Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoyan Nie, Ziying Hu, Tianliang Xiao, Li Li, Jiao Jin, Kesong Liu, Zhaoyue Liu
Summary: This study reports a light-powered polystyrene sulfonate anion (PSS) doped polypyrrole (PPy) conducting polymer membrane, which exhibits cationic selectivity and light-responsive surface-charge-governed ion transport. By applying asymmetric light irradiation on one side of the membrane, an inherent electric field drives cationic transport against the concentration gradient, demonstrating an ion-pumping effect.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sonal Gupta, Oumayma Taboubi, Udit Acharya, Miloslav Lhotka, Vaclav Pokorny, Zuzana Moravkova, Jirina Hromadkova, Patrycja Bober
Summary: This study demonstrates the facile preparation of one-dimensional nanostructures of poly(N-methyl pyrrole) (PNMPy) with the guidance of anionic organic dyes, resulting in enhanced conductivity and specific surface area. The addition of methyl orange or Acid Blue 25 led to the formation of nanotubular or nanofibrous PNMPy, respectively. Both dyes showed enhancement in the conductivity of PNMPy, independent on the dye concentration. The presence of either dye also had a pronounced effect on the electrochemical activity of PNMPy.
Article
Polymer Science
Chonnakarn Panawong, Sawanya Tasarin, Pranorm Saejueng, Surangkhana Budsombat
Summary: Proton conducting membranes based on crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) and chitosan were fabricated using sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and glutaraldehyde (GA) as crosslinking agents. A systematic study on the effects of SSA, chitosan, and GA on membrane properties was conducted. The addition of PAMPS-Si enhanced proton conductivity, and the value increased with increasing loading.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Shin-nosuke Nishimura, Kei Nishida, Tomoya Ueda, Shohei Shiomoto, Masaru Tanaka
Summary: Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is a commonly used thermoresponsive polymer that has been widely applied in biological applications. However, due to the presence of a hydrogen-bond donor, PNIPAM often induces blood clot formation, making alternatives to PNIPAM with aprotic polar functional groups necessary. In this study, acrylate polymers containing the aprotic polar functional group pyrrolidone ring were synthesized, and their lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) could be precisely controlled. These polymers demonstrated good blood compatibility and cell affinity, and interestingly, could activate macrophages without cytotoxicity when their hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance was altered.
Article
Electrochemistry
Monika Wysocka-Zolopa, Aleksandra Brzozka, Elzbieta Zambrzycka-Szelewa, Urszula Klekotka, Beata Kalska-Szostko, Krzysztof Winkler
Summary: A nanocomposite of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and polypyrrole was synthesized through a new chemical polymerization method using sonication. Fe3O4 nanoparticles functioned as both a pyrrole oxidant and a component in the composite material. Two types of nanocomposites were obtained: Fe3O4/PPy nanocomposites, where magnetite nanoparticles were dispersed in a PPy matrix, and Fe3O4-aggregates@PPy nanocomposites, where aggregates of magnetite nanoparticles were surrounded by a layer of polymeric phase. The electrochemical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated, and the composite of Fe3O4 and PPy displayed reversible electrochemical behavior upon oxidation, similar in both aqueous solution and organic solvents such as acetonitrile and dichloromethane.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ryota Iwamori, Ryota Sato, Junpei Kuwabara, Takaki Kanbara
Summary: Nonstoichiometric polyaddition was achieved through Co-catalyzed hydroarylation of diyne monomers with excess 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)pyrrole. The 2-pyrimidinyl substituent acted as a directing group, facilitating intramolecular catalyst transfer and yielding poly(arylenevinylene)s with alkyne terminals and high molecular weight.
