Biomaterials Research Articles

Synergistic Strength-Ductility Improvement in an Additively Manufactured Body-Centered Cubic HfNbTaTiZr High-Entropy Alloy via Deep Cryogenic Treatment.

HfNbTaTiZr high-entropy alloy has wide application prospects as a biomedical material, and the use of laser additive manufacturing can solve the forming problems faced by the alloy. In view of the characteristics of the one-time forming of additive manufacturing methods, it is necessary to develop non-mechanical processing modification methods. In this paper, deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) is first applied to the modification of a HEA with BCC structure, then the post-processing method of DCT is combined with laser melting deposition (LMD) technology to successfully realize the coordinated improvement of forming and strength-ductility synergistic improvement in lightweight Hf0.25NbTa0.25TiZr alloy. The final tensile strength of the alloy after DCT treatment is 25% higher than that of the as-cast alloy and 11% higher than that of the as-deposited alloy, and the elongation is increased by 48% and 10%, respectively. In addition, DCT also achieves induced phase transition without additional deformation.

Characterization of Iron Oxide Nanotubes Obtained by Anodic Oxidation for Biomedical Applications-In Vitro Studies.

To improve the biocompatibility and bioactivity of biodegradable iron-based materials, nanostructured surfaces formed by metal oxides offer a promising strategy for surface functionalization. To explore this potential, iron oxide nanotubes were synthesized on pure iron (Fe) using an anodic oxidation process (50 V-30 min, using an ethylene glycol solution containing 0.3% NH4F and 3% H2O, at a speed of 100 rpm). A nanotube layer composed mainly of α-Fe2O3 with diameters between 60 and 70 nm was obtained. The effect of the Fe-oxide nanotube layer on cell viability and morphology was evaluated by in vitro studies using a human osteosarcoma cell line (SaOs-2 cells). The results showed that the presence of this layer did not harm the viability or morphology of the cells. Furthermore, cells cultured on anodized surfaces showed higher metabolic activity than those on non-anodized surfaces. This research suggests that growing a layer of Fe oxide nanotubes on pure Fe is a promising method for functionalizing and improving the cytocompatibility of iron substrates. This opens up new opportunities for biomedical applications, including the development of cardiovascular stents or osteosynthesis implants.

Emulsion-Templated Gelatin/Amino Acids/Chitosan Macroporous Hydrogels with Adjustable Internal Dimensions for Three-Dimensional Stem Cell Culture.

The demand for macroporous hydrogel scaffolds with interconnected porous and open-pore structures is crucial for advancing research and development in cell culture and tissue regeneration. Existing techniques for creating 3D porous materials and controlling their porosity are currently constrained. This study introduces a novel approach for producing highly interconnected aspartic acid-gelatin macroporous hydrogels (MHs) with precisely defined open pore structures using a one-step emulsification polymerization method with surface-modified silica nanoparticles as Pickering stabilizers. Macroporous hydrogels offer adjustable pore size and pore throat size within the ranges of 50 to 130 μm and 15 to 27 μm, respectively, achieved through variations in oil-in-water ratio and solid content. The pore wall thickness of the macroporous hydrogel can be as thin as 3.37 μm and as thick as 6.7 μm. In addition, the storage modulus of the macroporous hydrogels can be as high as 7250 Pa, and it maintains an intact rate of more than 92% after being soaked in PBS for 60 days, which is also good performance for use as a biomedical scaffold material. These hydrogels supported the proliferation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) over a 30 day incubation period, stretching the cell morphology and demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion. The combination of these desirable attributes makes them highly promising for applications in stem cell culture and tissue regeneration, underscoring their potential significance in advancing these fields.

Exploring biomedical applications with silver and copper nanotechnology

AbstractThe overuse and misuse of antibiotics has accelerated the emergence of bacterial resistance, making the treatment of common infections increasingly difficult and challenging. This has led to a rise in infection rates, worsened patient outcomes, and heightened mortality risks. In response, researchers have been exploring new antimicrobial strategies, with metal nanomaterials of controllable shape and size gaining significant attention for their unique antibacterial properties. Among these, silver (Ag) and copper (Cu) nanomaterials (NMs) stand out for their wide applications in biomedical materials due to their effective antimicrobial mechanisms when used as drugs. Ag and Cu NMs, exemplifying metal biomaterials, showcase broad‐spectrum antibacterial capabilities, durable antimicrobial effects, low toxicity, and reduced likelihood of developing drug resistance. Moreover, they are known to promote angiogenesis, making them exceptionally suitable for biomaterial applications. This review underscores the significance of Ag and Cu NMs in the biomedical sector, detailing their applications and the promising role they play as medical materials. Our aim is to encourage further exploration and utilization of Ag and Cu NMs in biomaterials and industrial production sectors.

