Article
Polymer Science
Julien Es Sayed, Hugo Brummer, Marc C. A. Stuart, Nicolas Sanson, Patrick Perrin, Marleen Kamperman
Summary: Frozen complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) are developed as particle stabilizers for Pickering emulsions, with a core of poly-electrolytes and a corona of water-soluble polymer. By controlling mixing parameters and using dynamic light scattering and proton nuclear magnetic resonance experiments, C3Ms can stabilize emulsions in different media and conditions, eventually disassembling at higher salt concentrations.
Article
Polymer Science
Yanyao Zhang, Yusheng Tang, Junliang Zhang, Simon Harrisson
Summary: The fluorescence properties of the copolymer can be adjusted by rationally designing the copolymer structure. The asymmetric diblock copolymer shows a gradual increase in fluorescent intensity as the environmental pH decreases, in contrast to the limited and stepwise change of its symmetric block counterpart.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhi Zou, Xiang Xu, Hai-Tao Zhao, Jian-Nan Cheng, Wei-Wei He, Li-Fen Zhang, Zhen-Ping Cheng
Summary: In this study, dual temperature-responsive block copolymers are synthesized and the influencing factors of temperature-responsive behaviors are analyzed. The introduction of poly-acrylic acid segments is found to change the type of temperature-responsive behavior. This research is important for tuning the phase transition behavior of polymers in the manufacture of extreme smart materials.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiyong Sun, Qingcai Zhao, Rainer Haag, Changzhu Wu
Summary: The novel approach of multi-enzyme cascade biocatalysis utilizes a multi-responsive emulsion to achieve high reactivity, individual optimal conditions for each enzyme, and high overall conversion. Furthermore, the multi-responsiveness of the emulsion facilitates the easy and separate yielding/recycling of products, polymers, and active enzymes, allowing for scalability with good yield.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Tengfei Yuan, Yuesheng Li, Dong-Po Song
Summary: Photonic balls with special structures and responsiveness can be obtained through interfacial self-assembly. These photonic balls can change color by altering the pH value and have potential applications.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Katya Kamenova, Georgy Grancharov, Vasilena Kortenova, Petar D. Petrov
Summary: We report the preparation of redox-responsive functional micellar nanocarriers for triggered release of CAPE in cancer therapy. The three-layered micelles, composed of PCL core, PAA/PEO middle layer, and PEO outer corona, were assembled by two amphiphilic triblock copolymers. The loaded micelles were crosslinked to enhance structural stability and prevent premature release of CAPE. However, under weak acidic conditions and in the presence of reducing agent, the payload was rapidly released due to the breakup of disulfide linkages. The developed CPMs showed potential for controlled drug release in the tumor microenvironment.
Article
Polymer Science
Akihide Sugawara, Taka-Aki Asoh, Yoshinori Takashima, Akira Harada, Hiroshi Uyama
Summary: A mechano-responsive hydrogel was developed using the dissociation of a host-guest complex to induce phase transition of a thermoresponsive polymer, demonstrating a decrease in transmittance when mechanical stress was applied. This strategy provides a new approach for applications requiring controlled functions through applied stress.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katharina Leer, Gizem Cinar, Jana I. Solomun, Liam Martin, Ivo Nischang, Anja Traeger
Summary: Stimuli-responsive block copolymer micelles show promise for efficient gene delivery due to tailored properties. A system was designed using temperature and pH responsiveness, resulting in successful gene delivery. Core-crosslinking significantly increased transfection efficiency in this comprehensive investigation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reece W. Lewis, Benjamin Klemm, Mariano Macchione, Rienk Eelkema
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of a chemical reaction network to drive the coacervation of macromolecular species, resulting in the assembly and disassembly of chemical triggered complex coacervates. Unlike other systems, this chemical reaction network operates at constant physiological pH without the need for complex biomolecules.
