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Chalard AE, Porritt H, Lam Po Tang EJ, Taberner AJ, Winbo A, Ahmad AM, Fitremann J, Malmström J. Dynamic composite hydrogels of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) with supramolecular fibers for tissue engineering applications. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 163:213957. [PMID: 39024864 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
In the field of tissue engineering, there is a growing need for biomaterials with structural properties that replicate the native characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM). It is important to include fibrous structures into ECM mimics, especially when constructing scar models. Additionally, including a dynamic aspect to cell-laden biomaterials is particularly interesting, since native ECM is constantly reshaped by cells. Composite hydrogels are developed to bring different combinations of structures and properties to a scaffold by using different types and sources of materials. In this work, we aimed to combine gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) with biocompatible supramolecular fibers made of a small self-assembling sugar-derived molecule (N-heptyl-D-galactonamide, GalC7). The GalC7 fibers were directly grown in the GelMA through a thermal process, and it was shown that the presence of the fibrous network increased the Young's modulus of GelMA. Due to the non-covalent interactions that govern the self-assembly, these fibers were observed to dissolve over time, leading to a dynamic softening of the composite gels. Cardiac fibroblast cells were successfully encapsulated into composite gels for 7 days, showing excellent biocompatibility and fibroblasts extending in an elongated morphology, most likely in the channels left by the fibers after their degradation. These novel composite hydrogels present unique properties and could be used as tools to study biological processes such as fibrosis, vascularization and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs E Chalard
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Harrison Porritt
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Emily J Lam Po Tang
- The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew J Taberner
- The Auckland Bioengineering Institute (ABI), The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Engineering Science and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Annika Winbo
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Manaaki Manawa Centre for Heart Research, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Amatul M Ahmad
- Department of Physiology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juliette Fitremann
- Laboratoire Softmat, Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5623, Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Jenny Malmström
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; The MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand.
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2
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Shi W, Li H, Chen J, Ching YC, Chuah CH, Xu C, Liu M, Zhang J, Ching KY, Liang Y, Li G, Tang W. Stretchable, Self-Healing, and Bioactive Hydrogel with High-Functionality N,N-bis(acryloyl)cystamine Dynamically Bonded Ag@polydopamine Crosslinkers for Wearable Sensors. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2404451. [PMID: 39031305 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels present attractive opportunities as flexible sensors due to their soft nature and tunable physicochemical properties. Despite significant advances, practical application of hydrogel-based sensor is limited by the lack of general routes to fabricate materials with combination of mechanical, conductive, and biological properties. Here, a multi-functional hydrogel sensor is reported by in situ polymerizing of acrylamide (AM) with N,N'-bis(acryloyl)cystamine (BA) dynamic crosslinked silver-modified polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, namely PAM/BA-Ag@PDA. Compared with traditional polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel, the BA-Ag@PDA nanoparticles provide both high-functionality crosslinks and multiple interactions within PAM networks, thereby endowing the optimized PAM/BA-Ag@PDA hydrogel with significantly enhanced tensile/compressive strength (349.80 kPa at 383.57% tensile strain, 263.08 kPa at 90% compressive strain), lower hysteresis (5.2%), improved conductivity (2.51 S m-1) and excellent near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered self-healing ability. As a strain sensor, the PAM/BA-Ag@PDA hydrogel shows a good sensitivity (gauge factor of 1.86), rapid response time (138 ms), and high stability. Owing to abundant reactive groups in PDA, the PAM/BA-Ag@PDA hydrogel exhibits inherent tissue adhesiveness and antioxidant, along with a synergistic antibacterial effect by PDA and Ag. Toward practical applications, the PAM/BA-Ag@PDA hydrogel can conformally adhere to skin and monitor subtle activities and large-scale movements with excellent reliability, demonstrating its promising applications as wearable sensors for healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
- Key Laboratory of Human-Machine-Intelligence Synergic System, Research Center for Neural Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Big Data and Internet, Shenzhen Technology University, 3002 Lantian Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518118, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Human-Machine-Intelligence Synergic System, Research Center for Neural Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Yern Chee Ching
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Cheng Hock Chuah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
| | - Chengsheng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Human-Machine-Intelligence Synergic System, Research Center for Neural Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Moran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Human-Machine-Intelligence Synergic System, Research Center for Neural Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Jinyong Zhang
- College of Big Data and Internet, Shenzhen Technology University, 3002 Lantian Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518118, China
| | - Kuan Yong Ching
- Foundation, Study and Language Institute, University of Reading-Malaysia Campus, Persiaran Graduan, Kota Ilmu EduCity, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, 79200, Malaysia
| | - Yongsheng Liang
- College of Big Data and Internet, Shenzhen Technology University, 3002 Lantian Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518118, China
| | - Guanglin Li
- Key Laboratory of Human-Machine-Intelligence Synergic System, Research Center for Neural Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Human-Machine-Intelligence Synergic System, Research Center for Neural Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1068 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
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3
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Song J, Lyu W, Kawakami K, Ariga K. Bio-gel nanoarchitectonics in tissue engineering. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:13230-13246. [PMID: 38953604 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00609g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Given the creation of materials based on nanoscale science, nanotechnology must be combined with other disciplines. This role is played by the new concept of nanoarchitectonics, the process of constructing functional materials from nanocomponents. Nanoarchitectonics may be highly compatible with applications in biological systems. Conversely, it would be meaningful to consider nanoarchitectonics research oriented toward biological applications with a focus on materials systems. Perhaps, hydrogels are promising as a model medium to realize nanoarchitectonics in biofunctional materials science. In this review, we will provide an overview of some of the defined targets, especially for tissue engineering. Specifically, we will discuss (i) hydrogel bio-inks for 3D bioprinting, (ii) dynamic hydrogels as an artificial extracellular matrix (ECM), and (iii) topographical hydrogels for tissue organization. Based on these backgrounds and conceptual evolution, the construction strategies and functions of bio-gel nanoarchitectonics in medical applications and tissue engineering will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Song
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Wenyan Lyu
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan.
| | - Kohsaku Kawakami
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Ibaraki, Japan.
- Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Ariga
- Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwa-no-ha, Kashiwa 277-8561, Japan
- Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044, Japan.
