Microwave‐assisted synthesis of chitosan biguanidine hydrochloride and its antioxidant activity in vitro

Chitosan biguanidine hydrochloride (CSGH) was synthesized by guanidinylation of chitosan hydrochloride (CSH) under microwave irradiation and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, and element analysis. The antioxidant activity of CSGH was evaluated by both chemical and cellular methods. The results showed that CSGH was better than CSH but slightly inferior to ascorbic acid (Vc) for scavenging 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, and the DPPH? scavenging ability of CSGH was dose‐dependent. However, cell experiments indicated CSGH had a superior repairing effect on oxidatively damaged cells. The intervention of CSGH could excellently recover the cell morphology, decrease the level of malondialdehyde, and enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. CSGH could be a potential antioxidant reagent, and its antioxidant activity was reflected not only in scavenging the free radicals but also in regulating the oxidation/antioxidation balance of damaged cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43570.     

Silver nanoparticle incorporated poly(l‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanofibers: Evaluation of their biocompatibility and antibacterial properties

The objective of this work is the fabrication of poly(l ‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) or PLGA (with LA/GA ratios of 50/50 and 75/25) nanofibers containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by the method of electrospinning. The incorporation of AgNPs in PLGA was carried out in three different concentrations (1, 3, 6 w/w %).The electrospun nanofibers were evaluated for their morphology by scanning electron microscopy and their fiber diameters ranged between 487 and 781 nm. Integration of AgNPs within the fibers was verified by spectroscopy studies, while the mechanical properties of the developed fibers were found comparable to the mechanical properties of the human skin. Proliferation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) demonstrated minimal cytotoxicity on fibers containing 1 wt % and 3 wt % of AgNPs, while 6 wt % of AgNPs inhibited cell proliferation. Antimicrobial activity was studied using three different strains of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Results of the HDF proliferation and antimicrobial studies showed that the electrospun PLGA75/25 containing 3 wt % AgNP can function as a suitable substrate for wound dressing, compared to the other scaffolds of this study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42686.     

pH‐sensitive keratin‐based polymer hydrogel and its controllable drug‐release behavior

Using feather keratin as biocompatible and inexpensive natural biopolymer and methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, we prepared a pH‐sensitive feather‐keratin‐based polymer hydrogel (FKPGel) with grafted copolymerization. The obtained FKPGel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The swelling behavior and pH sensitivity of the FKPGel were investigated. When the small molecule (rhodamine B) and macromolecule (bovine serum albumin) were used as model drug molecules, the FKPGel exhibited controllable release behavior in vitro, and the hydrogels had pH sensitivity. For a small molecular drug, the cumulative release rate was 97% in 24 h at pH 8.4. For macromolecular drug, the cumulative release rate reached 89% at pH 7.4. Its release behavior could be controlled by the pH value. In summary, a simple method was found to reuse disused feathers. It is a kind of pH‐sensitive hydrogels to be applied in drug‐delivery systems. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41572.     

Research on the preparation and antibacterial properties of 2‐N‐thiosemicarbazide‐6‐O‐hydroxypropyl chitosan membranes with iodine

The 2‐N‐thiosemicarbazide‐6‐O‐hydroxypropyl chitosan (ATU‐HPCS) was prepared by chitosan grafted hydroxypropyl and thiosemicarbazide through the method of “amino protection‐graft‐deprotection,” while the ATU‐HPCS gel membranes were obtained from gelatin and polyvinyl pyrrolidone as additives, and the ATU‐HPCS membranes with iodine (ATU‐HPCS‐I₂‐M) were prepared by adding the ethanol solution of iodine in the ATU‐HPCS gel membranes. The ATU‐HPCS‐I₂‐M were characterized to evaluate their potential applications as antibacterial materials. The iodine releasing rule of ATU‐HPCS‐I₂‐M showed a sustained‐release effect of iodine, the maximum emission was approximately 0.80%. The inhibition zone diameters of ATU‐HPCS‐I₂‐M against Staphylococcus aureus (as Gram‐positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (as Gram‐negative bacteria) were both greater than 15 mm, it demonstrated significant antibacterial activity compared with the ATU‐HPCS gel membranes. The double effects of the biocompatibility of chitosan and the sustained‐release of iodine provided an ideal healing environment for wound surface. These properties have made ATU‐HPCS‐I₂‐M highly potential as a novel natural macromolecule antimicrobial material preventing the bacteria from burns, surgery wounds, etc. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40535.     

