Marine Collagen-Based Antibacterial Film Reinforced with Graphene and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Collagen and Its Derivatives Serving Biomedical Purposes: A Review

Biomaterials have been the subject of extensive research, and their applications in medicine and pharmacy are expanding rapidly. Collagen and its derivatives stand out as valuable biomaterials due to their high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and lack of toxicity and immunogenicity. This review comprehensively examines collagen from various sources, its extraction and processing methods, and its structural and functional properties. Preserving the native state of collagen is crucial for maintaining its beneficial characteristics. The challenges associated with chemically modifying collagen to tailor its properties for specific clinical needs are also addressed. The review discusses various collagen-based biomaterials, including solutions, hydrogels, powders, sponges, scaffolds, and thin films. These materials have broad applications in regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing. Additionally, the review highlights current research trends related to collagen and its derivatives. These trends may significantly influence future developments, such as using collagen-based bioinks for 3D bioprinting or exploring new collagen nanoparticle preparation methods and drug delivery systems.

Organic-inorganic biohybrid films from wool-keratin/jellyfish-collagen/silica/boron via sol-gel reactions for soft tissue engineering applications

Therapeutic angiogenesis is pivotal in creating effective tissue-engineered constructs that deliver nutrients and oxygen to surrounding cells. Hence, biomaterials that promote angiogenesis can enhance the efficacy of various medical treatments, encompassing tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery systems. Considering these, we propose a rapid method for producing composite silicon-boron-wool keratin/jellyfish collagen (Si-B-WK/JFC) inorganic-organic biohybrid films using sol-gel reactions. In this approach, reactive tetraethyl orthosilicate and boric acid (pKa ⩾ 9.24) were used as silicon and boron sources, respectively, and a solid-state gel was formed through the condensation reaction of these reactive groups with the keratin/collagen mixture. Once the resulting gel was thoroughly suspended in water, the films were prepared by a casting/solvent evaporation methodology. The fabricated hybrid films were characterized structurally and mechanically. In addition, angiogenic characteristics were determined by the in ovo chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, which revealed an increased vascular network within the Si-B-WK/JFC biohybrid films. In conclusion, it is believed that Si-B-WK/JFC biohybrid films with mechanical and pro-angiogenic properties have the potential to be possessed in soft tissue engineering applications, especially wound healing.

Polysaccharides and proteins based bionanocomposites as smart packaging materials: From fabrication to food packaging applications a review

Food industry is the biggest and rapidly growing industries all over the world. This sector consumes around 40 % of the total plastic produced worldwide as packaging material. The conventional packaging material is mainly petrochemical based. However, these petrochemical based materials impose serious concerns towards environment after its disposal as they are nondegradable. Thus, in search of an appropriate replacement for conventional plastics, biopolymers such as polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, chitosan, natural gums, etc.), proteins (gelatin, collagen, soy protein, etc.), and fatty acids find as an option but again limited by its inherent properties. Attention on the initiatives towards the development of more sustainable, useful, and biodegradable packaging materials, leading the way towards a new and revolutionary green era in the food sector. Eco-friendly packaging materials are now growing dramatically, at a pace of about 10-20 % annually. The recombination of biopolymers and nanomaterials through intercalation composite technology at the nanoscale demonstrated some mesmerizing characteristics pertaining to both biopolymer and nanomaterials such as rigidity, thermal stability, sensing and bioactive property inherent to nanomaterials as well as biopolymers properties such as flexibility, processability and biodegradability. The dramatic increase of scientific research in the last one decade in the area of bionanocomposites in food packaging had reflected its potential as a much-required and important alternative to conventional petroleum-based material. This review presents a comprehensive overview on the importance and recent advances in the field of bionanocomposite and its application in food packaging. Different methods for the fabrication of bionanocomposite are also discussed briefly. Finally, a clear perspective and future prospects of bionanocomposites in food packaging were presented.

Current and Expected Trends for the Marine Chitin/Chitosan and Collagen Value Chains

Chitin/chitosan and collagen are two of the most important bioactive compounds, with applications in the pharmaceutical, veterinary, nutraceutical, cosmetic, biomaterials, and other industries. When extracted from non-edible parts of fish and shellfish, by-catches, and invasive species, their use contributes to a more sustainable and circular economy. The present article reviews the scientific knowledge and publication trends along the marine chitin/chitosan and collagen value chains and assesses how researchers, industry players, and end-users can bridge the gap between scientific understanding and industrial applications. Overall, research on chitin/chitosan remains focused on the compound itself rather than its market applications. Still, chitin/chitosan use is expected to increase in food and biomedical applications, while that of collagen is expected to increase in biomedical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and nutritional applications. Sustainable practices, such as the reuse of waste materials, contribute to strengthen both value chains; the identified weaknesses include the lack of studies considering market trends, social sustainability, and profitability, as well as insufficient examination of intellectual property rights. Government regulations, market demand, consumer preferences, technological advancements, environmental challenges, and legal frameworks play significant roles in shaping both value chains. Addressing these factors is crucial for seizing opportunities, fostering sustainability, complying with regulations, and maintaining competitiveness in these constantly evolving value chains.

Valorization of Honduran Agro-Food Waste to Produce Bioplastics

The development of biodegradable plastics and eco-friendly biomaterials derived from renewable resources is crucial for reducing environmental damage. Agro-industrial waste and rejected food can be polymerized into bioplastics, offering a sustainable solution. Bioplastics find use in various industries, including for food, cosmetics, and the biomedical sector. This research investigated the fabrication and characterization of bioplastics using three types of Honduran agro-wastes: taro, yucca, and banana. The agro-wastes were stabilized and characterized (physicochemically and thermically). Taro flour presented the highest protein content (around 4.7%) and banana flour showed the highest moisture content (around 2%). Furthermore, bioplastics were produced and characterized (mechanically and functionally). Banana bioplastics had the best mechanical properties, with a Young's modulus around 300 MPa, while taro bioplastics had the highest water-uptake capacity (200%). In general, the results showed the potential of these Honduran agro-wastes for producing bioplastics with different characteristics that could add value to these wastes, promoting the circular economy.