Article
Polymer Science
Laura Schumacher, Katharina Siemsen, Clement Appiah, Sunil Rajput, Anne Heitmann, Christine Selhuber-Unkel, Anne Staubitz
Summary: Hydrogels are biomaterials that can mimic the properties of biological tissues. This study introduces a new strategy to functionalize hydrogels by synthesizing a polymerizable linker that directly connects the polymeric structure with cell adhesion proteins. This allows for a uniform distribution of attachment sites throughout the hydrogel, enabling effective biofunctionalization.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Zhenming Qi, Xiaosai Hu
Summary: This study introduces a novel cross-linker, sulfanilic acid (SA), to improve the mechanical performance of hydrogels. SA overcomes the heterogeneity of cross-links in the topological structure of gels and forms multiple hydrogen bonds with poly(acrylamide) (PAM) chains, resulting in a distinct energy dissipation mode. The PAM/SA gel exhibits good self-recoverability and remarkable fatigue resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Gaurav Sharma, Alberto Garcia-Penas, Yaksha Verma, Amit Kumar, Pooja Dhiman, Florian J. Stadler
Summary: This study successfully designed shape-oriented hydrogel nanospheres using a facile ultrasonication-supported crosslinked copolymerization technique. The chitosan-cl-poly(MMA) hydrogel nanospheres were characterized and found to have optimal rhodamine B dye adsorption capacity at pH 5. Nanohydrogel concentration also affected the adsorption capacity and percentage.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Melek Pamuk Algi, Rumeysa Sarigol
Summary: In this study, we developed a multifunctional polymeric hydrogel through cross-linker engineering and demonstrated its application in photothermal therapy. The hydrogel showed high efficiency in eliminating cancer cells and sustained release of drugs.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Christopher Pfleger, Jana Kusch, Mahesh Kondapuram, Tina Schwabe, Christian Sattler, Klaus Benndorf, Holger Gohlke
Summary: The opening of HCN channels is controlled by membrane hyperpolarization and the binding of cyclic nucleotides to the CNBD domain. Through a rigidity-theory-based approach, researchers identified different pathways within the CL-CNBD that modulate cAMP-binding responses. Results suggest the presence of functionally relevant submodules within and across structurally discernible subunits in HCN channels.
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Takanori Yokoi, Akinori Kuzuya, Tasuku Nakajima, Takayuki Kurokawa, Jian Ping Gong, Yuichi Ohya
Summary: A study developed a DN gel that exhibited high mechanical strength and biodegradability, making it potentially useful in biomedical applications. The gel was prepared using polyelectrolyte stents and degradable ester bonds, and showed promise as an implantable biomedical material.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenghui Liu, Yuan Yao, Xinfeng Tao, Jie Wei, Shaoliang Lin
Summary: This study presents a simple and viable strategy to progressively assemble a polymer into helical supramolecular nanorods. These nanorods exhibit enhanced aggregate-induced emission capability and could be used in controlled release and fluorescent labeling applications.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Yaoguang Hua, Shuli Liu, Sai-Sai Xie, Linjing Shi, Juncheng Li, Qunfeng Luo
Summary: A heterobifunctional cross-linker with orthogonal reactivity towards thiol and amine was designed and synthesized for constructing stapled peptides of different sizes and functionalizing proteins with mono- or dual modifications.
Article
Polymer Science
Bing-Zi Yang, Shu-Ya Zhang, Ping -Hua Wang, Chun-Hua Liu, Yuan -Yuan Zhu
Summary: The organic-inorganic hydrogels doped with silicon nanoparticles exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and rapid response properties. The study demonstrates that SiNPs doping can increase the rigidity of hydrogel networks and improve water diffusion, leading to faster response rates.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kihak Gwon, Jong-Deok Park, Seonhwa Lee, Won Il Choi, Youngmin Hwang, Munemasa Mori, Jong-Sung Yu, Do Nam Lee
Summary: A new injectable and visible-light-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogel loaded with silicon-based nickel oxide nanoflowers as an antibacterial scaffold was developed in this study. The hydrogel exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, excellent antibacterial activity, and negligible cytotoxicity. This study suggests the potential use of this hydrogel in tissue engineering and biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Junchao Xu, Kyu Oh Kim, Kee Jong Yoon
Summary: The effect of cross-linking length on the absorption characteristics of polyaspartic acid sodium (PAspNa) was investigated by using different concentrations of diamine cross-linking agents with carbon chains of varying lengths. It was found that the absorbency of PAspNa was optimum when the alkyl chain length was at an intermediate level. The successful cross-linking reaction was confirmed using FT-IR spectroscopy, and the degree of cross-linking and the ideal concentration for maximum water absorption were determined.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jingxi Zheng, Ziteng Yang, Yutong Sang, Fengrunze Zhang, Yixi Zhang, Peng Zhang
Summary: This study proposes a simple and efficient method to prepare rotaxane cross-linker (RC) using gamma-Cyclodextrin (gamma-CD), which requires only one-step chemical reaction. Comparing the swelling ratios and deformation properties of hydrogels prepared by RC and traditional cross-linker, it is shown that hydrogels prepared by RC exhibit better performance. Additionally, the effects of mineralization degrees and cross-linker content on the properties of hydrogels are investigated.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nathan R. Richbourg, Manuel K. Rausch, Nicholas A. Peppas
Summary: Stiffness is a key property influencing the functionality of hydrogels in various biomedical applications. This study presents a predictive model for determining the stiffness of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels and compares five measurement methods. The results provide insights into the factors affecting hydrogel stiffness and offer a powerful tool for the rational design of hydrogels with desired stiffnesses.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hoang Nam Nguyen, Thi Lan Huong Ngo, Yasuhiko Iwasaki, Chun-Jen Huang
Summary: This study reports the development of biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogels using an innovative zwitterionic cross-linker, MPCSS. The hydrogels exhibit stronger mechanical properties and higher water content compared to conventional hydrogels. The biocompatibility and fouling characteristics of the hydrogels are systematically investigated, and the degradation of the hydrogels is evaluated. The results show that the MPC/MPCSS hydrogel has potential as a tissue scaffold.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaosai Hu, Chenyang Wang, Haiyang Yu
