Biomimetic peptide conjugates as emerging strategies for controlled release from protein-based materials

Biopolymers, such as collagens, elastin, silk fibroin, spider silk, fibrin, keratin, and resilin have gained significant interest for their potential biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mechanical properties. This review focuses on the design and integration of biomimetic peptides into these biopolymer platforms to control the release of bioactive molecules, thereby enhancing their functionality for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) and silk fibroin repeats, for example, demonstrate how engineered peptides can mimic natural protein domains to modulate material properties and drug release profiles. Recombinant spider silk proteins, fibrin-binding peptides, collagen-mimetic peptides, and keratin-derived structures similarly illustrate the ability to engineer precise interactions and to design controlled release systems. Additionally, the use of resilin-like peptides showcases the potential for creating highly elastic and resilient biomaterials. This review highlights current achievements and future perspectives in the field, emphasizing the potential of biomimetic peptides to transform biopolymer-based biomedical applications.

In vivo toxicity of chitosan-based nanoparticles: a systematic review

Chitosan nanoparticles have been extensively utilised as polymeric drug carriers in nanoparticles formulations due to their potential to enhance drug delivery, efficacy, and safety. Numerous toxicity studies have been previously conducted to assess the safety profile of chitosan-based nanoparticles. These toxicity studies employed various methodologies, including test animals, interventions, and different routes of administration. This review aims to summarise research on the safety profile of chitosan-based nanoparticles in drug delivery, with a focus on general toxicity tests to determine LD50 and NOAEL values. It can serve as a repository and reference for chitosan-based nanoparticles, facilitating future research and further development of drugs delivery system using chitosan nanoparticles. Publications from 2014 to 2024 were obtained from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria.The ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines were employed to evaluate the quality and risk-of-bias in the in vivo toxicity studies. The results demonstrated favourable toxicity profiles, often exhibiting reduced toxicity compared to free drugs or substances. Acute toxicity studies consistently reported high LD50 values, frequently exceeding 5000 mg/kg body weight, while subacute studies typically revealed no significant adverse effects. Various routes of administration varied, including oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, inhalation, and topical, each demonstrating promising safety profiles.

Investigation of the biodegradation kinetics and associated mechanical properties of 3D-printed polycaprolactone during long-term preclinical testing

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a bioresorbable polymer increasingly utilized for customized tissue reconstruction as it is readily 3D printed. A critical design requirement for PCL devices is determining the in vivo bioresorption rate and the resulting change in device mechanics suited for target tissue repair applications. The primary challenge with meeting this requirement involves accurate prediction of degradation in the target tissues. PCL undergoes bulk hydrolytic degradation following first order kinetics until an 80-90 % drop in the starting number average molecular weight (Mn) after 2-3 years in vivo. However, initial polymer architecture, composite incorporation, manufacturing modality, device architecture, and target tissue can impact degradation. In vitro models do not fully capture device degradation, and the limited long-term (2-3 year) models primarily utilize subcutaneous implants. In this study, we investigate the degradation rate of 3D-printed airway support devices (ASDs) comprised of PCL and 4 % hydroxyapatite (HA) when implanted on Yucatan porcine tracheas for two years. After one year of degradation, we report a mass loss of less than 1 % and Mn reduction of 25 %. After two years, mass and Mn decreased by 10 % and 50 % respectively. These changes are accompanied by an increase in elastic modulus from 146.7 ± 5.2 MPa for freshly printed ASDs to 291.7 ± 16.0 MPa after one year and 362.5 ± 102.4 MPa after two years. Additionally, there was a decrease in yield strain, and increase in yield stress from implantation to 1-year (p < 0.001). Plastic strain completely diminished by two years, resulting in brittle failure at a yield stress of 12.5 MPa. The significantly lower rate of hydrolysis coupled with hydrolytic embrittlement indicates alternate degradation kinetics compared to subcutaneous models. Fitting a new model for degradation and predicting elastic and damage properties of this new degradation paradigm provide significant advancements for 3D-printed device design in clinical repair applications.

A PEG-based strategy to improve detection of clinical microRNA 155 by bio-Field Effect Transistor in high ionic strength environment

microRNAs are small oligonucleotides involved in post-transcriptional gene regulation whose alteration is found in several diseases, including cancer, and therefore their detection is crucial for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment purposes. Field-Effect Transistor-based biosensors (bioFETs) represent a promising technology for the clinical detection of microRNAs. However, one of the main challenges associated with this technology is the Debye screening, becoming significant at the high ionic strengths required for effective hybridization. We aimed at detecting oncogenic microRNA-155 by using a bioFET system using as capture element a complementary RNA probe (antimiR-155) combined with the introduction of PEG molecules (20 kDa, PEG20), at an ionic strength of 300 mM. We optimized the co-immobilization ratio between antimiR-155 and PEG20 and assessed its impact on the interactions between the oligonucleotides. The kinetics can be well described by the Langmuir-Freundlich isotherm with an affinity constant within the range typical of nucleic acid interactions. The introduction of PEG20 significantly enhanced the detection sensitivity of miR-155 by reaching a level of less than 200 pM, together with excellent discrimination against other clinically relevant microRNAs. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of PEG20 constitutes an effective strategy to mitigate the Debye screening effects and facilitates bioFET-based clinical applications at physiological ionic strengths.

Morphological advances and innovations in conjugated polymer films for high-performance gas sensors

Conjugated polymers (CPs) are considered one of the most important gas-sensing materials due to their unique features, combining the benefits of both metals and semiconductors, along with their outstanding mechanical properties and excellent processability. However, CPs with conventional morphological structures, such as largely amorphous and bulky matrices, face limitations in practical applications because of their inferior charge transport characteristics, low surface area, and insufficient sensitivity. Therefore, the design and development of novel morphological nanostructures in CPs have attracted significant attention as a promising strategy for improving morphological and electrical characteristics, thereby enabling a considerable increase in the sensing performance of corresponding gas sensors. Numerous CP nanostructures have been developed and implemented for high-performance gas sensors. Highlighting the morphological advances and bottlenecks of these nanostructures is crucial for providing an overview of developing trends, potential strategies, and emerging areas for the future development of CP nanostructures in the field. In this regard, this study describes state-of-the-art CP nanostructures, emphasizing their attractive morphological and electrical characteristics to help readers and researchers better understand emerging trends, promising future directions, and key obstacles for the application of CP nanostructure-based gas sensors. The most crucial aspects of CP nanostructures, including advanced preparation techniques, morphological properties, and sensing characteristics, are discussed and assessed in detail. Moreover, development strategies and perspectives for achieving high sensing efficiency in CP nanostructure-based flexible and wearable sensors are summarized and emphasized.

Bioactive polymers as stimulus-responsive anti-metastatic combination agents to treat pancreatic cancer

The intractable and devastating nature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) necessitates an urgent need for novel therapies. This study presents the development of a novel polymer prodrug system for the combination treatment of PDAC, based on an optimized pharmacologically active anti-metastatic macromolecular carrier, PCQ, conjugated with gemcitabine (GEM). Structure-activity relationship evaluations showed that random PCQ copolymers exhibited superior anti-migratory activity compared to the gradient PCQ analogs. GEM was incorporated into the random PCQ copolymers using disulfide linker to prepare a reduction-responsive prodrug, PCQ(r)6-SS-GEM12. The resultant therapeutic system presents a pharmacologically active delivery strategy that targets both the proliferative and the metastatic phenotype in PDAC. The PCQ(r)6-SS-GEM12 prodrug demonstrated a selective release of GEM under the reductive tumor environment leading to a significant inhibition of tumor growth with pronounced anti-metastatic effect. Collectively, our data show that the combination of anti-metastatic PCQ and cytotoxic GEM-based reduction-responsive prodrug polymer offers an innovative strategy to treat PDAC.

