and antioxidant, anticoagulant, and antibacterial properties
Fibrous materials of poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide), poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide)/poly(ethylene glycol), and curcumin were prepared by electrospinning. The incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) in the fibers caused a decrease in the mean fiber diameters down to 700 nm and in the water contact angle value, the latter being equal to 0 at poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide)/poly(ethylene glycol) 60/40 weight ratio. The water contact angle values of poly(l-lactide-co-d,l-lactide)/curcumin fibrous materials considerably exceeded those of films of the same composition (approximately 120° as compared to approximately 95°, f...
Source: Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers - October 31, 2014 Category: Research Authors: Yakub, G., Toncheva, A., Manolova, N., Rashkov, I., Kussovski, V., Danchev, D. Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research