Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Binan Zhao, Yuanzhen Zhang, Dandan Li, Xiumei Mo, Jianfeng Pan
Summary: Compared with other types of hydrogels, natural derived hydrogels possess intrinsic advantages of degradability and biocompatibility. However, their potential applications in biomedical areas are limited due to low mechanical strength. In this study, Hofmeister effect-enhanced gelatin/oxidized dextran hydrogels with improved mechanical properties and biocompatibility were developed to accelerate wound healing. The type of anions induced different physical crosslinking domains, and H2PO4 - treated hydrogels showed enhanced mechanical strength and better biocompatibility. The Hofmeister effect by essential inorganic anions is a promising method to improve natural hydrogels for their medical applications.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yingqi Chen, Cairong Li, Zhenming Wang, Jing Long, Ruiqi Wang, Jin Zhao, Wanze Tang, Yu Zhao, Ling Qin, Songlin Peng, Yuxiao Lai
Summary: The newly developed CSMAP-MgO hydrogel shows promising performance in stable release of Mg2+, increased compressive modulus, superior promotion of in vitro calcium phosphate deposition, cell proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation compared to Magnesium-free groups. In rat critical-sized calvarial defect experiments, it significantly promotes more new bone formation after 12 weeks.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiaqi Xu, Xiaoguang Zhu, Jiuhong Zhao, Guixia Ling, Peng Zhang
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels are attractive biomaterials due to their dynamic reversibility, self-healing, and excellent biocompatibility. However, the contradiction between non-covalent interactions and mechanical strength poses a great challenge for their practical application. This review discusses strategies for enhancing the mechanical strength of supramolecular hydrogels and explores their applications in flexible electronic sensors, wound dressings, and 3D scaffolds.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Zhen Zhang, Lucian Lucia, Noureddine Abidi
Summary: It is discovered that sustainable polymers, such as gelatin and soy protein polymer, can facilitate the transformation of PVOH hydrogel into solid foams during freeze-drying process. This not only enhances the thermal stability but also results in distinctive wrinkle patterns on the solid foams.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Katarzyna O. Rojek, Monika Cwiklinska, Julia Kuczak, Jan Guzowski
Summary: Microfluidics has become a powerful tool for generating submillimeter-sized cell aggregates, known as microtissues, which can perform tissue-specific functions. This review focuses on the formulation of cell-encapsulating microgels with different dimensionalities and nontrivial internal topologies, and discusses their applications in tissue engineering, organ modeling, and personalized drug testing.
Article
Polymer Science
Minye Jin, Alisa Glaser, Julieta Paez
Summary: This study developed a firefly luciferin-inspired hydrogel with redox-triggering capability, enabling precise control over gelation onset and kinetics. The findings expand the current toolkit of stimuli-responsive hydrogels.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jia-hua Liu, Zhengyi Mao, Yuhan Chen, Yunchen Long, Haikun Wu, Junda Shen, Rong Zhang, Oscar W. H. Yeung, Binbin Zhou, Chunyi Zhi, Jian Lu, Yang Yang Li
Summary: A novel biomineral-reinforced hydrogel composed of polyacrylamide (PAM) and highly stable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is reported. The ACC nanoparticles in the hybrid hydrogels show a super stable amorphous nature due to the dual ionic doping strategy (Mg2+ and PO43-). The resulting mineral hydrogel exhibits high stretchability, enhanced fracture toughness, desirable linear strain sensitivity, and biocompatibility, making it suitable for wearable device applications.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuanyuan Jia, Peiliang Shen, Tao Yan, Weijia Zhou, Jia Sun, Xin Han
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic tandem mechanical sorting system was developed to enrich CSCs with high flexibility and low adhesive capacity. Deformable and low-adhesive cancer cells sorted using this system showed enhanced stem cell-like properties, and a potent therapeutic compound isoliquiritigenin was identified from licorice to inhibit the lung cancer stem cell phenotype. This system can facilitate drug screening targeting CSCs and the analysis of signals regulating CSC function in drug resistance.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qin Chen, Xinyue Zhang, Kai Chen, Xiaofang Wu, Tian Zong, Cunao Feng, Dekun Zhang