Supramolecular assembly of multi-purpose tissue engineering platforms from human extracellular matrix

Recapitulating the biophysical and biochemical complexity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) remains a major challenge in tissue engineering. Hydrogels derived from decellularized ECM provide a unique opportunity to replicate the architecture and bioactivity of native ECM, however, they exhibit limited long-term stability and mechanical integrity. In turn, materials assembled through supramolecular interactions have achieved considerable success in replicating the dynamic biophysical properties of the ECM. Here, we merge both methodologies by promoting the supramolecular assembly of decellularized human amniotic membrane (hAM), mediated by host-guest interactions between hAM proteins and acryloyl-β-cyclodextrin (AcβCD). Photopolymerization of the cyclodextrins results in the formation of soft hydrogels that exhibit tunable stress relaxation and strain-stiffening. Disaggregation of bulk hydrogels yields an injectable granular material that self-reconstitutes into shape-adaptable bulk hydrogels, supporting cell delivery and promoting neovascularization. Additionally, cells encapsulated within bulk hydrogels sense and respond to the biophysical properties of the surrounding matrix, as early cell spreading is favored in hydrogels that exhibit greater susceptibility to applied stress, evidencing proper cell-matrix interplay. Thus, this system is shown to be a promising substitute for native ECM in tissue repair and modelling.

Advancements in membrane technology for efficient POME treatment: A comprehensive review and future perspectives

The treatment of POME related contamination is complicated due to its high organic contents and complex composition. Membrane technology is a prominent method for removing POME contaminants on account of its efficiency in removing suspended particles, organic substances, and contaminants from wastewater, leading to the production of high-quality treated effluent. It is crucial to achieve efficient POME treatment with minimum fouling through membrane advancement to ensure the sustainability for large-scale applications. This article comprehensively analyses the latest advancements in membrane technology for the treatment of POME. A wide range of membrane types including forward osmosis, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane bioreactor, photocatalytic membrane reactor, and their combinations is discussed in terms of the innovative design, treatment efficiencies and antifouling properties. The strategies for antifouling membranes such as self-healing and self-cleaning membranes are discussed. In addition to discussing the obstacles that impede the broad implementation of novel membrane technologies in POME treatment, the article concludes by delineating potential avenues for future research and policy considerations. The understanding and insights are expected to enhance the application of membrane-based methods in order to treat POME more efficiently; this will be instrumental in the reduction of environmental pollution.

A multi-modal embolic gel system for long-term fluorescence imaging and photothermal therapy

Gel embolic agents are increasingly recognized for their versatility in minimally invasive vascular interventions. However, their application in real-time imaging, post-operative monitoring, and thermal treatment remains underexplored. In this study, we present a novel transcatheter injectable nanoclay-alginate (NCA) gel embolic agent integrated with indocyanine green (ICG) for dual fluorescence imaging and thermal ablation. The NCA/ICG embolic gel exhibits excellent shear-thinning properties, transcatheter injectability, and mechanical stability. Furthermore, the mechanism to enhance fluorescence for real-time imaging enhancement and extended post-operative monitoring was discussed. A 28-day fluorescence persistence shows the NCA/ICG gel's long-lasting fluorescent signal, which was significantly stronger and longer compared to current clinically used ICG aqueous solution. Furthermore, the gel can effectively convert near-infrared (NIR) laser energy into heat for potential photothermal therapy. The biocompatibility and enhanced antibacterial properties further highlight the potential clinical benefits of this embolic agent as a multifunctional agent for vascular embolization.

High through-plane thermal conductivity of graphite films with opened micro-window arrays

Graphene's ultrahigh in-plane thermal conductivity makes it an ideal material for thermally conductive films in various electronic applications. However, the inherently weak interlayer interaction in conventional graphite films (GrF) results in low through-plane thermal conductivity. Here, we firstly developed a novel structure of opened micro-window arrays in the graphite film (MW-GrF) to significantly enhance the through-plane thermal conductivity by the laser-etching-assisted and micro-origami methods. The opened micro-window arrays are acted as bridges to promote interfacial thermal transport via utilizing the ultrahigh in-plane thermal conductivity of micro-windows, which can achieve a reduction of ∼ 60 % in through-plane thermal resistance, with the lowest value of 0.286 K cm2 W-1. Meanwhile, the through-plane thermal conductivity of MW-GrF was greatly improved to 82.4-89.6 W m-1 K-1 compared to the original GrF with 4.4-6.9 W m-1 K-1. This work provides a simple, scalable and programmable method for finely tailoring the through-plane thermal properties of graphene films, making them promising candidates for highly efficient heat dissipation in future high-power chips.

Reprogrammable soft actuators based on a photochromic organic-inorganic hybrid membrane with modulatable NIR photothermal conversion

Shape-transformation soft actuators that can quickly respond to external stimuli have been potential candidates in biomimetic soft robots and flexible driving devices. However, the lack of shape reprogrammability restricts their complexity of deformation as well as reusability in practical application. Herein, we present a unique reprogrammable actuator based on asymmetric bilayer compounding with UV-modulated photochromic complex (NEU20) through a sequential polymerization process. The UV-induced electron transfer photochromic behavior synergistic with NIR photothermal effect of NEU20 fillers endows the soft actuator with rapid (∼90°/s) and customizable actuation under external NIR stimuli. Through the joint modulation of UV exposure region and duration, the UV-induced photothermal conversion efficiency is also adjustable at each local, facilitating the spatio-temporally programmable actuation process of the hybrid bilayer actuator. Significantly, the programmed actuation process of the actuator also features thermal-erasing and UV-reprogramming capacities, highlighting the unique recyclability of the hybrid actuator. In addition, the proposed reprogrammable actuator also demonstrates good universality in combination with other thermal-responsive active material systems. This work offers insight into the design and fabrication of reprogrammable soft actuators, shining enlightenment for potential application in bioinspired soft robots and smart mechanical devices.

Raman structural analysis of L-lactide/ε-caprolactone copolymers and poly(L-lactide)/poly(ε-caprolactone) blends

We present Raman study of the L-lactide/ε-caprolactone (PLCL) copolymers with the L-lactide (LLA) content from 10 to 90 mol %. The copolymers were synthesized by bulk ring-opening polymerization. As additional method, we used the wide-angle X-ray scattering analysis to obtain the crystallinity degree of the poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) blocks. We extend the previously proposed method of determination of the crystallinity degree of PLLA areas in the PLCL copolymers up to the ε-caprolactone (CL) content of 50 mol %. The method includes analysis of the ratio of the peak intensities of the PLLA bands at 411 and 874 cm-1. We also suggest for the first time using the PCL bands at 958 and 1110 cm-1 to evaluate the crystallinity degree of PCL blocks in the PLCL copolymers. Besides, we extend the previously proposed method of evaluation of the relative contents of the comonomers in the PLCL copolymers to the whole range of the CL content as well as to analysis of melt-mixed PLLA/PCL blend. The method is based on the measurement of the ratio of the peak intensities of the PLLA band at 2947 cm-1 and the PCL band at 2914 cm-1.

