Review
Polymer Science
Massimiliano Barletta, Clizia Aversa, Muhammad Ayyoob, Annamaria Gisario, Kotiba Hamad, Mehrshad Mehrpouya, Henri Vahabi
Summary: The development of biodegradable and compostable materials, such as polybutylene succinate (PBS), as alternatives to fossil-based plastics is highly important. PBS is a compostable aliphatic polyester with good mechanical strength and thermal resistance. However, it is often blended with other polymers, fillers, and additives to improve processability and mechanical performance. Recent advances in polymer blending processes have made PBS blends an interesting material platform for applications requiring a balance of mechanical strength, flexibility, thermal resistance, and compostability.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Carlos Perez-Valdez, Guillermina Burillo, Rodrigo Navarro, Angel Marcos-Fernandez
Summary: PBS and PBSA were irradiated with gamma radiation up to a dose of 400 kGy, resulting in the formation of gel content. PBSA exhibited higher gel content compared to PBS. Analysis revealed that chain scission predominated over crosslinking. Branching and chain scission increased the dispersity and affected the molecular weight. NMR analysis showed the appearance of new species and changes in species with increasing dose. The thermal properties, especially crystallization temperature, were significantly affected by irradiation. Mechanical properties of both polymers were greatly reduced, making them fragile even at low doses.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martyna Sokolowska, Jagoda Nowak-Grzebyta, Ewa Stachowska, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: In this study, a series of poly(butylene succinate)-co-(dilinoleic succinate) (PBS-DLS) copolymers were synthesized via a sustainable route, and their properties were compared with materials synthesized using heterogenous catalysts. The results showed that materials synthesized using biocatalysts had a more blocky segmental distribution and higher crystallinity.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Kinana Aliko, Mohamad Basel Aldakhlalla, Laura J. Leslie, Tony Worthington, Paul D. Topham, Eirini Theodosiou
Summary: Adding natural food grade agents to PBSU through blend electrospinning resulted in antimicrobial fibrous mats with enhanced mechanical properties and maintained high biocompatibility. The mats showed effective inhibition against clinically relevant pathogens, demonstrating great promise for skin substitutes and bioactive wound dressings from renewable materials.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL TEXTILES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Moein Zarei, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: Polymeric materials have a wide range of applications due to their controllable properties. In this study, a series of PBS-DLS-PEG copolymers were synthesized with different molecular weights of PEG to investigate their surface and thermal properties. The incorporation of higher molecular weight PEG improved the surface wettability of the materials while maintaining their thermal properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Yaqing Shang, Zhiguo Jiang, Zhaobin Qiu
Summary: Novel biobased and biodegradable PBS-b-PBSe multiblock copolymers were successfully synthesized with high thermal stability. The two blocks crystallized separately in both amorphous and crystalline phases. The mechanical properties of the copolymers were significantly improved compared to homopolymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Maryam Safari, Ricardo A. Perez Camargo, Laura Ballester-Bayarri, Guoming Liu, Agurtzane Mugica, Manuela Zubitur, Dujin Wang, Alejandro J. Mueller
Summary: This study explores the possibility of blending PBS and PCL with BSxCLy copolymers and systematically studies the crystallization behavior of the blends. The results show that the PBS/BS78CL22 blend exhibits good miscibility at high PBS content, while the PCL/BS15CL85 blend still displays partial miscibility at high PCL content. The BS46CL54 copolymer can crystallize in both PBS and PCL type crystals, depending on the polymeric matrix.
