Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michal Bartnikowski, Abdalla Abdal-hay, Nicole J. Bartnikowski, Yu Kyoung Kim, Saso Ivanovski
Summary: This study assessed the effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on various properties of 3D printed PCL scaffolds, with HCl exposure leading to pronounced bulk degradation and NaOH treatment resulting in more superficial degradation with superior apatite-like coating on the surface.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eylem D. D. Tomak, Ahmet Can, Mahmut A. A. Ermeydan
Summary: Spruce wood was modified by grafting poly(e-caprolactone) onto the wood cell wall using ring-opening polymerization. Different monomer concentrations (30%, 50%, and 70%) were impregnated into the wood and further polymerized in DMF solution. The biodegradability of the modified wood was tested through weight losses and analyzed through FTIR and SEM analysis. The results showed that higher concentrations of e-caprolactone exhibited better decay resistance against brown rot fungi attacks, while lower concentrations were more effective against white rot fungi attacks. SEM and FTIR analysis confirmed that weight losses were due to both cell wall degradation and polymer digestion by fungal enzymes.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Aoi Nakashima, Kaho Kohori, Kazuya Yamamoto, Jun-ichi Kadokawa
Summary: Chitin hexanoate-graft-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (ChHex-g-PCL) was found to be thermoplastic, and the thermoplasticity was confirmed by the formation of a melt-pressed film. Chitin hexanoates were prepared by hexanoylation of chitin and then the surface-initiated ring-opening graft polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone was conducted to graft PCL chains onto the hydroxy groups of chitin hexanoates. The molar substitution and degree of polymerization of the PCL graft chains were influenced by the catalyst, reaction time, and degree of substitution.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Liuyong Zhu, Jingqing Li, Hongfei Li, Binyuan Liu, Jizhong Chen, Shichun Jiang
Summary: The Rouse model is suitable for exploring the linear dynamics of unentangled polymers and provides a basic framework for understanding polymer chain dynamics. In this study, cyclic poly(& epsilon;-caprolactone)s (c-PCLs) with bi-anthracenyl group pendants were synthesized to investigate the chain dynamics and crystallization behavior. The results showed double endothermic peaks in the DSC curves of c-PCLs after isothermal crystallization, indicating the role of pendants in the reorganization of metastable structures. Banded spherulites of unentangled c-PCLs were observed for the first time, suggesting a mismatch between chain dynamics and crystallization kinetics.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Mahmut Ali Ermeydan, Mert Babacan, Eylem D. Tomak
Summary: Wood modification treatments using ring opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone can significantly improve the dimensional stability, weathering, and decay resistance of wood. The modified wood exhibited better surface properties and protection against decay, even after leaching. This study demonstrates the potential of polycaprolactone modification for enhancing the performance of Scots pine wood.
Article
Polymer Science
Mariia Stepanova, Olga Solomakha, Maxim Rabchinskii, Ilia Averianov, Iosif Gofman, Yuliya Nashchekina, Grigorii Antonov, Aleksey Smirnov, Boris Ber, Aleksey Nashchekin, Evgenia Korzhikova-Vlakh
Summary: This study focused on the synthesis and modification of aminated graphene with oligomers of glutamic acid for the preparation of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) based composite materials. The modification improved the distribution of filler in the polymer matrix, which positively impacted the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the composites.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aleksander Hejna, Mateusz Barczewski, Paulina Kosmela, Olga Mysiukiewicz, Adam Piasecki, Agnieszka Tercjak
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of cellulose filler modifications on the compatibility of biocomposites. The results showed that filler modification improved compatibility, as confirmed by microscopic observation and rheological analysis.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Lidong Feng, Sheng Xiang, Yanlong Liu, Xinchao Bian, Gao Li, Xuesi Chen
Summary: An analytical method using gas chromatography with an internal standard was developed to quantitatively determine residual monomers in PLCL, which showed high precision with RSD less than 5.6% and 4.3% for LA and CL measurements, respectively. The recovery rate of standard addition for LA and CL in PLCL was between 96.5%-101.5% and 98.4%-104.2%, with RSD not exceeding 2.0%, indicating the method was sufficiently accurate.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Keziban Huner
Summary: Conductive polymers (P3ANA and PEDOT:PSS) were mixed with biocompatible and biodegradable PCL to prepare electrospun nanofibers. The nanofibers containing 10% P3ANA showed the highest antioxidant activity and were non-toxic to cells. The nanofiber with the highest amount of P3ANA also had a higher anodic current value than other P3ANA nanofibers.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Rezvan Mohamadinooripoor, Soheila Kashanian, Kobra Omidfar
Summary: Electrospun composite mats of PCL/PEE were used to fabricate PCL-PEE sutures with desirable mechanical and antibacterial properties. The sutures showed promising characteristics including sustained drug release, high tensile strength, antifungal effects, and accelerated wound healing.