Investigation on the interaction between catalase and typical phthalates with different side chain lengths

Phthalates (PAEs), a category of plasticizers released from plastic products, have been widely detected in various environmental media and pose potential ecological risks to humans. Although the exposure risks of PAEs to organisms have been studied, the differences in the interactions between PAEs with different side chain lengths and biomolecules remain poorly understood at molecule levels. In this study, three commonly used PAEs (dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)) were employed to investigate the influence of their side chain lengths on interactions with catalase (CAT), a key antioxidant enzyme. The effects of PAEs on CAT enzyme activity and their interaction mechanisms were investigated using multi-spectral technique and molecular docking techniques. The results indicate that the order of reduced enzyme activity by PAEs is DMP > DEP > DBP, which inversely correlates with the alkyl chain length of PAEs. Molecular docking analysis reveal that DBP failing to bind to the central cavity of CAT likely contributes to its minimal impact on enzyme activity. The multiple spectrums demonstrate that the binding affinity of PAEs to CAT and the changes of CAT conformational structure align with the observed decline in enzyme activity as alkyl chain length increased. Since enzyme activity ties to its structure, the structural alterations in CAT induced by PAEs would inevitably affect its functional expression in vivo. This study offers a comprehensive assessment on the possible toxicity of PAEs with different side chain lengths at the molecular levels, providing insights into their ecological risks.

Cationic lipid-polymer hybrid carrier for delivery of miRNA and peptides

The clinical translation of therapeutic peptides and miRNAs is hindered by challenges such as short half-life, rapid clearance, and high dosage requirements. To address these limitations, cationic polymeric nanoparticles have been explored, but their development is often limited by toxicity and low transfection efficiency. In this study, we present a novel biocompatible delivery system using a combination of cationic and cholesterol-containing polymers to overcome these issues. The system was formulated into nanocomplexes (NCs) for the delivery of C Peptide (CPep) and miRNA-29b (miR29b). The formulation process involved electrostatic complexation of CPep/miR29b with the polymeric carriers, avoiding harsh conditions or chemical modifications. Native-PAGE, gel retardation, and heparin competition assays confirmed stable complexation. Cell uptake and transfection studies showed efficient delivery of both CPep and miR29b via NCs. In vitro models of oxidative and metabolic stress demonstrated enhanced cell viability with CPep NCs compared to free CPep, with increased glutathione and reduced nitric oxide levels. Similarly, miR29b NCs exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects compared to free miR29b. This study presents a promising polymer-based carrier system for effective peptide and miRNA delivery through electrostatic interactions alone without any chemical reaction involved to preserve the integrity of the therapeutic.

Application of biodegradable implants in pediatric orthopedics: shifting from absorbable polymers to biodegradable metals

Over the past two decades, advances in pediatric orthopedics and closed reduction combined with percutaneous internal fixation techniques have led to significant growth in pediatric orthopedics surgery. Implants such as Kirschner-wires, cannulated screws and elastic stabilization intramedullary nails are commonly used in these procedures. However, traditional implants made of metal or inert materials are not absorbable, leading to complications that affect treatment outcomes. To address this issue, absorbable materials with excellent mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and controlled degradation rates have been developed and applied in clinical practice. These materials include absorbable polymers and biodegradable metals. This article provides a comprehensive summary of these resorbable materials from a clinician's perspective. In addition, an in-depth discussion of the feasibility of their clinical applications and related research in pediatric orthopedics is included. We found that the applications of absorbable implants in pediatric orthopedics are shifting from absorbable polymers to biodegradable metals and emphasize that the functional characteristics of resorbable materials must be coordinated and complementary to the treatment in pediatric orthopedics.

Advanced 3D biomimetic scaffolds with bioactive glass and bone-conditioned medium for enhanced osteogenesis

The study focuses on developing and evaluating 3D biomimetic fibrous scaffolds to enhance osteoblast differentiation and bone tissue regeneration. Utilizing a synergistic approach, biological and chemical factors were compartmentalized within the fibrous scaffolds through co-axial electrospinning. Bioactive glass (BG) was used for osteo-conductivity, and Bone-Conditioned Medium (BCM) for osteoinduction. The BCM, derived from ovine bone chips, was investigated for its optimal concentration using pre-osteoblast cells. Comprehensive assessment of the scaffolds included physicochemical properties, drug release, cell viability, and osteogenic potential. The scaffold's architecture, confirmed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, effectively emulated the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses verified the successful integration of BG and BCM, while UV-Vis spectroscopy demonstrated controlled BCM release. Both BG and BCM scaffolds notably enhanced osteoblast differentiation, as evident with Alizarin red staining. The combined use of BG and BCM in scaffolds synergistically promoted osteogenic differentiation and viability of MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, these scaffolds significantly increased the expression of Bone Sialoprotein (BSP), Osteocalcin (OCN), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) which indicate increase in osteogenic differentiation. This study provides evidence for advanced scaffold systems that can guide cell responses for effective bone tissue regeneration.

Innovative approaches in bioadhesive design: A comprehensive review of crosslinking methods and mechanical performance

In biomedical applications, bioadhesives have become a game-changer, offering novel approaches to tissue engineering, surgical adhesion, and wound healing. This comprehensive review paper provides a thorough analysis of bioadhesives and their categorization according to application site and crosslinking process, bonding efficacy, and mechanical characteristics. The use of bioadhesives to stop bleeding and seal leaks is also covered in the review. The article delves into the various crosslinking techniques used in bioadhesives, including chemical, physical, and hybrid approaches. It emphasizes on how these mechanisms control the adhesive's elasticity, durability, and structural integrity. In addition, the review looks at the mechanical strength of bioadhesives, taking important characteristics like shear strength, toughness, elasticity, and tensile strength into account. It is highlighted how important bioadhesives are to the life sciences because they drive innovation and interdisciplinary cooperation, address present healthcare issues, and create new avenues for therapeutic development. The paper also explores some vital characteristics of bioadhesives that, when strategically combined with one another, improve their efficacy and usefulness in a variety of surgical and medical applications. The analysis concludes by examining nature-inspired adhesives, including those based on geckos, mussels, and tannic acid, and their unique bonding mechanisms and potential for use in advanced biomedical applications.

Balancing performance and stability characteristics in organic electrochemical transistor

Nowadays organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are becoming a promising platform for bioelectronics and biosensing due to its biocompatibility, high sensitivity and selectivity, low driving voltages, high transconductance and flexibility. However, the existing problems associated with degradation processes within the OECT during long-term operation hinder their widespread implementation. Moreover, trade-offs often arise between OECT transconductance and speed, fast ion transport and electron mobility, electrochemical stability and sensitivity, cycling stability and signal amplification, and other metrics. Ensuring high performance characteristics and achieving enhanced stability in OECTs are distinct strategies that do not always align, as progress in one aspect often necessitates a trade-off with the other. This dynamic arises from the need to find a balance between reversible and irreversible processes in the behavior of OECT active layers, and providing simultaneously favorable conditions for ion and electron transport and their efficient charge coupling. This review article systematically summarizes the phenomenological and physical-chemical aspects associated with factors and mechanisms that determine both performance and long-term stability of OECT, paying special attention to the consideration of existing and promising approaches to extend the OECT lifespan, while maintaining (or even increasing) high effectiveness of its operation.

