Article
Polymer Science
Haniyeh Malektaj, Aleksey D. Drozdov, Jesper deClaville Christiansen
Summary: This study investigates the preparation of cross-linked alginate hydrogels using various cations and analyzes their equilibrium swelling and mechanical properties. The results show that the type of cations used in the cross-linking process affects the elastic moduli and equilibrium degree of swelling. Experimental data is fitted with a model that involves two material parameters, and numerical analysis reveals the influence of cations on these quantities. The study also finds that the relationship between the elastic modulus and equilibrium swelling differs from that predicted by conventional theory for covalently cross-linked gels.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tao Wang, Yang Qin, Congli Cui, Na Ji, Lei Dai, Yanfei Wang, Liu Xiong, Rui Shi, Qingjie Sun
Summary: The network strength of starch hydrogels was enhanced by adjusting the pH value and adding iron ions, leading to improved mechanical and swelling properties. The starch hydrogel with a pH value of 11.5 and containing Fe3+ exhibited a complex modulus above 3400 Pa, and its structure became more compact with increasing pH value. Moreover, the hardness and swelling rate of the hydrogel increased with pH value and addition of 0.5 mol/L Fe3+, indicating that simple adjustments to pH and iron ion concentrations can improve the mechanical properties of starch hydrogels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yun Dou, Xiaohui Wang, Zhongming Liu, Fangong Kong, Shoujuan Wang
Summary: In this study, a hemicellulose composite hydrogel with adjustable mechanical properties and high swelling ratio was successfully prepared by using modified lignin as a reinforcing agent. The modified lignin significantly improved the mechanical properties and swelling ratio of the composite hydrogel. The addition of modified lignin greatly increased the swelling ratio of the hydrogel and exhibited excellent antioxidant properties.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Leqi Wu, Sui Wang, Jie Mao, Zhiyong Guo, Yufang Hu
Summary: A conductive double network cross-linked hydrogel with anti-swelling and shape memory was successfully prepared using SBMA, PVA, and TA. The hydrogel exhibited good mechanical properties and stable conductivity. It also showed an anti-swelling effect, a shape memory effect, and high antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. This study provides new possibilities for the biomedical field.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
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, Characterization & Testing
Xiaoxue Yang, Hongyuan Cui, Ziang Wang, Wentao Wang, Hui Guo, Xiaolin Wang
Summary: Recently invented hydrophobic hydrogel is a specific type of soft matter that has purely hydrophobic networks while maintaining ultra-high water content. The formation of these hydrogels is influenced by the crosslink ratio and structure of the chemical crosslinks. The swelling behavior and kinetics of the hydrogels are significantly affected by the crosslink ratio, with a moderate ratio being necessary for their formation. The chemical structure of the crosslinks plays a less significant role in formation, but has an important impact on the swelling equilibrium states and mechanical performance of the hydrogels.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shenghua Lv, Shanshan Zhang, Jingjing Zuo, Shan Liang, Juhui Yang, Jialin Wang, Dequan Wei
Summary: This paper reviews the preparation methods of various chitosan-based hydrogels using chitosan as raw material and their applications in the fields of medical materials, environmental detection, catalytic carriers, and adsorption. Chitosan-based hydrogels have advantages such as good hydrophilicity, unique three-dimensional network structure, and good biocompatibility. Compared with traditional polymer hydrogels, biomass chitosan-based hydrogels have advantages such as low toxicity, excellent biocompatibility, outstanding processability, and low cost. Some views and prospects are put forward for the future research and development of chitosan-based hydrogels, and it is believed that chitosan-based hydrogels will be able to obtain more valuable applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chaoxian Chen, Zhongcun Li, Siwen Chen, Lingzhi Kong, Zhihao Guo, Jianshe Hu, Zhangpei Chen, Liqun Yang
Summary: This study presents a strong hydrogel with highly efficient self-healing and robust mechanical properties based on the bulk polymerization method. The storage modulus and loss modulus of the material can be adjusted by varying the initiator ratio, and the swelling behaviors can be modified by adjusting the initiator concentration.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaohu Chen, Haonan Zhang, Jiashu Cui, Yanen Wang, Mingyang Li, Juan Zhang, Changgeng Wang, Zhisheng Liu, Qinghua Wei
Summary: Composite hydrogels based on PVA, GEL, OSA, GO, and SWNTs were successfully prepared in this study. These hydrogels exhibited excellent self-healing properties and the ability to transmit sensory signals, making them promising for electronic skin applications.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ajoy Kanti Mondal, Md Tushar Uddin, S. M. A. Sujan, Zuwu Tang, Digafe Alemu, Hosne Ara Begum, Jianguo Li, Fang Huang, Yonghao Ni