FIBERS AND POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Victoria J. Barber, Meredith A. Borden, Jill W. Alty, Ly D. Tran, Hilmar Koerner, Luke A. Baldwin, Erik J. Alexanian, Frank A. Leibfarth
Summary: There is an increasing demand for degradable polymers in sustainable plastics and medical implants. To improve their usability, it is necessary to have a better understanding of degradation factors and develop new tools for modulation. In this study, poly(caprolactone) was modified through C-H xanthylation, resulting in changes in material properties and slower degradation. The interplay between molecular and materials characteristics was found to impact the degradation rate.
Article
Polymer Science
Evangelos Daskalakis, Mohamed H. Hassan, Abdalla M. Omar, Anil A. Acar, Ali Fallah, Glen Cooper, Andrew Weightman, Gordon Blunn, Bahattin Koc, Paulo Bartolo
Summary: This research investigates the accelerated hydrolytic degradation process of anatomically designed bone scaffolds with a pore size gradient and a rectangular shape. The effect of material composition is investigated using poly-epsilon-caprolactone (PCL) as the main scaffold material, reinforced with ceramics such as hydroxyapatite (HA), beta-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and bioglass. The results show that the PCL/bioglass bone brick scaffolds exhibited faster degradation kinetics compared to other materials, and the degradation kinetics of rectangular scaffolds increased with the pore size. The degradation process was found to be faster on the external regions of the bone brick scaffolds, and the mechanical properties decreased during the degradation process.
Article
Polymer Science
Sangbae Park, Jae Eun Kim, Jinsub Han, Seung Jeong, Jae Woon Lim, Myung Chul Lee, Hyunmok Son, Hong Bae Kim, Yun-Hoon Choung, Hoon Seonwoo, Jong Hoon Chung, Kyoung-Je Jang
Summary: This study modified the surface characteristics of 3D-printed PCL/HA scaffolds using O2 plasma and alkali treatment, and found that the alkali treatment can better expose hydroxyapatite particles in the scaffolds compared to O2 plasma treatment, promoting cell proliferation and differentiation of hDPSCs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hongwen Sun, Jiachun Feng
Summary: The study investigated the nucleation effect of the synthesized nucleating agent Ca-HHPA on PCL by different thermal treatments. The results showed that Ca-HHPA80-200 had a significantly improved nucleation efficiency compared to Ca-HHPA80 under similar dosages.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xing Li, Wenqing Xu, Xiaohua Chang, Ying Zheng, Lingling Ni, Guorong Shan, Yongzhong Bao, Pengju Pan
Summary: This study reports on the controlled synthesis, stepwise crystallization kinetics, and crystallization-induced microphase separation and structural evolution of a novel end-functionalized supramolecular polymer PCL-Thy. The double-crystalline nature of PCL-Thy was observed, with thymine units and PCL blocks crystallizing and melting in a sequential manner. This work provides important insights into crystallization-induced microphase separation and hierarchical ordering in double-crystalline supramolecular polymers.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yang Zhu, Yasumoto Matsumura, Murugesan Velayutham, Lesley M. Foley, T. Kevin Hitchens, William R. Wagner
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Alexander D. Malkin, Sang-Ho Ye, Evan J. Lee, Xiguang Yang, Yang Zhu, Lara J. Gamble, William J. Federspiel, William R. Wagner
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART B-APPLIED BIOMATERIALS
(2018)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yasumoto Matsumura, Yang Zhu, Hongbin Jiang, Antonio D'Amore, Samuel K. Luketich, Verena Charwat, Tomo Yoshizumi, Hideyoshi Sato, Brenda Yang, Takafumi Uchibori, Kevin E. Healy, William R. Wagner
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Kimberly A. Spaulding, Yang Zhu, Kiyoaki Takaba, Anusuya Ramasubramanian, Anusha Badathala, Henrik Haraldsson, Alexander Collins, Esteban Aguayo, Curran Shah, Arthur W. Wallace, Nicholas P. Ziats, David H. Lovett, Anthony J. Baker, Kevin E. Healy, Mark B. Ratcliffe
JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH PART A
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xinyu Wu, Jie Ding, Peifang Xu, Xue Feng, Zhaoyi Wang, Tong Zhou, Chenxi Tu, Wangbei Cao, Jieqi Xie, Liwen Deng, Liyin Shen, Yang Zhu, Zhongru Gou, Changyou Gao
Summary: The novel hybrid scaffold plays a crucial role in cartilage repair and regeneration by scavenging reactive oxygen species. It possesses proper compressive modulus, strong ROS-scavenging capability, and good cell compatibility. In vivo tests demonstrate that the hybrid scaffold significantly modulates inflammation and promotes hyaline cartilage regeneration, leading to superior deposition of glycosaminoglycans and collagen type II compared to traditional PLGA scaffolds.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jieqi Xie, Yuejun Yao, Shuqin Wang, Linge Fan, Jie Ding, Yun Gao, Shifen Li, Liyin Shen, Yang Zhu, Changyou Gao