Article
Polymer Science
Wen Lin, Yujin Zhao, Tingting Su, Zhanyong Wang
Summary: The degradation behavior of PBAT films by different concentrations of Fusarium solani cutinase (FsC) was investigated. It was found that FsC could degrade both the amorphous region and the crystalline region of PBAT films, and its degradation activity was concentration-dependent. High concentration of FsC resulted in significant degradation of PBAT films, while low concentration had less apparent effect. FsC concentration and degradation time did not significantly affect the molecular weight of degraded PBAT.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
S. Ayu Rafiqah, Abdan Khalina, Ahmad Saffian Harmaen, Intan Amin Tawakkal, Khairul Zaman, M. Asim, M. N. Nurrazi, Ching Hao Lee
Summary: Research shows that PBS-based natural fiber composites have good biodegradability and strong physical properties, offering great potential in replacing petroleum-based materials. Current research efforts focus on the synthesis, copolymers, and degradability of PBS, providing new insights and approaches for the development in this field.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Guidotti, Michelina Soccio, Edoardo Bondi, Tamara Posati, Giovanna Sotgiu, Roberto Zamboni, Armida Torreggiani, Franco Corticelli, Nadia Lotti, Annalisa Aluigi
Summary: Proteins, particularly keratin, have emerged as promising biomolecules for wound healing and drug delivery systems. The study demonstrates the potential of keratin/poly(butylene succinate) blend nanofibers in drug release applications, showing enhanced drug release rates with increased keratin content.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luciana Dutra, Martina C. C. Pinto, Rafael C. Lima, Mariana Franco, Mariana Viana, Eliane Pereira Cipolatti, Evelin Andrade Manoel, Denise Maria Guimaraes Freire, Jose Carlos Pinto
Summary: Two strategies, chemical and enzymatic degradation routes, were investigated for controlled degradation of two grades of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Chemical degradation was more pronounced at higher temperatures, while enzymatic degradation had a stronger impact on both PBS matrices.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Meng Zhang, Chao Jiang, Qiuhua Wu, Guolin Zhang, Fuxin Liang, Zhenzhong Yang
Summary: In this study, the addition of organic-inorganic composite Janus nanosheets (PLA/PBS JNs) to the blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polybutadiene (PBS) successfully improved the mechanical properties and gas barrier performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Warunya Ussama, Mitsuhiro Shibata
Summary: Crosslinked polyester films with self-healing properties driven by disulfide metathesis were prepared using 1-methylimidazole-mediated thermal thiol-ene reaction. The ratio of PBSI/LP-3 had an influence on the properties of the crosslinked films, with higher ratios leading to increased 5% weight loss temperature, glass transition temperature, and tensile strength. All crosslinked films exhibited healing properties when hot-pressed, with PBSI/LP-3 films showing higher tensile strength recovery.
Article
Polymer Science
Belen Sena, Jose Luis Acena, Jose Luis Novella Robisco, Belen Monje Martinez, Laura Marti Montaner, Maria Isabel Fernandez-Bachiller
Summary: This study investigates the preparation of biodegradable polyesters using immobilized lipases on different solid supports. The results demonstrate that the nature of the solid support significantly affects the catalytic activity and effectiveness of the lipases towards polycondensation reactions, resulting in variations in molecular weight and crystallinity of the polyesters.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Goda Masione, Darius Ciuzas, Edvinas Krugly, Inga Stasiulaitene, Laura Peciulyte, Martynas Tichonovas, Dainius Martuzevicius
Summary: This study presents the fabrication of nonwoven nano and micro fibrous mats of biobased poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) using electrohydrodynamic processing. The researchers investigated the effects of polymer concentration, electric field, and solvent system on the morphology of the scaffolds. They identified optimal conditions for a stable electrospinning process and obtained a variety of fibrous morphologies with different fiber and pore sizes. The addition of a co-solvent significantly affected solution properties and resultant fiber and pore sizes, while the intensity of the electric field had a lesser role. Electrospinning did not alter the chemical and thermal properties of PBS, but it reduced the polymer's crystallinity. These findings enhance our understanding of biobased PBS electrospinning and have the potential to expand the applications of these fibers in sustainable polymer nonwovens, replacing petroleum-based compounds.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Martyna Sokolowska, Jagoda Nowak-Grzebyta, Ewa Stachowska, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: In this study, a series of poly(butylene succinate)-co-(dilinoleic succinate) (PBS-DLS) copolymers were synthesized via a sustainable route, and their properties were compared with materials synthesized using heterogenous catalysts. The results showed that materials synthesized using biocatalysts had a more blocky segmental distribution and higher crystallinity.
