Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ryo Kunimatsu, Yuji Tsuka, Kengo Nakajima, Keisuke Sumi, Yuki Yoshimi, Isamu Kado, Ayako Inada, Yoshihiro Kiritoshi, Kotaro Tanimoto
Summary: In vitro studies showed that the application of an MPC coating to stainless steel orthodontic wires can reduce friction, inhibit bacterial attachment, and improve tooth movement efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xueyu Huang, Cheng Zheng, Kailei Ding, Shumang Zhang, Qingrong Wei, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: In this study, a modification strategy for bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV) based on cocrosslinking and copolymerization was developed. The modified BHVs showed improved endothelial cells' proliferation and resistance to platelet adhesion compared to traditional cross-linked BHVs. Furthermore, the modified BHVs exhibited enhanced anticalcification properties in a rat subcutaneous implantation model. These findings suggest that the modification strategy has the potential for clinical application.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xueyu Huang, Cheng Zheng, Kailei Ding, Shumang Zhang, Qingrong Wei, Li Yang, Yunbing Wang
Summary: A modification strategy based on cocrosslinking and copolymerization was developed to improve the lifespan and anti-thrombotic property of bioprosthetic heart valves. The results showed that the new porcine pericardium exhibited better endothelial cells' proliferation, resistance to platelet adhesion, and anticalcification property compared to traditional glutaraldehyde cross-linked pericardium.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
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
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Franziska Woitschach, Marlen Kloss, Karsten Schlodder, Anne Rabes, Caroline Moerke, Stefan Oschatz, Volkmar Senz, Alexander Borck, Niels Grabow, Emil Christian Reisinger, Martina Sombetzki
Summary: Biofilm-associated infections have become a major problem in the medical field in recent decades, leading to the need for modified anti-microbial implant materials. This study compared modified liquid silicone rubber surfaces with two commonly used TPUs, showing reduced bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the new materials, suggesting their potential as promising candidates for implant manufacturing.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Haruna Suzuki, Anna Adler, Tianwei Huang, Akiko Kuramochi, Yoshiro Ohba, Yuya Sato, Naoko Nakamura, Vivek Anand Manivel, Kristina N. Ekdahl, Bo Nilsson, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Yuji Teramura
Summary: In this study, liposome surface modification with PMPC-lipids was explored to inhibit protein adsorption, resulting in the fabrication of an inert liposome surface. This technique may allow for full loading of water-soluble active pharmaceutical ingredient.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Antonio J. Feliciano, Eduardo Soares, Anton W. Bosman, Clemens van Blitterswijk, Lorenzo Moroni, Vanessa L. S. LaPointe, Matthew B. Baker
Summary: The ability to utilize directional supramolecular interactions to anchor an antifouling coating to a polymer surface containing a complementary supramolecular unit was investigated. By adjusting the UPy composition, the antifouling properties and lifespan of the coating were controlled. Surface modification employing supramolecular interactions provided an approach that combines the simplicity and scalability of nonspecific coating methodology with the specific anchoring capacity found when using conventional covalent grafting with longevity that could be engineered by the supramolecular composition itself.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Vytautas Klimavicius, Vaidas Klimkevicius, Kestutis Aidas, Sergejus Balciunas, Juras Banys, Ricardas Makuska, Vytautas Balevicius
Summary: In this study, the synthesis and characterization of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), one of the most biocompatible synthetic polymers, was performed using various experimental techniques. The optimized synthesis conditions ensured high yield, purity, and narrow molecular weight distribution. The fine structural details, protonation behavior, and thermal activation of proton conduction in the polymer were deduced. Comparison and discussion with a related proton conducting polymer were also included.
REACTIVE & FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Adityakrisna Yoshi Putra Wigianto, Yuichi Ishida, Yuki Iwawaki, Takaharu Goto, Megumi Watanabe, Kazumitsu Sekine, Kenichi Hamada, Keiji Murakami, Hideki Fujii, Tetsuo Ichikawa
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of photoreactive 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) in inhibiting Candida albicans biofilm formation on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and assess its mechanism and need for re-application. The results showed that the MPC coating effectively prevented C. albicans biofilm formation by modifying surface hydrophilicity and increasing mucin adsorption, and it had durability against temperature changes for approximately 3 months.
