Article
Polymer Science
Oleg Rud, Alexander D. Kazakov, Lucie Nova, Filip Uhlik
Summary: We model a process of seawater desalination that utilizes compression of a weak polyelectrolyte hydrogel for ion transfer. We demonstrate that the compression of the hydrogel creates two types of ion flow, exchange of divalent Ca2+ by monovalent Na+ and the desalination process itself. We also show that the compression of the gel is not affected by divalent ions due to significant screening of electrostatic interactions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenjun Feng, Zhengke Wang
Summary: Hydrogels with tailor-made swelling-shrinkable properties have gained significant attention in the biomedical field. While highly swelling hydrogels are widely used in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery, non-swelling hydrogels play important roles in tissue adhesives, soft-tissue wound healing, and bioelectronics. The negative swelling behavior of hydrogels can be utilized for noninvasive wound closure and drug release. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive review on the construction and biomedical applications of hydrogels based on their swelling-shrinkable properties. This review aims to summarize the strategies employed and provide a better understanding of the current progress and future challenges in this field.
Article
Polymer Science
Romana Kratochvilova, Milan Kracalik, Marcela Smilkova, Petr Sedlacek, Miloslav Pekar, Elke Bradt, Jiri Smilek, Petra Zavodska, Martina Klucakova
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the hydrogels' use in soil by characterizing their FT-IR spectra, morphology, swelling ability, and rheological properties. It was found that lignohumate improved water absorbency, while the addition of NPK had a negative effect. The stability of the hydrogels was affected by repeated drying/re-swelling cycles and freezing.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Raffaella De Piano, Diego Caccavo, Anna Angela Barba, Gaetano Lamberti
Summary: Polyelectrolyte hydrogels are a type of hydrogel whose behavior is influenced by changes in pH. Mathematical modeling has been widely used to understand their behavior, and in this study, a model based on a monophasic approach is used to describe the behavior of anionic hydrogels at pH 7 or lower. The model is validated by comparing it with experimental data and shows good agreement with the literature.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xueyu Li, Feng Luo, Tao Lin Sun, Kunpeng Cui, Reina Watanabe, Tasuku Nakajima, Jian Ping Gong
Summary: Understanding the mechanical behaviors of tough hydrogels with dynamic bonds in saline solution is crucial for applications, especially in the biomedical field.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mengyuan Zhang, Yuxuan Yang, Meng Li, Qinghua Shang, Ruilin Xie, Jing Yu, Kaixiang Shen, Yanfeng Zhang, Yilong Cheng
Summary: The Hoffmeister effect of polyelectrolytes is found to significantly improve the mechanical performance of hydrogels, especially the double-network hydrogel. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels can be flexibly tuned by adjusting polyelectrolyte concentration, ionization degree, relative hydrophobicity, and polyelectrolyte type. Introducing urea bonds into the polyelectrolyte further enhances the mechanical properties and anti-swelling capability of the hydrogels. In a biomedical application, the advanced hydrogel effectively inhibits hernia formation and promotes tissue regeneration in an abdominal wall defect model.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhouzhou Pan, Laurence Brassart
Summary: Biodegradable synthetic hydrogels have shown promise for tissue engineering and drug/cell delivery applications, but successful implementation requires a precise understanding of degradation response. This work presents a thermodynamically-consistent framework and constitutive models for simulating degradation-induced swelling in hydrogels, validated against experimental data. The models could be beneficial for designing hydrogels with controlled degradation behavior.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Siying Wang, Jingying Liu, Leichen Wang, Hao Cai, Qian Wang, Wenjun Wang, Jinjun Shao, Xiaochen Dong
Summary: Flexible materials have facilitated advancements in wearable devices, biomaterials, and tissue engineering. However, the high hydrophilicity of hydrogels poses challenges for underwater applications. Researchers have proposed various anti-swelling strategies to overcome this limitation and improve the performance of hydrogels underwater.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Emily Dalton, Zachary Morris, Neil Ayres
