Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chirag R. Ratwani, Ali Reza Kamali, Amr M. Abdelkader
Summary: This review summarizes the recent advances in self-healing polymers based on reversible cycloaddition reactions, with a focus on the Diels-Alder (DA) reaction. The principles of the DA reaction and its application in polymers are introduced. The thermodynamics governing the rupture-repair process in self-healing polymers and the use of advanced spectroscopic techniques are discussed, along with their applicability in thermosets, epoxy resins, biopolymers, and polymer nanocomposites.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Soonyoung Choi, Junhee Kim, Eunyong Seo, Hyocheol Jung, Ji-Eun Jeong, Young Il Park, Jin Chul Kim, Dong Woog Lee, Byeong-Su Kim, Sang-Ho Lee
Summary: The topologies of polymers can significantly affect the performance of polymeric materials. In this study, the addition of 4-vinylphenylboronic acid introduced a dynamic covalent bond to polyglycidols with different topologies. The formation of dual crosslinked polymer networks, consisting of dynamic and static covalent bonds, was confirmed. Mechanical tests revealed that the crosslinked network with a branched cyclic structure exhibited higher self-healing efficiency and modulus compared to hyperbranched networks.
Review
Polymer Science
Robert H. Aguirresarobe, Sil Nevejans, Bernd Reck, Lourdes Irusta, Haritz Sardon, Jose M. Asua, Nicholas Ballard
Summary: The development of self-healing materials with polymer networks containing dynamic bonds in polymers, particularly polyurethanes, has shown promise. The rheological properties and types of dynamic bonds in polyurethanes affect their healing capabilities, while characterization techniques and commercial applications present challenges for widespread use of healable polyurethanes.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Jiake Wang, Zhongzheng Ma, Yan Wang, Jingwen Shao, Lifeng Yan
Summary: A deep eutectic solvent (DES) ionic gel with excellent conductivity and ultra-stretchable performance was fabricated using a dual self-catalytic system in mild conditions. It possesses anti-freezing and anti-drying properties, self-healing ability, and can restore its stretching and conductive performance even after breakage. These superior properties of the DES ionic gel offer new insights for designing novel gels in applications like tissue engineering, sensing, and wearable electronics.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ninghan Tang, Dong Lei, Ji Lin, Yanjie Wang, Rui Xiao
Summary: This study characterized the mechanical responses of two plasticized PVC gels through experiments and theory, revealing stress softening response in cyclic tests. The gels showed some self-healing ability after annealing at room temperature. The developed constitutive model could reproduce the observed Mullins effect and its recovery.
ACTA MECHANICA SOLIDA SINICA
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pu Yang, Zhen Li, Bairong Fang, Liangle Liu
Summary: This paper reviews recent advances in the design of self-healing hydrogels based on natural polymers for skin wound healing applications. It outlines various natural polymers that can be used to construct self-healing hydrogel systems and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different natural polymers. The principle of self-healing hydrogels, based on physical and chemical crosslinking mechanisms, is described and analyzed in terms of their performance characteristics for skin trauma applications. The biological mechanisms involved in skin wound healing are outlined, and the current application strategies for self-healing hydrogels based on these mechanisms are described. Challenges and prospects of natural-material-based self-healing hydrogels for skin applications are also analyzed and summarized.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Quinn Prasser, Daniel Steinbach, Alexander S. Muench, Richard Neubert, Christian Weber, Petra Uhlmann, Florian Mertens, Felix A. Plamper
Summary: Although amphiphiles are widely used to modify interfaces, the process of interfacial reorganization remains unclear in many cases. In this study, a block copolymer system with electrostatic interactions was used to investigate the reorganization kinetics of adsorbed micelles at the water/n-decane interface. The results showed that electrostatic interactions slowed down the reorganization process, allowing for the observation of micellar flattening and merging towards a physically interconnected monolayer. The study also demonstrated that the rheological properties of the interface can be manipulated through redox reactions, and the formation of Prussian blue can stiffen the interface.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miao Qi, Ruiqi Yang, Zhe Wang, Yanting Liu, Qichong Zhang, Bing He, Kaiwei Li, Qing Yang, Lei Wei, Caofeng Pan, Mengxiao Chen
Summary: Inspired by nature, self-healing materials have been developed for improving durability and integrating intriguing properties into electronic devices. This review presents a detailed discussion on bioinspired self-healing soft electronics, including healing mechanisms, materials categories, functions, applications, and inspirations from humans and animals. It is believed that this field will accelerate the development of applications in various areas.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Qiaoqiao Shen, Hui Liu, Yan Peng, Jing Zheng, Jinrong Wu
Summary: In this study, a novel method for tracking and monitoring the self-healing process of dynamically crosslinked materials was successfully demonstrated by copolymerizing a fluorophore with a self-healing elastomer. The fluorescence intensity exhibited changes in response to mechanical damage and healing, with a linear relationship between the two.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhenwu Wang, Haijun Cui, Modan Liu, Stephan L. Grage, Maxi Hoffmann, Elaheh Sedghamiz, Wolfgang Wenzel, Pavel A. Levkin
