Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaocheng Wang, Xiaojun Hou, Peiyu Zou, Aimin Huang, Min Zhang, Lin Ma
Summary: This study investigates the controlled release efficacy of nanocomposites based on alginate and bentonite. It was found that (3-chloro-2hydroxypropyl)trimethyl ammonium grafted starch can enhance the swelling property and adsorption capability of the nanocomposites, resulting in a slower release of alachlor.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Fiora Artusio, Dario Casa, Monica Granetto, Tiziana Tosco, Roberto Pisano
Summary: The large-scale use of volatile and highly water-soluble pesticides for crop protection can have negative impacts on the environment. Utilizing alginate nanoparticles to encapsulate herbicides can promote sustained release and improve pesticide efficiency, reducing environmental pollution.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoxue Yuan, Ran Liu, Wenchang Zhang, Xiaoqiang Song, Lei Xu, Yan Zhao, Lei Shang, Jingsong Zhang
Summary: The study successfully prepared CMCS and SA blend membranes using solution casting technique, which can modulate the swelling rates and release rates of the membranes by simply changing the weight ratio of CMCS/SA. These blend membranes show promise as biomaterials for modulating permeation behavior and developing drug delivery systems.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shuhei Takatsuka, Takeshi Kubota, Yuta Kurashina, Sho Kurihara, Motoki Hirabayashi, Masato Fujioka, Hirotaka James Okano, Hiroaki Onoe
Summary: An ultrasound-triggered on-demand AAV release system using alginate hydrogel microbeads (AHMs) with a release enhancer is proposed to control the timing of AAV release and avoid an immune response to AAV.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Archana Tanwar, Pranjali Date, Divya Ottoor
Summary: A new gelatin-based hydrogel nanocomposite was developed with embedded zinc oxide nanoparticles for controlled release of ciprofloxacin. The nanocomposite showed improved swelling characteristics and thermal stability of the hydrogel matrix, as well as more controlled and pH-dependent drug release. The drug release kinetics followed zero order kinetics and the Super case II transport mechanism for ciprofloxacin release.
COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Oya Irmak Sahin, Kubra Uzuner, Ayse Neslihan Dundar, Mahmud Ekrem Parlak, Latife Betul Gul, Adnan Fatih Dagdelen, Furkan Turker Saricaoglu, Senay Simsek
Summary: Food gels are attractive for their biocompatibility, eco-friendly characteristics, and wide range of medical and food applications. This study examined the use of phycocyanin and honey embedded in a gel-type delivery system composed of alginate and gelatin. The results showed that higher alginate concentration increased the release of phenolic content, and the gel structure protected the phenolic content during digestion and enhanced their bio-accessibility. The study suggests that a combination of 1.5 g/100 mL alginate with gelatin can improve the functionality and bio-accessibility of functional ingredients without affecting sensory properties.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiliang Liu, Qinglin Wu, Xiuxuan Sun, Yiying Yue, Brenda Tubana, Rongjie Yang, Huai N. Cheng
Summary: Novel nanocomposite hydrogels with unique structure and high water retention capacity showed good sensitivity to different solutions and achieved precise NPK release, making them suitable for drought-prone and/or fertilizer-loss regions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Basak Ebru Ozcan, Oznur Saroglu, Canan Yagmur Karakas, Ayse Karadag
Summary: The purple basil leaf extract (PBLE) was encapsulated in double emulsion (W1/O/W2)-loaded beads (emulgel) by electrospraying, and the influence of & kappa;-carrageenan (& kappa;-CG) and cross-linking agents (Ca2+/K+) on the properties of alginate (SA) beads were assessed. The inclusion of & kappa;-CG resulted in larger sizes, distorted shapes, wrinkles on the surface, and lower gel strength in emulgel beads. The emulgel beads showed higher thermal stability and enhanced in vitro bioaccessibility of anthocyanins (ACNs) under simulated digestion, compared to hydrogel beads.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiezhou Pan, Haotian Liao, Guidong Gong, Yunxiang He, Qin Wang, Lang Qin, Yaoyao Zhang, Hirotaka Ejima, Blaise L. Tardy, Joseph J. Richardson, Jiaojiao Shang, Orlando J. Rojas, Yong Zeng, Junling Guo
Summary: Drug-dependent design of hydrogels plays a crucial role in controlling the release of therapeutics. By integrating supramolecular phenolic-based nanofillers (SPFs) into hydrogel microstructures, this study developed a simple approach to create clinically relevant hydrogels with controlled release properties for various therapeutic agents. The assembly of multiscale SPF aggregates allowed for tunable mesh size and dynamic interactions with drugs, expanding the choices of drugs and hydrogels. The controlled release of 12 representative drugs was successfully achieved using this method. Furthermore, the sustained release of lidocaine for 14 days in vivo demonstrated the potential for long-term anesthesia in patients.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Haoran Cheng, Haishan Wu, Ting Guo, Hyun Jin Park, Jinglei Li
Summary: A zinc insulin hexamer-loaded alginate hydrogel was prepared and characterized for oral insulin administration. The hydrogel showed controlled release of insulin in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, with no cytotoxicity observed. In diabetic mice, the hydrogel demonstrated significant and prolonged hypoglycemic effect.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Saeedeh Shahbazizadeh, Sara Naji-Tabasi, Mostafa Shahidi-Noghabi
Summary: This study developed a cress seed gum hydrogel with isolated soy protein-sodium alginate nanogel as a delivery system for curcumin. The addition of 10% nanogel improved the elasticity and stability of the composite hydrogel. Nanogel-based hydrogels showed better thermal stability and controlled release of curcumin in intestinal conditions.
