Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nadeem Baig, Asif. Matin, M. Faizan, Deepak Anand, Irshad Ahmad, Safyan A. Khan
Summary: This study reports a surface modification of ultrafiltration membranes with a loose layer of nanosilver immobilized polydopamine, which can effectively be used for fractionating dyes and divalent salts in textile wastewater.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Jie Tang, Yanfang Cheng, Tao Huang, Yang Wang, Kai Zhang, En-Tang Kang, Liqun Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates a one-pot fabrication method for antifouling coatings based on the simultaneous surface adhesion of trihydroxyphenyl and dihydroxyphenyl moieties of tannic acid (TA) derivative and covalent conjugation of hydrophilic poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA). The surface hydrophilicity and deposition universality on various substrates were investigated, and the anti-bacterial, anti-platelet adhesion, and anti-biofilm formation abilities of the coating were studied. In vitro hemolysis and cytotoxicity, as well as in vivo biocompatibility, were evaluated. The results indicate that the TA/PMOXA-based coating can be used as an antifouling additive on biomedical implants and devices.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Wenting Chu, Yuhong Ma, Yuning Zhang, Xinjie Cao, Zhongyu Shi, Ying Liu, Xuejia Ding
Summary: An investigation showed that grafting polysaccharide agarose onto silicone rubber surface effectively inhibits bacterial adhesion and growth, improving the performance of medical devices. The modified silicone rubber surfaces demonstrated reduced water contact angle, successfully limiting bacterial adherence. After 10 days of simulated dynamic microenvironment in vivo, the durability and stability of the coating were observed, indicating a long service life. This modification method retains the biocompatibility of silicone rubber and opens new applications in the field of biomedical materials.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jhoan Toro-Mendoza, Lucia Maio, Marta Gallego, Ferdinand Otto, Florian Schulz, Wolfgang J. Parak, Carlos Sanchez-Cano, Ivan Coluzza
Summary: Nanoparticles and other nano-materials have potential as nanodrugs or nanomedical devices, but their therapeutic response can be significantly affected by protein adsorption. By combining experimental and computational approaches, we have developed nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol (PEG) coatings that mimic the surface charge distribution of proteins in blood, showing low aggregation under normal blood conditions.
Article
Biophysics
Ling Li Guo, Yan Fang Cheng, Xu Ren, Kasi Gopinath, Zhi Song Lu, Chang Ming Li, Li Qun Xu
Summary: This study demonstrates a simple and convenient approach for constructing polymeric coating with good anti-adhesive properties on the surface of titanium substrates.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiangnan Dai, Shuai Wang, Pan Chen, Xiaohua Tong, Xiaogang Zhao, Chunhai Chen, Hongwei Zhou
Summary: In order to minimize organic/biological contamination, polymeric membranes with tertiary amine groups were synthesized and modified to obtain three types of quaternary ammonium modified ultrafilters. The antifouling and antibacterial properties of all prepared ultrafilters were investigated. The influence of different alkyl chain lengths of quaternary ammonium salts on the performance of ultrafiltration membranes was explored. The results showed that increasing the alkyl chain length and introducing hydroxyl groups effectively improved the permeability and anti-pollution performance of the membranes. After one cycle of Bovine serum albumin solution filtration test, the flux recovery ratio of the modified membrane was twice as high as that of the initial membrane, while the initial ultrafiltration membrane only achieved a flux recovery ratio of 36.6%. Additionally, the modified membrane exhibited excellent antibacterial properties and water flux stability, making it suitable for long-term use.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Farzana Kousar, Jenny Malmstrom, Simon Swift, Jacqueline Ross, Janesha Perera, Stephen C. Moratti
Summary: A novel polymer nano-coating has been developed to prevent protein and material adsorption on the surface of stainless steel, exhibiting excellent anti-biofouling properties. The coating can be easily applied and shows significant inhibition against various proteins and bacterial adhesion.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomas Riedel, Andres de los Santos Pereira, Johanka Taborska, Zuzana Riedelova, Ognen Pop-Georgievski, Pavel Majek, Klara Pecankova, Cesar Rodriguez-Emmenegger