Article
Polymer Science
Yuichi Ohya, Hidenori Yonezawa, Chihiro Moriwaki, Nobuo Murase, Akinori Kuzuya
Summary: This study investigates the temperature-responsive sol-to-gel transition of aqueous polymer solution and its potential application in biomedical materials. Block copolymers with different molecular structures were synthesized, and the effects of these parameters on the transition behavior and morphology were analyzed. The results provide molecular design guidelines for preparing biodegradable injectable polymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hannah Kurz, Christian Hils, Jana Timm, Gerald Hoerner, Andreas Greiner, Roland Marschall, Holger Schmalz, Birgit Weber
Summary: Responsive fluorescent materials have great potential for sensing and imaging applications. In this study, a previously reported non-fluorescent zinc(II) complex [Zn(L)] was encapsulated into non-fluorescent polystyrene-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) diblock copolymer micelles, resulting in brightly emissive materials. The quantum yield of the emission could be easily tuned by selecting the solvent, and a medium-dependent off-on sensor could be established through controlled acidification.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jaeman J. Shin
Summary: The effect of inorganic nanoparticles on the structure of hybrid block copolymer particles and the local distribution of nanoparticles is studied. The study focuses on comparing the nanoparticles made of Au and Fe3O4. The distribution of nanoparticles inside the particles was found to affect the overall particle morphology. Au nanoparticles were selectively localized inside certain domains regardless of the particle morphology, while Fe3O4 nanoparticles clustered and segregated to the interfaces of the particles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Renhua Deng, Jiangping Xu, Gi-Ra Yi, Jin Woong Kim, Jintao Zhu
Summary: Responsive colloidal polymer particles with well-defined shapes and ordered internal mesostructures have attracted increasing attention for their potential applications in various fields. The 3D confined assembly of block copolymers in emulsion droplets has emerged as a promising method for fabricating these particles. The engineering of anisotropically shaped and internally ordered colloidal polymer particles shows great potential in stimuli-responsiveness and emerging applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Hang Xiao, Quan-Xi Shi, Min Su, Xiao-Li Sun, Hongli Bao, Wen-Ming Wan
Summary: This study demonstrates a one-pot strategy for the molecular design of stimuli-responsive opposite emission/absorption polymer material with unique properties. The nontraditional intrinsic luminescence in the visible region is achieved through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization-induced emission (PIE) of a specific moiety. The opposite emission/absorption properties are derived from the carbocation-quinoid mechanism, enabling fluorescence encryption capability. This work provides a proof of concept for a novel polymer material that might inspire different fields.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianyu Lin, Chen Chuan Lim, Cally Owh, Joey Hui Min Wong, Valerie Ow, Belynn Sim, Yi Jian Boo, Michelle P. Y. Yew, Yi Hao Leow, Liangfeng Guo, Jason Y. C. Lim, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: Thermogels are a type of supramolecular hydrogels that undergo reversible sol-gel phase transitions and their unique properties depend on the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance of the constituent polymers. Most thermogelling polymers use polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the hydrophilic segment, but this study introduces PEG-free amphiphilic polymers comprising only polyethylenimine (PEI) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) as the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments, respectively. These polymers can self-assemble into micelles and supramolecular gel matrices. By modifying the PEI-PPG copolymers with benzyl groups, the resulting thermogel properties can be conveniently modulated. The hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance of the copolymers can also be adjusted to tune the critical gelation concentrations, gelation temperatures, and gel viscoelastic properties. In addition, the PEI segment exhibits pH-responsiveness, allowing for further alteration of thermogel viscoelasticity through pH adjustment. The convenience of postsynthetic functionalization, new material properties, and dual stimuli-responsiveness of these polycationic PEI-PPG thermogels can potentially offer a vast material design space for many unique applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenda Wang, Zicheng Zeng, Li Xiang, Cong Liu, Diana Diaz-Dussan, Zunguo Du, Anika B. Asha, Wenshuai Yang, Yi-Yang Peng, Mingfei Pan, Ravin Narain, Jifang Liu, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: An injectable self-healing hydrogel based on gastric environment-adaptive supramolecular assembly has been developed for gastric perforation healing. The hydrogel dressing possesses sensitive thermo-responsibility, injectability, antibiofouling property, simplifying surgical procedures, reducing postoperative complications, and enhancing the healing process. This work provides valuable insights for the development of biological environment-adaptive functional materials for biomedical applications.
Correction
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana Diaz-Dussan, Yi-Yang Peng, Jayeeta Sengupta, Rebecca Zabludowski, Madeleine K. Adam, Jason P. Acker, Robert N. Ben, Piyush Kumar, Ravin Narain
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laszlo Szabo, Xingtao Xu, Takeo Ohsawa, Koichiro Uto, Joel Henzie, Izumi Ichinose, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: A novel ultrafine porous carbon nanofiber network was successfully fabricated using a biobased polymer as carbon precursor. The interconnected N-doped carbon structure in the nanofiber network leads to excellent charge storage characteristics, making it a promising material for high-performance energy storage devices.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Laszlo Szabo, Xingtao Xu, Koichiro Uto, Joel Henzie, Yusuke Yamauchi, Izumi Ichinose, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: The study focuses on the relationship between the structure and electrochemical performance of porous carbon nanofibers (PCNFs) derived from the biobased building block chitosan. The researchers found that by varying the amount and molecular weight of the sacrificial pore-forming polymer, they could tailor the structure of the PCNFs to have a high surface area and hierarchical pore network, resulting in fast ion diffusion, high specific capacitance, and rate capability. The chitosan-based materials demonstrated high stability and charge efficiency, making them promising for use in charge storage devices.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erika Yoshihara, Makoto Sasaki, Ahmed Nabil, Michihiro Iijima, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: In this study, a temperature-responsive polymer-protein conjugate was synthesized by introducing a chain transfer agent (CTA) into bovine serum albumin (BSA). The research findings showed that the thermally responsive behavior of the polymer was controlled by the monomer ratio to CTA and the amount of CTA introduced to BSA. Furthermore, a human serum albumin (HSA)-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) conjugate was synthesized, which could specifically absorb the uremic toxin indoxyl sulfate (IS) and decrease its concentration by thermal precipitation.