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4
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Du R, Bao T, Kong D, Zhang Q, Jia X. Cyclodextrins-Based Polyrotaxanes: From Functional Polymers to Applications in Electronics and Energy Storage Materials. Chempluschem 2024; 89:e202300706. [PMID: 38567455 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202300706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The concept of polyrotaxane comes from the rotaxane structure in the supramolecular field. It is a mechanically interlocked supramolecular assembly composed of linear polymer chains and cyclic molecules. Over recent decades, the synthesis and application of polyrotaxanes have seen remarkable growth. Particularly, cyclodextrin-based polyrotaxanes have been extensively reported due to the low-price raw materials, good biocompatibility, and ease of modification. Hence, it is also one of the most promising mechanically interlocking supramolecules for wide industrialization in the future. Polyrotaxanes are widely introduced into materials such as elastomers, hydrogels, and engineering polymers to improve their mechanical properties or impart functionality to the materials. In these materials, polyrotaxane acts as a slidable cross-linker to dissipate energy through sliding or assist in dispersing stress concentration in the cross-linked network, thereby enhancing the toughness of the materials. Further, the unique sliding-ring effect of cyclodextrin-based polyrotaxanes has pioneered advancements in stretchable electronics and energy storage materials. This includes their innovative use in stretchable conductive composite and binders for anodes, addressing critical challenges in these fields. In this mini-review, our focus is to highlight the current progress and potential wider applications in the future, underlining their transformative impact across various domains of material science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruichun Du
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of MOE, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Tianwei Bao
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of MOE, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Deshuo Kong
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of MOE, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Qiuhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of MOE, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
| | - Xudong Jia
- Key Laboratory of High Performance Polymer Material and Technology of MOE, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, P. R. China
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5
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Smith AM, Flammang P. Analysis of the adhesive secreting cells of Arion subfuscus: insights into the role of microgels in a tough, fast-setting hydrogel glue. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:4669-4680. [PMID: 38563822 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00071d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The slug Arion subfuscus produces a tough, highly adhesive defensive secretion. This secretion is a flexible hydrogel that is toughened by a double network mechanism. While synthetic double network gels typically require extensive time to prepare, this slug creates a tough gel in seconds. To gain insight into how the glue forms a double-network hydrogel so rapidly, the secretory apparatus of this slug was analyzed. The goal was to determine how the major components of the glue were distributed and mixed. Most of the glue comes from two types of large unicellular glands; one secretes polyanionic polysaccharides in small, membrane-bound packets, the other secretes proteins that appear to form a cross-linked network. The latter gland shows distinct regions where cross-linking appears to be occurring. These regions are darker, more homogeneous and appear more solid than the rest of the secretory material. The enzyme catalase is highly abundant in these regions, as are basic proteins. These results suggest that a rapid oxidation event occurs in this protein-containing gland, triggering cross-linking before the glue is released. The cross-linked microgels would then join together after secretion to form a granular hydrogel. The polysaccharide-filled packets would be mixed and interspersed among these microgels and may contribute to joining them together. This is an unexpected and highly effective way to form a tough gel rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Smith
- Department of Biology, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA.
| | - Patrick Flammang
- Biology of Marine Organisms and Biomimetics Unit, Research Institute for Biosciences, University of Mons, Mons 7000, Belgium
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Argun BR, Statt A. Interplay of Spatial and Topological Defects in Polymer Networks. ACS ENGINEERING AU 2024; 4:351-358. [PMID: 38911943 PMCID: PMC11191592 DOI: 10.1021/acsengineeringau.3c00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Polymer networks are widely used in applications, and the formation of a network and its gel point can be predicted. However, the effects of spatial and topological heterogeneity on the resulting network structure and ultimately the mechanical properties, are less understood. To address this challenge, we generate in silico random networks of cross-linked polymer chains with controlled spatial and topological defects. While all fully reacted networks investigated in this study have the same number of end-functionalized polymer strands and cross-linkers, we vary the degree of spatial and topological heterogeneities systematically. We find that spatially heterogeneous cross-linker distributions result in a reduction in the network's primary loops with increased spatial heterogeneity, the opposite trend as observed in homogeneous networks. By performing molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated the mechanical properties of the networks. Even though spatially heterogeneous networks have more elastically active strands and cross-linkers, they break at lower extensions than the homogeneous networks and sustain slightly lower maximum stresses. Their shear moduli are higher, i.e., stiffer, than theoretically predicted, and higher than their homogeneous gel counterparts. Our results highlight that topological loop defects and spatial heterogeneities result in significantly different network structures and, ultimately, different mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Ruşen Argun
- Mechanical
Engineering, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Antonia Statt
- Materials
Science and Engineering, Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61801, United States
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7
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Xu Z, Lu J, Lu D, Li Y, Lei H, Chen B, Li W, Xue B, Cao Y, Wang W. Rapidly damping hydrogels engineered through molecular friction. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4895. [PMID: 38851753 PMCID: PMC11162443 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49239-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels capable of swift mechanical energy dissipation hold promise for a range of applications including impact protection, shock absorption, and enhanced damage resistance. Traditional energy absorption in such materials typically relies on viscoelastic mechanisms, involving sacrificial bond breakage, yet often suffers from prolonged recovery times. Here, we introduce a hydrogel designed for friction-based damping. This hydrogel features an internal structure that facilitates the motion of a chain walker within its network, effectively dissipating mechanical stress. The hydrogel network architecture allows for rapid restoration of its damping capacity, often within seconds, ensuring swift material recovery post-deformation. We further demonstrate that this hydrogel can significantly shield encapsulated cells from mechanical trauma under repetitive compression, owing to its proficient energy damping and rapid rebound characteristics. Therefore, this hydrogel has potential for dynamic load applications like artificial muscles and synthetic cartilage, expanding the use of hydrogel dampers in biomechanics and related areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jiajun Lu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Di Lu
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Hai Lei
- School of Physics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Bin Chen
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Wenfei Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Chemistry and Biomedicine innovation center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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8
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Sarma H, Mandal S, Borbora A, Das J, Kumar S, Manna U. Self-healable, Tolerant Superaerophobic Coating for Improving Electrochemical Hydrogen Production. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2309359. [PMID: 38243839 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202309359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Gas-evolving electrodes often suffer from the blocking of catalytic active sites-due to unwanted and unavoidable adhesion of generated gas bubbles, which elevates the overpotential for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER)- by raising the resistance of the electrode. Here, a catalyst-free and self-healable superaerophobic coating having ultra-low bubble adhesion is introduced for achieving significantly depleted overpotentials of 209 and 506 mV at both low (50 mA cm-2) and high (500 mA cm-2) current densities, respectively, compared to a bare nickel-foam electrode. The optimized coating ensured an early detachment of the generated tiny (0.8 ± 0.1 mm) gas bubble-and thus, prevented the undesired rise in resistance of the coated electrode. The systematic association of physical (i.e., ionic interactions, H-bonding, etc.) cross-linkage, β-amino ester type covalent cross-linkage and reinforced halloysite nano clay enables the design of such functional material embedded with essential characteristics-including improved mechanical (toughness of 63.7 kJ m-3, and tensile modulus of 26 kPa) property and chemical (extremes of pH (1 and 14), salinity, etc.) stability, rapid (<10 min) self-healing ability (even at alkaline condition) and desired bubble-wettability (bubble contact angle of 158.2 ± 0.2°) with ultralow force (4.2 ± 0.4 µN) of bubble adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrisikesh Sarma
- Bio-Inspired Polymeric Materials Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Subhankar Mandal
