Review
Polymer Science
M. Sai Bhargava Reddy, Deepalekshmi Ponnamma, Rajan Choudhary, Kishor Kumar Sadasivuni
Summary: Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine aim to restore or replace damaged tissues and organs using information and technology from various fields. Careful selection of scaffold materials and development of components are essential to achieve this goal.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Adrian Biggerstaff, Gerald Fuller, Michael Lepech, David Loftus
Summary: This paper introduces methods for testing the yield stress of BSC and proposes hydrodynamic and frictional yield stress models for predicting the static and dynamic yield stress of BSC mixtures. Experimental results are used to determine a soil volume fraction range for BSC that may be suitable for E3DP.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Luis Marangoni Junior, Renan Garcia da Silva, Ronierik Pioli Vieira, Rosa Maria Vercelino Alves
Summary: Research on blend films of sodium alginate (SA) and hydrolyzed collagen (HC) containing SiO2 nanoparticles showed that concentrations higher than 6% led to significant reductions in film water content and WVP. The moisture sorption behavior exhibited a type III isotherm, indicating reduced interactions with water vapor at low water activity. These findings suggest that SA/HC/SiO2 composite films could be a simple, economical, and sustainable alternative for packaging with reduced water sensitivity.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Alvaro A. A. Arrieta, Yamid Nunez de la Rosa, Manuel Palencia
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the electrochemical behavior of a biopolymer composite made from cassava starch and cardol extracted from cashew nut shell liquid, and the results showed that the synthesis pH and cardol content are factors that affect the electrochemical behavior of the biopolymer composite films.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
N. Honda, K. Shiraki, F. van Esterik, S. Inokuchi, H. Ebata, D. Mizuno
Summary: This study aims to investigate the microscopic mechanical response of semiflexible biopolymer networks using microrheology experiments. The research reveals an affine elastic response of the cytoskeleton, which shows stiffening upon local forcing and collapses onto a single master curve when scaled with parameters describing semiflexible networks. The underlying physics of the general microscopic response is presented, and its potential implications for elucidating cell mechanics are discussed.
NEW JOURNAL OF PHYSICS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Abdoulhdi A. Borhana Omran, Abdulrahman A. B. A. Mohammed, S. M. Sapuan, R. A. Ilyas, M. R. M. Asyraf, Seyed Saeid Rahimian Koloor, Michal Petru
Summary: Cellulose presents a promising opportunity for the development of sustainable materials, especially in the field of biocomposites. This article highlights the importance of extracting, treating, and modifying cellulose for various applications. The reinforcement of micro- and nanocellulose can lead to materials with enhanced performance, with potential for further improvements in engineering applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Rathnayake A. C. Rathnayake, Shinhae Yoon, Shuyao Zheng, Elwin D. Clutter, Rong R. Wang
Summary: Electrospinning is a simple, low-cost, and efficient technique to generate nano/microfibers from polymer solutions. In this study, functionalized CNT was incorporated in SF to generate biocomposite fibers by electrospinning. The addition of a minute amount of CNT effectively improved the fiber alignment and mechanical strength while retaining high biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Haiqian Yang, Estelle Berthier, Chenghai Li, Pierre Ronceray, Yu Long Han, Chase P. Broedersz, Shengqiang Cai, Ming Guo
Summary: Nonlinear stiffening is a widespread property of biopolymers in the extracellular matrices, and cells can locally stretch and stiffen the surrounding matrix through a spindle-like shape. By using optical tweezers, we studied the force-displacement response to localized monopole forces and proposed a scaling argument to characterize the stiffened region in the matrix.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nilofar Asim, Mohd Sukor Su'ait, Marzieh Badiei, Masita Mohammad, Md. Akhtaruzzaman, Armin Rajabi, Nowshad Amin, Mariyam Jameelah Ghazali
Summary: Graphene-based materials incorporated with biopolymers have been widely studied and applied due to their interesting properties and potential applications. This study provides an overview of the various applications and recent progress in this field. Modification, stability, and compatibility are essential for developing advanced composites with desired properties. Despite the challenges, studying the applications and trends can guide researchers in overcoming obstacles and optimizing sustainable composites for specific industrial uses.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Muhammad Umar Aslam Khan, Saiful Izwan Abd Razak, Mohamed Nainar Mohamed Ansari, Razauden Mohamed Zulkifli, Nurliyana Ahmad Zawawi, Muhammad Arshad
Summary: This study synthesized a polymeric composite material for bone tissue engineering, using arabinoxylan, beta-glucan, nano-hydroxyapatite, graphene oxide, and acrylic acid. The fabricated porous scaffolds were coated with chitosan to enhance their biological activities. Results showed that the BGH3 scaffold had desirable morphological, structural, swelling, degradation, and mechanical properties, as well as cytocompatibility with MC3T3-E1 cell lines. The findings suggest that these polymeric scaffolds could be a potential bone substitute for regenerating defective bone tissue.