Research Progress in Organocatalysts Used in the Synthesis of Medical Polyurethanes and Their Biotoxicity

Medical polyurethanes have emerged as a leading choice for biomedical applications owing to their exceptional biocompatibility and good physical and mechanical properties. Catalysts play a crucial role as additives in the synthesis of medical polyurethanes, enhancing synthesis efficiency and material properties. However, the catalysts used may affect the biocompatibility of polyurethanes and pose potential harm to human health. This review encapsulates the latest findings regarding the catalysts employed in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials and their biotoxicity. Initially, we reviewed the prevalent types of catalysts used in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials and described their distinctive characteristics. Subsequently, our focus shifted to exploring the potential biotoxicity associated with these catalysts. Finally, we provided a forward-looking perspective and recommendations for the future trajectory of catalyst selection in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials. By acquiring a more profound understanding of the properties and biotoxicity of catalysts used in the synthesis of medical polyurethane materials, and by uncovering existing issues and challenges, we can better guide the design of medical polyurethane materials. This, in turn, enables us to chart the course for future development and ultimately enhance the biocompatibility and safety profiles of medical polyurethane materials. Such advancements will promote the continued development and application of medical polyurethane materials in clinical settings.

Novel synthesis method of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) by using Proteus mirabilis bacteria

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) is a cylindrical carbon nanomaterial, with diameter around 100 nm and its length sometimes extends up to a few micrometers. Different types of CNFs are synthesized based on the production method, which differs dramatically in terms of structure, composition, and characteristics. Today, using green chemistry methods and microorganisms has resulted in biocompatible nanoparticles materials. In this work Proteus mirabilis bacteria were used as nanometer template for synthesis of carbon nanofibers. For this propose, two carbon electrodes were put into the solution containing Proteus mirabilis bacteria, sodium chloride, nickel chloride, molybdenum powder. To find optimized conditions for the synthesis of CNFs, the parameters of time, kind of electrodes and amount current were studied. The optimized conditions were found as follows: synthesis time 60 s, the carbon–carbon electrode and the electric current (90 A) with voltage of 24 V. The optimized synthesized carbon nanofibers were characterized with the techniques of FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive (SEM-EDX) and BET method.

Fabrication and Evaluation of PCL/PLGA/β-TCP Spiral-Structured Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering.

Natural bone is a complex material that has been carefully designed. To prepare a successful bone substitute, two challenging conditions need to be met: biocompatible and bioactive materials for cell proliferation and differentiation, and appropriate mechanical stability after implantation. Therefore, a hybrid Poly ε-caprolactone/Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)/β-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/PLGA/β-TCP) scaffold has been introduced as a suitable composition that satisfies the above two conditions. The blended PCL and PLGA can improve the scaffold's mechanical properties and biocompatibility compared to single PCL or PLGA scaffolds. In addition, the incorporated β-TCP increases the mechanical strength and osteogenic potential of PCL/PLGA scaffolds, while the polymer improves the mechanical stability of ceramic scaffolds. The PCL/PLGA/β-TCP scaffold is designed using spiral structures to provide a much better transport system through the gaps between spiral walls than conventional cylindrical scaffolds. Human fetal osteoblasts (hFOBs) were cultured on spiral PCL/PLGA/β-TCP (PPBS), cylindrical PCL/PLGA/β-TCP (PPBC), and cylindrical PCL scaffolds for a total of 28 days. The cell proliferation, viability, and osteogenic differentiation capabilities were analyzed. Compared with PCL and PPBC scaffolds, the PPBS scaffold exhibits great biocompatibility and potential to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation and, therefore, can serve as a bone substitute for bone tissue regeneration.

Cutting-Edge Developments and Patent Trends in Microspheres Drug Delivery: A Comprehensive Overview.

