Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lijuan Pang, Jochen Meier-Haack, Shaolong Huang, Lu Qi, Hongzhi Cui, Shuangchen Ruan, Yu-Jia Zeng
Summary: Membrane technology provides a reliable solution for fresh water production through sustainable desalination, but membrane biofouling can lead to system performance decline. Nanotechnology has expanded options for developing antibiofouling membranes by incorporating nanoparticles to create thin-film nanocomposite structures. This review discusses advancements in antifouling TFN membranes preparation, incorporation of different nanoparticles, strategies for reducing membrane fouling, and proposes future outlook for the field.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sung-Joon Park, Myung-Seok Lee, Heewoong Yoon, Jae Hong Kim, Sungkwon Jeon, Seung Su Shin, Minuk Yang, Jieun Choi, Jiwon Seo, Jung-Hyun Lee
Summary: A biofouling-resistant and high-performance polyamide thin-film composite membrane was successfully fabricated by adding a biomimetic antimicrobial peptoid during the interfacial polymerization process. The resulting membrane exhibited superior separation performance and long-term stability.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sanaz Amani, Haleh Nourizadeh Kazerouni, Shakiba Mikaeili Khiavi, Ali Akbari, Reza Yegani
Summary: The effects of synthesized hydrophilic Cu-SiO2 nanoparticles on the morphology and antibiofouling performance of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes in a membrane bioreactor system were investigated. The results showed that the pure water flux of the PVDF membrane increased from 47.61 to 71.93 L m(-2)h(-1) in the presence of 1.0 wt% Cu-SiO2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, the nanocomposite membranes demonstrated better-developed finger-like bulk pores and thicker sponge-like surface pores, indicating a lower phase inversion rate. The presence of 1.0 wt% Cu-SiO2 nanoparticles reduced the total fouling ratio of the membranes from 53.79% to 24.13% and increased the flux recovery ratio from 54.61% to 88.73%. Moreover, analysis of extracellular polymeric substances revealed lower protein and carbohydrate formation on the surface of the nanocomposite membranes.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Defeng Hu, Zhongqiao Sun, Yide Han, Hao Meng, Xia Zhang
Summary: A one-step interface synthesis strategy was used to construct Cu-BTC/PVDF hybrid membranes by dissolving Cu2+ ions and H3BTC in ionized water and n-octanol respectively, and laying PVDF films at the interface. The resulting membranes showed excellent adsorption capacity for CR due to the π-π stacking interaction and hydrogen bonding. The hybrid membranes also exhibited good separation advantages and cyclic adsorption performances, making them a promising option for removing organic dyes from practical wastewater.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nour Alnairat, Muna Abu Dalo, Rund Abu-Zurayk, Saida Abu Mallouh, Fadwa Odeh, Abeer Al Bawab
Summary: Silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using aqueous plant extract, showing high stability and antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The nanoparticles were incorporated into PVDF membranes, demonstrating significant antibiofouling behavior. Membrane properties were characterized using various techniques, and rejection rate efficiency was evaluated using BSA, showing improved rejection rate with AgNPs.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weibai Bian, Ruixuan Zhang, Xiaohui Chen, Chuanxun Zhang, Minjia Meng
Summary: In this study, a new 3D porous PVDF-foam-imprinted membrane (PPIM) was prepared for the selective separation of artemisinin (ART). The PPIM exhibited excellent flux and mechanical strength, and showed high separation efficiency in a short time. Moreover, the PPIM demonstrated good regeneration performance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petr Slobodian, Robert Olejnik, Jiri Matyas, Berenika Hausnerova, Pavel Riha, Romana Danova, Dusan Kimmer
Summary: In this study, electroactive PVDF membranes were prepared and their responses to mechanical and electro-mechanical signals were detected. The results showed unique properties and potential applications of PVDF membranes, particularly in terms of their response to electro-mechanical loads.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zhen Wang, Joy Thomas, Hongzhe Shen, Zheng-Xuan Wu, Yi -Fan Lin, Cheng -Liang Liu, Kuo-Lun Tung
Summary: The petrochemical industry requires energy-efficient processes for solvent recovery to achieve net-zero emissions. Membrane separations using 2D COFs have shown potential due to their tunable pore sizes, but fabricating membranes with large pores has been a challenge. Recent research focused on improving selectivities and permeation fluxes for solvent mixtures, and high chemical and mechanical stabilities are necessary for long-term operation. To address the issue of large pores, a research group cross-linked COF monomers with TMC, resulting in COF(TpPa) with small pore sizes for solvent separation. This method successfully rejected salts and separated aromatic/alkane solvents, showing potential for future petrochemical industrial applications.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Marcello Pagliero, Antonio Comite, Omar Soda, Camilla Costa
Summary: This study focused on the effect of support structure and material on the morphology and distillation performance of flat sheet membranes made of PVDF. Different interactions between the dope solution and support materials, as well as the extent of mutual entanglement, were identified as key parameters in membrane preparation, governing overall porosity and pore size.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jyh-hwa Kau, Xin-an Chen, Chia-ying Chin, Cheng-cheung Chen, Shun-lin Chiu, Hui-ju Yen, Jenn-jong Young
