Nanostructured hybrid materials from aqueous polymer dispersions

Hybrid Materials: A Metareview

The field of hybrid materials has grown so wildly in the last 30 years that writing a comprehensive review has turned into an impossible mission. Yet, the need for a general view of the field remains, and it would be certainly useful to draw a scientific and technological map connecting the dots of the very different subfields of hybrid materials, a map which could relate the essential common characteristics of these fascinating materials while providing an overview of the very different combinations, synthetic approaches, and final applications formulated in this field, which has become a whole world. That is why we decided to write this metareview, that is, a review of reviews that could provide an eagle's eye view of a complex and varied landscape of materials which nevertheless share a common driving force: the power of hybridization.

Chemical Diversity and Medicinal Potential of Vitex negundo L.: From Traditional Knowledge to Modern Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

In Vedic context, Nirgundi (V. negundo) has been utilized for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and wound-healing properties. It has been employed to alleviate pain, treat skin conditions, and address various ailments. The plant's leaves, roots, and seeds have all found applications in traditional remedies. The knowledge of Nirgundi's medicinal benefits has been passed down through generations, and it continues to be a part of Ayurvedic and traditional medicine practices in India.

Advancements in Rectal Drug Delivery Systems: Clinical Trials, and Patents Perspective

The rectal route is an effective route for the local and systemic delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The environment of the rectum is relatively constant with low enzymatic activity and is favorable for drugs having poor oral absorption, extensive first-pass metabolism, gastric irritation, stability issues in the gastric environment, localized activity, and for drugs that cannot be administered by other routes. The present review addresses the rectal physiology, rectal diseases, and pharmaceutical factors influencing rectal delivery of drugs and discusses different rectal drug delivery systems including suppositories, suspensions, microspheres, nanoparticles, liposomes, tablets, and hydrogels. Clinical trials on various rectal drug delivery systems are presented in tabular form. Applications of different novel drug delivery carriers viz. nanoparticles, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, microspheres, transferosomes, nano-niosomes, and nanomicelles have been discussed and demonstrated for their potential use in rectal administration. Various opportunities and challenges for rectal delivery including recent advancements and patented formulations for rectal drug delivery have also been included.

Interdroplet Interactions and Rheology of Concentrated Nanoemulsions for Templating Porous Polymers

In the current study, we investigate the colloidal behavior of nanoemulsions over a wide range of oil volume fractions (φ) from dilute to concentrated regime. The dilute system contains 25% silicone oil dispersed in the aqueous phase consisting of poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEGDA) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), which is concentrated through evaporation of water at two different rates at ambient temperature. The rheological studies show that the liquid-like nanoemulsions transform into viscoelastic gels at a volume fraction of ∼30%. The plateau storage modulus of the nanoemulsions increases in the semidilute systems (φ below 45%) and then decreases steadily with increasing φ up to 60%. Dependency of the modulus on the evaporation rate can be observed in the rheological results. According to the rheological results and the overall pairwise interactions estimated between droplets, we propose two regimes of colloidal interactions. In the semidilute regime, the attractive gelation occurs due to considerable short-range attractive depletion induced by the PEGDA oligomer and SDS micelles. In the concentrated regime, the gel weakens by increasing φ mainly due to the structural stabilization barrier from a high concentration of micelles. The PEGDA in the continuous phase of the nanoemulsions can be crosslinked through photopolymerization, resulting in nanoporous PEGDA hydrogels upon removal of oil droplets. We study the water uptake of the nanoporous hydrogels prepared from the nanoemulsion templates at φ = 60%. The hydrogel obtained from the nanoemulsion with fast evaporation rate shows higher water uptake than that obtained from the slowly concentrated nanoemulsion. The tunable viscoelastic behavior of concentrated nanoemulsions as well as the resulting nanoporous hydrogels offers a new platform to design the soft materials for a wide range of applications.

CO2-Responsive Nano-Objects with Assembly-Related Aggregation-Induced Emission and Tunable Morphologies

CO₂-responsive polymeric nano-objects with assembly-related aggregation-induced emission (AIE) are obtained via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), 2-(4-formylphenoxy)ethyl methacrylate (MAEBA), and 4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)phenyl methacrylate (TPEMA). These nano-objects exhibit, depending on the feed of MAEBA, a morphology evolution process from spherical micelles to vesicles. Due to the presence of DMAEMA units, CO₂ promotes morphology transformation of the nano-objects from spheres to a mixture of "jellyfish" and vesicles and vesicles to complex vesicles. Moreover, TPEMA endows the AIE feature to these nano-objects, offering a strategy to monitor the morphology evolution process in real time. Thus, this approach is significant for exploring the assembly mechanism of copolymer in polymerization-induced self-assembly and designing multistimuli-responsive polymeric nanomaterials with tunable morphologies and sizes.

