Review
Polymer Science
Catalina Diana Usurelu, Stefania Badila, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a promising material for packaging and biomedical fields due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and good properties. The addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can improve its weaknesses and enhance its performance. Choosing the right processing technology and surface treatment for CNCs is crucial for obtaining good properties and interfacial adhesion in the resulting nanocomposites.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Madaline Necolau, Brindusa Balanuca, Adriana N. Frone, Celina M. Damian
Summary: Sustainable nanocomposite materials using functionalized nanocellulose (NC) structures embedded in epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) were developed for green anticorrosive coating. The NC structures were functionalized with APTS, GPTS, and V, isolated from plum seed shells. The successful surface modification was confirmed using X-ray photoelectron spectra and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) data. The functionalized NC showed enhanced dispersion in the biobased epoxy network and improved properties of the composite materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caitlyn M. Clarkson, Sami M. El Awad Azrak, Endrina S. Forti, Gregory T. Schueneman, Robert J. Moon, Jeffrey P. Youngblood
Summary: Cellulose nanomaterials are strong, stiff, nontoxic, biodegradable, and sustainable, but face challenges in compatibility with man-made materials and commercialization efforts. Current research aims to address these challenges and improve properties to compete with existing materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Akira Isogai
Summary: Nanocelluloses have unique morphologies, characteristics, and surface nanostructures, and can be prepared from abundant and renewable plant biomass resources. They have the potential to contribute to the establishment of a sustainable society and help overcome global environmental issues. However, overcoming fundamental and application-related issues is necessary for the further expansion of nanocelluloses.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xingli Zhang, Zhiyue Chen, Liyan Lu, Jiankai Wang
Summary: This study constructs a cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)-graphene layered structure with covalent linkages and investigates its mechanical properties through molecular dynamics simulations. The results indicate that the covalent bond content and van der Waals force interactions play crucial roles in interfacial adhesion and load transfer of composite materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Nontarin Roopsung, Akihide Sugawara, Yu- Hsu, Taka-Aki Asoh, Hiroshi Uyama
Summary: In this study, thermoresponsive single-layer hydrogel actuators with tunable bending properties were produced by generating a gradient distribution of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) in a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel network by electrophoresis. By varying electrophoresis time, applied voltage, and CNC concentration, the bending properties of the composite hydrogels, including thermoresponsive bending speed and angle, can be adjusted. The bending ability of the hydrogels is attributed to the gradient distribution of CNCs causing different deswelling rates across the hydrogel network and is influenced by differences in CNC dimensions.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Mehran Ghasemlou, Fugen Daver, Elena P. Ivanova, Youssef Habibi, Benu Adhikari
Summary: Nanocellulose is a highly promising material with abundant and renewable sources, biocompatibility, nanoscale dimension, high specific surface area, and tunable surface chemistry. However, its hydrophilicity presents challenges for its dispersion in hydrophobic host polymers. Manipulation of nanocellulose's interfacial properties is crucial for its successful application in new materials development.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Giyoung Shin, Da-Woon Jeong, Hyeri Kim, Seul-A Park, Semin Kim, Ju Young Lee, Sung Yeon Hwang, Jeyoung Park, Dongyeop X. Oh
Summary: The study demonstrates that using cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to produce PHB-CNC nanocomposites can improve the insufficient physical properties of PHB. By pointing out the extraction of natural polyesters from Cupriavidus necator fermentation and combining with the infrared spectroscopy results of CNCs, the feasibility of this preparation method is validated.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Hsin-Chen Chen, Ying-Chi Huang, Chien-Hsin Wu, Ru-Jong Jeng, Feng-Cheng Chang