Summary: In this study, silver nanocubes were successfully synthesized via the silver mirror reaction within 1 minute. The sharp-edge nanocubes quickly transformed into small spherical nanoparticles and aggregates to extend the reaction time. A membrane-based surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate with high sensitivity and reproducibility was developed, and the fabrication process was completed within 30 minutes. The substrate demonstrated attomolar sensitivity to R6G and could detect various analytes with low limits of detection. However, the substrate's sensitivity decreased after 3 days.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Yongqiang Guo, Chao Liu, Hongpeng Liu, Jiaming Zhang, Hongbin Li, Chunhua Zhang
Summary: This article discusses the application of reverse osmosis membrane technology in wastewater treatment and desalination, highlighting the obstacle of membrane biofouling. Factors influencing biofouling of RO membranes and methods for controlling biofouling were summarized, with emphasis on the role of nanomaterials in antibiofouling.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
L. C. Malucelli, I Ozeri, M. Matos, W. L. E. Magalhaes, M. A. S. Carvalho Filho, M. S. Eisen
Summary: The low hydrophilicity of membranes increases water treatment costs, while the application of hydrophilic biopolymers like cellulose is limited due to their complex structure. This study shows that partial dissolution of cellulose improves the water flux of PVDF/cellulose membranes. The porous structure obtained after solvent removal suggests that the water flux and pore size can be tailored through the membrane production method.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xingran Zhang, Jinxing Ma, Yu Guo, Yi Luo, Fang Li, Zhiwei Wang
Summary: Functionalized antibiofouling membranes with contact-killing properties have been shown to effectively control bacterial growth. This study demonstrates the critical role of mazEF-mediated programmed cell death (PCD) in the antibiofouling behavior of quaternary ammonium compounds modified membranes (QM). The addition of extracellular death factor (EDF) enhances the antibacterial activity, indicating the involvement of density-dependent bacterial communication in the mazEF-mediated PCD system. The findings suggest the potential development of efficient antibiofouling materials based on contact-killing scenarios.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Carson W. Bechtel, Jungyu Park, Daqian Jiang, Mohammed A. Bashammakh, Francois Pereault, Katherine R. Zodrow
Summary: Membrane filters are a promising solution for improving global access to safe water, but they face limitations due to fouling, especially biofouling. This study compared a living filtration membrane (LFM) composed of bacterial cellulose and native microorganisms with a commercial mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membrane. The LFM showed better resistance to biofouling, possibly due to the proliferation of native bacteria that produce antibacterial agents.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Dong Zou, Longbo Xia, Ping Luo, Kecheng Guan, Hideto Matsuyama, Zhaoxiang Zhong
Summary: In this study, high-porosity PVDF-PSF membranes were prepared by dissolving PVDF and PSF polymer powders in PolarClean. The addition of PVDF nanoparticles on the membrane surface improved the hydrophobicity and liquid entry pressure of the membrane. These membranes exhibited high water flux and excellent desalination performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Anika B. Asha, Yi-Yang Peng, Qiuli Cheng, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Yang Liu, Ravin Narain
Summary: The rapid accumulation of dead bacteria or protein on a bactericidal surface can reduce its effectiveness and alter its biocidal activity. Therefore, developing a self-cleaning surface is crucial. In this project, a sugar-responsive self-cleaning coating has been developed, which can kill attached microbials and release dead cells and foulants.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Antoine Venault, Yi-Tung Chin, Irish Maggay, Chih-Chen Yeh, Yung Chang
Summary: This work investigates the association of P(S-r-AA) copolymer with PVDF in the fabrication of electrospun fibers for blood filtration, showing improved wetting of nanofibers and enhanced separation and retention of white blood cells. The results demonstrate the potential of PVDF-based nanofibers as efficient separation media for whole blood, with further efforts needed to enhance biocompatibility and red blood cell recovery.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shin-ichi Yusa, Daishiro Oka, Yasuhiko Iwasaki, Kazuhiko Ishihara
Summary: Well-defined pH-responsive biocompatible random copolymers were synthesized and their pH-responsive association and dissociation behavior were studied using various techniques. The copolymers exhibited different microstructures and solubility properties under acidic and basic conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Thi Lien Nguyen, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Shin-ichi Yusa
Summary: The self-assembly of pH-responsive random and block copolymers composed of 2-(N,N-diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine was studied in aqueous media. The copolymers existed as single polymer chains in an acidic environment, but formed separated micelles in a basic environment.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Miu Kaneyasu, Kyoko Fukazawa, Ren Zhang, Yuji Teramura
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of differentiated cells on stem cell differentiation by co-culturing in a cell-encapsulated double-layered hydrogel system. The hydrogel's creep modulus controlled cell proliferation and differentiation, especially when exposed to bone morphogenetic protein-2, leading to the differentiation of C3H10T1/2 cells into mature osteoblasts. The close contacting double-layered hydrogel structure facilitated communication between different cell types, enhancing alkaline phosphatase activity in the cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kohei Kitano, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Shin-ichi Yusa
