Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xinyi Zhu, Chen Yang, Yinghao Jian, Hongbing Deng, Yumin Du, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: Inspired by the gradient hygroscopic structure of carrotwood seed pod, an anisotropic structure was created in polysaccharide hydrogel using an anodic electrical writing process. The hydrogel exhibited autonomous bending capability, showing potential for novel applications in natural hydrogel actuators.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Alexander Pestov, Yuliya Privar, Arseny Slobodyuk, Andrey Boroda, Svetlana Bratskaya
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of acyclic diethylacetal of acetaldehyde (ADA) with low cytotoxicity for the fabrication of hydrogels. The hydrogels were formed via Schiff bases formation between chitosan and acetaldehyde generated in situ from acetals in chitosan acetate solution. The formed hydrogels showed mechanical stability and insolubility in a broad pH range.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
X. Wang, M. Behl, A. Lendlein, M. Balk
Summary: The adaptive-like movement of reprogrammable hydrogel actuators is demonstrated by integrating temperature-triggered actuation and medium-and pH-based modulated swelling into one multiphase network. The reversible crystallization of poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) provides bending movements up to 71 degrees, and changing the solvent from water to ethanol increases swellability. Modulated swelling between different pH values is achieved by modifying the actuators with acrylic acid moieties, resulting in reversible bending movements. The coupled functionalities of actuation and modulated swelling create conditioned actuation behavior between stimuli-sensitivity and adaptivity.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chen Yang, Manya Wang, Wei Wang, Hongyu Liu, Hongbing Deng, Yumin Du, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: A novel electrofabrication methodology using electrodeposition is developed for the fabrication of hydrogel contact lenses. This method allows for covalent cross-linking between chitosan and epichlorohydrin, improving the transmittance and toughness of hydrogels without affecting their oxygen permeability. The geometry and characteristics of the contact lenses can be customized through electrical signals and electrochemical cross-linking.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Farnaz Azadikhah, Ali Reza Karimi, Gholam Hossein Yousefi, Mahnaz Hadizadeh
Summary: A chitosan-based antioxidant-photosensitizing hydrogel with improved photodynamic therapy (PDT) activity was developed by incorporating tannic acid to control reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, demonstrating efficacy in targeting cancer cells while minimizing side effects on normal cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Li-Ting Juan, Shih-Ho Lin, Chui-Wei Wong, U-Ser Jeng, Chih-Feng Huang, Shan-hui Hsu
Summary: Functionalized cellulose nanofibers were used as a crosslinker to synthesize composite self-healing hydrogel and shape memory cryogel. Both hydrogel and cryogel exhibited excellent properties such as injectability, tunable mechanical properties, self-healing ability, and shape memory effect. In addition, the cryogel showed cytocompatibility and promoted cell growth.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yawen Gong, Miao Yao, Jun Nie, Yong He
Summary: The study proposes a healing strategy based on space adjustment for cross-linked polymers, enabling efficient repair of damaged sites by enhancing the motilities of polymer coils. By adjusting the spatial density, the healing efficiency of the polymer is improved without the need for additional functional components.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yawen Gong, Miao Yao, Jun Nie, Yong He
Summary: A healing strategy based on space adjustment is proposed in this study, utilizing pre-designed holes in cross-linked polymer networks to enhance the mobility of polymer coils for improved healing efficiency. The space-adjusted polymer materials can readily heal, with a healing efficiency of up to 96%.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Sang Heon Kim, Jae Hwan Jeong, Hyeonbo Shim, Hee-Chul Woo, Kusuma Betha Cahaya Imani, Jinhwan Yoon, Jae Hyun Jeong, Mun Ho Kim
Summary: A simple method was developed to produce one-dimensional hydrogels with programmable deformations that exhibit outstanding mechanical properties and high deformability. These hydrogels can be used in the fabrication of soft actuators and chemical sensing platforms.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ruhan Yang, Weijie Li, Ruibin Mo, Xinya Zhang
Summary: In this study, a series of recyclable biobased dynamic cross-linking epoxy polymers were synthesized using biobased materials under solvent-free conditions. The triamine cross-linker significantly influenced the properties of the polymers, and the polymer with polyetheramine T403 showed a good shape memory effect. The polymers exhibited good recyclability when the dynamic bond content was appropriate.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Minzimo Song, Shenghua Li, Guiyou Zhu, Jianwei Guo