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Angana Borbora
- Bio-Inspired Polymeric Materials Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Jaysri Das
- Bio-Inspired Polymeric Materials Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Saurav Kumar
- Bio-Inspired Polymeric Materials Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
| | - Uttam Manna
- Bio-Inspired Polymeric Materials Lab, Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
- Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
- School of Health Science & Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Kamrup, Assam, 781039, India
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9
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Ebrahimi M, Arreguín-Campos M, Dookhith AZ, Aldana AA, Lynd NA, Sanoja GE, Baker MB, Pitet LM. Tailoring Network Topology in Mechanically Robust Hydrogels for 3D Printing and Injection. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 38712527 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are confronted with a persistent challenge: the urgent demand for robust, load-bearing, and biocompatible scaffolds that can effectively endure substantial deformation. Given that inadequate mechanical performance is typically rooted in structural deficiencies─specifically, the absence of energy dissipation mechanisms and network uniformity─a crucial step toward solving this problem is generating synthetic approaches that enable exquisite control over network architecture. This work systematically explores structure-property relationships in poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels constructed utilizing thiol-yne chemistry. We systematically vary polymer concentration, constituent molar mass, and cross-linking protocols to understand the impact of architecture on hydrogel mechanical properties. The network architecture was resolved within the molecular model of Rubinstein-Panyukov to obtain the densities of chemical cross-links and entanglements. We employed both nucleophilic and radical pathways, uncovering notable differences in mechanical response, which highlight a remarkable degree of versatility achievable by tuning readily accessible parameters. Our approach yielded hydrogels with good cell viability and remarkably robust tensile and compression profiles. Finally, the hydrogels are shown to be amenable to advanced processing techniques by demonstrating injection- and extrusion-based 3D printing. Tuning the mechanism and network regularity during the cell-compatible formation of hydrogels is an emerging strategy to control the properties and processability of hydrogel biomaterials by making simple and rational design choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Ebrahimi
- Advanced Functional Polymers (AFP) Laboratory, Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering and Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht 6229 ET, The Netherlands
| | - Mariana Arreguín-Campos
- Advanced Functional Polymers (AFP) Laboratory, Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering and Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht 6229 ET, The Netherlands
| | - Aaliyah Z Dookhith
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ana A Aldana
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering and Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht 6229 ET, The Netherlands
| | - Nathaniel A Lynd
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Gabriel E Sanoja
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering and Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht 6229 ET, The Netherlands
| | - Louis M Pitet
- Advanced Functional Polymers (AFP) Laboratory, Institute for Materials Research (imo-imomec), Hasselt University, Martelarenlaan 42, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
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10
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Li Y, Zhao W, Cheng Z, Sun ZY, Liu H. Structural heterogeneity in tetra-armed gels revealed by computer simulation: Evidence from a graph theory assisted characterization. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:144902. [PMID: 38591682 DOI: 10.1063/5.0198388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Designing homogeneous networks is considered one typical strategy for solving the problem of strength and toughness conflict of polymer network materials. Experimentalists have proposed the hypothesis of obtaining a structurally homogeneous hydrogel by crosslinking tetra-armed polymers, whose homogeneity was claimed to be verified by scattering characterization and other methods. Nevertheless, it is highly desirable to further evaluate this issue from other perspectives. In this study, a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation coupled with a stochastic reaction model is applied to reveal the topological structure of a polymer network synthesized by tetra-armed monomers as precursors. Two different scenarios, distinguished by whether internal cross-linking is allowed, are considered. We introduce the Dijkstra algorithm from graph theory to precisely characterize the network structure. The microscopic features of the network structure, e.g., loop size, dispersity, and size distribution, are obtained via the Dijkstra algorithm. By comparing the two reaction scenarios, Scenario II exhibits an overall more idealized structure. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the Dijkstra algorithm for precisely characterizing the polymer network structure. We expect this work will provide a new insight for the evaluation and description of gel networks and further help to reveal the dynamic process of network formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Yan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
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11
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He H, Yang T, Liu T, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Yang Z, Liang F. Soft-Hard Janus Nanoparticles Triggered Hierarchical Conductors with Large Stretchability, High Sensitivity, and Superior Mechanical Properties. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312278. [PMID: 38266185 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
There is a long-standing conflict between the large stretchability and high sensitivity for strain sensors, a strategy of decoupling the mechanical/electrical module by constructing the hierarchical conductor has been developed in this study. The hierarchical conductor, consisting of a mechanically stretchable layer, a conductive network layer, and a strongly bonded interface, can be produced in a simple one-step process with the aid of soft-hard Janus nanoparticles (JNPs). The introduction of JNPs in the stretchable layer can evenly distribute stress and dissipate energy due to forming the rigid-flexible homogeneous networks. Specifically, JNPs can drive graphene nanosheets (GNS) to fold or curl, creating the unique JNPs-GNS building block that can further construct the conductive network. Due to its excellent deformability to hinder crack propagation, the flexible conductive network could be stretched continuously and the local conductive pathways could be reconstructed. Consequently, the hierarchical conductor could detect both subtle strain of 0-2% and large strain of up to 370%, with a gauge factor (GF) from 66.37 to 971.70, demonstrating outstanding stretchability and sensitivity. And it also owns large tensile strength (5.28 MPa) and high deformation stability. This hierarchical design will give graphene-based sensors a major boost in emerging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing He
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
- Applied Mechanics and Structure Safety Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China
| | - Tiantian Yang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tianlin Liu
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yeqi Gao
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Zhang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhenzhong Yang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Fuxin Liang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
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12
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Hervio V, Brûlet A, Creton C, Sanoja GE. Self-adhesion of uncrosslinked poly(butadiene- co-acrylonitrile), i.e. nitrile rubber, an inhomogeneous and associative polymer. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2978-2985. [PMID: 38470374 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01630g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Nitrile rubber (i.e., NBR) is a crosslinked copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile that finds widespread use in the automotive and aerospace industry as it sustains large, reversible deformations while resisting swelling by petrochemical fuels. We recently demonstrated that this material has a drift in composition due to the difference in reactivity between acrylonitrile and butadiene monomers during emulsion copolymerisation. Thus, although NBR is often thought of as a random copolymer, it does experience thermodynamic driving forces for self-assembly and kinetic barriers for processing like those of block copolymers.1 Here, we illustrate how such drift in composition hinders interdiffusion and prevents self-adhesion. The key result is that contacting uncrosslinked NBR (i) in the melt, (ii) in the presence of tackifiers, or (iii) in the presence of organic solvents promotes interdiffusion and enables self-adhesion. However, the contact times required for self-adhering, tc ∼ O(100 h), are orders of magnitude above those needed for non-polar synthetic rubbers like styrene-butadiene rubber (i.e., SBR) of comparable molecular weights and glass transition temperatures, tc ∼ O(100 s), unveiling the dramatic effect of compositional inhomogeneities and physical associations on polymer interdiffusion and large-strain mechanical properties. For example, when welded with organic solvents, the self-adhesion energy of NBR continues to increase after the solvent has evaporated because of polymer nanostructuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Hervio
- Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS UMR 7615, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Annie Brûlet
- Laboratoire Léon Brillouin, UMR 12 CEA-CNRS, Université Paris Saclay, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Costantino Creton
- Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS UMR 7615, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France.
| | - Gabriel E Sanoja
- Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS UMR 7615, Sorbonne Université, 75005, Paris, France.
