Article
Polymer Science
Jingjing Mai, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock, Clement Matthew Chan
Summary: This study explores the synthesis of industrially relevant high-molecular-weight block copolymers PHBV-b-PHBV using high molecular weight hydroxy-functionalised PHBV starting materials coupled with facile diisocyanate chemistry. Two-step synthesis approach and one-step approach were compared, and both successfully produced block copolymers. However, the two-step synthesis was less effective in building molecular weight. Both synthetic approaches were affected by additional isocyanate reactions resulting in the formation of by-products, affecting the product performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Maria A. M. Reis, Fernando Silva, Mariana Matos, Luis Cabedo, Jose Maria Lagaron
Summary: A new P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolyester synthesized using fruit pulp as feedstock was melt-mixed with commercial PHBV to create miscible films for food packaging. As the content of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) increased, the mechanical response of the films transitioned from brittle to ductile, with increased permeabilities to gases.
Article
Polymer Science
Teresa Marques-Almeida, Liliana C. Fernandes, Daniela M. Correia, Carmen R. Tubio, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Clarisse Ribeiro
Summary: This study reports on electrospun fiber based membranes with tailored physical properties and morphology by combining piezoelectric and biodegradable polymers with poly(ethylene oxide). The produced materials demonstrated huge potential for environmental and biotechnological applications that require piezoelectricity, biodegradability, and porosity.
POLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Thammarit Khamplod, James B. B. Winterburn, Sarah H. H. Cartmell
Summary: Improving ACL rupture repair methods may reduce the occurrence of long-term osteoarthritis. Research has shown that scaffolds made from 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate have good biomechanical and biodegradable properties. Materials with 50 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate content have increased elasticity and can be aligned in a fiber network, which is desirable for ACL repair applications.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Mohammad I. Ibrahim, Diya Alsafadi, Khalid A. Alamry, Mahmoud A. Hussein
Summary: PHBV, a biopolyester with biodegradability, biocompatibility, and being biobased, shows great potential to replace conventional non-degradable polymers. Its weaknesses in mechanical properties and processability drive research towards developing composite materials for various applications.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Changfeng Miao, Dong Meng, Yuling Liu, Fang Wang, Lu Chen, Zhaosong Huang, Xiangyu Fan, Pengfei Gu, Qiang Li
Summary: This study identified a phaC(R) gene encoding PHA synthase in Rhodoligotrophos defluvii, and successfully synthesized different content and structural PHA copolymers under different carbon source conditions, achieving efficient biosynthesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Isabel Rodriguez-Cendal, Ivan Gomez-Seoane, Francisco Javier de Toro-Santos, Isaac Manuel Fuentes-Boquete, Jose Senaris-Rodriguez, Silvia Maria Diaz-Prado
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a versatile biopolymer that has gained recognition in the biomedical field. It has shown potential for drug encapsulation, offering controlled release and improved therapeutic efficiency. Additionally, PHBV has been utilized as a scaffold material for tissue engineering, providing enhanced mechanical properties and compatibility. This review emphasizes the promising role of PHBV in drug delivery and scaffold fabrication, showcasing its potential in advancing biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sara Alfano, Francesca Pagnanelli, Andrea Martinelli
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are degradable polyesters with the potential to replace oil-based polymers. This study presents a new method using attenuated total reflection FTIR (ATR-FTIR) to rapidly determine the composition of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (P3HBV), the most common PHA copolymer. The method proves to be useful for easy and rapid estimation of P3HBV composition.
