Biofunctionalization of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

In the last ten years, environmental consciousness has increased worldwide, leading to the development of eco-friendly materials to replace synthetic ones. Natural fibers are extracted from renewable resources at low cost. Their combination with synthetic polymers as reinforcement materials has been an important step forward in that direction. The sustainability and excellent physical and biological (e.g., biocompatibility, antimicrobial activity) properties of these biocomposites have extended their application to the biomedical field. This paper offers a detailed overview of the extraction and separation processes applied to natural fibers and their posterior chemical and physical modifications for biocomposite fabrication. Because of the requirements for biomedical device production, specialized biomolecules are currently being incorporated onto these biocomposites. From antibiotics to peptides and plant extracts, to name a few, this review explores their impact on the final biocomposite product, in light of their individual or combined effect, and analyzes the most recurrent strategies for biomolecule immobilization.

Physical, Thermal, and Antibacterial Effects of Active Essential Oils with Potential for Biomedical Applications Loaded onto Cellulose Acetate/Polycaprolactone Wet-Spun Microfibers

“…For many years, biomolecules have been used in biomedical applications to fight infections and/or instigate specific cell/tissue responses. A wide range of antimicrobial agents fall within the category of biomolecules, including the antibiotics, peptides, enzymes, organic nanoparticles, and natural extracts [1]. From those, the most widely used are the antibiotics.…”

Spun Biotextiles in Tissue Engineering and Biomolecules Delivery Systems

“…[3]. In many of these cases, biotextiles are processed in the form of fibrous structures with a large surface area and adequate chemistry, high and uniform porosity and pore interconnectivity, resembling the fibrous architecture of the extracellular matrix and, in this way, enabling cell adhesion and migration, vascularization and nutrients transport [4,5].…”

“…Other factors influencing their properties are the type of natural or synthetic fiber, the chemical compatibility between the fiber and matrix phases, the corresponding surface energies and the properties of the interface. Furthermore, fiber separation and extraction processes play a determinant role in the quality, yield and structure of the final product [5].…”

“…In biomolecule delivery systems, the compatibility of the drug (antibiotic, growth factors, antimicrobial peptide, essential oil, plant extract, etc.) with the polymer is crucial for a successful outcome [5,9,10]. Still, challenges remain on this front due to the degradation or denaturation of the biological molecules when combined with organic solvents.…”

“…Previous publications focused on the advances in the manufacturing of biofunctional fibers [11] and on the development of nanofibrous scaffolds by electrospinning [12], natural-fiber reinforced biocomposites [5] and cellulose-based electrospun scaffolds for wound healing [13], as well as possible tridimensional fibrous structures for flat bone regeneration [14] and even the use of electrochemically aligned collagen threads in the form of scaffolds to repair critical infraspinatus tendon defects [15]. The present work addresses these issues and the applications and advantages introduced by biotextiles in tissue engineering and controlled drug release.…”