Article
Polymer Science
Shang-Pin Wen, Qi Yue, Lee A. Fielding
Summary: This article reports the synthesis of PBzMA latexes through RAFT-mediated miniemulsion polymerisation, showing that the hydrophobe, initiator, and RAFT agent have significant influences on the properties of the latexes. Higher concentrations of hexadecane lead to an increase in particle number and a decrease in latex diameter.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Satu Hakkinen, Joji Tanaka, Ramon Garcia Maset, Stephen C. L. Hall, Steven Huband, Julia Y. Rho, Qiao Song, Sebastien Perrier
Summary: This study reports the polymerisation-induced self-assembly of copolymers during RAFT grafting, showing the formation of various morphologies of micelles in the polymerisation process, providing new avenues for controlling polymer structure and material properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Justin J. Chung, Jin Yoo, Brian S. T. Sum, Siwei Li, Soojin Lee, Tae Hee Kim, Zhenlun Li, Molly M. Stevens, Theoni K. Georgiou, Youngmee Jung, Julian R. Jones
Summary: Inorganic-organic hybrid biomaterials made with star polymer and silica are successfully 3D printed as bone substitutes, showing promising mechanical properties. The hybrid scaffolds are able to promote osteoblast cell adhesion in vitro and demonstrate osteogenic and angiogenic properties in a rat model.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Amadeja Koler, Jiri Brus, Peter Krajnc
Summary: The influence of polymerisation mechanism (RAFT vs. FRP) on the porous structure of highly porous poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) polymers was studied. The results showed that polymers prepared by RAFT had a significantly higher specific surface area compared to those prepared by FRP. It was also found that RAFT polymerisation affected the distribution of crosslinks in the polymer network, leading to an increase in mesopores and microporosity during the hypercrosslinking reaction. The degree of hypercrosslinking was confirmed by solid-state NMR analysis.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yu Xing, Qian Li, Xiaoyi Chen, Miao Li, Shujing Wang, Yan Li, Tianyu Wang, Xitong Sun, Xianzhen Li
Summary: Polymer brushes with pI-switchable property and high grafting groups content were prepared on the surface of mesoporous silica microspheres using RAFT polymerization. The resulting materials showed fast adsorption rate and high adsorption capacity for removing Ni(II) from aqueous solution. The adsorbent exhibited good reusability and high desorption efficiency, with the adsorption mechanism mainly attributed to electrostatic interaction and complexation.
Article
Polymer Science
Oliver B. Penrhyn-Lowe, Sean Flynn, Savannah R. Cassin, Samuel Mckeating, Sarah Lomas, Stephen Wright, Pierre Chambon, Steve P. Rannard
Summary: The translation discusses the innovation opportunities provided by complex macromolecular architectures in forming new polymers with novel behavior, emphasizing the use of existing commercial feedstocks and the impact of taxogen dimensions on TBRT outcomes. Notably, the differences in gelation behaviors were correlated to the dimensions of the taxogen, highlighting the shifting balance of intermolecular and intramolecular branching processes during TBRT.
Article
Polymer Science
Rachel L. Atkinson, Olivia R. Monaghan, Matthew T. Elsmore, Paul D. Topham, Daniel T. W. Toolan, Matthew J. Derry, Vincenzo Taresco, Robert A. Stockman, Davide S. A. De Focatiis, Derek J. Irvine, Steven M. Howdle
Summary: Terpenes are considered ideal candidates for sustainable polymer feedstocks due to their natural abundance and availability from existing waste streams. By using RAFT control, well-defined polymers and precise di- and multiblock copolymer architectures can be synthesized. A wide range of T-g values are observed for terpene (meth)acrylate homopolymers, which can be utilized to create renewably-sourced hard-soft block copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Saul J. Hunter, Steven P. Armes
Summary: In this Feature Article, the authors review their recent progress in designing shape-shifting thermoresponsive diblock copolymer nano-objects. Unlike traditional thermoresponsive polymers, these nano-objects undergo thermally driven transitions between different morphologies in aqueous solution. The shape-shifting behavior is attributed to a subtle change in the hydration level of the insoluble thermoresponsive block. The authors characterized these nano-objects using various techniques and briefly discussed their potential applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Daniel M. Day, Lian R. Hutchings
Summary: A series of polyisoprene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymers self-assemble in aliphatic hydrocarbon solvents, forming varying nanostructures such as spherical micelles, wormlike micelles or vesicles. The self-assembly behavior is dependent on the molar mass and composition of the block copolymers, allowing for the construction of phase-diagrams. The resulting structures exhibit thermal responsiveness and may undergo morphological changes upon heating.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Savannah R. Cassin, Sean Flynn, Pierre Chambon, Steve P. Rannard
Summary: New branched polymerisations offer access to previously inaccessible macromolecules, and understanding the architecture is crucial for insight into the branching mechanism and determining structure-property relationships. In this study, a detailed inverse gated C-13 NMR characterisation of materials derived from the Transfer-dominated Branching Radical Telomerisation approach was conducted to quantify branching and provide insight into cyclisation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ana A. C. Pacheco, Arnaldo F. da Silva Filho, Kristoffer Kortsen, Magnus W. D. Hanson-Heine, Vincenzo Taresco, Jonathan D. Hirst, Muriel Lansalot, Franck D'Agosto, Steven M. Howdle
Summary: The RAFT dispersion polymerization of MMA in scCO(2) with DDMAT as CTA shows good control over PMMA molecular weight, contrasting with poor control in toluene solution. Investigation reveals a two-stage mechanism at the nucleation stage and a correlation between polymerization control and CTA solubility, providing a simple guideline for selecting the best CTA for RAFT dispersion polymerization in scCO(2).
