Article
Polymer Science
Zongzi Hou, Haruki Kobayashi, Katsufumi Tanaka, Wataru Takarada, Takeshi Kikutani, Midori Takasaki
Summary: The laser-assisted melt electrospinning method was used to prepare PLCL fibers. In situ observation revealed that the number of jets formed during the process increased with higher laser power, applied voltage, and feeding rate. Thinner fibers were obtained when multiple jets were formed. Tension and stress profiles were estimated based on the in situ observation, and the formation of thinner fibers corresponded to higher peak values.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Thannaphat Jenvoraphot, Boontharika Thapsukhon, Donraporn Daranarong, Robert Molloy, Chayarop Supanchart, Suttichai Krisanaprakornkit, Paul D. Topham, Brian Tighe, Anisa Mahomed, Winita Punyodom
Summary: In this research, a periodontal membrane with nanoporous structure and tetracycline drug loading was designed and fabricated to improve periodontal regeneration and anti-inflammatory effect.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Lidong Feng, Sheng Xiang, Yanlong Liu, Xinchao Bian, Gao Li, Xuesi Chen
Summary: An analytical method using gas chromatography with an internal standard was developed to quantitatively determine residual monomers in PLCL, which showed high precision with RSD less than 5.6% and 4.3% for LA and CL measurements, respectively. The recovery rate of standard addition for LA and CL in PLCL was between 96.5%-101.5% and 98.4%-104.2%, with RSD not exceeding 2.0%, indicating the method was sufficiently accurate.
Article
Polymer Science
Yipeng Chen, Jiangang Zhang, Yuesheng Zhang, Wen Cao, Xiong Liu, Jianna Bao, Xianming Zhang, Wenxing Chen
Summary: Copolymerizing poly(lactide) with other materials is an effective method to improve its comprehensive performance. In this study, precursors of hydroxyl terminated PLLA, PCL, and PDLLA were prepared and copolymerized to synthesize PLLA-PCL-PDLLA copolymer. The effects of component proportion and molecular weight, as well as chain extender, on the copolymer's crystallization, phase structures, mechanical properties, and thermal stabilities were investigated. By adjusting the composition and chain length of prepolymers, the competition between crystallization and microphase separation was regulated. The obtained copolymers showed improved strength and flexibility without losing biocompatibility, providing a feasible method for obtaining high toughness and biodegradable PLA-based materials.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Begum Canan Yildiz, Asgar Kayan
Summary: Titanium (IV) silyliminophenolate complexes were synthesized and shown to be active catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone and L-lactide. The structures of compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic and thermal analysis methods, and resulting polymers were characterized using gel permeation chromatography.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fanny Bonnet, Bernard Miranda Campos, Gaelle Fontaine, Serge Bourbigot, Gregory Stoclet
Summary: In this study, PLLA-based/glass fabric composites with poly(L-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) as the matrix were reported, displaying high wettability and toughness.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Martin Castillo-Santillan, Jose Roman Torres-Lubian, Antonio Martinez-Richa, Silvia T. Huerta-Marcial, Maria C. Gutierrez, Katja Loos, Maria Guadalupe Perez-Garcia, Josue D. Mota-Morales
Summary: This work provides new insights into the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide and e-caprolactone, leading to the synthesis of polymer blends and a block copolymer. The selection of parameters and catalysts allows for the production of polyesters with tunable properties and controlled degradation profiles.