Summary: In this study, a stable emulsion of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was achieved by using a cationic waterborne polyurethane (cWPU) aqueous suspension. The particle sizes of the cWPU emulsion were increased compared to anionic waterborne polyurethane (aWPU) emulsions, and the resulting cWPU-CNC composites exhibited superior mechanical performance.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Yuhuan Wang, Rong Xie, Shuyu Zheng, Na Zhou, Jun Lu, Ishak Ahmad, Lin Gan, Jin Huang
Summary: Nonuniform modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can enhance compatibility with hydrophobic biomass polymers, leading to increased strength and elongation at break in composite materials. This strategy allows for control of multiple networks in weakly compatible systems and offers EUG-based materials with mechanical properties superior to common petroleum-based rubbers and elastomers.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chen Gong, Yanduo Zhai, Jinping Zhou, Yixiang Wang, Chunyu Chang
Summary: In this study, a rapid method for fabricating hydrogel actuators through magnetic induction and in situ polymerization was reported. These actuators can undergo reversible deformation in different solutions and achieve programmable deformation by introducing prearranged magnets into the hydrogel networks.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Louise Le Barbenchon
Summary: The mechanical behavior of the density graded peel of Citrus Maxima is studied, revealing a non-linear response and a significant influence of loading regime.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iram Shahzadi, Muhammad Islam, Hamid Saeed, Anum Shahzadi, Junaid Haider, Ali Haider, Muhammad Imran, Hassaan Anwer Rathore, Anwar Ul-Hamid, Walid Nabgan, Muhammad Ikram
Summary: This research article introduces a novel nanocomposite hydrogel that shows potential for innovative multifunctional biomedical applications. The hydrogel exhibits high antioxidant potential and improved antitumor effectiveness, making it a promising delivery vehicle for various biomedical purposes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Christoph Metzger, Heiko Briesen
Summary: The study demonstrates that CNCs containing residual salt in starch matrix can effectively enhance the mechanical properties of materials, showing potential as biobased and low-cost nanofillers.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anda Barkane, Edgars Kampe, Sergejs Gaidukovs
Summary: In this study, the effects of hybrid lignocellulose fillers on UV-curing biobased resins were investigated. It was found that the hybrid fillers improved particle distribution and filler-matrix interface synergy, resulting in enhanced material properties and the ability to mimic wood structure in coating materials.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Akihiro J. Matsuoka, Zachery D. Morrissey, Chaoying Zhang, Kazuaki Homma, Abdelhak Belmadani, Charles A. Miller, Duncan M. Chadly, Shun Kobayashi, Alexandra N. Edelbrock, Miho Tanaka-Matakatsu, Donna S. Whitlon, Ljuba Lyass, Tammy L. McGuire, Samuel I. Stupp, John A. Kessler
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2017)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Akihiro J. Matsuoka, Zafar A. Sayed, Nicholas Stephanopoulos, Eric J. Berns, Anil R. Wadhwani, Zachery D. Morrissey, Duncan M. Chadly, Shun Kobayashi, Alexandra N. Edelbrock, Tomoji Mashimo, Charles A. Miller, Tammy L. McGuire, Samuel I. Stupp, John A. Kessler
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stacey M. Chin, Christopher V. Synatschke, Shuangping Liu, Rikkert J. Nap, Nicholas A. Sather, Qifeng Wang, Zaida Alvarez, Alexandra N. Edelbrock, Timmy Fyrner, Liam C. Palmer, Igal Szleifer, Monica Olvera de la Cruz, Samuel I. Stupp
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra N. Edelbrock, Zaida Alvarez, Dina Simkin, Timmy Fyrner, Stacey M. Chin, Kohei Sato, Evangelos Kiskinis, Samuel I. Stupp
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wei Ji, Zaida Alvarez, Alexandra N. Edelbrock, Kohei Sato, Samuel Stupp
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alexandra N. Edelbrock, Tristan D. Clemons, Stacey M. Chin, Joshua J. W. Roan, Eric P. Bruckner, Zaida Alvarez, Jack F. Edelbrock, Kristen S. Wek, Samuel I. Stupp
Summary: The study reports a supramolecular system where interactions between peptide amphiphiles and beta-cyclodextrin with adamantane lead to the formation of a mechanically robust hydrogel with highly porous architecture, which can be 3D printed and exhibits significant bioactivity towards neurons. This nanostructured hydrogel based on supramolecular assembly has potential applications in neuronal research and biomaterial design.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Z. Alvarez, A. N. Kolberg-Edelbrock, I. R. Sasselli, J. A. Ortega, R. Qiu, Z. Syrgiannis, P. A. Mirau, F. Chen, S. M. Chin, S. Weigand, E. Kiskinis, S. Stupp
