Diseases articles within Polymer Journal

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  • Original Article
    | Open Access

    We explored the feasibility of Tetra-PEG gel, a controllable hydrogel, as a new biomaterial to develop a coating agent for post-ESD ulcers. We examined the optimal conditions for hydrogel application and developed a specialized catheter, then investigated its properties. Ultimately, we successfully used the optimized hydrogel and device to cover post-ESD ulcers in the porcine stomach. Further optimization of the hydrogel and ongoing research through animal experiments are expected to deepen our understanding of the material’s effects on ulcer healing and contribute to its clinical applications.

    • Rina Cho
    • , Hiroyuki Kamata
    •  & Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
  • Original Article |

    In this work, we employed Carbothane® electrospun matrices (PCU) for lysine surface modification, using oligomers obtained from allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) reaction as spacers. The incorporation of AGE oligomers significantly reduced the nonspecific protein adsorption, while further modification with lysine led to a more pronounced decrease. The lysine-modified matrices presented increased plasminogen adsorption capacity and in vitro clot lysis ability, confirming the plasminogen adsorption selectivity and thus improving the hemocompatibility behavior of these matrices.

    • Alfonso Pepe
    • , Maria Gabriela Guevara
    •  & Pablo Christian Caracciolo
  • Review |

    Hydrogels have been used in vascular engineering owing to their mechanical properties and tissue-like characteristics. Hydrogel-based blood vessels can be constructed from natural or synthetic materials alone, or require a combination of both. The manufacturing methods play an important role in constructing vascular engineering to induce the vascular endothelial cells function driven by shear stress and biomechanical force. The different components and methods of engineered vascular hydrogels described in this review would provide useful information for the desired applications of in vitro tissue models.

    • Muhammad Asri Abdul Sisak
    • , Fiona Louis
    •  & Michiya Matsusaki
  • Note |

    This study examines the use of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA)-coated polystyrene functionalized with peptides that mimic receptors found on red blood cells for detection of the influenza virus. Although the current method, the hemagglutination inhibition test, utilized by the World Health Organization, is simple, it has some limitations. We found that our peptide dimers attached to beads were efficiently agglutinated, leading us to detect the presence of the influenza virus antigens. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the fight against influenza because we provide an alternative method for the important task of influenza surveillance and diagnosis.

    • Teruhiko Matsubara
    • , Akane Kubo
    •  & Toshinori Sato
  • Review |

    Amphiphilic block polymers having nitroxide radicals (TEMPO) self-assemble in water to form nanoparticles. This is a new nanomedicine that avoids the adverse effects of conventional antioxidants, which destroy the intracellular redox environment, and makes it possible to treat various oxidative-stress-related diseases such as cerebral or cardiovascular ischemia-reperfusions, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. In addition, we have designed a gelation function in these materials and developed them as a material for anti-tissue adhesion agents and periodontal diseases. Additionally, we succeeded in enhancing cultured cell functions using an antioxidant biointerface.

    • Yukio Nagasaki
  • Original Article |

    Block antibacterial polyurethane and terminated antibacterial polyurethane were prepared based on N-methyl-N-dodecyl-N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium bromide. Their antibacterial properties were determined using qualitative and quantitative tests, and the physical performances of the antibacterial polyurethane (APU) were also investigated. The results indicate that the APUs display marked mechanical properties, water absorption and improved antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, with the most potency against E. coli.

    • Chun-Hua Wang
    • , Gui-Ge Hou
    •  & Wen-Shuai Liu
  • Review |

    With the increase in the number of implant-dependent surgeries and biofilm-associated complications, there is a need to counteract and deal with this phenomenon. This has led to various approaches to elucidate the etiology and pathogenesis of the infection. This review critically evaluates the formation, characteristics, pathogenicity and the molecular genetics of both implant- and nonimplant-associated medical biofilm.

    • Venkatesan Nandakumar
    • , Samuel Chittaranjan
    •  & Mukesh Doble
  • Original Article |

    The present work deals with the chemical conjugation of biodegradable polymer, PLGA, with a natural anti-inflammatory drug, GlcN. PLGA–GlcN conjugate was self-assembled into NPs contained nanostructure with the aid of probe sonication. Self-assembled nanostructure is composed of hydrophobic PLGA at the surface and hydrophilic GlcN at inner core, which helps its enhanced transdermal permeation for GlcN delivery. Shortest lag time with high flux value obtained with transdermal permeation of nanostructures on human cadaver skin confirms its ability as efficient GlcN vehicle for treating inflammatory diseases.

    • Mohana Marimuthu
    • , Devasier Bennet
    •  & Sanghyo Kim