Summary: Polyurethane hydrogels are widely used in various fields due to their durability, flexibility, and biocompatibility. In this study, polyurethane-based hydrogels were prepared using polyethylene glycol and a novel lactose monomer. It was found that the swelling of the hydrogels was driven by the hydrophilicity of the lactose units. Sulfation of the lactose rings resulted in high-swelling polyelectrolyte hydrogels. Furthermore, the effects of PEG molecular weight, degree of crosslinking, and sulfation on the swelling of the hydrogels were investigated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Allison L. Chau, Patrick T. Getty, Andrew R. Rhode, Christopher M. Bates, Craig J. Hawker, Angela A. Pitenis
Summary: This study investigates the tribological properties of P(AAm-co-AA) hydrogels and finds that tunable lubricity is related to the protonation state of acrylic acid and electrostatic interactions.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Elena Manaila, Maria Demeter, Ion Cosmin Calina, Gabriela Craciun
Summary: In this study, a new sodium alginate-g-acrylic acid-based hydrogel was developed for soil remediation. The hydrogels showed significant swelling power, were not degraded in different pH conditions and different water sources, and exhibited a non-Fickian transport mechanism. The prepared hydrogels were considered excellent candidates for sustainable agriculture applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Md Rashedul Islam, Sheik Tanveer, Chau-Chyun Chen
Summary: Hydrogel swelling is influenced by factors such as temperature, solvent composition, and hydrogel structure, with solvent-hydrogel interactions and expansion of elastic network being the driving forces. The study used a polymer Nonrandom Two-Liquid activity coefficient model and a semi-empirical expression for rubber elasticity to successfully describe the swelling and equilibrium phase compositions of hydrogels in various mixed solvents.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ion Calina, Maria Demeter, Anca Scarisoreanu, Marin Micutz
Summary: Superabsorbent hybrid XG/CMC/GO hydrogels were synthesized by e-beam radiation crosslinking in this study. The effects of chemical structure on water absorption were evaluated, and the optimal composition and irradiation dose were determined for achieving the highest swelling degree.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nadege Leray, Malika Talantikite, Ana Villares, Bernard Cathala
Summary: This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of double network hydrogels based on cellulose nanocrystals. The hydrogels exhibited excellent mechanical properties and tunable swelling capacities which make them suitable for applications in bilayer actuators.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Oleg V. Rud, Jonas Landsgesell, Christian Holm, Peter Kosovan
Summary: Hydrogels immersed in salty solutions affect the ion partitioning and decrease the pH, which in turn diminishes the ionization degree of weak polyelectrolyte gels. This makes them less efficient in desalinating water with low salinity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Felix A. Blyakhman, Alexander P. Safronov, Emilia B. Makarova, Fedor A. Fadeyev, Tatyana F. Shklyar, Pavel A. Shabadrov, Sergio Fernandez Armas, Galina Kurlyandskaya
Summary: By synthesizing composite PAAm gels and characterizing their mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties, the study investigated the impact of embedded nanoparticles on the biocompatibility of ferrogels. The results showed that regardless of the superparamagnetic or diamagnetic nature of the nanoparticles, an increase in their concentration in the PAAm composite led to a higher cell culture proliferation on the surface of composite substrates.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ilya O. Starodumov, Sergey Yu Sokolov, Dmitri Alexandrov, Andrey Yu Zubarev, Ivan S. Bessonov, Vasily V. Chestukhin, Felix A. Blyakhman
Summary: This study conducted patient-specific hemodynamics modelling of severe coronary artery disease, taking into account standard angiographic data obtained before and after myocardial revascularization by stenting. By using a non-Newtonian fluid model and an original algorithm, key characteristics of blood flow were determined to analyze the features of coronary disease and its treatment consequences. The results of hemodynamic modelling near bifurcation sites were presented, emphasizing on physical, physiological, and clinical phenomena to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The main limitations and potential ways to minimize them were also discussed.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY A-MATHEMATICAL PHYSICAL AND ENGINEERING SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
G. Kurlyandskaya, A. P. Safronov, S. Shcherbinin, I. Beketov, F. A. Blyakhman, E. B. Makarova, M. A. Korch, A. Svalov
Summary: The article discusses the possibilities of producing large batches of magnetic nanoparticles using various methods, focusing on synthesis, certification, and interaction with biological systems in bioapplications. Analysis of biological experiments and theoretical approaches show potential for highly sensitive film sensors in biomedical applications.