Summary: This study successfully developed anisotropic hydrogels with significantly enhanced mechanical and tribological properties by controlling the formation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of MMT. The ordered structure was achieved through magnetic-induced technology and freezing-thawing, annealing methods.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuchun Gan, Shihang Bai, Cheng Chen, Yongliang Zou, Yingjuan Sun, Jianhao Zhao, Jianhua Rong
Summary: A dual physically cross-linked double network hydrogel with high ionic conductivity and tensile strength was fabricated, showing potential applications in nerve replacement materials and biosensors. The synergistic effect of hydroxypropyl cellulose and prestretching reduced migration resistance of ions in the hydrogel, leading to improved conductivity. These composite hydrogels are noncytotoxic, low friction coefficient, and excellent wear resistance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhiguang Wang, Ruipeng Chen, Yue Hou, Yingkai Qin, Shuang Li, Shiping Yang, Zhixian Gao
Summary: In this study, a portable and sensitive method for detecting melamine using stimuli-responsive DNA hydrogels and microfluidic chips was developed. The method utilized melamine aptamer and DNA hydrogel-coated AuNPs for colorimetric detection and quantitative analysis. The combination of microfluidic chips and DNA hydrogels enabled quantitative detection of melamine by taking photos and analyzing the gray value.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Bingyan Guo, Shaoshuai He, Mengmeng Yao, Zhouying Tan, Xi Li, Min Liu, Chaojie Yu, Lei Liang, Zhongming Zhao, Zhicheng Guo, Mingyue Shi, Yuping Wei, Hong Zhang, Fanglian Yao, Junjie Li
Summary: In this study, a facile and efficient method was proposed to fabricate anisotropic conductive hydrogels, inspired by the anisotropic structure of human tissues. Anisotropic hydrogels containing MXene were prepared by mechanical stretching, which exhibited enhanced mechanical and electrochemical properties based on their anisotropic structure. These MXene-containing anisotropic hydrogels showed improved strain sensing performance and the potential for wireless transmission, making them suitable for flexible wearable devices.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yufeng Shou, Xin Yong Teo, Kenny Zhuoran Wu, Bingyu Bai, Arun R. K. Kumar, Jessalyn Low, Zhicheng Le, Andy Tay
Summary: Cells interact with their surrounding environment through static and dynamic mechanical signals. The understanding of the effects of dynamic mechanical stimulations on cells is limited, but it is important for translational applications. Researches have bioengineered ECM-mimicking hydrogels that can incorporate mechanical cues to model complex static and dynamic mechanical profiles.
Review
Polymer Science
Elena Iulia Oprita, Andreea Iosageanu, Oana Craciunescu, Zhiyuan Jia, Holger Schoenherr, Nowsheen Goonoo
Summary: Diabetic chronic wounds are characterized by prolonged and disorganized stages compared to normal wound healing. Natural polymer hydrogels, with their high water content and biocompatibility, show great potential as wound dressings. Natural bioactive hydrogels loaded with compounds such as antibacterials and antioxidants can modulate inflammation and adhere to wounded tissue, providing promising applications for diabetic wound healing. Natural bioactive compounds like polyphenols, polysaccharides, and proteins have multiple advantages in promoting chronic wound healing in diabetes, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, and wound healing properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pengfei Ren, Dandan Wei, Min Liang, Li Xu, Tianzhu Zhang, Qianli Zhang
Summary: The hybrid hydrogel consisting of alginate, gelatin, and polyacrylamide demonstrates high strength, toughness, uniform network structure, and excellent cytocompatibility, making it suitable for cell culture scaffolds and tissue engineering applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Mingkai Yue, Meie Li, Ning An, Kun Yang, Jian Wang, Jinxiong Zhou
Summary: This paper develops a simulation strategy for the selective electron beam melting (SEBM) process, focusing on tantalum. The strategy is used to predict temperature field, molten pool evolution, and residual stress distribution. Key information such as molten pool overlapping ratio and refusion state can be extracted. The authors demonstrate the capability of the strategy by simulating a lattice structure. The strategy can be extended to other AM fabrication technologies and metals.