Article
Polymer Science
Dusadee Tumnantong, Kuachon Srisamrid, Sirilux Poompradub, Pattarapan Prasassarakich
Summary: PMMA-RAFT-SiO2 nanocomposite emulsion was synthesized via differential microemulsion polymerization and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The addition of SiO2 enhanced the physical properties of the composite membranes, resulting in good mechanical properties and high separation performance.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Shuo Zhang, Yichuan Zhang, Muhammed Ucuncu, Annamaria Lilienkampf, Jin Geng, Mark Bradley
Summary: The PET-RAFT polymerization method allows controlled synthesis of polymers using photoinduced electron transfer, providing an alternative to transition metal-based photoinitiators. Through the synthesis of fluorophore-conjugated RAFT agents, light-controlled polymerization has been achieved, yielding polymers with a single fluorophore per chain and allowing for the formation of fluorescently labelled and block copolymers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liping Luan, Bentian Tang, Songmei Ma, Lixiang Sun, Wenlong Xu, Aili Wang, Yuzhong Niu
Summary: Schiff base modified PAMAM dendrimer/silica hybrid materials were synthesized and used for removing aqueous Zn(II) and Ni(II). The study investigated the influence of various factors on the removal effect and revealed the interaction mechanism between adsorbents and metal ions through DFT calculation and XPS analysis. The results showed comparable adsorption properties for Zn(II) and Ni(II) and identified the key role of imino N atoms and carbonyl O atoms in the adsorption process.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Matthew F. I. Rix, Kyle Collins, Samuel J. Higgs, Eleanor M. Dodd, Simon J. Coles, Nathaniel M. Bingham, Peter J. Roth
Summary: This study demonstrates the various reactions of thionolactone DBT and its ability to introduce a degradable backbone. Additionally, through XRD structure analysis and DFT modeling, the higher reactivity of DBT is explained by its stabilization of the intermediate radical, increased ring strain, and better reinitiating efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Breno R. Barrioni, Sandhra M. de Carvalho, Parichart Naruphontjirakul, Elizabeth Norris, Nicole L. Kelly, John V. Hanna, Julian R. Jones, Marivalda de M. Pereira
Summary: Novel monodispersed spherical dense BGNPs with a diameter of 92 nm and cobalt as the pro-angiogenic ion were obtained using a modified Stober method. The controlled release of Co2+ ions in culture media indicated the great potential of these materials as intracellular ion delivery systems with therapeutic properties. The study confirmed the presence of Co2+ species and the role of Co and Ca as network modifiers in the silica glass through various analytical techniques.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Achintha Kondarage, Gowsihan Poologasundarampillai, Amy Nommeots-Nomm, Peter D. Lee, Thilina D. Lalitharatne, Nuwan D. Nanayakkara, Julian R. Jones, Angelo Karunaratne
Summary: A novel image analysis framework is proposed for automating the analysis of X-ray microtomography images of sintering ceramics and glasses using open-source toolkits and machine learning. The framework allows real-time monitoring of the sintering process, aiding in the development of new porous ceramics or glasses.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Materials Science, Ceramics
Roger Narayan, Bikramjit Basu, Ashutosh Goel, Julian Jones, Steve Jung
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Qun Ju, Takuya Zenji, Anthony L. B. Macon, Elizabeth Norris, Gowsihan Poologasundarampillai, Akiko Obata, Julian R. Jones, Toshihiro Kasuga
Summary: This study combines sol-gel process and electrospinning to fabricate cotton-wool-like sol-gel glass fibers for skin regeneration. The fibers release metal ions for antibacterial and therapeutic actions, promoting wound healing. The study investigates the effects of synthesis and process parameters on fiber morphology, silver distribution, and degradation rate.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Parichart Naruphontjirakul, Siwei Li, Alessandra Pinna, Fadi Barrak, Shu Chen, Andia N. Redpath, Sara M. Rankin, Alexandra E. Porter, Julian R. Jones
Summary: The cellular response of murine primary macrophages to monodisperse strontium containing bioactive glass nanoparticles (SrBGNPs), with diameters of 90 +/- 10 nm and a composition (mol%) of 88.8 SiO2-1.8CaO-9.4SrO (9.4% Sr-BGNPs) was investigated for the first time. The Sr-BGNPs were actively internalised by the macrophages via formation of endosome/lysosome-like vesicles bordered by a membrane inside the cells. When RAW264.7 cells were incubated with Sr-BGNPs, the cells were polarised towards the pro-regenerative M2 population rather than the pro-inflammatory M1 population. Sr-BGNPs are potential biocompatible vehicles for therapeutic cation delivery for applications in bone regeneration.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yanru Ren, Helene Autefage, Julian R. Jones, Molly M. Stevens, Paul A. J. Bagot, Michael P. Moody
