Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lulin Hu, Yi Yang, Jingcheng Hao, Lu Xu
Summary: Researchers have developed a biomimetic hydrogel made of graphene oxide and water that can respond to changes in pH and temperature, mimicking the properties of natural organisms like muscles and sea cucumbers. The hydrogel also serves as a smart lubricant, with low friction and no toxic ingredients.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaoyu Chen, Romain Costil, Franco King-Chi Leung, Ben L. Feringa
Summary: Amphiphilic molecules with the ability to self-assemble in aqueous environments exhibit a wide range of structures and functions. By incorporating photoresponsive motifs, these molecules can be designed to create non-invasive supramolecular systems that respond to light in water. The delicate balance between structural design, self-assembling conditions, and external stimuli allows for the development of dynamic functions in isotropic and anisotropic systems, leading to applications in soft adaptive materials and controlled delivery systems.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monica-Cornelia Sardaru, Irina Rosca, Simona Morariu, Elena-Laura Ursu, Razvan Ghiarasim, Alexandru Rotaru
Summary: A facile method for preparing beta-cyclodextrin-functionalized hydrogels based on guanosine quartet assembly was discussed. The ratio of beta-cyclodextrin and guanosine components significantly influenced the internal structuration and mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogels showed potential for specific applications in biomedical and pharmaceutical fields, with self-healing and thixotropic properties and selective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Giacomo Damonte, Martina Cozzani, Donatella Di Lisa, Laura Pastorino, Alberto Mariani, Orietta Monticelli
Summary: The aim of this study was to improve the properties of hydrogels based on PNIPAAm by combining it with a synthesized star-shaped PCL. The addition of PCL-COOH increased the stiffness of the hydrogels and affected the glass transition temperature. The hydrogels showed good biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fuat Topuz
Summary: Thermoresponsive hydrogels were synthesized by cross-linking DNA strands with an isocyanate cross-linker. Scanning force microscopy revealed the ultrastructure of the DNA network and the temperature-mediated transition. Dynamic oscillatory and large deformation creep tests demonstrated the formation of robust cross-linked gels. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed the non-porous internal morphology of the hydrogel.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Liu, Xuemin Chen, Shuhua Yin, Xiaoxi Chang, Chenyan Lv, Jiachen Zang, Xiaojing Leng, Tuo Zhang, Guanghua Zhao
Summary: This study presents a self-assembly approach to fabricating protein origami with a networklike structure by designing dual noncovalent interactions on the different positions of a single protein building block. The approach involves constructing 1D protein filaments through metal coordination and creating network superstructures through cross-linking of the filaments at branch point linkages using pi-pi stacking interactions. The resulting protein networks exhibit reversible, injectable, and self-healing properties and can promote bone regeneration.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Pablo Corton, Natalia Fernandez-Labandeira, Mauro Diaz-Abellas, Carlos Peinador, Elena Pazos, Arturo Blanco-Gomez, Marcos D. Garcia
Summary: A new polycationic pseudo[1]rotaxane was successfully synthesized through hydrazone bonds, self-assembled in excellent yield in aqueous media. The thermodynamically controlled process involves the [1 + 1] reaction of a bisaldehyde and a trishydrazine, formation of the macrocyclic part, conversion into pseudo[1]rotaxane, and the one-pot [1 + 1 + 1] condensation process. The obtained molecule exhibited the ability to form self-inclusion complexes and supramolecular aggregates in different concentration ranges.
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jie Zhuo, Baoyi Wu, Jiawei Zhang, Yu Peng, Huanhuan Lu, Xiaoxia Le, Shuxin Wei, Tao Chen
Summary: The development of bionic hydrogel actuators has been inspired by the diversity of deformable organisms in nature. This study proposes a dual programming method to generate numerous anisotropic structures from initial isotropic gelatin-containing hydrogels. The method allows for complex and diverse shape deformations, with reversible programming and deformation behaviors. This dual programming method provides potential for the application of hydrogel actuators in soft robots and bionics.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yichen Yuan, Yejiao Shi, Jayati Banerjee, Amin Sadeghpour, Helena S. Azevedo
Summary: The use of synthetic extracellular matrices (ECMs) has been important in investigating the interaction between cells and matrix components in cell culture studies. To provide cells with a more natural environment, designing matrices that mimic the composition and structure of natural ECMs is desirable. This study presents the supramolecular fabrication of peptide-hyaluronan (HA) hydrogels as potential ECM substitutes, which combine native HA and rationally designed cationic amphipatic peptides.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benedikt P. Nowak, Maximilian Niehues, Bart Jan Ravoo
Summary: The study reports a peptide-based gelator, Nap GFYE, that can form hydrogels and incorporate Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles to create a hybrid gel that transitions from a gel to sol state upon application of a weak magnetic field. The magnetic nanoparticles act as crosslinkers for the self-assembled peptide nanostructures, enhancing the mechanical properties of the gel and enabling on-demand release of a fluorescent dye.