Summary: Polymers obtained from biomass are being considered as an alternative to petro-based polymers due to their cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and biodegradability. Lignin, the second most abundant bio-polymer in plants and the only polyaromatics bio-polymer, has been extensively studied for various applications. However, in the past decade, there has been a growing interest in utilizing lignin for the preparation of smart materials with improved properties, as lignin valorization is a major challenge in the pulp and paper industry and lignocellulosic biorefinery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Antonio G. B. Pereira, Catia S. Nunes, Adley F. Rubira, Edvani C. Muniz, Andre R. Fajardo
Summary: Reinforcing Gum Arabic hydrogels with chitin nanowhiskers significantly improves their mechanical properties, making the nanocomposites stiffer and more resistant to elastic deformation while reducing their swelling capacity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kun Fu, Hanguang Wu, Zhiqiang Su
Summary: The hierarchical formation of self-assembling peptide-based hydrogels (SAPHs) starts from peptide to nanofibers, forming hydrogels with nanofibrous network, which possess unique structure, exceptional biocompatibility, and diverse applications. This review introduces the fabrication, properties, and biological applications of SAPHs, along with systematic explanations on factors influencing synthesis process and properties of SAPHs products. The review also highlights current challenges and offers perspectives on future development of SAPHs in biotechnology.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chen Xu, Liyang Liu, Scott Renneckar, Feng Jiang
Summary: The study proposed a strategy to transform lignin into functional hydrogels with excellent antifouling and antimicrobial properties, showing better performance compared to traditional biomedical materials. The incorporation of lignin derivative into biomaterials offers potential applications in medical devices and biological material fields.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Diana Elena Ciolacu, Raluca Nicu, Dana Mihaela Suflet, Daniela Rusu, Raluca Nicoleta Darie-Nita, Natalia Simionescu, Georgeta Cazacu, Florin Ciolacu
Summary: Considering the complex process of wound healing, an ideal wound dressing should possess multiple functionalities, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, moisture retention, antibacterial properties, wound protection, and wound healing promotion. In this study, a multifunctional hydrogel was designed using cellulose and chemically modified lignin, showing promising structural and morphological characteristics. The results demonstrate that the hydrogel has improved drug encapsulation and release, antibacterial properties, and mucoadhesion compared to cellulose-based hydrogels.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xuanjun Ning, Jiani Huang, A. Yimuhan, Ningning Yuan, Cheng Chen, Donghai Lin
Summary: This review introduces the preparation methods and ways to improve the mechanical properties of double-network hydrogels, and explores their potential applications in the fields of biomedicine, intelligent sensors, and ion adsorption.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lenka Musilova, Ales Mracek, Eduarda F. G. Azevedo, Artur J. M. Valente, Ana M. T. D. P. V. Cabral, Ana C. F. Ribeiro, Miguel A. Esteso
Summary: Knowledge of the mass transport parameters, diffusion, and viscosity of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the presence of cyclodextrins is important for applications in food packaging and drug delivery. This study focused on investigating the effect of cyclodextrins on the mass transport of HA. The results showed that there was a strong interaction between HA and cyclodextrin, leading to a significant decrease in the diffusion coefficient of HA at low concentrations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katerina Kopecka, Lenka Vitkova, Zuzana Kronekova, Lenka Musilova, Petr Smolka, Filip Mikulka, Klara Melanova, Petr Knotek, Martin Humenik, Antonin Minarik, Ales Mracek
Summary: Layered nanoparticles with surface charge can modify the rheological properties of extrudable materials by inducing electrostatic repulsion and creating a house-of-cards structure. These nanoparticles provide mechanical support and increase viscosity and storage modulus. They also exhibit shear-induced orientation and decreased viscosity during flow. In this study, we synthesized and exfoliated phenylphosphonate-phosphate particles that can be intercalated by hydrophilic polymers. These nanoparticles were used as rheological modifiers for sodium alginate and effectively increased viscosity and exhibited shear-thinning behavior. The resulting nanocomposite hydrogels showed potential as a bioink for 3D printing in tissue engineering and biomedical applications with good shape fidelity, nontoxicity, and satisfactory cell viability.