Low-temperature assembling of naturally driven copper ferrite starch nanocomposites hydrogel with magnetic and antibacterial activities

Most hydrogels are prepared with using synthetic polymers that are nonecofriendly materials. Also, hydrogel nanocomposites are mostly prepared in the multi-step processing through costly techniques. Here, starch as a natural, biodegradable, hydrophilic, and inexpensive material was used for fabrication of a copper ferrite starch nanocomposites hydrogel. This was synthesized using alkali starch solution along with copper and iron salts through coprecipitation method at low-temperature led to the one-step gelatinization and retrogradation. The various characteristics of the nanocomposites hydrogel were examined including morphology and chemical structure besides magnetic, antimicrobial, and swelling behaviors. Further, the remaining ashes were considered as a simple method to estimate organic matter and inorganic nanoparticles content of hydrogel nanocomposite. The results indicated successful fabrication of a green hydrogel with magnetic and antibacterial features through a very simple method. The obtained ecofriendly hydrogel can be used in various applications such as controlled drug delivery, cancer hyperthermia, waste-water treatment, and many others. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48961.     

Thermally stable collagen from Piranha and Rohu with improved physical,biochemical, and morphological properties

Collagen is the most common structural protein pertinent to the skin and other tissues in humans. The market for collagen extends from food, cosmetics to therapeutics and is estimated to be $6.63 billion by 2025. Piranha and Rohu are some of the primarily consumed fish varieties in South India and the extraction of collagen from the scales of Piranha is reported for the first time through this study. Physical, biochemical, and morphological properties of the collagen extracted were compared with a freshwater variant, Rohu. The UV, IR spectra, amino acid, SDS PAGE analysis confirmed the presence of triple helical native conformation. Further, higher degree of solubility was observed at low pH and salt concentrations. The T_d was 38.27 and 37.4°C and T_m was 92.37 and 94.04°C for the scale collagen of Piranha and Rohu respectively and was comparable to bovine sources. Electron micrograph presented loose, parallel oriented long fibers with interconnected fibrils. Hence the collagen extracted, having retained the helical conformation and higher thermal stability, can be a safe alternative for various biomedical applications.     

Gastro‐resistant controlled release of OTC encapsulated in alginate/chitosan matrix coated with acryl‐EZE® MP in fluidized bed

A gastro‐resistant system of acryl‐EZE® MP coated alginate/chitosan microparticles was developed to improve the controlled release of oxytetracycline (OTC). Microparticles were obtained by complex coacervation and, thereafter, were coated using fluidized polymer dispersion with acryl‐EZE® MP solution. OTC distribution inside the microparticles was determined by multiphoton confocal microscopy, demonstrating the efficiency of encapsulation process. In vitro OTC release kinetic was performed in order to obtain the release profile in gastric and intestinal simulated fluids. A fast initial release, or burst effect, was observed with uncoated microparticles loaded with OTC in gastric conditions. When a 50% mass increase in acryl‐EZE® MP coating was achieved, OTC release in acidic medium was greatly reduced, resulting in the expected gastro‐resistant effect. Different mathematical models were applied to describe the drug diffusion across the polymer matrix. The Logistic model was the best tool to interpret the experimental data in most of the systems studied. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40444.     

Synthesis,characterization, and drug‐release behavior of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan derivatives

A new type of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative, 2‐N‐carboxymethyl‐6‐O‐diethylaminoethyl chitosan (DEAE–CMC), was synthesized through a two‐step Schiff base reaction process and applied to drug delivery. In the first step, benzaldehyde was used as a protective agent for the incorporation of diethylaminoethyl groups to form the intermediate (6‐O‐diethylaminoethyl chitosan). On the other hand, NaBH₄ was used as a reducing agent to reduce the Schiff base, which was generated by glyoxylic acid, for the further incorporation of carboxymethyl groups to produce DEAE–CMC. The structure, thermal properties, surface morphology, and diameter distribution of the resulting chitosan graft copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ¹H‐NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and laser particle size analysis. Benefiting from the amphiphilic structure, DEAE–CMC was able to be formed into microspheres in aqueous solution with an average diameter of 4.52 ± 1.21 μm. An in vitro evaluation of these microspheres demonstrated their efficient controlled release behavior of a drug. The accumulated release ratio of vitamin B₁₂ loaded DEAE–CMC microspheres were up to 93%, and the duration was up to 15 h. The grafted polymers of DEAE–CMC were found to be blood‐compatible, and no cytotoxic effect was shown in human SiHa cells in an MTT [3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] cytotoxicity assay. These results indicate that the DEAE–CMC microspheres could be used as safe, promising drug‐delivery systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39890.     