JOURNAL OF PROSTHODONTIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Jie Ren, Chloe E. Jepson, Sarah L. Nealy, Charles J. Kuhlmann, Satoru Osuka, Stella Uloma Azolibe, Madison T. Blucas, Yoshiko Nagaoka-Kamata, Eugenia Kharlampieva, Masakazu Kamata
Summary: In this study, a novel platform for brain delivery of therapeutic antibodies was developed by conjugating PMPC to the antibody, which maintained the key functionalities of the original antibody. The platform exhibited enhanced brain delivery while retaining epitope recognition, cellular internalization, and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytic activity. This simple formulation addresses the issues of the previous nanocapsule platform and paves the way for PMPC-based brain delivery strategies for antibodies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jae Ho Bae, Baekseo Choi, Young-Jin Kim, Hyun Mee Lee, Ki Hong Kim, Yoon Soo Han
Summary: In this study, polymer-modified high-water-content silicone hydrogel contact lenses were fabricated and their physical properties were investigated. The modified lenses showed improved contact angle and retained good oxygen permeability and mechanical properties.
MACROMOLECULAR RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Hana Mackova, Helena Hlidkova, Zhansaya Kaberova, Vladimir Proks, Jan Kucka, Vitalii Patsula, Miroslav Vetrik, Olga Janouskova, Bohumila Podhorska, Ognen Pop-Georgievski, Sarka Kubinova, Daniel Horak
Summary: Research on degradable hydrogel polymeric materials with high water content and tissue-like mechanical properties is essential for drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, medical devices, and biomedical-healthcare sensors. The study introduced hydrogels based on P(HEMA-ATEMA-MPC) with varying degrees of crosslinking, demonstrating that higher crosslinking led to better mechanical properties and slowed degradation.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING C-MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tong Lyu, Zhaoyang Wang, Ruonan Liu, Kun Chen, He Liu, Ye Tian
Summary: This study presents a simple and low-cost macroporous hydrogel for high-performance atmospheric water harvesting. The hydrogel has a porous structure and high specific surface area, enabling efficient water sorption and vapor capturing. Experimental results demonstrate excellent water sorption and releasing capabilities of the macroporous hydrogel, which can meet daily water needs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Moubani Chakraborty, Stephanie L. Haag, Matthew T. Bernards, Kristopher Waynant
Summary: Polyampholyte hydrogels are promising materials for tissue engineering scaffolds, offering nonfouling properties, selective protein delivery, and tunable physical characteristics. A novel dipeptide-based zwitterionic cross-linker, N-Ser-Ser-C dimethacrylate, was synthesized to improve the biocompatibility and cellular adhesion of the hydrogel, showing superior nonfouling performance and enhanced cellular adhesion to fibrinogen.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ruonan Wu, Mengkai Song, Dandan Sui, Shun Duan, Fu-Jian Xu
Summary: The study developed an antibacterial coating based on oxidated dextran (ODex) for microfiltration membranes and melt-blown fabrics, increasing filtration efficiency for E. coli and absorption ratio for endotoxin while maintaining high water flow rate. The trapped bacteria were inactivated by the antibacterial coating, and the aerosol filtration efficiency and antibacterial efficiency of melt-blown fabrics were improved.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Mingwei Mu, Tomohiro Konno
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE-POLYMER EDITION
(2018)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Haruka Oda, Tomohiro Konno
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Katsuhiko Sato, Tomohiro Konno
Article
Polymer Science
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Shohei Hachiya, Yuuki Inoue, Kyoko Fukazawa, Tomohiro Konno
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Masashi Abe, Kyoko Fukazawa, Tomohiro Konno
Summary: This study investigates the relationship between cell adhesion, sugar chain density on cell membranes, and the cell proliferation cycle by introducing an affinity phenylboronic acid group into a polymer containing a phosphorylcholine group. The adhesion rate of human promyelocytic leukemia cells on the polymer substrate increases with pretreatment using an alkaline solution. Cell adhesion is found to be dependent on sugar additives in the culture medium, suggesting a specific separation process based on cell adhesion and sugar chain density related to the cell proliferation cycle.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tomohiro Konno
Summary: This study has designed bioinspired polymeric biomaterials with excellent cytocompatibility, including materials such as MPC and PMB, which have good water-solubility and low cytotoxicity. In addition, phospholipid polymers can spontaneously form reversible polymeric hydrogels with polyol compounds for cell engineering and cell immobilization.
YAKUGAKU ZASSHI-JOURNAL OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Hiroto Fujisaki, Yutaka Nakano, Sachiko Matsuda, Keiichi Suzuki, Osamu Itano, Masayuki Tanaka, Shutaro Hori, Yasushi Hasegawa, Yuta Abe, Hiroshi Yagi, Minoru Kitago, Tomohiro Konno, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Keiko Ohno, Satoshi Kishino, Kazuo Umezawa, Yuko Kitagawa
Summary: The study showed that aggregation with PMB improved the solubility of DHMEQ and effectively inhibited pancreatic cancer cell growth. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, PMB-DHMEQ exhibited more significant anticancer effects compared to CMC-DHMEQ.
ANTICANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Sachi Moriwaki, Yuta Yoshizaki, Tomohiro Konno
Summary: A reversible and spontaneously forming phospholipid polymer hydrogel was developed as a cell immobilization matrix, causing no harm to the cells. By designing stimuli-responsive dissociation rate, the recovery ratio of the immobilized cells was improved.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kohei Yokosawa, Shinji Kajimoto, Daiki Shibata, Kunisato Kuroi, Tomohiro Konno, Takakazu Nakabayashi
Summary: This study quantified the change in protein concentration in protein droplets generated by liquid-liquid phase separation using Raman imaging. Small changes in protein concentration with variations in pH and salt concentration were observed, and it was shown that the concentration in the droplet decreases as the conditions become less favorable for droplet formation. The effect of exposure to 1,6-hexanediol on protein concentration in the droplet was also examined, and a model was proposed to explain the decrease in protein concentration and disappearance of the droplet under certain conditions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuta Yoshizaki, Tomohiro Konno
Summary: A branched polymer, 4-armed star-shaped PMB (4armPMB), was synthesized and compared with linear PMB. The 4armPMB showed faster cellular internalization and exiting behaviors compared to LinearPMB.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takuma Sumi, Hideaki Yamamoto, Yuichi Katori, Koki Ito, Satoshi Moriya, Tomohiro Konno, Shigeo Sato, Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
Summary: Reservoir computing is a machine learning paradigm that utilizes the dynamics of high-dimensional nonlinear systems for processing time-series data. In this study, optogenetics and calcium imaging were used to investigate the computational capabilities of biological neuronal networks (BNNs) through a reservoir computing framework. The modular architecture of BNNs was found to positively correlate with classification accuracy, and BNNs exhibited short-term memory and categorical learning abilities. These findings contribute to our understanding of information representation in BNNs and have implications for the development of physical reservoir computing systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hideaki Yamamoto, F. Paul Spitzner, Taiki Takemuro, Victor Buendia, Hakuba Murota, Carla Morante, Tomohiro Konno, Shigeo Sato, Ayumi Hirano-Iwata, Anna Levina, Viola Priesemann, Miguel A. Munoz, Johannes Zierenberg, Jordi Soriano
Summary: High-level information processing in the mammalian cortex requires both segregated processing in specialized circuits and integration across multiple circuits. One possible way to implement these demands is by flexibly switching between states with different levels of synchrony. The control of complex synchronization patterns in neuronal networks remains elusive, but this study provides insights by manipulating and stimulating networks of cortical neurons in vitro. Results show that a modular architecture enhances the network's sensitivity to external asynchronous stimulation and that the depletion of synaptic resources in stimulated neurons is the underlying mechanism for this effect.
Correction
Biochemical Research Methods
Yan Xu, Madoka Takai, Tomohiro Konno, Kazuhiko Ishihara
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ren Zhang, Yuuki Inoue, Tomohiro Konno, Kazuhiko Ishihara
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2019)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mingwei Mu, Tomohiro Konno, Kazuhiko Ishihara
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanzhang Jiang, Xuyi Wang, Yanting Han, Dakai Gong, Yingchun Gu, Lin Tan
Summary: In this study, FeCl3 and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were doped into waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) to create multifunctional materials with self-healing and antimicrobial properties. WPU/Fe/PAA-5.5, containing 5.5 wt % PAA, exhibited excellent mechanical properties, strong self-healing capabilities, and an impressive antimicrobial rate of over 90%. These supramolecular films were also highly recyclable through hot-pressing.
Article
Polymer Science
Longyu Tian, Min Wang, Guangming Liao, Baoliang Liu, Sujuan Zhang, Yucheng Sun, Zhen Meng, Jintao Zhang, Zaijun Lu
Summary: Two kinds of benzoxazine monomers were synthesized and used to prepare polybenzoxazine anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with quaternary ammonium functionalization. The LQPBZ AEM exhibited better ion conductivity and alkaline stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Claire A. Lemarchand
Summary: This study investigates the shock behavior of three different polymers through molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal specificities in the shock behavior of polymers, including deviations from the linear relation between shock velocity and particle velocity, as well as differences in shear stress relaxation behind the shock front. It is found that the deviation of the Hugoniot locus is related to the change in the relative contribution of bonding and non-bonding potential energies, while polymers with higher glass transition temperatures exhibit slower shear stress relaxation.