RAPID PROTOTYPING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jinbin Qiu, Guorui Jin, Guoyou Huang, Haishui Huang, Feng Xu
Summary: In this study, an in vitro astrocyte culture system capable of precisely controlling culture temperature was developed to investigate the effects of clinically-relevant hyperthermic temperatures on astrocyte viability, morphology, and functions. It was found that high hyperthermia caused irreversible and permanent damages to astrocytes, while mild hyperthermia induced astrocyte activation and cytokine secretion without significant decreases in cell viability. This study provides new insights into fever-related symptoms and opens up possibilities for astrocyte-targeted therapy to treat brain diseases via hyperthermia.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yan Hu, Yuanbo Jia, Siwei Wang, Yufei Ma, Guoyou Huang, Tan Ding, Dayun Feng, Guy M. Genin, Zhao Wei, Feng Xu
Summary: Injectable hydrogels have the potential to promote healing of brain lesions, but current challenges arise from the mismatch between the hydrogel and the brain tissue. This study develops a self-healing hydrogel that mimics the composition, stiffness, and viscoelasticity of native brain tissue, and shows promising results in an in vivo mouse model of brain lesions.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhaoyang Ye, Yabei Li, Yuxiang Zhao, Junjie Zhang, Tong Zhu, Feng Xu, Fei Li
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhaoyang Ye, Yabei Li, Yuxiang Zhao, Junjie Zhang, Tong Zhu, Feng Xu, Fei Li
Summary: This study constructed an in vitro cardiac tissue model and established a thermal-electric coupled theoretical model to simulate the electric field and temperature distributions around the cardiac tissue. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was used to in situ and quantitatively monitor the dynamic changes in the key parameters of the cardiac tissue function after electric field stimulations. The results showed that the oxygen consumption, cell membrane permeability coefficient, and contraction frequency of the cardiac tissue were strongly dependent on electrical energy, especially when the electrical energy was higher than 0.001 J.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Pan Sun, Xielin Zhao, Xiaofei Yu, Qian Huang, Zhipeng Feng, Jinxiong Zhou
Summary: This paper introduces an efficient semi-analytical method, called incremental harmonic balance (IHB), for periodic solution of delay differential equations (DDE). The IHB method is applied to flow-induced vibration (FIV) problem of tube bundles with loose support. By combining linear vibration modes or finite element method (FEM) with IHB, the limit cycle solutions after instability onset can be captured accurately. The IHB method shows excellent convergence and agreement with numerical integration (NI) method, and it provides a new approach for solving other DDE problems.
APPLIED MATHEMATICAL MODELLING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuanbo Jia, Jiahui Hu, Keli An, Qiang Zhao, Yang Dang, Hao Liu, Zhao Wei, Songmei Geng, Feng Xu
Summary: In this study, enhanced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was found to be associated with scratch-exacerbated atopic dermatitis (AD). The researchers developed a multifunctional hydrogel dressing that integrates oxidative stress modulation with FAK inhibition to synergistically treat AD. The results showed that the hydrogel can scavenge reactive oxygen species, reduce intercellular junction deficiency, and alleviate inflammation in mouse AD models with controlled scratching.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shanshan Zhu, Tian Zhang, Huan Gao, Guorui Jin, Jin Yang, Xiaocong He, Hui Guo, Feng Xu
Summary: Chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment is commonly used in clinics but has limited efficacy due to poor specificity and tumor microenvironment-induced diffusion barrier. A combination therapy strategy based on an extracellular matrix modulator and tumor microenvironment-responsive drug is developed, demonstrating outstanding therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. This mechanochemical approach provides a promising approach for breast cancer therapy.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jinbin Qiu, Zhijie Li, Keli An, Lele Niu, Haishui Huang, Feng Xu
Summary: This study constructed 3D culture models to investigate the thermal response of glioma cells under different hyperthermic temperatures. It was found that the high energy level of cells in 3D glioma spheres enables them to maintain cellular viability and respond promptly to thermal stimulation. Additionally, 3D glioma spheres exhibit strong drug resistance to thermo-chemical combination therapy.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nuclear Science & Technology
Xielin Zhao, Qian Cheng, Xiaofei Yu, Qian Huang, Ke Zhang, Zhipeng Feng, Jinxiong Zhou
Summary: This study presents a modal analysis of turbulent lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) flow in a single wire-wrapped rod channel using a data-driven dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) method. A reduced-order modeling (ROM) system based on DMD modes and eigenvalues is developed for fast fluid field reconstruction and short-term forecasting. The correctness and feasibility of the method are demonstrated through comparison with ground-truth CFD simulation results. All data and codes are publicly available at https://github.com/XJTU-Zhou-group/Wire-wrapped-fuel-pin-CFD-DMD.
