Article
Polymer Science
Evan Angelo Quimada Mondarte, Yuchen Shi, Xue Qi Koh, Xueyu Feng, Dan Daniel, Xin-Xing Zhang, Jing Yu
Summary: In this study, two atomic force microscopy (AFM) modes were used to reveal the layered structure of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) brushes synthesized by surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization. The AFM amplitude-modulation mode probed the stable condensed layer near the substrate, while the force-spectroscopic mode accurately detected the diffused layer and determined the total brush thickness. The results showed the ion-screening effect and higher brush hydration propensity of multivalent ions, and how different cation valencies affected the dimensionality of the layered structure. This study highlights the utility of AFM in revealing contextual phenomena arising from the unique properties of zwitterionic polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Hayato Yoshioka, Yujin Aoki, Kensuke Nonaka, Norifumi L. Yamada, Motoyasu Kobayashi
Summary: The effect of molecular weight distribution and graft density of polymer brushes on the adhesion strength of flat substrates was investigated. It was found that polymer brushes with a broad molecular weight distribution can achieve high adhesion strength despite high graft density due to the intermixing of longer chains of the opposite brushes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuhang Huang, Shangyu Li, Logan W. C. Zettle, Yingshan Ma, Hani E. E. Naguib, Eugenia Kumacheva
Summary: Chronic wounds show high levels of cell-free deoxyribonucleic acid (cfDNA), leading to prolonged inflammation and non-healing wounds. Nanogels derived from chitosan and poly{2-[(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride} were found to scavenge cfDNA efficiently due to their positive charge and network structure. The enhanced cfDNA scavenging ability and biocompatibility of the nanogels make them a promising component for chronic wound dressings.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shaifali Dhingra, Shih-Po Su, Yang-Hsiang Chan, Sampa Saha
Summary: Creating infection resistant polymer brushes with antiadhesive, bactericidal, and cell-compatible features is a promising approach to prevent biomaterial-associated infections. In this study, polysulfobetaine zwitterionic homo- and copolymer brushes were grown on a tartaric acid based aliphatic polyester substrate using surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. The polyZ6-co-Z12 copolymer brush composition exhibited complete bacterial growth inhibition and long-lasting antibacterial activity (>3 months), while being non-toxic to human cells.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Denitsa Nikolova, Konstans Ruseva, Christo Tzachev, Lachezar Christov, Elena Vassileva
Summary: Polysulfobetaine methacrylate (PSB) based vehicles with different structures were synthesized and investigated for ocular drug delivery systems. The relationship between the structure of PSB vehicles and the release profiles of timolol maleate (TM) was revealed.
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julien E. Gautrot, Lan Chang, Cardee Alexis, Philipp Gutfreund, Ali Zarbakhsh
Summary: In this study, the morphology of polymer brushes and their complexes with siRNA oligonucleotides were investigated. It was found that the oligonucleotides infiltrate deep within the brush and alter the morphology of their most basal layer more strongly, regardless of the strength of the polybase. This understanding will contribute to the improved rational design of polymer brush nanostructures for gene delivery applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Naoya Nishi, Junya Uchiyashiki, Tatsuro Oda, Masahiro Hino, Norifumi L. Yamada
Summary: By using different metal films and selecting IL ions with large size and SLD difference, the sensitivity towards the IL electric double layer structure has been successfully enhanced. Observations in the study showed specific adsorption of IL cations on the electrode and overscreening in the overlayers up to the third ionic layer induced by the cation-rich first layer.
