Structural properties of protein and their role in polymer nanocomposites

The growing concern over the environment raises the question of\u3cbr/\u3ebiodegradability and renewability in numerous fields, including materials and\u3cbr/\u3eenergy. Therefore, industries and researchers focus more on the development of biomaterials generated from natural sources. In this context, proteins and their unique properties made them ideal candidates to be used in different novel applications and are not limited to films, hydrogels, biological tissue engineering, and polymer composites. In this chapter, authors highlight the different sources of protein and their structural properties. Then, the extraction methods are discussed in detail. Further, the different processing methods to prepare the protein-based composites were explained. In overall, this chapter aims to highlight the recent developments of protein-based materials in different fields, based on the literature

New Amniotic Membrane Based Biocomposite for Future Application in Reconstructive Urology

OBJECTIVE:Due to the capacity of the amniotic membrane (Am) to support re-epithelisation and inhibit scar formation, Am has a potential to become a considerable asset for reconstructive urology i.e., reconstruction of ureters and urethrae. The application of Am in reconstructive urology is limited due to a poor mechanical characteristic. Am reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance, without affecting its unique bioactivity profile. This study evaluated biocomposite material composed of Am and nanofibers as a graft for urinary bladder augmentation in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Sandwich-structured biocomposite material was constructed from frozen Am and covered on both sides with two-layered membranes prepared from electrospun poly-(L-lactide-co-E-caprolactone) (PLCL). Wistar rats underwent hemicystectomy and bladder augmentation with the biocomposite material. RESULTS:Immunohistohemical analysis (hematoxylin and eosin [H&E], anti-smoothelin and Masson's trichrome staining [TRI]) revealed effective regeneration of the urothelial and smooth muscle layers. Anti-smoothelin staining confirmed the presence of contractile smooth muscle within a new bladder wall. Sandwich-structured biocomposite graft material was designed to regenerate the urinary bladder wall, fulfilling the requirements for normal bladder tension, contraction, elasticity and compliance. Mechanical evaluation of regenerated bladder wall conducted based on Young's elastic modulus reflected changes in the histological remodeling of the augmented part of the bladder. The structure of the biocomposite material made it possible to deliver an intact Am to the area for regeneration. An unmodified Am surface supported regeneration of the urinary bladder wall and the PLCL membranes did not disturb the regeneration process. CONCLUSIONS:Am reinforcement with electrospun nanofibers offers a new strategy to improve Am mechanical resistance without affecting its unique bioactivity profile