ANNALS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jicheng Niu, Wenjing Liu, Jasmine Xinze Li, Xianglong Pang, Yulin Liu, Chao Zhang, Keyang Yue, Yulin Zhou, Feng Xu, Xiaoguang Li, Fei Li
Summary: The authors report a strategy for laser cutting machining of nanoparticle encased water pancakes with sub-millimeter depth. They verified and elucidated the process of nanoparticle-encased water pancake laser cutting and the parameters that affect cutting accuracy through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental studies. Laser-fabricated water patterns with diverse properties were demonstrated and their applications in various fields were conceptually demonstrated.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Bin Li, Wei Zhang, Hong Fu, Hao Liu, Feng Xu
Summary: This article proposes an end-to-end multi-level constrained spatiotemporal representation structure for facial video-based blood volume pulse (BVP) signal measurement. The structure strengthens the generation of BVP-related features and enhances BVP signal period pattern learning through global-local association. Experimental results show that the proposed structure outperforms state-of-the-art methods in BVP signal measurement with significant reductions in mean absolute error and root mean squared error. This structure has potential applications in telemedical and non-contact heart health monitoring.
IEEE JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Songbai Zhang, Yuanbo Jia, Jingyi Liu, Fan Feng, Zhao Wei, Min Zhang, Feng Xu
Summary: Periodontitis can lead to irreversible defects in the periodontal ligament (PDL), hindering its regeneration and hampering the treatment of the disease. A promising approach for promoting PDL regeneration is the use of hydrogels that release anti-inflammatory drugs. However, current hydrogel systems do not mimic the viscoelastic features of native periodontium, which play an important role in tissue regeneration. This study developed a bi-crosslinking viscoelastic hydrogel (Alg-PBA/Spd) that integrates phenylboronic acid-modified alginate with an anti-inflammatory agent (spermidine) through crosslinking bonds, showing potential for promoting periodontal regeneration through mechanobiological synergy.
REGENERATIVE BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yulin Liu, Junjie Zhang, Yabei Li, Yuxiang Zhao, Shuake Kuermanbayi, Jian Zhuang, Hua Zhang, Feng Xu, Fei Li
Summary: This study constructed an in vitro mechanical-inflammatory coupled microenvironment model for microglia and demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide treatment induced activation of microglia on a stiff matrix, leading to disruption of redox balance and increased susceptibility to ROS production. The respiratory activity and migration behavior of microglia were closely associated with their activation process, with the most pronounced changes observed in stiff matrix-LPS-induced microglia. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammatory processes in the CNS.
Article
Engineering, Aerospace
Ruiwen Guo, Xin Jin, Qilong Jia, Xiaofei Ma, Ning An, Jinxiong Zhou
Summary: This paper presents an integrated experimental and numerical investigation of the dynamic deployment behavior of Composite Thin-Walled Lenticular Tubes (CTLT). The study focuses on the effect of long-term storage on CTLT. Experimental results show that after extended storage periods, CTLT deploys slower and the deployment time increases. The numerical model constructed using explicit dynamic finite element method shows good agreement with the experimental results.
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.