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13
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Baur E, Tiberghien B, Amstad E. 3D Printing of Double Network Granular Elastomers with Locally Varying Mechanical Properties. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2313189. [PMID: 38530246 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Fast advances in the design of soft actuators and robots demand for new soft materials whose mechanical properties can be changed over short length scales. Elastomers can be formulated as highly stretchable or rather stiff materials and hence, are attractive for these applications. They are most frequently cast such that their composition cannot be changed over short length scales. A method that allows to locally change the composition of elastomers on hundreds of micrometer lengths scales is direct ink writing (DIW). Unfortunately, in the absence of rheomodifiers, most elastomer precursors cannot be printed through DIW. Here, 3D printable double network granular elastomers (DNGEs) whose ultimate tensile strain and stiffness can be varied over an unprecedented range are introduced. The 3D printability of these materials is leveraged to produce an elastomer finger containing rigid bones that are surrounded by a soft skin. Similarly, the rheological properties of the microparticle-based precursors are leveraged to cast elastomer slabs with locally varying stiffnesses that deform and twist in a predefined fashion. These DNGEs are foreseen to open up new avenues in the design of the next generation of smart wearables, strain sensors, prosthesis, soft actuators, and robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Baur
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Tiberghien
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Esther Amstad
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- National Center of Competence in Research Bio-Inspired Materials, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
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14
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Zhang Z, Zhao J, Yan X. Mechanically Interlocked Polymers with Dense Mechanical Bonds. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:992-1006. [PMID: 38417011 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusMechanically interlocked polymers (MIPs) such as polyrotaxanes and polycatenanes are polymer architectures that incorporate mechanical bonds, which represent a compelling frontier in polymer science. MIPs with cross-linked structures are known as mechanically interlocked networks (MINs) and are widely utilized in materials science. Leveraging the motion of mechanical bonds, MINs hold the potential for achieving a combination of robustness and dynamicity. Currently, the reported MINs predominantly consist of networks with discrete mechanical bonds as cross-linking points, exemplified by well-known slide-ring materials and rotaxane/catenane cross-linked polymers. The motion of these mechanically interlocked cross-linking points facilitates the redistribution of tension throughout the network, effectively preventing stress concentration and thereby enhancing material toughness. In these instances, the impact of mechanical bonds can be likened to the adage "small things can make a big difference", whereby a limited number of mechanical bonds substantially elevate the mechanical performance of conventional polymers. In addition to MINs cross-linked by mechanical bonds, there is another type of MIN in which their principal parts are polymer chains composed of dense mechanical bonds. Within these MINs, mechanical bonds generally serve as repeating units, and their unique properties stem from integrating and amplifying the function of a large amount of mechanical bonds. Consequently, MINs with dense mechanical bonds tend to reflect the intrinsic properties of mechanical interlocked polymers, making their exploration critical for a comprehensive understanding of MIPs. Nevertheless, investigations into MINs featuring dense mechanical bonds remain relatively scarce.This Account presents a comprehensive overview of our investigation and insights into MINs featuring dense mechanical bonds. First, we delve into the synthetic strategies employed to effectively prepare MINs with dense mechanical bonds, while critically evaluating their advantages and limitations. Through meticulous control of the core interlocking step, three distinct strategies have emerged: mechanical interlocking followed by polymerization, supramolecular polymerization followed by mechanical interlocking, and dynamic interlocking. Furthermore, we underscore the structure-property relationships of MINs with dense mechanical bonds. The macroscopic properties of MINs originate from integrating and amplifying countless microscopic motions of mechanical bonds, a phenomenon we define as an integration and amplification mechanism. Our investigation has revealed detailed motion characteristics of mechanical bonds in bulk mechanically interlocked materials, encompassing the quantification of motion activation energy, discrimination of varying motion distances, and elucidation of the recovery process. Additionally, we have elucidated their influence on the mechanical performance of the respective materials. Moreover, we have explored potential applications of MINs, leveraging their exceptional mechanical properties and dynamicity. These applications include enhancing the toughness of conventional polymers, engineering mechanically adaptive and multifunctional aerogels, and mitigating Li protrusion as interfacial layers in lithium-ion batteries. Finally, we offer our personal perspectives on the promises, opportunities, and key challenges in the future development of MINs with dense mechanical bonds, underscoring the potential for transformative advancements in this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoming Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xuzhou Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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15
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Gao JH, Wan B, Zheng MS, Luo L, Zhang H, Zhao QL, Chen G, Zha JW. High-toughness, extensile and self-healing PDMS elastomers constructed by decuple hydrogen bonding. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:1305-1314. [PMID: 38169374 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01265d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Elastomers are widely used in traditional industries and new intelligent fields. However, they are inevitably damaged by electricity, heat, force, etc. during the working process. With the continuous improvement of reliability and environmental protection requirements in human production and living, it is vital to develop elastomer materials with good mechanical properties that are not easily damaged and can self-heal after being damaged. Nevertheless, there are often contradictions between mechanical properties and self-healing as well as toughness, strength, and ductility. Herein, a strong and dynamic decuple hydrogen bonding based on carbon hydrazide (CHZ) is reported, accompanied with soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chains to prepare self-healing (efficiency 98.7%), recyclable, and robust elastomers (CHZ-PDMS). The strategy of decuple hydrogen bonding will significantly impact the study of the mechanical properties of elastomers. High stretchability (1731%) and a high toughness of 23.31 MJ m-3 are achieved due to the phase-separated structure and energy dissipation. The recyclability of CHZ-PDMS further supports the concept of environmental protection. The application of CHZ-PDMS as a flexible strain sensor exhibited high sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Han Gao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Baoquan Wan
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Ming-Sheng Zheng
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China.
| | - Longbo Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Material and Engineering, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, P. R. China
| | - Hongkuan Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing, 100041, China
| | - Quan-Liang Zhao
- School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, North China University of Technology, Beijing, 100041, China
| | - George Chen
- Department of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Jun-Wei Zha
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Materials Genome Engineering, School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China.
