Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Seda Gurdap, Nazende Nur Bayram, Ismail Alper Isoglu, Sevil Dincer Isoglu
Summary: This study describes the synthesis and behavior of temperature-sensitive SBMA homopolymers and core cross-linked micelles with an SBMA shell. It has been shown that an increase in the chain length and concentration of the homopolymer results in an increase in UCST. The micelles exhibit concentration-dependent dual temperature-sensitive behavior. Various characterization techniques were used to analyze the homopolymers and micelles. Stabilized micelles were successfully prepared for pH and temperature-controlled drug delivery. The CCMs show promising potential as smart drug carriers.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nikola Majstorovic, Seema Agarwal
Summary: Dual-responsive nano-structured PNAGA hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking PNIPAM nanogels with NAGA. The hydrogels exhibited high mechanical strength, elasticity, and LCST and UCST-type swelling properties. The dual-responsive UCST and LCST-type rheological behavior and self-healing properties were also demonstrated. The nano-structured PNAGA hydrogels have potential applications in temperature sensors and biological scaffolds.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jian Zhang, Siyu Li, Zhigang Wang, Peng Liu, Youliang Zhao
Summary: The incorporation of asymmetric Y junctions in thermoresponsive polymers allows for hierarchical self-assembly, and self-assembly of cyclic polymers can amplify topology effects. Research on the influence of Y junctions on physicochemical properties is still in the early stages, with a variety of copolymers designed to explore the effects of topology, chain length, composition, concentration, and temperature.
Article
Polymer Science
Shuwei Cai, Yan Wang, Xianru He
Summary: Stimuli-sensitive polymers synthesized via precipitation polymerization exhibit salt-sensitive and thermosensitive properties, displaying dual responsive behaviors in NaCl solution. The interaction between molecules in aqueous solution under varying conditions is found to be caused by electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic association, leading to the smart and potential application prospect of the polymer.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Aliaksei Aliakseyeu, Raman Hlushko, Svetlana A. Sukhishvili
Summary: We report the synthesis of a temperature-responsive polymer and study its phase transition behavior and interactions with molecules in water solutions. The results show that the molecular structure of the polymer has minimal effect on its phase transition temperature, while the presence of hydrogen-bond acceptors can suppress the transition temperature. In addition, star-shaped polymers have a higher ability to capture drug molecules and can be used for controlled release by adjusting the temperature.
Article
Polymer Science
Kang Liu, Pengbo Han, Shunfeng Yu, Xinjun Wu, Yueyi Tian, Qianhan Liu, Jinhui Wang, Mingming Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: Nonconjugated luminescent polymers with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in aqueous solution have been synthesized through copolymerization of a strong hydrogen-donating monomer, acrylic acid (AAc), and a strong hydrogen-accepting monomer, N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL). The polymer demonstrates improved clusteroluminescence and thermoresponsiveness, making it suitable for temperature-sensitive biosensing applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nobuyuki Morimoto, Masaya Yamamoto
Summary: In this study, a thermoresponsive polymer ZB-PEG with both LCST and UCST-like behaviors was prepared using RAFT copolymerization. Different microstructures of ZB-PEG were formed in PBS by adjusting the composition of PEG, and these states were found to be reversible via temperature control. This behavior showed high reversibility and successfully stabilized HRP in dilute conditions, making ZB-PEG applicable for a wide range of applications in biotechnology and other fields.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Evan M. Lewoczko, Ning Wang, Claire E. Lundberg, Michael T. Kelly, Ethan W. Kent, Tao Wu, Ming-Li Chen, Jian-Hua Wang, Bin Zhao
Summary: The effects of N-substituents on the solution behavior of PSBMAs in water were elucidated, showing that different substituents can regulate the solubility transition temperatures. Changes in hydrophobic effects and interactions between zwitterionic groups may lead to the observed UCST and LCST behaviors. Varying substituents can facilitate the design of different types of PSBMAs.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhi Zou, Xiang Xu, Hai-Tao Zhao, Jian-Nan Cheng, Wei-Wei He, Li-Fen Zhang, Zhen-Ping Cheng
Summary: In this study, dual temperature-responsive block copolymers are synthesized and the influencing factors of temperature-responsive behaviors are analyzed. The introduction of poly-acrylic acid segments is found to change the type of temperature-responsive behavior. This research is important for tuning the phase transition behavior of polymers in the manufacture of extreme smart materials.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xinnan Ma, Wenrui Huang, Yongqing Song, Juan Han, Jiacong Wu, Lei Wang, Yun Wang