Summary: This study demonstrates the critical influence of the solvent nature on the mechanical properties and performance of soft polymer gels. A polymer gel platform based on PEG as solvent is reported, which shows high stretchability and toughness, rapid self-healing, and long-term stability. The enhanced mechanical properties of the PEGgel system hold promise for broad applications in wearable electronics, soft actuators, and robotics.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Haoliang Wang, Shiyu Wang, Bibo Ren, Chenggong Hu, Haibo Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that the introduction of cinnamoyl group can enhance the self-healing properties of vegetable oil-based polymers, promote the photoresponsive self-healing effect of polyurethane, and exhibit excellent comprehensive performance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Junjie Zhu, Jixun Chen, Zihan An, Ranjith Kumar Kankala, Ai-Zheng Chen, Shi-Bin Wang, Yuewei Li
Summary: This article explores the integration of self-healing polymers with photocuring 3D printing (P3DP) technology to enhance the durability and performance of printed components. It provides an overview of different P3DP technologies and presents the formation mechanisms and applications of self-healing polymers in P3DP. The challenges and future prospects of combining self-healing polymers and P3DP technology are discussed.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jie Gao, Wen-Da Zhang, Lin-Lin Wang, Yu-Xuan Chen, Ya-Xiang Shi, Wei Ji, Zexiao Xu, Xiaodong Yan, Zhi-Guo Gu
Summary: Photoresponsive self-healing polymer gels, based on dynamic imine bonds and DEA/DBD, show ultrafast photoresponsive ability with rapid color transition under UV-Vis and visible light. The molecular states of DEA affect the fluorescence intensity, with ring-opened DEA showing stronger blue fluorescence. Additionally, the cross-linked dynamic imine bond enables the gels to self-heal quickly without external stimuli, with wounds disappearing within 10 minutes.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ryota Tamate, Takeshi Ueki
Summary: Ion gels are polymer gels with a three-dimensional network filled with an ionic liquid, and they have attracted considerable attention in fields like energy and biotechnology due to their excellent properties. In this review, recent developments in functional ion gels that can modulate their physical properties in response to environmental conditions, such as stimuli-responsive and self-healing ion gels, are outlined.
Review
Polymer Science
Wengang Yang, Mengqi Wu, Ting Xu, Mingxiao Deng
Summary: This review outlines recent advancements in self-healing elastomers, including mechanisms, preparation methods, and properties. It emphasizes the importance of intrinsic self-healing elastomers and provides examples of different bond systems. The review is valuable for guiding further research and development of high-performance self-healing elastomers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Seong-Min Jo, Hyeong Seok Kim, Miae Won, Carole Champanhac, Jong Seung Kim, Frederik R. Wurm, Katharina Landfester
Summary: The combination of nanoreactors and prodrugs presents great potential in anticancer treatment. However, the precise targeting of cancer cells remains a challenge. In this study, a dual-targeting approach using folate receptor-targeted nanoreactors and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) targeted prodrugs is proposed. This strategy can generate synergistic effects and contribute to the development of selective and effective anticancer therapeutics.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenxin Wei, Francesca Mazzotta, Ingo Lieberwirth, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson, Kai A. I. Zhang
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Julian Heuer, Thomas Kuckhoff, Rong Li, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson
Summary: The production of photocatalytic self-assembled amphiphilic polymers enables selective control over reactions based on the substrate's physical properties. By polymerizing benzothiadiazole-based photocatalysts into hydrophilic or hydrophobic compartments, we achieved stark differences in reactivity for polar substrates but similar performance for hydrophobic substrates. Additionally, the use of secondary swelling solvents led to a significant increase in conversion for a radical carbon-carbon coupling reaction.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cyrine Ayed, Jie Yin, Katharina Landfester, Kai A. I. Zhang
Summary: Using photocatalytic oxidation to convert basic chemicals into high value compounds in environmentally benign reaction media is a current focus in catalytic research. The challenge of gaining controllability over product formation selectivity was addressed by designing covalent triazine frameworks as recyclable photocatalysts. Controlled selectivity was achieved by activating or deactivating specific photogenerated oxygen species. This study demonstrates a promising approach for achieving switchable product formation selectivity for challenging oxidation reactions in pure water.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shoupeng Cao, Tsvetomir Ivanov, Marina de Souza Melchiors, Katharina Landfester, Lucas Caire da Silva
Summary: The article discusses the importance of polymersome-based biomimetic nanoreactors (PBNs) in nanomedicine and cell mimicry. It highlights the state of the art in functional polymersomes as biomimetic nanoreactors with membrane-controlled transport.