Microspheres have emerged as innovative drug delivery platforms with significant potential to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs with limited aqueous solubility and prolong their release. This abstract provides an overview of recent developments in microsphere research, highlighting key trends and innovative approaches. Recent studies have focused on various aspects of microspheres, including formulation techniques, materials selection, and their applications in drug delivery. Recent breakthroughs in polymer science have paved the way for the creation of innovative biodegradable and biocompatible materials for microsphere fabrication, improving drug encapsulation effectiveness and release dynamics. Notably, the integration of nanomaterials and functionalized polymers has enabled precise control over drug release rates and enhanced targeting capabilities. The utilization of microspheres for administering a diverse array of therapeutic substances, including anticancer drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, and peptides, has gained significant attention. These microspheres have demonstrated the potential to enhance drug stability, minimize dosing frequency and enhance patient adherence.

Stability and SERS signal strength of laser-generated gold, silver, and bimetallic nanoparticles at different KCl concentrations

Noble metal nanoparticles, specifically gold and silver, are extensively utilized in sensors, catalysts, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), and optical-electronic components due to their unique localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. The production of these nanoparticles involves various methods, but among the environmentally friendly approaches, laser ablation stands out as it eliminates the need for toxic chemicals during purification. However, nanoparticle aggregation poses a challenge in laser ablation, necessitating the addition of extra materials that contaminate the otherwise clean process. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of a biocompatible material, potassium chloride (KCl), in preventing particle aggregation. Although salt is known to trigger aggregation, we observed that certain concentrations of KCl can slow down this process. Over an eight-week period, we examined the aggregation rate, extinction behavior, and stability of gold, silver, and hybrid nanoparticles generated in different KCl concentrations. Extinction spectra, SEM images, SERS signal strength, and zeta potential were analyzed. Our results demonstrate that laser ablation in water and salt solutions yields nanoparticles with a spherical shape and a negative zeta potential. Importantly, we identified the optimal concentration of potassium chloride salt that maintains solution stability and SERS signal strength. Adsorbed chloride ions on silver nanoparticles were evidenced by low-frequency SERS band near 242 cm−1. A better understanding of the effect of KCl concentration on the properties of noble metal nanoparticles can lead to improved generation protocols and the development of tailored nanoparticle systems with enhanced stability and SERS activity.

Expression, characterization, and application of human-like recombinant gelatin

Gelatin is a product obtained through partial hydrolysis and thermal denaturation of collagen, belonging to natural biopeptides. With irreplaceable biological functions in the field of biomedical science and tissue engineering, it has been widely applied. The amino acid sequence of recombinant human-like gelatin was constructed through a newly designed hexamer composed of six protein monomer sequences in series, with the minimum repeating unit being the characteristic Gly-X-Y sequence found in type III human collagen α1 chain. The nucleotide sequence was subsequently inserted into the genome of Pichia pastoris to enable soluble secretion expression of recombinant gelatin. At the shake flask fermentation level, the yield of recombinant gelatin is up to 0.057 g/L, and its purity can rise up to 95% through affinity purification. It was confirmed in the molecular weight determination and amino acid analysis that the amino acid composition of the obtained recombinant gelatin is identical to that of the theoretically designed. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the freeze-dried recombinant gelatin hydrogel exhibited a porous structure. After culturing cells continuously within these gelatin microspheres for two days followed by fluorescence staining and observation through confocal laser scanning microscopy, it was observed that cells clustered together within the gelatin matrix, exhibiting three-dimensional growth characteristics while maintaining good viability. This research presents promising prospects for developing recombinant gelatin as a biomedical material.

Ti2TaC2: A novel out-of-plane ordered MXene towards flexible and cytocompatible supercapacitors

Exploring biocompatible and flexible supercapacitor electrode material is crucial for expanding the development of health monitoring bioelectronics. MXene films, due to their low cost, high conductivity, and excellent durability under different deformation conditions, are highly competitive in bioelectronic device applications compared with traditional carbon-based materials. Herein, a novel out-of-plane ordered double transition metal MXene (Ti2TaC2) is elaborately designed and originally synthesized, where Ti atoms preferentially reside in the outer transition metal layer and Ta atoms occupy in the middle layer. Theoretical calculations prove that the introduction of Ta species into Ti3C2 MXene enlarges the work function, raises the d-band center close to Fermi level and increases the density of states of d-orbital. Consequently, the Ti2TaC2 film delivers high specific capacitance of 313 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1 and excellent cycling stability without capacitance loss after 10,000 cycles at 10 A/g. Furthermore, the safety and cytotoxicity of Ti2TaC2 material are innovatively evaluated in vitro multiple cell lines (e.g., 293T, bEnd.3, PC-12, BV2 and HUVEC cells) and implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of mice, proving its good biosafety and cytocompatibility. The results suggest that flexible Ti2TaC2 MXene film may be a promising cytocompatible electrode material for long-term health monitoring bioelectronics.

