Synergetic Effect of Water-Soluble PEG-Based Macromonomers and Cellulose Nanocrystals for the Stabilization of PMMA Latexes by Surfactant-Free Emulsion Polymerization

Crosslinked Bifunctional Particles for the Removal of Bilirubin in Hyperbilirubinemia Cases

This work describes the development of styrene-divinylbenzene (St-DVB) particles with polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGMA) and/or glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) brushes for the removal of bilirubin from blood in haemodialyzed patients. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was immobilized onto the particles using ethyl lactate as a biocompatible solvent, which allowed the immobilization of up to 2 mg BSA/g of particles. The presence of albumin on the particles increased their capacity for bilirubin removal from phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) by 43% compared to particles without albumin. The particles were tested in plasma, finding that St-DVB-GMA-PEGMA particles that had been wetted in ethyl lactate with BSA reduced the concentration of bilirubin in plasma by 53% in less than 30 min. This effect was not observed in particles without BSA. Therefore, the presence of albumin on the particles enabled quick and selective removal of bilirubin from plasma. Overall, the study highlights the potential use of St-DVB particles with PEGMA and/or GMA brushes for bilirubin removal in haemodialyzed patients. The immobilization of albumin onto the particles using ethyl lactate increased their capacity for bilirubin removal and enabled quick and selective removal from plasma.

Functionalization of Poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) Particles for Selective Removal of Bilirubin

Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the main causes of death in patients with severe hepatic problems, which justifies the research for bilirubin removal solutions. In this study, St-MMA particles with PEGMA and/or GMA brushes were synthesized. First, the recipe for St-MMA was optimized and then adapted for PEGMA and GMA incorporation. Different solvents were then assayed to improve the BSA immobilization capacity of the particles. Ethyl lactate proved to be the best solvent, reaching a BSA immobilization capacity improvement of up to 60% for St-MMA-GMA-PEGMA particles. These particles also presented the best results for BR removal from PBS. No significant differences in the final capacity for BR removal from PBS media were observed when BSA was attached to the particles; however, the kinetics were greatly improved, requiring half the time. Finally, St-MMA-GMA-PEGMA particles that were wetted in EL with BSA reduced the bilirubin concentration in plasma from levels that threaten the survival of critical patients to levels close to those of healthy individuals in less than 30 min. On the contrary, particles without BSA were unable to remove bilirubin from plasma. Thus, the attachment of albumin to the particles plays a key role in selectively reducing bilirubin levels.

Cellulose or chitin nanofibril-stabilized latex for medical adhesion via tailoring colloidal interactions

The objective of this research is to develop a functional medical adhesive from natural nanofibril-stabilized latex through an aqueous process. Surface charged cellulose or chitin nanofibrils are used to form Pickering emulsions of acrylic monomers, followed by in situ polymerization. Charged initiators are selected to tailor the interactions between them and nanofibrils, and it is found that the repulsive electrostatic interactions play a key role in stabilizing the heterogeneous system. As a result, poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) latexes are successfully prepared for surfactant-free adhesives with a high shear strength of 72.0 ± 6.5 kPa. In addition, drug can be easily incorporated in the nanopaper substrate or adhesive layer to form a medical tape, exhibiting long-term drug release and antibacterial behaviors. We managed developing a facile method to integrate green synthesis, versatile functionalities and excellent adhesion into one adhesive, which remains a great challenge.

Crosslinked p(MMA) Particles by RAFT Emulsion Polymerisation: Tuning Size and Stability

The controlled synthesis of amphiphilic di-block copolymers allows a large array of nanostructures to be created, including block copolymer particles, which have proved valuable for biomedical applications. Despite progress in...

Polysaccharide-Based Nanoparticles as Pickering Emulsifiers in Emulsion Formulations and Heterogenous Polymerization Systems

Bio-based Pickering emulsifiers are a nontoxic alternative to surfactants in emulsion formulations and heterogenous polymerizations. Recent demand for biocompatible and sustainable formulations has accelerated academic interest in polysaccharide-based nanoparticles as Pickering emulsifiers. Despite the environmental advantages, the inherent hydrophilicity of polysaccharides and their nanoparticles limits efficiency and application range. Modification of the polysaccharide surface is often required in the development of ultrastable, functional, and water-in-oil (W/O) systems. Complex surface modification calls into question the sustainability of polysaccharide-based nanoparticles and is identified as a significant barrier to commercialization. This review summarizes the use of nanocelluloses, -starches, and -chitins as Pickering emulsifiers, highlights trends and best practices in surface modification, and provides recommendations to expedite commercialization.

Polymer Colloids: Synthesis Fundamentals to Applications

This special issue of Biomacromolecules highlights research from The International Polymer Colloid Group (IPCG), which was founded in 1972 as a forum for the exchange of ideas and emerging research activities for scientists and engineers from both academia and industry who study or use polymer colloids. The increasing relevance of polymeric structures with colloidal dimensions to biomacromolecules research provided the impetus for organizing this special issue. The IPCG is composed of over 120 researchers from over 20 countries who are elected to membership. Activities comprise annual symposia including a biennial International Polymer Colloid Group Research Conference and a semiannual newsletter that incorporates a summary of recent (including unpublished) research results from our members.