Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elena Yu Kozhunova, Vladimir Yu Rudyak, Xiang Li, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Georgy S. Peters, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Irina R. Nasimova, Alexander Chertovich
Summary: Polymer stimuli-responsive microgels are used in various applications, with interpenetrating network (IPN) microgels showing non-uniform inner architecture and microphase separation in selective solvent conditions. This study utilized static light scattering (SLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques to investigate the structure factors of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-polyacrylic acid IPN microgels, revealing microphase separation and proposing a microstructured sphere model for interpretation. Additional analysis and verification were done through coarse-grained molecular dynamics computer simulations.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Yu Kozhunova, Galina A. Komarova, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Irina R. Nasimova, Anastasia E. Kuvarina, Vera S. Sadykova
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of polyelectrolyte IPN microgels as carriers of antibacterial substances. We report that a type of polymer microgel can efficiently absorb the common bactericidal compound benzalkonium chloride and exhibits antibacterial efficacy comparable to commercial antibiotics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kseniia N. Bardakova, Bato Ch. Kholkhoev, Ivan A. Farion, Evgenii O. Epifanov, Olga S. Korkunova, Yuri M. Efremov, Nikita V. Minaev, Anna B. Solovieva, Peter S. Timashev, Vitaliy F. Burdukovskii
Summary: This study introduces new photosensitive compositions based on aromatic heterochain polymers for DLP printing, with thermal post-curing and supercritical carbon dioxide post-processing to enhance mechanical properties and thermal stability. The research shows that thermal post-treatment significantly increases the tensile strength of the materials, leading to a potential use in aerospace, robotics, and sensorics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lorenzo Marsili, Michele Dal Bo, Federico Berti, Giuseppe Toffoli
Summary: Microgels are soft, porous, and deformable particles with an internal gel structure that are swollen by a solvent, making them potential candidates for drug delivery systems. Recent advancements in biodegradable polymer fabrication have led to new strategies in combining synthetic and natural-origin polymers with inorganic nanoparticles for controlled drug release. The use of chitosan-grafted-poly-(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels in drug delivery and oncology applications is reviewed in this study.
Review
Polymer Science
Valentina Nigro, Roberta Angelini, Monica Bertoldo, Elena Buratti, Silvia Franco, Barbara Ruzicka
Summary: This article reports the behavior of dual-responsive microgels composed of temperature-sensitive and pH-sensitive polymers under different conditions, and investigates their behavior during the volume phase transition process and internal structure using a combination of multiple techniques.
Article
Polymer Science
Elisabeth Rossegger, Rita Hoeller, David Reisinger, Jakob Strasser, Mathias Fleisch, Thomas Griesser, Sandra Schloegl
Summary: A new transesterification catalyst has been introduced to overcome the limitations of traditional catalysts, allowing for the successful fabrication of precise 3D objects with features as small as 500 microns. This material, with shape memory and thermal mendability features, can be utilized for additive manufacturing of structural and functional devices in soft robotics, biomedicine, and electronics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Muluneh G. Abebe, Gilles Rosolen, Jeremy Odent, Jean-Marie Raquez, Bjorn Maes
Summary: The use of metallic microparticles in thermoregulating fabrics allows for dynamic and passive control of infrared transmission, reducing energy costs for heating and cooling. Through tailored design and numerical simulations, the fabric can maintain wearer comfort in the range of 18-26 degrees Celsius, showing potential for energy savings.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Letian Zheng, Jiajie Zhang, Huanyao Hua, Zhujian Wu, Lian Wang, Yongjin Li
Summary: A novel microgel-based double-network hydrogel was developed as a smart shield for smart windows, which can intelligently regulate the solar transmittance according to the ambient temperature. Simulation results showed that the smart shield can reduce energy consumption by 21.04% compared to normal glass, and its energy-saving efficiency is higher than that of commercial low-E glass.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Minghao Wang, Chen Nie, Junbang Liu, Si Wu
Summary: In this study, we designed composite gels with orthogonally responsive properties to light and magnetic fields. The composite gels were prepared by co-assembly of a photoswitchable organogelator and superparamagnetic inorganic nanoparticles. The unique structure of the composite gels allowed them to respond independently to light and magnetic fields, enabling the fabrication of smart windows, anti-counterfeiting labels, and reconfigurable materials.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ren Liu, Alessio Caciagli, Jiaming Yu, Xiaoying Tang, Rini Ghosh, Erika Eiser