Summary: Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are being extensively researched in various fields due to their excellent water-absorbing abilities. Cross-linkers, including chemical and nanoparticle cross-linkers, play a crucial role in determining the water absorption performance of SAPs. However, the sustainable development of SAPs has been hindered by the limitations of these cross-linkers. In this study, sodium tungstate (STD) was introduced as a new cross-linker to enhance the water-holding capabilities of SAPs. The resulting poly(acrylic acid)/STD SAP exhibited high water-absorbing capacities in different solutions, indicating the potential of STD as a novel cross-linker for promoting the green development of SAPs.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mirae Kim, Yujin Ahn, Kangseok Lee, Woonggyu Jung, Chaenyung Cha
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyojae Kim, Chulgyu Song, Chaenyung Cha, Jinmu Jung, Jonghyun Oh
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Dongjin Lee, Chaenyung Cha
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Suntae Kim, Myung Rae Park, Cholong Choi, Jeong Beom Kim, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: This study used two strategies to control the physicomechanical properties and microarchitecture of hydrogels to enhance the efficacy of engineered hepatic tissues. The first strategy involved using a hydrophilic polymeric crosslinker with a tunable degree of reactive functional groups to control mechanical properties, while the second strategy utilized photolithography technique to introduce microchannels.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cholong Choi, Suntae Kim, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: By separately conjugating functional moieties for radical polymerization and cell adhesion to hydroxyl and carboxylate groups of alginate, the crosslinking density and cell adhesive properties of hydrogels can be independently controlled.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Suntae Kim, Cholong Choi, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: Fibrosis, identified by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, is a common occurrence in one's lifetime but poses a challenge for systematic investigation due to the lack of accurate in vitro models. A hybrid hydrogel system incorporating dispersible nanofibers has been developed in this study to emulate highly collagenous deposits formed within fibrotic tissue, demonstrating controllable mechanotopographical properties.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Fredrick Kim, Seong Eun Yang, Hyejin Ju, Seungjun Choo, Jungsoo Lee, Gyeonghun Kim, Soo-ho Jung, Suntae Kim, Chaenyung Cha, Kyung Tae Kim, Sangjoon Ahn, Han Gi Chae, Jae Sung Son
Summary: Microscale three-dimensional thermoelectric architectures can be fabricated through direct writing of particle-based thermoelectric inks, producing microthermoelectric generators with high power density.
NATURE ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rabi Ibrahim Saleh, Mirae Kim, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: This research focuses on coating seaweed and plant papers with chitosan to improve water repellency, mechanical properties, and bacterial inhibition effects. The study found that higher concentrations and molecular weights of chitosan resulted in greater deposition and dissolution of soluble components in the paper, showcasing significant enhancements in the coated papers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jisu Hong, Jiseok Han, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: This study develops programmable thermoresponsive hydrogels using two engineering strategies, allowing refined control of the mechanical and diffusional properties of hydrogels over a broad range and directly influencing their variable thermoresponsive actuation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mirae Kim, Cholong Choi, Jin Pyo Lee, Jiyun Kim, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: This study presents a highly efficient and comprehensive strategy for engineering high-performance triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) using multifunctional polysuccinimide (PSI). By chemically modifying and physico-mechanically modifying PSI, the researchers were able to control the triboelectric polarities and enhance structural durability. They also conjugated PSI with compounds containing opposite charged groups, resulting in nanofibrous films with highly enhanced and variable triboelectric properties. Additionally, the PSI nanofibers were processed into alginate aerogel to enhance mechanical toughness and biocompatibility.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jisu Hong, Yonghwan Kwon, Min Sang Kwon, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: This paper presents a brush copolymer, P(AzPEG), as a multifunctional polymeric cross-linker for carboxylate-containing acrylic adhesives. The density and length of the AzPEG brush can be conveniently controlled to effectively regulate the mechanical and adhesive properties of the adhesive without significant changes in concentration.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Rabi Ibrahim Saleh, Mirae Kim, Seung Yeop Baek, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: With the increasing plastic pollution, developing biodegradable plastics has become crucial. This study introduces a strategy of coating the surface of bioplastics with chitosan-functionalized silica nanoparticles, which enhances the hydrophobicity and mechanical strength of the plastics while providing antimicrobial activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kangseok Lee, Yeongjin Noh, Yoonji Bae, Sebyung Kang, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: In this study, an in situ forming hydrogel was developed by cross-linking alginate with an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP). The physicomechanical properties of the hydrogel can be controlled by the concentrations of alginate and ELP. The hydrogel showed thermoresponsive properties and could be used as a potential drug delivery system.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jisu Hong, Yoonkyung Shin, Jiseok Lee, Chaenyung Cha
Summary: Hydrogels are widely used as a 3D cell culture platform due to their ability to tailor suitable microenvironments for inducing cellular phenotypes. A programmable multilayer photolithography system was developed to create a 3D hydrogel-based co-culture system, allowing independent control of mechanical properties and high-throughput investigation of phenotypical changes in response to complex mechanical microenvironments. The system enables the exploration of macrophage behavior in microgel arrays in the presence of co-cultured fibroblasts, showcasing the potential for studying cellular interactions in a controlled environment.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Suntae Kim, Chaenyung Cha