Article
Biophysics
Jingwen Wang, Jing Wang, Shuilai Qiu, Weijian Chen, Liang Cheng, Wenxiang Du, Jinghao Wang, Longfei Han, Lei Song, Yuan Hu
Summary: A black phosphorus-based biodegradable material with enhanced hydrophilicity, shape recovery, and osteodifferentiation properties was proposed in this study. By integrating amino black phosphorous into PLCL, the composite fibers showed excellent shape recovery and osteogenic capabilities, making them suitable for tissue engineering applications.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Edson Antonio dos Santos Filho, Danilo Diniz Siqueira, Edcleide Maria Araujo, Carlos Bruno Barreto Luna, Everaldo Paulo de Medeiros
Summary: A study was conducted on PCL biocomposites with oil and/or flour extracted from the macaiba almond, showing that the flour can accelerate PCL biodegradation, while the oil acts as a plasticizer in the polymer.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wiriya Thongsomboon, Prasong Srihanam, Yodthong Baimark
Summary: In this study, talcum was used as a nucleating agent to improve the heat resistance of PLLA-PEG-PLLA block copolymer. Thermoplastic starch (TPS) was also used as a low-cost filler to reduce production cost. The resulting PLLA-PEG-PLLA/talcum/TPS composites showed higher crystallinity, flexibility, and heat resistance, as well as good dimensional stability and biodegradability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Kenta Hashimoto, Naruki Kurokawa, Atsushi Hotta
Summary: New biodegradable shape-memory polymers (SMPs) were synthesized by blending PLCL and sc-PLA, showing controllable switching temperatures and shape-recovery ratios. The SMPs can be used as biomaterials for medical devices.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaohong Hu, Xiaofeng Song, Mengfei Xu, Yanhe Wang, Chuanming Zhu, Wanting Yu, Yuze Zhao
Summary: In this study, a shape memory composite was constructed by blending poly(epsilon-caprolactone) with TiO2 nanomaterial. The composite showed excellent shape fixing and recovery ratio, with a short recovery time at a low temperature. Moreover, the composite exhibited good antibacterial properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chengzhang Xu, Jun Young Cheong, Xiumei Mo, Valerie Jerome, Ruth Freitag, Seema Agarwal, Reza Gharibi, Andreas Greiner
Summary: Biodegradable electrospun sponges have various applications, but hydrophobicity limits their use. This study investigated surfactant treatment as a means to enhance the hydrophilicity of a PLLA/PCL sponge. Results showed that surfactant-treated sponges achieved thorough hydrophilization, enabling cell proliferation and penetration. Furthermore, leachates from the sponges did not exhibit any cell incompatibility.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Silvia Pisani, Ida Genta, Tiziana Modena, Rossella Dorati, Giovanna Bruni, Marco Benazzo, Bice Conti
Summary: This study evaluates the process parameters affecting the shape memory effect of copolymer nanofibrous scaffolds. A statistical approach is used to define the interaction between material and process variables and their influence on the ability of the scaffold to maintain and recover its shape. The results are validated through various characterization tests.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Megha D. Deokar, Baijayantimala Garnaik, Swaminathan Sivaram
Summary: Well-defined six-arm star-branched bio-degradable block copolymers were prepared using controlled ring-opening polymerization and a sequential monomer addition method. The study found that the sequence of enchainment could be changed by reversing the order of monomer addition, resulting in different crystalline or amorphous blocks. However, disruption of the block structure was observed in one of the copolymers due to competing transesterification reactions. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed interesting phase morphologies in these sequence-controlled block copolymers. Blending these copolymers with a commercially sourced polymer led to improved tensile toughness in the blend.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dawei Xi, Jiayi Li, Jingxiang Low, Keke Mao, Ran Long, Jiawei Li, Zehui Dai, Tianyi Shao, Yuan Zhong, Yu Li, Zibiao Li, Xian Jun Loh, Li Song, Enyi Ye, Yujie Xiong
Summary: Carbon-supported Ni single-atom catalysts with precisely controlled single-atom structure achieved through joule heating strategy show superior performance in electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction, with 80% of N dopants coordinated with metal elements, thereby avoiding unfavorable N species and demonstrating unprecedented activity, selectivity, and stability.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Caixia Yuan, Yucen Yao, Tao Liu, Ying Jin, Chunrong Yang, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li