Summary: This valuable research focuses on improving the compatibility and toughness of PLA/PCL blends, while also giving them shape memory and 4D printing capability. By using lactic acid/caprolactone-modified chitosan (mCS) to connect the amorphous region of PLA and PCL, the research achieved compatibilisation, toughening, and 4D printing shape memory ability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Demeter, Ion Calina, Anca Scarisoreanu, Valentina Mitran, Marcela Popa, Anisoara Cimpean, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc, Marin Micutz, Elena Matei, Bogdana Mitu
Summary: Novel biocompatible composite hydrogels with good elastic and antimicrobial properties were synthesized by e-beam cross-linking using chitosan, water-soluble polymers, and silver nanoparticles (AgNP). The composite hydrogels showed high stability, absorption capability specific to infected wounds, and biocompatibility. The antimicrobial activity was influenced by the amount of AgNP and cross-linking degree, with significant inhibition against Gram-negative bacteria.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yang Wang, Wenbo Zhang, Xinhu Gong, Caimei Zhao, Yiying Liu, Chaoqun Zhang
Summary: Covalent and ionic cross-linking were introduced to construct a high-strength CCH material with ionic conductivity and antifreezing properties. The CCHs exhibited stable, durable, and reversible sensitivity to finger bending at subzero temperatures, and could be used as antifreezing conductive hydrogels in soft sensor devices.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Haotian Zhao, Qinghong Zhang, Xinlong Wen, Gongliang Wang, Xiaowen Gong, Xinyan Shi
Summary: In this study, a dual covalent cross-linking network was constructed in PNB using TDAE plasticized PNB as the matrix, sulfur and DCP as crosslinking agents. The sulfur-rich cross-linked PNB showed higher mechanical properties and shape memory performance compared to the DCP-rich system, with polysulfide bonds playing a key role in providing flexibility and large deformation capacity.
Article
Polymer Science
Xinyi Zhu, Si Wu, Chen Yang, Hongbing Deng, Yumin Du, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: This study presents an electrical writing technique for creating surface and across thickness patterns in dynamic chitosan-H+/agarose hydrogel. The technique is able to manipulate mechanical stress and swell ability of the hydrogel, resulting in programmable shape transitions.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuet Cheng, Gu Cheng, Congyong Xie, Chengcheng Yin, Xiangyang Dong, Zhi Li, Xue Zhou, Qun Wang, Hongbing Deng, Zubing Li
Summary: A silk fibroin hydrogel reinforced by short silica nanoparticles-distributed-silk fibroin nanofibers with superior osteoinductive properties was fabricated for treating bone defects. The composite scaffold mimics the extracellular matrix of native bone and enhances mechanical properties. In vivo studies confirmed successful bone repair using this composite hydrogel.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chen Yang, Xiaowen Shi, Luhe Qi, Xinyi Zhu, Jun Tong, Hongbing Deng, Yumin Du
Summary: This study demonstrates the storage and retrieval of structural information in hydrogel through electrically induced covalent cross-linking. By leveraging the diffusible feature of hydrogel, different micromorphology, chemical properties, and pH sensitivity are achieved in the written area, enabling dynamic information storage in 2D and 3D formats. The use of stable electrical inputs showcases the versatility in storing dynamic structural information and allows for recognition of the embedded information through chemical and physical variations.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiangyang Dong, Hao Li, Lingfei Gao, Chaoji Chen, Xiaowen Shi, Yumin Du, Hongbing Deng
Summary: In this study, a suspended-type evaporator (STEs) constructed using Janus fibrous mats is reported, which solves the issues of salt crystallization and accumulation in traditional evaporators, and achieves zero liquid discharge and mineral recovery.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Hu, Si Wu, Cheng Wang, Xiaohui Wang, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: In this study, carbon fibers/reduced graphene oxide/cellulose paper electrodes were used for electrochemical experiments, showing good electrocatalytic performance for amitrole detection. The method has a linear range of 5 x 10(-6) mol L-1 to 3 x 10(-5) mol L-1 and a detection limit of 2.44 x 10(-7) mol L-1 for amitrole. The reduced paper electrode provides a novel idea for on-site amitrole detection in food and agriculture with its high sensitivity, low detection limit, good stability, and repeatability.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shiyi Cao, Shuangquan Wu, Xiangyang Dong, Min Long, Heng Lin, Fangtian Liu, Yang Wu, Ze Zhao, Chaoji Chen, Hongbing Deng