Article
Polymer Science
Ryota Iwamori, Ryota Sato, Junpei Kuwabara, Takeshi Yasuda, Takaki Kanbara
Summary: The polyaddition via the Co-catalyzed hydroarylation of 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)pyrrole with aromatic diynes to afford poly(arylenevinylene)s under mild conditions avoids production of stoichiometric amounts of by-products. Structural analysis of the obtained polymers reveals the presence of 1,1-vinylidene unit, but changing the counter anion of the Co catalyst and steric hindrance of the diyne monomers improves regioselectivity to form 1,2-vinylene linkages dominantly. The impact of regioselectivity on the optical and semiconducting properties of the polymers is also evaluated.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Danelya N. Makhayeva, Sergey K. Filippov, Sanzhar S. Yestemes, Galiya S. Irmukhametova, Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy
Summary: The study found that poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) has a greater ability to bind iodine compared to poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), but the iodophors formed by these two polymers exhibit similar antimicrobial properties.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ming-Yue Zhang, Yu Song, Duo Yang, Zengming Qin, Di Guo, Li-Jun Bian, Xiao-Guang Sang, Xiaoqi Sun, Xiao-Xia Liu
Summary: This study introduces a redox-active poly-counterion doping concept to enhance the electrochemical performance of conducting polymers (CPs), especially under ultra-high mass loadings. By doping with poly-counterions, the dopants undergo redox reactions during charge/discharge processes to provide additional capacitance and improve the electrical conductivity of CPs. Additionally, poly-counterions with steric hindrance can act as structural pillars and facilitate ion transport in CPs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiangming Fu, Yanqiu Wang, Liang Xu, Atsushi Narumi, Shin-ichiro Sato, Xiaoran Yang, Xiande Shen, Toyoji Kakuchi
Summary: Poly(N,N-bis(2-ethoxyethyl)acrylamide) (PEOEAm), a new thermoresponsive polyacrylamide, was studied in terms of synthesis and thermal phase transition. PEOEAm without initiator residue at the chain end was synthesized via hydrosilylation-promoted group transfer polymerization (GTP) to exclude the effect of polymer end groups on its thermoresponsive properties. By copolymerizing PEOEAm and DMAm, various block copolymer architectures were synthesized and their thermoresponsive properties were evaluated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuriy Bandera, Haley W. Jones, Benjamin Grant, Sarah Mell, Stephen H. Foulger
Summary: In this study, a new N-alkynylated DTP monomer was synthesized and investigated for pre-polymerization modification via a click reaction. The synthesized monomer is soluble in various organic solvents and achieves high yields when reacting with organic azides. Both the N-alkynylated DTP monomer and its click-modified derivative can be electropolymerized to form polymeric films.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinlei Wang, Jie Zhou, Weihua Tang
Summary: Conducting polymers with redox-active units are excellent electrode materials for aqueous batteries, and the newly designed DTP twisted quinones repeating polymers exhibit high reversibility and robustness, achieving high current rates through improved electron transport and intermolecular charge transfer.
ENERGY STORAGE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Nick Huettner, Anja S. Goldmann, Richard Hoogenboom, Tim R. Dargaville
Summary: This study investigates the impact of reaction parameters on the macrocyclization efficiency of PAOx and POzi using copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). It was found that POzi shows higher conversion to monocyclic species compared to PAOx, possibly due to increased chain flexibility of POzi. Additionally, a significantly higher number of cyclic POzi could be synthesized per unit volume of solvent compared to previous protocols for related PAOx.
Article
Polymer Science
Andres Ortega-Garcia, Bryan Giovanny Martinez-Bernal, Israel Ceja, Eduardo Mendizabal, Jorge Emilio Puig-Arevalo, Lourdes Adriana Perez-Carrillo
Summary: This paper reports the synthesis of stimulus-responsive polymer nanohydrogels with a core/shell structure using batch emulsion polymerization in the presence of chitosan micelles. The nanohydrogels were loaded with the drug doxycycline hyclate and showed a higher release amount at acidic pH. Mathematical models were used to fit the experimental drug release data.
Article
Polymer Science
Pavel I. Semenyuk, Lidia P. Kurochkina, Lauri Maekinen, Vladimir I. Muronetz, Sami Hietala
Summary: A reversible enzyme complexation technology that allows inactivation, protection, and reactivation of enzymes through controlled release has been demonstrated. A thermoresponsive polymer was shown to capture lysozyme at low temperatures and release it upon heating, providing potential applications in drug delivery and controlled release of enzyme-based drugs.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sonia Lanzalaco, Julia Mingot, Juan Torras, Carlos Aleman, Elaine Armelin
Summary: Temperature-sensitive hydrogels are water-filled polymer networks that undergo phase transition or swelling/deswelling with temperature changes. They have great potential in various technological and biomedical applications due to their reversible temperature response, stability, ease of preparation, biocompatibility, and ability to be combined with other materials. Among them, poly(N- isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is the most extensively studied and holds promise for future research and applications.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Adrian Fontana-Escartin, Karima El Hauadi, Sonia Lanzalaco, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Elaine Armelin, Pau Turon, Carlos Aleman
Summary: By incorporating a conducting polymer (CP) layer with isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) nonabsorbable surgical meshes, the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is sensed to detect the adhesion and growth of bacteria. The modified meshes, obtained through a three-step process, exhibit stability, easy handling, and good electrochemical response. Real-time monitoring of NADH from aerobic respiration reactions of Staphylococcus aureus and both biofilm-positive (B+) and biofilm-negative (B-) Escherichia coli cultures is demonstrated. This innovative strategy holds great promise for the future development of smart biomedical devices to combat post-operative bacterial infections.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonor Resina, Karima El Hauadi, Jordi Sans, Teresa Esteves, Frederico Castelo Ferreira, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Carlos Aleman
