Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nabila Yasmeen, Jakub Kalecki, Pawel Borowicz, Wlodzimierz Kutner, Piyush S. Sharma
Summary: In this study, a simple method was developed to synthesize micrometer-sized microgel particles that can be suspended in an aqueous solution and deposited as thin films on different inorganic cores. Through applying a sufficiently high constant potential and hydrodynamic conditions, different morphologies of microgels could be prepared at room temperature without the need for heating or UV-light illumination. These findings are significant for the fabrication of microgel particles and films with diverse morphology and structure.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ender Ercan, Li-Che Hsu, Yan-Cheng Lin, Bi-Hsuan Lin, Wen-Chang Chen
Summary: Photonic transistor memory with noncontact programming capability, rapid data transmission, and low power consumption has attracted extensive research attention. In this study, a series of thermoresponsive polymers were employed as an electret layer for photomemory application. The device demonstrated ambipolar charge trapping, with decent memory ratio and a large memory window, achieved through electrical and photoprogramming. Moreover, the photomemory displayed higher data retention stability at elevated temperatures, attributed to the conformational reorganization of the polymer. The phototransistor was also modulated as a photosynapse, emulating fundamental functions for neuromorphic computing systems.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Matthieu P. J. Miclotte, Spyridon Varlas, Carl D. Reynolds, Bilal Rashid, Emma Chapman, Rachel K. O'Reilly
Summary: In this study, a series of thermoresponsive core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized and their potential application in oilfield exploration was verified. The critical transition temperature of the particles could be accurately controlled by adjusting the molar ratio of core-forming monomers. The particles were found to aggregate and cause pore blockage when heated above their LCST, and the blockage could rapidly dissipate upon reducing the temperature below the LCST. Furthermore, it was observed that the rate of blockage formation was slower when the LCST of the particles was higher.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Meng Liang, Siwen Hu, Yanning Han, Zhongyi Liu, Cheng-Peng Li, Jingjun Hao, Pengchong Xue
Summary: A linear distyrylanthracene derivative with two diaminotriazine groups was synthesized to construct flexible organic porous crystals. The resulting organic framework exhibited stimuli-responsive properties such as a bathochromic shift in fluorescence when in contact with methanol and rapid adsorption and release of water molecules. These HOFs can be used as advanced functional materials in anticounterfeiting applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Clemence Nadal, Olivier Coutelier, Sandrine Cavalie, Valerie Flaud, Jeremy Soulie, Jean-Daniel Marty, Mathias Destarac, Audrey Tourrette
Summary: This study successfully synthesized hydrogel-based composite core/shell nanoparticles and modified their surface with thermoresponsive copolymers. The smart system showed promising prospects in controlled drug delivery.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Hui Wang, Christophe Fliedel, Eric Manoury, Rinaldo Poli
Summary: Core-crosslinked micelles (CCMs) with a permanently charged anionic shell have been successfully developed using a convergent three-step one-pot RAFT polymerization method. Crosslinking leads to well-defined CCMs with narrow size distributions for the optimized polymer compositions, providing improved conformational stability and particle morphology. The final step of the polymer synthesis has quantitatively crosslinked all diblock arms.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michelle Hechenbichler, Albert Prause, Michael Gradzielski, Andre Laschewsky
Summary: A nonionic double hydrophilic block copolymer is synthesized using RAFT, with one hydrophilic and one thermoresponsive block. The copolymer acts as a polymeric surfactant at low temperatures, forming hairy micelles, and as an associative telechelic polymer at elevated temperatures, forming large dynamic aggregates, especially in a microemulsion.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Han-Wen Zheng, Dong-Dong Yang, Yong-Sheng Shi, Tong Xiao, Xiang-Jun Zheng
