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Collagen, a biopolymer finds its application in the preparation of pharmaceutical products that are used in wound management, ophthalmic, orthopaedic and oral surgeries. This wide applicability is due its special properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, easy availability and high versatility. Collagen is isolated from various sources such as bovine skin, fish skin, chicken skin, skin waste of marine organisms, solid wastes of leather industry, short tendons of slaughtered cattle and bone. The isolated collagen from biological wastes is found to be cost effective due to the adaptation of simple methods for its isolation when compared with other commercially available biological macromolecules. The functional groups such as amino and carboxylic acid present in collagen helps in its modification that suits for various end uses which include wound healing, ophthalmic defects, drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. These beneficial properties impart uniqueness to collagen molecule among the available bio molecules.

Allogenous grafts with excellent biocompatibility and immuno-compatibility play a major role in most of the biomedical applications. In this regard, the present study focuses on fabricating a novel bone graft material containing biopolymers and phytochemicals which can replace the use of autogenous graft with high biocompatibility and osteogenecity. Based on this, a bone graft material was synthesized using biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), casein (CA), hen egg yolk (EY) and leaf extracts of Ormocarpum sennoides (Os). Two types of bone grafts namely group I (BCP-EY) and II (BCP-CA-Os-EY) were prepared and processed. The processed grafts were subjected to various characterizations like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and mechanical strength to show its chemical composition, stability and porosity. Further, the osteogenecity of the grafts were analyzed by performing invivo studies using wistar male albino rats. Samples were subjected to biochemical, radiological and histopathological analyses. Among the two grafts, graft II containing Ormocarpum sennoides extract showed excellent osteogenicity both invitro and invivo and hence it can be utilized in various biomedical applications like orthopedics, dental fillings, bone tissue engineering and in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Iron nanoparticles (INPs) are usually prepared from inorganic sources, but we have prepared it from goat blood using incineration method. These INPs are then coated with chitosan (C) and coupled with folic acid (F) to form bionanocomposite for folate receptors. Methods: The bionanocomposite was characterized for its physicochemical properties and cancer cell targeting studies using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging analyses. Results: The results have shown that the particle size of the INP-CF was found to be 80–300nm and confirmed the presence of chitosan and folic acid in the bionanocomposite. Cancer and normal mouse embryonic cell line study confirmed the internalization of INP-CF and this phenomenon was also supported by physicochemical studies. Conclusion: Thus, nanobiocomposite prepared using natural sources as a raw material will be beneficial compared to commercially available synthetic sources and can be used as receptor targeting agent for cancer treatment. This nanobiocomposite when coupled with substances such as monoclonal antibodies might act as a theranostic nanoagent for cancer therapy in the years to come. General significance: The prepared novel nanobiocomposite containing INPs isolated from natural source may be used as multifunctional agent due its paramagnetic property apart from its drug delivery effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

With the aim of utilizing the Keratinous waste material, poultry feather, which is up till now discarded as a waste, was hydrolyzed to form keratin hydrolyzate (FH). As FH does not form a film, it was mixed with gelatin (G) and FH‐G composite was prepared in film form. FH‐G was further graft co‐polymerized with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) to achieve better physico‐chemical properties for the resultant hydrogels. Percentage grafting studies and IR studies confirmed the grafting of PHEMA onto FH‐G. FH‐G‐PHEMA exhibited better mechanical properties compared to FH‐G and FH‐PHEMA. TG studies clearly indicated the grafting of HEMA onto FH and FH‐G. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) pictures of FH‐G and FH‐PHEMA films exhibited brittle nature on their surface, whereas continuity and A smooth surface was observed on for the FH‐G‐PHEMA films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composites, in film form, containing physiologically clotted fibrin, chitosan and gelatin were prepared and crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. The films were characterised for their IR spectroscopy, water absorption capacity (WAC) at different pH conditions, mechanical properties and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Fibrin+gelatin films gave higher WAC values in all the pH ranges (2,7 and 10) studied. However, with the addition of chitosan, the WAC values of the composite decreased. This was attributed to the crosslinking of glutaraldehyde with the hydrophilic groups available on chitosan and gelatin/fibrin. The amount of individual constituents, which gave maximum tensile strength to the FCG composite, was optimized. SEM pictures of the FCG have exhibited the fibrous and porous nature of the composite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amniotic collagen was crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and sub sequently graft copolymerized with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) [poly (HEMA)]. The graft copolymers were characterized for their percentage of graft ing, IR spectroscopy, mechanical strength and equilibrium water absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Critical-sized bone defects are augmented with cell free and cell loaded constructs to bridge bone defects. Improving the properties of three-dimensional scaffolds with multiple polymers and others is of growing interest in recent decades. Chitosan (CS), a natural biopolymer has limitations for its use in bone regeneration, and its properties can be enhanced with other materials. In the present study, the composite scaffolds containing CS, gelatin (Gn) and graphene oxide (GO) were fabricated through freeze-drying. These scaffolds (GO/CS/Gn) were characterized by the SEM, Raman spectra, FT-IR, EDS, swelling, biodegradation, protein adsorption and biomineralization studies. The inclusion of GO in the CS/Gn scaffolds showed better physico-chemical properties. The GO/CS/Gn scaffolds were cyto-friendly to rat osteoprogenitor cells, and they promoted differentiation of mouse mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. The scaffolds also accelerated bridging of the rat tibial bone defect with increased collagen deposition in vivo . Hence, these results strongly suggested the potential nature of GO/CS/Gn scaffolds for their application in bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presently, the leftovers from leather product industries are discarded as waste in Ethiopia. The objective of the present study was therefore, to prepare composite sheets by incorporating various plant fibers like enset ( Ensete ventricosum ), hibiscus ( Hibiscus cannabinus ), jute ( Corchorus trilocularis L.), palm ( Phoenix dactylifera ) and sisal ( Agave sisal ) in various proportions into the leather waste. Resin binder (RB) and natural rubber latex (NRL) were used as binding agents for the preparation of the composite sheets. The composite sheets prepared were characterized for their physicochemical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, stitch tear strength, water absorption, water desorption and flexing strength). Composite sheets prepared using RB having 10% hibiscus, 20% palm and 40% sisal fibers showed better mechanical properties than their respective controls. In composite sheets prepared using NRL having 30% jute fiber exhibited better mechanical properties than its control. Most of the plant fibers used in this study played a role in increasing the performance of the sheets. However, as seen from the results, the contribution of these plant fibers on performance of the composite sheets prepared is dependent on the ratio used and the nature of binder. The SEM studies have exhibited the composite nature of the sheets and FTIR studies have shown the functional groups of collagen protein, cellulose and binders. The prepared sheets were used as raw materials for preparation of items like stiff hand bags, ladies’ purse, keychain, chappal upper, wallet, wall cover, mouse pad and other interior decorating products. By preparing such value added products, we can reduce solid waste; minimize environmental pollution and thereby securing environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to synthesize and characterize a bio-composite scaffold containing carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), zinc doped nano-hydroxyapatite (Zn-nHAp) and ascorbic acid (AC) for bone tissue engineering applications. The fabricated bio-composite scaffold was characterized by SEM, FT-IR and XRD analyses. The ability of scaffold along with a bioactive molecule, microRNA-15b (miR-15b) for osteo-differentiation at cellular and molecular levels was determined using mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs). miR-15b acts as posttranscriptional gene regulator and regulates osteoblast differentiation. The scaffold and miR-15b were able to promote osteoblast differentiation; when these treatments were combined together on mMSCs, there was an additive effect on promotion of osteoblast differentiation. Thus, it appears that the combination of CMC/Zn-nHAp/AC scaffold with miR-15b would provide more efficient strategy for treating bone related defects and bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scaffold based bone tissue engineering utilizes a variety of biopolymers in different combinations aiming to deliver optimal properties required for bone regeneration. In the current study, we fabricated bio-composite scaffolds containing chitosan (CS), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) with varied concentrations of mesoporous wollastonite (m-WS) particles by the freeze drying method. The CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds were characterized by the SEM, EDS and FT-IR studies. Addition of m-WS particles had no effect on altering the porosity of the scaffolds. m-WS particles at 0.5% concentration in the CS/CMC scaffolds showed significant improvement in the bio-mineralization and protein adsorption properties. Addition of m-WS particles in the CS/CMC scaffolds significantly reduced their swelling and degradation properties. The CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds also showed cyto-friendly nature to human osteoblastic cells. The osteogenic potential of CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds was confirmed by calcium deposition and expression of an osteoblast specific microRNA, pre-mir-15b. Thus, the current investigations support the use of CS/CMC/m-WS scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomaterials are used in regenerative medicine, implantable materials, controlled release carriers or scaffolds for tissue engineering. In the present study, the composites containing regenerated cellulose (RC) and chitosan (Ch) impregnated with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) with and without antibiotic gentamicin (G) were prepared. The composites prepared were characterized for their physico-chemical and mechanical properties and the results have shown the composite nature. RC–Ch–Ag and RC–Ch–Ag–G composites were used as wound dressing materials in experimental wounds of