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Huazhong Ma, Jianglin Zhao, Ying Liu, Liang Liu, Juan Yu, Yimin Fan
Summary: An interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel was developed by crosslinking nanocellulose and sodium alginate through an acetic acid coagulation bath and Ca2+ chelation. The nanofibers in the hydrogel greatly extended the release time of aspirin to 60 hours, thanks to the well-structured network. Carboxyl groups played a role in the release capacity in different pH environments. This study provides a guide for the preparation of physically crosslinked IPN hydrogels with good mechanical properties and cytocompatibility for drug delivery applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina S. Postolovic, Milan D. Antonijevic, Biljana Ljujic, Marina Miletic Kovacevic, Marina Gazdic Jankovic, Zorka D. Stanic
Summary: Hydrogel beads based on biopolymers were prepared for encapsulation of curcumin, and significant increased release of curcumin was observed. These beads can be used as powerful carriers for the oral delivery of hydrophobic nutraceuticals.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Maja Benkovic, Ivana Saric, Ana Jurinjak Tusek, Tamara Jurina, Jasenka Gajdos Kljusuric, Davor Valinger
Summary: Microencapsulation using alginate was applied to bioactives from five Lamiaceae family plants, showing that thyme extract had the highest transfer of polyphenols. The release kinetics study indicated that lemon balm polyphenols were released the fastest, following a pseudo-Fickian diffusion mechanism.
FOOD AND BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sevil Cikrikci Erunsal
Summary: Alginate and various gums were used to design a multicomplex hydrogel for oral delivery of pomegranate concentrate. Gum tragacanth replacement of alginate resulted in higher release of pomegranate concentrate in digestive media. This study suggests the use of LF NMR as an indicator for polymer mixture characterization in complex gels.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kuan Shiong Khoo, Chien Wei Ooi, Kit Wayne Chew, Shir Reen Chia, Su Chern Foo, Hui Suan Ng, Pau Loke Show
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of the electropermeabilization-assisted liquid biphasic flotation (LBF) system in the extraction of fucoxanthin, a biocompound highly demanded by the food and pharmaceutical industries. The system achieves direct recovery of intracellular biocompounds from cells without the need for discrete bioprocessing steps, and shows high yields and good recovery rates.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY A
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Siti Hanifah Adiiba, Eng-Seng Chan, Yee Ying Lee, Amelia, Mun Yuen Chang, Cher Pin Song
Summary: This study developed a methanol-free enzymatic hydrolysis process to produce palm phytonutrients from crude palm oil (CPO). The results showed that the ET 2.0 enzyme was the most effective for hydrolysis, achieving a high FFA content under optimized conditions. Furthermore, the addition of ascorbic acid helped retain carotenoid and tocol content.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Wail Gourich, Eng-Seng Chan, Wei Zhe Ng, Aaron Anthony Obon, Kireshwen Maran, Yi Hui Ong, Chin Loong Lee, Jully Tan, Cher Pin Song
Summary: The lack of reliable electricity access, especially in rural areas, remains a global issue. This paper proposes a new concept of co-producing biodiesel in rural palm oil mills to create renewable energy access. The study finds that using enzymatic biodiesel for electrification significantly improves climate benefits compared to commercial diesel. Furthermore, a biodiesel co-production facility in a medium-sized palm oil mill can support around 940 surrounding households. This electrification concept is feasible and can be implemented in many developing palm oil producing countries.