- Shunde Graduate School of University of Science and Technology Beijing, Foshan, 528300, P. R. China
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16
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Xu Z, Chen Y, Cao Y, Xue B. Tough Hydrogels with Different Toughening Mechanisms and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2675. [PMID: 38473922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Load-bearing biological tissues, such as cartilage and muscles, exhibit several crucial properties, including high elasticity, strength, and recoverability. These characteristics enable these tissues to endure significant mechanical stresses and swiftly recover after deformation, contributing to their exceptional durability and functionality. In contrast, while hydrogels are highly biocompatible and hold promise as synthetic biomaterials, their inherent network structure often limits their ability to simultaneously possess a diverse range of superior mechanical properties. As a result, the applications of hydrogels are significantly constrained. This article delves into the design mechanisms and mechanical properties of various tough hydrogels and investigates their applications in tissue engineering, flexible electronics, and other fields. The objective is to provide insights into the fabrication and application of hydrogels with combined high strength, stretchability, toughness, and fast recovery as well as their future development directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanru Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250000, China
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17
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Deviri D, Safran SA. Mechanosensitivity of phase separation in an elastic gel. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2024; 47:16. [PMID: 38376695 PMCID: PMC10879317 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-024-00405-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in binary or multi-component solutions is a well-studied subject in soft matter with extensive applications in biological systems. In recent years, several experimental studies focused on LLPS of solutes in hydrated gels, where the formation of coexisting domains induces elastic deformations within the gel. While the experimental studies report unique physical characteristics of these systems, such as sensitivity to mechanical forces and stabilization of multiple, periodic phase-separated domains, the theoretical understanding of such systems and the role of long-range interactions have not emphasized the nonlinear nature of the equilibrium binodal for strong segregation of the solute. In this paper, we formulate a generic, mean-field theory of a hydrated gel in the presence of an additional solute which changes the elastic properties of the gel. We derive equations for the equilibrium binodal of the phase separation of the solvent and solute and show that the deformations induced by the solute can result in effective long-range interactions between phase-separating solutes that can either enhance or, in the case of externally applied pressure, suppress phase separation of the solute relative to the case where there is no gel. This causes the coexisting concentrations at the binodal to depend on the system-wide average concentration, in contrast to the situation for phase separation in the absence of the gel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Deviri
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
- Carbon Blue Ltd., 3303201, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Samuel A Safran
- Department of Chemical and Biological Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel
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18
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Li S, Li X, Xu Y, Fan C, Li ZA, Zheng L, Luo B, Li ZP, Lin B, Zha ZG, Zhang HT, Wang X. Collagen fibril-like injectable hydrogels from self-assembled nanoparticles for promoting wound healing. Bioact Mater 2024; 32:149-163. [PMID: 37822915 PMCID: PMC10563012 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft hydrogels are excellent candidate materials for repairing various tissue defects, yet the mechanical strength, anti-swelling properties, and biocompatibility of many soft hydrogels need to be improved. Herein, inspired by the nanostructure of collagen fibrils, we developed a strategy toward achieving a soft but tough, anti-swelling nanofibrillar hydrogel by combining the self-assembly and chemical crosslinking of nanoparticles. Specifically, the collagen fibril-like injectable hydrogel was subtly designed and fabricated by self-assembling methylacrylyl hydroxypropyl chitosan (HM) with laponite (LAP) to form nanoparticles, followed by the inter-nanoparticle bonding through photo-crosslinking. The assembly mechanism of nanoparticles was elucidated by both experimental and simulation techniques. Due to the unique structure of the crosslinked nanoparticles, the nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited low stiffness (G'< 2 kPa), high compressive strength (709 kPa), and anti-swelling (swelling ratio of 1.07 in PBS) properties. Additionally, by harnessing the photo-crosslinking ability of the nanoparticles, the nanocomposite hydrogels were processed as microgels, which can be three-dimensionally (3D) printed into complex shapes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these nanocomposite hydrogels are highly biocompatible, biodegradability, and can effectively promote fibroblast migration and accelerate blood vessel formation during wound healing. This work presents a promising approach to develop biomimetic, nanofibrillar soft hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yidi Xu
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chaoran Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Zhong Alan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Bichong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Li
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Baofeng Lin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Zhen-Gang Zha
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huan-Tian Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
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19
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Dueramae I, Tanaka F, Shinyashiki N, Yagihara S, Kita R. UV-Crosslinked Poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) Interpenetrated into Chitosan Structure with Enhancement of Mechanical Properties Implemented as Anti-Fouling Materials. Gels 2023; 10:20. [PMID: 38247743 PMCID: PMC10815207 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
High-performance properties of interpenetration polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, based on physically crosslinked chitosan (CS) and chemically crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAM), were successfully developed. The IPN of CS/PNiPAM is proposed to overcome the limited mechanical properties of the single CS network. In this study, the viscoelastic behaviors of prepared materials in both solution and gel states were extensively examined, considering the UV exposure time and crosslinker concentration as key factors. The effect of these factors on gel formation, hydrogel structures, thermal stabilities of networks, and HeLa cell adhesion were studied sequentially. The sol-gel transition was effectively demonstrated through the scaling law, which agrees well with Winter and Chambon's theory. By subjecting the CS hydrogel to the process operation in an ethanol solution, its properties can be significantly enhanced with increased crosslinker concentration, including the shear modulus, crosslinking degree, gel strength, and thermal stability in its swollen state. The IPN samples exhibit a smooth and dense surface with irregular pores, allowing for much water absorption. The HeLa cells were adhered to and killed using the CS surface cationic charges and then released through hydrolysis by utilizing the hydrophilic/hydrophobic switchable property or thermo-reversible gelation of the PNiPAM network. The results demonstrated that IPN is a highly attractive candidate for anti-fouling materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isala Dueramae
- Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Japan
- Metallurgy and Materials Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Fumihiko Tanaka
- Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan;
| | - Naoki Shinyashiki
- Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Japan
- Department of Physics, Tokai University, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Japan;
| | - Shin Yagihara
- Department of Physics, Tokai University, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Japan;
| | - Rio Kita
- Micro/Nano Technology Center, Tokai University, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Japan
- Department of Physics, Tokai University, Hiratsuka 259-1292, Japan;
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20
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Yokochi H, O’Neill RT, Abe T, Aoki D, Boulatov R, Otsuka H. Sacrificial Mechanical Bond is as Effective as a Sacrificial Covalent Bond in Increasing Cross-Linked Polymer Toughness. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:23794-23801. [PMID: 37851530 PMCID: PMC10623562 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c08595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Sacrificial chemical bonds have been used effectively to increase the toughness of elastomers because such bonds dissociate at forces significantly below the fracture limit of the primary load-bearing bonds, thereby dissipating local stress. This approach owes much of its success to the ability to adjust the threshold force at which the sacrificial bonds fail at the desired rate, for example, by selecting either covalent or noncovalent sacrificial bonds. Here, we report experimental and computational evidence that a mechanical bond, responsible for the structural integrity of a rotaxane or a catenane, increases the elastomer's fracture strain, stress, and energy as much as a covalent bond of comparable mechanochemical dissociation kinetics. We synthesized and studied 6 polyacrylates cross-linked by either difluorenylsuccinonitrile (DFSN), which is an established sacrificial mechanochromic moiety; a [2]rotaxane, whose stopper allows its wheel to dethread on the same subsecond time scale as DFSN dissociates when either is under tensile force of 1.5-2 nN; a structurally homologous [2]rotaxane with a much bulkier stopper that is stable at force >5.5 nN; similarly stoppered [3]rotaxanes containing DFSN in their axles; and a control polymer with aliphatic nonsacrificial cross-links. Our data suggest that mechanochemical dethreading of a rotaxane without failure of any covalent bonds may be an important, hitherto unrecognized, contributor to the toughness of some rotaxane-cross-linked polymers and that sacrificial mechanical bonds provide a mechanism to control material fracture behavior independently of the mechanochemical response of the covalent networks, due to their distinct relationships between structure and mechanochemical reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirogi Yokochi