Fabrication and Biomedical Application of Alginate Composite Hydrogels in Bone Tissue Engineering: A Review.

Nowadays, as a result of the frequent occurrence of accidental injuries and traumas such as bone damage, the number of people causing bone injuries or fractures is increasing around the world. The design and fabrication of ideal bone tissue engineering (BTE) materials have become a research hotspot in the scientific community, and thus provide a novel path for the treatment of bone diseases. Among the materials used to construct scaffolds in BTE, including metals, bioceramics, bioglasses, biomacromolecules, synthetic organic polymers, etc., natural biopolymers have more advantages against them because they can interact with cells well, causing natural polymers to be widely studied and applied in the field of BTE. In particular, alginate has the advantages of excellent biocompatibility, good biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, non-toxicity, wide sources, low price, and easy gelation, enabling itself to be widely used as a biomaterial. However, pure alginate hydrogel as a BTE scaffold material still has many shortcomings, such as insufficient mechanical properties, easy disintegration of materials in physiological environments, and lack of cell-specific recognition sites, which severely limits its clinical application in BTE. In order to overcome the defects of single alginate hydrogels, researchers prepared alginate composite hydrogels by adding one or more materials to the alginate matrix in a certain proportion to improve their bioapplicability. For this reason, this review will introduce in detail the methods for constructing alginate composite hydrogels, including alginate/polymer composite hydrogels, alginate/bioprotein or polypeptide composite hydrogels, alginate/bioceramic composite hydrogels, alginate/bioceramic composite hydrogels, and alginate/nanoclay composite hydrogels, as well as their biological application trends in BTE scaffold materials, and look forward to their future research direction. These alginate composite hydrogel scaffolds exhibit both unexceptionable mechanical and biochemical properties, which exhibit their high application value in bone tissue repair and regeneration, thus providing a theoretical basis for the development and sustainable application of alginate-based functional biomedical materials.

Single/Multi-Network Conductive Hydrogels-A Review.

Hydrogels made from conductive organic materials have gained significant interest in recent years due to their wide range of uses, such as electrical conductors, freezing resistors, biosensors, actuators, biomedical engineering materials, drug carrier, artificial organs, flexible electronics, battery solar cells, soft robotics, and self-healers. Nevertheless, the insufficient level of effectiveness in electroconductive hydrogels serves as a driving force for researchers to intensify their endeavors in this domain. This article provides a concise overview of the recent advancements in creating self-healing single- or multi-network (double or triple) conductive hydrogels (CHs) using a range of natural and synthetic polymers and monomers. We deliberated on the efficacy, benefits, and drawbacks of several conductive hydrogels. This paper emphasizes the use of natural polymers and innovative 3D printing CHs-based technology to create self-healing conductive gels for flexible electronics. In conclusion, advantages and disadvantages have been noted, and some potential opportunities for self-healing single- or multi-network hydrogels have been proposed.

A Systematic Review on the Generation of Organic Structures through Additive Manufacturing Techniques.

Additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a transformative technology in the fabrication of intricate structures, offering unparalleled adaptability in crafting complex geometries. Particularly noteworthy is its burgeoning significance within the realm of medical prosthetics, owing to its capacity to seamlessly replicate anatomical forms utilizing biocompatible materials. Notably, the fabrication of porous architectures stands as a cornerstone in orthopaedic prosthetic development and bone tissue engineering. Porous constructs crafted via AM exhibit meticulously adjustable pore dimensions, shapes, and porosity levels, thus rendering AM indispensable in their production. This systematic review ventures to furnish a comprehensive examination of extant research endeavours centred on the generation of porous scaffolds through additive manufacturing modalities. Its primary aim is to delineate variances among distinct techniques, materials, and structural typologies employed, with the overarching objective of scrutinizing the cutting-edge methodologies in engineering self-supported stochastic printable porous frameworks via AM, specifically for bone scaffold fabrication. Findings show that most of the structures analysed correspond to lattice structures. However, there is a strong tendency to use organic structures generated by mathematical models and printed using powder bed fusion techniques. However, no work has been found that proposes a self-supporting design for organic structures.