Summary: This study developed a novel recyclable mVBA-b-P(AAm-co-AN)pglucose isomerase biocatalyst with improved substrate affinity and catalytic efficiency. Compared to the free enzyme, this biocatalyst showed superior stability and recyclability, making it a potential candidate for industrial production of high-fructose syrup.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Mostafa Badreldin, Pedro Salas-Ambrosio, Elisabeth Garanger, Simon Harrisson, Colin Bonduelle
Summary: This review discusses the importance and applications of thermoresponsive polymers in polymer science. It focuses on the structure/thermoresponsiveness relationship, mechanisms, and potential applications of synthetic polypeptides based on amino acids in materials science and biomedical fields.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Piotr Polanowski, Krzysztof Halagan, Andrzej Sikorski
Summary: A generic model for studying the polymerization process of branched macromolecules was developed and Monte Carlo simulations were used to investigate the process. The synthesis kinetics, size, and structure of star-branched polymers and dendrimers were studied, as well as the influence of well-defined cores on the system's structure and dispersity.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Supraja S. Chittari, Allie C. Obermeyer, Abigail S. Knight
Summary: Through studying thermoresponsive copolymers, it is found that the nonequilibrium thermal hysteretic behavior is influenced by composition and stimulus path. Analysis of heat-cool cycles reveals that hysteresis in copolymers varies based on side chain length and hydrophobicity. The temperature ramp rate also affects hysteresis, as optimized temperature protocols can trap the material in insoluble states. This study uncovers fundamental principles for harnessing out-of-equilibrium effects in synthetic soft materials.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Komol Kanta Sharker, Yusuke Shigeta, Shinji Ozoe, Panittha Damsongsang, Voravee P. Hoven, Shin-ichi Yusa
Summary: Amphoteric statistical equivalent copolymers (P(2VP/NaSS)(n)) exhibit an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in acidic aqueous solutions, which can be controlled by factors such as pH value, salt concentration, polymer concentration, etc. The UCST can increase with higher molecular weight polymer chains, deuterium oxide substitution, and decrease with higher pH value or salt concentration.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Terence Yan King Ho, Ankit, Benny Febriansyah, Natalia Yantara, Shreyas Pethe, Dino Accoto, Sumod Appukuttan Pullarkat, Nripan Mathews
Summary: The study focuses on thermally driven optical transitions in ionogels, showing their enhanced stability and repeatable optical transitions, with potential for long-term use in harsh environments.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaofang Shi, Zhouyue Lei, Peiyi Wu
Summary: This study develops a multifunctional ionic skin that can modulate light and protect human skin from harmful ultraviolet and infrared lights. The skin also enables human-machine interactions through wireless and optically camouflaged Morse codes, which is expected to promote the development of smart wearable devices with customizable functions.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi Gong, Lei Hou, Tianyu Li, Yucong Jiao, Peiyi Wu
Summary: A water dispersible and molecular interaction regulated polymer binder (PNAVS) was elaborately designed for Li-S batteries, showing coordination of LiPS with higher binding energy, optimized Li* diffusion coefficient, and ultrastable open circuit voltage for more than 3000 h. The binder engineering strategy in this work will propel the practical applications of high-performance batteries.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huai Xiang, Xiaoxia Li, Baohu Wu, Shengtong Sun, Peiyi Wu
Summary: A highly damping ionic elastomer with energy-dissipating nanophases embedded in an elastic matrix is introduced, which has excellent properties and can be used for sensing and protecting applications in soft electronics and robotics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ruoyu Li, Weina Kong, Zesheng An
Summary: Reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is a powerful method for synthesizing well-defined polymers, and the involvement of biocatalysts has enhanced its sustainability. In this Perspective, the green conditions, oxygen tolerance, versatile function, and access to difficult polymers in bioRDRP are highlighted. The future of bioRDRP may benefit from expanding the biocatalyst library, improving bacterial redox potential, enhancing biocatalyst robustness, and conducting mechanistic studies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhilong Tian, Lei Hou, Doudou Feng, Peiyi Wu, Yucong Jiao
Summary: In this study, a lithium bond enriched polymer gel (PAEV) was designed to achieve polymer electrolytes with adjustable ionic conductivity and tunable mechanical properties. The electrolyte showed enhanced capacity and performance in lithium-ion batteries at different temperatures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lei Peng, Lei Hou, Peiyi Wu
Summary: Photonic ionic elastomers (PIEs) with multiple signal outputs are challenging to fabricate with mechanical robustness, good ionic conductivity, and brilliant structure color. This study introduces the synergistic effect of lithium and hydrogen bonds into a PIE, leading to enhanced mechanical strength and toughness. The PIEs also exhibit synchronous electrical and optical output under mechanical strains and extraordinary stability under extreme conditions. This work offers a promising molecular engineering route for high-performance photonic ionic conductors in advanced ionotronic applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haiyan Qiao, Shengtong Sun, Peiyi Wu