- Department
of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo
Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Robert T. O’Neill
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Takumi Abe
- Department
of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo
Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
| | - Daisuke Aoki
- Department
of Applied Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8522, Japan
| | - Roman Boulatov
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Hideyuki Otsuka
- Department
of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo
Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8550, Japan
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21
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Kaur K, Murphy CM. Advances in the Development of Nano-Engineered Mechanically Robust Hydrogels for Minimally Invasive Treatment of Bone Defects. Gels 2023; 9:809. [PMID: 37888382 PMCID: PMC10606921 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels were discovered as attractive materials for bone tissue engineering applications given their outstanding biocompatibility, high water content, and versatile fabrication platforms into materials with different physiochemical properties. However, traditional hydrogels suffer from weak mechanical strength, limiting their use in heavy load-bearing areas. Thus, the fabrication of mechanically robust injectable hydrogels that are suitable for load-bearing environments is of great interest. Successful material design for bone tissue engineering requires an understanding of the composition and structure of the material chosen, as well as the appropriate selection of biomimetic natural or synthetic materials. This review focuses on recent advancements in materials-design considerations and approaches to prepare mechanically robust injectable hydrogels for bone tissue engineering applications. We outline the materials-design approaches through a selection of materials and fabrication methods. Finally, we discuss unmet needs and current challenges in the development of ideal materials for bone tissue regeneration and highlight emerging strategies in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kulwinder Kaur
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ciara M. Murphy
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Bioengineering, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland
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22
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Zhou K, Ding R, Tao X, Cui Y, Yang J, Mao H, Gu Z. Peptide-dendrimer-reinforced bioinks for 3D bioprinting of heterogeneous and biomimetic in vitro models. Acta Biomater 2023; 169:243-255. [PMID: 37572980 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite 3D bioprinting having emerged as an advanced method for fabricating complex in vitro models, developing suitable bioinks that fulfill the opposing requirements for the biofabrication window still remains challenging. Although naturally derived hydrogels can better mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of numerous tissues, their weak mechanical properties usually result in architecturally simple shapes and patchy functions of in vitro models. Here, this limitation is addressed by a peptide-dendrimer-reinforced bioink (HC-PDN) which contained the peptide-dendrimer branched PEG with end-grafted norbornene (PDN) and the cysteamine-modified HA (HC). The extensive introduction of ethylene end-groups facilitates the grafting of sufficient moieties and enhances thiol-ene-induced crosslinking, making HC-PDN exhibits improved mechanical and rheological properties, as well as a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation than that of methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA). In addition, HC-PDN can be applied for the bioprinting of numerous complex structures with superior shape fidelity and soft matrix microenvironment. A heterogeneous and biomimetic hepatic tissue is concretely constructed in this work. The HepG2-C3As, LX-2s, and EA.hy.926s utilized with HC-PDN and assisted GelMA bioinks closely resemble the parenchymal and non-parenchymal counterparts of the native liver. The bioprinted models show the endothelium barrier function, hepatic functions, as well as increased activity of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which are essential functions of liver tissue in vivo. All these properties make HC-PDN a promising bioink to open numerous opportunities for in vitro model biofabrication. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this manuscript, we introduced a peptide dendrimer system, which belongs to the family of hyperbranched 3D nanosized macromolecules that exhibit high molecular structure regularity and various biological advantages. Specifically, norbornene-modified peptide dendrimer was grafted onto PEG, and hyaluronic acid (HA) was selected as a base material for bioink formulation because it is a component of the ECM. Peptide dendrimers confer the following advantages to bioinks: (a) Geometric symmetry can facilitate construction of bioinks with homogeneous networks; (b) abundant surface functional groups allow for abundant crosslinking points; (c) the biological origin can promote biocompatibility. This study shows conceptualization to application of a peptide-dendrimer bioink to extend the Biofabrication Window of natural bioinks and will expand use of 3D bioprinting of in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhou
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Rongjian Ding
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Xiwang Tao
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Yuwen Cui
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jiquan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of 3D Printing Equipment and Manufacturing, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Hongli Mao
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, Bioinspired Biomedical Materials & Devices Center, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China.
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23
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Poon KC, Gregory GL, Sulley GS, Vidal F, Williams CK. Toughening CO 2 -Derived Copolymer Elastomers Through Ionomer Networking. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302825. [PMID: 37201907 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2 ) to make polycarbonates through the ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of CO2 and epoxides valorizes and recycles CO2 and reduces pollution in polymer manufacturing. Recent developments in catalysis provide access to polycarbonates with well-defined structures and allow for copolymerization with biomass-derived monomers; however, the resulting material properties are underinvestigated. Here, new types of CO2 -derived thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) are described together with a generally applicable method to augment tensile mechanical strength and Young's modulus without requiring material re-design. These TPEs combine high glass transition temperature (Tg ) amorphous blocks comprising CO2 -derived poly(carbonates) (A-block), with low Tg poly(ε-decalactone), from castor oil, (B-block) in ABA structures. The poly(carbonate) blocks are selectively functionalized with metal-carboxylates where the metals are Na(I), Mg(II), Ca(II), Zn(II) and Al(III). The colorless polymers, featuring <1 wt% metal, show tunable thermal (Tg ), and mechanical (elongation at break, elasticity, creep-resistance) properties. The best elastomers show >50-fold higher Young's modulus and 21-times greater tensile strength, without compromise to elastic recovery, compared with the starting block polymers. They have wide operating temperatures (-20 to 200 °C), high creep-resistance and yet remain recyclable. In the future, these materials may substitute high-volume petrochemical elastomers and be utilized in high-growth fields like medicine, robotics, and electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam C Poon
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Georgina L Gregory
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Gregory S Sulley
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Fernando Vidal
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Charlotte K Williams
- Chemistry Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK
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24
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Cortes Ruiz MF, Brusentsev Y, Lindström SB, Xu C, Wågberg L. Shape-recovering nanocellulose networks: Preparation, characterization and modeling. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 315:120950. [PMID: 37230608 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.120950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Development of strong cellulose nanofibril (CNF) networks for advanced applications, such as in the biomedical field, is of high importance owing to the biocompatible nature and plant-based origin of cellulose nanofibrils. Nevertheless, lack of mechanical strength and complex synthesis methods hinder the application of these materials in areas where both toughness and manufacturing simplicity are required. In this work, we introduce a facile method for the synthesis of a low solid content (< 2 wt%), covalently crosslinked CNF hydrogel where Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (NIPAM) chains are utilized as crosslinks between the nanofibrils. The resulting networks have the capability to fully recover the shape in which they were formed after various drying and rewetting cycles. Characterization of the hydrogel and its constitutive components was performed using X-ray scattering, rheological investigations and uniaxial testing in compression. Influence of covalent crosslinks was compared with networks crosslinked by the addition of CaCl2. Among other things the results show that the mechanical properties of the hydrogels can be tuned by controlling the ionic strength of the surrounding medium. Finally, a mathematical model was developed based on the experimental results, which describes and predicts to a decent degree the large-deformation, elastoplastic behavior, and fracture of these networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Cortes Ruiz
- Fiber Technology Division, Fiber and Polymer Technology Department, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden; Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Fiber and Polymer Technology Department, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yury Brusentsev
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, 20500 Åbo, Finland
| | | | - Chunlin Xu
- Laboratory of Natural Materials Technology, Åbo Akademi University, 20500 Åbo, Finland
| | - Lars Wågberg
- Fiber Technology Division, Fiber and Polymer Technology Department, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden; Wallenberg Wood Science Center, Fiber and Polymer Technology Department, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden.
