Article
Polymer Science
Tomaz Kotnik, Gregor Zerjav, Albin Pintar, Ema Zagar, Sebastijan Kovacic
Summary: A new synthetic route to transition-metal free pi-conjugated polyHIPEs was reported, combining Schiff-base condensation reaction and emulsion-templating technology. The resulting highly porous azine- or imine-linked poly(arylene) networks exhibit high chemical resistance, thermal stability, and visible-light harvesting ability. Their photocatalytic properties were investigated in the degradation of aniline dissolved in water.
Article
Polymer Science
Yeon Jae Kim, Samayanan Selvam, Jin-Heong Yim
Summary: In this study, a flexible electrode was prepared by manufacturing a thermoplastic polyurethane scaffold with specially designed macropores and using a 3D printer. The results showed that the higher the porosity, the better the performance of the electrode, and the effect of pore structure was not significant.
Review
Polymer Science
Ki-Young Yoon, Guangbin Dong
Summary: Multicomponent polymerization is an efficient method for synthesizing complex pi-conjugated polymers from simple building blocks. This feature article outlines several strategies for multicomponent polymerization and discusses the challenges and outlooks in the field.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Buket Bezgin Carbas
Summary: This review provides a brief description of electrochromic conductive polymers containing fluorene, focusing on their chemical, electrochemical, and optical properties. Understanding the effects of the position of functional groups on the conjugated polymer chain is crucial for researchers in this field.
Review
Polymer Science
Takashi Kitao, Xiyuan Zhang, Takashi Uemura
Summary: This review describes recent developments and future perspectives in the confined synthesis of conjugated ladder polymers (CLPs) utilizing templates such as metal surfaces and nanoporous materials. Accessing CLPs with greater diversity through template confinement allows for control over their intrinsic properties, paving the way for future applications in various fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
You-Chi Mason Wu, Gloria Chyr, Hyunchang Park, Anna Makar-Limanov, Yuran Shi, Joseph M. Desimone, Zhenan Bao
Summary: This study reports a modular system for the production of degradable and recyclable thermosets via photopolymerization. The system utilizes a polyurethane backbone to impart strong mechanical properties to the plastic, while the use of hemiacetal ester linkages allows for easy degradation. Functional polyurethane diol can be regenerated through a simple purification process.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shiyan Chen, Lixia Peng, Yanan Liu, Xiang Gao, Ying Zhang, Chun Tang, Zhenghao Zhai, Liulin Yang, Weitai Wu, Xumin He, Liu Leo Liu, Feng He, Haiping Xia
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of conjugated polymers based on metalla-aromatic building blocks, which exhibit broad and strong absorption bands and good solubility. The polymerization mechanism was revealed through kinetic studies using NMR experiments and UV-Vis spectroscopy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yeon Jae Kim, Deok-Ho Kim, Jong Seob Choi, Jin-Heong Yim
Summary: Fabrication methods for 3D soft and flexible gas/strain sensing materials were investigated in this study. Electrically modifying 3D-printed soft thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with polypyrrole (PPy) led to excellent electrical strain sensing behavior and stability. The modified TPU also showed great potential as an ammonia gas sensor.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hanxue Sun, Wenjun Chan, Shiyuan Chen, Hongyu Zhang, Chonghua Ma, Zhaoqi Zhu, Weidong Liang, An Li
Summary: In this study, we successfully synthesized three soft tissue paper-like CMPs films with high mechanical robustness and flexibility through surface-assisted polymerization, and prepared CMPs/silver nanoparticles composite with good antibacterial activity by one-step reduction reaction.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Takashi Kitao
Summary: The assembly structures of conjugated polymers play a vital role in their properties, but the design and control of these structures are still not optimized. This focused review discusses strategies for regulating the assemblies of conjugated polymers using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which enables the exploration of their unexplored properties and the fabrication of synergistic electronic nanohybrid materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Frances Danielle M. Fernandez, Roshan Khadka, Jin-Heong Yim
Summary: In this study, PEDOT-TPU and PPy-TPU hybrid films were successfully synthesized by in situ vapor phase polymerization on TPU substrate, showing excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties. Both PEDOT-TPU and PPy-TPU demonstrated remarkable sensitivity to NH3 gas, making them potential candidates for gas monitoring applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Quinton K. Wyatt, Katrina G. Brathwaite, Muhammad Ardiansyah, Nikhila C. Paranamana, Kurt R. Brorsen, Matthias J. Young
Summary: Oxidative molecular layer deposition (oMLD) offers the potential for molecular-level control of polymer structure, but progress in this field has been hindered by limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms. In this study, oMLD growth using various monomers was examined, and key insights into the surface reaction mechanisms were obtained. The importance of a two-electron chemical oxidant with sufficient oxidation strength to enable oMLD growth was specifically identified. This work lays the foundation for unlocking molecular-level control of redox-active polymer structure and has implications for energy storage, water desalination, and sensors.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Xu, Shuyang Ye, Ruyan Zhao, Dwight S. Seferos
