Topic Review
Defining Bioplastics
A “plastic” by definition is a polymer-based formulation, which consists of one or more polymers (homopolymer, copolymers, blends) plus additives and fillers. “Bioplastics” are either biobased and/or biodegradable, at least to a certain degree and as per a given definition (standard, test method).
  • 92
  • 29 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Bioglass 45S5
Oxides of sodium, calcium, silicon, and phosphorus form the Na2O–CaO–SiO2–P2O5 system, of which the most famous material—Bioglass 45S5—was developed in 1969 by Professor Larry Hench. In the middle of the 1980s, Bioglass 45S5 was introduced to the market, and it stimulated many research groups to an intensive investigation of bioactive glasses and their further applications.
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  • 29 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Magnesium Bioabsorbable Materials Based on Reinforced Polymeric Matrices
Improvements in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine (TERM)–type technologies have allowed the development of specific materials that, together with a better understanding of bone tissue structure, have provided new pathways to obtain biomaterials for bone tissue regeneration.
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  • 27 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Applications of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-Based Materials
Among the various biopolymers derived from the PHA family, the copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), commonly known as PHBV, stands out for its inherent versatility. Unlike many other members of the PHA family that are derived from a single monomer and exhibit consistent physicochemical properties, PHBV offers the unique advantage of tunability. By adjusting the ratio of 3HB to 3HV monomers, the material properties can be tailored to produce products from flexible films to rigid molded objects. This adaptability made PHBV more versatile and expanded its potential applications.
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  • 22 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Sustainable Harnessing of SiO2 Nanoparticles from Rice Husks
Rice husks, as a residue from agriculture, had been largely used as a source of power through direct incineration in major rice-producing countries. However, rice husks present an intriguing opportunity as a renewable source of SiO2, offering a low-cost adsorbent with a high surface area and ease of functionalization that can be transformed into diverse mesoporous silica structures or composites, enabling applications in catalysis, drug delivery, water treatment, etc. This dual potential of rice husks can be harnessed by combining bio-oil and syngas production through pyrolysis with the efficient extraction of SiO2, ensuring the comprehensive utilization of the biomass. 
  • 144
  • 22 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Graphene-Based Composites for Biomedical Applications
The application of graphene-based materials in medicine has led to significant technological breakthroughs. The remarkable properties of these carbon materials and their potential for functionalization with various molecules and compounds make them highly attractive for numerous medical applications. To enhance their functionality and applicability, extensive research has been conducted on surface modification of graphene (GN) and its derivatives, including modifications with antimicrobials, metals, polymers, and natural compounds. 
  • 107
  • 22 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Properties of Pectic Polysaccharides
Pectin consists of many active functional groups of polysaccharides, enabling them to have much more excellent modification properties than other biopolymers. Pectin is a hydrophilic natural polymer that can absorb or retain much water and exhibit swelling properties. Hydrogels and composite materials can be formed by crosslinking and other techniques, and the matrix structure can be incorporated with various bioactive compounds. Pectin-based smart composites with physical-sensitive (light, temperature, electricity), chemical-sensitive (pH, redox, glucose), and biological-sensitive (enzymes) properties are suitable in the delivery system of bioactive compounds in addition to their suitable biodegradable and biocompatible properties. Due to its broad availability, pectin has become a prominent branch of the research and development of nature-based biomedical and healthcare areas.
  • 113
  • 19 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Applications of Metallic Glasses
Metallic glasses can be a perfect alternative to conventional crystalline biomaterials (such as 316L stainless steel, Ti or Ti-based alloys, Zr or Zr-based alloys, Co-Cr alloys, etc.) when used as coatings for surgical devices and implants inside the human body. Owing to their outstanding electrocatalytic activity and durability, metallic glasses can be considered prominent candidates for energy-storage and -conversion devices, such as fuel and electrolysis cells, and batteries. Metallic-glass systems are gaining substantial momentum in the micro- and nano-imprinting of optoelectronic devices.
  • 299
  • 19 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Three-Dimensional Printing of Multifunctional Composites
Additive manufacturing, with its wide range of printable materials, and ability to minimize material usage, reduce labor costs, and minimize waste, has sparked a growing enthusiasm among researchers for the production of advanced multifunctional composites. Over the past few decades, our environment has witnessed a significant accumulation of plastic waste, mainly due to human economic activities. Plastic pollution negatively affects the ecosystem and global warming, so our society urgently needs solutions to counteract these effects. Therefore, the closed-loop economy principle is fundamental to reducing the amount of non-biodegradable petroleum-based waste.
  • 129
  • 18 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Protein Delivery
Proteins and peptides are potential therapeutic agents, but their physiochemical properties make their use as drug substances challenging. Hydrogels are hydrophilic polymeric networks that can swell and retain high amounts of water or biological fluids without being dissolved. Due to their biocompatibility, their porous structure, which enables the transport of various peptides and proteins, and their protective effect against degradation, hydrogels have gained prominence as ideal carriers for these molecules’ delivery. Particularly, stimuli-responsive hydrogels exhibit physicochemical transitions in response to subtle modifications in the surrounding environment, leading to the controlled release of entrapped proteins or peptides. 
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  • 18 Dec 2023
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