Summary: Non-specific protein adsorption triggers deleterious events in biomaterial applications. This study reveals that the variability of fouling on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) is due to complement system activation, which amplifies fouling via the alternative complement pathway.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lan Hao, Zexu Chi, Jianyou Wang
Summary: The surface modification of anion exchange membranes (AEMs) is a classic method to improve antifouling performance, but it can elevate the transport resistance of ions. A series of antifouling AEMs were designed via multilayered surface modification with MoS2 flakes as functional materials and PDA coating to enhance long-term stability. The obtained AEMs display superior antifouling performance without significantly affecting desalination performance, showing a promising potential for high-performance membranes in various separation applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Van-Sieu Luc, Chien-Cheng Lin, Shao-Yu Wang, Hsiu-Pen Lin, Bor-Ran Li, Ying-Nien Chou, Chia-Chih Chang
Summary: In this study, a new type of antifouling material called poly(amine oxide) (PAO) has been evaluated as an alternative to overcome nonspecific foulant adsorption and impart comparable biocompatibility. The results show that the cross-linked PAO-modified surface can efficiently inhibit biofouling, suggesting its potential application in biomedical devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yu-Heng Cheng, Alon Y. Kirschner, Chia-Chih Chang, Zhengwang He, Mostafa Nassr, Todd Emrick, Benny D. Freeman
Summary: Membrane fouling is a significant challenge in membrane separations, and hydrophilic membrane surface modification can enhance fouling resistance. This study presents a new hydrophilic membrane coating based on 1,4-benzoquinone and polyetheramines for modifying polysulfone ultrafiltration membranes. The results show that the modified membranes exhibit comparable fouling resistance to polydopamine-modified membranes, indicating the potential of these coatings in mitigating fouling.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yanan Wang, Yujia Cui, Qilin Gui, Qi Ouyang, Kexing Hu, Shuxian Shi, Xiaonong Chen
Summary: The rapid and effective removal of pharmaceutical contaminants (PhCs) from water through adsorption is a big challenge due to the properties of most PhCs. Adsorptive membranes have advantages over conventional adsorbents for PhCs removal. This study developed PEG-coupled ionic grafting adsorption membranes with outstanding adsorption and antifouling performance for PhCs removal. The study provides a new design strategy for effective removal of PhCs from contaminated water using adsorptive membrane technique.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sudesh Yadav, Ibrar Ibrar, Ali Altaee, Akshaya K. Samal, John Zhou
Summary: In this study, a commercial nanofiltration (NF) membrane was coated with cross-linked kappa-carrageenan and graphene oxide solution to improve salt rejection and antifouling properties. The coated membrane showed increased wettability and negative surface charge, leading to enhanced salt rejection. The optimal coated membrane exhibited high flux recovery ratio and low total fouling percentage.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Siew Kei Lau, Wai Fen Yong
Summary: This review discusses the application of various polymers and nanomaterials in the surface modification of membranes, with a focus on the unique properties of zwitterionic polymers. These modified membranes resist foulants through mechanisms such as hydration layer formation and steric repulsion effect.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lei Cheng, Chao Liu, Ji Wang, Yang Wang, Wenhui Zha, Xinsong Li
Summary: A hydrogel was coated onto the surface of silicone rubber to give it antifouling and antibacterial properties. The modified silicone rubber showed decreased protein absorption and exhibited antibacterial effects against various microorganisms, making it suitable for medical catheter applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Agnieszka Fus-Kujawa, Paulina Teper, Malwina Botor, Katarzyna Klarzynska, Lukasz Sieron, Bram Verbelen, Mario Smet, Aleksander L. Sieron, Barbara Mendrek, Agnieszka Kowalczuk
Summary: Star polymers were used as carriers for pDNA and mRNA, successfully delivering nucleic acids into cells with low cytotoxicity. Hydroxyl functionalities were utilized to introduce fluorophore moieties for tracking the location of the complexes after cellular uptake. Versatile gene delivery vectors were developed based on these functional star polymers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF POLYMERIC MATERIALS AND POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Marcelina Bochenek, Natalia Oleszko-Torbus, Wojciech Walach, Daria Lipowska-Kur, Andrzej Dworak, Alicja Utrata-Wesolek
Article