Article
Polymer Science
Maria Rosaria Caputo, Mercedes Fernandez, Robert Aguirresarobe, Adriana Kovalcik, Haritz Sardon, Maria Virginia Candal, Alejandro J. Mueller
Summary: This study investigates the effect of printing conditions in fuse filament fabrication (FFF) on the properties of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxy hexanoate) or PHBH. The results show that increasing the nozzle and bed temperature improves the mechanical properties and enhances interlayer adhesion, while reducing void formation.
Article
Polymer Science
Tomas Zvonicek, Martin Vasina, Vladimir Pata, Petr Smolka
Summary: The acoustical properties of PLA, PET-G, and ASA materials were studied for their potential use in 3D printing of stringed musical instruments. The study used the transfer function method to analyze sound reflection and measured surface geometry parameters (Sa, Sq, Sz, and Sdr) to investigate their relation to acoustic performance. The results showed that higher layer heights and faster printing processes did not necessarily result in poorer acoustical properties. The proposed methodology provided an easy and rapid way to test the acoustic performance and printing parameters of different materials at the beginning of the production process.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marketa Julinova, Dagmar Sasinkova, Antonin Minarik, Martina Kaszonyiova, Alena Kalendova, Marketa Kadleckova, Ahmad Fayyazbakhsh, Marek Koutny
Summary: This study presents a comprehensive analysis on the biodegradation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and its chemically modified form in a soil environment. The degradation process was found to be multistage and dependent on the crystal structure, morphology, and size of the polymer. The study also highlighted the impact of PHB crystal structure on the physiological behavior of soil microorganisms.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Petr Smolka, Marketa Kadleckova, Karolina Kocourkova, Martina Bartonova, Filip Mikulka, Eliska Knechtova, Ales Mracek, Lenka Musilova, Martin Humenik, Antonin Minarik
Summary: This study explores the application of phase separation phenomena to structure hyaluronan films. By dispensing different solution mixtures under rotation of hyaluronan-covered substrates in a time-sequenced manner, surface textures are generated. The method can be used for direct surface modification or cover layer deposition. Surface topography changes were characterized using atomic force microscopy, optical microscopy, and contact and non-contact profilometry. The mechanical properties of the surface-modified self-supporting films were tested using a universal testing machine. Experimental results demonstrate that diverse surface reliefs and self-supporting films with improved mechanical properties can be prepared using a newly designed multi-step phase separation process without the need for sacrificial removable templates or additives.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Samuel Emebu, Raphael Olabanji Ogunleye, Eva Achbergerova, Lenka Vitkova, Petr Ponizil, Clara Mendoza Martinez
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB) technology and discusses optimization strategies, shear characteristics of bioink, and the application of models.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
L. Vitkova, N. Kazantseva, L. Musilova, P. Smolka, K. Valaskova, K. Kocourkova, M. Humenik, A. Minarik, P. Humpolicek, A. Mracek, I. Smolkova
Summary: In this study, a magneto-responsive hydrogel based on hyaluronan was fabricated, which exhibited good mechanical properties and thermosensitivity. It was found that the hydrogel could rapidly heat under exposure to low amplitude radio frequency alternating magnetic field. In addition, the hydrogel showed cytocompatibility and 3D printability, making it suitable for biomedical applications.