Article
Polymer Science
Agueda Sonseca Olalla, Victor Hevilla Talavera, Daniel Lopez Garcia, Enrique Gimenez Torres, Marta Fernandez Garcia
Summary: The study demonstrates the successful synthesis of glycerol-derived macromers with different terminal structures using the catalytic specificity of Lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB). The resulting macromers can be used as functional systems and building blocks for polymer synthesis after further reactions and modifications. Endgroup analysis using various spectroscopic techniques revealed the presence of hydroxyl, acid, and vinyl endgroups in the synthesized macromers.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lukasz Lopusiewicz, Szymon Macieja, Mariusz Sliwinski, Artur Bartkowiak, Swarup Roy, Peter Sobolewski
Summary: This study modified alginate films with melanin from watermelon seeds and silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles, and characterized the properties of the films. The results showed that these films had good antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, and could improve the UV barrier properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Victor Hevilla, Agueda Sonseca, Enrique Gimenez, Coro Echeverria, Alexandra Munoz-Bonilla, Marta Fernandez-Garcia
Summary: This report presents the synthesis of low-molecular weight biobased poly(mannitol sebacate) (PMS) and its functionalization with acrylate groups (PMSAc), followed by the preparation of aligned fibers by blending these polyesters with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and electrospinning. The addition of PMS slightly affected the fiber diameter and alignment, and also resulted in modifications to the crystallinity and thermal properties of the blend. Notably, the incorporation of PMS led to improved ductility of the fibers, with higher elongation at break and tensile strengths, and a smaller Young modulus compared to PLA fibers. The acrylated PMS offered additional functional groups at the surface for further chemical reactions.
Article
Polymer Science
V. Hevilla, A. Sonseca, C. Echeverria, A. Munoz-Bonilla, M. Fernande-Garcia
Summary: In this study, a combination of photocurable methacrylic monomer and poly(glycerol adipate) (PGA) macromer was used to form networks that could be quaternized for antimicrobial properties. The effect of the methacrylic monomer on the PGA network was characterized through various measurements. The networks with introduced cationic charges showed significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Magdalena Chareza, Katarzyna Przygrodzka, Anna Zywicka, Bartlomiej Grygorcewicz, Peter Sobolewski, Sylwia Mozia, Marcin Smiglak, Radoslaw Drozd
Summary: Bacterial biofilms are a major problem in the wound healing process due to antibiotic resistance mechanisms. This study investigated the therapeutic properties of alginate lyase (AlgL) immobilised on BC membranes for protecting wounds from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. The AlgL immobilisation significantly reduced the amount of polysaccharides in the biofilm and showed synergism with gentamicin in killing bacterial cells.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Iskenderbek Elchiev, Gokhan Demirci, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: Photocurable biomaterials that can be rapidly cured using UV light are becoming popular in advanced medical applications. By modifying the structure of coumarin and combining it with a bio-based fatty acid dimer derivative, we designed a dynamic network that can crosslink and re-crosslink under variable wave lengths of UV light. This biomaterial can be injected and cured in situ upon UV light exposure, making it suitable for future medical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Victor Hevilla, Agueda Sonseca, Coro Echeverria, Alexandra Munoz-Bonilla, Marta Fernandez-Garcia
Summary: In this study, the formation of polymeric networks with potential antimicrobial character was described. The networks were based on an acrylate oligomer, poly(mannitol sebacate) (PMS), and an enzymatically synthesized methacrylic monomer with thiazole groups (MTA). Physicochemical characterization revealed that the incorporation of MTA into the networks and subsequent quaternization affected their mechanical behavior and surface wettability. The introduction of permanent cationic charges in the network surface gave antimicrobial activity to them, as confirmed by the analysis against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and red blood cells for antibacterial behavior and hemotoxicity, respectively.