rats. The healing pattern of the wounds was evaluated by planimetric studies, macroscopic observations, biochemical studies and mechanical properties. The results have shown faster healing pattern in the wounds treated with RC–Ch–Ag and RC–Ch–Ag–G composites compared to untreated control. This study revealed that RC–Ch–Ag composite might be a potential, economical wound dressing material and may be tried on the clinical wounds of animals before being applied on humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: In this study, an attempt has been made with the advent of technology to prepare a multifunctional nanobiocomposite (NBC) for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy. Methods: Collagen (C) was fabricated as nanofibers with multifunctional moieties viz. CFeAb*D by incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe), coupling with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled antibody (Ab*) and loading an anticancer gemcitabine drug (D). This NBC was characterized by conventional methods and evaluated for its biological activities. Results: The UV–vis and FTIR spectroscopic studies revealed the fluorescein to protein ratio and revealed the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles and their interaction with the collagen molecules, respectively. While SDS-PAGE showed the proteinaceous nature of collagen, VSM and TEM studies revealed magnetic saturation as 54.97emu/g and a magnetic nanoparticle with a diameter in the range of 10–30nm and the dimension of nanofiber ranging from 97 to 270nm. A MRI scan has shown a super paramagnetic effect, which reveals that the prepared NBC can be used as a MRI contrast agent. The MTT assay has shown biocompatibility and an apoptotic effect while phase contrast microscopy exhibited receptor mediated uptake of endocytosis. Conclusion: The novelty in the prepared NBC lies in the collagen nanofibers, which have a higher penetrating property without causing much cell damage, biocompatibility and multifunctional properties and is able to carry multifunctional agents. General significance: The study has demonstrated the possible use of CFeAb*D as a multifunctional NBC for biomedical applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Studies on the mechanisms of mineralization of connective tissues, have gained momentum in the recent past. In the present study, Biomimetic mineralization of modified fish scale collagen in vitro is reported. The fish scale collagen was crosslinked with 3-Aminopropyl triethoxysilane and the crosslinked collagen (FCSi) was characterized using conventional methods. The biomimetic mineralization capacity of FCSi was evaluated in SBF solution for 7days. Formation of hydroxyapatite crystals on the matrix in vitro has been confirmed by FTIR, XRD and SEM-EDAX techniques. The FCSi may be used as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering and as an osteoinductive material in experimental animal models before applying clinically. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The positive attributes of excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability of biopolymers with versatile biological activities have provided ample opportunities for further development of functional biomaterials of high potential in various fields. The biopolymers used in this study, i.e. chitosan and sago starch are abundantly available in nature and can be used in various biomedical applications. In the present study, the composite films of chitosan (Ch) and sago starch (SG) impregnated with silver nanoparticles (AgNP) with and without antibiotic gentamicin (G) were prepared by solvent casting method. The films prepared were characterized for their physic-chemical properties using conventional methods. The results obtained showed that with the increase of chitosan content in the composite results in decrease in its water absorption capacity. The FTIR and SEM studies have shown the composite nature of the films prepared. Ch-SG-AgNP and Ch-SG-AgNP-G composites were used as wound dressing materials in experimental wounds of rats. The healing pattern of the wounds was evaluated by planimetric studies, macroscopic observations, biochemical studies and histopathological observations. The results have shown faster healing pattern in the wounds treated with Ch-SG-AgNP and Ch-SG-AgNP-G composites compared to untreated control. This study suggests that Ch-SG-AgNP film may be a potential candidate as a dressing material for wound healing applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanostructure processing was applied to derive a novel hydroxyapatite–titania bioceramic with ultrafine structure and significantly improved mechanical properties for orthopedic and dental implant applications. Despite its attractive bioactivity, hydroxyapatite (HAp) has been limited in applications due to the poor processability and mechanical strength of the conventional material. To improve the load-sharing and stress distribution we have introduced in situ nanostructured high-strength HAp–TiO2 obtained by microwave-assisted co-precipitation. The nanostructured HAp–TiO2 nanocomposite demonstrated excellent chemical and structural uniformity. This novel inorganic–inorganic hybrid ceramic holds a great promise for bone tissue engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fish scales, which are hitherto discarded as waste, were collected and cleaned thoroughly. The scales were hydrolyzed under controlled acidic conditions, neutralized and made in to a sheet, i.e., fish scale collagen sheet (FCS). The FCS was characterized for its infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and mechanical properties. The IR study has shown that the sheet contains both organic and inorganic phases revealing that the scales are partially deminaralized. The tensile strength of FCS is enough if it is used as a wound dressing material. The SEM studies have shown that FCS is porous and exhibited fibrous nature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]