Summary: This study developed a highly bio-safe adsorbent with Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells immobilized on natural cellulose nanofibers for lead removal in the human body. The adsorbent showed high efficiency and easy operation in removing toxic lead ions from the gastrointestinal tract and blood. After adsorption, the concentration of lead ions decreased to a safe level, providing an effective detoxification strategy.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chen Yang, Yi Liu, Manya Wang, Hui Hu, Zhongtao Zhao, Hongbing Deng, Gregory F. Payne, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: A dynamically responsive hydrogel medium composed of polysaccharide (chitosan) and surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate; SDS) can be patterned using an electrode pen. Cathodic writing forms a crystalline network with neutral chitosan chains, while anodic writing generates electrostatically crosslinked cationic chitosan chains with anionic SDS micelles. These supramolecular structures can be re-configured due to shifts in chitosan's pKa, allowing electronic patterns to be erased, rewritten, and created in three dimensions. NaCl-induced morphological transitions of SDS micelles can also hide or reveal the patterns. Furthermore, a quick response (QR) code can be electronically written and recognized using a standard cellphone app, and it can be concealed or made invisible by manipulating the medium.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luhe Qi, Lanxin Mu, Xiaojia Guo, Anxiong Liu, Chaoji Chen, Qifa Ye, Zibiao Zhong, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: A cryogelation strategy and subsequent solvent exchange were developed for the production of fast expandable chitosan cryogel. The cryogel demonstrated rapid shape recovery and high water absorption ability. It was also shown to have positive effects on in situ tissue regeneration due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. Therefore, chitosan cryogels prepared by this simple method could effectively control noncompressible bleeding and severe high-pressure hemorrhage.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yi Liu, Eunkyoung Kim, Miao Lei, Si Wu, Kun Yan, Jana Shen, William E. Bentley, Xiaowen Shi, Xue Qu, Gregory F. Payne
Summary: This article reviews the progress made in biofabrication with chitosan over the past 20 years, and explores the coupling of electronic inputs with advanced biological methods for the fabrication of biopolymer-based hydrogel films. It has been found that electrodeposition can be applied to various other biological polymers and allows precise control of the hydrogel's microstructure. In addition, the use of protein engineering has expanded the applications of electro-biofabrication. The article suggests that electro-biofabrication is an enabling additive manufacturing method especially suited for life science applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wang, Zhiling Zhao, Rui Wu, Xiaowen Shi, Gregory F. Payne, Xiaohui Wang
Summary: This study presents a method for fabricating electrochemical sensors from sustainable cellulose-paper through wet laser writing patterning of a graphene oxide (GO)/cellulose composite. The patterned region shows significantly increased conductivity and excellent electrochemical sensing performance. This offers unprecedented opportunities for scalable manufacturing of electronic devices.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luhe Qi, Chang Chen, Lu Chen, Le Yu, Jing Huang, Sijun Wang, Zhen Wang, Xiaowen Shi, Chaoji Chen
Summary: A new type of bioplastic foam with low density, high compressive modulus, good thermal insulation performance, and superior fire resistance has been developed through an energy-efficient freeze-drying-free method. This foam is recyclable and biodegradable, making it a promising alternative to petroleum-based plastic foam.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Zhiling Zhao, Si Wu, Eunkyoung Kim, Chen-yu Chen, John R. Rzasa, Xiaowen Shi, William E. Bentley, Gregory F. Payne
Summary: This study fabricated a catechol-containing hydrogel film and characterized its properties through experimental and modeling approaches. The results showed that catechols can provide redox activity without conductivity, and the flow of electrons through the catechol film is controlled by diffusible electron carriers and synchronized with electron transfer at the electrode.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun Tong, Chen Yang, Luhe Qi, Jingxian Zhang, Hongbing Deng, Yumin Du, Xiaowen Shi
Summary: In this work, an ordered lamellar structured hydrogel was fabricated using electro-assembly process, and the complex ordered/disordered structure of the hydrogel was accurately regulated by programming the input electrical signals.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)