Polymer Science
Wojciech Walach, Natalia Oleszko-Torbus, Alicja Utrata-Wesolek, Marcelina Bochenek, Ewa Kijeriska-Gawronska, Zaneta Gorecka, Wojciech Swieszkowski, Andrzej Dworak
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natalia Oleszko-Torbus, Marcelina Bochenek, Alicja Utrata-Wesolek, Agnieszka Kowalczuk, Andrzej Marcinkowski, Andrzej Dworak, Agnieszka Fus-Kujawa, Aleksander L. Sieron, Wojciech Walach
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paulina Teper, Anna Sotirova, Violeta Mitova, Natalia Oleszko-Torbus, Alicja Utrata-Wesolek, Neli Koseva, Agnieszka Kowalczuk, Barbara Mendrek
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Natalia Oleszko-Torbus, Barbara Mendrek, Agnieszka Kowalczuk, Alicja Utrata-Wesolek, Andrzej Dworak, Wojciech Walach
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wojciech Walach, Agnieszka Klama-Baryla, Anna Sitkowska, Agnieszka Kowalczuk, Natalia Oleszko-Torbus
Summary: In this study, copolymers of 2-ethyl-4-methyl-2-oxazoline and 2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline were synthesized and their thermoresponsive behavior, crystallization ability, and phase transition near human body temperature were investigated. The results demonstrated that these copolymers are a non-toxic alternative with well-defined physicochemical properties, which is important for future biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Agnieszka Fus-Kujawa, Barbara Mendrek, Anna Trybus, Karolina Bajdak-Rusinek, Karolina L. Stepien, Aleksander L. Sieron
Summary: Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) show potential in gene therapy and disease modeling. To safely apply this technology in clinical settings, optimal reprogramming factors and vectors must be considered to reduce the risk of insertional tumorigenesis.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aleksandra Augusciak-Duma, Karolina L. Stepien, Marta Lesiak, Ewa Gutmajster, Agnieszka Fus-Kujawa, Malwina Botor, Aleksander L. Sieron
Summary: This study investigated the expression profiles of metalloproteinase and inhibitor genes in abdominal aortic aneurysm tissue, finding different expression patterns of MMP, TIMP, and ADAMTS throughout the aneurysm. The disturbed expression of these genes in aneurysm development suggests a potential role in extracellular matrix remodeling and aneurysm formation.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Lesiak, Aleksandra Augusciak-Duma, Karolina L. Stepien, Agnieszka Fus-Kujawa, Malwina Botor, Aleksander L. Sieron
Summary: This study investigated specific potential markers for cells from different layers of human AAA, identified gene expression differences, and selected new potential cytometry markers. However, none of the tested markers seemed to be optimal for a specific layer.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Natalia Oleszko-Torbus, Barbara Mendrek, Agnieszka Kowalczuk, Wojciech Walach, Barbara Trzebicka, Alicja Utrata-Wesolek
Summary: The review summarizes the research carried out in the Laboratory of Nano- and Microstructural Materials at the Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences. By utilizing controlled polymerization techniques, tailor-made polymers with specific properties were synthesized and primarily applied in the field of biomedicine, showing significant potential in tissue engineering.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Agnieszka Fus-Kujawa, Pawel Prus, Karolina Bajdak-Rusinek, Paulina Teper, Katarzyna Gawron, Agnieszka Kowalczuk, Aleksander L. Sieron
Summary: Transfection is a powerful tool for studying gene products and functions in eukaryotic cells, depending on factors such as DNA quantity and quality, incubation time, and type of transfection reagent. Various methods using viruses, non-viral carriers, or physical factors have been developed, with cationic polymers being considered the most attractive option. This review discusses the delivery systems and methods used for transfection in eukaryotic cells.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Augusciak-Duma, Marta Lesiak, Karolina Stepien, Ewa Gutmajster, Aleksander L. Sieron
Summary: The study found significantly increased expression of THBSs genes, especially THBS3, in abdominal aortic aneurysm tissues. The overexpression of these genes may have a destabilizing effect on the structure of the extracellular matrix by affecting matrix producing cells and inhibiting matrix protein activity.
ACTA BIOCHIMICA POLONICA
(2021)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Alicja Utrata-Wesolek, Barbara Trzebicka, Jerzy Polaczek, Iza Radecka, Marek Kowalczuk
Review
Polymer Science
Natalia Oleszko-Torbus, Alicja Utrata-Wesolek, Marcelina Bochenek, Daria Lipowska-Kur, Andrzej Dworak, Wojciech Walach
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.