PHYSICS OF THE SOLID STATE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
N. Kozlov, S. O. Volchkov, F. A. Blyakhman, V. V. Chestukhin, G. Kurlyandskaya
Summary: Magnetic nanoparticles have attracted special interest for biological applications. This study used the finite element method to simulate the flow of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in coronary arteries, with the aim of validating the possibility of using magnetic field sensors for vascular geometry evaluation.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MAGNETICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Felix A. Blyakhman, Alexander P. Safronov, Andrey Yu Zubarev, Grigory Yu Melnikov, Sergey Yu Sokolov, Aitor Larranaga Varga, Galina Kurlyandskaya
Summary: The development of magnetoactive microsystems for targeted drug delivery, magnetic biodetection, and replacement therapy is an important task in biomedical research. This study designed and tested an experimental setup for measuring the mechanical force on ferrogel in a non-uniform magnetic field. The results showed that the attraction forces between an electromagnet and cylindrical ferrogel samples increased with field intensity and the concentration of magnetic particles, providing useful information for predicting deformation in practical bioengineering applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fedor A. Fadeyev, Felix A. Blyakhman, Alexander P. Safronov, Grigory Yu Melnikov, Anastasia D. Nikanorova, Iuliia P. Novoselova, Galina Kurlyandskaya
Summary: The biological activity of gamma-Fe2O3 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and their effects on human dermal fibroblasts were investigated. MNPs uptake stimulated fibroblast proliferation, while extracellular MNPs stimulated the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the constant magnetic field did not significantly affect fibroblast proliferation and secretion.
Article
Physics, Applied
Olga A. A. Dinislamova, Ilya O. O. Yaryshev, Antonina V. V. Bugayova, Tatyana F. F. Shklyar, Alexander P. P. Safronov, Zahra Lotfollahi, Felix A. A. Blyakhman
Summary: This study investigated the magneto-deformation effect of ferrogels and its visualization using medical ultrasound. It was found that an increase in the weight fraction of magnetic particles in ferrogels resulted in an increase in density, elastic modulus, loss modulus, acoustic impedance, reflection coefficient, and a slight decrease in ultrasonic velocity. The deformation effect in ferrogels increased with the strength of the magnetic field, accompanied by an increase in the intensity of the reflected echo signal.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Pavel A. Shabadrov, Alexander P. Safronov, Nadezhda M. Kurilova, Felix A. Blyakhman
Summary: The study aimed to synthesize and characterize spherical beads of magnetically active composite ferrogels (FGs) for drug delivery and/or replacement therapy. The FGs were composed of calcium alginate (CaAlg), polyacrylamide (PAAm), and a combination of CaAlg and PAAm. The presence of chemical and physical networking in PAAm/CaAlg FGs provided the densest network. Embedding maghemite nanoparticles increased the swelling ratio of the polymeric network, indicating weak intermolecular interactions between the polymer and the filler. These findings are important for designing spherical FG beads with desired size and physicochemical properties.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Irina Nizovtseva, Vladimir Palmin, Ivan Simkin, Ilya Starodumov, Pavel Mikushin, Alexander Nozik, Timur Hamitov, Sergey Ivanov, Sergey Vikharev, Alexei Zinovev, Vladislav Svitich, Matvey Mogilev, Margarita Nikishina, Simon Kraev, Stanislav Yurchenko, Timofey Mityashin, Dmitrii Chernushkin, Anna Kalyuzhnaya, Felix Blyakhman
Summary: The development of energy-efficient and high-performance bioreactors requires advancements in methods for evaluating key parameters of the biosynthesis process. Determining the accurate quantitative estimation of the phase contact area in gas-liquid flows remains unresolved despite the existence of various approaches and methods. This study explores the potential application of classical and non-classical computer vision methods to analyze high-precision video recordings of bubble flows in a bioreactor vessel. The results obtained from this investigation provide insights into the characteristics of the bioreactor's bubble flow and offer a methodology for estimating mass transfer coefficients.
Article
Polymer Science
Felix Blyakhman, Alexander Safronov, Ilya Starodumov, Darya Kuznetsova, Galina Kurlyandskaya
Summary: This study presents the development of a mechanical force-responsive drug delivery system that utilizes an external magnetic field for remote stimulation, facilitating the positioning of a targeted delivery platform in fluid flow. Through experimental and modeling studies, the hydrodynamic and magnetic forces acting on the delivery platform in fluid flow were investigated, revealing their effectiveness within the range of mechanical force stimuli in biological systems.
Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
Ilya Starodumov, Ksenia Makhaeva, Andrey Zubarev, Ivan Bessonov, Sergey Sokolov, Pavel Mikushin, Dmitri Alexandrov, Vasiliy Chestukhin, Felix Blyakhman
Summary: This theoretical study focuses on investigating the role of the cell-free layer (CFL) near the vessel wall in hemodynamics and its relevance to interventional cardiology. The study found that the CFL thickness and its contribution to hemodynamics are non-uniform along the vessel in the presence of stenosis. The effects of CFL on velocity profiles, vortex formation, hematocrit, viscosity, and wall shear stresses in the stenosis area were determined.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Alexander P. Safronov, Nadezhda M. Kurilova, Lidiya V. Adamova, Tatyana F. Shklyar, Felix A. Blyakhman, Andrey Yu. Zubarev
Summary: In this study, hydrogels with interpenetrated physical and chemical networks were synthesized using natural polysaccharide-calcium alginate (CaAlg) and synthetic polymer-polyacrylamide (PAAm). The water uptake and compatibility of the combined gels were characterized. Mechanical and electrical properties of the gels were also studied. The results showed potential applications of these hydrogels in biomimetic materials for biomedicine and bioengineering.
Article
Transplantation
V. V. Chestukhin, F. A. Blyakhman
Summary: This work is a scientific and educational analytical review that highlights the role of myocardial contractility in regulating coronary circulation. It explains the positive impact of arterial compression on coronary hemodynamics and emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanical relationship between the contractile and coronary systems for clinicians.
VESTNIK TRANSPLANTOLOGII I ISKUSSTVENNYH ORGANOV
(2022)
Article
Transplantation
E. B. Makarova, M. A. Korch, F. A. Fadeyev, D. G. Bliznets, A. Bugayova, T. F. Shklyar, A. P. Safronov, K. A. Nokhrin, F. A. Blyakhman
Summary: The features of reparative chondrogenesis and osteogenesis were evaluated in animal experiments with porous pHEMA hydrogel implants in osteochondral defects. Results showed that pHEMA implants exhibited good biocompatibility but had low conductivity to bone and cartilage cells. Stabilizing pore size and increasing rigidity during material synthesis are recommended to improve conductivity.
VESTNIK TRANSPLANTOLOGII I ISKUSSTVENNYH ORGANOV
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Olga A. Dinislamova, Antonina V. Bugayova, Tatyana F. Shklyar, Alexander P. Safronov, Felix A. Blyakhman
Summary: A new type of FGs was synthesized in this study, whose inner structure can be visualized by ultrasonic imaging. It was found that increasing the particle size can improve the acoustic properties of FGs. Ultrasound monitoring can be used to determine the shape, dimensions, and inner structure of FGs in the applied external magnetic field.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanzhang Jiang, Xuyi Wang, Yanting Han, Dakai Gong, Yingchun Gu, Lin Tan
Summary: In this study, FeCl3 and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were doped into waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) to create multifunctional materials with self-healing and antimicrobial properties. WPU/Fe/PAA-5.5, containing 5.5 wt % PAA, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, strong self-healing capabilities, and an impressive antimicrobial rate of over 90%. These supramolecular films were also highly recyclable through hot-pressing.
Article
Polymer Science
Longyu Tian, Min Wang, Guangming Liao, Baoliang Liu, Sujuan Zhang, Yucheng Sun, Zhen Meng, Jintao Zhang, Zaijun Lu
Summary: Two kinds of benzoxazine monomers were synthesized and used to prepare polybenzoxazine anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with quaternary ammonium functionalization. The LQPBZ AEM exhibited better ion conductivity and alkaline stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Claire A. Lemarchand
Summary: This study investigates the shock behavior of three different polymers through molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal specificities in the shock behavior of polymers, including deviations from the linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity, as well as differences in shear stress relaxation behind the shock front. It is found that the deviation of the Hugoniot locus is related to the change in the relative contribution of bonding and non-bonding potential energies, while polymers with higher glass transition temperatures exhibit slower shear stress relaxation.