Development of temperature-regulating CR/PVA bionanocomposite films with phase change materials and antibacterial properties for ice cream packaging

This study focuses on the development of active packaging for anti-heating food packaging using film materials based on Carrageenan (CR) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The aim is to effectively manage the temperature of food products during storage and transportation to preserve their quality and freshness. Temperature-controlled bionanocomposite films were synthesized by incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into the CR/PVA blend matrix. Specifically, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was grafted onto cellulose nanocrystals supported by copper nanoparticles to create a solid-solid PCM-Cu with exceptional thermal storage efficiency. The resulting nanocomposite films exhibited buffering properties at cold chain temperatures compared to pure CR/PVA films. The presence of copper nanoparticles also contributed antibacterial activity, further ensuring food safety. These nanocomposite films demonstrate significant potential for application in food packaging, as they effectively address temperature-related challenges within the food industry. The findings highlight the effectiveness of these innovative films in preserving the freshness of ice cream even when exposed to periods outside the freezer.

The role of donor units in band gap engineering of donor-acceptor conjugated polymers

Most used 60 distinct electron-donating units have been modelled, analyzed, and compared using density functional theory (DFT) for tetramer structures in the form (D-B-A-B)4 with fixed acceptor and bridge units, where D, A and B represents donor, acceptor and bridge, respectively. The frontier orbitals and reorganization energy of tetramers with alternating donor units were analyzed to assess their potential applicability in organic electronic applications. Key structural properties including dihedral angles between the acceptor, donor, and bridge units, bond order, and bond length alternation were found to significantly influence the frontier electronic energy levels affecting the planarity, conjugation and electron delocalization of polymer backbone. While extended conjugation and planar structures generally lower the band gap; the specific electronic impact of substituents, such as methoxy or fluorine groups, depend on their position and interaction within the conjugated system. Similarly, the incorporation of heavier heteroatoms, such as selenium, germanium or silicon, introduces steric and electronic effects that can either enhance or disrupt π-conjugation due to the change in the strength of donor unit. Additionally, substitution effects and morphological variations in donor units play a crucial role in defining the physical properties of D-A conjugated polymers. This study establishes a benchmark by providing essential insights into the band gap engineering and the molecular design of D-A copolymers by alternating donor units, thereby supporting significant advancements in organic electronic applications.

Innovative properties of sustainable galactomannans from seeds of Adenanthera pavonina, Caesalpinia pulcherrima and Delonix regia

Given the importance of new renewable resources for the industrial sector, this study aimed to assess the innovative technological and biological properties of galactomannans derived from the seeds of Adenanthera pavonina (BioAp), Caesalpinia pulcherrima (BioCp), and Delonix regia (BioDr). The biopolymers were evaluated using various parameters, including texture, spreadability, cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, antimicrobial assays, mucoadhesiveness, and irritation potential by HET-CAM test. The absence of cytotoxicity, hemolysis, and irritation showed the potential of the three biopolymers for applications in biomedical fields. BioAp and BioDr samples exhibited the most effective antimicrobial activity, with MICs of 512 μg mL-1 against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans strains. The BioDr sample would be ideal for developing mucoadhesives due to its superior mucoadhesiveness in both powder and colloidal dispersion forms, achieving the highest Fmax adhesion force values of 0.46 N and 0.08 N, respectively. These findings expand the range of applications for these biopolymers and highlight their potential for integration into innovative polymer products in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Facile fabrication of morphology-adjustable viologen-based ionic polymers for carbon dioxide immobilization and iodine vapor adsorption

Viologens, also referred as 1,1'-disubstituted-4,4'-bipyridinium salts, exhibit exceptional redox properties, identifying them as building blocks for functional organic polymer materials with a wide range of potential applications, including carbon dioxide (CO2) conversion and iodine capture. Herein, a series of viologen-derived ionic porous organic polymers (VIPOP-n), assembled from viologen derivatives, were designed and synthesized using a straightforward one-step strategy. The constructed polymer materials were subsequently characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR), X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, among other techniques. Notably, the variation of synthetic solvents significantly influences the construction of polymer materials, resulting in observable changes in morphology and structure, which in turn affect their potential applications in CO2 cycloaddition reaction and iodine adsorption. The polymer VIPOP-3 exhibits superior catalytic performance under conditions of 80 °C and 1 atm CO2, producing valuable cyclic carbonates with yields reaching 94%. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations indicate that inert-hydrogen bonding can effectively activate both the epoxide and CO2, lowering the activation energy (Ea) of the cycloaddition reaction to 87.5 kJ mol-1, as corroborated by kinetic evaluations. Additionally, all polymers exhibited effective iodine vapor adsorption capacities, with VIPOP-7 emerging as the most efficient material, displaying an adsorption capacity of 2.96 g g-1. The adsorption process was investigated through various kinetic models, revealing that both physical and chemical adsorption were involved, with physical adsorption being the predominant process.

Solvent volatilization annealing-prepared Janus film with asymmetric bioadhesion and inherent biological functions to expedite oral ulcer healing

Fabrication of layered bioadhesives with asymmetric bioadhesion, on-demand detachment and inherent biological functions remains a great challenge. This work reports a novel and generalizable solvent volatilization-induced annealing (SVA) strategy to prepare a Janus film with an integrated dual layer structure, asymmetric adhesion, on-demand detachment and inherent biological functions. Depositing polyvinyl pyrrolidone/caffeic acid/lipoic acid (PVP/CA/LA) ethanol solutions onto an ethylcellulose (EC) layer and applying SVA strategy can integrate two layers in molecular-level to obtain the dual-layered Janus film. Porous PVP/p(CA-LA) surface pressed onto wet tissues can absorb interfacial water to form tight tissue contact, and their functional groups can form abundant bonds to induce robust bioadhesion. In contrast, dense EC surface limits water absorption and exhibits minimal adhesion of proteins, cells and tissues. Furthermore, the adhered Janus film can be detached by using a glutathione/sodium bicarbonate solution. Additionally, CA and LA provide the film with desired antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Finally, by providing the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory microenvironment, the Janus film promotes angiogenesis and significantly expedites the healing of the oral ulcers in rats. This work not only introduces a novel approach for preparing multi-layered and asymmetric materials, but also paving the way for developing adhesive materials with inherent biological functions.

A review: Carrier-based hydrogels containing bioactive molecules and stem cells for ischemic stroke therapy

Ischemic stroke (IS), a cerebrovascular disease, is the leading cause of physical disability and death worldwide. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and thrombectomy are limited by a narrow therapeutic time window. Although strategies such as drug therapies and cellular therapies have been used in preclinical trials, some important issues in clinical translation have not been addressed: low stem cell survival and drug delivery limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Among the therapeutic options currently sought, carrier-based hydrogels hold great promise for the repair and regeneration of neural tissue in the treatment of ischemic stroke. The advantage lies in the ability to deliver drugs and cells to designated parts of the brain in an injectable manner to enhance therapeutic efficacy. Here, this article provides an overview of the use of carrier-based hydrogels in ischemic stroke therapy and focuses on the use of hydrogel scaffolds containing bioactive molecules and stem cells. In addition to this, we provide a more in-depth summary of the composition, physicochemical properties and physiological functions of the materials themselves. Finally, we also outline the prospects and challenges for clinical translation of hydrogel therapy for IS.