Microporous PDMAEMA‐based stimuli‐responsive hydrogel and its application in drug release

The microporous hydrogels (Pn‐Cm gels) composed of poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and carboxymethylchitosan were synthesized in situ radical polymerization by using nano γ‐Fe₂O₃ particles as pore‐agent. The microporous structure formed through eliminating the Fe₂O₃ particles was designed to achieve a faster response rate and better drug loading effect. Comparing to the neat gels, Pn‐Cm gels exhibit deteriorative mechanical properties with the increased pores, while the gels still keep the elastic network structure which could bear some degree of tensile and compression deformation. Meantime, Pn‐Cm gels show similar temperature and pH double responsiveness with same isoelectric point shrink as that of neat gels, the swelling ability decreases slightly, and the deswelling rate increases with the increase of pores. Moreover, the 5‐fluorouracil was used as a target drug to explore the potential of this gel applied as drug‐release system. For Pn‐Cm gels, the more pores and carboxymethyl chitosan inside the gels are beneficial to the drug loading, all gels show a burst release of drug, being followed by a slow and sustained release with different rate. Comprehensively, the Pn‐Cm gels exhibit a better sustained release effect in the simulated stomach condition (pH = 2.1), the related release mechanism could be interpreted by the superposition of Fickian diffusion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45326.     

Design of an antibacterial gelatin based on a covalent protein–protein coupling

An antibacterial peptide (AMP), i.e., nisin, was covalently bound to gelatin through a protein–protein coupling. Various reaction conditions were tested to study and optimize parameters of grafting e.g., orientation and density of AMP, which could impact the final antibacterial activity of the modified biopolymer. Modification was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and zeta potential. The antibacterial activity of the nisin‐enriched gelatin was evaluated against two staphylococci bacterial strains, i.e., Staphylococus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. A higher activity was found for gelatin modified at pH = 7.4 revealing an influence of the nisin orientation on the protein antibacterial property. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41825.     

Synthesis of 2‐hydroxypropyl dimethylbenzylammonium N,O‐(2‐carboxyethyl) chitosan chloride and its antibacterial activity

N,O‐(2‐carboxyethyl)chitosan (N,O‐2‐CEC) was prepared from chitosan with 3‐chloropropionic acid as modifying agent and NaOH as binding‐acid agent. 2‐Hydroxypropyl dimethylbenzylammonium N,O‐(2‐carboxyethyl) chitosan chloride (HPDMBA‐CEC) was obtained by the reaction of N,O‐2‐CEC with glycidyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (GDMBA) using NaOH as catalyst. The structures of chitosan derivatives were characterized by FTIR, ¹H NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. The antimicrobial activity of HPDMBA‐CEC was evaluated against a Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli (E.coli) and a Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Compared with CTS, N,O‐2‐CEC, and HPDMBA‐CTS, HPDMBA‐CEC had much stronger antimicrobial activity, and this activity increased with increasing substitution degree of quaternary ammonium group (DQ). When the substitution degree of carboxyethylation (DS of CE) was 0.72 and DQ was 0.60, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of HPDMBA‐CEC were 3.1 and 6.3 μg/mL against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Preparation of dual‐layer acetylated methyl cellulose hollow fiber membranes via co‐extrusion using thermally induced phase separation and non‐solvent induced phase separation methods

Dual‐layer acetylated methyl cellulose (AMC) hollow fiber membranes were prepared by coupling the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and non‐solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) methods through a co‐extrusion process. The TIPS layer was optimized by investigating the effects of coagulant composition on morphology and tensile strength. The solvent in the aqueous coagulation bath caused both delayed liquid–liquid demixing and decreased polymer concentration at the membrane surface, leading to porous structure. The addition of an additive (triethylene glycol, (TEG)) to the NIPS solution resolved the adhesion instability problem of the TIPS and NIPS layers, which occurred due to the different phase separation rates. The dual‐layer AMC membrane showed good mechanical strength and performance. Comparison of the fouling resistance of the AMC membranes with dual‐layer polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow fiber membranes fabricated with the same method revealed less fouling of the AMC than the PVDF hollow fiber membrane. This study demonstrated that a dual‐layer AMC membrane with good mechanical strength, performance, and fouling resistance can be successfully fabricated by a one‐step process of TIPS and NIPS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42715.     

