Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Moslem Ahmadian, Mehdi Jaymand
Summary: The treatment of wastewater containing synthetic dyes is crucial due to their potential risks to the environment and public health. Adsorption process using interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) and semi-IPNs hydrogels as adsorbents have gained attention for their stability, high swelling capacity, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. This review examines the removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous media using semi-IPNs and IPNs hydrogels, discussing their preparation, adsorption capacities, and future perspectives.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alissa Domaingo, Philipp Jokesch, Alexandra Schweiger, Martha Gschwandtner, Tanja Gerlza, Manuel Koch, Kim S. Midwood, Andreas J. Kungl
Summary: Tenascin-C (TNC) is a complex glycoprotein involved in various physiological processes such as oncogenesis and inflammation. This study investigated the binding of TNC to key chemokines and found a differential chemokine-TNC binding pattern. It was observed that TNC acts as an attenuator in monocyte mobilization and an amplifier in eosinophil mobilization. These effects may be due to TNC impeding the binding of CCL2 to heparan sulfate while reinforcing the binding of CCL26.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rayan Chatterjee, Santidan Biswas, Victor V. Yashin, Michael Aizenberg, Joanna Aizenberg, Anna C. Balazs
Summary: Interpenetrating and random copolymer networks are important for various industrial applications. A theoretical model has been developed for the controlled growth of these networks, allowing for customization of their swelling and elastic properties through adjustments in monomer and crosslinker concentrations or chemical choices. This process can produce gels with a range of mechanical properties to meet the materials requirements of different applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Davey C. Hoekstra, Michael G. Debije, Albert P. H. J. Schenning
Summary: This study reports the formation of triple-shape-memory liquid crystalline-interpenetrating polymer network (LC-IPN) actuators based on a hybrid acrylate-oxetane LC mixture. Polymer films with two distinct glass-transition temperatures are created through the orthogonal polymerization of oxetane and acrylate liquid crystals, allowing for one-way triple-shape-memory actuation and two-way bending actuation with a broad temperature window. The results demonstrate the combination of shape memory polymers with liquid crystal-based soft actuators, showcasing advanced stimuli-responsive properties.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Cody O. Crosby, Brett Stern, Nikhith Kalkunte, Shahar Pedahzur, Shreya Ramesh, Janet Zoldan
Summary: This article proposes the development of interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels as biomaterial scaffolds in tissue engineering, aiming to address the current challenges in clinical translation. The authors review recent advancements in improving the mechanical strength, substrate-scale stiffness, electrical conductivity, and degradation of IPN hydrogels and highlight their incorporation into state-of-the-art tissue engineering technologies. These materials have critical importance in engineering functional tissues for transplantation, disease modeling, and drug screening.
REVIEWS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Faycel Ghrissi, Yawei Gu, V. Prasad Shastri
Summary: This article presents a method for processing marine biopolymers into materials with both elastic and plastic behavior, using a double-interpenetrating polymer network. By blending alginic acid and carboxylated agarose and cross-linking with a divalent cation, films with higher strength than polylactic acid were achieved. The study also demonstrates the successful bonding of wood and marine biopolymer composites using calcium activation and wet bonding.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Cody O. Crosby, Alex Hillsley, Sachin Kumar, Brett Stern, Sapun H. Parekh, Adrianne Rosales, Janet Zoldan
Summary: The IPN hydrogel composed of collagen and NorHA is highly tunable, compaction-resistant, and capable of supporting vasculogenesis. By varying the cross-linker concentration, the stiffness and degradability of the hydrogel can be modulated, showing potential in promoting vascular growth in tissue engineering.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Gabriel Beltran, Daniel Navajas, Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
Summary: The mechanical signals sensed by alveolar cells are determined by the local matrix stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study developed a finite element (FE) model based on Voronoi tessellation to accurately reproduce the mechanical behavior of a decellularized rat lung tissue strip. The position of cells within the alveoli greatly influences the local stiffness perceived by the cells, with corner cells perceiving higher stiffness compared to flat area cells.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zhao Wei, Jingyi Liu, Yuanbo Jia, Meng Lei, Songbai Zhang, Pan Xi, Yufei Ma, Min Zhang, Jinlu Ma, Lin Wang, Hui Guo, Feng Xu