Article
Acoustics
R. C. N. Thilakarathna, Lee Fong Siow, Teck-Kim Tang, Eng-Seng Chan, Yee-Ying Lee
Summary: Ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction (UAE) was used to extract Madhuca longifolia seed oil. The effect of extraction conditions on oil yield and recovery was investigated. UAE showed comparable oil yield and recovery to Soxhlet extraction (SXE), while mechanical pressing (ME) had lower recovery. UAE did not affect the composition of fatty acids and triacylglycerol profile. Interestingly, UAE-extracted oil had significantly higher antioxidant capacity compared to SXE or ME.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Amelia, Cher Pin Song, Mun Yuen Chang, Siti Hanifah Adiiba, Eng-Seng Chan
Summary: Liquid lipase is gaining popularity in biodiesel production from secondary lipid feedstocks. This study investigated the retention of tocols during enzymatic conversion of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) to biodiesel using a low-cost liquid lipase. The results showed that the highest ester content and tocols retention were achieved under specific reaction conditions. Enrichment of tocols content and increased ester content in the biodiesel were also observed after vacuum distillation.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hui-Peng Lim, Shiuh-Shen Desmond Ng, Dhanushkaa Buddha Dasa, Sarah Anisa Adnan, Beng-Ti Tey, Eng-Seng Chan, Kiang-Wei Ho, Chien-Wei Ooi
Summary: This study explores the use of composite microgels made of chitosan and carrageenan as a dual stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsifier for water-in-oil Pickering emulsion (PE) stabilization in food applications. The chitosan-carrageenan composite microgels exhibit pH and thermal responsiveness, as well as enhanced lipophilicity compared to discrete polymers. The stability of the PE system is influenced by the CS:CRG mass ratio and oil fractions used.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marjia Sultana, Eng Seng Chan, Pushpamalar Janarthanan, Wee Sim Choo
Summary: The objective of this study was to encapsulate tocotrienol-enriched flaxseed oil in calcium alginate-carboxymethyl cellulose (CA-CMC) hydrogel beads. The selected emulsion with high stability, narrow particle size distribution, and small droplet mean diameter was used to prepare tocotrienol-enriched flaxseed oil beads. The CA-CMC beads protected the oxidation of the enriched oil and showed potential in preserving and delivering tocotrienol-enriched flaxseed oil.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Wei Ping Quek, Yi Hui Ong, Michelle Khai Khun Yap, Yee Ying Lee, Nur Azwani Ab Karim, Chien Lye Chew, Eng-Seng Chan
Summary: This study found that monochloropropanediol esters (MCPDE) and glycidyl esters (GE) in refined vegetable oils and deep-fried foods can be carcinogenic. The absorption of MCPDE and GE in food fried with different types of oils has not been extensively studied. It was discovered that the physicochemical properties of vegetable oils influence the 3-MCPDE levels in fried food, and it is important to produce frying oil with low initial levels of contaminants, especially GE, to improve food safety.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Siti Hanifah Adiiba, Cher Pin Song, Yee Ying Lee, Eng-Seng Chan
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of adding phenolic antioxidants on the enzymatic hydrolysis of crude palm oil (CPO) and the retention of phytonutrients. The results showed that the addition of phenolic antioxidants significantly improved the retention of carotenes and tocols, with TBHQ being the most effective antioxidant.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yuan Zhe Aw, Hui Peng Lim, Liang Ee Low, Bey-Hing Goh, Eng Seng Chan, Beng Ti Tey
Summary: In this study, curcumin was efficiently encapsulated in oil droplets using cellulose nanocrystal-stabilized Pickering emulsion (CNCPE) and then immobilized in an alginate hydrogel matrix to form CNCPE-Alg beads. The beads showed high physical stability and improved storage stability of curcumin. The release profile indicated a diffusion-driven release, and in vitro experiments confirmed the complete release of curcumin during intestinal digestion. These findings highlight the potential of CNCPE-Alg beads as a food-compatible encapsulation system for lipophilic bioactive compounds.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Tzyi Horng Tan, Eng-Seng Chan, Maslia Manja, Teck-Kim Tang, Eng-Tong Phuah, Yee-Ying Lee
Summary: Various food formulations have used solid fats to provide specific texture and sensory attributes. With the ban on partially hydrogenated oil due to the presence of trans fats, oleogels, which are semi-solid gels made from liquid vegetable oil and food-grade oleogelators, have been developed as a trans fat-free and low-saturated fat alternative. Oleogels are prepared through indirect or direct oleogelation technology, resulting in a network that entraps the liquid oil with the aid of low and high molecular weight oleogelators. Oleogels have gained significant attention in the food industry, particularly in high-fat products, for their ability to meet consumer demands for healthier options while providing viscoelastic properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that oleogels metabolize differently from conventional fats and oils, offering additional advantages in improving the nutritional value of high-fat foods. This review provides an overview of the latest research on oleogels, including their production methods, influence of processing conditions on physical properties, metabolism and health attributes, and recent applications in food products.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN OIL CHEMISTS SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wei Zhe Ng, Eng-Seng Chan, Wail Gourich, Chien Wei Ooi, Beng Ti Tey, Cher Pin Song
