Gelatin films dendronized selectively on one side: enhancing antimicrobial properties and water repellence

Responsive soft actuator: harnessing multi-vapor, light, and magnetic field stimuli

Bioinspired soft actuators, capable of undergoing shape deformation in response to external triggers, hold great potential in fields such as soft robotics, artificial muscles, drug delivery, and smart switches. However, their widespread application is hindered by limitations in responsiveness, durability, and complex fabrication processes. In this study, we propose a new approach to tackle these challenges by developing a single-layer soft actuator that responds to multiple stimuli using a straightforward solution-casting method. This actuator comprises bio-polymer gelatin, bio-compatible PEDOT:PSS, and iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. Our actuator exhibits responsiveness to a range of organic solvent vapors, including water vapor, light, and magnetic fields. Notably, it exhibits rapid and reversible bending in distinct directions in response to different vapors, bending upwards in the presence of water vapor and downwards in the presence of alcohol vapor. Moreover, exposure to infrared (IR) light induces a bending toward the light source. The incorporation of magnet-responsive Fe3O4 nanoparticles induces multi-functionality in the actuator. The actuation characteristics of the actuator are controlled by leveraging its responsiveness to dual stimuli, such as water vapor and magnetic fields, as well as light and magnetic fields. For the proof of concept, we showcase several potential applications of our multi-stimuli responsive soft actuator, including magnet-triggered electrical switches, cargo transportation, soft grippers, targeted drug delivery, energy harvesting, and bio-mimicry.

Electroconductive and injectable hydrogels based on gelatin and PEDOT:PSS for mini-invasive approaches in nervous tissue regeneration

This work describes the development of electroconductive hydrogels as injectable matrices for neural tissue regeneration by exploiting a biocompatible conductive polymer – i.e. poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) – combined with a biomimetic...

Redefining the chemistry of super-macroporous materials: when dendritic molecules meet polymer cryogels

Dendritic cryogels modify the functionality and properties against conventional cryogels and improve the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) adsorption.

Multifunctional Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis and Application Properties

The immense scope of variation in dendritic molecules (hyper-branching, nano-sized, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, rigidity/flexibility balance, etc.) and their versatile functionalization, with the possibility of multivalent binding, permit the design of highly improved, novel materials. Dendritic-based materials are therefore viable alternatives to conventional polymers. The overall aim of this work is to show the advantages of dendronization processes by presenting the synthesis and characterization of three different dendronized systems: (I) microbeads of functionalized chitosan; (II) nanostructuration of polypropylene surfaces; and (III) smart dendritic nanogels. The particular properties yielded by these systems could only be achieved thanks to the dendronization process.