Dissipative particle dynamics simulation on the membrane formation of polymer–diluent system via thermally induced phase separation

Thermodynamics and kinetic analysis of membrane: Challenges and perspectives

The ultimate structure of the membrane is determined using two important effects: (i) thermodynamic effect and (ii) kinetic effect. Controlling the mechanism of kinetic and thermodynamic processes in phase separation is essential for enhancing membrane performance. However, the relationship between system parameters and the ultimate membrane morphology is still largely empirical. This review focuses on the fundamental ideas behind thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) methods, including both kinetic and thermodynamic elements. The thermodynamic approach to understanding phase separation and the effect of different interaction parameters on membrane morphology has been discussed in detail. Furthermore, this review explores the capabilities and limitations of different macroscopic transport models used for the last four decades to explore the phase inversion process. The application of molecular simulations and phase field to understand phase separation has also been briefly examined. Finally, it discusses the thermodynamic approach to understanding phase separation and the consequence of different interaction parameters on membrane morphology, as well as possible directions for artificial intelligence to fill the gaps in the literature. This review aims to provide comprehensive knowledge and motivation for future modeling work for membrane fabrication via new techniques such as nonsolvent-TIPS, complex-TIPS, non-solvent assisted TIPS, combined NIPS-TIPS method, and mixed solvent phase separation.

Effects of processing parameters in thermally induced phase separation technique on porous architecture of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering

Tissue engineering makes use of 3D scaffolds to sustain three-dimensional growth of cells and guide new tissue formation. To meet the multiple requirements for regeneration of biological tissues and organs, a wide range of scaffold fabrication techniques have been developed, aiming to produce porous constructs with the desired pore size range and pore morphology. Among different scaffold fabrication techniques, thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) method has been widely used in recent years because of its potential to produce highly porous scaffolds with interconnected pore morphology. The scaffold architecture can be closely controlled by adjusting the process parameters, including polymer type and concentration, solvent composition, quenching temperature and time, coarsening process, and incorporation of inorganic particles. The objective of this review is to provide information pertaining to the effect of these parameters on the architecture and properties of the scaffolds fabricated by the TIPS technique.

Formation and structural characteristics of thermosensitive multiblock copolymer vesicles

The spontaneous vesicle formation of ABABA-type amphiphilic multiblock copolymers bearing thermosensitive hydrophilic A-block in a selective solvent is studied using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) approach. The formation process of vesicle through nucleation and growth pathway is observed by varying the temperature. The simulation results show that spherical micelle takes shape at high temperature. As temperature decreases, vesicles with small aqueous cavity appear and the cavity expands as well as the membrane thickness decreases with the temperature further decreasing. This finding is in agreement with the experimental observation. Furthermore, by continuously varying the temperature and the length of the hydrophobic block, a phase diagram is constructed, which can indicate the thermodynamically stable region for vesicles. The morphological phase diagram shows that vesicles can form in a larger parameter scope. The relationship between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic block length versus the aqueous cavity size and vesicle size are revealed. Simulation results demonstrate that the copolymers with shorter hydrophobic blocks length or the higher hydrophilicity are more likely to form vesicles with larger aqueous cavity size and vesicle size as well as thinner wall thickness. However, the increase in A-block length results to form vesicles with smaller aqueous cavity size and larger vesicle size.