Comparison of the antibacterial activity of modified‐cotton with magainin I and LL‐37 with potential as wound‐dressings

Wounds are the ideal setting for the development of micro‐organisms, so it is often necessary to apply a dressing to control bacterial colonization. Cotton is commonly used in dressings, as it exhibits important hydrophilic characteristics such as high moisture and fluid retention properties, but it may provide a sustainable media for the development of micro‐organisms. In this way, the development of new strategies to provide cotton materials with lasting and effective antimicrobial properties is of the utmost importance. Consequently, here we described two processes to develop cotton‐dressings functionalized with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) magainin I (MagI) and LL‐37, in order to give cotton‐dressings an antibacterial effect. The AMPs showed no cytotoxic effect against human fibroblasts so they are safe to contact with skin. In addition, the functionalized materials with either LL‐37 or MagI present an antimicrobial effect exhibiting inhibition ratios of 89% against Klebsiella pneumoniae and 58% against Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40997.     

Large-area thin films of silk fibroin prepared by two methods with formic acid as solvent and glycerol as plasticizer

This article reports on an evaluation of the physical, chemical, thermal, morphological, and thermomechanical behavior of silk fibroin (SF) films conducted by a casting process with formic acid as solvent. Thin films of SF with and without glycerol were produced by two different methods, namely M1, from degummed SF, and M2, after degumming, dissolution, dialysis, centrifuge, and freeze-drying of SF. According to the results, those fabricated by M1 are thinner and the addition of glycerol increased their thickness. All films showed high-surface area of approximately 1033 cm², good transparency, flexibility, absence of bubbles, hydrophilic characteristics, and high-thermal stability. They displayed a predominantly crystalline structure, no heat-induced crystallization, and spontaneous formation of β-sheet, favored by a chemical treatment with ethanol and the plasticization with glycerol. Their morphology was dependent on the production method adopted, and the nanofibril structure of SF was kept in the films obtained by M1. The films proved viable for the production of scaffolds for tissue engineering due to their adequate chemical, physical, and thermomechanical properties for this purpose. The preparation methods adopted enabled the regulation of both the structure and the material properties of SF films, and generated films of large dimensions and able for use in the treatment of patients with extensive burns on the body.     

Self‐assembling chitosan hydrogel: A drug‐delivery device enabling the sustained release of proteins

The development of a self‐assembling hydrogel, prepared from maleimide‐modified and thiolated chitosan (CS), is described. Under mild reaction conditions, the natural CS polymer was coupled with either maleimide or sulfhydryl moieties in a one‐step synthesis. Subsequently, these CS polymers spontaneously formed a covalently crosslinked CS hydrogel when mixed. The three‐dimensional network structure was visualized with scanning electron microscopy. The swelling and degradation behavior was evaluated, and viscosity measurements were conducted. The gel was loaded with the model protein albumin, and prolonged release was achieved. These properties were preserved after lyophilization and rehydration. This makes the hydrogel a promising scaffold for biological wound dressings for the treatment of chronic wounds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45638.     

Assessment of cell proliferation in knitting scaffolds with respect to pore‐size heterogeneity,surface wettability,and surface roughness

In this study, various types of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) knitting scaffolds were fabricated and analyzed to assess the cell‐culturing characteristics of knitting scaffolds with respect to pore‐size heterogeneity, surface wettability, and surface roughness. First, control knitting scaffolds were fabricated using 150‐µm‐diameter PCL monofilaments. Using chloroform and NaOH, PCL knitting scaffolds with varying roughness, pore‐size heterogeneity, and surface wettability were fabricated. Cell‐culture assessments were performed on these six types of PCL knitting scaffolds. Saos‐2 cells were used for cell assessments and cultured for 14 days on each scaffold. Consequently, heterogeneous pore‐size distribution and high surface wettability were found to enhance cell proliferation in knitting scaffolds. In addition, for highly hydrophobic knitting scaffolds exhibiting water contact angles greater than 110 degrees, smaller surface roughness was found to enhance cell proliferation. According to this study, in the case of knitting scaffold, NaOH‐treated knitting scaffold, without any control for the pore‐size homogenization, could be a candidate as the optimal knitting scaffold. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42566.     