Summary: The rise in energy consumption and non-renewable fossil fuel depletion has led to the search for more sustainable fuel alternatives. Hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) shows promise as a replacement for conventional hydrocarbon (HC) fuels due to its renewability and high calorific value. However, current processes for converting vegetable oil to HVO are expensive and require extreme operating conditions. Recent research on the photodecarboxylase derived from Chlorella variabilis NC64A (CvFAP) has shown potential for converting fatty acid (FA) to renewable HC fuel using blue light, with a simple one-step process and no intermediate formation. This review summarizes the findings regarding CvFAP-catalyzed renewable HC fuel production, including the catalytic mechanism and challenges in scale-up and commercialization. Current studies have demonstrated great potential for producing renewable HC fuel from FA using CvFAP.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Manufacturing
Hui-Peng Lim, Chani Oshadi Karandagaspitiya, Derek Kwan-Hoe Chan, Liang-Ee Low, Beng-Ti Tey, Eng-Seng Chan
Summary: The number of studies using Pickering emulsion (PE) as printing ink in the 3D printing process has been increasing. PE is an emulsion system stabilized by particles irreversibly adsorbed at the oil/water interface. This review highlights the latest advancement in 3D printing using PE-based systems, discusses the effect of the physicochemical properties of colloidal particles on the rheological behavior and printability of PE-based systems, and emphasizes the evaluation techniques for characterizing the printing performance. The challenges and opportunities for future research are also addressed. This review provides insight into the potential of PE-based inks in 3D printing.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marjia Sultana, Eng Seng Chan, Pushpamalar Janarthanan, Wee Sim Choo
Summary: This study aimed to co-encapsulate Lactobacillus casei and tocotrienol-enriched flaxseed oil in calcium alginate-carboxymethyl cellulose (CA-CMC) hydrogel beads. The co-encapsulated beads showed higher encapsulation efficiencies of oil and L. casei, as well as higher viability of L. casei and oxidative stability of oil, during in vitro digestion and storage compared to single encapsulated beads. These findings demonstrate the synergistic interaction between L. casei and tocotrienol-enriched flaxseed oil, suggesting the potential of the co-encapsulated beads to deliver the health benefits of these bioactives in a food system.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mustafa Kalay, Abidin Esidir, Mahmut Ruzi, N. Burak Kiremitler, Mustafa Serdar Onses
Summary: This study proposes stable and addressable polymer PUFs, utilizing a cross-linkable polymer system, which demonstrates high stochastic characteristics and low-cost production. The performance of the polymer features is evaluated through various analyses, and direct image authentication is achieved using feature matching algorithms.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jingyu Jin, Guoqiang Lu, Jun Nie, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: Photopolymerization technology is limited in the fields of food packaging and biomedicine due to the high migration of small molecules from photoinitiators. In this study, a polymerizable 2-vinyl thioxanthone (ETX) was synthesized to improve the migration stability of photoinitiators. Macromolecular photoinitiators (PPI1, PPI2) were also prepared to further reduce migration. The results showed that the ETX/TEOA system had higher initiation performance and PPI2 displayed favorable initiation ability. Additionally, the migration of ETX, PPI1, and PPI2 in photocured film was significantly reduced. These low-migration photoinitiators have potential applications in the fields of food packaging and biological materials.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Weijie Li, Jun Nie, Yingying Zhao, Xiaoqun Zhu
Summary: This study focuses on the development of high-performance, low-migration photoinitiators. A polymerizable photoinitiator (VBP) was synthesized by introducing an ethylene group into benzophenone, and three different molecular weight single-component photoinitiators (PVBN1-3) were synthesized based on VBP. The results show that these new photoinitiators have stronger absorption ability compared to benzophenone and significantly reduce the migration of initiators and co-initiators, addressing the safety concerns caused by migration.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Seira Morimune-Moriya, Yuki Iwahashi, Mitsuru Nakamura, Daisuke Ogawa, Keiji Nakamura
