Article
Polymer Science
Lena Vogt, Aldo R. Boccaccini
Summary: The study showed that electrospun cardiac patches made from a blend of poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) exhibited promising mechanical properties and cytocompatibility for applications in cardiac tissue engineering (CTE). Further research is needed to explore their in vitro and in vivo potential.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lu Wan, Liangliang Lu, Tangsong Zhu, Zhichang Liu, Ruichun Du, Qiong Luo, Qiang Xu, Qiuhong Zhang, Xudong Jia
Summary: This study presents a systematic investigation into the in vivo and in vitro degradation behaviors of poly(1,8-octanediol-co-citrate) (POC). The results reveal that the degradation of POC primarily occurs through bulk erosion and triggers minimal inflammation responses. Additionally, a mechanical evaluation of POC in simulated application environments is proposed and conducted for more appropriate application.
Article
Polymer Science
Zahra Fakhari, Saied Nouri Khorasani, Farzaneh Alihosseini, Mohamad Hossein Nasr Esfahani, Fereshteh Karamali, Shahla Khalili
Summary: In this research, biocompatible and biodegradable polymers PGS and POC were used to fabricate a core-shell structure, which showed increased fiber diameter, pore size, hydrophilicity, and degradation rate with the addition of POC. Mechanical testing and cell culture experiments indicated that the PGS/PCL-POC/PCL scaffold was suitable for retinal tissue engineering applications.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zeang Zhao, Hongshuai Lei, Hao-Sen Chen, Qiang Zhang, Panding Wang, Ming Lei
Summary: Double network elastomer composites consist of a brittle filler network and a ductile matrix network, enhancing both stiffness and toughness. Various constitutive models have been developed to capture the nonlinear stress-strain relation, but theoretical prediction for the ultimate strength is still lacking. The multiscale model presented in this paper describes the deformation and tensile failure processes, validated through comparison with experiments and analysis of design principles for these composites.
MECHANICS OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Zhen Hern Boon, Yin Yin Teo, Desmond Teck-Chye Ang
Summary: The increasing demand for durable rubber and rapid advancement in the automotive sector has made oil-resistant rubber an increasingly important material. Among them, nitrile rubber (NBR) is the most iconic due to its extraordinary oil resistance contributed by the polar nitrile pendant groups. However, the synthesis of NBR is highly hazardous due to the explosive nature of the gaseous monomer butadiene.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yang Sun, Adiel F. Perez, Ivy L. Cardoza, Nina Baluyot-Reyes, Yong Ba
Summary: A self-assembled co-hydrogel system with sol-gel two-phase coexistence and mucoadhesive properties was developed, showing promising results in terms of maximum detachment stresses and physical dispersion stability under specific conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoxia Wu, Xudong Zhang, Jingpeng Wu, Xiaodong Li, Hao Jiang, Xing Su, Meishuai Zou
Summary: This study systematically investigates FR/microcellular polyurethane elastomer (MPUE) composites, and finds that using expandable graphite as a flame retardant can significantly increase the vertical combustion grade and reduce fire risk, but it also decreases the tensile strength of the material.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Abdul Rahim Narejo, Raja Fahad Qureshi, Rabia Almas, Sanam Irum Memon, Faraz Khan Mahar, Noureen Syed, Farooq Ahmed, Zeeshan Khatri
Summary: In this study, cellulose/PMP nanofibers were prepared by co-electrospinning cellulose acetate and poly (4-methyl-1-pentene) (CA/PMP) nanofibers with a blending ratio of 1:1, followed by deacetylation treatment. SEM characterization revealed even and bead-less morphology of nanofibers with an average diameter of 650 nm. FTIR study confirmed the removal of acetyl groups after deacetylation, and x-ray diffraction analysis showed a crystallinity of 82% and a crystal size of 34 angstrom for CA/PMP nanofibers. Tensile strength tests indicated that the combination of CA and PMP nanofibers with a blending ratio of 1:1 improved the tensile strength of composite nanofibers. Additionally, the deacetylation process further increased the tensile strength, with cellulose/PMP nanofibers exhibiting a tensile strength of 6.9 MPa and a Young's modulus of 195 MPa, making them a valuable addition to cellulose-based membranes.
MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuecheng Zhang, Sandra Kentish, Colin A. Scholes
Summary: Ammonia (NH3) is a promising sustainable fuel for a low-carbon future. However, its permeability through polymer-based elastomers used in natural gas infrastructure poses a challenge. To address this issue, three types of additives were incorporated into poly(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene) (NBR) elastomers to reduce ammonia permeance. The investigation showed that the addition of amines, chemical additives, and graphene oxide can significantly decrease ammonia permeability in NBR elastomers.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sofia El-Ghazali, Muzamil Khatri, Nadir Hussain, Zeeshan Khatri, Takayuki Yamamoto, Seong Hun Kim, Shunichi Kobayashi, Ick Soo Kim
Summary: In this study, three-dimensional artificial blood vessels (ABV) were successfully prepared using electrospun PEICT, PICT, and BLEND nanofibers. BLEND exhibited superior wettability and morphology compared to PICT and PEICT, making it suitable for cell culture applications without the need for special surface treatment. The unique features of BLEND include maximum biodegradation rate and tunable tensile strength, showing promising potential for vascular regeneration and cell culture.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ewelina Chmielnicka, Malgorzata Szymiczek, Sara Sarraj, Sebastian Jurczyk
Summary: The study investigated the effect of accelerated thermal aging on the properties of different viscosity and hardness poly(dimethylsiloxanes) (PDMS) for specialist casting molds. Results showed that the initial hardness value affects the tensile strength and value changes after thermal aging.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiyuan Liu, Rui Yuan, Qi Sang, Li Dang, Li Gao, Benhua Xu, Shiai Xu
Summary: This study investigates the effects of acetylation modification on the plasticization properties of citrates and provides insights into the underlying mechanisms using experimental and molecular dynamics simulation approaches. The results show that acetylated citrates have better plasticizing efficiency compared to non-acetylated citrates. The study also explores the toxicity of acetylated citrates. Overall, this research contributes to a better understanding of the plasticizing mechanisms of citrates and proposes an optimized citrate structure with higher performance.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Hiroshi Fukui, Takeaki Tsuda, Yoichi Kaminaga, Yoonyoung Kim
Summary: The quality of dielectric elastomer (DE) films plays a crucial role in the reliability of DE actuators. This study examines the effect of micron-sized defects on the dielectric strength (DS) of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) DE films. The results show that the number of defects significantly influences the DS of the films. The findings suggest that there are different failure mechanisms between films with high and low-quality defects.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Mengting Shi, Lang Bai, Meiguang Xu, Zhenlong Li, Tianli Hu, Juan Hu, Zixi Zhang, Zhanhai Yin, Baolin Guo
Summary: In this study, a micropatterned elastomer film that can simulate the mechanical properties, anisotropy, and electroactivity of natural myocardial tissues was developed. The film has sufficient mechanical strength, complies with the anisotropy of myocardium, and possesses conductivity and good cytocompatibility. In vivo experiments showed that the film with graphene can significantly promote myocardial function recovery. This electroactive micropatterned anisotropic elastomer film has potential applications in cardiac tissue engineering.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
John J. Pittari, Jeffrey J. Swab, Jared Wright, Katherine Atwater
Summary: In this study, the effect of binder phase on the mechanical properties of tungsten carbide-cobalt materials with different grain sizes was investigated. The results showed that a decrease in grain size led to an increase in hardness and tensile strength, while fracture toughness exhibited an opposite trend. Flexure strength did not show a correlation with grain size. Fractographic analysis identified the primary strength-limiting flaw as porosity, with other flaws types also identified.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REFRACTORY METALS & HARD MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Piya Kerdlap, Aloisius Rabata Purnama, Jonathan Sze Choong Low, Daren Zong Loong Tan, Claire Y. Barlow, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: The study compares the environmental performance of distributed and centralized sorting and recycling of plastic bottles and takeaway containers in Singapore, finding that distributed scenarios have higher environmental impacts in terms of climate change, water depletion, and terrestrial ecotoxicity by 7-30% compared to centralized scenarios.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wanasinghe Arachchige Dumith Madushanka Jayathilaka, Amutha Chinnappan, Rituparna Ghosh, Chinnappan Baskar, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: Passive radiative cooling using metal oxide-doped fibers is an effective energy-saving method that achieves cooling without external energy input. These fibers have high reflectivity and emissivity within the atmospheric window, resulting in significant cooling effects below ambient temperatures.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Chen, Feng Hu, Yanan Hao, Yonghan Wang, Yaoyi Xie, Hui Wang, Lijie Yin, Deshuang Yu, Hongchao Yang, Jun Ma, Dan Kai, Linlin Li, Shengjie Peng
Summary: The study successfully designed a novel thiol-capped silver electrocatalyst for efficient CO2 reduction to CO. Thiols play an important role in the electrochemical CO2 reduction process.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sigit Sugiarto, Yihao Leow, Chong Li Tan, Guan Wang, Dan Kai
Summary: The review highlights the potential of utilizing lignin as a versatile biomaterial and discusses the challenges and outlook in developing and enhancing biomaterials through chemical modifications of lignin.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Chuan Tan, Wei Kang Quek, Beomil Kim, Sigit Sugiarto, Jihun Oh, Dan Kai
