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[Display omitted] • Nanostructured Boost: Nano strontium hydroxyapatite (nSrHA) enhances biocomposite strength and stability. • Osteogenic phytochemical-enriched biocomposites show promise for bone regeneration. • Cytocompatibility, controlled release of BM, improved degradation, and increased mechanical strength due to nSrHA incorporation. • Biocomposites significantly boost rADMSC proliferation and viability. • Safe, effective scaffolds ideal for non-load-bearing/maxillofacial reconstructive surgeries. Biocomposite materials, composed of biodegradable polymers and supplements, are promising for bone regenerative matrices due to their mechanical strength and excellent osteoconductivity. This study focuses on fabricating electrospun composite scaffolds using the bark extract of Butea monosperma (BM), nano strontium hydroxyapatite (nSrHA), and polycaprolactone (PCL). Four types of scaffolds were prepared: PCL (control), BM-PCL, nSrHA-PCL, and BM-nSrHA-PCL. The scaffolds were evaluated through various techniques: bright field microscopy for standardization, SEM for structural evaluation, and SEM-EDX for elemental analysis. Additionally, mechanical strength, release study, degradation, and protein adsorption were assessed. Furthermore, cytotoxicity, proliferation, and cytocompatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated using rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rADMSCs) through SEM, MTT assay, LDH assay, DAPI staining, and Direct contact assay. SEM analysis confirmed that all four fabricated scaffolds were nano-fibrous in nature. The incorporation of phytochemicals and nSrHA was confirmed via SEM-EDX. Mechanical testing revealed that the BM-nSrHA-PCL scaffolds had superior mechanical properties compared to the control PCL scaffolds. Protein adsorption studies indicated enhanced protein binding in BM-nSrHA-PCL scaffolds. Degradation studies showed that BM-nSrHA-PCL scaffolds had a controlled degradation rate suitable for tissue engineering applications. Cytotoxicity tests confirmed that all scaffolds were noncytotoxic. Proliferation and cytocompatibility assays demonstrated that BM-nSrHA-PCL scaffolds significantly promoted cell proliferation compared to other scaffold types. These results suggest that the BM-nSrHA-PCL scaffolds exhibit improved mechanical properties, protein adsorption, controlled degradation, and enhanced cell proliferation, making them promising candidates for bone tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Crosslinked composite of poly (propylene fumarate)-polyurethane with kartogenin modified chitosan was fabricated via free radical polymerization. • Poly (propylene fumarate)-polyurethane improved the mechanical properties of the scaffold. • Chitosan-kartogenin promoted chondrogenic differentiation. • The composites showed good biocompatibility. • The composites offered the desired potential for cartilage tissue engineering. In this research, we explored the development of a cross-linked polymer composite, poly(propylene fumarate)-polyurethane urea (PPFUU), designed to foster the differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) into chondrocytes. PPFUU was synthesized using PPF-diol, 1,6-diisocyanatohexane, and putrescin, which served as the soft section, hard section, and chain extender, respectively. To optimize its characteristics, PPFUU was integrated with a chitosan-kartogenin conjugate (CS-KGN) at varying weight fractions. The blend underwent chemical crosslinking via free radical polymerization, with benzoyl peroxide as the initiator and N-vinyl pyrrolidinone as the crosslinking agent. The resulting composites were rigorously analyzed for different properties, including thermal behavior, hydrophilicity, compressive strength, biocompatibility, and more. Significantly, the introduction of CS enhanced glycosaminoglycan formation. Furthermore, hADMSCs, when cultured in chondrogenic media on the CS-KGN-integrated PPFUU composite, exhibited upregulated SOX9 and aggrecan expression. Based on these in vitro results, the CS-KGN-conjugated PPFUU composite presents a promising avenue for cartilage tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocomposites, and generally bio-based plastics, are seen as a promising alternative to conventional plastics because they are based on renewable natural components (eco-friendly) with a lower cost. Biocomposites using soy protein and glycerol were obtained with an injection moulding technique as the thermoprocessing method. Nanoclay (Montmorillonite, MMT-Na + ) was included to improve physicochemical properties of novel SPI/MMT nanocomposites prepared by injection moulding, primary attending to water uptake capacity (WUC), but also considering rheological and mechanical properties. The influence of processing conditions has been studied in order to assess the modifications taking place in the microstructure and properties of these nanocomposites. Addition of MMT-Na + improves mechanical properties and WUC of SPI-based materials, depending on processing conditions. Injection pressure only exerts a slight enhancement of mechanical properties and WUC. However, an increase in mixing time leads to a relevant increase in WUC without impairing the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Plastic pollution has become a global threat to humanity. Fortunately, humanity has always found ways of overcoming such threats through multipronged approaches. To overcome this current threat brought about by anthropogenic linear pattern of take-make-use-dispose of fossil-based plastics, an intentional approach of adopting biobased plastics which are renewable has taken shape. In this approach, governments, industry, and academia are at the forefront of making determined commitments to slow down the spiralling carbon footprint and aim at net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In this regard, PHAs which have a rich resume of desired properties to replace non-renewable fossil-based plastics are increasingly becoming popular. However, PHA production cost is still high compared with the fossil-based plastics and there exists properties performance gap because they are typically brittle, especially the short chain length PHAs (Scl-PHAs). Considerable efforts are geared towards tuning the mechanical properties as well as reducing the cost to meet the market requirements. The most authentic way of tackling these twin-challenges of reducing the cost of PHA products and their properties enhancement is the incorporation of fillers sourced from renewable sources, especially the plant biomass. In this comprehensive review, Scl-PHAs biopolymers are discussed, their modifications with plant biomass (natural