Summary: Sequence-defined synthetic oligomers and polymers offer unprecedented control over properties of materials. This study presents a novel strategy to synthesize monodisperse sequence-defined conjugated oligomers, achieving precision control over properties. The researchers successfully synthesized a series of oligomers with different monomers and sequences, and demonstrated the effect of monomer sequence on optical properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Chen Zhao, Tao Wan, Wenxiong Yuan, Zhaoqiang Zheng, Xiaoteng Jia, Kewei Shu, Lei Feng, Yonggang Min
Summary: In this study, PPy-based re-stickable yarn supercapacitors were fabricated using a novel method, addressing the issues of volume changes and damage during laundering. The assembled yarn supercapacitors exhibited excellent cycling stability and provided sufficient energy for smart garments.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pengfei Cai, Chunchun Li, Yangfan Ding, Hanting Lu, Xiao Yu, Jie Cui, Fan Yu, Hongsheng Wang, Jinglei Wu, Mohamed EL-Newehy, Meera Moydeen Abdulhameed, Liang Song, Xiumei Mo, Binbin Sun
Summary: This research introduces a novel method that combines electrospun nanofibers with 3D printing techniques to fabricate composite scaffolds for bone defect treatment. Compared to nanoparticle-reinforced scaffolds, these scaffolds infused with nanofibers exhibit superior mechanical attributes and bioactivity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Nuria Alegret, Antonio Dominguez-Alfaro, David Mecerreyes, Maurizio Prato, Luisa Mestroni, Brisa Pena
Summary: The study shows that combining CNT with different conductive polymers has a positive impact on the growth, survival, and beating behavior of cardiac cells. NRVMs cultured on CNT-based substrates exhibit improved cellular function, especially on PEDOT/CNT substrates, which show higher beating amplitudes and a more mature cardiac phenotype.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Rossana Passannante, Vanessa Gomez-Vallejo, Unai Cossio, Jesus Ruiz-Cabello, Aitor Lekuona, Victor Salinas, Laura Amado-Rodriguez, Guillermo M. Albaiceta, Abraham Martin, Luka Rejc, Jordi Llop
Summary: The study investigates the use of radiofluorinated gas [F-18]SF6 as a PET ventilation marker in an animal model of impaired lung ventilation. The results show that [F-18]SF6 can accurately locate hypoventilated areas and may have implications in the early diagnosis of acute lung disease.
MOLECULAR IMAGING AND BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gregorio Guzman-Gonzalez, Marta Alvarez-Tirado, Jorge L. Olmedo-Martinez, Matias L. Picchio, Nerea Casado, Maria Forsyth, David Mecerreyes
Summary: This article demonstrates the use of single-component electrolytes in lithium batteries based on new lithium borate ionic liquids at room temperature. The optimized lithium ionic liquids (LiILs) show high ionic conductivity, lithium transference numbers, and electrochemical stability. These LiILs also exhibit high compatibility with lithium-metal electrodes, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance in lithium-metal battery cells.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jon Lopez de Lacalle, Antonela Gallastegui, Jorge L. Olmedo-Martinez, Melissa Moya, Naroa Lopez-Larrea, Matias L. Picchio, David Mecerreyes
Summary: In this study, a novel family of deep eutectic monomers and corresponding polymers was reported. These polymers were made of (meth)acrylic ammonium salts and biobased polyphenols bearing catechol or pyrogallol motifs. The phenolic chemistry allowed the modulation of ionic polymer properties, resulting in adhesive or tough materials. Furthermore, the phenolic polymeric deep eutectic solvents (polyDES) exhibited metal complexation ability, antibacterial properties, and fast processability by digital light 3D printing.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rossana Passannante, Vanessa Gomez-Vallejo, Maialen Sagartzazu-Aizpurua, Laura Vignau Arsuaga, Pablo Marco-Moreno, Garazi Aldanondo, Ainara Vallejo-Illarramendi, Pablo Aguiar, Unai Cossio, Abraham Martin, Jonas Bergare, Lee Kingston, Charles S. S. Elmore, Miguel Angel Morcillo, Pablo Ferron, Jesus M. M. Aizpurua, Jordi Llop
Summary: In this study, PET imaging was used to investigate the distribution, elimination, and metabolism of a triazole-based FKBP12 ligand (AHK2). The results showed that AHK2 binds to FKBP12 and exhibits stabilizing capacity. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed fast blood clearance, linear kinetics, and rapid metabolism of AHK2.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eric Volta-Duran, Eloi Parlade, Naroa Serna, Antonio Villaverde, Esther Vazquez, Ugutz Unzueta
Summary: Protein-based nanocarriers are versatile and biocompatible drug delivery systems that can recruit multiple functions in a single modular polypeptide. However, their efficacy is hindered by the degradation of the internalized material in endo-lysosomes. This review discusses the mechanisms to evade lysosomal degradation and highlights the potential impact of peptide domains on the functionality of protein nanocarriers.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lucia Cardo, Lydia Martinez-Parra, Michele Cesco, Begona M. Echeverria-Beistegui, Marta Martinez-Moro, Natalia Herrero-Avarez, Marta-Beraza Cabrerizo, Susana Carregal-Romero, Pedro Ramos-Cabrer, Jesus Ruiz-Cabello, Maurizio Prato
Summary: Carbon Dots (CDs) are luminescent quasi-spherical nanoparticles with various applications. New gadolinium-doped CDs, Gd@CNDs, are presented as multifunctional probes for MRI. These Gd@CNDs show good homogeneity, stability, and biocompatibility, making them potential candidates for both MR and fluorescence imaging.
