Multifunctional branched/hyperbranched copolymers from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and citric acid (CA) are synthesized by varying the mole compositions of PVA and CA and are used as a prospective vehicle for encapsulation and release of bioactive molecules and as a potential scaffold for cell adhesion and growth. The branched architecture is established from spectroscopy and rheological measurements. All the copolymers have shown a lower hydrodynamic size and viscosity than the linear, high molecular weight PVA because of spherical and more compact architecture. Importantly, the size of the highly branched copolymer is found independent of pH which proved that the branch ends are capped with OH groups. Lower viscosity at equivalent solid content, biocompatibility, high antibacterial property, and presence of adequate macromolecular voids make the branched/hyperbranched copolymers a potential platform for encapsulation and release of gentamicin and other bioactive molecules. The macromolecular voids and chain end functionality also promote adhesion and growth of differentiated primary cells as well as undifferentiated stem cells implying that the copolyester can also be used as a potential 2D/3D scaffold for tissue engineering applications.
Skin serves as the largest sensory organ that senses multiple sensory cues such as temperature, light, mechanical pressure, presence of noxious compounds, etc. [1][2][3] While the sensitivity of the skin towards certain stimuli differs from species to species, skin architecture and compositions are also highly variable in different species. Skin is the outermost tissue made of several layers of cells and it also acts as the first protective tissue for the internal organs and other tissues. 4,5 Mammalian skin represents a complex sensory as well as protective tissue. Within the skin, critical cross-talks among different cell types (such as neuro-keratinocyte interaction, neuro-immune interactions as well as keratinocyte-immune interactions) are needed for proper skin functions. Abnormalities in all these interactions may lead to skin disorders as well as the development of multiple abnormalities such as sensitization of peripheral neurons and immune system leading to more pain, itch, allergy, inflammation, hypersensitivity, etc. Such changes largely affect the physiology-related behaviours and adaptive fitness of the individual.Irrespective of architectural differences in different species, skin from all the species faces microbial attacks almost routinely.Therefore, the skin serves as the most effective barrier for all the internal organs against most of the physical, chemical, and microbial assaults. This is even more complex as both optimum body temperature and required external temperatures are not identical and differ largely from animal to animal. In a similar context, almost all living habitats ensure bacterial encounters though the extent and diversity of the bacterial groups remain uncertain. Though immune cells,
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