APL BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Xingran Kou, Dongdong Su, Fei Pan, Xiwei Xu, Qingran Meng, Qinfei Ke
Summary: This review provides a systematic discussion of the application of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in aroma compounds (ACs)/cyclodextrins (CDs) inclusion complexes (ICs). It covers the establishment of the simulation process, parameter selection, model evaluation, and various application cases, summarizing the major achievements and challenges of this method.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Haoyu Yu, Quanbin Zhang, Ammad Ahmad Farooqi, Jing Wang, Yang Yue, Lihua Geng, Ning Wu
Summary: Brown algae are rich in fucoidan, which has been found to have anti-cancer and anti-metastasis effects. Fucoidan inhibits tumor cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis, and also promotes immune responses in the tumor microenvironment.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Liang Dong, Yanan Li, Hailin Cong, Bing Yu, Youqing Shen
Summary: Gene therapy is a revolutionary treatment that requires suitable vectors for protecting and releasing exogenous nucleic acids in target cells. Chitosan, as a non-viral vector, has gained attention due to its good biocompatibility and ability to load large amounts of nucleic acids. This paper summarizes the potential of chitosan and its derivatives as gene delivery vector materials, discusses factors influencing transfection efficiency, performance evaluation, ways to optimize infectious efficiency, and current research development directions. It also provides an outlook on the future prospects of chitosan.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ana Iglesias-Mejuto, Beatriz Magarinos, Tania Ferreira-Goncalves, Ricardo Starbird-Perez, Carmen Alvarez-Lorenzo, Catarina Pinto Reis, Ines Ardao, Carlos A. Garcia-Gonzalez
Summary: This study developed a novel processing strategy to manufacture drug-loaded and personalized aerogels with nanostructures. The aerogels demonstrated bioactivity and antimicrobial effects, promoting bone regeneration and preventing infections in bone tissue engineering.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhenxu Shi, Dimei Yang, Yan Zhou, Xinyu Chen, Lin Gan, Jin Huang
Summary: This study proposes a micro-assembly method to improve the photoluminescent properties of crystalline cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) by organizing them within a sub-micrometer-sized metal-organic framework and coating with TiO2. The TiO2 coating prevents CNC assembly breakdown and allows information to be revealed using screenprinted labels for anti-counterfeiting purposes.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xuejiao Liu, Bin Fu, Jierong Chen, Zhenyu Sun, Dongdong Zheng, Zhonghua Li, Bing Gu, Ying Zhang, Haojie Lu
Summary: Liver disease is a major cause of global mortality, and identifying biomarkers for diagnosing its progression is crucial for improving outcomes. Targeted mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for verifying biomarker candidates and clinical applications, particularly for glycoproteins translation. However, the limitation of analyzing only one sample per run has become apparent. In this study, a high-throughput intact N-glycopeptides quantification strategy was developed, allowing the validation of 20 samples per run with an average analysis time of 3 minutes per sample. The strategy was applied in a cohort of 461 serum samples and identified a panel of 10 IgG N-glycopeptides that have strong clinical utility in evaluating the severity of liver disease.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qian Wang, Hao Jiang, Hongli Zhang, Weiqiao Lu, Xiao Wang, Wenfeng Xu, Jia Li, Youjing Lv, Guoyun Li, Chao Cai, Guangli Yu
Summary: This study proposes a novel strategy of antibody-beta-glucan conjugates (AGC) to enhance the antitumor immune response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy. AGC demonstrated powerful tumor suppression and promoted interaction between tumor cells and dendritic cells (DCs), thereby enhancing immunotherapeutic benefits.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chaeyeon Lee, Sojeong Lee, Sang Wook Kang