Summary: In this study, a segmented polyurethane material with high efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination was synthesized. Electrospun composite patches made from this material showed antioxidation capacity and ROS-responsive degradation. Implantation of these patches on heart tissue surface reduced ROS level, membrane peroxidation, and cell apoptosis, while decreasing inflammation and fibrosis, leading to improved cardiac functions.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuejun Yao, Aoqi Li, Shuqin Wang, Yuwen Lu, Jieqi Xie, Haolan Zhang, Deteng Zhang, Jie Ding, Zhaoyi Wang, Chenxi Tu, Liyin Shen, Lenan Zhuang, Yang Zhu, Changyou Gao
Summary: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of death and disability globally. A multifunctional cardiac patch has been developed to provide mechanical support to the infarcted myocardium and improve therapeutic outcomes by mediating biological and mechanical treatments.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Shuqin Wang, Yuejun Yao, Tong Zhou, Jieqi Xie, Jie Ding, Wangbei Cao, Liyin Shen, Yang Zhu, Changyou Gao
Summary: The self-adaptive, degradable and antioxidative hydrogel (R gel) shows potential in treating heart failure post myocardial infarction, by scavenging excessive ROS, protecting cells, suppressing inflammation, preserving cardiac functions, and promoting vascularization.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Min Cai, Huang Yang, Liyin Shen, Shuang Nie, Zhengwei Mao, Changyou Gao, Yang Zhu, Jizhou Song
Summary: This study presents an implantable thermal therapeutic device with precise temperature control, real-time monitoring, and thermal protection capabilities. Experimental and numerical studies demonstrate the fundamental principles and effectiveness of the device. In vivo experiments show that the device can accurately control the ablation temperature and effectively protect normal tissues.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ziyi Hu, Wangbei Cao, Liyin Shen, Ziyang Sun, Kang Yu, Qinchao Zhu, Tanchen Ren, Liwen Zhang, Houwei Zheng, Changyou Gao, Yong He, Chengchen Guo, Yang Zhu, Daxi Ren
Summary: There is a need for more naturally derived protein biomaterials for medical implants. In this study, milk-derived whey protein isolate (WPI) was developed as a new natural protein-based biomaterial for medical implants. The WPI was modified and processed into injectable hydrogels, microspheres, and scaffolds using advanced techniques. In vivo evaluation showed promising biocompatibility and effectiveness in attenuating pathological changes. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic value of WPI-based biomaterials and opportunities for collaboration between the dairy industry and medical therapeutics production.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuwen Lu, Tanchen Ren, Hua Zhang, Qiao Jin, Liyin Shen, Mengqi Shan, Xinzhe Zhao, Qichao Chen, Haoli Dai, Lin Yao, Jieqi Xie, Di Ye, Tengxiang Lin, Xiaoqian Hong, Kaicheng Deng, Ting Shen, Jiazhen Pan, Mengyan Jia, Jun Ling, Peng Li, Yue Zhang, Huanan Wang, Lenan Zhuang, Changyou Gao, Jifu Mao, Yang Zhu
Summary: This study fabricated stiff polymeric microneedles with backward-facing barbs inspired by honeybee stingers and embedded them into elastomer films to produce self-interlocking microneedle patches. The barbing pattern was adjusted to increase interlocking efficiency. The microneedle patches demonstrated strong tissue adhesion and were successfully implanted onto beating hearts. They reduced cardiac wall stress and maintained left ventricular function. The microneedle patches were minimally invasive and did not require sutures or adhesives.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qinchao Zhu, Xuhao Zhou, Yanan Zhang, Di Ye, Kang Yu, Wangbei Cao, Liwen Zhang, Houwei Zheng, Ziyang Sun, Chengchen Guo, Xiaoqian Hong, Yang Zhu, Yajun Zhang, Ying Xiao, Teresa G. Valencak, Tanchen Ren, Daxi Ren
Summary: This study presents a natural milk-derived casein hydrogel bioadhesive that can rapidly gelate under different light sources, enabling its convenient usage during emergency first-aid and minimally invasive surgeries. The casein hydrogel exhibits excellent hemostatic and wound healing abilities, and can serve as a promising solution for emergency wound management.
BIOMATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kaicheng Deng, Yao Tang, Yan Xiao, Danni Zhong, Hua Zhang, Wen Fang, Liyin Shen, Zhaochuang Wang, Jiazhen Pan, Yuwen Lu, Changming Chen, Yun Gao, Qiao Jin, Lenan Zhuang, Hao Wan, Liujing Zhuang, Ping Wang, Junfeng Zhai, Tanchen Ren, Qiaoling Hu, Meidong Lang, Yue Zhang, Huanan Wang, Min Zhou, Changyou Gao, Lei Zhang, Yang Zhu
Summary: The authors present a flexible, biodegradable photonic device called iCarP for illuminating internal organs and tissues with high controllability and adaptability in terms of spectrum, area, depth, and intensity.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shuang Nie, Min Cai, Huang Yang, Liyin Shen, Suhao Wang, Yang Zhu, Jizhou Song
Summary: Researchers have developed a soft and stretchable thermal protective substrate for wearable electronics, which can effectively reduce the increase in skin temperature while ensuring comfort.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Ding, Yuejun Yao, Jiawei Li, Yiyuan Duan, Jayachandra Reddy Nakkala, Xue Feng, Wangbei Cao, Yingchao Wang, Liangjie Hong, Liyin Shen, Zhengwei Mao, Yang Zhu, Changyou Gao