Summary: This study investigates the effect of plasma treatment on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and the structure/properties of polyimide (PI) nanocomposites with ultra-low content of CNTs. The results show that plasma treatment introduces isocyanate groups on the surface of CNTs and enhances the interfacial interaction between PI and treated CNTs. This leads to a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, with even a small addition of treated CNTs showing a substantial increase in Young's modulus, tensile strength and toughness.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuanlong Li, Chaojie Chen, Guoqing Cui, Li Liu, Chao Zhou, Guangfeng Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel ion-conducting hydrogel was fabricated using a straightforward approach. The hydrogel showed excellent tensile properties and high toughness due to physical interactions and covalent binding. Additionally, the introduction of hydroxyethyl cellulose and lithium chloride improved the biocompatibility, mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, and frost resistance of the hydrogel, demonstrating its potential for cold climate applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Dengwei Yan, Jinxian Yang, Xuejun Pan, Xiaozheng Duan, Lianwei Li, Mo Zhu
Summary: The influence of backbone length on grafting efficiency during the graft-onto reaction process was investigated. It was found that the polydispersity effect of backbone length does not affect the final grafting efficiency, indicating that the local dynamics of chain segments dominate the graft-onto process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhaoyi Luo, Xianjie Pan, Fanqi Liu, Quanxi Yi, Yanning Zeng, Yunhua Chen, Chaoyang Wang
Summary: This study provides a method to prepare high-performance epoxy materials with good malleability and thermal stability. The materials have self-healing and welding capabilities, thanks to the addition of specific chemical bonds and network structures. They exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commercial epoxy resins and show great potential for sustainable industrial development.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Chaoji Xiong, Hao Wang, Lihua Deng, Kun Liang, Chunhua Wu, Wei Wu, Qian Chen
Summary: In this study, four polyamides were synthesized and their adsorption performances for Hg2+ in aqueous systems were investigated. The polyamides exhibited high adsorption capacities and excellent reusability, with the involvement of sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen in the chemical adsorption process of Hg2+.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Siim Laanesoo, Olivier Bonjour, Rauno Sedrik, Iris Tamsalu, Patric Jannasch, Lauri Vares
Summary: The insertion of rigid aliphatic or aromatic building blocks in polymer structures is an effective way to synthesize high -Tg polymer materials. In this study, a series of isosorbide-2-aryl carboxylate-5-methacrylate monomers (ArIMAs) were synthesized by functionalizing isosorbide 5-methacrylate with various aromatic lignin-inspired esters. These monomers were polymerized to obtain high molecular-weight poly(aryl carboxylate isosorbide methacrylates) (PArIMAs). The resulting polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and thermal stability, making them suitable for use as high-performance plastics and coatings.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuqian Wu, Weijie Xu, Jianliang Li, Zhangfeng Zhong, Liqing Huang, Shengke Li, Huaping Tan
Summary: This study investigates the improvement of degradation and drug release characteristics of dynamic Schiff base-mediated natural polysaccharide hydrogels using tannic acid (TA), leading to enhanced stability and functionality.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Xi Zhang, Xiangli Kong, Xin Zhou, Yiyan Gao, Yibo Sun, Guanghui Gao, Wei Liu, Kai Shi
Summary: Conductive hydrogels have great development prospects in flexible strain sensors, but long-term direct contact with human skin can cause bacterial infection. A hydrogel with antibacterial, biocompatibility, and toughness was designed and manufactured using a freeze-thaw method. The hydrogel maintains tensile properties and fatigue resistance at low temperatures and is resistant to bacteria. Therefore, hydrogel sensors can be used to monitor human movements.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Zhang, Jiangang Yu, Mingyang Wu, Rui Li, Anqiang Zhang, Yaling Lin
Summary: In this study, polyacrylamide containing quaternary ammonium salts (PAM-X) were synthesized and found to effectively inhibit soil-borne pathogenic fungi while maintaining the balance of microbial population in soil. PAM-X also showed low toxicity to earthworms and fish, providing a new method for the prevention and control of soil-borne fungal diseases.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiawen He, Haojie Yu, Li Wang, Jian Yang, Yanhui Zhang, Wenbing Huang, Chenguang Ouyang
Summary: This review discusses the use of polymeric hydrogels for atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), including the mechanism of water sorption, fabrication methods, and strategies for optimizing the structure of hydrogels. The extended applications of hygroscopic photothermal hydrogels, such as agricultural irrigation and dehumidification, are also explored. The challenges and prospects of using polymeric hydrogels for AWH are summarized.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Du, Shuaishuai Lu, Yuanna Sun, Qingshan Li, Xinhai He
Summary: This study introduces a method to improve the performance of hydrogels by incorporating proline, resulting in hydrogels with excellent stretchability, high conductivity, and long-term stability. The hydrogel remains flexible and conductive even at ultra-low temperatures.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2024)