Summary: The development of stimulus-responsive luminescent materials, especially those with multicolor and high-contrast chromic properties, is a critical challenge. In this study, a zinc(ii) complex was synthesized and characterized, showing aggregation-induced emission enhancement in THF/H2O mixtures and multicolor switching under external stimuli in the solid state. The complex exhibited reversible mechanochromic luminescence behavior and acidochromic properties, as well as electrochemical oxidation behavior. Based on its high-contrast and multicolor switching, the complex was successfully used in the field of rapid detection of mechanical stimuli and HCl/NH3 vapors.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Han-Wen Zheng, Min Wu, Dong-Dong Yang, Qiong-Fang Liang, Jia-Bin Li, Xiang-Jun Zheng
Summary: The study synthesized and characterized a novel zinc complex ZnL2, which exhibited tricolor acidochromic behavior in response to HCl and NH3 vapors with high contrast and rapid response. The complex was also successfully made into test paper for detection purposes.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shahdeep Kaur, Biji Balakrishnan, Madhava B. Mallia, Roshan Keshari, P. A. Hassan, Rinti Banerjee
Summary: A dual drug loaded, radiolabeled multi-trigger responsive nanoparticle was developed for targeted delivery of chemotherapy in metastatic skeletal lesions. The nanoparticle showed affinity to bones and enhanced cellular uptake, and demonstrated trigger responsive drug release in the tumor microenvironment. The nanoparticle could also be radiolabeled with technetium-99m for in vivo monitoring. Rating: 9/10
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Albert Prause, Michelle Hechenbichler, Robert F. Schmidt, Miriam Simon, Sylvain Prevost, Leide P. Cavalcanti, Yeshayahu Talmon, Andre Laschewsky, Michael Gradzielski
Summary: Temperature control of rheological properties of aqueous solutions can be achieved by the addition of temperature-responsive amphiphilic polymers. In this study, three sets of acrylamide-based block copolymers with different architectures were explored, and their viscosities showed a substantial increase with increasing temperature. The changes in rheological properties were correlated with the mesoscopic organization of the systems.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Georg M. Scheutz, Mollie A. Touve, Andrea S. Carlini, John B. Garrison, Karthikeyan Gnanasekaran, Brent S. Sumerlin, Nathan C. Gianneschi
Summary: The study demonstrates the initiation and visualization of polymeric nano materials using variable-temperature liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy. Temperature control in the liquid cell initiates the formation of amphiphilic block copolymers through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, resulting in self-assembly induced by dispersion polymerization. This technique allows for in situ characterization of nanoparticles and observation of thermal phase transitions, enabling the development and characterization of self-organizing soft matter with unprecedented possibilities.
Article
Polymer Science
Hang Xiao, Quan-Xi Shi, Min Su, Xiao-Li Sun, Hongli Bao, Wen-Ming Wan
Summary: This study demonstrates a one-pot strategy for the molecular design of stimuli-responsive opposite emission/absorption polymer material with unique properties. The nontraditional intrinsic luminescence in the visible region is achieved through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization-induced emission (PIE) of a specific moiety. The opposite emission/absorption properties are derived from the carbocation-quinoid mechanism, enabling fluorescence encryption capability. This work provides a proof of concept for a novel polymer material that might inspire different fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katharina Leer, Gizem Cinar, Jana I. Solomun, Liam Martin, Ivo Nischang, Anja Traeger
Summary: Stimuli-responsive block copolymer micelles show promise for efficient gene delivery due to tailored properties. A system was designed using temperature and pH responsiveness, resulting in successful gene delivery. Core-crosslinking significantly increased transfection efficiency in this comprehensive investigation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fei Xie, Henghui Deng, Weihao Zhang, Hebo Shi, Xiaoyu Wang, Chaoqun Zhang
Summary: This study develops a method to prepare multifunctional materials by utilizing the unique structure of plant oil. The synthesized polyurethane elastomers exhibit self-toughening and multistimuli-responsive capabilities, with excellent mechanical properties and reversible multichromic behaviors. This research opens up possibilities for utilizing plant oil-based products in various industrial applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiannan Cheng, Qing Yu, Kai Tu, Jinying Wang, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This study presents a controlled method for the formation of ellipsoidal micelles, disklike micelles, and sheets by hierarchical self-assembly of triphilic main-chain-type semifluorinated alternating graft copolymers. The possible self-assembly mechanism of these micron-level aggregates is proposed, providing new insights for the synthesis of main-chain-type fluorinated graft copolymers and the research field of solution self-assembly of fluorinated copolymers.