Summary: Multiresponsive hydrogels, as smart soft materials that respond to multiple external stimuli, have significant applications in the biomedical field. In this study, an electro-chemo responsive hydrogel capable of releasing chloramphenicol, a broad spectrum antibiotic, was developed. The hydrogel demonstrated successful responses to electrical stimulation and pH changes, and the released antibiotic remained biologically active. This smart material shows great potential for fighting bacterial infections and providing localized cancer treatment in the biomedical field.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jordi Sans, Marc Arnau, Adrian Fontana-Escartin, Pau Turon, Carlos Aleman
Summary: The development of experimental procedures to transform conventional materials into new materials with unique properties has become a necessity in many fields. The thermal stimulated polarization (TSP) treatment has been applied to hydroxyapatite, leading to permanently polarized HAp (p-HAp). The enhanced electrical properties of p-HAp have been utilized for catalysis under mild conditions and with high selectivity.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Mingot, Nicolas Benejam, Gloria Villora, Carlos Aleman, Elaine Armelin, Sonia Lanzalaco
Summary: This study presents a novel nanoparticle-based thermosensor implant that can detect precise temperature changes along polymer filaments. The implant combines plasmon resonance and Raman spectroscopy with a hydrogel responsive system to trace the position and temperature of a polypropylene mesh used in abdominal hernia repair. The attachment of biocompatible nanoparticles, based on gold stabilized by a chitosan-shell, to the mesh without the need of chemical linkers and the use of SERS spectroscopy offer new possibilities for diagnosis and infection prevention in hernia repair.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adrian Fontana-Escartin, Karima El Hauadi, Sonia Lanzalaco, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Elaine Armelin, Pau Turon, Carlos Aleman
Summary: Virtually all implantable medical devices are at risk of infection. Different strategies have been proposed to address the increased infection risk, such as coating or functionalizing biomedical devices with antiseptic agents or antibiotics. This study presents an alternative approach by functionalizing implantable devices with sensors to detect infection at early stages through continuous monitoring of bacteria metabolism. The approach is demonstrated using surgical sutures as a representative case of bacteria colonization, and shows potential in minimizing the risk of worsening the patient's condition.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Isaac Isarn, Ludmila Hodasova, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Francesc Estrany, Elaine Armelin, Fernando Bravo
Summary: Six acrylamide resins derived from l-phenylalanine and l-leucine were developed for use in DLP printers. These resins, when combined with PEGDA and DMA, can produce biodegradable thermoset polymers. The resulting printed samples show high dimensional stability and non-cytotoxic properties, making them suitable for safe disposal. This new compound, derived from amino acids, has the potential to replace non-biodegradable acrylate polymers used in prototyping systems.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sonia Lanzalaco, Christine Weis, Kamelia A. Traeger, Pau Turon, Carlos Aleman, Elaine Armelin
Summary: This study proposes the use of smart polypropylene hernia meshes modified with a thermosensitive hydrogel to detect surgical infections and regulate cell attachment. The physical treatment with plasma and the chemical processes for grafting the hydrogel can affect the mechanical properties of the mesh, but the hydrogel improves its mechanical resistance. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization does not influence the mechanical performance of the hydrogel-grafted meshes. Overall, the modification of PP medical textiles with a biocompatible thermosensitive hydrogel does not affect, and even improves, the mechanical requirements for implantation.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Samuele Colombi, Lorena P. Macor, Laia Ortiz-Membrado, Soledad Perez-Amodio, Emilio Jimenez-Pique, Elisabeth Engel, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Jose Garcia-Torres, Carlos Aleman
Summary: This study developed two polymeric platforms for sustained release of lactate, which are important in cardiac tissue regeneration. The optimized platform achieved a constant release of lactate at a rate of 5.9 +/- 2.7 mM per day over 11 days, fully satisfying the requirements for heart tissue regeneration.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Victor Castrejon-Comas, Carlos Aleman, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal
Summary: This article presents the latest research on conductive and interactive hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid (HA) as wound dressings, which promote skin tissue regeneration through electrical stimulation and multifunctional performance. The selection of systems emphasizes recent works that demonstrate enhanced scalability and biomimicry. The article also discusses the challenges and translational impact of these systems on commercial and clinical applications.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
AdrianFontana- Escartin, Karima El Hauadi, Sonia Lanzalaco, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Elaine Armelin, Pau Turon, Carlos Aleman
Summary: Isotactic polypropylene nonabsorbable surgical meshes are modified by incorporating a conducting polymer layer that can detect the presence and growth of bacteria by sensing the oxidation of NADH. This process involves treating the meshes with low-pressure plasma, functionalizing the surface with CP nanoparticles, and coating a layer of electropolymerized CP. The modified meshes show stable and easy handling properties, as well as good electrochemical response, allowing for the detection of NADH and monitoring of bacterial metabolism.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Garcia-Torres, Carmen Lazaro, Dioulde Sylla, Sonia Lanzalaco, Maria-Pau Ginebra, Carlos Aleman
Summary: This study reports a straightforward method for fabricating free-standing perforated 2D nanomembranes with well-ordered 1D metallic nanostructures for flexible electronics. The surface chemistry of the nanomembranes can be tailored, leading to good sensing capacity, stability, and selectivity.
JOURNAL OF NANOSTRUCTURE IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