BULLETIN OF THE CHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
George M. Neville, Ana-Maria Dobre, Gavin J. Smith, Samantha Micciulla, Nick J. Brooks, Thomas Arnold, Tom Welton, Karen J. Edler
Summary: Mixtures of choline and geranic acid have been found to facilitate the transdermal delivery of larger pharmaceuticals, such as insulin. However, little is known about the mechanism of activity, hindering the efficient discovery of new materials. This study investigates the biophysical interactions between membrane-active deep eutectic solvents and ionic liquids with solid-supported model lipid bilayers using neutron reflectivity.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yue Pan, Kun Tong, Mingyu Lin, Wenchang Zhuang, Wenyou Zhu, Xiao Chen, Qintang Li
Summary: Ionic liquids are promising solvents for self-assembly, and the aggregation behaviors of various surfactants, especially cationic and nonionic surfactants, in ionic liquids have been studied. This work investigates the aggregation behaviors of sulfobetaine zwitterionic surfactants in the protic ionic liquid ethylammonium nitrate (EAN). The study finds the formation of micellar phase, hexagonal lyotropic liquid crystal phase, and an additional micellar cubic lyotropic liquid crystal phase.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingduan Li, Xiaolan Liao, Yun Sun, Yuanjie Xu, Shengjian Liu, Li-Ming Wang, Zhixiong Cao, Xiaozhi Zhan, Tao Zhu, Biao Xiao, Yue-Peng Cai, Fei Huang
Summary: This study investigates the influence of material properties on the morphology and performance of layer-by-layer (LBL) processed solar cells and demonstrates the rational design of morphology through fluorine substitution, leading to high-performance PSCs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongsheng Luo, Ai-Ping Pang, Xiaolin Lu
Summary: The development of micro/nanofluidic techniques has sparked interest in dynamic shear flow at liquid-solid interfaces. Recent research has shown that the slip of fluids relative to solid walls can be influenced by the liquid flow, but the prediction and control of flow in the boundary layer remains challenging. This Perspective summarizes recent advances in understanding the microscopic structures at liquid-solid interfaces under shear flow, with a focus on the application of sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy. The authors discuss possible approaches for controlling interfacial slip and highlight current challenges and opportunities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minghong Zhou, Ruliang Liu, Danyang Jia, Yin Cui, Qiantong Liu, Shaohong Liu, Dingcai Wu
Summary: The novel superstructured polymer bottlebrush with a nanofibril backbone and soft functional polymer side-chains provides a promising strategy to balance the mechanical strength and ion conductivity of quasi-solid-state polymer electrolytes. The resulting electrolytes enable ultralong-term stable lithium plating/stripping in lithium-metal batteries, showcasing potential for advanced solid-state lithium-metal batteries.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kohei Suzuki, Yoshiomi Hiroi, Natsuki Abe-Fukasawa, Taito Nishino, Takeaki Shouji, Junko Katayama, Tatsuto Kageyama, Junji Fukuda
Summary: In this study, a material called prevelex was developed for coating microdevices in order to prevent nonspecific protein and cell adhesion. The prevelex coating proved to be effective in creating non-fouling surfaces, facilitating the culture of cells and the formation of uniform spheroids.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shuntaro Uenuma, Kimika Endo, Norifumi L. Yamada, Hideaki Yokoyama, Kohzo Ito
Summary: A novel approach using pseudo-polyrotaxane nanosheets (PPRNS) to form polymer brush layers on material surfaces was reported, which showed high adhesion and oil-repellent properties. The flexible PPRNS structure enabled it to adhere well to various surfaces, making it a promising method for improving surface properties across different material types.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Deyang Yu, Linqin Mu, Xu Feng, Feng Lin, Louis A. Madsen