Article
Polymer Science
Zengquan Liu, Xiaochun Yin, He Zhang, Shuo Gao, Qinglin Kuang, Yanhong Feng
Summary: A powder solid-state extension (PSSE) technology was proposed to address the high melt viscosity issue of UHMWPE. By uniaxial extension and sintering in the solid state, a highly self-reinforced material was prepared. X-ray diffraction and scattering techniques were used to study the structural evolution during the PSSE process, and a solid-phase induced transformation model was established.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhike Li, Anyu Luo, Rui Zhou, Xin Li, Haiyan Li
Summary: A novel high temperature resistance IL@SiO2 nanocapsules were successfully prepared and their friction and wear properties in PA6 composites were studied. The addition of IL@SiO2 nanocapsules reduced the friction coefficient and wear rate without affecting the mechanical properties of PA6. The synergy between the IL core and SiO2 wall in the nanocapsules improved the self-lubricating performance of the PA6 composites.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Liu, Xuhong Guo, Qi Liao
Summary: In this study, an algorithm for accurately estimating viscosity is developed using molecular dynamics simulations and the Green-Kubo formula. This algorithm can be applied to complex systems with long correlations, such as macromolecular and biological simulation systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Hao Pu, Yun-Lei Hou, Jing -Zhou Chen, Dong -Lin Zhao
Summary: The use of modified graphene improves the interfacial adherence of carbon fibers to epoxy resin, resulting in enhanced interfacial and bending properties of CF and matrix in CF/EP composites, as well as increased interlaminar shear strength and flexural strength.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei-Chung Ke, Jin-Wei Lin, Manohar Reddy Busireddy, Yueh-Hsing Lee, Jiun-Tai Chen, Chain-Shu Hsu
Summary: This study introduces a crosslinkable monomer, TAIC, to synthesize three crosslinked polyimide films, which exhibit improved thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. The introduction of TAIC enhances the tensile strength, reduces the dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and decreases the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polyimide films.
Article
Polymer Science
Alex Kwasi Kumi, Ruiling Fan, Ye Chen, Yumei Zhang
Summary: The difference in leaching of amylopectin from cellulose/amylopectin/1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim][Cl]) blends during regeneration in water and aqueous ethanol has been studied. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the dissolution and regeneration mechanisms of amylopectin in [Bmim][Cl] are similar to cellulose in ionic liquids. Water regeneration leads to weak electrostatic interactions, resulting in high leaching of amylopectin. In contrast, ethanol-water interactions enhance electrostatic interactions among amylopectin chains, limiting amylopectin leaching in aqueous ethanol.
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zeng, Junwei Zhou, Junbiao Peng, Chunsheng Zhang, Danling Wang, Yihu Song, Qiang Zheng
Summary: This study utilizes an oligomer deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on polyethylene glycol to regulate the vulcanization kinetics of rubber. The results show that the DES can accelerate vulcanization at low temperatures without affecting the crosslinking density and Mullins effect.
Article
Polymer Science
Qianqian Yue, Yongfei Peng, Xingjian Liu, Aihua He, Huarong Nie
Summary: The addition of metal deactivators can effectively suppress the aging of TBIR, prolong its lifespan, and have no negative effects on its physical and processing properties. These research findings are of great importance for improving the stability and aging resistance of polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
J. Gomez-Caturla, J. Ivorra-Martinez, R. Tejada-Oliveros, V Moreno, D. Garcia-Garcia, R. Balart
Summary: This work focuses on the development of environmentally friendly PLA formulations by using different esters derived from geraniol as plasticizers. The results show that these esters have good compatibility with PLA, and they can effectively enhance the elongation and plasticity of PLA, reduce its glass transition temperature, and slightly improve its water absorption capabilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Dandan Li, Zhaohui Lu, Zhao Ke, Ke Xu, Fengna Dai, Youhai Yu, Guangtao Qian, Chunhai Chen
Summary: In this study, cross-linked PI aerogel membranes with low dielectric constant and high moisture resistance were prepared by co-polymerization and scraping coating technology. The incorporation of fluorinated blocks and benzimidazole ring structures resulted in novel PI aerogel membranes with fascinating dielectric properties and outstanding moisture resistance.
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyang Chu, Qing Zhang, Haihua Luo, Han Zhou, Fapei Zhang, Wei Chen, Wenhua Zhang
Summary: Multi-physical fields solution processing strategy is a universal and facile method for preparing various conjugated polymer films and high-performance devices. In this study, we employed a combined microfluidic flow and ultrasonication strategy (FU) for processing CP solutions, and found a pronounced synergetic effect in promoting the pre-ordering of chains in solution. The conformation order and anisotropy of the solution were revealed through various characterizations. A non-classical nucleation model for polymer crystallization in non-equilibrium solution processing was confirmed. The roles of microfluidic flow and ultrasonication in chain aggregation and crystallization were addressed through multi-physical simulations. Compared to pristine solutions, the FU strategy showed improved solution anisotropy and crystallization kinetics, resulting in higher crystallinity in films and increased mobilities in OFET devices. The FU processing strategy provides a universal approach for regulating chain conformation and aggregation in conjugated polymer solutions.