fibres and components, agro-residues, and industrial residues) are elucidated. Moreover, their wide scope of applications, sustainability performance (biodegradation studies) and other viable end-of-life options are amply discussed. Finally, we draw conclusions and highlight future opportunities in this exciting bioplastic area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin biocomposites were successfully manufactured by extrusion followed by injection. The employment of these industrial techniques, which have not been widely used in the case of biopolymers such as gelatins, represents an important advance for the development of gelatin-based biocomposites. Furthermore, the use of a non-enzymatic reaction to cross-link proteins provides a new approach to improve and control some functional properties, such as solubility and swelling. The addition of lactose in the formulations, as well as the heating of injected biocomposites, caused gelatin cross-linking, changing the protein structure towards the formation of pores and thus, solubility, density, and swelling decreased. Additionally, the cross-linked biocomposites showed good mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a novel composite hydrogel consisting of silk fibroin (SF) and nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA) prepared by a new and innovative method using ethanol as gelling agent capable of forming hydrogels in few minutes. The properties of the composite material, such as the microstructure as well as the chemical and physical properties were studied. Moreover in␣vitro studies of osteoblastic citocompatibility were performed. The microporosity and macroporosity obtained combined with interconnected porous structure and a uniform dispersion of nanoHA particles throughout the fibroin matrix makes composite hydrogel suitable for bone regeneration. The compression modulus of composite hydrogels was increased as the nanoHA concentration increased from 10 to 15 wt.% and the water uptake ability of these materials decreased with the incorporation of nanoHA. The metabolic and alkaline phosphatase activities of osteoblastic cells were improved with the incorporation of nanoHA in the SF matrix providing a more promising material for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • nHAp/PLDLLA composites with wt.% ratio: 10/90 and 20/80 were prepared by an-extrusion process. • Structural properties of the filler and polymeric blends were characterized in detail. • Mechanical results and density values were reported as close to human bone. • Contact angle analysis showed a favored growth of tissue on the biocomposite containing 10 wt% nHAp. • The PLDLLA-based composite can be an excellent candidate for bone reconstruction implants. A novel, bone-reconstruction dedicated polymeric-nanohydroxyapatite material has been prepared for 3D-printed implant. The composites of poly(L-lactide- co -D,L-lactide) (PLDLLA) and nanosized hydroxyapatite were prepared by a co-rotating twin-screw extrusion. Structural properties of the filler and polymeric blends were characterized by XRD (X-ray Powder Diffraction), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and EDS mapping (energy dispersive spectroscopy), FT-IR (Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy), and NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) technics. Molar masses of the composites at various preparation steps were also investigated. The structural studies and thermogravimetric analysis proved a successful preparation of the nanohydroxyapatite and its nanocomposites. Mechanical results in conjunction with density values, reported as close to human bone, evidenced usability of this novel material for internal bone fixation implant. Contact angle analysis showed favored growth of tissue on the biocomposite containing 10 wt% of the filler. The PLDLLA-based composite can be an excellent candidate for bone reconstruction implants due to their superior mechanical properties, bioactivity, and complete resorbability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new kind of tissue engineering scaffold materials of needle-like nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) and polyamide (PA) biocomposite is prepared by co-solution, co-precipitation method and water treatment under normal atmospheric pressure. The n-HA crystals uniformly distribute in the composite with a crystal size of 10–20 nm in diameter by 70–90 nm in length. The n-HA/PA composite has good homogeneity, high n-HA content (65 wt%), and high bioactivity. Strong molecule interactions and chemical bondings are present between the n-HA and PA in the composite, which are verified by IR, XPS and XRD. The composite has excellent mechanical properties close to the natural bone. The porous 3-D scaffold is made by injection foaming method, which has not only macropores, but also micropores on the walls of macropores. The porosity is 80% and the average macropore diameter is about 300 μm of the composite.The n-HA/PA composite can be used for tissue engineering and bone repair or substitute. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Functionalized nHAp was obtained using arginine or polyethylenimine. • Resulted nanoparticles were comparatively characterized relative to used modifiers. • Linear polyethylenimine coated hydroxyapatite had the best DNA binding ability. • Use of LPEI functionalized nHAp in biocomposites recipe had a strengthening effect. • The 3D constructs demonstrated rapid self–recovery and fatigue resistant behavior. Functionalized nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) was obtained by wet chemical technique, using arginine (Arg) or polyethylenimine (branched-bPEI, or linear-LPEI) as cationic modifiers and dispersing agents. TEM, FT-IR, SEM, DLS and WAXD characterization results showed that the prepared nanoparticles possessed needle- or plate-like morphologies and Arg and PEI were successfully grafted onto nHAp. LPEI functionalized nHAp exhibited a good similitude with biological apatite and the best DNA binding ability. In addition, the incorporation of nHAp/LPEI nanoparticles within collagen/dimethylsilanediol hyaluronate-based porous matrices pointed out a significant improvement of the compressive modulus of biocomposites: up to a six-fold increase, compared with the polymer matrix without fillers. Moreover, the composite sponges revealed high toughness during five consecutive compression tests without any permanent deformation and cracks. Therefore, nHAp/LPEI nanoparticles could be considered promising materials for biomedical applications, like gene carrier or reinforcement filler with strong interfacial adhesion in biocomposites for bone engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]