Summary: The study aims to enhance the properties of porous membranes by addressing the limitations associated with phase separation. By using cellulose acetate and citric acid, the researchers were able to fabricate membranes with improved mechanical strength and thermal stability. The cross-linking effect of citric acid resulted in a more uniform pore structure and higher porosity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Applied
Tejaswini Kolipaka, Giriraj Pandey, Noella Abraham, Dadi A. Srinivasarao, Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, P. S. Rajinikanth, Vidya Tickoo, Saurabh Srivastava
Summary: This review focuses on the design and application of polysaccharide-based hydrogel wound dressings, highlighting aspects such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, drug entrapment, moisturizing ability, swelling, and mechanical properties. Additionally, various crosslinking methods and recent developments in stimuli-responsive hydrogels are discussed.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anqi Xu, Nan Zhang, Shixing Su, Hongyu Shi, Daoqiang Lu, Xifeng Li, Xin Zhang, Xin Feng, Zhuohua Wen, Gengwu Ma, Mengshi Huang, Chi Huang, Yuqi Hu, Hao Yuan, Qinwen Liu, Daogang Guan, Jun Wang, Chuanzhi Duan
Summary: The study presents a one-pot radical polymerization method to fabricate a hydrogel with adhesive properties, which can effectively treat bacterial-infected diabetic wounds and accelerate wound healing.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Montarop Yamabhai, Munthipha Khamphio, Thae Thae Min, Chai Noy Soem, Nguyen Cao Cuong, Waheni Rizki Aprilia, Krisanai Luesukprasert, Karsidete Teeranitayatarn, Atthaphon Maneedaeng, Tina R. Tuveng, Silje B. Lorentzen, Simen Antonsen, Paiboon Jitprasertwong, Vincent G. H. Eijsink
Summary: The study investigates the bioconversion of chitosan into soluble anti-inflammatory chitosan oligosaccharides (CHOS) using an enzyme. The results show that the generated CHOS have anti-inflammatory activity, but the magnitude of the activity depends on the substrate and production process. Different methods of dissolving chitosan also affect the properties of CHOS. The study highlights the importance of quality assurance in CHOS preparations.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Wen Cao, Jiangping Wu, Xinya Zhao, Zixu Li, Jie Yu, Taili Shao, Xuefeng Hou, Lutan Zhou, Chunfei Wang, Guodong Wang, Jun Han
Summary: In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide (PLP1) was successfully isolated and purified from Pueraria lobata. It was found that PLP1 was composed of specific glycosidic units and exhibited a better free radical-scavenging ability. Moreover, PLP1 effectively protected the liver against acute alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in mice.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ya Su, Yaqian Liu, Xueyan Hu, Yueqi Lu, Jinyuan Zhang, Wenbo Jin, Wang Liu, Yan Shu, Yuen Yee Cheng, Wenfang Li, Yi Nie, Bo Pan, Kedong Song
Summary: A 3D printed scaffold based on carbon dots-curcumin nano-drug release has been developed for drug delivery after breast cancer surgery. The scaffold showed effective inhibition of tumor growth, antibacterial activity, and promotion of wound healing, making it a promising approach for preventing tumor recurrence.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ekaterina Sokolova, Diane Jouanneau, Antonin Chevenier, Murielle Jam, Nathalie Desban, Pierre Colas, Elizabeth Ficko-Blean, Gurvan Michel
Summary: Carrageenans, a compound synthesized in red algae, have various biological properties and are valuable in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Their fine structure affects wound healing, oxidative processes, hemostasis, and inflammation. Enzymatic modification of carrageenans produces oligosaccharides that bind to natural human serum antibodies and specific antibodies, showing potential for therapeutic applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yan Shi, Miao Yu, Kaijin Qiu, Tiantian Kong, Chunjing Guo, Wenxue Zhang, Daquan Chen, Ming Kong
Summary: In this study, functionalized transfersomes were developed to co-deliver doxorubicin and 1MT towards primary tumors and tumor draining lymph nodes via transdermal administration using microneedles. The results showed that the nano-complexed microneedles exhibited a stronger suppression in tumor growth compared to the intravenous group.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2024)