Evaluation of the effects of cartilage decellularized ECM in optimizing PHB-chitosan-HNT/chitosan-ECM core-shell electrospun scaffold: Physicochemical and biological properties

Cartilage regeneration is still a highly challenging field due to its low self-healing ability. This study used a core-shell electrospinning technique to enhance cartilage tissue engineering by incorporating cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM). The core of fibers included poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-Chitosan (PHB-Cs) and Halloysite nanotubes. The shell of fibers consisted of Cs and ECM (0, 1, 3, 5 wt%). Subsequently, the scaffolds were named 0E, 1E, 3E, and 5E. The study aimed to assess the impact of ECM on cellular behavior and chondrogenesis. Our findings indicate that ECM reduced fiber diameter from 775 nm for the 0E scaffold to 454 nm for the 1E scaffold. Water contact angle measurements revealed an increasing trend by ECM addition, from 42° for 0E to 67° for 1E. According to mechanical analysis, the 1E scaffold represented the highest strength (5.81 MPa) and strain (3.17%). Based on these analyses, the 1E was considered the optimum scaffold. MTT analysis showed cell viability of over 80% for the 0E and 1E. Also, the gene expression level was assessed for Collagen II, Aggrecan, SOX 9, and Collagen X. The results represented that in the 1E scaffold Collagen II, Aggrecan, and SOX 9 were more upregulated at the end of the 21st day. However, in the 1E scaffold collagen X, as a hypertrophy marker, was downregulated at the end of the experiment. Overall, these results confirmed the potential of the 1E scaffold to be introduced as a promising cartilage tissue engineering scaffold for further studies.

Fully biodegradable ion-induced silk fibroin-based triboelectric nanogenerators with enhanced performance prevent muscle atrophy

Applying electrical stimulation (ES) on nerve or muscle denervation can significantly restore the nerve function and prevent muscle atrophy. The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can couple the mechanical energy and electrical energy for ES. However, the triboelectric performance of fully biodegradable TENGs and the effect of ES need to be optimized and verified. Here, the triboelectric performance of silk fibroin (SF) is regulated by ions to fabricate SF-TENGs with full biodegradability, good biocompatibility, and excellent output. This SF-TENG shows a good electrostimulation recovery effect and is used for function restoration of the injured sciatic nerve and innervated muscle. Li+ effectively improves the dielectric constant and increases the positively charged ability of SF. The highest output power density of SF-TENG is 128 mW/m2, which is superior to most reported fully biodegradable TENGs. The morphology, protein expression levels, neural/muscular function are assessed to evaluate the recovery of damaged nerves and innervated muscle. The function restoration of the injured nerve and innervated muscle under ES of SF-TENG is significantly close to the normal nerve and muscle. This TENG has great potential to achieve in vivo energy generation, ES, and biodegradability as an implantable electrical stimulator for the therapy of nerve, muscle, and tissue injury.

Functional barrier and recyclable packaging materials through microfibrillated cellulose bilayer composite coatings

Although microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) offers high barrier properties against air, oxygen, and oil, its limited water resistance restricts industrial applications. An innovative bilayer composite coating (BCC) has therefore been developed in response, consisting of a top layer providing water resistance and the MFC layer contributing to the gas & oil barrier and recyclability. The top coating integrates styrene-butadiene copolymer for its non-polar characteristics and nanoclay to create a hydrophobic surface that resists moisture with enhanced tortuosity. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a stable interface between the paper substrate and the BCC. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) show that the BCC prevents intermixing between layers, enhancing barrier performance and fiber recovery with reduced stickies during recycling. The BCC significantly improved barrier properties, achieving a 56 % reduction in water vapor transmission rate, a ∼ 630-fold decrease in air permeability, an oil & grease resistance of kit rating 12, and < 5 % weight gain from the hot oil test. These improvements highlight the efficacy of the BCC system for enhanced barrier and recyclability, especially in stickies reduction. This research demonstrates that the strategic combination of conventional and novel MFC materials can provide sustainable packaging with functional barriers and recyclability for a circular economy.

Enzymatic polymerization: Recent advances toward sustainable polymer synthesis

Enzymatic polymerization has emerged as a sustainable strategy for synthesizing biodegradable, biocompatible polymers, addressing critical environmental challenges posed by conventional petroleum-based materials. This review comprehensively explores advancements from the past five years, spotlighting six pivotal enzymes lipase, horseradish peroxidase, laccase, glucose oxidase, glucosyltransferase, and phosphorylase-alongside synergistic multi-enzymatic systems that enable complex polymerization cascades. Diverging from prior reviews focused on individual enzymes or specific polymer classes (e.g., polyesters, polyamides), our work provides a systematic classification of enzymatic polymerization mechanisms, emphasizing substrate specificity, reaction efficiency, and product diversity. Integrating advances in enzyme engineering, cascade catalysis, and green chemistry, this analysis outlines strategies to customize polymer architectures, identifies challenges in scaling enzymatic processes, and underscores opportunities for industrial applications. It advocates interdisciplinary innovation to advance sustainable polymer synthesis aligned with circular economy principles, emphasizing enzymatic methods' transformative potential for eco-friendly manufacturing paradigms.

Nanocellulose composites with enhanced mechanical and flame-retardant properties based on grafting of inorganic organic/multilayer core-shell matter - MSNs-TMSB/DA/TOCNF

Flame retardant materials are essential for safety, yet their development is often hindered by trade-offs between efficiency, aging resistance, and mechanical properties. Traditional organic flame retardants are inefficient and degrade over time, while inorganic alternatives, despite their effectiveness, are difficult to integrate into composites. Here we showed the synthesis of a novel inorganic silica-based flame retardant, PDA@MSNs-TMSB, which chemically modified nanocellulose fibrils, enhancing flame retardancy, aging resistance, and toughness without compromising integrity. The results showed that, compared to pure TOCNF, the modified nanocellulose materials (TOCNF-PDA@MSNs-TMSB) exhibited a higher limiting oxygen index (46.5 %), reaching the UL-94 V-0 level (GB) rating with self-extinguishing behavior and no flame propagation. In contrast, pure TOCNF had a limiting oxygen index of only 22 % and burned rapidly upon ignition which did not achieve the UL-94 V-0 level rating. The toughness of the modified TOCNF-PDA@MSNs-TMSB was superior to that of pure TOCNF, representing a 37.5 % increase. Combining powerful tenacity, high flame retardancy, and better aging resistance, the flame retardant nanocellulose material from renewable resource shows great potential for flame retardant applications and emits no toxic byproducts post-combustion.

Polymeric nanocomposites in a biological interface: From a molecular view to final applications

Polymeric nanocomposites have been valuable materials for the pharmaceutical and biomedical fields because they associate the unique properties of a material on a nanoscale with a polymeric matrix, with a synergistic outcome that improves their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Understanding the nature of the physical and chemical interactions and effects that take place at the polymer-nanomaterial interface is crucial to predict and explain how the nanocomposite behaves when set forth a health-related application and faces a biological interface. Therefore, this review aimed to assemble and examine experimental articles in which the molecular-level interaction between nanomaterials and polymer matrices were determinants of the biological outcome. For health applications, the nanocomposite systems were found to be most applied as antimicrobials, for tissue engineering, and for drug delivery. A plethora of biocompatible polymers have been reported, although for nanomaterials the most distinguished effects were attained with metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. The bioactivity of the nanocomposite was found to be dependent on features such as: colloidal size, release, and disintegration of the nanoparticle, controlled by the polymer matrix; hydrophilicity, degree of crosslinking, porosity, mechanical strength, and stability/responsiveness of the polymer, modified by the nanofiller; and the final charge and functional groups available at the whole nanocomposite surface. As a result, researchers can gather insights to design and characterize advanced polymeric nanocomposites with optimized performance for use in biomedical devices, drug delivery systems, and other therapeutic applications.