Article
Polymer Science
Bartosz Kopka, Bartlomiej Kost, Julia Wrzesniewska, Katarzyna Rajkowska, Slawomir Kadlubowski, Alina Kunicka-Styczynska, Andrzej Baryga, Weronika Gonciarz, Malgorzata Basko, Marek Brzezinski
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking PVA with quercetin, which possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties and can form hydrogen bonds with PVA. These hydrogels not only exhibit desired physicochemical properties but also have the ability to eliminate bacterial and fungal strains, including fluconazole-resistant yeast strains. Furthermore, the color change of the hydrogels depending on the bacteria strains indicates their potential as sensors for different bacteria strains. These advantageous features make supramolecular hydrogels highly effective antimicrobial and antifungal materials for food preservation or wound healing applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuntao Tang, Peng Cao, Wangbo Li, Mengting He, Zhifeng Dai, Yubing Xiong
Summary: The study demonstrated that the sizes of PIL microgels could be well-tuned through the feeding ratio of IL monomers to the cross-linker; Fc-anchored PIL microgels were found to be electrochemically active and could respond reversibly to the redox stimulus; An enhanced peak current could be achieved when PIL microgel-supported Fc groups were complexed with 8-CD dimer.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiao-Qiao Xie, Yunfei Zhang, Yujia Liang, Mengke Wang, Yihan Cui, Jingjing Li, Chun-Sen Liu
Summary: By using boronic ester based dynamic covalent chemistry and coupling it with an internal pH feedback system, a new chemically fueled reaction network for non-equilibrium supramolecular chiral G-quadruplex hydrogels with programmable lifetimes has been developed. The system exhibits high transparency, conductivity, excellent injectability, and rapid self-healing properties.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Helena P. Ferreira, Duarte Moura, Andreia T. Pereira, Patricia C. Henriques, Cristina C. Barrias, Fernao D. Magalhaes, Ines C. Goncalves
Summary: Graphene and its derivatives are proposed as nanofillers to enhance the mechanical properties of PEG hydrogels. The resulting composites are stiffer, stronger, and remain anti-adhesive. These materials show cytocompatibility and have potential for load-bearing applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Felipe Olate-Moya, Humberto Palza
Summary: The study developed an injectable poly(pseudorotaxane) (PPR) hydrogel containing graphene oxide for pH-responsive controlled release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). The gelation rates of the PEG/alpha-CD supramolecular structures were modulated depending on the reagent concentrations. Furthermore, disruption of ionic interactions between DOX and GO in the nanocomposite at pH = 5.5 resulted in a higher DOX release compared to physiological conditions.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pablo I. Sepulveda-Medina, Madhusudan Tyagi, Chao Wang, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: The dynamics of water in amphiphilic hydrogels are influenced by secondary confinement, with changes in composition affecting the spacing between cross-links and altering the temperature dependent dynamics of water. Despite lower water crystallinity, the self-diffusion coefficient of these hydrogels decreases significantly below 260 K, suggesting a chemistry dependent dynamics of water in confined environments.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siyuan Li, Xuhui Xia, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: In this study, small and dispersed iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized on reduced graphene oxide networks through microwave heating with low-cost iron nitrate. The strong coupling of microwave radiation with the graphene network allowed for rapid formation of nanoparticles, followed by quick cooling to minimize crystal growth. Small changes in microwave reaction time led to significant changes in iron oxide morphology.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ziyuan Gong, Nicole S. Zacharia, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: This study investigated the influence of SDS on the structure and properties of Pluronic F108-polyacrylic acid (PAA) coacervates, finding that increasing SDS concentration leads to changes in water content, relative concentration of PAA, and rheological properties. However, the change in rheological properties does not appear to be correlated with large scale structural differences in the coacervate.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Siyuan Li, Mengxue Zhang, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: The addition of IPA, SDS, and CTAB at low concentrations increases the swelling of the hydrogel film, decreases the elastic modulus, and increases the rheological phase angle. However, at higher concentrations, a transition from swelling to (partial) dissolution may occur in the hydrogel.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Szu-Hao Cho, Piljae Joo, Chi Zhang, Elizabeth A. Lewis, Bryan D. Vogt, Nicole S. Zacharia
Summary: This study demonstrates a simple and practical approach to generate patterned slippery surfaces without the need for complex chemical modification. By preparing a super-hydrophobic base film and coating a BPEI patterning solution, a slippery surface with the ability to constrain liquid motion can be achieved.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jia-Ruey Ai, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: This study investigated the impact of print path and print sequence on the mechanical properties of polycarbonate and polypropylene. The results showed that the interlayer time between printed roads should be controlled within 5 seconds to observe statistical differences in mechanical response. Additionally, the specimen size and raster angle significantly influenced the mechanical properties, with larger effects observed when printing polycarbonate compared to polypropylene.