Studies on Synthesis and Characterization of Aqueous Hybrid Silicone-Acrylic and Acrylic-Silicone Dispersions and Coatings. Part I

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of the method of synthesis on properties of aqueous hybrid silicone-acrylic (SIL-ACR) and acrylic-silicone (ACR-SIL) dispersions. SIL-ACR dispersions were obtained by emulsion polymerization of mixtures of acrylic and styrene monomers (butyl acrylate, styrene, acrylic acid and methacrylamide) of two different compositions in aqueous dispersions of silicone resins synthesized from mixtures of silicone monomers (octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, vinyltriethoxysilane and methyltriethoxysilane) of two different compositions. ACR-SIL dispersions were obtained by emulsion polymerization of mixtures of the same silicone monomers in aqueous dispersions of acrylic/styrene copolymers synthesized from the same mixtures of acrylic and styrene monomers, so the compositions of ACR and SIL parts in corresponding ACR-SIL and SIL-ACR hybrid dispersions were the same. Examination of the properties of hybrid dispersions (particle size, particle structure, minimum film forming temperature, Tg of dispersion solids) as well as of corresponding coatings (contact angle, water resistance, water vapour permeability, impact resistance, elasticity) and films (tensile strength, elongation at break, % swell in toluene), revealed that they depended on the method of dispersion synthesis that led to different dispersion particle structures and on composition of ACR and SIL part. Generally, coatings produced from hybrid dispersions showed much better properties than coatings made from starting acrylic/styrene copolymer dispersions.

Silicone-containing aqueous polymer dispersions with hybrid particle structure

In this paper the synthesis, characterization and application of silicone-containing aqueous polymer dispersions (APD) with hybrid particle structure are reviewed based on available literature data. Advantages of synthesis of dispersions with hybrid particle structure over blending of individual dispersions are pointed out. Three main processes leading to silicone-containing hybrid APD are identified and described in detail: (1) emulsion polymerization of organic unsaturated monomers in aqueous dispersions of silicone polymers or copolymers, (2) emulsion copolymerization of unsaturated organic monomers with alkoxysilanes or polysiloxanes with unsaturated functionality and (3) emulsion polymerization of alkoxysilanes (in particular with unsaturated functionality) and/or cyclic siloxanes in organic polymer dispersions. The effect of various factors on the properties of such hybrid APD and films as well as on hybrid particles composition and morphology is presented. It is shown that core-shell morphology where silicones constitute either the core or the shell is predominant in hybrid particles. Main applications of silicone-containing hybrid APD and related hybrid particles are reviewed including (1) coatings which show specific surface properties such as enhanced water repellency or antisoiling or antigraffiti properties due to migration of silicone to the surface, and (2) impact modifiers for thermoplastics and thermosets. Other processes in which silicone-containing particles with hybrid structure can be obtained (miniemulsion polymerization, polymerization in non-aqueous media, hybridization of organic polymer and polysiloxane, emulsion polymerization of silicone monomers in silicone polymer dispersions and physical methods) are also discussed. Prospects for further developments in the area of silicone-containing hybrid APD and related hybrid particles are presented.

Influence of the electrostatic interactions in a Pickering emulsion polymerization for the synthesis of silica-polystyrene hybrid nanoparticles

HYPOTHESIS

Silica-polystyrene hybrid nanoparticles were synthesized by Pickering emulsion polymerization. The coupling effect of initiator type and silica surface charge was studied to exhibit the predominant role of electrostatic interactions in the synthesis mechanisms.

EXPERIMENTS

Non-ionic hydrophobic initiator (2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionitrile), AIBN) or anionic hydrophilic initiator (sodium persulfate, NaPS), and positively or negatively charged silica were used as reactants with styrene for Pickering emulsion polymerization. Their interactions were evaluated by Zeta potential measurements. The droplet size and the stability of the Pickering emulsions, and the hybrid particle morphology, surface coverage, size and agglomeration were evaluated by laser granulometry and microscopy.

FINDINGS

Similar surface charge between negatively charged silica particles and an anionic initiator led to strong repulsions and thus to non-covered polystyrene nanoparticles. With positively charged silica, a high decoration was obtained due to attractive interactions between the inorganic and the organic phases, but a strong agglomeration was also observed. The use of a non-ionic initiator led to a homogeneous coverage with negatively charged silica. With positively charged silica micronic sizes were formed by following two different mechanisms. These data, by enriching the existing literature, led to a more complete and robust description of the emulsion polymerization synthesis for hybrid nanostructures.

Preparation and catalytic applications of nanomaterials: a review

The present review systematically summarizes the synthesis and specific catalytic applications of nanomaterials such as MSN, nanoparticles, LD hydroxides, nanobubbles, quantum dots,etc.