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenxin Wei, Francesca Mazzotta, Ingo Lieberwirth, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson, Kai A. I. Zhang
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Li, Julian Heuer, Thomas Kuckhoff, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson
Summary: Pseudo-homogeneous polymeric photocatalysts are efficient and tunable materials with easily accessible catalytic centers. Creating highly efficient photocatalytic materials that can be separated and recovered quickly is a critical challenge. This study presents pH-responsive photocatalytic nanoparticles that are active and well-dispersed under acidic conditions but aggregate upon pH elevation, allowing easy recovery. These responsive photocatalytic polymers can be used in various transformations and can accelerate the reaction rate of anionic substrates.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Loris Busch, Anna Maria Hanuschik, Yuri Avlasevich, Katrin Darm, Elisa F. F. Hochheiser, Christian Kohler, Evgeny A. A. Idelevich, Karsten Becker, Peter Rotsch, Katharina Landfester, Maxim E. E. Darvin, Martina C. C. Meinke, Cornelia M. M. Keck, Axel Kramer, Paula Zwicker
Summary: Hair follicles are important drug delivery targets for skin antisepsis due to their high concentration of skin microbiome. Nanoparticles can penetrate deeply into hair follicles and can be triggered to release drugs through various mechanisms. The study introduces UV-responsive nanocapsules containing hydroxyethyl starch, which demonstrated efficient release of ethanol and a strong reduction in microbial load on porcine ear skin. The findings suggest the potential for advanced skin antisepsis using UVA-responsive nanocapsules.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tsvetomir Ivanov, Shoupeng Cao, Nitin Bohra, Marina de Souza Melchiors, Lucas Caire da Silva, Katharina Landfester
Summary: We have developed a fully polymeric microreactor with a coacervate-in-vesicle architecture that exhibits an adaptive response to pH. The microreactor allows for the dynamic modulation of internal subcompartments, resulting in the sequestration and localization of enzymes and reaction products driven by environmental cues.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ran Wang, Yingjie Yu, Meiyu Gai, Ana Mateos-Maroto, Svenja Morsbach, Xiang Xia, Maomao He, Jiangli Fan, Xiaojun Peng, Katharina Landfester, Shuai Jiang, Wen Sun
Summary: Enzymatic reactions can effectively inhibit tumor growth by consuming tumor nutrients and producing cytotoxic species. Liposomal nanoreactors that perform enzymatic cascade reactions have been developed, increasing the overall efficiency of the reaction. This biomimetic approach provides a promising direction for developing catalytic nanomedicines in antitumor therapy.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jenny Schunke, Volker Mailaender, Katharina Landfester, Michael Fichter
Summary: Finding a long-term cure for tumor patients remains challenging. Immunotherapies show promise by activating the immune system against tumors and modulating the tumor microenvironment. However, current methods often fail to sufficiently activate the immune system and have limitations such as drug degradation and non-specific uptake. Encapsulating immunomodulatory molecules into nanocarriers offers a solution by protecting cargo and targeting uptake by antigen-presenting cells. This approach allows for versatile immune system stimulation and improved anti-tumor responses with reduced toxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Thi Mai Phuong Neumann-Tran, Clara Lopez-Iglesias, Lucila Navarro, Elisa Quaas, Katharina Achazi, Catalina Biglione, Daniel Klinger
Summary: Poly(N-acryloylmorpholine) (P(NAM))-based materials have been developed to prevent protein adhesion to surfaces due to their biocompatibility and protein-repellent properties. This study presents a novel approach for the synthesis of P(NAM) nanogels with controllable size. The nanogels exhibited pH-responsive swelling and redox-triggered degradation, and showed excellent protein-repellent properties. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated the potential of these nanogels for biomedical applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mareike F. S. Deuker, Volker Mailaender, Svenja Morsbach, Katharina Landfester
Summary: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is commonly used to reduce unspecific protein adsorption and prolong nanocarrier circulation time, but the presence of anti-PEG antibodies in the bloodstream can counteract its stealth effect. This study found a high concentration and prevalence of anti-PEG antibodies in the German population, which led to higher uptake in macrophages and accelerated blood clearance of PEGylated nanocarriers.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Laura Dietz, Jennifer Oberlaender, Ana Mateos-Maroto, Jenny Schunke, Michael Fichter, Eva-Maria Kraemer-Albers, Katharina Landfester, Volker Mailaender
Summary: This study analyzed the protein composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the protein corona around EVs in human blood plasma using a proteomic approach. The influence of the protein corona on the uptake of EVs by human monocytes was then compared with the uptake of engineered liposomes. The results showed that the presence of a protein corona increased the uptake of EVs in human monocytes, indicating a clear difference between EVs and liposomes as nanocarriers.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tsvetomir Ivanov, Shoupeng Cao, Thao P. Doan-Nguyen, Heloisa Bremm Madalosso, Lucas Caire da Silva, Katharina Landfester
Summary: There is an increasing interest in multi-compartment systems that mimic the structure and function of biological cells. Droplet-based microfluidics (DBM) has emerged as a powerful technique for creating cell-like systems with multi-compartment architectures and biomimetic functionality. DBM has proven to be a reliable method for generating populations of cell-mimics with a compartment-in-compartment structure, some of which have adaptable properties that resemble the dynamic properties of natural cells. This review highlights the progress made in the construction of hierarchical cell-mimics using DBM methods.