Article
Polymer Science
Anne Shayene Campos de Bomfim, Daniel Magalhaes de Oliveira, Herman Jacobus Cornelis Voorwald, Kelly Cristina Coelho de Carvalho Benini, Marie-Josee Dumont, Denis Rodrigue
Summary: This review provides an overview of the utilization of spent coffee grounds (SCG) as biopolymer precursors and for polymer composite production. SCG have been found to be rich in carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and minerals, and can be used for the synthesis of valuable compounds. Additionally, SCG can serve as a filler in composite production, demonstrating reasonable properties for various applications.
Article
Plant Sciences
Diego G. G. Gomes, Tatiane V. V. Debiasi, Milena T. T. Pelegrino, Rodrigo M. M. Pereira, Gabrijel Ondrasek, Bruno L. L. Batista, Amedea B. B. Seabra, Halley C. C. Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of nanoencapsulated S-nitroso-MSA on the protection of soybeans against Cu stress. The results showed that nanoencapsulated S-nitroso-MSA was more effective in improving the bioavailability of NO, inducing antioxidant activity, mitigating oxidative damage, and alleviating root nutritional imbalance.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cesar Vinicus Toniciolli Rigueto, Mateus Torres Nazari, Lillian Avila Massuda, Bruna Elisangela Pessini Ostwald, Jeferson Steffanello Piccin, Aline Dettmer
Summary: Gelatin is considered a promising adsorbent due to its abundant surface of active groups, water solubility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability. It can be used to produce various gelatin-based composites for the removal of toxic metals, dyes, nitrate, phosphate, and oily contaminants from wastewater matrices.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rayany Magali da Rocha Santana, Daniella Carla Napoleao, Joan Manuel Rodriguez-Diaz, Rayssa Kelen de Mendonca Gomes, Marina Gomes Silva, Ramon Raudel Pena Garcia, Gloria Maria Vinhas, Marta Maria Menezes Bezerra Duarte
Summary: The study aimed to develop an original catalytic composite of bacterial cellulose (BC) and pyrite (FeS2) for environmental application. FeS2 nanoparticles were synthesized and immobilized on the BC structure. The FTIR and XRD analyzes confirmed the presence of Fe-S bonds and pyrite peaks in BC, indicating successful immobilization. SEM analysis showed the morphology of cellulose covered by FeS2 particles, further confirming the composite production.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Heri Septya Kusuma, Dita Permatasari, Wakhid Khoirul Umar, Sanjay K. K. Sharma
Summary: Natural fiber-reinforced composites, particularly those made from sugarcane bagasse, have gained attention due to their abundance, low processing costs, flexibility, high strength, and environmental friendliness. By utilizing sugarcane bagasse waste, strong and adaptable biocomposites can be developed for various sectors. This renewable composite material supports the production of environmentally friendly materials.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ellard Hooiveld, Hanne M. van der Kooij, Marijn Kisters, Thomas E. Kodger, Joris Sprakel, Jasper van der Gucht
Summary: This study visualizes and quantifies the evolving concentration profiles of binary colloidal dispersions during drying. Two distinct stratification routes are conclusively established, resulting in three layered structures. These insights are important for understanding the mechanisms of colloidal auto-stratification and preprogramming stratification patterns for future applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Pedro J. Diaz-Payno, Maria Kalogeropoulou, Iain Muntz, Esther Kingma, Nicole Kops, Matteo D'Este, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Lidy E. Fratila-Apachitei, Gerjo J. V. M. van Osch, Amir A. Zadpoor
Summary: A 4D biofabrication method for cartilage engineering is reported, which uses a smart multi-material system to create shape-changing constructs. By printing two different ink formulations with differential swelling, the scaffold self-bends to achieve the desired shape. High cell viability is demonstrated in a bioprinted formulation with human bone marrow cells.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Judith J. de Vries, Daphne M. Laan, Felix Frey, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Moniek P. M. de Maat
Summary: This study systematically searched for automated tools to quantify the structural properties of fibrous networks and compared them by applying them to microscopy images of fibrin networks. The results provide guidance for selecting appropriate fibrous network quantification tools for different imaging modalities and structural parameters.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiufeng Li, Jasper van der Gucht, Philipp Erni, Renko de Vries
Summary: Protein condensates resulting from liquid-liquid phase separation have been studied as bioadhesives and coating materials, and more recently as models for membraneless organelles in cells. This study demonstrates how colloidal probe atomic force microscopy can be used to investigate the interfacial mechanics and dynamic rheological properties of micro-scale protein condensates. The research findings reveal three characteristic frequency domains for the mechanics of micro-scale protein condensates, providing insight into their behavior in biology and technological applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nuno A. M. Araujo, Liesbeth M. C. Janssen, Thomas Barois, Guido Boffetta, Itai Cohen, Alessandro Corbetta, Olivier Dauchot, Marjolein Dijkstra, William M. Durham, Audrey Dussutour, Simon Garnier, Hanneke Gelderblom, Ramin Golestanian, Lucio Isa, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Hartmut Loewen, Ralf Metzler, Marco Polin, C. Patrick Royall, Andela Saric, Anupam Sengupta, Cecile Sykes, Vito Trianni, Idan Tuval, Nicolas Vogel, Julia M. Yeomans, Iker Zuriguel, Alvaro Marin, Giorgio Volpe