Summary: Researchers have successfully utilized peptide amphiphile supramolecular polymers containing two distinct signals to achieve cell signaling and tissue regeneration in a mouse model of severe spinal cord injury. By mutating the peptide sequence of the monomers, they intensified the motions of molecules within scaffold fibrils, resulting in notable effects such as vascular growth, axonal regeneration, and functional recovery. The study suggests that optimizing cell signaling through ensembles of molecules could be achieved by tuning their internal motions.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jack Kolberg-Edelbrock, Thomas J. Cotey, Steven Y. Ma, Litsa M. Kapsalis, Delaney M. Bondoc, Sieun Ruth Lee, Hiroaki Sai, Cara S. Smith, Feng Chen, Alexandra N. Kolberg-Edelbrock, Madison E. Strong, Samuel I. Stupp
Summary: In this research, we describe hierarchical, extracellular-matrix-mimetic microgels called "superbundles" composed of peptide amphiphile (PA) supramolecular nanofiber networks created using flow-focusing microfluidic devices. We investigate the effects of altered flow rate ratio and PA concentration on the ability to create superbundles, and develop design rules for producing superbundles with both cationic and anionic PA nanofibers and gelators. We demonstrate the morphological similarities of superbundles to decellularized extracellular matrices and showcase their ability to encapsulate and retain proteinaceous cargos.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mustafa Kalay, Abidin Esidir, Mahmut Ruzi, N. Burak Kiremitler, Mustafa Serdar Onses
Summary: This study proposes stable and addressable polymer PUFs, utilizing a cross-linkable polymer system, which demonstrates high stochastic characteristics and low-cost production. The performance of the polymer features is evaluated through various analyses, and direct image authentication is achieved using feature matching algorithms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingyu Jin, Guoqiang Lu, Jun Nie, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: Photopolymerization technology is limited in the fields of food packaging and biomedicine due to the high migration of small molecules from photoinitiators. In this study, a polymerizable 2-vinyl thioxanthone (ETX) was synthesized to improve the migration stability of photoinitiators. Macromolecular photoinitiators (PPI1, PPI2) were also prepared to further reduce migration. The results showed that the ETX/TEOA system had higher initiation performance and PPI2 displayed favorable initiation ability. Additionally, the migration of ETX, PPI1, and PPI2 in photocured film was significantly reduced. These low-migration photoinitiators have potential applications in the fields of food packaging and biological materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijie Li, Jun Nie, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: This study focuses on the development of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. A polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, and three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) were synthesized based on VBP. The results show that these new photoinitiators have stronger absorption ability compared to benzophenone and significantly reduce the migration of initiators and co-initiators, addressing the safety concerns caused by migration.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Seira Morimune-Moriya, Yuki Iwahashi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Daisuke Ogawa, Keiji Nakamura
Summary: This study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the structure/properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites with ultra-low content of CNTs. The results show that plasma treatment introduces isocyanate groups on the surface of CNTs and enhances the interfacial interaction between PI and treated CNTs. This leads to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with even a small addition of treated CNTs showing a substantial increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and toughness.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanlong Li, Chaojie Chen, Guoqing Cui, Li Liu, Chao Zhou, Guangfeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel ion-conducting hydrogel was fabricated using a straightforward approach. The hydrogel showed excellent tensile properties and high toughness due to physical interactions and covalent binding. Additionally, the introduction of hydroxyethyl cellulose and lithium chloride improved the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and frost resistance of the hydrogel, demonstrating its potential for cold climate applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Dengwei Yan, Jinxian Yang, Xuejun Pan, Xiaozheng Duan, Lianwei Li, Mo Zhu