Antioxidant pH-sensitive films incorporating CMC/SA/starch, anthocyanins, and tea polyphenols for monitoring freshness of pork

It is important to find an intelligent packaging which can monitor pork freshness immediately and extend its shelf life in food science. The aim of this study was developing a novel pH sensitive film with high antioxidant activity based on sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), sodium alginate (SA), and cassava starch (CS) incorporating Lycium ruthenicum anthocyanins (LRA), and tea polyphenols (TP). The pH response, physical properties, color stability, antioxidant activity, and the ability to monitor the freshness of pork of the films were analyzed. The results indicated that LRA was sensitive in the solution of pH 1-14. After the addition of LRA and TP, the thickness of the films was increased, the mechanical properties were affected, and the water content, and WVP were decreased. LRA and TP significantly improved the light-resistance performance. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that CMC, SA, and CS had good compatibility, and LRA and TP were successfully incorporated into the film. TP significantly increased the antioxidant activities of the film as determined by DPPH, and FRAP methods. In addition, the film showed remarkable color change in response to the increase of volatile basic nitrogen content in pork during spoilage. The films containing 0.2 % TP obviously inhibited lipid oxidation, and extended the shelf life of pork. Our findings suggested that CSC/LRA/TP films could be applied as antioxidant materials with freshness monitor effect for pork packaging. This research provides an alternative for the visual intelligent packaging of pork.

Rheological aspects of xanthan gum: Governing factors and applications in water-based drilling fluids and enhanced oil recovery

In the context of a low-carbon future, green, sustainable, and environmentally friendly oilfield development methods have become urgent priorities. The application of bio-based materials in water-based drilling fluids (WBDFs) and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is emerging as a key strategy for driving sustainable development. Xanthan gum (XG), a natural polysaccharide, has gained significant attention due to its non-toxic, biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly characteristics. Its shear-thinning rheological properties make it particularly suitable for oilfield development. This review summarizes the production, modification, and chemical structure of XG, focusing on key factors influencing the rheological behavior of its aqueous solutions, including shear rate, shear stress, concentration, pH, salinity, temperature, time, and polysaccharide interactions. Additionally, recent advances in XG's application in WBDFs and EOR are discussed. Although XG's viscosity stability and recovery under high-temperature and long-duration conditions present challenges, these issues have been largely addressed through increased salinity and chemical modifications. Finally, this review highlights key future research directions, such as exploring the structure-rheology relationship of XG, polysaccharide interactions, the rheological behavior and sustainability of XG derivatives, and its economic feasibility in oilfield development. These insights aim to improve XG's adaptability to harsh oilfield conditions and guide its use in similar environments.

Chitooligosaccharide enhances immune response and resistance of oyster Crassostrea gigas against Vibrio splendidus

Chitooligosaccharide (COS), an eco-friendly and non-toxic functional oligosaccharide, exhibits immune-enhancing effects on a variety of aquatic species. In the present study, the expression levels of cytokines, phagocytic activity of haemocytes, the gill histopathology and the bacterial copy number in haemolymph were examined to evaluate the immune-enhancing activity of COS in oyster Crassostrea gigas. After the oysters received COS treatment (1 mg), the mRNA expression levels of CgIL17-1, CgIL17-3, CgIL17-5, CgTNF1, CgTNF3 and CgTNF4 in the haemocytes increased and peaked at 6, 3, 6, 24, 12 and 24 h post-treatment respectively, and gradually returned to the initial level after 48 h. When challenged by Vibrio splendidus (2 × 106 CFU), the mRNA expression levels of CgIL17-3, CgIL17-5, CgTNF1, CgTNF3 and CgTNF4 in the haemocytes from COS-pretreated oysters significantly increased (p < 0.05), which was 1.7, 1.67, 2.15, 2.82 and 2.49-fold higher than that of the control group, respectively. Furthermore, the phagocytosis rates of haemocytes in COS-pretreated oysters showed significant elevation at 1 h (1.4-fold) and 3 h (1.39-fold) post-treatment compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Histopathological analysis revealed that COS pretreatment alleviated V. splendidus-induced pathological manifestations, including gill filament swelling and cytoplasmic laxity. And the bacterial copy number in haemolymph decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in COS pretreated group at 6, 12 and 24 h post V. splendidus stimulation. These results demonstrated the immune-enhancing activity of COS and the potential for the development of immunopotentiators derived from COS in oyster aquaculture.

The revolutionary role of placental derivatives in biomedical research

The human placenta is a transient yet crucial organ that plays a key role in sustaining the relationship between the maternal and fetal organisms. Despite its historical classification as "biowaste," placental tissues have garnered increasing attention since the early 1900s for their significant medical potential, particularly in wound repair and surgical application. As ethical considerations regarding human placental derivatives have largely been assuaged in many countries, they have gained significant attention due to their versatile applications in various biomedical fields, such as biomedical engineering, regenerative medicine, and pharmacology. Moreover, there is a substantial trend toward various animal product substitutions in laboratory research with human placental derivatives, reflecting a broader commitment to advancing ethical and sustainable research methodologies. This review provides a comprehensive examination of the current applications of human placental derivatives, explores the mechanisms behind their therapeutic effects, and outlines the future potential and directions of this rapidly advancing field.

Scalable, robust, omnidirectional antireflective, superhydrophobic coatings based on chitin nanofibers for efficient solar energy collection

The growing demand for renewable energy has driven the development of antireflective coatings with excellent environmental durability and mechanical robustness, aimed at improving the efficiency of solar energy collection on solar panels. A robust and omnidirectional antireflective superhydrophobic coating with gradient refractive index (1.49 to 1.30 from bottom to top) was fabricated by using chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) and methylsilanized silica (Mesil) through lay-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly. The transmittance gains of a glass substrate with the ChNF/Mesil multilayered coating yielded 8.3 % at 550 nm and 7.6 % at 650 nm, respectively. The antireflective coating possessed superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 168° and a near-zero sliding angle of 0.3°. Even after 100 days of outdoor exposure in real environments, the coating maintained its antireflective superhydrophobic properties and self-cleaning performance. Compared with the solar panel (21.7 mV/cm2), the voltage per unit area of the ChNF/Mesil coated solar panel (36.9 mV/cm2) increased 0.7 % under the sunlight intensity of 59.3 × 103 lx. This study not only provides a feasible approach to fabricate gradient refractive index coatings with excellent robust and omnidirectional antireflective superhydrophobic performance but also demonstrates that the gradient refractive index coatings hold great potential for self-cleaning photovoltaic panels in outdoor practical applications.

Adsorbent semi-transparent cellulose-based self-standing thin films

Cellulose-based materials are emerging as versatile candidates for sustainable functional materials. This study presents a straightforward process to fabricate cellulose-based, self-standing films using 12 wt% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in an aqueous solution of 40 wt% tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (TBAH). TBAH, as an out-of-equilibrium solvent capable of dissolving MCC, is utilized to fabricate self-standing cellulose films through gelation induced by cellulose I-cellulose II precipitation. The films exhibit moderate mechanical properties, with a Young's modulus approximately 460 MPa, tensile strength ranging from 1 to 4 MPa, and an elongation at break of about 2 %. The incorporation of zinc salts (0.2 M) does not significantly affect the overall mechanical properties. Their long-term stability is ensured by TBAH and zinc salts, both of which are known to prevent microbial growth. These films demonstrate a strong adsorption capacity for water-soluble contaminants like methylene blue, making them valuable for wastewater treatment and dye detection. Their multifunctional attributes position them as sustainable materials for advanced applications, including antimicrobial packaging, water purification systems, and potentially biomedical technologies. Overall, these cellulose-based films offer promising solutions for critical global challenges.