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiyuan Sun, Shusu Ren, Haitao Zhao, Shunhu Zhang, Xiang Xu, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: To overcome the challenges of long wavelength-photocontrolled radical polymerization in aqueous solutions and the limitations of post-treatment of conventional near-infrared (NIR) photocatalysts (PCs), we developed and synthesized a series of beta-tetra-substituted water-soluble zinc phthalocyanines (beta-TS-Zns) as NIR PCs. These NIR PCs exhibited efficient reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization under NIR light irradiation, and could also be covalently loaded on polymer chains for permanent NIR photocatalysis. The polymerization could be conducted in water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution, producing polymers with controlled molar mass and narrow dispersities (D = 1.03-1.25). This NIR-photocontrolled aqueous RAFT polymerization system holds promise for applications in tissue engineering biomaterials benefiting from the high penetration ability of NIR light.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shusu Ren, Haihui Li, Xiang Xu, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, stable and powerful unimolecular micelles (UIMs) with dual PTT/PDT function were prepared by photocontrolled bromine-iodine transformation reversible-deactivation radical polymerization. These UIMs showed excellent biocompatibility and superior PTT and/or PDT therapeutic effects under specific wavelengths of light, making them promising candidates for cancer therapy and anti-tumor research.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Qing Yu, Jinying Wang, Jiannan Cheng, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: Amphiphobic coating surfaces were fabricated by simple spin coating of fluorinated reversed micelles synthesized via a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) strategy. The influence of reaction solvent and polymerization conditions on the wettability of the reversed micelles was investigated. The method showed high water contact angles (151.9 degrees) and low sliding angle (5.0 degrees), making it a promising approach for fabricating amphiphobic surfaces.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Qing Yu, Jiannan Cheng, Xiang Xu, Yu Li, Chaojie Li, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, fluorinated macromolecular coupling agents were prepared and decorated on the surface of silica nanoparticles to create superhydrophobic coatings. The coatings exhibited excellent stability against acidic, basic, and high salty solutions, and demonstrated self-cleaning and oil/water separation capabilities. The findings have promising implications for practical applications on a large scale.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiang Xu, Jiannan Cheng, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this work, a series of near-infrared light (NIR)-responsive vitrimers are synthesized using carboxyl-bearing croconaine dye (CR-800) as a photothermal agent. NIR-responsive liquid crystalline elastomers (CR-vitrimer-LCEs) are further prepared under NIR laser without a template. The dynamic covalent bonding properties of vitrimer allow for the fabrication of a hand-shaped actuator with fingers of different NIR-response threshold values, which successfully achieve local and sequential control under a uniform NIR light field.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shusu Ren, Xiang Xu, Jiyuan Sun, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This study synthesized a series of cationic porphyrin-based star-shaped copolymers using photo-controlled bromine-iodine transformation reversible-deactivation radical polymerization. The effects of alkyl chain length, degree of polymerization, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance on the antibacterial activity of the polymers were investigated. The resulting copolymer Zn@P6 showed excellent photodynamic inhibition activity against both S. aureus and E. coli, with low cytotoxicity and promising biological application prospects.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shunhu Zhang, Chun Tian, Xiaowu Jiang, Xiang Xu, Haitao Zhao, Jiyuan Sun, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: Two synthetic strategies were developed to improve the solubility and recyclability of NIR photocatalyst: living polymers with permanent NIR photocatalyst by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and non-living polymers with recyclable NIR macro-photocatalyst by conventional radical polymerization. The living macro-PCs obtained from RAFT polymerization showed permanent NIR photocatalysis, while the water-soluble non-living macro-PCs from conventional radical polymerization exhibited only NIR photocatalysis but could be easily recycled by centrifugation.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Sisi Chen, Mengyao Zhang, Qingyuan Li, Jiachen Li, Shengpeng Wu, Jian Zhou, Guoqing Jin, Zhengbiao Zhang, Xiangqiang Pan, Jian Zhu