Article
Polymer Science
Yasuhiro Nakagawa, Jeonggyu Lee, Yihua Liu, Saed Abbasi, Taehun Hong, Horacio Cabral, Satoshi Uchida, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: This study demonstrates the microglial polarization effect of PtdSer-exposing polymeric particles (PSPs), which can upregulate anti-inflammatory microglia and suppress inflammatory microglia through specific receptor activation. This highlights the potential of PSPs for anti-inflammatory therapy.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ailifeire Fulati, Koichiro Uto, Masanobu Iwanaga, Miho Watanabe, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: This article reports a novel shape-memory polymeric string that is ultra-stretchable, strong, tough, and highly recoverable. The contraction force of this string can be customized by adjusting the energy storage capacity, and it displays a controllable shape-memory response time. It has potential applications in blood vessel contraction in minimally invasive surgeries.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Terufumi Yoshida, Masaki Kaibori, Nanami Fujisawa, Mariko Ishizuka, Fusao Sumiyama, Masahiko Hatta, Hisashi Kosaka, Kosuke Matsui, Kensuke Suzuki, Tomoya O. Akama, Tayo Katano, Kengo Yoshii, Mitsuhiro Ebara, Mitsugu Sekimoto
Summary: In this study, lenvatinib sheets incorporating a drug delivery system showed significant antitumor effects in a murine HCC model, inhibiting tumor growth and improving survival rates. The sustained release of lenvatinib from the sheets maintained stable serum levels and effectively suppressed tumor proliferation, indicating their potential as a novel and effective treatment strategy for advanced HCC.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lili Chen, Nanami Fujisawa, Masato Takanohashi, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: Researchers developed a smart nanofiber mesh with anticancer abilities, injectability, and fast recovery, which can modulate and control anticancer effects by loading chemotherapeutic drugs and magnetic nanoparticles.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mazaya Najmina, Mitsuhiro Ebara, Takahito Ohmura, Koichiro Uto
Summary: This study explores the possibility of promoting the permanent cell cycle arrest of breast cancer cells on a viscoelastic liquid substrate, and highlights the role of rapid bulk stress relaxation in generating reactive oxygen species in semi-3D multicellular aggregates of breast cancer cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
M. Watanabe, M. Okamoto, S. Komichi, H. Huang, S. Matsumoto, K. Moriyama, J. Ohshima, S. Abe, M. Morita, M. Ali, K. Takebe, I. Kozaki, A. Fujimoto, K. Kanie, R. Kato, K. Uto, M. Ebara, A. Yamawaki-Ogata, Y. Narita, Y. Takahashi, M. Hayashi
Summary: This study investigates the effects of functional peptides derived from the S100A8 protein on dental pulp tissue. It found that one of the peptides can promote tertiary dentin formation and inhibit inflammatory responses. These findings provide important insights for the development of next-generation biological vital pulp therapies.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ailifeire Fulati, Koichiro Uto, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: This study investigates the effects of crystallinity and crosslinking density on the mechanical properties and shape recovery force of shape-memory polymers (SMPs). The experimental results reveal that the crosslinking density affects the shape recovery force, which is crucial for understanding the energy storage capacity of the polymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yinuo Li, Yoshitaka Matsumoto, Lili Chen, Yu Sugawara, Emiho Oe, Nanami Fujisawa, Mitsuhiro Ebara, Hideyuki Sakurai
Summary: This study proposes a new treatment model for glioblastoma (GBM) using a safe and non-toxic drug-releasing composite Nanofiber mesh (NFM). The NFM combines chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, and radiotherapy in a highly simultaneous manner. The combination of temozolomide (TMZ) and 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17AAG) in the NFM showed synergistic cytotoxicity and radiation-sensitization effects. The NFM has the potential to address the challenge of high recurrence of GBM post-operatively due to its sustained drug release.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gyeongwoo Lee, Taishu Iwase, Shunsuke Matsumoto, Ahmed Nabil, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: This study successfully synthesized an antibody-drug conjugate with anti-inflammatory effects and optimized the antibody-polymer ratio. The introduction of p(HEMA-co-MPS) to IgG did not decrease the polymer's anti-inflammatory potential while maintaining its targeting ability. It is suggested to adjust the antibody-polymer ratio appropriately for effective therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Nabil, Erika Yoshihara, Keita Hironaka, Ayman A. Hassan, Gamal Shiha, Mitsuhiro Ebara
Summary: This study developed a novel preanalytical strategy for SARS-CoV-2 specimen enrichment to avoid misdiagnosis and increase screening sensitivity, contributing to accurate and rapid diagnostic tools to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Paige A. Shaw, Maxime Klausen, Mark Bradley
Summary: A light-responsive polymer capable of controlled release of camptothecin and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was developed, which exhibited high cancer cell killing activity through both camptothecin release and ROS generation.
Article
Polymer Science
Donghui Zhang, Shiqi Liu, Zhihao Cai, Weizhe Luo, Guojian Liu, Runhui Liu
Summary: A straightforward and efficient method for synthesizing NPC monomers has been developed in this study, which enhances the availability of NPC monomers and facilitates the synthesis of polypeptides.