Summary: Depression is a common mental illness, and inflammation is considered a significant factor in its development. This review systematically sorts the literature on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms that have an antidepressant effect and summarizes the natural compounds related to inflammation in the past 20 years.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yi Han, Lu Jiang, Huihui Shi, Chenfang Xu, Minting Liu, Qingjian Li, Lan Zheng, Hong Chi, Mingyue Wang, Zuguo Liu, Mingliang You, Xian Jun Loh, Yun-Long Wu, Zibiao Li, Cheng Li
Summary: The development of a novel temperature-sensitive hydrogel can improve the solubility and retention time of drugs on the ocular surface, providing an effective treatment for dry eye.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hongwei Cheng, Xiaoshan Fan, Enyi Ye, Hu Chen, Jing Yang, Lingjie Ke, Mingliang You, Minting Liu, Yong-Wei Zhang, Yun-Long Wu, Gang Liu, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li
Summary: This study presents a novel material system using a glucose and TEMPO copolymer to encapsulate clinical therapeutics and a photosensitizer, achieving targeted therapy and multimodal imaging of tumors. The efficient delivery of the therapeutics leads to antitumor immune activation through photodynamic therapy and CD47 inhibition, reshaping the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunoresponsive.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ady Suwardi, FuKe Wang, Kun Xue, Ming-Yong Han, Peili Teo, Pei Wang, Shijie Wang, Ye Liu, Enyi Ye, Zibiao Li, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: Biomaterials research has historically been hindered by long development periods, but the application of machine learning in materials science has greatly accelerated progress. The combination of machine learning with high-throughput theoretical predictions and experiments has shifted the traditional trial and error paradigm to a data-driven paradigm, which is driving the discovery and application of biomaterials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinxin Zhao, Ivan Seah, Kun Xue, Wendy Wong, Queenie Shu Woon Tan, Xiaoxiao Ma, Qianyu Lin, Jason Y. C. Lim, Zengping Liu, Bhav Harshad Parikh, Karishma N. Mehta, Joel Weijia Lai, Binxia Yang, Kim Chi Tran, Veluchamy Amutha Barathi, Kang Hao Cheong, Walter Hunziker, Xinyi Su, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: This study introduces a novel nanomicelle drug delivery system that can deliver anti-VEGF drugs to the posterior segment of the retina through corneal-scleral routes, showing significant therapeutic effects. Additionally, the delivery system demonstrates biocompatibility and intrinsic antiangiogenic properties, suggesting promising potential for the treatment of retinal diseases.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qianyu Lin, Zengping Liu, Daniel S. L. Wong, Chen Chuan Lim, Connie K. Liu, Liangfeng Guo, Xinxin Zhao, Yi Jian Boo, Joey H. M. Wong, Rebekah P. T. Tan, Kun Xue, Jason Y. C. Lim, Xinyi Su, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: Thermogels formed from hyper-branched amphiphilic copolymers show excellent biocompatibility and retention of retinal function in experimental settings, while also being naturally cleared from the vitreous. This novel transparent and biodegradable material has the potential to replace suboptimal existing standards for vitreous endotamponades.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Daniel Wee Yee Toong, Jaryl Chen Koon Ng, Fangsen Cui, Hwa Liang Leo, Liang Zhong, Shaoliang Shawn Lian, Subbu Venkatraman, Lay Poh Tan, Ying Ying Huang, Hui Ying Ang
Summary: This study investigated the use of nanocomposite materials to enhance the properties of bioresorbable coronary scaffolds, finding that functionalized nanofillers improved mechanical properties. Finite element analysis showed that nanocomposite BRS with thinner struts had increased radial strength and stiffness, which could potentially mitigate scaffold thrombosis and promote re-endothelialisation of the vessel.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jaryl Chen Koon Ng, Daniel Wee Yee Toong, Valerie Ow, Su Yin Chaw, Hanwei Toh, Philip En Hou Wong, Subbu Venkatraman, Tze Tec Chong, Lay Poh Tan, Ying Ying Huang, Hui Ying Ang