Article
Polymer Science
Gisela C. Luque, Melissa Moya, Matias L. Picchio, Vanessa Bagnarello, Idalia Valerio, Jose Bolanos, Maria Vethencourt, Sue-Hellen Gamboa, Liliana C. Tome, Roque J. Minari, David Mecerreyes
Summary: In this study, soft and bioactive iongel materials based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and four ionic liquids were prepared and characterized for wound healing applications. The iongels exhibited flexibility, elasticity, ionic conductivity, and high biocompatibility. They also showed antibacterial and antioxidant properties, with the PVA-[Ch][Sal] iongel displaying the highest inhibition halo for Escherichia coli and the PVA-[Ch][Van] iongel exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity. Additionally, the iongels demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory activity, especially the PVA-[Ch][Sal] iongel with over 63% inhibition at 200 μg/mL.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Irene Sanchez-Ajofrin, Carlos M. Andreu, Josue M. Galindo, Irene San-Millan, Sonia Merino, Ana Josefa Soler, M. Antonia Herrero, Ester Vazquez
Summary: Oocyte in vitro maturation (IVM) is a potential alternative in assisted reproductive technologies, but current protocols yield inferior quality oocytes. A bilayer hydrogel system that accurately mimics the mechanical properties of oocyte maturation microenvironment significantly improves oocyte quality and developmental capacity, representing a significant advancement in assisted reproductive technologies.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Carlos Martinez-Torro, Lorena Alba-Castellon, Laura Imedio Carrasco-Diaz, Naroa Serna, Laura Imedio, Alberto Gallardo, Isolda Casanova, Ugutz Unzueta, Esther Vazquez, Ramon Mangues, Antonio Villaverde
Summary: Researchers have engineered two human proteins, Gasdermin D (GSDMD) and Mixed Lineage Kinase Domain-Like (MLKL), to self-assemble with an efficient ligand of the tumoral cell marker CXCR4 and additional peptide agents. These proteins formed stable nanoparticles of 46 and 54 nm in diameter, showing moderate cytotoxicity in cell culture. When administered in mouse models of colorectal cancer, the nanoscale forms of GSDMD and MLKL promoted lymphocyte infiltration and reduced tumor size without systemic toxicity.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
S. Garcia-Carpintero, V. Jehova Gonzalez, J. Frontinan-Rubio, A. Esteban-Arranz, E. Vazquez, M. Duran-Prado
Summary: In recent years, the genotoxicity of graphene-related materials (GRMs) and other 2D materials has been evaluated using different models. The OECD TG 487 in vitro micronucleus (MNu) test is commonly used to assess the genotoxicity of nanomaterials (NMs). However, the nature of NMs interferes with the standard MNu process, requiring adaptations. The study proposes a modified in vitro MNu test with improvements to accurately test the genotoxicity of NMs, demonstrating risks associated with graphene oxide (GO) and boron nitride (hBN).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maria Isabel Lucio, Francesco Giacalone, Valeria La Parola, Sergio Gamez-Valenzuela, Fernando Munoz-Alba, M. Carmen Ruiz Delgado, M. Antonia Herrero, Ester Vazquez
Summary: This study experimentally and theoretically investigated the functionalisation of carbon nanotubes using two commonly used reactions. The results suggest that data obtained by Raman spectroscopy are useful for comparing functionalisations produced by the same type of reaction, but should be carefully analyzed when comparing different types of reactions.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Antonela Gallastegui, Fabrizia Foglia, Paul F. McMillan, Nerea Casado, Aurelie Gueguen, David Mecerreyes
Summary: High temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells have been studied for their high energy efficiency, superior heat/water management, CO tolerance, and electrode reaction kinetics. In this study, new poly(diallylmethylammonium) proton conducting membranes with high ionic conductivity at 120°C were developed. The membranes showed good thermal stability and mechanical properties without the need for additives. The effect of different counter-anions on membrane properties was investigated.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Damien Monti, Nagaraj Patil, Ashley P. P. Black, Dionysios Raptis, Andreas Mavrandonakis, George E. E. Froudakis, Ibraheem Yousef, Nicolas Goujon, David Mecerreyes, Rebeca Marcilla, Alexandre Ponrouch
Summary: Ca- and Mg-based batteries are more sustainable alternatives to Li-ion batteries, but suffer from poor mass transport of cations. Organic positive electrodes, although most sustainable and potentially low-cost, currently have the best electrochemical performances in Ca and Mg cells but suffer from low capacity retention upon cycling, the origin of which is not yet fully understood.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guotao Peng, Viviana Gonzalez, Ester Vazquez, Jon O. Lundberg, Bengt Fadeel
Summary: This study demonstrates that two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets can trigger neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and possess antibacterial effects. Additionally, the MoS2 nanosheets exhibit nitrite reductase-like properties.