Summary: The fiber structures of tumor microenvironment play crucial roles in tumor cell behaviors, and recent studies have shown that the plastic remolding of the microenvironment can enhance tumor metastasis. However, the relationship between fiber microarchitecture and matrix plasticity has not been well understood in existing in vitro models. This study develops a collagen-alginate hydrogel platform with tunable matrix plasticity and fiber microarchitecture, and demonstrates that tumor cells exhibit more aggressive behavior in high plasticity hydrogels and that fiber structures only have an impact in high plasticity hydrogels. The study further reveals the underlying mechanisms by analyzing force distribution within the matrix and tracking focal adhesions (FAs), showing that highly plastic hydrogels activate FA formation while fiber dispersion controls the maturation and stability of FAs. This study not only provides new insights into the interaction between cells and the tumor microenvironment, but also contributes to the development of engineered hydrogel platforms for in vitro studies of tumor behaviors.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jaechul Ju, Arthi Jayaraman, Ryan C. Hayward
Summary: Supramolecular block copolymers have been extensively studied for their special ability to respond to external stimuli and alter their self-assembled structures. In this study, the researchers explored the use of phenol (Ph) and pyridine (Py) as pendant groups on polystyrene (PS) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains to introduce hydrogen bonding interactions. By tuning the number of hydrogen bonding groups, they observed a transition from macrophase separation to microphase separation at low temperatures. The formation of disordered nanostructures and a reversible change in domain spacing were also observed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leena Patel, Joshua C. Worch, Andrew P. Dove, Katja Gehmlich
Summary: The behavior and morphology of cardiac fibroblasts (FBs) and cardiomyocytes (CMs) are influenced by their environment, highlighting the importance of biomaterial substrates in cell culture. Biomaterial hydrogels, such as hyaluronic acid, polydimethylsiloxane, and polyethylene glycol, have been used to culture induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) and provide a more physiological model of the cardiac extracellular matrix. Natural hydrogels show higher biocompatibility with iPSC-CMs but degrade quicker, while synthetic hydrogels can be modified to facilitate cell attachment and decrease degradation rates. Hydrogels have been extensively utilized in the cardiac field to recapitulate disease conditions, encourage alignment of iPSC-CMs, and facilitate further model development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhishek P. Dhand, Matthew D. Davidson, Jonathan H. Galarraga, Taimoor H. Qazi, Ryan C. Locke, Robert L. Mauck, Jason A. Burdick
Summary: The incorporation of a secondary network into traditional single-network hydrogels can enhance their mechanical properties, and the properties can be tuned by changing the network composition. The improved processing of these IPN hydrogels will expand their applications in various fields.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yaru Guo, Feng Mei, Ying Huang, Siqin Ma, Yan Wei, Xuehui Zhang, Mingming Xu, Ying He, Boon Chin Heng, Lili Chen, Xuliang Deng
Summary: This study demonstrates that matrix stiffness promotes sprouting of endothelial cells and regulates the formation of tip cells through a specific signaling axis. The findings have significant implications for biomaterial design and treatment of pathological conditions.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hanh T. T. Nguyen, Dang H. Nguyen, Qin-Cheng Zhang, Van-Can Nguyen, Yuh-Lang Lee, Jeng-Shiung Jan, Hsisheng Teng
Summary: This study develops an interpenetrating polymer network electrolyte (IPNE) comprising networked solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) and lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide (LiFSI) to address the challenges in all-solid-state batteries. The synergy between the two SPEs results in high ionic conductivity and a high Li-transference number. The exploitation of the synergy between polymer networks is a promising approach to further developing SPEs.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Trevor Gilbert, Matthew A. Campea, Nahieli Preciado Rivera, Michael Majcher, Richard Alsop, Mouhanad Babi, Thomas Kalab, Jose Moran-Mirabal, Maikel Rheinstadter, Todd Hoare
Summary: In this study, injectable PNIPAM/PVP interpenetrating polymer networks were fabricated and characterized. The results show that the internal structure of the injectable IPNs can be controlled by adjusting the PVP molecular weight and degree of thiolation. The PNIPAM gelation drives the formation of domains, with PNIPAM mainly located in the PVP-rich domains and PVP entrapped in the PNIPAM-rich domain. Additionally, the structural reconfiguration of the IPNs can be achieved by heating above the volume phase transition temperature of the PNIPAM phase, which is influenced by the molecular weight and thiolation degree of the PVP precursor polymers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Marija Marolt, Steffen Luedeke