Konjac glucomannan/ carboxylated cellulose nanofiber-based edible coating with tannic acid maintains quality and prolongs shelf-life of mango fruit

Polysaccharide films containing antimicrobial agents have good prospects for application in the fruit industry. However, poor film-forming properties of polysaccharides remain a major challenge. In this work, the konjac glucomannan (KGM) was modified by cross-linking with carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CNF) to form a composite coating film, and tannic acid (TA) was provided as an active ingredient to improve the antibacterial effect. The optimal formula was: CNF/KGM (w:w) 3.05:10, TA content was 0.40 %, and glycerol content was 0.57 %. KGM/CNF/TA film had good compatibility and a compact structure. The thermal stability and water contact angle of the composite film were higher than those of KGM. Furthermore, the KGM/CNF/TA film reduced the black spot incidence, maintained fruit firmness, decreased ethylene release and respiration rate, increased the antioxidant enzyme activities, and extended the shelf-life of mango. Thus, KGM/CNF/TA is expected to expand polysaccharide/ polymer composite application in the fruit industry.

A non-crystallization-driven strategy for the preparation of non-spherical polymeric nanoparticles

To fabricate precisely defined non-spherical nanostructures like those widely exist in the biological domain by self-assembly of synthetic polymers without employing crystallization-driven forces is still a great challenge. In this study, we report a strategy to fabricate nanoparticles with advanced hierarchical architectures using styrene and methacrylic as monomers and maleamic acid-α-methyl styrene copolymer as a macroinitiator by polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). The structure of the prepared particles changed from common spherical micelles to cubes with edge lengths ranging from 50 to 200 nm when the solvent was 50 wt% ethanol in water and the monomer molar ratio of styrene to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate was 3:1. The growth of the cubic nanoparticles exhibited an interesting self-assembly process, initially forming vesicles with irregular cubes inside them. As the polymerization progressed, the inner cubes escaped from the vesicles and finally generated well-defined cubic nanoparticles. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) results of the cubic nanoparticles indicated that no crystalline structure existed. The formation mechanism of the cubic nanoparticles was elucidated via density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This strategy was further applied to various monomers, and its universality was confirmed by successful fabrication of different non-spherical nanoparticles such as rectangles, fusiform platelets, and triangular pyramids.

Stretchable, controlled release of active substances, and biodegradable chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel film for antibacterial and chilled meat preservation

In this study, we utilized chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the hydrogel matrix to fabricate a multifunctional hydrogel packaging film through the dimethylsulfoxide/hydroxybenzotriazole activation system-mediated. Based on the evaluation of thermal stability and mechanical properties, the optimal polymerization ratio of PVA to CS was determined as 3:1. Hydrogels made of 6 % PVA and 2 % CS have excellent heat resistance and adhesion, with a remarkable breakage elongation of 754.3 %. The cross-linking of PVA, CS, and ε-PL polymers occurred through esterification and amide reactions involving -COOH, -OH, and -NH2. The incorporation of ε-PL improved the thermal stability and strain properties. In vitro antibacterial assays demonstrated that the PVA/CS@ε-PL exhibited remarkable antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas fluorescein. The PVA/CS@ε-PL-0.144 showed controlled release of ε-PL for over 3 d and extended the shelf life of chilled chicken to 8 d. These findings suggest that PVA/CS@ε-PL-0.144 is a potential antibacterial packaging.

Bridge-to-drain: How nanoparticles can promote coalescence in model polymer blends

HYPOTHESIS

Multiphase liquids with a droplet-in-matrix morphology are ubiquitous in many industries, from food to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals to plastics. The challenge is to control the average droplet size, which is a key parameter for the performance of the material. Nanoparticles at the droplet-matrix interface make it possible to stabilize polymer blends against coalescence. However, it has been shown that very low amounts of nanoparticles can have the opposite effect and surprisingly promote coalescence. Regardless of whether this phenomenon is desirable or not, it is important to understand it and potentially utilize it for rational design of multiphase fluids.

EXPERIMENTS

We use microfluidics to unveil the mechanism of nanoparticle-induced coalescence in a model blend of polydimethylsiloxane in poly(iso)butylene (PDMS/PB 4/96 vol/vol) containing tiny amounts (up to about 0.2 wt%) of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles driven at the droplet-matrix interface via a two-step mixing protocol.

RESULTS

Despite negligible effects on rheology and interfacial energy, the nanoparticles significantly promote coalescence. Analysis of hundreds of coalescence events revealed that the nanoparticles bridge colliding droplets and keep them in contact long enough to allow drainage of the matrix film even when the collisions occur at unfavorable angles where bare droplets do not coalesce. This novel "bridge-to-drain" mechanism requires that (i) the droplets are only partially covered by the particles and (ii) the latter have the ability to bridge droplets. A dimensionless critical surface coverage fraction was defined, above which the nanoparticles stop promoting coalescence and start stabilizing the microstructure.

Fucoidan as an Encapsulant material: Applications and advantages in active agents and probiotic encapsulations

Fucoidans are branched sulfated polysaccharides primarily derived from brown seaweed, especially the Fucus genus, as well as other algae and marine invertebrates. With pseudoplastic behavior, they offer promising applications in cosmetics, pHarmaceuticals, and food industries. While traditional drug delivery materials are well-studied, fucoidans have gained attention as encapsulants, particularly in combination with chitosan and whey protein concentrate, which enhances their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. These combinations enable effective encapsulation of bioactive compounds, drugs, and microorganisms. Despite these advantages, research on fucoidans as encapsulants is limited, with few studies exploring the mechanisms behind their function. This review examines the potential of fucoidans in encapsulation, addressing both their benefits and the challenges in expanding their applications across pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and related fields.

DFT-driven design of efficient dual-atom electrocatalysts for lithium-sulfur batteries: Fe dimers supported on phthalocyanine

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have garnered widespread attention and research due to their high theoretical capacity and energy density. However, their commercialization is hindered by several issues, including low electrical conductivity of the sulfur electrode, the polysulfide shuttle effect, and slow charge-discharge kinetics. Double-atom transition metal phthalocyanines (M2-Pc), which are large conjugated compounds with M2-N12 rings, have potential application value in electrochemical catalysis due to their unique electronic structures and metal coordination properties. Through a five-step screening strategy, the study investigated the catalytic activity of a series of M2-Pc (M = Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn) towards S8/LiPSs. The results show that Fe2-Pc exhibits the best catalytic activity, attributed to its low Gibbs free energy (0.88 eV) in the rate-limiting step of the discharge reaction and its low decomposition energy barrier (0.72 eV) of Li2S during the charge reaction. Additionally, the integral of crystal orbital Hamiltonian population (ICOHP) can serve as a descriptor for the catalytic activity related to the decomposition energy barrier of Li2S during the charging process. This provides theoretical guidance for the design of Li-S battery cathode materials and further experimental work.