Article
Polymer Science
Carmen R. Tubio, Xabier Valle, Estela Carvalho, Joana Moreira, Pedro Costa, Daniela M. Correia, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hidroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biodegradable polymer that can be used as a substitute for plastics made from fossil resources. By blending PHBV with poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), its properties can be improved, including morphology, wetting, structure, thermal, mechanical, and electrical characteristics. The addition of PCL and PLA also enhances the antibacterial activity of PHBV. This study demonstrates the potential of developing PHBV blends with PCL or PLA for specific applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Isabela F. Santos, Rodolfo M. Moraes, Simone F. Medeiros, Jaspreet K. Kular, Marcus A. Johns, Ram Sharma, Amilton M. Santos
Summary: Polymeric nanoparticles were developed without any matrix ligands on their surface to promote cell attachment and proliferation of human osteoblasts. The study demonstrated that cells readily attached and spread onto the nanoparticle surfaces compared to non-tissue culture polystyrene, indicating the potential of PHBV nanoparticles for cell attachment and growth in tissue engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Silvia Bittolo Bon, Irene Chiesa, Davide Morselli, Micaela Degli Esposti, Paola Fabbri, Carmelo De Maria, Tommaso Foggi Viligiardi, Antonino Morabito, Giacomo Giorgi, Luca Valentini
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of two different three-dimensional architectures of regenerated silk (RS) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with embedded functionalities, which have potential clinical applications. Experimental data are supported by finite element simulations, demonstrating the possibility to program the shape-changing behavior of 3D printed structures. The synergic effect obtained by combining materials on appropriate architectures paves the way to potential clinical applications.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Joao Ricardo Pereira, Ana Margarida Rafael, Asiyah Esmail, Maria Morais, Mariana Matos, Ana Carolina Marques, Maria A. M. Reis, Filomena Freitas
Summary: This study developed porous scaffolds using biocomposites consisting of two biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymers: poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHVHHx) and FucoPol, a bacterial polysaccharide. FucoPol acted as a bioemulsifier in the fabrication of PHA-based porous structures, resulting in scaffolds with improved mechanical properties and potential for tissue engineering applications.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Young Yun Jo, Soyoung Park, Gyeongtaek Gong, Soonjong Roh, Jin Yoo, Jung Ho Ahn, Sun-Mi Lee, Youngsoon Um, Kyoung Heon Kim, Ja Kyong Ko
Summary: This paper reports an improved artificial pathway for enhancing the 3HV component during PHBV biosynthesis from a structurally unrelated carbon source by Cupriavidus necator H16. By genetically manipulating the branched-chain amino acid pathways, a recombinant strain was developed to increase the intracellular accumulation of propionyl-CoA, a key precursor of the 3HV monomer. This recombinant strain produced 42.5% (g PHBV/g dry cell weight) PHBV with 64.9 mol% 3HV monomer from fructose as the sole carbon source.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Asiyah Esmail, Joao R. Pereira, Chantal Sevrin, Christian Grandfils, Ugur Deneb Menda, Elvira Fortunato, Abel Oliva, Filomena Freitas
Summary: The study investigated the processing of poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) for porous scaffolds, with emulsion templating technique showing a good balance between porosity and hydrophilicity while maintaining mechanical properties. The copolymer P(3HB-co-3HV) exhibited the best overall performance, with lower crystallinity and higher flexibility.
Article
Polymer Science
Viktoryia Kulikouskaya, Viktoryia V. Nikalaichuk, Anton P. Bonartsev, Elizaveta A. Akoulina, Nikita Belishev, Irina Demianova, Dariana Chesnokova, Tatiana K. Makhina, Garina A. Bonartseva, Konstantin Shaitan, Kseniya S. Hileuskaya, Vera V. Voinova
Summary: Surface morphology plays a crucial role in cell attachment and proliferation. Different films with microstructured surfaces made of biodegradable polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-co-HV), of varying molecular weights were investigated. The study found that stem cells exhibit different behaviors depending on the surface morphology of the films.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sara Hanaei, Amirhossein Takian, Reza Majdzadeh, Christopher Ryan Maboloc, Igor Grossmann, Orlando Gomes, Milos Milosevic, Manoj Gupta, Alireza A. Shamshirsaz, Amine Harbi, Amer M. Burhan, Lucina Q. Uddin, Arutha Kulasinghe, Chi-Ming Lam, Seeram Ramakrishna, Abass Alavi, Jan L. Nouwen, Tommaso Dorigo, Michael Schreiber, Ajith Abraham, Natalya Shelkovaya, Wojtek Krysztofiak, Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani, Frank Sellke, Shuji Ogino, Francisco J. Barba, Serge Brand, Clara Vasconcelos, Deepak B. Salunke, Nima Rezaei
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on human life, leading to the postponement, cancellation, or virtualization of activities that require gatherings. While virtual settings offer increased inclusivity and accessibility and reduce carbon emissions, they cannot fully replace in-person scientific events. In-person meetings allow for socialization, collaboration, and idea sharing, providing novel opportunities. A hybrid model that combines in-person and virtual components may be a solution, allowing participants to choose their preferred mode of participation.