The influence of age on the biological response to biodegradable zinc arterial implants

Medical devices to treat arterial diseases of older humans are routinely designed and developed using young animals. This is the case despite the significant declines of tissue regeneration, cell proliferation, and inflammation in aged humans that are not reflected in young animals. The widespread use of age-mismatched animals is particularly a concern for the testing of interactive materials, such as biodegradable metals whose dynamic interfaces continuously impact local cell and tissue regenerative processes. In order to determine the importance and impact of age differences in biodegradable stent material biocompatibility, we implanted both inert (platinum) and biodegradable (zinc) metal wires into the arteries of 1 year old and 3-month-old rats for a period of 6 months and compared the biological responses. It was found that the older animals developed a significantly larger neointimal encapsulating tissue for zinc implants vs. a smaller tissue response for the platinum implants relative to the younger rats. The neointimas of older rats contained dramatically fewer macrophages for both implant metals. The presence of neointimal smooth muscle cells was also decreased in the older rats. Endothelial cell regeneration in the old arteries was not impacted by the different metal implants. These findings demonstrate that neointimal responses to metal implants in arterial tissue are strongly impacted by age-related changes. The findings also suggest that the reliance on young animal models to evaluate metal implants intended for the arteries of considerably older individuals may substantially over predict the biocompatibility.

Comparison of the use of biocompatible materials and titanium in the treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures with a patient-specific plate: a finite element analysis study.

Clavicular midshaft fractures treated with titanium plates may encounter complications like implant failure. We assess if alternative biocompatible materials suchs as PLA, PLA/HA, PEEK offer comparable stability. Our study evaluates the biomechanical performance of these materials in surgical management of midshaft clavicle fractures. We simulated a personalized fixation implant with four different materials and conducted finite element analysis in ANSYS to assess maximum von Mises stress (MvMs). The MvMs occurring on the plates, screws, clavicle, and fracture site were recorded. MvMs on titanium material at the 6th hole level (764.79MPa) and the 6th screw level (503.38MPa), with the highest stresses observed at 48.52MPa on the lateral clavicle at the 1st hole level and 182.27MPa on the medial clavicle at the 6th hole level. In PLA material analyses, the highest MvMs were observed at the 3rd hole level (340.6MPa) and the 3rd screw level (157.83MPa), with peak stresses at 379.63MPa on the lateral clavicle fracture line and 505.44MPa on the medial clavicle fracture line. In PLA/HA material analyses, the highest MvMs were at the 3rd hole (295.99MPa) and 3rd screw (128.27MPa), with peak stresses at 220.33MPa on the lateral clavicle and 229.63MPa on the medial clavicle fracture line. In PEEK material analyses, the highest MvMs were at the 3rd hole (234.74MPa) and 6th screw (114.48MPa), with peak stresses at 184.36MPa on the lateral clavicle and 180.1MPa on the medial clavicle. Our findings indicate that titanium material shows significantly higher stresses on plates and screws compared to those on the clavicle, suggesting a risk of implant failure. PLA and PLA/HA were inadequate for fixation. Although stress on the plate with PEEK material is higher than on the clavicle, it remains lower than titanium, indicating potential stability at fracture site. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Sulphuric precipitates in novel titanium-based, sulphur-bearing bulk metallic glass – a BMG composite?

ABSTRACT New titanium-based metallic glasses containing sulphur as a key element have recently been developed and are the subject of ongoing research related to the effects of sulphur introduction into glass-forming alloy systems. Here we report on the formation of sulphuric precipitates during solidification of a Ti40Zr35Cu17S8 alloy and on the occurrence of secondary intermetallic compound crystallization starting in sulphur-depleted zones around the precipitates. The alloy is a promising metallic glass for use as a structural and biomedical material as it shows a high yield strength and good corrosion resistance paired with a low density. The role of sulphur for the glass formation in the Ti-Zr-Cu-S system is discussed and specimens quenched into different structural states are investigated by means of high-energy synchrotron diffraction and electron microscopy. The electron microscopic findings reveal that sulphuric precipitates precede the crystallization of an intermetallic (Ti, Zr)2Cu phase, which is the primary phase when sulphur is not present in the system and thus lead to a higher glass-forming ability. The sulphuric precipitates are found in specimens of various casting thickness and differ in their volume percentages depending on the size of the cast sample, while the secondary phase (Ti, Zr)2Cu crystallizes heterogeneously in the interfaces between the sulphuric precipitates and the local matrix.