Summary: Polymer binders play a crucial role in battery electrodes, and a study has found that a rigid-rod polymer binder called PBDT can provide comparable performance to the traditional binder PVDF. Moreover, PBDT has the potential to eliminate fluorine from the electrode and reduce the need for organic solvents in processing, making it a sustainable option for advanced batteries.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ryosuke Matsuno, Takamasa Ito, Shigeaki Takamatsu, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: The effect of silica coating on BaTiO3 particles was evaluated, showing that silica coating reduced ion migration and increased dielectric breakdown strength. Composite elastomers with HXNBR and silica-coated BaTiO3 exhibited higher generated stress, strain, and output energy density compared to conventional dielectric actuators.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daiki Ihara, Yuji Higaki, Norifumi L. Yamada, Fumiya Nemoto, Yasuhiro Matsuda, Ken Kojio, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: The molecular mechanisms underlying the cononsolvency of PMPC in ethanol-water mixtures were studied through a combination of statistical mechanical models and neutron reflectivity experiments. The preferential interaction of water and the strong cooperativity of ethanol were identified, resulting in the collapsed PMPC chains being more solvated with water than the bulk mixed solvent at an ethanol volume fraction of 0.90.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kazuaki Kato, Masanobu Naito, Kohzo Ito, Atsushi Takahara, Ken Kojio
Summary: Mechanically tough glassy membranes were prepared by solvent-casting polyrotaxane derivatives, which showed high extensibility and hardness even at submicrometer thickness. The membranes can be recycled easily without compromising their mechanical properties, and the mobility of confined PEG contributes to both toughness and high solubility in CO2, suggesting their potential use as base materials for separation membranes.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chien-Wei Chu, Yucheng Zhang, Kakeru Obayashi, Ken Kojio, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: The study investigates the effect of organoclay reinforcement on the adhesion and fatigue behaviors of epoxy nanocomposite adhesives through single-lap shear tests and fatigue tests, finding that the addition of MMT can improve shear strength and prolong fatigue life.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Akane Shimizu, Emi Hifumi, Ken Kojio, Atsushi Takahara, Yuji Higaki
Summary: Transformable double hydrophilic block copolymer assemblies are valid as a biocompatible smart macromolecular system. The research found that different types of zwitterions can modulate the spontaneous assembly of this polymer, and the modulation efficiency is related to the intercharge hydrocarbon spacer length.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Atsushi Takahara, Walter Richtering, Gilbert C. Walker
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chien-Wei Chu, Yucheng Zhang, Tomohiro Kubo, Shiho Tanizaki, Ken Kojio, Kotaro Satoh, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: In this study, a catechol-containing polymer was prepared by copolymerizing a bioinspired acetate-protected vinyl catechol monomer with glycidyl methacrylate. The deprotection of acetate groups allowed for the direct usage of the polymer as a primer or additive, leading to strengthened interfacial interactions and improved lap shear strength of epoxy-adhesive-bonded metallic joints.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kakeru Obayashi, Kazutaka Kamitani, Chien-Wei Chu, Ryosuke Kawatoko, Chao-Hung Cheng, Atsushi Takahara, Ken Kojio
Summary: The internal structure of polyurethane adhesive undergoes changes during lap shear deformation, with an increase in the spacing of hard segment domains and the merging of tilt angle with the stretching direction. These findings are of great significance for the practical design of adhesives.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xunwu Hu, Sona Rani Roy, Chengzhi Jin, Guanying Li, Qizheng Zhang, Natsuko Asano, Shunsuke Asahina, Tomoko Kajiwara, Atsushi Takahara, Bolu Feng, Kazuhiro Aoki, Chenjie Xu, Ye Zhang
Summary: Engineering peptide assembly that controls integrin ligand presentation on the molecular level is of great significance, expanding the perspective of ligand-density-dependent modulation and providing valuable insights for therapeutic innovations. The bottom-up nanofabrication strategy allows for precise control of ligand presentation and the production of multifunctional nanofilaments.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ming-Chia Li, Masanao Sato, Fa-Chung Chen, Wei-Tsung Chuang, Tomoyasu Hirai, Atsushi Takahara, Rong-Ming Ho
Summary: This paper presents a facile method for fabricating a thin-film sample with a high asymmetry value of induced circularly polarized luminescence (iCPL). The method involves mixing stereoregular poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and chiral chromophore (TFAE) to form a complex with a dynamic helical conformation of PMMA associated with TFAE via hydrogen bonding. This results in a preferential one-handed helical conformation with a high value of iCPL from self-assembly.