Summary: The influence of backbone length on grafting efficiency during the graft-onto reaction process was investigated. It was found that the polydispersity effect of backbone length does not affect the final grafting efficiency, indicating that the local dynamics of chain segments dominate the graft-onto process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyi Luo, Xianjie Pan, Fanqi Liu, Quanxi Yi, Yanning Zeng, Yunhua Chen, Chaoyang Wang
Summary: This study provides a method to prepare high-performance epoxy materials with good malleability and thermal stability. The materials have self-healing and welding capabilities, thanks to the addition of specific chemical bonds and network structures. They exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commercial epoxy resins and show great potential for sustainable industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaoji Xiong, Hao Wang, Lihua Deng, Kun Liang, Chunhua Wu, Wei Wu, Qian Chen
Summary: In this study, four polyamides were synthesized and their adsorption performances for Hg2+ in aqueous systems were investigated. The polyamides exhibited high adsorption capacities and excellent reusability, with the involvement of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the chemical adsorption process of Hg2+.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Siim Laanesoo, Olivier Bonjour, Rauno Sedrik, Iris Tamsalu, Patric Jannasch, Lauri Vares
Summary: The insertion of rigid aliphatic or aromatic building blocks in polymer structures is an effective way to synthesize high -Tg polymer materials. In this study, a series of isosorbide-2-aryl carboxylate-5-methacrylate monomers (ArIMAs) were synthesized by functionalizing isosorbide 5-methacrylate with various aromatic lignin-inspired esters. These monomers were polymerized to obtain high molecular-weight poly(aryl carboxylate isosorbide methacrylates) (PArIMAs). The resulting polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and thermal stability, making them suitable for use as high-performance plastics and coatings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuqian Wu, Weijie Xu, Jianliang Li, Zhangfeng Zhong, Liqing Huang, Shengke Li, Huaping Tan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of degradation and drug release characteristics of dynamic Schiff base-mediated natural polysaccharide hydrogels using tannic acid (TA), leading to enhanced stability and functionality.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhang, Xiangli Kong, Xin Zhou, Yiyan Gao, Yibo Sun, Guanghui Gao, Wei Liu, Kai Shi
Summary: Conductive hydrogels have great development prospects in flexible strain sensors, but long-term direct contact with human skin can cause bacterial infection. A hydrogel with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and toughness was designed and manufactured using a freeze-thaw method. The hydrogel maintains tensile properties and fatigue resistance at low temperatures and is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, hydrogel sensors can be used to monitor human movements.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Jiangang Yu, Mingyang Wu, Rui Li, Anqiang Zhang, Yaling Lin
Summary: In this study, polyacrylamide containing quaternary ammonium salts (PAM-X) were synthesized and found to effectively inhibit soil-borne pathogenic fungi while maintaining the balance of microbial population in soil. PAM-X also showed low toxicity to earthworms and fish, providing a new method for the prevention and control of soil-borne fungal diseases.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawen He, Haojie Yu, Li Wang, Jian Yang, Yanhui Zhang, Wenbing Huang, Chenguang Ouyang
Summary: This review discusses the use of polymeric hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), including the mechanism of water sorption, fabrication methods, and strategies for optimizing the structure of hydrogels. The extended applications of hygroscopic photothermal hydrogels, such as agricultural irrigation and dehumidification, are also explored. The challenges and prospects of using polymeric hydrogels for AWH are summarized.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Du, Shuaishuai Lu, Yuanna Sun, Qingshan Li, Xinhai He
Summary: This study introduces a method to improve the performance of hydrogels by incorporating proline, resulting in hydrogels with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and long-term stability. The hydrogel remains flexible and conductive even at ultra-low temperatures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)