Article
Polymer Science
Moein Zarei, Marek J. Zwir, Ewa Wisniewska, Beata Michalkiewicz, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: In this work, the structure-properties relationship of a biodegradable copolymer, PBS-DLS, modified with PEG, was investigated for its processibility in 3D printing and electrospinning. The copolymers were found to be easily processible through both techniques, and the addition of PEG improved their elasticity and hydrophilicity. These findings highlight the potential of these new materials for various applications, including the biomedical sector.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Victor Hevilla, Agueda Sonseca, Marta Fernandez-Garcia
Summary: In this study, one-pot enzymatic synthesis procedures were developed to obtain poly(glycerol adipate) macromers with methacrylate end-functional groups. The obtained macromers showed a high fraction of methacrylate end groups and could be crosslinked under UV irradiation in a simple one-step procedure. This research provides a new approach to obtain methacrylate-functional linear macromers without the need for complex acrylation/methacrylation procedures.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Mohamed S. Hasanin, Yasser Elhenawy, Shereen M. S. Abdel-Hamid, Yasser Fouad, Toderas Monica, O. A. Al-Qabandi, Miroslawa El Fray, Mohamed Bassyouni
Summary: In this study, a novel nanocomposite formulation was developed using biopolymers as capping and stabilizing agents to create bimetallic nanoparticles. The obtained characteristics showed the presence of a nanostructure involving bimetallic nanoparticles. The formulation exhibited excellent biological activity, including high biocompatibility and effective anticancer and antimicrobial activities, as well as antioxidant activity.
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martyna Sokolowska, Jagoda Nowak-Grzebyta, Ewa Stachowska, Piotr Miadlicki, Magdalena Zdanowicz, Beata Michalkiewicz, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: A library of furan-based block copolymers was synthesized via a two-step polycondensation reaction using Candida antarctica lipase B as biocatalyst. The resulting copolymers were analyzed using NMR, FTIR, and GPC. XRD, DHM, and DSC were used to study the crystallization behavior and thermal properties, while OTR was measured to verify the oxygen permeability of the furan-based copolyesters. The chain length of α,ω-aliphatic linear diols used in the synthesis had a significant effect on the material properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Malwina J. J. Niedzwiedz, Wojciech Ignaczak, Peter Sobolewski, Agata Goszczynska, Gokhan Demirci, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: This study aims to synthesize photocurable ester-urethane macromonomers using a heterometallic magnesium-titanium catalyst, and investigate their properties and cytotoxicity. The synthesis progress and macromonomer characteristics were analyzed using spectroscopy and chromatography techniques. The photocuring process and thermal properties of the resulting networks were studied, and in vitro cytotoxicity screening showed high cell viability. Overall, the results suggest that this heterometallic catalyst can be an attractive alternative for injectable and photocurable materials for medical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Malwina J. Niedzwiedz, Gokhan Demirci, Nina Kantor-Malujdy, Miroslawa El Fray
Summary: This study investigates the influence of curing conditions on the photopolymerization process of telechelic macromonomers derived from plant-based fatty acids. The results showed that the concentration of photoinitiator, light intensity, and oxygen presence had significant effects on the photopolymerization kinetics and properties of the resulting polymer networks.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bartlomiej Grygorcewicz, Rafal Rakoczy, Marta Roszak, Maciej Konopacki, Marian Kordas, Agnieszka Piegat, Natalia Serwin, Elzbieta Cecerska-Heryc, Miroslawa El Fray, Barbara Dolegowska
Summary: This study evaluates the use of a rotating magnetic field (RMF) to enhance the adsorption rate of bacteriophages, thereby improving their infection efficiency. The results indicate that RMF exposure significantly reduces the time for bacteriophage adsorption to host cells and increases their adsorption rate.
CURRENT ISSUES IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