Summary: Nano-sized particles functionalised with short single-stranded (ss)DNAs can act as detectors of complementary DNA strands. The tri-block copolymer-based, self-assembling DNA-coated nanoparticles are easy to make. DNA functionalisation results in inter-micellar attraction and can form transient hydrogels due to the competing self-assembling mechanisms.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryan W. Clarke, Tobias Sandmeier, Kevin A. Franklin, Dominik Reich, Xiao Zhang, Nayan Vengallur, Tarak K. Patra, Robert J. Tannenbaum, Sabin Adhikari, Sanat K. Kumar, Tomislav Rovis, Eugene Y. -X. Chen
Summary: The global plastics problem has a significant impact on the environment, energy, and climate. Various innovative strategies have been proposed to address these issues and achieve a circular economy. However, the challenge of reusing mixed-plastics waste remains, as there is currently no effective closed-loop solution.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammed O. Alziyadi, Alan R. Denton
Summary: Ionic microgels have unique properties and are widely used in medicine and biotechnologies. In this study, we investigated the osmotic pressure, density profiles, and swelling behavior of these microgels using theoretical and simulation methods. Our results demonstrate that the swelling behavior of microgels is influenced by the distribution of fixed charge and the concentration of salt ions.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yaxing Zhang, Chunyan Wang, Mengyuan Yin, Hanxue Liang, Qi Gao, Shanjin Hu, Weiwei Guo
Summary: Smart DNA microgels have excellent biocompatibility and sequence-directed functions, making them attractive for research. By combining DNA microgels with gallium-based liquid metals (LMs), their applications in biosensing and biomedicine can be further expanded. The combination of LM particles and polymeric matrix allows the construction of soft-soft materials, and the localized polymerization reaction enables the precise control of microgel compositions and the construction of microgels with tunable catalytic activities. Additionally, the photothermal effect of LM NPs allows for the remote control of microgel activity through NIR light irradiation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Y. -h. Peng, S. K. Hsiao, K. Gupta, A. Ruland, G. K. Auernhammer, M. F. Maitz, S. Boye, J. Lattner, C. Gerri, A. Honigmann, C. Werner, E. Krieg
Summary: This study reports on a fully synthetic hydrogel based on DNA that can be used for three-dimensional cell and organoid cultures. The hydrogel self-assembles to form a dynamic DNA-crosslinked matrix, allowing control over its viscoelasticity, thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. It can tune stress-relaxation times, recapitulating mechanical characteristics of living tissues.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mengxiang Song, Deming Huang, Nan Huo, Essy Kouadio Fodjo, Wei Deng, Dan Li
Summary: This study developed a stimulus-responsive three-dimensional microgel decorated with nanoparticles, which allows precise control of hot spots region by regulating temperature and moisture. It can simultaneously regulate structures and capture target molecules, as well as self-clean, achieving recyclable and reliable SERS analysis of solid samples.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Physical
Elena Yu. Kozhunova, Natalia A. Gvozdik, Mikhail V. Motyakin, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Keith J. Stevenson, Daniil M. Itkis, Alexander V. Chertovich
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Evgeniya A. Bezrodnykh, Boris B. Berezin, Sergey N. Kulikov, Pavel Zelenikhin, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Inesa Blagodatskikh, Vladimir E. Tikhonov
Summary: N-reacetylated oligochitosan can form soluble complexes with sodium dodecyl sulfate and exhibit high bacteriostatic activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in both acidic and alkaline conditions. This discovery suggests potential applications of RA-CHIs as artificial biocides in preparing microbiologically stable pharmaceutical hydrocolloids and cosmetic compositions containing strong anionic surfactants for topical use.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elena Yu Kozhunova, Vladimir Yu Rudyak, Xiang Li, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Georgy S. Peters, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Irina R. Nasimova, Alexander Chertovich
Summary: Polymer stimuli-responsive microgels are used in various applications, with interpenetrating network (IPN) microgels showing non-uniform inner architecture and microphase separation in selective solvent conditions. This study utilized static light scattering (SLS) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) techniques to investigate the structure factors of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-polyacrylic acid IPN microgels, revealing microphase separation and proposing a microstructured sphere model for interpretation. Additional analysis and verification were done through coarse-grained molecular dynamics computer simulations.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
A. I. Barabanova, I. V. Blagodatskikh, O. V. Vyshivannaya, A. V. Muranov, A. S. Peregudov, A. R. Khokhlov
Summary: Thermoresponsive diblock copolymers were prepared by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer/macromolecular design and studied for their temperature behavior and catalytic activity. The phase separation temperature of the copolymers depended on the length of the PVCL chain and the composition of the solvent, and the formation of hydrophilic-hydrophobic interfaces inside mesoglobules enhanced catalytic activity.
POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Yu Kozhunova, Galina A. Komarova, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Irina R. Nasimova, Anastasia E. Kuvarina, Vera S. Sadykova
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of polyelectrolyte IPN microgels as carriers of antibacterial substances. We report that a type of polymer microgel can efficiently absorb the common bactericidal compound benzalkonium chloride and exhibits antibacterial efficacy comparable to commercial antibiotics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
N. A. Samoilova, M. A. Krayukhina, O. V. Vyshivannaya, I. Blagodatskikh
Summary: This study successfully synthesized lectin-specific polymers containing carbohydrate ligands and prepared glyconanoparticles labeled with silver nanoparticles. By using light scattering and UV-visible spectroscopy, it was found that the glyconanoparticles and glycoconjugates based on more hydrophilic copolymers were more sensitive than those based on more hydrophobic copolymers, and the systems were more sensitive to Solanum tuberosum agglutinin (STA) lectin than wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) lectin. The silver glyconanoparticles showed more accurate and reliable detection of lectins through light scattering compared to the glycopolymer.
POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Inesa V. Blagodatskikh, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Evgeniya A. Bezrodnykh, Vladimir E. Tikhonov, Victor N. Orlov, Yana L. Shabelnikova, Alexey R. Khokhlov
Summary: In this study, the interaction between the negatively charged surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and partially N-reacetylated chitosan (RA-CHI) was investigated. The interaction was found to be exothermic and cooperative in weakly alkaline medium and involved proton transfer from the buffer substance to chitosan. At higher pH values, another mechanism of interaction was observed, involving SDS micellization induced by hydrophobic interactions with polymer segments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Galina A. A. Komarova, Elena Yu. Kozhunova, Igor I. I. Potemkin
Summary: In this research, the behavior of common PNIPAM microgels obtained through surfactant-free precipitation polymerization in various organic solvents was studied. Results showed that the selected solvents can act as good solvents for the microgels and impact their size and structure. Expanding the range of solvents used enhances the potential routes for functionalization, modification, and encapsulation of water-insoluble species.
Article
Polymer Science
Viktoria S. Kusaia, Elena Yu. Kozhunova, Darya A. Stepanova, Vladislava A. Pigareva, Andrey V. Sybachin, Sergey B. Zezin, Anastasiya V. Bolshakova, Nikita M. Shchelkunov, Evgeny S. Vavaev, Evgeny V. Lyubin, Andrey A. Fedyanin, Vasiliy V. Spiridonov
Summary: This work describes the preparation and properties of anionic magnetic microgels loaded with the antitumor drug doxorubicin. The microgels were produced by the in situ formation of iron nanoparticles in a polymer microgel dispersion. Various characterization techniques were used to study the composition and morphology of the composite microgels. The resulting microgels showed high colloidal stability in physiological conditions and could be manipulated using external magnetic fields. Loading with doxorubicin did not affect the particle size or colloidal stability. The interaction of the drug-loaded microgel with model cell membranes was demonstrated. These magnetic microgels have the potential for controlled delivery of biologically active substances.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Evgeniya A. Bezrodnykh, Oxana V. Vyshivannaya, Boris B. Berezin, Inesa V. Blagodatskikh, Vladimir E. Tikhonov
Summary: Edible crayfish are a valuable resource for local fishing and aquaculture industries in many countries. This study focuses on the purification process of chitosan and its derivatives extracted from crayfish waste, including the removal of impurities commonly found in commercial chitosan. Various analytical techniques such as ICP-MS, EDXS, NMR, and chromatography methods are used to characterize the products. The results demonstrate the potential of crayfish waste in the purification of chitosan and the production of pharmaceutical-grade derivatives, which can contribute to the commercialization of crayfish.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Yu. Kozhunova, Anna V. Plutalova, Andrey V. Sybachin, Alexander V. Chertovich, Elena V. Chernikova
Summary: This study investigated the double stimuli-responsive properties of PNIPA and PVIM block copolymers in aqueous solutions for the first time. The synthesis of two different block copolymers was performed using RAFT polymerization. The conformational behavior and self-assembly ability of the polymers were found to depend on the location of hydrophobic groups derived from the RAFT agent within the chain, as well as the length and charge of the PVIM block.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
K. E. Chekurov, A. Barabanova, I. Blagodatskikh, O. V. Vyshivannaya, A. Muranov, A. S. Peregudov, A. R. Khokhlov
Summary: The radical polymerization of 2-(perfluorohexyl)ethyl methacrylate (FHEMA) was studied for the first time. It was found that the polymerization can proceed under homogeneous conditions in trifluorotoluene or supercritical carbon dioxide, with reversible chain transfer via the addition-fragmentation mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
I. Blagodatskikh, O. V. Vyshivannaya, K. E. Chekurov, A. Barabanova, A. R. Khokhlov
Summary: This study focuses on the solubility and structure of amphiphilic diblock and random copolymers in different solvents and water, and characterizes the structure of thin films using light scattering techniques and transmission electron microscopy.
DOKLADY PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Correction
Polymer Science
A. I. Barabanova, I. V. Blagodatskikh, O. V. Vyshivannaya, A. V. Muranov, A. S. Peregudov, A. R. Khokhlov
Summary: An erratum to the paper has been published.
POLYMER SCIENCE SERIES A
(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.
