Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Arka Biswas, Arvind K. Singh Chandel, Nikita Anuradha, Nikita Vadadoriya, Vijay Mamtani, Suresh K. Jewrajka
Summary: This study reports the construction of amphiphilic conetwork (APCN)-based surfaces with potent antimicrobial activity and biofilm inhibition ability. The separation of lipophilic alkyl groups from the cationic network was found to enhance the antibacterial properties. The APCN coatings showed heterogeneously distributed alkyl chains, crosslinking junctions, and unreacted vinyl imidazole groups. The antibacterial activity of the APCN coatings increased with increasing alkyl chain length and had a stronger effect on Escherichia coli bacteria.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Motoki Shibata, Takaya Terashima, Tsuyoshi Koga
Summary: The study developed a thermoresponsive gelation system using amphiphilic random copolymer micelles in water. Controlled self-assembly of random copolymers into multichain micelles was found to be a key factor in thermoresponsive gelation.
Article
Polymer Science
Kevin Hagmann, Carolin Bunk, Frank Boehme, Regine von Klitzing
Summary: The preparation and investigation of gel films from a model amphiphilic polymer conetwork provide a better understanding of the structure-property relationship in both bulk phase and interfacial materials. The study finds that the polarity of solvents affects the swelling ability, surface structure, and mechanical properties of the gel films.
Article
Polymer Science
Marija Kavaliauskaite, Medeina Steponaviciute, Justina Kievisaite, Arturas Katelnikovas, Vaidas Klimkevicius
Summary: The synthesis and study of well-defined thermoresponsive amphiphilic copolymers with various compositions have been reported. The kinetics of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) (co)polymerization and the thermoresponsive properties of the copolymers in aqueous solutions were investigated.
Article
Polymer Science
Hanghang Wang, Erika L. Calubaquib, Abhi Bhadran, Ziyuan Ma, Justin T. Miller, Anyue Zhang, Michael C. Biewer, Mihaela C. Stefan
Summary: Polymeric micelles based on polycaprolactone (PCL) are widely used for drug delivery to enhance the bioavailability of poorly water soluble drugs. In this study, a difunctionalized gamma-amide epsilon-caprolactone monomer was synthesized for drug delivery applications, which contains a hydrophilic tri(ethylene glycol) group and a hydrophobic propyl group. Different diblock copolymers were prepared and exhibited stable micelle formation with low critical micelle concentration. The diblock polymer with enhanced pi-pi stacking interactions showed the most stable reversible phase transition. Among them, the diblock copolymer with benzyl groups exhibited the highest loading capacity for hydrophobic cargo due to enhanced pi-pi interactions.
Article
Polymer Science
Elisa Guazzelli, Elena Masotti, Manfred Kriechbaum, Frank Uhlig, Giancarlo Galli, Elisa Martinelli
Summary: Amphiphilic fluorinated copolymers prepared by ARGET-ATRP exhibit thermoresponsive behaviors and self-assembly properties in different solvents. The copolymers form compact single-chain self-folded micelles in water and reverse micelles in fluorinated solvent, while they cannot self-assemble in THF or DMF solutions.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Naoki Ozawa, Shunji Kosaka, Shota Fujii, Tomoki Nishimura
Summary: Researchers report on the nanostructures of polymers incorporated in phospholipid membranes and their permeability to water-soluble molecules. Neutron-scattering experiments reveal that polymers form disk-like bilayer domains on the membranes, whose thickness is almost equivalent to that of the bilayer membranes when the polymers alone are self-assembled into vesicles. These domains act as synthetic molecular channels for low-molecular-weight poly(ethylene glycol), and their permeability can be regulated by changing the molecular weight of the poly(propylene oxide).
Article
Polymer Science
Rikuto Kanno, Makoto Ouchi, Takaya Terashima
Summary: In this study, amphiphilic random terpolymers consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), quaternary ammonium cations, and dodecyl groups were reported to undergo self-assembly and salt-induced thermoresponsive behavior in water. The micelle size of these terpolymers increased with the content of cationic groups and was larger in the presence of NaCl. Moreover, the polymer micelles exhibited lower critical solution temperature-type solubility in NaCl-containing water compared to pure water.
