In recent years, significant developments have taken place in scientific fields such as tissue and materials engineering, which allow for the development of new, intelligent biomaterials. An example of such biomaterials is drug delivery systems that release the active substance directly at the site where the therapeutic effect is required. In this research, polymeric materials and ceramic–polymer composites were developed as carriers for the antibiotic clindamycin. The preparation and characterization of biomaterials based on hyaluronic acid, collagen, and nano brushite obtained using the photocrosslinking technique under UV (ultraviolet) light are described. Physical and chemical analyses of the materials obtained were carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and optical microscopy. The sorption capacities were determined and subjected to in vitro incubation in simulated biological environments such as Ringer’s solution, simulated body fluid (SBF), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and distilled water. The antibiotic release rate was also measured. The study confirmed higher swelling capacity for materials with no addition of a ceramic phase, thus it can be concluded that brushite inhibits the penetration of the liquid medium into the interior of the samples, leading to faster absorption of the liquid medium. In addition, incubation tests confirmed preliminary biocompatibility. No drastic changes in pH values were observed, which suggests that the materials are stable under these conditions. The release rate of the antibiotic from the biomaterial into the incubation medium was determined using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The concentration of the antibiotic in the incubation fluid increased steadily following a 14-day incubation in PBS, indicating continuous antibiotic release. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the developed polymeric material demonstrates potential for use as a carrier for the active substance.

Skin represents the largest organ in the human body, functioning as a protective barrier against environmental factors while playing a critical role in thermoregulation. Acne vulgaris is recognized as the most common dermatological condition affecting adolescents, and if left untreated, it can result in lasting skin damage and associated psychosocial challenges. This study aims to develop innovative polymeric biomaterials that could effectively support the treatment of acne vulgaris. The synthesis of these biomaterials involves the use of polyethylene glycol 6000, sodium alginate, and the antioxidant protein glutathione (GHS) to create polymeric hydrogels. These hydrogels were generated via a UV-mediated crosslinking process. To enhance the functional properties of the hydrogels, zinc oxide microparticles (ZnO), synthesized through a wet precipitation method, were incorporated into the formulations. Characterization of the ZnO was performed using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), particle sizer analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additionally, the bioactivity of the synthesized materials was evaluated through incubation in media simulating physiological body fluids. The cytotoxic effects of the biomaterials were assessed using an indirect test on mouse fibroblast (L929) cells, in accordance with ISO 10993-5 guidelines. The results of our research indicate that the developed biomaterials exhibit potential as a carrier for active substances, contributing positively to the treatment of acne vulgaris and potentially improving overall skin health.

Bone tissue degeneration, caused by disease as well as trauma, is a problem affecting many social groups in the 21st century. It involves pain and reduced patient comfort. Developments in materials engineering allow for the design of novel, innovative materials that can be used in therapies to promote bone regeneration. This work presents the preparation of a ceramic–polymer coating modified with carbon nanotubes on a titanium alloy for biomedical applications. The ceramic part is hydroxyapatite synthesized by the wet precipitation method using orthophosphate and calcium hydroxide. The polymer of choice was polyethylene glycol. A UV light synthesis method was successfully applied to obtain coatings characterized by continuity and full crosslinking. Extensive physicochemical analysis and incubation studies were carried out. Interactions between coatings and fluids mimicking artificial biological environments were analyzed for 9 days, i.e., in fluids such as SBF solution, artificial saliva, and distilled water. During the in vitro incubation, changes in pH values were measured by potentiometric tests, and ionic conductivity was measured by analyzing conductometry. After incubation, the surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) together with energy-dispersive (EDS) microanalysis, which made it possible to determine the presence of individual elements on the surface, as well as to observe the appearance of new apatite layers. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry was also performed before and at the end of the incubation period. On the basis of the presented studies, it was concluded that coatings that contain nanotubes are bioactive and do not negatively affect the properties of the coatings. Bioactivity was confirmed microscopically by observing new apatite layers after incubation in SBF, which were identified as phosphorus and calcium deposits. Degradation of the polymer phase was observed in the artificial saliva. These materials require further study, including safety analysis, but they demonstrate potential for further work.