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25
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Wei Y, Ju J, Creton C, Narita T. Unexpected Fracture Behavior of Ultrasoft Associative Hydrogels Due to Strain-Induced Crystallization. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:1106-1111. [PMID: 37470675 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Strain-induced crystallization (SIC) is a well-known toughening strategy in elastomers, but is rarely observed in hydrogels due to their high-water content and limited deformability. Here we report a phenomenon of SIC in highly swollen and associative hydrogels by introducing an extremely large deformation by indentation with a needle. Using in situ birefringence imaging, we discovered that SIC occurs close to the needle tip upon large strain, displacing the nucleation of a crack from the needle tip to a position further away from the tip. The morphology of the fracture as well as the force to induce the gel fracture with the needle can be controlled by playing with temperature and cross-linking and hence triggering or not the SIC. Our discovery points to a future direction in creating SIC in highly swollen hydrogels, with potential implications for many biological material designs, and surgical injury prediction or prevention in associative tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wei
- Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, CNRS UMR 7615, ESPCI Paris, Sorbonne Université, PSL Université, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jianzhu Ju
- Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, CNRS UMR 7615, ESPCI Paris, Sorbonne Université, PSL Université, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Costantino Creton
- Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, CNRS UMR 7615, ESPCI Paris, Sorbonne Université, PSL Université, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Tetsuharu Narita
- Laboratoire Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, CNRS UMR 7615, ESPCI Paris, Sorbonne Université, PSL Université, 10 rue Vauquelin, 75005 Paris, France
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26
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Tamate R, Ueki T. Adaptive Ion-Gel: Stimuli-Responsive, and Self-Healing Ion Gels. CHEM REC 2023; 23:e202300043. [PMID: 37068193 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202300043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Ion gels are an emerging class of polymer gels in which a three-dimensional polymer network swells with an ionic liquid. Ion gels have drawn considerable attention in various fields such as energy and biotechnology owing to their excellent properties including nonvolatility, nonflammability, high ionic conductivity, and high thermal and electrochemical stability. Since the first report on ion gels (published ∼30 years ago), diverse functional ion gels exhibiting impressive physicochemical properties have been reported. In this review, recent developments in functional ion gels that can modulate their physical properties in response to environmental conditions are outlined. Stimuli-responsive ion gels that can adaptively undergo phase transitions in response to thermal and light stimuli are initially discussed, followed by an evaluation of diverse self-healing ion gels that can spontaneously mend mechanical damage through judiciously designed ion-gel networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Tamate
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047, Japan
- PRESTO, JST, 7 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ueki
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Science Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
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27
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Kessler M, Yuan T, Kolinski JM, Amstad E. Influence of the Degree of Swelling on the Stiffness and Toughness of Microgel-Reinforced Hydrogels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200864. [PMID: 36809684 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The stiffness and toughness of conventional hydrogels decrease with increasing degree of swelling. This behavior makes the stiffness-toughness compromise inherent to hydrogels even more limiting for fully swollen ones, especially for load-bearing applications. The stiffness-toughness compromise of hydrogels can be addressed by reinforcing them with hydrogel microparticles, microgels, which introduce the double network (DN) toughening effect into hydrogels. However, to what extent this toughening effect is maintained in fully swollen microgel-reinforced hydrogels (MRHs) is unknown. Herein, it is demonstrated that the initial volume fraction of microgels contained in MRHs determines their connectivity, which is closely yet nonlinearly related to the stiffness of fully swollen MRHs. Remarkably, if MRHs are reinforced with a high volume fraction of microgels, they stiffen upon swelling. By contrast, the fracture toughness linearly increases with the effective volume fraction of microgels present in the MRHs regardless of their degree of swelling. These findings provide a universal design rule for the fabrication of tough granular hydrogels that stiffen upon swelling and hence, open up new fields of use of these hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kessler
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Tianyu Yuan
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - John M Kolinski
- Engineering Mechanics of Soft Interfaces Laboratory, Institute of Mechanical, Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Esther Amstad
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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28
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OKAY O. Cryogelation reactions and cryogels: principles and challenges. Turk J Chem 2023; 47:910-926. [PMID: 38173748 PMCID: PMC10760876 DOI: 10.55730/1300-0527.3586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cryogelation is a powerful technique for producing macroporous hydrogels called cryogels. Although cryogelation reactions and cryogels were discovered more than 70 years ago, they attracted significant interest only in the last 20 years mainly due to their extraordinary properties compared to the classical hydrogels such as a high toughness, almost complete squeezability, a mechanically stable porous structure with honeycomb arrangement, poroelasticity, and fast responsivity against external stimuli. In this mini review, general properties of cryogelation systems including the cryoconcentration phenomenon responsible for the unique properties of the cryogels are discussed. The squeezability and poroelasticity of cryogels comparable to those seen with articular cartilage are also discussed. Cryogelation reactions conducted within the pores of preformed cryogels and some novel cryogels with attractive properties are then discussed in the last section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oğuz OKAY
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, İstanbul,
Turkiye
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29
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Imaoka C, Nakajima T, Indei T, Iwata M, Hong W, Marcellan A, Gong JP. Inverse mechanical-swelling coupling of a highly deformed double-network gel. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eabp8351. [PMID: 37163599 PMCID: PMC10171803 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abp8351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical behaviors of a polymer gel are coupled with its swelling behavior. It has been known that typical hydrogels display extension-induced swelling and drying-induced stiffening, called normal mechanical-swelling coupling. In this study, we experimentally found that highly extended double-network (DN) hydrogels exhibit abnormal inverse mechanical-swelling coupling such as extension-induced deswelling and drying-induced softening. We established theoretical hyperelastic and swelling models that reproduced all the complicated mechanical and swelling trends of the highly deformed DN hydrogels. From these theoretical analyses, it is considered that the inverse mechanical-swelling coupling of a DN gel is derived from the extreme nonlinear elasticity of its first network at its ultimate deformation state. These findings contribute toward the understanding of the mechanics of rubber-like materials up to their ultimate deformation and fracture limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chika Imaoka
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tasuku Nakajima
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Indei
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masaya Iwata
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- NGK Spark Plug Co. Ltd., Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, 518055 Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Alba Marcellan
- Sciences et Ingénierie de la Matière Molle, ESPCI Paris, Université PSL, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jian Ping Gong
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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30
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Xue B, Bashir Z, Guo Y, Yu W, Sun W, Li Y, Zhang Y, Qin M, Wang W, Cao Y. Strong, tough, rapid-recovery, and fatigue-resistant hydrogels made of picot peptide fibres. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2583. [PMID: 37142590 PMCID: PMC10160100 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38280-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are promising soft materials as tissue engineering scaffolds, stretchable sensors, and soft robotics. Yet, it remains challenging to develop synthetic hydrogels with mechanical stability and durability similar to those of the connective tissues. Many of the necessary mechanical properties, such as high strength, high toughness, rapid recovery, and high fatigue resistance, generally cannot be established together using conventional polymer networks. Here we present a type of hydrogels comprising hierarchical structures of picot fibres made of copper-bound self-assembling peptide strands with zipped flexible hidden length. The redundant hidden lengths allow the fibres to be extended to dissipate mechanical load without reducing network connectivity, making the hydrogels robust against damage. The hydrogels possess high strength, good toughness, high fatigue threshold, and rapid recovery, comparable to or even outperforming those of articular cartilage. Our study highlights the unique possibility of tailoring hydrogel network structures at the molecular level to improve their mechanical performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China
| | - Zoobia Bashir
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yachong Guo
- Kuang Yaming Honors School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wenting Yu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Wenxu Sun
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yiran Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Yiyang Zhang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
- Chemistry and Biomedicine innovation center, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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31
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Abrami M, Bignotti F, Baldi F, Spagnoli G, Biasin A, Grassi L, Grassi G, Grassi M. Rheological and low field NMR characterization of hydrophobically-modified PEG hydrogels for drug delivery. Int J Pharm 2023; 637:122882. [PMID: 36958613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
The focus of this work is on the characterization of hydrophobically-modified polyethylene glycol hydrogels, to be used as drug delivery systems, by means of the combined used of rheology and low field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Indeed, these two techniques allowed understanding how the transient physical bonds deriving from hydrophobic association superimpose to the pre-existing covalent bonds. We found that the improvement of physical bonds can be achieved not only by increasing the content of hydrophobic segments but also by using thermal treatments after hydrogel preparation. Moreover, we proved the reliability of an overall interpretative model linking the dependence of the shear modulus and the average magnetic relaxation time. Finally, we proposed a new mathematical approach for the determination of the magnetic relaxation spectrum. This approach reduced the computational heaviness of the procedure and allowed to easily discern the different contributes nested in the overall magnetic relaxation spectrum, an aspect that the traditional approach cannot provide directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Abrami
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabio Bignotti
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Baldi
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Gloria Spagnoli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alice Biasin
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Lucia Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Strada di Fiume 447, I-34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Mario Grassi
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 6/A, I-34127 Trieste, Italy.