Summary: Improved experimental preparation methods and optimized parameters led to a 90% successful yield of pSrBG samples by APT.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Lin Lee, Daniel W. Lester, Julian R. Jones, Theoni K. Georgiou
Summary: Organic-inorganic hybrid materials are promising for tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. This systematic study examined the effect of polymer molecular mass on hybrid mechanical properties, showing that increasing linear polymer MM decreases hybrid mechanical strength. Additionally, a comparison between star-polymer hybrid and linear-polymer counterpart revealed significantly different mechanical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Prakan Thanasrisuebwong, Julian R. Jones, Salita Eiamboonsert, Nisarat Ruangsawasdi, Bundhit Jirajariyavej, Parichart Naruphontjirakul
Summary: Zn-containing dense monodispersed bioactive glass nanoparticles have been developed to deliver therapeutic inorganic trace elements to cells for stimulating bone regeneration. These nanoparticles show no cytotoxicity and can stimulate osteogenic differentiation in PDLSCs.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Lukas Gritsch, Cedric Bossard, Edouard Jallot, Julian R. Jones, Jonathan Lao
Summary: Bioactive glass-based organic/inorganic hybrids are promising materials in the biomedical field. They can overcome limitations of traditional composites used in bone repair, thanks to their unique molecular structure and synergistic properties. The polymeric component can be tailored to prepare materials with various mechanical and biological properties, and can also serve as a carrier for therapeutic ions. This review provides an overview of the history and latest developments of hybrids, focusing on polymer design and chemistry.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Daisuke Ishihara, Anthony L. B. Macon, Elizabeth Norris, Julian R. Jones, Akiko Obata, Toshihiro Kasuga
Summary: Borate-doped silicate glasses were synthesized and investigated for tissue regeneration. The borate content affected the glass surface morphology, chemical structure, ion dissolution behavior, and fibroblast compatibility. The specific surface area of the glasses decreased with increased borate content and calcination temperature. The ion dissolution behavior of the glasses was controlled by the decrease in surface area caused by the stabilizing effect of increasing borate concentration. The proliferation ability of fibroblasts cultured with the dissolution products of the glasses improved with increased borate content in the glass composition.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Anu K. Solanki, Helene Autefage, Antonio R. Rodriguez, Shweta Agarwal, Joaquin Penide, Muzamir Mahat, Thomas Whittaker, Amy Nommeots-Nomm, Elena Littmann, David J. Payne, Anthony D. Metcalfe, Felix Quintero, Juan Pou, Molly M. Stevens, Julian R. Jones
Summary: In this study, novel glass fibers were developed to improve chronic wound healing by activating the HIF pathway. The results showed that the glass fibers released therapeutic ions, including cobalt, which greatly promoted the expression of angiogenic genes. This suggests the potential use of these fibers in chronic wound dressings.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ali A. Mohammed, Siwei Li, Tian Sang, Julian R. Jones, Alessandra Pinna
Summary: Nanocomposite hydrogels have great potential for applications in bone tissue engineering. By synthesizing them through the crosslinking of polymers and nanomaterials, their properties can be enhanced. However, their mechanical properties need further improvement to meet the requirements of bone tissue engineering.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gloria Young, Francesca Tallia, Jeffrey N. Clark, Manishankar Chellappan, Oriol Gavalda-Diaz, Enric Juan Alcocer, Silvia A. Ferreira, Sara M. Rankin, Joshua P. Clark, John Hanna, Jonathan R. T. Jeffers, Julian R. Jones
Summary: Researchers have developed tough materials with continuous composition and stiffness gradients using inorganic/organic hybrid materials that can be 3D printed. Through the use of sol-gel hybrid materials with interacting organic and inorganic co-networks, the mechanical behavior can be tuned. These materials have a wide range of mechanical properties, from elastomeric to glassy, and can be used in additive manufacturing of 3D structures. The development of seamless stiffness gradients has potential applications in biomimicry and tissue engineering.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
J. R. Jones
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Paige A. Shaw, Maxime Klausen, Mark Bradley
Summary: A light-responsive polymer capable of controlled release of camptothecin and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was developed, which exhibited high cancer cell killing activity through both camptothecin release and ROS generation.
Article
Polymer Science
Donghui Zhang, Shiqi Liu, Zhihao Cai, Weizhe Luo, Guojian Liu, Runhui Liu
Summary: A straightforward and efficient method for synthesizing NPC monomers has been developed in this study, which enhances the availability of NPC monomers and facilitates the synthesis of polypeptides.