PROGRESS IN ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fang Peng, Bryan D. Vogt, Miko Cakmak
Summary: The application of 3D printing using thermoplastics has been limited by their poor mechanical strength. This study demonstrates that core-shell structured filaments can improve interfacial bonding and enhance mechanical strength.
INTERNATIONAL POLYMER PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pablo I. Sepulveda-Medina, Chao Wang, Ruipeng Li, Masafumi Fukuto, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: The local environment within a hydrogel affects the properties of water, including ice crystallization. This study examined the antifreeze properties of equilibrium-swollen amphiphilic copolymers with different hydrophobic segments. The results showed that the strength of hydrophobic associations influenced the efficacy of ice inhibition. In general, the addition of ethylhexyl acrylate was less effective for ice inhibition compared to covalently crosslinked hydrogels.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Huseyin Kaya, Stephane Gin, Bryan D. Vogt, Seong H. Kim
Summary: This study investigates the aqueous corrosion mechanism of a model boroaluminosilicate glass at ground water relevant pHs. The results reveal that alteration layers formed under different pH conditions exhibit similar porous network structures, but with differences in bond lengths and bond angles in the glass network. Furthermore, the relative abundance of hydrous species within the alteration layer appears to be pH-dependent.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jia-Ruey Ai, Siyuan Li, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: Rapid microwave post-processing is shown to greatly improve the mechanical properties of 3D printed PEEK, particularly in terms of elastic modulus and stress at break. The method does not affect the crystallinity of the material, but improves the interfaces between printed roads, resulting in increased mechanical properties. This simple post-processing technique can be applied to other commercial engineering plastic filaments containing carbon or other microwave active fillers.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sierra F. Yost, Christian W. Pester, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: By controlling the molecular mass distribution, the mechanical properties of 3D printed thermoplastics can be improved, providing a simple and effective approach compared to more complex methods.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mario. V. V. Ramos-Garces, Dodangodage Ishara Senadheera, Karthik Arunagiri, Polyxeni. P. P. Angelopoulou, Georgios Sakellariou, Ke Li, Bryan. D. D. Vogt, Revati Kumar, Christopher. G. G. Arges
Summary: Ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) are widely used in various applications in electrochemical systems. The chemical composition and macromolecular architecture of ion-conducting polymers play a crucial role in ion and water transport. This study focuses on the preparation of different microphase separated block copolymer electrolytes (BCEs) with distinct side chain chemistries. The results show that the more hydrophobic alkyl side chains exhibit significantly higher ionic conductivity compared to alkoxy and zwitterionic side chains.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Szu-Hao Cho, Elizabeth A. Lewis, Nicole S. Zacharia, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: Layer-by-layer assembly allows controlled coatings with the ability to manipulate composition through thickness. Non-destructive quantification of depth dependence of allyl content in these coatings is demonstrated using IR spectroscopic ellipsometry, revealing dynamic dissolution-deposition processes and mechanisms for exponential growth in LbL assemblies.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jia-Ruey Ai, Fang Peng, Piljae Joo, Bryan D. Vogt
Summary: The study explores the trade-offs between mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy in 3D printing of plastics using a core-shell filament structure. Increasing the glass transition temperature of the core polymer significantly improves dimensional accuracy, while impact resistance of the core-shell structure depends on the core polymer selected.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bing Li, Chao Zhang, Fang Peng, Wenzhi Wang, Bryan D. Vogt, K. T. Tan
Summary: This study introduces and demonstrates a tunable, locally resonant structural waveguide based on 3D printing, using shape memory polymer modules to achieve active vibration bandgap switching and elastic wave manipulation successfully.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.