DISASTER MEDICINE AND PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS
(2022)
Review
Anatomy & Morphology
Sairish Malik, Subramanian Sundarrajan, Tanveer Hussain, Ahsan Nazir, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: Research on nanomaterials has led to the exploitation of their potential applications, with electrospinning being particularly noteworthy for its ability to synthesize novel nanostructures. Among these, polymers, especially block copolymers, are extensively studied due to their unique properties and behavior when varying composition ratio and molecular weight, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
CELLS TISSUES ORGANS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Piya Kerdlap, Aloisius Rabata Purnama, Jonathan Sze Choong Low, Daren Zong Loong Tan, Claire Y. Barlow, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: The study compares the environmental performance of distributed and centralized sorting and recycling of plastic bottles and takeaway containers in Singapore, finding that distributed scenarios have higher environmental impacts in terms of climate change, water depletion, and terrestrial ecotoxicity by 7-30% compared to centralized scenarios.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wanasinghe Arachchige Dumith Madushanka Jayathilaka, Amutha Chinnappan, Rituparna Ghosh, Chinnappan Baskar, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: Passive radiative cooling using metal oxide-doped fibers is an effective energy-saving method that achieves cooling without external energy input. These fibers have high reflectivity and emissivity within the atmospheric window, resulting in significant cooling effects below ambient temperatures.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Banafsheh Sadeghi, Peyman Sadeghi, Yousef Marfavi, Elaheh Kowsari, Ali Akbar Zareiyazd, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: This study introduces two solutions to improve the foaming of PLA: using the extrusion process and adding cellulose nanofibers. Experimental results showed a reduction in the molecular weight of original PLA after extrusion, and an enhancement in crystallization nucleation and cell density with the addition of cellulose nanofibers. The composition of cellulose nanofibers also improved the mechanical and dynamic properties of cellulose nanofiber-reinforced PLA based on the dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Manik Chandra Biswas, Bodiuzzaman Jony, Pranab Kumar Nandy, Reaz Ahmed Chowdhury, Sudipta Halder, Deepak Kumar, Seeram Ramakrishna, Masud Hassan, Md Ariful Ahsan, Md Enamul Hoque, Muhammad Ali Imam
Summary: Biopolymers have unique tunable characteristics such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, renewability, which are critically important for designing materials for biomedical applications. By changing the polymer components, smart biopolymers can be prepared for more targeted applications, showing a wide range of uses in drug delivery and wound healing, among others.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Alireza Behzadi, Ghodratollah Hashemi Motlagh, Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany, Iman Jafari, Amutha Chinnappan, Fatemeh Khosravi, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: Organic resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) aerogel was successfully modified by incorporating amine-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) during the synthesis process. The modified RF-GOA showed improved elimination amounts of antibiotics and a high absorption capacity for oxytetracycline and chlortetracycline. The optimal pH values for the modified aerogels were obtained, and the adsorption of antibiotics on the modified aerogels was found to be governed by chemical adsorption.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Impreet Kaur, Rajnish Tiwari, V. G. M. Naidu, Seeram Ramakrishna, Dinesh M. Tripathi, Savneet Kaur
Summary: This review highlights the role of bile acids and their signaling pathways in liver regeneration, as well as the potential of bile acid-based therapies in liver diseases. The expression of major bile acid receptors in both the liver and intestine contributes significantly to hepatocyte proliferation, and selective agonists of these pathways are being developed as new therapies for liver diseases. FXR/TGR5 agonists show promise in promoting liver regeneration and improving hepatic insufficiency in chronic liver diseases.
REGENERATIVE ENGINEERING AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pavni Rekhi, Moushmi Goswami, Seeram Ramakrishna, Mousumi Debnath
Summary: Polymers are essential in modern living, but those with a large carbon footprint are increasingly seen as harmful to the environment. Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is regarded as a potential alternative derived from microbial biopolymer. PHA shows promise for various applications, particularly in the medical sector due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hossein Sharifi, Behrooz Mosallanejad, Mohammadkhalil Mohammadzad, Seyed Morteza Hosseini-Hosseinabad, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: The study found that cycling-induced aging at different C-rates significantly impacts the performance of LiFePO4/graphite full cells, especially at relatively high current rates where the formation of an active lithium ion-impermeable covering layer on the anode surface leads to electrode performance degradation. This degradation is mainly attributed to the instability of the electrode/electrolyte interface and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, causing the loss of active lithium ions and ultimately resulting in electrode deactivation.
Article
Polymer Science
Lakshmanan Muthulakshmi, A. Varada Rajulu, Seeram Ramakrishna, Sabu Thomas, Catalin I. Pruncu
Summary: This study utilized proteins to prepare biodegradable films with the addition of plasticizers and cross-linking agents, ultimately forming biocomposite films. These films have good biodegradable properties and can be used for food packaging applications.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hadi Rouhani, Fatola Farhadi, Mahsa Akbari Kenari, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: By optimizing the temperature range for clay treatment, the study achieved a longer service life for the clay and introduced a new process arrangement that significantly reduced operational costs in industrial production.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Heng-Shu Guan, Wei-Zhi Song, Lin-Peng Huang, Zhong Liu, Jun Zhang, Seeram Ramakrishna, Yun-Ze Long
Summary: Biofuel cell is a technology that converts renewable energy into electricity using biological enzymes. Researchers have successfully developed a biofuel cell based on a polyaniline/thermoplastic polyurethane fiber membrane, which can stably output voltage in simulated blood, showing potential applications in implantable devices and blood glucose monitoring.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Xue Pan, Lu Bai, Chengcheng Pan, Zhicheng Liu, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: This review discusses the fabrication methods and applications of SERS substrates based on electrospun nanofibers, and highlights the challenges and prospects.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Masoud Sarraf, Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, Saeid Alipour, Seeram Ramakrishna, Nazatul Liana Sukiman
Summary: Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys are widely used in biomedical applications due to their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties. Future research will focus on advanced manufacturing technologies, effects of alloying elements on biocompatibility, and the role of titanium in regenerative and nanomedicine applications.
BIO-DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
