Emerging biomedical applications of polyaspartic acid-derived biodegradable polyelectrolytes and polyelectrolyte...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Polyelectrolytes (PELs) are polymers with charged units, offering high solubility and low aggregation for biomedical uses.
• Biodegradability and biocompatibility are crucial for in vivo PEL applications, alongside facile chemical functionalization.
• Polyaspartic acid (PASA) is a biocompatible synthetic PEL with bone-targeting, muco-adhesive, and extended circulation properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in biomedical applications of polyaspartic acid (PASA) derived polyelectrolytes, complexes, and multilayers.
• To highlight the molecular engineering of PASA for novel biomaterials.
• To showcase diverse applications including biomineralization, antimicrobials, adhesives, and drug/gene delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on PASA-derived PELs, PECs, and PEMs.
• Focus on molecular engineering strategies for tailoring PASA properties.
• Analysis of applications based on fabricated PASA-derived materials.

Main Results:

• PASA-derived cationic PELs exhibit rapid cellular internalization for therapeutic delivery.
• PASA-based polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) and multilayers (PEMs) enhance biomedical utility.
• PASA enables the fabrication of biomineralization modulators, anti-mycobacterial agents, underwater adhesives, mucoadhesive delivery systems, and cell encapsulants.

Conclusions:

• PASA is a highly adaptable synthetic PEL for advanced biomedical applications.
• Molecular engineering of PASA provides a platform for developing innovative biomaterials.
• PASA-based materials demonstrate significant potential across various therapeutic and regenerative medicine fields.