Preparation of Multifunctional Hydrogels with In Situ Dual Network Structure and Promotion of Wound Healing.

As an emerging biomedical material, wound dressings play an important therapeutic function in the process of wound healing. It can provide an ideal healing environment while protecting the wound from a complex external environment. A hydrogel wound dressing composed of tilapia skin gelatin (Tsg) and fucoidan (Fuc) was designed in this article to enhance the microenvironment of wound treatment and stimulate wound healing. By mixing horseradish peroxidase (HRP), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), tilapia skin gelatin-tyramine (Tsg-Tyr), and carboxylated fucoidan-tyramine in agarose (Aga), using the catalytic cross-linking of HRP/H2O2 and the sol-gel transformation of Aga, a novel gelatin-fucoidan (TF) double network hydrogel wound dressing was constructed. The TF hydrogels have a fast and adjustable gelation time, and the addition of Aga further enhances the stability of the hydrogels. Moreover, Tsg and Fuc are coordinated with each other in terms of biological efficacy, and the TF hydrogel demonstrated excellent antioxidant properties and biocompatibility in vitro. Also, in vivo wound healing experiments showed that the TF hydrogel could effectively accelerate wound healing, reduce wound microbial colonization, alleviate inflammation, and promote collagen deposition and angiogenesis. In conclusion, TF hydrogel wound dressings have the potential to replace traditional dressings in wound healing.

Supramolecular assemblies of amphiphilic donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts as macroscopic soft scaffolds.

In the design of photoharvesting and photoresponsive supramolecular systems in aqueous medium, the fabrication of amphiphilic photoswitches enables a noninvasive functional response through photoirradiation. Although most aqueous supramolecular assemblies are driven by high-energy and biodamaging UV light, we have previously reported a design of amphiphilic donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASAs) controlled by white light. Herein, we present a series of DASA amphiphiles (DAs) with minor structural modifications on the alkyl linker chain length connecting the DASA motif with the hydrophilic moiety. The excellent photoswitchability in organic medium and the photoresponsiveness in aqueous medium, driven by visible light, were investigated by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. The assembled supramolecular nanostructures were confirmed by electron microscopy, while the supramolecular packing was revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Upon visible-light irradiation, significant transformations of the DA geometry enabled transformations of the supramolecular assemblies on a microscopic scale, subsequently disassembling macroscopic soft scaffolds of DAs. The current work shows promising use for the fabrication of visible-light-controlled macroscopic scaffolds, offering the next generation of biomedical materials with visible-light-controlled microenvironments and future soft-robotic systems.

Development of biocompatible packaging material: starch/PVA-based bio-composite enhanced with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose

ABSTRACT Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) incorporated bio-composite films (unplasticized and plasticized) were prepared from pregelatinized maize starch/polyvinyl alcohol (PMS/PVA) blends by solution casting method. 10% boric acid (BA) was used as crosslinker. The physico-mechanical properties (tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (%EB), water solubility and moisture uptake) of the bio-composite films were studied. The thermo-chemical stability of the biofilms was studied by FT-IR, TGA and DSC analysis. TS, %EB, water solubility and moisture absorbency of 10% HPMC containing unplasticized films were found 38.1 MPa, 8.5%, 61% and 32.3%, respectively, however, the films were hard and brittle. On the contrary, TS, %EB, water solubility and moisture absorbency of 10% HPMC plasticized films were found 19.2 MPa, 28.5%, 62.2% and 57.3%. The biofilms exhibited relatively low water solubility and moisture uptake compared to higher HPMC containing composite. The thermo-chemical analysis revealed that the HPMC incorporated plasticized film was more thermally stable compared to pure PMS, PVA, HPMC and other bio composite films due to strong hydrogen bonding interaction with BA. The biodegradability of HPMC incorporated plasticized films was confirmed by soil burial test (anaerobic condition, RH 98%, 3 months). Therefore, the plasticized biofilm would be considered an alternative approach for biocompatible packaging material.