Article
Polymer Science
Adchara Padermshoke, Tomoko Kajiwara, Yingjun An, Mamiko Takigawa, Toan Van Nguyen, Hiroyasu Masunaga, Yutaka Kobayashi, Hiroshi Ito, Sono Sasaki, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: This study investigates the effects of oxo-biodegradable additives on the photo-oxidation of four types of polyolefin polymers. The results suggest that the additives promote the photo-oxidative degradation of the polymers, particularly PE polymers. Among the additive-containing polymers, itPP exhibits the highest degradation rate, while HDPE has the slowest.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hendrik Heinz, Yogesh M. Joshi, Hongbo Zeng, Heng-Kwong Tsao, Sissi J. A. de Beer, Erin Koos, Atsushi Takahara, Gilbert C. Walker
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yucheng Zhang, Koichi Hasegawa, Sota Kamo, Kiyoka Takagi, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: Epoxy adhesives are crucial in the manufacturing of various components and products in industrial and daily use. Modifying the surface of adherents with PGMA greatly improves the lap shear strength of epoxy adhesive-bonded joints. The effect of PGMA layer thickness on reinforcement is still uncertain.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sinan Feng, Yokajaksusri Nutthon, Hiroyasu Masunaga, Sono Sasaki, Roman Selyanchyn, Shigenori Fujikawa, Shinichi Murata, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: This study investigated the impact of morphology on the gas transport properties of a poly-(ether-block-amide) (PEBA) multiblock copolymer. Annealing temperature was varied to evaluate changes in microstructure and gas transport properties of PEBA. Time-resolved attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to determine the diffusion coefficient of CO2 in PEBA. The findings revealed a 38% increase in CO2 permeability in the annealed sample, while maintaining a high CO2/N-2 permselectivity.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ken Kojio, Aya Fujimoto, Chigusa Nagano, Shuhei Nozaki, Kazutoshi Yokomachi, Kazutaka Kamitani, Hirohmi Watanabe, Atsushi Takahara
Summary: In this study, the specific deformation behavior of crystalline polymer films under a multiaxial stress field was investigated. The experiments revealed that the string-shaped crystalline polymer chain structure produces local anisotropic uniaxial stress, leading to changes in the aggregation structure of the films.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mehlika Karamanlioglu, Serap Yesilkir-Baydar
Summary: This study determined the influence and ideal ratios of different amounts of coconut oil in gelatin-based films as wound dressings. Increasing coconut oil content improved the mechanical properties, thermal stability, cell viability, and wound healing ability of the films. CO-2 and CO-4 showed the best performance among the samples.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yu-Min Chen, Chihoko Tokoda, Yasuhiko Tabata
Summary: The objective of this study is to establish strategies to uniformly proliferate cells in a three-dimensional nonwoven PET/EVOH scaffold by simple adjustments in seeding and culture methods and the scaffold design. The combination of dynamic and static seeding methods resulted in the highest seeding efficiency. Stirring culture allowed cells to proliferate to a greater extent, while opening holes in the scaffold improved cell distribution. Two 1-mm holes were found to be optimal for homogeneous cell proliferation. Different cell types showed similar behavior in the scaffold, indicating the applicability of the established procedure. The nonwoven PET/EVOH scaffold serves as a potential cell culture substrate for efficient cell proliferation.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Majid Saeedi, Katayoun Morteza-Semnani, Jafar Akbari, Seyyed Mobin Rahimnia, Fatemeh Ahmadi, Hanieh Choubdari, Amir Lotfi, Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Hashemi
Summary: In this study, kojic acid loaded chitosan/collagen nanoparticles were produced using an ionic gelation and ultrasonic approach to enhance dermal delivery and anti-pigmentation effects. Increasing the amount of collagen in the nanoparticles led to larger particle size and higher entrapment efficiency of kojic acid. The nanoparticles were found to be spherical in shape and kojic acid was in an amorphous form. Skin permeability tests showed that the nanoparticles delivered more kojic acid to the dermal layers compared to plain gel. The nanoparticles were non-toxic and non-irritating, and exhibited stronger inhibition of melanin formation compared to free kojic acid. These findings suggest that the produced nanoparticles have potential as a nano-vehicle for dermal administration of kojic acid, providing new options for managing hyper-melanogenesis problems.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hue Thi Nguyen, Anh-Tuan Le, Thanh Thuy Nguyen, Tran Quang Huy, Thuy Thi Thu Nguyen
Summary: In this study, a chitosan and emodin formulation was prepared to enhance the solubility of emodin and exhibited synergic antibacterial activity against drug-resistant bacterial strains. The enhanced solubility of the formulation suggests its potential as a candidate for the treatment of infectious diseases caused by drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jiu Ge, Mengting Li, Jiahui Fan, Christian Celia, Yijun Xie, Qing Chang, Xiaoyong Deng
Summary: Bacterial infections pose a significant threat to human health, and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has reduced the effectiveness of antibacterial treatments. In this study, chitosan/silver nanoparticle complexes were developed to inhibit bacterial proliferation and induce membrane damage. The results demonstrated that increasing the chitosan concentration enhanced the antibacterial impact, and the nanoparticles showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. The study provides valuable insights into the development of nano-antibacterial agents as a potential substitute for traditional antibiotics in medical applications.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2024)