Summary: This paper discusses the evaluation of catalysts on gas diffusion electrodes, highlighting the potential experimental factors that can influence the evaluation results and emphasizing the importance of establishing appropriate protocols.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jin Heng Lim, Dan Kai, Chi-Lik Ken Lee
Summary: Aggregation of organic photothermal agents enhances their photothermal effect. Conventionally, aggregation is achieved by solvatochromic effects which is not translatable for photothermal applications. This report details the incorporation of an organic photosensitizer into a chitosan hydrogel which induced its aggregation, enhancing its photothermal effect and feasibility for its intended applications.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Thenapakiam Sathasivam, Jing Kai, Sigit Sugiarto, Yong Yu, Debbie Xiang Yun Soo, Qiang Zhu, Jasmeen Merzaban, Dan Kai
Summary: This review summarizes the latest developments in nanolignin (NL)-based biomaterials for cancer therapy. Various NL applications related to cancer therapy, including drug and gene delivery, biosensing, bioimaging, and tissue engineering, are considered. The manuscript also discusses the potential use of NL-based materials to improve the therapeutic potency of chemotherapeutic drugs by decreasing their dose and reducing their adverse effects. Moreover, the challenges in the utilization of NL-based materials for cancer therapy are discussed, along with the prospects of advances in such nanomaterials for medical research applications.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thenapakiam Sathasivam, Lim Kang Brian, Ingrid Marie Andersen, Hui Ru Tan, Zheng Zhang, Tingting Wu, Hooi Hong Lau, Qiang Zhu, Dan Kai
Summary: A novel magnetic composite was synthesized by attaching amino-functionalized magnetic particles to cellulose nanofibers grafted with polyethyleneimine. The composite exhibited exceptional adsorption capabilities for heavy metal ions, with high adsorption capacities for Pb, Cu, and Co. The introduction of PEI significantly enhanced the adsorption capacities, and the adsorption sequence can be explained by differences in ionic radius and surface complexation strength.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Kegang Shu, Zuquan Huang, Xiaomin Pei, Pek Yin Michelle Yew, Shanshan Wei, Yuan Yang, Ying Lan, Dan Kai, Li Zheng, Jinmin Zhao
Summary: By utilizing a heteropolysaccharide called flaxseed gum (FG), a strong photo-crosslinked methacrylated FG (FGMA) bioink was synthetized and integrated with stem cells for cartilage defect therapy. FGMA has favorable 3D printability and shown to exhibit high mechanical strength and superior fatigue resistant ability. In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that FGMA2 has excellent biocompatibility, chondrogenic potential, and can regenerate cartilage tissue with similar morphology and mechanical strength to natural cartilage.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yong Yu, Ying Chuan Tan, Gorelik Sergey, Yihao Leow, Hui Ru Tan, Chi-Lik Ken Lee, Qiang Zhu, Enyi Ye, Le Yang, Dan Kai
Summary: This study presents a new strategy to integrate ultrasmall gold nanoclusters with coconut fibers, resulting in a unique fluorescence switchable composite material. The fluorescence switching is governed by the Fo-Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process despite the disparity in material type, morphology, and size. The potential applications of this strategy in stimuli-responsive sensor applications are highlighted.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Depeng Fang, Zainen Qin, Li Zheng, Pek Yin Michelle Yew, Xianfang Jiang, Dan Kai, Fangming Song, Jinmin Zhao
Summary: In this study, a ROS-responsive nanocomposite scaffold was fabricated to investigate its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and chondro-protective effects on osteoarthritis. The results showed that the nanofibers exhibited accelerated release of Pue in response to H2O2, and effectively inhibited ROS production and activated antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, the scaffold demonstrated a chondro-protective effect by suppressing MMP expression and attenuating cartilage erosion.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Lu Jiang, Chen-Gang Wang, Pei Lin Chee, Chenyang Qu, Alejandro Zikin Fok, Fu Hsien Yong, Zhi Lin Ong, Dan Kai
Summary: The depletion of petroleum resources and environmental problems have created a demand for alternative polymer materials. Lignin, with its renewable and degradable properties, is a promising carbon source for constructing these materials. Biorefining or lignin depolymerization is crucial for valorization and overcoming the challenges of lignin in polymer preparation. Current research focuses on obtaining aromatic monomers from lignin depolymerization and constructing functional polymers from these monomers.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ferdinandus, Chaemin Joo, Dan Kai, Chi-Lik Ken Lee
Summary: Antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is an effective treatment method for pathogenic bacteria, especially in the face of antibiotic resistance. SQR29, an organophotosensitizer, was encapsulated in a poly(lignin/PEG/PPG urethane) hydrogel for targeted treatment. The hydrogel scavenged free radicals, preventing oxidative stress and promoting wound healing. It showed a significant aPDT effect on Gram-positive bacteria, indicating its potential in combating antibiotic-resistant pathogenic bacteria in chronic wound infection.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Xue Pan, Lu Bai, Chengcheng Pan, Zhicheng Liu, Seeram Ramakrishna
Summary: This review discusses the fabrication methods and applications of SERS substrates based on electrospun nanofibers, and highlights the challenges and prospects.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Masoud Sarraf, Erfan Rezvani Ghomi, Saeid Alipour, Seeram Ramakrishna, Nazatul Liana Sukiman
Summary: Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys are widely used in biomedical applications due to their excellent mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and antibacterial properties. Future research will focus on advanced manufacturing technologies, effects of alloying elements on biocompatibility, and the role of titanium in regenerative and nanomedicine applications.
BIO-DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
