Article
Polymer Science
Bruno Grignard, Pieter Mampuys, Julien Escudero, Dario Masullo, Filip Lemiere, Bert U. W. Maes, Christophe Detrembleur
Summary: This study investigates the catalyst-free synthesis of urethanes from masked isocyanates and soft nucleophiles. The method achieves high functional group tolerance and has been successfully applied to construct regioregular functional polyurethanes.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Boris Bugsel, Rebecca Bauer, Florian Herrmann, Martin E. Maier, Christian Zwiener
Summary: High concentrations of PFAS have been detected in agricultural soils in Southwest Germany, believed to be caused by discharges of contaminated paper sludge and compost. PFCAs have also been found in groundwater, drinking water, and plants in the area. New compounds have been identified through HRMS, with diPAPs and diSAmPAP being major contaminants.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Thomas W. Jackson, Chris M. Scheibly, M. E. Polera, Scott M. Belcher
Summary: This study optimized a novel thermal denaturation assay to evaluate the thermal stability changes of HSA in the presence of various PFAS, revealing the protein-binding properties of most PFAS and providing a new method for understanding the structure and protein-binding properties of these chemicals.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anamaria Todea, Sara Fortuna, Cynthia Ebert, Fioretta Asaro, Stefano Tomada, Marco Cespugli, Fabio Hollan, Lucia Gardossi
Summary: The lipase-catalyzed polycondensation of azelaic acid and glycerol was investigated using a Design-of-Experiment approach. The study provided rational guidelines for optimizing the reaction and successfully scaled it up for industrial use.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sukriye Cakmak, Sevgi Kansiz, Mohammad Azam, Cem Cuneyt Ersanli, Onder Idil, Aysel Veyisoglu, Hasan Yakan, Halil Kutuk, Arunabhiram Chutia
Summary: A novel heterocyclic amide derivative was synthesized and investigated for its significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties through experimental and computational studies.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Justin Kidd, Emily Fabricatore, Dennis Jackson
Summary: The text discusses the complexity and current situation of PFAS, as well as the actions taken by various states in the U.S. against these pollutants. There are still many states that do not have relevant guidance documents in place.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Keegan J. Harris, Gabriel Munoz, Vivian Woo, Sebastien Sauve, Amy A. Rand
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the sources and levels of PFAS in cosmetics and personal care products. The results showed a widespread presence of PAPs in these products, while the concentrations of PFCA and PFSA were relatively low. Additionally, other classes of PFAS substances were detected, suggesting potential human and environmental exposure from cosmetics and personal care products.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kai Huang, Yili Li, Duo Bu, Jie Fu, Meilin Wang, Wei Zhou, Luyao Gu, Yilin Fu, Zhiyuan Cong, Boyuan Hu, Jianjie Fu, Aiqian Zhang, Guibin Jiang
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and trophic transfer of short-chain PFASs in a terrestrial food chain and found that PFASs exhibit biomagnification in the food chain. The study also suggested that bird feathers can serve as indicators of PFAS exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marina G. Evich, Mary J. B. Davis, James P. McCord, Brad Acrey, Jill A. Awkerman, Detlef R. U. Knappe, Andrew B. Lindstrom, Thomas F. Speth, Caroline Tebes-Stevens, Mark J. Strynar, Zhanyun Wang, Eric J. Weber, W. Matthew Henderson, John W. Washington
Summary: PFAS has become a symbol of environmental contamination, attracting public, scientific, and regulatory concern. These compounds are globally distributed through atmospheric and aqueous releases, and they accumulate in biota through multiple pathways. Efforts to remediate PFAS-contaminated matrices are still in their early stages, with a focus on research targeting drinking water.
Article
Polymer Science
Tatiana Nekrasova, Olga Nazarova, Elena Vlasova, Andrei Fischer, Yuliya Zolotova, Marina Bezrukova, Evgeniy Panarin
Summary: It has been demonstrated that poly(methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) can form hydrogen bonded interpolymer complexes with carboxylic acids and poly(vinylphosphonic) acid in aqueous solutions. Hydrogen bonds play a dominant role in the formation of these complexes, while hydrophobic interactions serve as an additional stabilizing factor. The poly(methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine)/poly(vinylphosphonic) acid complex exhibits a looser structure compared to complexes with polycarboxylic acids due to electrostatic repulsion between charged groups.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Michelle Camdzic, Diana S. Aga, G. Ekin Atilla-Gokcumen
Summary: Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used compounds that persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife. This study found that structural differences in PFAS impact their toxicity, with sulfonates inducing a higher decrease in cell viability than carboxylates. The length of the carbon chain in PFAS also affects their uptake levels. Additionally, the fatty acid transporter CD36 plays a role in PFAS uptake into cells.
CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jinbao Xu, Wenhao Xiao, Siheng Zhang, Zhixian Dong, Caihong Lei
Summary: In this study, controllable, versatile, and robust degradable poly(ether-ester-urethane) (PEEU) was successfully synthesized. The degradation behavior of PEEU with different compositions was investigated in vitro by monitoring weight loss, molecular weight, and surface morphology changes. The results showed that PEEU exhibited a faster degradation rate, mainly through ester bond hydrolysis.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Prashant Srivastava, Mike Williams, Jun Du, Divina Navarro, Rai Kookana, Grant Douglas, Trevor Bastow, Greg Davis, Jason K. Kirby
Summary: This study aimed to develop a suitable extraction methodology for the analysis of PFAS in asphalt materials and optimize extraction solvent composition. The results showed that methanol-based extractants performed best and the timing of stable isotope addition did not affect the accuracy and precision of PFAS recoveries.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongfeng Zhang, Paul Bicho, Erin A. S. Doherty, Richard Riehle, Jose Moran-Mirabal, Robert H. Pelton
Summary: Impregnation with PEMAc solutions followed by high temperature curing can achieve high fixation yields and maintain repulpability. The challenges in moving this technology to practical applications include identifying optimal laboratory pulp curing conditions and translating these conditions to industrial processes. A modeling tool based on wet tensile indices of grafted pulp sheets at different curing conditions can help predict the repulpability of larger-scale processes.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Johan Wennerberg, Klaus Dreisch
Summary: Alpha-deuterated carboxylic acids were synthesized from malonic acids via hydrogen/deuterium exchange and decarboxylation in the presence of D2O. The method is general, mild, and efficient, and does not require organic solvents or other additives. Yields ranged from 83% to 94%, and purification was not necessary. The alpha-deuterated carboxylic acids can be easily transformed into other labeled compounds such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, and amides. Characterization with NMR confirmed purity and isotopic purity.
JOURNAL OF LABELLED COMPOUNDS & RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sonia Lanzalaco, Julia Mingot, Juan Torras, Carlos Aleman, Elaine Armelin
Summary: Temperature-sensitive hydrogels are water-filled polymer networks that undergo phase transition or swelling/deswelling with temperature changes. They have great potential in various technological and biomedical applications due to their reversible temperature response, stability, ease of preparation, biocompatibility, and ability to be combined with other materials. Among them, poly(N- isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is the most extensively studied and holds promise for future research and applications.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Torras
Summary: This article introduces the basic concepts of molecular modeling in a master's degree course on computational modeling through modeling a 2,2'-bithiophene molecule. The students learn how to obtain and implement the torsional profile of the molecule and compare it with a classical force field to obtain the correct conformer population distribution. Based on the results and student feedback, this lab activity is successful in complementing the understanding of molecular modeling basics.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leonor Resina, Karima El Hauadi, Jordi Sans, Teresa Esteves, Frederico Castelo Ferreira, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Carlos Aleman
Summary: Multiresponsive hydrogels, as smart soft materials that respond to multiple external stimuli, have significant applications in the biomedical field. In this study, an electro-chemo responsive hydrogel capable of releasing chloramphenicol, a broad spectrum antibiotic, was developed. The hydrogel demonstrated successful responses to electrical stimulation and pH changes, and the released antibiotic remained biologically active. This smart material shows great potential for fighting bacterial infections and providing localized cancer treatment in the biomedical field.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahammed H. M. Mohammed-Sadhakathullah, Sofia Paulo-Mirasol, Juan Torras, Elaine Armelin
Summary: Bioresorbable nanomembranes (NMs) and nanoparticles (NPs) made from natural polymers and proteins are highly biocompatible and have the ability to interact with biomolecules, making them effective in reducing infections and inflammatory conditions in patients. This review highlights their common materials, surface functionalization methods, and recent applications in biosensors, drug delivery, wound dressing, skin regeneration, chemotherapy, and imaging/diagnostics, showing their importance in modern biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia Mingot, Nicolas Benejam, Gloria Villora, Carlos Aleman, Elaine Armelin, Sonia Lanzalaco