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthias Haeckh, Xavier Lucas, Marija Marolt, Peter F. Leadlay, Michael Mueller, Stefan Guenther, Steffen Luedeke
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Neha Arya, Aurelien Forget, Melika Sarem, V. Prasad Shastri
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2019)
Article
Biophysics
Anouck L. S. Burzava, Aurelien Forget, Frances J. Harding, Michaelia P. Cockshell, Daniella Penko, Camille Rouzaud, Vincent Ahmadi, Paula F. Marina, Darling Rojas-Canales, Claudine S. Bonder, P. Toby H. Coates, Michaela Waibel, Helen E. Thomas, Thomas W. Kay, Thomas Loudovaris, Anton Blencowe, Nicolas H. Voelcker
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gennaro Pescitelli, Steffen Luedeke, Marcin Gorecki, Lorenzo Di Bari
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aurelien Forget, Roberto Gianni-Barrera, Andrea Uccelli, Melika Sarem, Esther Kohler, Barbara Fogli, Manuele G. Muraro, Sandrine Bichet, Konrad Aumann, Andrea Banfi, V. Prasad Shastri
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lucas Ahrens, Daniel Vonwil, Neha Arya, Aurelien Forget, V. Prasad Shastri
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Britta Frensch, Thorsten Lechtenberg, Michel Kather, Zeynep Yunt, Martin Betschart, Bernd Kammerer, Steffen Luedeke, Michael Mueller, Joern Piel, Robin Teufel
Summary: The study uncovers the enzymatic formation process of the spiroketal moiety in rubromycin polyketides, driven by flavin-dependent enzymes, and characterizes reaction intermediates.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Steffen Luedeke, Philipp Lohner, Lara G. Stuehn, Martin U. Betschart, Matthias C. Huber, Andreas Schreiber, Stefan M. Schiller
Summary: Research has shown that coacervation of Elastin-like proteins occurs sharply when a certain number of repeat units has acquired beta-turn conformation, which is retained even after polypeptide assembly. This conformational threshold may have implications for other protein assembly processes and the design of protein-based smart materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Christoph Mueller, Jakob Gleixner, Maris-Johanna Tahk, Sergei Kopanchuk, Tonis Laasfeld, Michael Weinhart, Dieter Schollmeyer, Martin U. Betschart, Steffen Luedeke, Pierre Koch, Ago Rinken, Max Keller
Summary: The recent crystallization of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor(Y1R) in complex with the selective antagonist UR-MK299 has allowed for the design of novel fluorescent probes with high binding affinity and selectivity for Y1R.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tobias Butelmann, Yawei Gu, Aijun Li, Fabian Tribukait-Riemenschneider, Julius Hoffmann, Amin Molazem, Ellen Jaeger, Diana Pellegrini, Aurelien Forget, V. Prasad Shastri
Summary: In multicellular organisms, cells are organized in a 3-dimensional framework which is vital for organogenesis and tissue morphogenesis. This study demonstrates a 3D printing-driven approach to fabricate bespoke hanging drop devices for the culture of tumor cells. The design attributes of the hanging drop device prioritize high-throughput, high efficacy in spheroid formation, and automation. The use of a pipetting robot and custom bioink enables the automated culture and bioprinting of tumor spheroids in a simulated tumor microenvironment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Lisa Schindler, Jutta Moosbauer, Daniel Schmidt, Thilo Spruss, Lukas Graetz, Steffen Luedeke, Frank Hofheinz, Sebastian Meister, Bernd Echtenacher, Gunther Bernhardt, Jens Pietzsch, Dirk Hellwig, Max Keller
Summary: This study aimed to develop a peptidic gallium-68 labeled NTS1R PET ligand with high in vivo stability and high NTS1R affinity. A series of potential ligands were prepared by attaching the chelator DOTA to the C-terminal fragment of neurotensin and inserting Ga3+. One of the ligands showed promising results in biodistribution studies and dynamic PET scans, indicating its potential for tumor imaging.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martin U. Betschart, Melika Sarem, V. Prasad Shastri, Steffen Luedeke
Summary: This study reveals the pH-dependent structural transition and aggregation process of phosvitin in the presence of different ions, particularly the close relationship between the formation of small aggregates at low pH and the beta-sheet transition. Trivalent cations exhibit the strongest inhibitory effects on this process, while divalent cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ lead to the formation of larger particles from PV in the beta-sheet conformation.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yawei Gu, Benjamin Schwarz, Aurelien Forget, Andrea Barbero, Ivan Martin, V. Prasad Shastri
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tao Liu, Eleonore C. L. Bolle, Traian Chirila, Marion Buck, Daniel Jonas, Shuko Suzuki, Tai Smith, V. Prasad Shastri, Tim R. Dargaville, Aurelien Forget
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2020)