Two-dimensional unilamellar cation-deficient metal oxide nanosheet incorporated composite polymer electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Composite polymer electrolytes (CPEs) are considered among the leading contenders for next-generation all-solid-state lithium-metal batteries. However, CPEs simultaneously face multiple significant challenges, including reduced ion transference number, insufficient ionic conductivity, and poor cycling stability, which severely limit their practical applicability. Herein, we have designed a multifunctional unilamellar inorganic nanosheets (Ti0.87O2) additive for CPEs with cationic defects which is capable of simultaneously addressing all aforementioned challenges. The atomic Ti vacancies facilitate the direct passage of lithium ions through the nanosheets, and the monolayer structure accelerates the diffusion of lithium ions through the nanosheets. In addition, the atomic Ti vacancies can promote lithium salt dissociation while hindering anion transport. These two features of Ti0.87O2 nanosheet additives collectively enhance the ionic conductivity and lithium transference number. Furthermore, benefiting from the large specific surface area and defects, the Ti0.87O2 nanosheets can accommodate a high density of lithium ions, thereby releasing them to mitigate the polarization and elongating the Sand's time, which ultimately improves the battery's cycling stability. Finally, the ionic conductivity of CPE incorporated with this additive has improved by 42 times. Furthermore, the Li||Li symmetric cell demonstrates stable cycling for over 700 h at 0.1 mA cm-2. This work provides a new avenue for designing novel additives to develop solid-state electrolytes that offer excellent ionic conductivity and stability.

Few-layer MoS2 co-assembly with GO to optimize defect channels and stability of GO membranes for high-performance organic-inorganic separation

The selective separation of organic compounds and inorganic salts is essential for wastewater recycling in fine chemical industries such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Membrane separation technology offers a promising solution. However, conventional organic membranes often face challenges related to precise separation and solvent resistance. While graphene oxide (GO) membranes exhibit excellent solvent resistance, their separation performance and structural stability require further improvement. In this study, we developed a GO/few-layer molybdenum disulfide (FLMoS2) membrane via co-assembly. The optimized GO/FLMoS2 membrane demonstrated a water permeability of 28.4 LMH/bar, approximately four times higher than conventional GO membranes, and achieved a separation factor exceeding 900 for organic/inorganic mixtures-among the highest reported for two-dimensional (2D) membranes. Comprehensive characterization, including low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR), revealed that this superior performance was attributed to controlled defect channels, enhanced interlayer cross-linking, and the intrinsic rigidity of FLMoS2, which provided high structural stability and minimal swelling. Moreover, mechanical strength assessments, including critical destructive load force and nanoindentation tests, confirmed significant improvement in structural robustness. As a result, the GO/FLMoS2 membrane maintained stable water permeability and separation efficiency over 100 hours of continuous operation and six chemical cleaning cycles, demonstrating its potential for sustainable wastewater treatment and resource recovery.

Calcium phytate cross-linked polysaccharide hydrogels for selective removal of U(VI) from tailings wastewater

Efficient uranium capture from rare earth tailings wastewater holds great importance for human health and sustainable development. Herein, we present a simple and eco-friendly approach to form a single network hydrogel through electrostatic interaction between chitosan and sodium alginate. Subsequently, calcium phytate is introduced as a natural crosslinking agent to generate a secondary cross-linked network, leading to a composite hydrogel (CS-SA/PCa) with a doubly enhanced network structure for efficient adsorption of uranium from wastewater. The established multistage porous structure enables the rapid diffusion of uranyl ions, and the abundant phosphate groups serving as adsorption sites can offer high affinity for U(VI). Most importantly, CS-SA/PCa is formed through physical cross-linking of sustainable biopolymers, avoiding the use of toxic chemical agents. In addition, CS-SA/PCa exhibited significantly better mechanical properties than those of single-network physical hydrogels crosslinked by electrostatic interactions, which overcame the weak mechanical properties of physical hydrogels. It provides a new method for the manufacture of environmentally friendly, low-cost and robust physical hydrogels based on natural polymers.

Anti-miR oligo-mediated detection of human salivary microRNAs for mild traumatic brain injury

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), often resulting from traffic accidents, workplace incidents, sports, or recreational activities, is a neurological condition that significantly impacts the daily lives of many individuals. The absence of reliable biomarkers and the non-specific nature of mTBI symptoms pose challenges for accurate diagnosis, leading to undetected cases and potential long-term consequences. Current diagnostic approaches, including neuroimaging, serum biomarkers, and cognitive assessments, suffer from cost, invasiveness, and sensitivity limitations. To address this, we developed a novel electrochemical detection platform for salivary microRNAs (miRNAs), offering a rapid, non-invasive, and cost-effective alternative for mTBI diagnosis. Key challenges in point-of-care miRNA detection lie in low abundance, short length, sequence complementarity, degradation, and amplification-free detection with high sensitivity and specificity. This platform technology introduces a de novo-synthesized, conductive carboxyl-functionalized thiophene polymer (AAOT:PSS)-coated gold electrode, enabling the covalent attachment of streptavidin-linked, biotinylated anti-miRNAs with methylene blue as the electrochemical reporter. This system successfully detected picomolar concentrations of mTBI-associated miRNAs (miR-let7a, miR-30e, miR-21) in saliva, outperforming traditional methods and establishing salivary miRNAs as highly reliable biomarkers for mTBI. Our approach leverages the mTBI-induced upregulation of miR-let7a, miR-30e, miR-21 as proof-of-concept targets with scope of multiplexing while achieving 100% sensitivity and specificity in patient-derived samples validated via PCR and clinical assessments.

Spectroscopic, electrical, and cytocompatibility properties of luminescent (metal nanoparticle/polyaniline) composites

In recent years, the integration of metallic nanoparticles with conductive polymers has gained significant attention for biomedical applications, including biosensors and therapeutic agents. Here, we synthesized hybrid nanocomposites of polyaniline (PANI) with copper (Cu) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles using a straightforward and scalable one-pot synthesis method. These composites were characterized by a range of techniques, including UV-vis, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Zeta Potential measurements, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and photoluminescence (PL). Our analysis confirmed that the composites consist of the leucoemeraldine form of PANI, which exhibited dual fluorescence emission at 342 nm (UV region) and 667 nm (visible region), highlighting a synergistic interaction between the metal nanoparticles and PANI chains. The fluorescence quantum yield was determined to be 8.80 % for Cu/PANI and 10.05 % for Ag/PANI, indicating efficient luminescence and tunability based on the metal used. The cytocompatibility was evaluated through MTT assays on four cell lines (Vero cells, macrophages, HeLa cells, and fibroblasts), showing favorable biocompatibility across most cell types. Notably, macrophages (CC50 = 353.4 μg/mL) and Vero cells (CC50 = 324.5 μg/mL) showed higher sensitivity to Cu/PANI treatment, suggesting selective interactions compared to Ag/PANI and other similar composites reported in the literature. These results demonstrate that Cu/PANI and Ag/PANI composites combine promising fluorescence properties with cytocompatibility, making them suitable candidates for diverse biomedical applications, such as fluorescent markers, biosensors, and therapeutic agents.

Harnessing the human microbiome and its impact on immuno-oncology and nanotechnology for next-generation cancer therapies

The integration of microbiome research and nanotechnology represents a significant advancement in immuno-oncology, potentially improving the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. Recent studies highlight the influential role of the human microbiome in modulating immune responses, presenting new opportunities to enhance immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and other cancer therapies. Nanotechnology offers precise drug delivery and immune modulation capabilities, minimizing off-target effects while maximizing therapeutic outcomes. This review consolidates current knowledge on the interactions between the microbiome and the immune system, emphasizing the microbiome's impact on ICIs, and explores the incorporation of nanotechnology in cancer treatment strategies. Additionally, it provides a forward-looking perspective on the synergistic potential of microbiome modulation and nanotechnology to overcome existing challenges in immuno-oncology. This integrated approach may enhance the personalization and effectiveness of next-generation cancer treatments, paving the way for transformative patient care.