Summary: The triblock copolymer PEG-b-PUEM-b-PMPC was synthesized via controlled radical polymerization, with a UCST exhibited by the PUEM block and the ability of PMPC to dissolve hydrophobic fullerenes to form a complex. The EUM can serve as a carrier for releasing encapsulated drugs, while the PUEM shell can encapsulate an anticancer drug which can be released by heating. The water-soluble C-70/EUM complex can also generate singlet oxygen upon visible-light irradiation, making it a potential photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Anna Adler, Yuuki Inoue, Kristina N. Ekdahl, Teruhiko Baba, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Bo Nilsson, Yuji Teramura
Summary: Alternative liposome surface coatings with poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (MPC)-based lipids (PMPC-lipids) can effectively suppress protein adsorption and C3 binding, especially with higher molecular weight and molar ratio of PMPC-lipids. Apolipoprotein A-I is detected on PMPC-liposomes with higher molecular weight, while alpha(2)-macroglobulin is detected on non-modified, PEGylated, and PMPC-liposomes with shorter polymer chains. There is a correlation among the PMPC molecular weight, molar ratio, and C3 binding.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kyoko Fukazawa, Mingwei Mu, Sheng-Han Chen, Kazuhiko Ishihara
Summary: Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) has been widely used as a replacement for metal implants in biomedical fields. In this study, zwitterionic copolymers were used to modify the surface of PEEK via photoinduced reactions. The findings suggest that the molecular structure of the copolymers affects the surface properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Irish Valerie Maggay, Ming-Lun Yu, Da-Ming Wang, Ching-Hsueh Chiang, Yung Chang, Antoine Venault
Summary: Using 2-pyrrolidone (2P) and water as additives, skin-free polysulfone (PSf) membranes free of macrovoids were prepared by the non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process. This method improves the membrane's permeability and mechanical properties while maintaining high porosity and large pores.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Anika Benozir Asha, Artjima Ounkaew, Yi-Yang Peng, Mohammad Reza Gholipour, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Yang Liu, Ravin Narain
Summary: Infections caused by biofouling are a major concern in the healthcare sector. To combat these infections, multifunctional coatings with antifouling and antibacterial properties are widely used. However, scratches and damages to the coating can compromise its functionality. In this study, a biocompatible and multifunctional coating with self-healing, antifouling, and antibacterial properties was developed. The coating demonstrated excellent performance against protein and bacteria and its durability was significantly extended.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shukanta Bhowmik, Thu Thao Pham, Rintaro Takahashi, Dongwook Kim, Hideki Matsuoka, Kazuhiko Ishihara, Shin-ichi Yusa
Summary: Cationic random copolymers and anionic random copolymers were prepared using a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer method. The copolymers were mixed to form water-soluble polyion complex micelles, with MPC-rich surface and MCC/MPS core. The size of these micelles depended on the mixing ratio of the oppositely charged copolymers.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Irish Valerie Maggay, Ting-Yu Liao, Antoine Venault, Hao-Tung Lin, Chih-Cheng Chao, Ta-Chin Wei, Yung Chang
Summary: The utilization of DBD plasma treatment on ePTFE film successfully modified its surface and endowed it with antibacterial properties. Both DMAEMA and TMAEMA monomers allowed ePTFE to kill Escherichia coli bacteria, while only TMAEMA-grafted ePTFE was able to release dead bacteria upon washing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Xinfeng Shi, Kyoko Fukazawa, Tetsuji Yamaoka, George Yao, James Yuliang Wu
Summary: Contact lenses are a successful application of biomaterials, and the chemical structure of the polymers used in contact lenses is crucial. Different types of contact lenses have been developed based on the chemical structure of polymers, considering factors like mechanical properties, optical properties, and compatibility. Advances in contact lens materials have addressed issues like oxygen permeability and biocompatibility, improving comfort and duration of use. Surface polymer modification has allowed for better long-term use and reuse of contact lenses.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Antoine Venault, Hana Nur Aini, Tesfaye Abebe Galeta, Yung Chang
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful fabrication of low-biofouling homogeneous porous membranes using a non-toxic solvent DMSO and a copolymer PS-r-PEGMA. The choice of DMSO as a solvent is justified, and the addition of PS-r-PEGMA greatly improves membrane hydration and reduces biofouling.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kazuhiko Ishihara, Kyoko Fukazawa
Summary: Fabrication of devices for accurate recognition, detection, and separation of target molecules is crucial in biotechnology. Biomolecules are complexed with a substrate to recognize and capture specific molecules from mixtures. This article summarizes the use of polymeric materials to construct biointerfaces that mimic the structure and properties of cell membranes. The requirements for biointerfaces to prevent non-specific interactions and the issue of protein adsorption are discussed, along with methodologies for stable formation of these interfaces on material surfaces.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)