Summary: Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are versatile polymer materials used in various applications, but the contradiction between reprogrammability and stable actuation performance remains a challenge. Introducing photoactivated dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) into thermotropic LCEs can help address this issue. This study utilizes allyl selenide chemistry to achieve multiple network reconfigurations of LCEs under visible light conditions (405-450nm). The mild stimulation conditions and sustainable dynamic exchange capability offer great potential for the application and design of covalently adaptable LCEs.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiang Xu, Jiannan Cheng, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, a hand-shaped actuator is developed by synthesizing near-infrared sensitive CR-vitrimers, which achieves local and sequential control under a uniform near-infrared light field.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaojie Li, Jiannan Cheng, Yi Zhang, Qing Yu, Zhiru Yuan, Weiwei He, Xiaoguang Bao, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: Fluorinated polymers, although fascinating, have not been widely applied in daily life due to restricted synthetic methodology and limited availability of monomers. In this work, main-chain-type semifluorinated alternating terpolymers (SFATs) were synthesized using a step transfer-addition and radical-termination (START) polymerization strategy. The synthesis was achieved by irradiation with visible light at room temperature using NaI as the catalyst. The work provides a guide for the synthesis of a broad range of fluorinated polymers by increasing participating monomers and facilitating the integration of desirable properties.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuaijie Chen, Peng Wang, Haitao Zhao, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: This study developed a facile and efficient method for preparing grafted polyesters by combining photocontrolled BIT-RDRP and ROP in flow reactors at room temperature for the first time. Polymethacrylate macroinitiators were synthesized in the first tube and employed for TBD-catalyzed ROP in the second tube to provide tailored grafted polyesters. The use of flow tube reactors significantly improved the polymerization rates and allowed for the production of grafted polyesters with controlled molar mass and narrow dispersity.
Article
Polymer Science
Jiyuan Sun, Shusu Ren, Haitao Zhao, Shunhu Zhang, Xiang Xu, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: To overcome the challenges of long wavelength-photocontrolled radical polymerization in aqueous solutions and the limitations of conventional near-infrared (NIR) photocatalysts, a series of beta-tetra-substituted water-soluble zinc phthalocyanines (beta-TS-Zns) were designed and synthesized as NIR photocatalysts for reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The NIR photocatalysts can also be polymerizable monomers and covalently loaded on the polymer chains, enabling permanent NIR photocatalysis. The polymerization can be conducted in water and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) solution, producing polymers with controlled molar mass and narrow dispersities.
Article
Polymer Science
Xia Lin, Qianxi Gu, Jiajia Li, Jian Zhu
Summary: In this study, a facile and robust method for living cationic polymerization using zinc wire as a catalyst precursor was developed. Well-defined poly(vinyl ether)s with various molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained at room temperature. The in situ generation of trace zinc ions was found to be the key to the mild conditions of the polymerization. The utilization of zinc wire offered advantages of reusability, easy separation, and low metal residue. Moreover, the method was successfully applied in continuous flow polymerization, showing potential for scalable and efficient industrial production under mild conditions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yu Li, Shusu Ren, Qing Yu, Tao Wang, Xiang Xu, Weiwei He, Lifen Zhang, Zhenping Cheng
Summary: In this study, antibacterial and nonflammable melamine sponges with high throughput were prepared for emulsion separation. The modified sponges exhibited excellent oil absorption rate, high flux, and thermal stability, making them ideal for practical applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