Article
Polymer Science
Mehmet Onur Arican, Tugba Koldankaya, Serap Mert, Handan coban, Sezgi Erdogan, Olcay Mert
Summary: With the rise in cancer incidence-mortality and limitations of conventional PEG-based PLA, PLGA, or PCL injectable thermoresponsive hydrogel platforms, it has become crucial to develop novel biomaterials using sustainable resources for local drug release purposes.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ying-Chi Huang, Li-Ting Wang, Shu-Wei Hsu, Tai-Fu Lin, Ying-Chih Liao, Wen-Ying Chiu, Hsin-Wei Lin, Chien-Hsin Wu, Ru-Jong Jeng, Shih-Huang Tung
Summary: In this study, amphiphilic poly(hydroxyaminoethers) (PHAEs) with thermoresponsive solubility in aqueous solutions were developed successfully. The PHAEs exhibited stability and emulsification properties in waterborne epoxy resins, showing good thermal and resistance properties suitable for anticorrosion coating applications on steel surfaces. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using PHAEs as oil-in-water emulsifiers and stabilizers for commercially available epoxy resins.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Naoki Ozawa, Ji Ha Lee, Isamu Akiba, Tomoki Nishimura
Summary: Polymer architecture has a significant influence on the morphology of polymer self-assemblies. However, there is limited understanding of how changes in macromolecular architecture affect the structures of self-assemblies and the conformation of polymer chains within them. In this study, we examined the self-assembly behavior of four different amphiphilic copolymers with varying chain configurations. We found that changes in macromolecular architecture can result in the formation of different nanostructures, and the conformation of polymer chains within the self-assemblies also varies.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Elena Yu Kozhunova, Galina A. Komarova, Mikhail Anakhov, Rustam A. Gumerov, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: Polymer hydrogels have been found to be highly efficient absorbents of aqueous solutions. In this study, the selective uptake of an organic solvent component by thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gels and microgels in asymmetric water/1-octanol mixtures is demonstrated. The absorption of the minor component is facilitated by the formation of a dense polymer layer at the water/1-octanol interface, reducing the interfacial tension. The simulations further provide insights into the size and internal structure changes of the microgels with varying 1-octanol concentration.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiangming Fu, Yanqiu Wang, Liang Xu, Atsushi Narumi, Shin-ichiro Sato, Xiande Shen, Toyoji Kakuchi
Summary: A method for the sequential organocatalyzed polymerizations of vinyl-based and lactone-based monomers using GTP and ROP was developed to synthesize thermoresponsive amphiphilic diblock copolymers. The organocatalysts were switched between the two stages, enabling a one-pot synthesis. The resulting diblock copolymers consist of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) and biodegradable polyesters (poly(epsilon-caprolactone), poly(trimethylene carbonate), and poly(l-lactide)) in various ratios. The aqueous solutions of these block copolymers below their T-cp were characterized, showing a close relationship between their structures, T-cp, and micellar forming properties below the T-cp.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Sang-Jun Choi, Bjoern Trauzettel
Summary: A deep theoretical understanding of the electrical response of Josephson junctions is crucial for recent discoveries of new types of superconductivity and technological advances in superconducting quantum computers. This study focuses on the microscopic theory of the dc current-biased I-V characteristics of Josephson tunnel junctions, deriving an analytical formula and identifying subharmonics and their underlying mechanism. By applying the theory to the Werthamer equation, various dc current-biased I-V characteristics are described as a function of superconducting gap softening. The study also reveals the presence of voltage staircases in genuine Josephson junctions without ac current bias or qubit dynamics. This general analytical approach offers new insights into the microscopic understanding of I-V characteristics of Josephson junctions.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hao Shen, Zihao Yang, Yilin Xiong, Qi Cao, Kunyu Xu, Meiqin Lin, Juan Zhang, Zhaoxia Dong
Summary: Due to their distinctive anisotropic shapes and rich potential properties, amphiphilic Janus polymer nanosheets (AJPN) have garnered extensive attention. In this study, an organic-based AJPN was synthesized with polystyrene as the hydrophobic side and carboxyl groups presented at the hydrophilic side. The colloidal stability and aggregation kinetics of AJPN suspension were quantitatively measured under different conditions. Rheolaser optical microrheology was used to explore the migration behaviors and rheological properties of AJPN aqueous solution for the first time. The results revealed that AJPN solution exhibited thermodynamically unstable solid suspension properties, which differ significantly from those of common hydrophilic polymers.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mengxiao Yang, Aiqian Ye, Zhi Yang, David W. Everett, Elliot Paul Gilbert, Harjinder Singh
Summary: In this study, the effect of milk temperature on the hydrolysis of kappa-casein by pepsin and consequent protein coagulation was investigated. The results showed that higher temperature accelerated the hydrolysis reaction and coagulation process, resulting in a denser structure.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Masashi Ohira, Shintaro Nakagawa, Ryotaro Sampei, Takako Noritomi, Takamasa Sakai, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Xiang Li
Summary: Polymer crystallization significantly alters the physical properties of polymeric materials. However, little research has been done on crystallization in polymer networks. This study investigated the crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) networks made from well-defined branched precursors. The results showed that network formation had a smaller effect on crystallization compared to the bulky end-groups in uncrosslinked polymers. The primary parameter that influenced crystallization in the PEG networks was the molecular weight of the precursor PEG, or the chain length between junctions.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sabrina Disch, Sebastian Muehlbauer, Andreas Michels, Elliot Paul Gilbert