Summary: This study presents a novel nanoparticle-based thermosensor implant that can detect precise temperature changes along polymer filaments. The implant combines plasmon resonance and Raman spectroscopy with a hydrogel responsive system to trace the position and temperature of a polypropylene mesh used in abdominal hernia repair. The attachment of biocompatible nanoparticles, based on gold stabilized by a chitosan-shell, to the mesh without the need of chemical linkers and the use of SERS spectroscopy offer new possibilities for diagnosis and infection prevention in hernia repair.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Isaac Isarn, Ludmila Hodasova, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Francesc Estrany, Elaine Armelin, Fernando Bravo
Summary: Six acrylamide resins derived from l-phenylalanine and l-leucine were developed for use in DLP printers. These resins, when combined with PEGDA and DMA, can produce biodegradable thermoset polymers. The resulting printed samples show high dimensional stability and non-cytotoxic properties, making them suitable for safe disposal. This new compound, derived from amino acids, has the potential to replace non-biodegradable acrylate polymers used in prototyping systems.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sonia Lanzalaco, Christine Weis, Kamelia A. Traeger, Pau Turon, Carlos Aleman, Elaine Armelin
Summary: This study proposes the use of smart polypropylene hernia meshes modified with a thermosensitive hydrogel to detect surgical infections and regulate cell attachment. The physical treatment with plasma and the chemical processes for grafting the hydrogel can affect the mechanical properties of the mesh, but the hydrogel improves its mechanical resistance. Ethylene oxide gas sterilization does not influence the mechanical performance of the hydrogel-grafted meshes. Overall, the modification of PP medical textiles with a biocompatible thermosensitive hydrogel does not affect, and even improves, the mechanical requirements for implantation.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sofia Paulo-Mirasol, Claudia Izquierdo, Carlos Aleman, Elaine Armeline, Juan Torras
Summary: A flexible electrochemical sensor based on nitrogen carbon quantum dots (NCQDs) was fabricated on a modified ITO-coated PET surface for dopamine detection. The sensor exhibited optical, chemical, electrochemical, and electrocatalytic properties, as characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, TEM, CV, and EIS. With a detection limit of 4.7 μM, the NCQDs-ITO/PET sensor showed excellent performance in the linear range of 0.0-2.0 mM, without the need for composites or complex systems involving different nanoparticles.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Brenda G. Molina, Guillermo Ocon, Fiorella M. Silva, Jose I. Iribarren, Elaine Armelin, Carlos Aleman
Summary: This study presents an investigation on the shape memory effect of extruded polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blends. The blends were transformed into films and movable components of articulated specimens using hot pressing and 3D printing. The chemical structure, wettability, thermal properties, and mechanical response of the blends were evaluated and compared with neat PLA and PCL.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Samuele Colombi, Lorena P. Macor, Laia Ortiz-Membrado, Soledad Perez-Amodio, Emilio Jimenez-Pique, Elisabeth Engel, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Jose Garcia-Torres, Carlos Aleman
Summary: This study developed two polymeric platforms for sustained release of lactate, which are important in cardiac tissue regeneration. The optimized platform achieved a constant release of lactate at a rate of 5.9 +/- 2.7 mM per day over 11 days, fully satisfying the requirements for heart tissue regeneration.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Victor Castrejon-Comas, Carlos Aleman, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal
Summary: This article presents the latest research on conductive and interactive hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid (HA) as wound dressings, which promote skin tissue regeneration through electrical stimulation and multifunctional performance. The selection of systems emphasizes recent works that demonstrate enhanced scalability and biomimicry. The article also discusses the challenges and translational impact of these systems on commercial and clinical applications.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
AdrianFontana- Escartin, Karima El Hauadi, Sonia Lanzalaco, Maria M. Perez-Madrigal, Elaine Armelin, Pau Turon, Carlos Aleman
Summary: Isotactic polypropylene nonabsorbable surgical meshes are modified by incorporating a conducting polymer layer that can detect the presence and growth of bacteria by sensing the oxidation of NADH. This process involves treating the meshes with low-pressure plasma, functionalizing the surface with CP nanoparticles, and coating a layer of electropolymerized CP. The modified meshes show stable and easy handling properties, as well as good electrochemical response, allowing for the detection of NADH and monitoring of bacterial metabolism.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Garcia-Torres, Carmen Lazaro, Dioulde Sylla, Sonia Lanzalaco, Maria-Pau Ginebra, Carlos Aleman
Summary: This study reports a straightforward method for fabricating free-standing perforated 2D nanomembranes with well-ordered 1D metallic nanostructures for flexible electronics. The surface chemistry of the nanomembranes can be tailored, leading to good sensing capacity, stability, and selectivity.
JOURNAL OF NANOSTRUCTURE IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)