Summary: Drug delivery systems in cardiovascular applications include drug-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons to ensure effective treatment. Besides antiproliferative drugs, growth factors, genetic materials, hormones, and signaling molecules are also used. Nanoencapsulation techniques are developed for targeted drug delivery. This review discusses drug delivery and coating mechanisms in current drug-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons, as well as innovations in drug-eluting stent technologies and drug encapsulation in nanocarriers for vascular diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joseph Kinyanjui Muiruri, Jayven Chee Chuan Yeo, Qiang Zhu, Enyi Ye, Xian Jun Loh, Zibiao Li
Summary: The excessive production and consumption of oil-based plastics are major contributors to global warming and increased carbon footprint. The majority of plastic waste ends up in the oceans, accounting for about 80% of marine debris. To address this pollution problem, a shift towards eco-friendly and marine-biodegradable plastics is necessary, with polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) standing out as the best choice due to their ability to degrade in soil and marine environments. PHAs are also favored for their biocompatibility, structural variety, and similarity to conventional plastics in terms of physical properties. This article comprehensively explores the production, applications, and recycling strategies of PHA plastics, as well as the impact of end-of-life strategies and life cycle assessment (LCA) on the environment.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Crystallography
Solco Samantha Faye Duran, Danwei Zhang, Wei Yang Samuel Lim, Jing Cao, Hongfei Liu, Qiang Zhu, Chee Kiang Ivan Tan, Jianwei Xu, Xian Jun Loh, Ady Suwardi
Summary: Thermoelectric materials have the ability to convert waste heat into electricity, with high-temperature thermoelectrics being particularly attractive due to factors like light weight, abundance, and low cost. This review focuses on the usage of high-temperature thermoelectric generators in commercial aviation and space voyages, emphasizing silicon-based compounds and recent works on recycled silicon and their thermoelectric properties. Insights from this review can guide sustainable recycling of e-waste into thermoelectrics for power harvesting.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
W. W. Loh, Q. Lin, C. C. Lim, L. Guo, Y. K. Tang, X. J. Loh, J. Y. C. Lim
Summary: Common inorganic salts have significant effects on the gelation and micellization properties of thermogelling polymers, with the type and concentration of salts being able to alter the properties of the thermogel, likely through changes in solvation of the polymer's hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments, as well as direct interactions with hydrophobic polymer segments. These findings emphasize the importance of considering the effects of salts in engineering and optimizing thermogel properties for various biomedical applications.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Yun Debbie Soo, Zhuang Mao Png, Ming Hui Chu, Jayven Chee Chuan Yeo, Pin Jin Ong, Suxi Wang, Xizu Wang, Ady Suwardi, Jing Cao, Yunjie Chen, Qingyu Yan, Xian Jun Loh, Jianwei Xu, Qiang Zhu
Summary: This paper reports the preparation and characterization of a novel flexible form-stable PCM composite, which exhibits low leakage, high latent heat, and good thermal stability. The composite shows potential applications in temperature regulation, cooling, energy harvesting, and wearable devices.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Danwei Zhang, Solco S. Faye Duran, Wei Yang Samuel Lim, Chee Kiang Ivan Tan, Wun Chet Davy Cheong, Ady Suwardi, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: This review summarized the latest understanding on the detection, concentration, and evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, and discussed factors affecting the quality of wastewater surveillance, providing broad guidance for epidemiological studies.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Houjuan Zhu, Justin Mah Jian Qiang, Chen Gang Wang, Chui Yu Chan, Qiang Zhu, Enyi Ye, Zibiao Li, Xian Jun Loh
Summary: Flexible polymeric patches have wide applications in biomedicine due to their biological and tunable features. The combination of nanomaterials with polymeric patches can improve curative efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity. This review briefly presents the classification and advantages of flexible polymeric patches integrated with nanomaterials, and systematically reviews their applications in non-cancerous diseases. The limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of these biomedical therapeutic devices are also discussed.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)