Synthesis,spectral analysis,and catalytic activity of poly(aniline‐co‐congored)–metal oxide nanocomposites

Electrically conducting, water‐soluble fluorescent copolymer nanocomposites were synthesized by a solution polymerization method under different experimental conditions in the presence of CuO and V₂O₅ nanoparticles. The prepared copolymer nanocomposites were characterized with analytical tools, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The order of copolymerization was determined on the basis of the UV–vis absorption spectra and fluorescence emission spectra. The copolymer–CuO nanocomposite system exhibited the highest electrical conductivity. The scanning electron microscopy image showed the presence of more CuO nanoparticles on the surface of the copolymer. Furthermore, the catalytic activity of the copolymer nanocomposites was tested for the reduction of p‐nitrophenol. All three types of polymer systems exhibited almost the same apparent rate constant values. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46469.     

Biocompatible scaffolds composed of chemically crosslinked chitosan and gelatin for tissue engineering

Chitosan‐based scaffolds are widely studied in tissue regeneration because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Scaffolds are obtained by different techniques and can be modified with other polymers allowing controlling their properties. This article discusses the assembling of three‐dimensional chitosan porous scaffolds blended with gelatin. Gelatin was used to enhance cells attachment due to the presence of cell adhesion motifs, while improving mechanical strength. 2,5‐dimethoxy‐2,5‐dihydrofurane (DHF) was used as the crosslinking agent, because it allowed to control the reaction kinetics through temperature, time and DHF concentration. The results indicate that scaffolds morphology, pore sizes and distribution, compressive moduli and biodegradation in vitro with lysozyme, can be customized with variations of gelatin content and crosslinking degree. Scaffolds were neither cytotoxic nor genotoxic for human keratinocytes, exhibiting cell–substrate interactions. Our findings demonstrated that chitosan–gelatin scaffolds crosslinked with DHF, as a new crosslinking agent, are suitable in tissue engineering applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43814.     

Improving the antifouling properties of polypropylene surfaces by melt blending with polyethylene glycol diblock copolymers

Protein‐resistant polyethylene‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PE‐b‐PEG) copolymers of different molecular weights at various concentrations were compounded by melt blending with polypropylene (PP) polymers in order to enhance their antifouling properties. Phase separation of the PE‐b‐PEG copolymer and its migration to the surface of the PP blend, was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and static water contact angle measurements. Enrichment of PEG chains at the surface of the blends increased with increasing PE‐b‐PEG copolymer concentration and molecular weight. The PP blends compounded with PE‐b‐PEG copolymer having the lowest molecular weight (875 g mol^?1), at the lowest concentration (1 wt %), gave the lowest bovine serum protein adsorption (30% less) compared to that of neat PP. At higher concentrations (5 and 10 wt %), and higher molecular weights (920, 1400, and 2250 g mol^?1), the PE‐b‐PEG copolymers leached‐out resulting in protein adsorption comparable to that of neat PP. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46122.     

Developing antibacterial surgical adhesives: An enhancement of cyanoacrylate polymers

Surgical site infections (SSIs) and traumatic wounds have a significant risk of becoming contaminated by microbial pathogens of both endogenous and nosocomial origins, including Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci sp.. One preventative approach is to protect wounds from infection by using a rapidly curing adhesive to seal the wound and prevent further contamination. Here, we demonstrate the covalent incorporation of an antimicrobial, quaternary ammonium chloride monomer (quat) into a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (2oc) polymer adhesive. Copolymerization was confirmed via nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity of the copolymer was assessed against: S. epidermidis and E. coli, and 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. The CA-Quat polymer was found to exhibit dose-dependent bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against both E. coli and S. epidermidis, importantly without showing any demonstrable toxicity against mammalian 3T3 fibroblast cells. The described experiments provide promising data to suggest successful copolymerization, effective antibacterial properties, and remarkably low cytotoxic effects of the copolymer on mammalian cells.