Summary: Humans use periodically ridged fingertips for precise perception of object characteristics through ion-based mechanotransduction. Designing artificial ionic skins with similar tactile capabilities is challenging due to the contradiction between compliance and pressure sensing. Inspired by the hierarchical structure of fingertips, an aesthetic ionic skin with periodic stiff ridges embedded in a soft hydrogel matrix is developed, enabling strain-undisturbed pressure sensing and texture recognition. This approach can inspire the design of high-performance ionic tactile sensors for soft robotics and prosthetics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Meng, Yucong Jiao, Peiyi Wu
Summary: A polyzwitterion protective layer (PZIL) was developed to prevent dendrite formation and side reactions on zinc anode, improving the safety and stability of zinc ion batteries. The PZIL adsorbs onto the zinc metal, inhibiting side reactions, and chelates with zinc ions to regulate solvation structure. Additionally, the Hofmeister effect enhances interfacial contact during electrochemical characterization. The symmetrical zinc battery with PZIL exhibited stable performance for over 1000 hours at an ultra-high current density of 40 mA cm(-2).
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Zhao, Zhouyue Lei, Peiyi Wu
Summary: Converting building and environment heat into electricity is a promising strategy for energy harvest. However, typical thermoelectric materials face challenges in outdoor building systems due to processing difficulties, mechanical brittleness, and low environmental tolerance. This research explores a concept based on synergistic ionic associations to improve the mechanical properties and harsh environment stability of ionic-type thermoelectric gels. These gels demonstrate high stretchability, self-healing ability, temperature insensitivity, and water-proof performance, and can be applied to various surfaces. They also exhibit remarkable thermal and humidity stability, and can generate significant thermovoltage even on cloudy days.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongbo Wan, Baohu Wu, Lei Hou, Peiyi Wu
Summary: This study reports the fabrication of amphibious polymer materials with outstanding mechanical performances. By utilizing multi-scale nanostructures, a composite of polyvinyl alcohol/poly(2-methoxyethylacrylate) (PVA/PMEA) was prepared, which demonstrated excellent stability and high mechanical strength in both hydrated and dehydrated states. This research provides a promising route for constructing high-performance polymer materials for complex load-bearing environments.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qingchi Ma, Greg G. Qiao, Zesheng An
Summary: Visible-light controlled photoiniferter reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization enables the synthesis of polymers with high molecular weights, controlled sequence, and tunable dispersities, offering great potential for the synthesis of advanced materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhouyue Lei, Peiyi Wu
Summary: Stretchable hydrogels have been developed to interact with biological interfaces, but lack the intelligence of biological systems. To overcome this limitation, researchers have developed asymmetric trimeric hydrogels inspired by biological ion channels. These hydrogels can sense external stimuli, encode logical responses, emulate synaptic plasticity, and even memorize images in a multistore model. Moreover, they are transparent, stretchable, and work stably under large deformation, overcoming the limitations of conventional electronic devices. This bionic design opens up possibilities for intelligent hydrogel ionotronics and bridges the gap between human-machine interfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahui Huang, Xianwu Huang, Peiyi Wu
Summary: A multifunctional MXene nanocomposite hydrogel is reported, which can be readily prepared and processed via the fast gelation of a cationic monomer initiated by delaminated MXene sheets. The resulting nanocomposites are ultrastretchable, three-dimensional printable, and show outstanding mechanical and electrical self-healing properties. The integration of these multifunctional systems onto various substrates through 3D printing demonstrates great prospects as smart flexible electronics.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiahui Huang, Zhenchuan Yu, Peiyi Wu
Summary: Shaping soft and conductive materials through 3D printing drives innovation in various applications, such as robotic counterparts that emulate biological systems. A tricomponent ionogel-based ink design is reported in this study, which addresses the challenges of printability and synergy among ink components. This ink design strategy greatly extends material choice and provides valuable guidance in constructing diverse artificial systems by 3D printing.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Doudou Feng, Yucong Jiao, Peiyi Wu
Summary: In this study, a polymeric acid hydrogel electrolyte was fabricated for high performance Zn/polyaniline batteries. The electrolyte showed high cycling stability and high discharge capacity in a wide temperature range, making it a promising candidate for advanced aqueous batteries.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(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.