Summary: Self-organisation is the spontaneous emergence of spatio-temporal structures and patterns from the interaction of smaller individual units. Confinement can mediate and control self-organisation by limiting the translational and rotational degrees of freedom, acting as a catalyst or inhibitor. By constraining the self-organisation process in soft-matter systems, confinement can actively steer the emergence or suppression of collective phenomena in space and time.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Lennard van Buren, Gijsje Hendrika Koenderink, Cristina Martinez-Torres
Summary: DisGUVery is an open-source software that automates the detection and analysis of GUVs in microscopy images, enabling high-throughput analysis and promoting quantitative data analysis in synthetic cell research.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Lucia Baldauf, Felix Frey, Marcos Arribas Perez, Timon Idema, Gijsje H. Koenderink
Summary: This study demonstrates that branched actin networks can sense membrane curvature. By encapsulating actin inside giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) and assembling an actin cortex at the inner surface of the GUV membrane, researchers found that actin forms a uniform and thin cortical layer at high concentration and distinct patches associated with negative membrane curvature at low concentration. These findings indicate that branched actin networks have the inherent capability to sense membrane curvature.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Gilles S. van Tienderen, James Conboy, Iain Muntz, Jorke Willemse, Jantine Tieleman, Kathryn Monfils, Ivo J. Schurink, Jeroen A. A. Demmers, Michail Doukas, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Luc J. W. Van der Laan, Monique M. A. Verstegen
Summary: Tumor initiation and progression depend on the interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironment, including the extracellular matrix (ECM). This study extensively characterized the ECM of liver cancer tumors, identifying distinct malignancy-related ECM signatures and divergent mechanical properties. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the alterations to the tumor ECM during liver cancer development.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Jose Ruiz-Franco, Justin Tauber, Jasper van der Gucht
Summary: Computer simulations show that polymer networks crosslinked with catch bonds can withstand high stresses and prevent fracture, allowing cells to adapt structurally under low stresses and remain mechanically stable under high stresses.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jiaying Li, Sophie van Lange, B. Ameya Krishna, Anastasia Athanasiadou, Gerard van Ewijk, Derk Jan van Dijken, Jasper van der Gucht, Wiebe M. de Vos
Summary: This study investigated the possibility of plasticizing polyethylenimine/poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) (PEI/PSS) films and successfully incorporated three different classes of plasticizers in a single-step evaporation-based method. The mechanical properties of the films showed a significant transition from brittleness to ductility. Overall, this work demonstrates that ductile polyelectrolyte complex films can be formed with controlled mechanical properties through plasticization.
PROGRESS IN ORGANIC COATINGS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Vahid Asadi, Jose Ruiz-Franco, Jasper van der Gucht, Thomas E. Kodger
Summary: The aim of this study is to achieve precise control over the modulus of hybrid elastomers containing bottlebrush and linear strands by integrating a versatile experimental synthesis approach with Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations. The results show that the combination of fabrication method and simulation yields experimentally-measured structural shear and Young's moduli which are in better agreement with theoretical predictions.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lori van de Cauter, Lennard van Buren, Gijsje H. H. Koenderink, Kristina A. A. Ganzinger
Summary: Creating an artificial cell from the bottom up is a challenging task, and the assembly of different modules of cell function inside a single container remains a major obstacle. Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are considered suitable containers, but no method currently satisfies both membrane and encapsulation requirements. This review discusses the latest advancements in various GUV production methods and their compatibility with GUV requirements and operational considerations. It also proposes potential avenues for future research to bring us closer to achieving artificial cells.
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Lori Van de Cauter, Yash Jawale, Daniel Tam, Lucia Baldauf, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Marileen Dogterom, Kristina A. Ganzinger
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qimeng Wu, Jesse Buijs, Sanne de Groot, Hanne M. van der Kooij, Jasper van der Gucht, Thomas E. Kodger
Summary: We investigate the internal dynamics of model colloidal gels during syneresis using Laser Speckle Imaging (LSI) and find distinct differences in spatial and temporal relaxation patterns between colloidal gels composed of solid and liquid particles. This indicates different mechanisms of syneresis and highlights the importance of constituent particles and their interfaces in the mechanical relaxation process.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ruben C. Boot, Alessio Roscani, Lennard van Buren, Samadarshi Maity, Gijsje H. Koenderink, Pouyan E. Boukany
Summary: We developed a microfluidic chip for high-throughput measurement of the viscoelastic deformation behavior of cell spheroids. The chip allows for parallel loading of spheroids and aspiration into adjacent channels, providing accurate deformation data. This chip enables the mechanophenotyping of different tissue types and investigation of the link between cell-intrinsic properties and overall tissue behavior.