Soft templating strategies for the synthesis of mesoporous materials: inorganic, organic-inorganic hybrid and purely organic solids

With the discovery of MCM-41 by Mobil researchers in 1992 the journey of the research on mesoporous materials started and in the 21st century this area of scientific investigation have extended into numerous branches, many of which contribute significantly in emerging areas like catalysis, energy, environment and biomedical research. As a consequence thousands of publications came out in large varieties of national and international journals. In this review, we have tried to summarize the published works on various synthetic pathways and formation mechanisms of different mesoporous materials viz. inorganic, organic-inorganic hybrid and purely organic solids via soft templating pathways. Generation of nanoscale porosity in a solid material usually requires participation of organic template (more specifically surfactants and their supramolecular assemblies) called structure-directing agent (SDA) in the bottom-up chemical reaction process. Different techniques employed for the syntheses of inorganic mesoporous solids, like silicas, metal doped silicas, transition and non-transition metal oxides, mixed oxides, metallophosphates, organic-inorganic hybrids as well as purely organic mesoporous materials like carbons, polymers etc. using surfactants are depicted schematically and elaborately in this paper. Moreover, some of the frontline applications of these mesoporous solids, which are directly related to their functionality, composition and surface properties are discussed at the appropriate places.

Investigação da influência do processamento na dinâmica molecular de nanocompósitos de policarbonato e argila organofílica obtidos via intercalação por fusão

Nanocompósitos baseados em policarbonato e argila organofílica foram obtidos pelo método de intercalação por fusão em câmara de mistura sob diferentes valores de torque e temperatura. A influência desses parâmetros na qualidade da dispersão da argila na matriz polimérica foi investigada por ressonância magnética nuclear (RMN) de baixo campo, empregando o tempo de relaxação longitudinal, T1H, e por difração de raios X. As diferenças nos tempos de relaxação longitudinal e nos padrões de difração de raios X foram correlacionadas com a formação de domínios com mobilidades distintas. O nanomaterial formado apresentou morfologia intercalada com afastamento crescente das camadas de argila, conforme as condições de processamento se tornavam mais severas. A RMN ¹H mostrou que tanto o cisalhamento quanto a temperatura afetaram a mobilidade das cadeias poliméricas, explicitando a homogeneidade crescente da distribuição dos domínios de relaxação, de acordo com o aumento do torque e da temperatura.

Silica-carrageenan hybrids used for cell immobilization realizing high-temperature degradation of nitrile substrates

In this work the application of hybrid materials, containing TEOS as source of SiO2 and k-carrageenan in different percentage, synthesized by the sol-gel method at room temperature was studied. They were used as matrices for entrapment of whole Bacillus sp. UG-5B cells, producers of thermostable nitrilase. The effect of the surface area and size and quantity of pores in the synthesized materials on the enzyme activity was evaluated. The process of biodegradation of different concentrations of toxic, potentially carcinogenic and mutagenic substrates by the obtained biocatalysts was investigated. The enzyme reaction takes place by the nitrilase pathway, catalysing nitrile hydrolysis directly to the corresponding carboxylic acid, forming ammonia. At batch experiments the influence of the substrate concentration of different nitriles was tested and 20 mM concentration was found most suitable. A two-step biodegradation process in a laboratory-scale column bioreactor of o-, m- and p-tolunitrile as a mixture was followed. After operation of the system for nine hours for the mixture of substrates at a flow rate of 45 mL h−1 and at 60°C, the overall conversion realized was above 90%, showing a good efficiency of the investigated process.

Mechanistic study on demulsification of water-in-diluted bitumen emulsions by ethylcellulose

In our previous study, ethylcellulose (EC), an effective, nontoxic, and biodegradable natural polymer, was found effective in dewatering water-in-diluted bitumen emulsions. In this study, the demulsification mechanism of water-in-diluted bitumen emulsions by EC is investigated. In situ experiments using a micropipet apparatus provided direct evidence on both flocculation and coalescence of water droplets in diluted bitumen by EC. The addition of EC was found to decrease naphtha-diluted bitumen-water interfacial tension significantly. At the molecular level, AFM imaging revealed disruption of the continuous interfacial films formed from surface-active components of bitumen by EC. Our study clearly indicates that the demulsification by EC is through both flocculation and coalescence of water droplets, attained by competitive adsorption of EC at the oil-water interface and disruption of the original protective interfacial films formed from the surface-active components of bitumen.

Synthetic Fabrication of Nanoscale MoS2-Based Transition Metal Sulfides

Transition metal sulfides are scientifically and technologically important materials. This review summarizes recent progress on the synthetic fabrication of transition metal sulfides nanocrystals with controlled shape, size, and surface functionality. Special attention is paid to the case of MoS₂ nanoparticles, where organic (surfactant, polymer), inorganic (support, promoter, doping) compounds and intercalation chemistry are applied.

Nanocrystal technology, drug delivery and clinical applications

Nanotechnology will affect our lives tremendously over the next decade in very different fields, including medicine and pharmacy. Transfer of materials into the nanodimension changes their physical properties which were used in pharmaceutics to develop a new innovative formulation principle for poorly soluble drugs: the drug nanocrystals. The drug nanocrystals do not belong to the future; the first products are already on the market. The industrially relevant production technologies, pearl milling and high pressure homogenization, are reviewed. The physics behind the drug nanocrystals and changes of their physical properties are discussed. The marketed products are presented and the special physical effects ofnanocrystals explained which are utilized in each market product. Examples of products in the development pipelines (clinical phases) are presented and the benefits for in vivo administration of drug nanocrystals are summarized in an overview.