Latex and natural rubber: processing techniques for biomedical applications

Wound healing represents a global challenge for the healthcare system, resulting in substantial costs and physical and emotional impacts on individuals. There is an increasing demand for innovative alternatives to treat this condition. The co‐electrospinning technique enables the production of porous membrane composed of natural and synthetic polymers, which exhibit unique functions and adjustable mechanical properties that assist in the tissue healing process. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the physical–chemical, mechanical, and biological properties of membrane composed of poly(l‐co‐d,l‐lactic acid) (PLDLA) co‐electrospun with different concentrations of natural rubber (NR) (1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%). Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the porous surface of the membranes. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of NR in the material. The low Young's modulus obtained in the mechanical tensile test for the PLDLA membrane co‐electrospun with 1.5% NR indicated its elastic capacity under low tension. The results corroborate with the differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis, which highlights the compatibility between polymers at this specific proportion, as well as in vitro biocompatibility. The findings underscore the potential of PLDLA and NR co‐electrospun membranes as promising candidates for formulating biomaterials for applications such as dermal dressings.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development of co‐electrospun membrane composed poly(l‐co‐d,l‐lactic acid) and natural rubber with potential application in dermal dressing

Pinto,

V. Quevedo,

Komatsu

et al. 2024

Advanced functional polymer materials for biomedical applications

Elsayed,

Teow

2024

Polymer structures are essential in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form intricate structures on micro‐ to nanometer scales. This review, emphasizing electrospinning and phase inversion techniques, examines the fabrication strategies and chemical design of polymer structures for biomedical use. Electrospinning, particularly needleless electrospinning, produces nanofibres with high porosity and flexibility and is widely applied in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Phase inversion, including thermal, nonsolvent‐, vapor‐ and evaporation‐induced phase separation, allows precise control over polymer properties but faces challenges in terms of cooling rates and solvent characteristics. Chemical design through doping, functionalization, cross‐linking and copolymerization enhances the biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties of polymers, facilitating advanced applications in drug delivery, tissue scaffolding and biosensors. Advanced functional polymers are revolutionizing biomedical fields, offering innovative solutions for therapeutic medicine delivery, disease detection, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. Despite remarkable progress, challenges, such as scalability, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental impact, persist. This review underscores the transformative potential of advanced polymer materials in medical treatments and advocates for continuous research and interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome existing challenges and fully exploit the capabilities of these materials in improving patient care and medical outcomes. Future perspectives highlight enhancing precision control mechanisms, integrating phase inversion with other techniques and developing large‐scale production methods to advance the field further.

Cinnamon oil value addition in natural rubber latex‐organic peroxide vulcanization system

Abeygunawardana,

Perera,

Kuruwita‐Mudiyanselage

2024

Natural rubber is a sustainable material which plays a vital role in a wide variety of applications. Value additions to this natural material enhance its horizons of utilization and encompass multiple advantages. This endeavor focuses on elevating the properties of the natural rubber latex (NRL)‐dicumyl peroxide vulcanization system with the utilization of cinnamon oil (CIN‐OIL). CIN‐OIL was characterized by GCMS, FTIR, and UV–Vis. The FTIR and TGA have confirmed the incorporation of the CIN‐OIL into the NRL. Swelling studies confirmed that the addition of CIN‐OIL has not interfered with the process of peroxy crosslinking. The adhesive peel test and facial tissue test clearly concluded that CIN‐OIL has reduced the initial tackiness of the material which is apparent in peroxy NR vulcanizates. Tear strength and modulus values were increased with CIN‐OIL due to the formation of physical crosslinking. Weathering tests confirmed the higher degradability of the CIN‐OIL‐added NRL samples. Furthermore, films were tested positive for antibacterial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Along with the enhanced degradability, antibacterial activity, reduced initial tackiness, and enhanced mechanical properties, CIN‐OIL in NRL has enriched its qualities.