Article
Polymer Science
Zengquan Liu, Xiaochun Yin, He Zhang, Shuo Gao, Qinglin Kuang, Yanhong Feng
Summary: A powder solid-state extension (PSSE) technology was proposed to address the high melt viscosity issue of UHMWPE. By uniaxial extension and sintering in the solid state, a highly self-reinforced material was prepared. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques were used to study the structural evolution during the PSSE process, and a solid-phase induced transformation model was established.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhike Li, Anyu Luo, Rui Zhou, Xin Li, Haiyan Li
Summary: A novel high temperature resistance IL@SiO2 nanocapsules were successfully prepared and their friction and wear properties in PA6 composites were studied. The addition of IL@SiO2 nanocapsules reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate without affecting the mechanical properties of PA6. The synergy between the IL core and SiO2 wall in the nanocapsules improved the self-lubricating performance of the PA6 composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Liu, Xuhong Guo, Qi Liao
Summary: In this study, an algorithm for accurately estimating viscosity is developed using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green-Kubo formula. This algorithm can be applied to complex systems with long correlations, such as macromolecular and biological simulation systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Pu, Yun-Lei Hou, Jing -Zhou Chen, Dong -Lin Zhao
Summary: The use of modified graphene improves the interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix in CF/EP composites, as well as increased interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chung Ke, Jin-Wei Lin, Manohar Reddy Busireddy, Yueh-Hsing Lee, Jiun-Tai Chen, Chain-Shu Hsu
Summary: This study introduces a crosslinkable monomer, TAIC, to synthesize three crosslinked polyimide films, which exhibit improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. The introduction of TAIC enhances the tensile strength, reduces the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polyimide films.
Article
Polymer Science
Alex Kwasi Kumi, Ruiling Fan, Ye Chen, Yumei Zhang
Summary: The difference in leaching of amylopectin from cellulose/amylopectin/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) blends during regeneration in water and aqueous ethanol has been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the dissolution and regeneration mechanisms of amylopectin in [Bmim][Cl] are similar to cellulose in ionic liquids. Water regeneration leads to weak electrostatic interactions, resulting in high leaching of amylopectin. In contrast, ethanol-water interactions enhance electrostatic interactions among amylopectin chains, limiting amylopectin leaching in aqueous ethanol.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zeng, Junwei Zhou, Junbiao Peng, Chunsheng Zhang, Danling Wang, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: This study utilizes an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on polyethylene glycol to regulate the vulcanization kinetics of rubber. The results show that the DES can accelerate vulcanization at low temperatures without affecting the crosslinking density and Mullins effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianqian Yue, Yongfei Peng, Xingjian Liu, Aihua He, Huarong Nie
Summary: The addition of metal deactivators can effectively suppress the aging of TBIR, prolong its lifespan, and have no negative effects on its physical and processing properties. These research findings are of great importance for improving the stability and aging resistance of polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
J. Gomez-Caturla, J. Ivorra-Martinez, R. Tejada-Oliveros, V Moreno, D. Garcia-Garcia, R. Balart
Summary: This work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PLA formulations by using different esters derived from geraniol as plasticizers. The results show that these esters have good compatibility with PLA, and they can effectively enhance the elongation and plasticity of PLA, reduce its glass transition temperature, and slightly improve its water absorption capabilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Dandan Li, Zhaohui Lu, Zhao Ke, Ke Xu, Fengna Dai, Youhai Yu, Guangtao Qian, Chunhai Chen
Summary: In this study, cross-linked PI aerogel membranes with low dielectric constant and high moisture resistance were prepared by co-polymerization and scraping coating technology. The incorporation of fluorinated blocks and benzimidazole ring structures resulted in novel PI aerogel membranes with fascinating dielectric properties and outstanding moisture resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyang Chu, Qing Zhang, Haihua Luo, Han Zhou, Fapei Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: Multi-physical fields solution processing strategy is a universal and facile method for preparing various conjugated polymer films and high-performance devices. In this study, we employed a combined microfluidic flow and ultrasonication strategy (FU) for processing CP solutions, and found a pronounced synergetic effect in promoting the pre-ordering of chains in solution. The conformation order and anisotropy of the solution were revealed through various characterizations. A non-classical nucleation model for polymer crystallization in non-equilibrium solution processing was confirmed. The roles of microfluidic flow and ultrasonication in chain aggregation and crystallization were addressed through multi-physical simulations. Compared to pristine solutions, the FU strategy showed improved solution anisotropy and crystallization kinetics, resulting in higher crystallinity in films and increased mobilities in OFET devices. The FU processing strategy provides a universal approach for regulating chain conformation and aggregation in conjugated polymer solutions.