JOURNAL OF APPLIED CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Si-Qian Chen, Patricia Lopez-Sanchez, Deirdre Mikkelsen, Marta Martinez-Sanz, Zhaofeng Li, Shuyan Zhang, Elliot P. Gilbert, Lin Li, Michael J. Gidley
Summary: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hemicellulose-cellulose interactions on the anisotropic structure of the bacterial cellulose (BC) ribbon network. BC-arabinoxylan (BC-AX) and BC-mixed linkage glucan (BC-MLG) composites were prepared and their mechanical/rheological behavior was evaluated. The results showed that hemicelluloses had limited influence on the crystallinity of BC, but significantly affected the anisotropic behavior of BC hydrogels in compression and stress-relaxation tests.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhi Yang, Lirong Cheng, Liliana de Campo, Elliot Paul Gilbert, Rainer Mittelbach, Lan Luo, Aiqian Ye, Siqi Li, Yacine Hemar
Summary: Milks from small ruminant animals, such as goat and sheep, have been studied for their ability to form gels for dairy product manufacturing. Heat treatment increases gelation, leading to larger protein aggregates. Time-resolved ultra-small angle neutron scattering (USANS) and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) were used to investigate the microstructural evolution of milk during acidification and heat treatment. The results showed that milk gelation followed a fractal aggregation mechanism, and heat treatment improved gelation by increasing fractal dimensions and aggregate sizes.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhao Wang, Jan Lauko, Amanda W. Kijas, Elliot P. Gilbert, Petri Turunen, Ramanathan Yegappan, Dongxiu Zou, Jitendra Mata, Alan E. Rowan
Summary: Snake venom-controlled fibrin system can precisely control fibroblast differentiation, which has translational significance in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yutaro Kawano, Hiroshi Masai, Shintaro Nakagawa, Naoko Yoshie, Jun Terao
Summary: In this study, the effects of alkyl ester chains on the toughness of polyacrylate-based network materials were investigated. Polymer networks were fabricated via radical polymerization, and the MA-based network showed significantly higher toughness compared to the EA and BA-based networks. The high fracture energy of the MA-based network was attributed to its glass transition temperature and energy dissipation via viscosity.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Elliot Paul Gilbert
Summary: Neutron scattering techniques provide detailed information on the structure and dynamics of materials, which can be applied in food materials science to gain unique insight and understanding that aid in the development of new ingredients and formulations.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu Lou, Sinan Liu, Jiacheng Ge, Huiqiang Ying, Shu Fu, Wentao Zhang, Weixia Dong, Zhenduo Wu, Xun-Li Wang, Elliot P. Gilbert, Yang Ren, Si Lan
Summary: An anomalous ordering-to-disordering transition in a Zr-Cu-Ag supercooled glass-forming liquid was observed using in situ high-energy x-ray diffraction. Heating the supercooled liquid showed a structural crossover at Tc = 716 K, as indicated by changes in the statistical characteristics of the first sharp diffraction peak. Annealing the supercooled liquid near Tc initially led to relaxation towards a denser and more ordered state. Eventually, the liquid became disordered at a medium-range scale, with a slow densification process.
Article
Polymer Science
Motoki Shibata, Yohei Nakanishi, Jun Abe, Hiroshi Arima-Osonoi, Hiroki Iwase, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Ryuhei Motokawa, Takayuki Kumada, Shin-ichi Takata, Katsuhiro Yamamoto, Mikihito Takenaka, Tsukasa Miyazaki
Summary: Microplastic pollution is causing degradation of marine ecosystems. Decomposition of plastic using near critical or supercritical water is a promising method to remove microplastics. This study investigated the decomposition processes of polystyrene particles in deuterated water under near critical or supercritical conditions and observed the changes in material structure.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shohei Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Kamata, Ung-il Chung, Takamasa Sakai
Summary: In this study, a new tissue-adhesive hydrogel was developed that can be sprayed and immobilized with live cells on tissue surfaces. The hydrogel system consists of gelatin/PEG-NHS hydrogels and instantaneously solidifying PEG hydrogels. The sprayed hydrogel solidified within 5 s and maintained adhesive properties. The resulting hydrogels showed protein permeability and high cell viability for at least 7 days.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengxiao Yang, Aiqian Ye, Zhi Yang, David W. Everett, Elliot Paul Gilbert, Harjinder Singh
Summary: The effect of Ca2+ on the hydrolysis of κ-casein and subsequent coagulation of casein micelles was studied. It was found that the specific hydrolysis of κ-casein by pepsin was little affected by the addition of CaCl2 or NaCl, but the addition of salts had a significant effect on the rheological properties and microstructures of the curds induced by pepsin hydrolysis.
Article
Polymer Science
Di Jia, Yui Tsuji, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Murugappan Muthukumar
Summary: When long polymers are trapped in multiple entropic traps created by hydrogels, they are frozen into a nondiffusive topologically frustrated dynamical state (TFDS). The center of mass diffusion coefficient is zero in the TFDS regime, but the segmental dynamics of the macromolecule is active. It is found that the polydispersity in the number of monomers in the entropic traps is caused by conformational fluctuations.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Chiaki Tsutsumi-Arai, Kazuhiro Akutsu-Suyama, Yoko Iwamiya, Chika Terada-Ito, Zenji Hiroi, Mitsuhiro Shibayama, Kazuhito Satomura
Summary: This study investigated the surface characteristics of a denture base coating containing hinokitiol and its effect on Candida albicans adhesion and growth. The results showed that the hinokitiol coating had lower CFU and higher stability compared to the control group, and exhibited improved surface characteristics.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2023)