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32
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Xiong X, Chen Y, Wang Z, Liu H, Le M, Lin C, Wu G, Wang L, Shi X, Jia YG, Zhao Y. Polymerizable rotaxane hydrogels for three-dimensional printing fabrication of wearable sensors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1331. [PMID: 36898994 PMCID: PMC10006079 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36920-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
While hydrogels enable a variety of applications in wearable sensors and electronic skins, they are susceptible to fatigue fracture during cyclic deformations owing to their inefficient fatigue resistance. Herein, acrylated β-cyclodextrin with bile acid is self-assembled into a polymerizable pseudorotaxane via precise host-guest recognition, which is photopolymerized with acrylamide to obtain conductive polymerizable rotaxane hydrogels (PR-Gel). The topological networks of PR-Gel enable all desirable properties in this system due to the large conformational freedom of the mobile junctions, including the excellent stretchability along with superior fatigue resistance. PR-Gel based strain sensor can sensitively detect and distinguish large body motions and subtle muscle movements. The three-dimensional printing fabricated sensors of PR-Gel exhibit high resolution and altitude complexity, and real-time human electrocardiogram signals are detected with high repeating stability. PR-Gel can self-heal in air, and has highly repeatable adhesion to human skin, demonstrating its great potential in wearable sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueru Xiong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhenxing Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Huan Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Mengqi Le
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Caihong Lin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Gang Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China. .,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Guangdong Province, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xuetao Shi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China. .,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yong-Guang Jia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China. .,National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Innovation Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yanli Zhao
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore, 637371, Singapore.
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33
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Lin X, Wang X, Cui H, Rao P, Meng Y, Ouyang G, Guo H. Hydrogels with ultra-highly additive adjustable toughness under quasi-isochoric conditions. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:993-1004. [PMID: 36651348 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01451c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Bioinspired smart hydrogels with additive-switchable mechanical properties have been attracting increasing attention in recent years. However, most existing hydrogel systems suffer from limited stiffening amplitude and dramatic volume change upon response to environmental triggers. Herein, we propose a novel strategy to prepare additive-responsive hydrogels with ultra-highly adjustable toughness under quasi-isochoric conditions. The key point lies in tuning the softening transition temperature of the hydrogels with non-covalent interactions between the polymer networks and additives, shifting the hydrogels from glassy to rubbery states. As a proof of concept, a variety of glassy hydrogels are prepared and exposed to additives to trigger responsive performances. Young's modulus of the same hydrogel demonstrates up to 36 000 times ultra-broad-range tunability, ranging from 0.0042 to 150 MPa in response to different additives. Meanwhile, negligible volume changes occur, keeping the hydrogels in quasi-isochoric conditions. Interestingly, the mechanical behaviors of the hydrogels manifest remarkable dependence on the additive type and concentration since both the Hofmeister effect and hydrophobicity of the additives play pivotal roles according to mechanism investigations. Furthermore, the regulation with additives reveals satisfactory reversibility and universality. Taken together, this simple and effective approach provides a novel strategy to fabricate hydrogels with highly tunable toughness for versatile applications, including spatially patterned conductive gels and anti-icing coatings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxing Lin
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Chemistry & Energy Conservation of Guangdong Province, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China.
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, 999078, Macao
| | - Hongyuan Cui
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Chemistry & Energy Conservation of Guangdong Province, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China.
| | - Ping Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power & Mechatronic System, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yuezhong Meng
- The Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Energy Conservation of Guangdong Province/State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Gangfeng Ouyang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Chemistry & Energy Conservation of Guangdong Province, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China.
| | - Hui Guo
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Low-carbon Chemistry & Energy Conservation of Guangdong Province, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, 519082, China.
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34
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Liu Y, Chen L, Yang Y, Chen H, Zhang X, Liu S. High Mechanical Strength and Multifunctional Microphase-Separated Supramolecular Hydrogels Fabricated by Liquid-Crystalline Block Copolymer. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200829. [PMID: 36482796 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of multifunctional supramolecular hydrogels with high mechanical strength and multifunction is in high demand. In this work, the diblock copolymer poly(acrylamide-co-1-benzyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide)-block-polyAzobenzene is synthesized through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The dynamic host-guest interactions between the host molecule cucurbit[8] uril and guest units are used to fabricate a 3D network of supramolecular hydrogels. Investigations on the properties of the supramolecular hydrogels show that the tensile stress of the sample is 1.46 MPa, eight times higher than that of hydrogel without liquid-crystalline block copolymer, and the self-healing efficiency of the supramolecular hydrogels at room temperature is 88.3% (fracture stress) and 100% (fracture strain) after 24 h. Results show that microphase-separated structure plays a key role in the high-strength hydrogel, whereas the host-guest interaction endows the hydrogel with self-healing properties. The supramolecular hydrogels with high mechanical strength, photo-responsivity, injectability, and biocompatibility can be used in various potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Lv Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Yuxuan Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Hongxiang Chen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Xiongzhi Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
| | - Simin Liu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, Institute of Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430081, China
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35
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Xu L, Qiao Y, Qiu D. Coordinatively Stiffen and Toughen Hydrogels with Adaptable Crystal-Domain Cross-Linking. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2209913. [PMID: 36628947 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202209913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Conventional hydrogels usually suffer from the inherent conflict between stiffness and toughness, severely hampering their applications as load-bearing materials. Herein, an adaptable crystal-domain cross-linking design is reported to overcome this inherent trade-off for hydrogels by taking full advantage of both deformation-resisting and energy-dissipating capacities of cross-linking points. Through solvent exchange to homogenize the polymer network, followed by salting out to foster crystallization, a class of sal-exogels with high number densities of uniform crystalline domains embedded in homogeneous networks is constructed. During the deformation, those adaptive crystalline domains initially survive to arrest deformation, while later gradually disentangle to efficiently dissipate energy, crucial to the realization of the desirable compatibility between stiffness and toughness. The resultant sal-exogel achieves coordinatively enhanced stiffness (52.3 ± 2.7 MPa) and toughness (120.7 ± 11.7 kJ m-2 ), reconciling the challenging trade-off between them. This finding provides a practical and universal route to design stiff and tough hydrogels and has a profound impact on many applications requiring hydrogels with such combined mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liju Xu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Yan Qiao
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dong Qiu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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36
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Dou X, Wang H, Yang F, Shen H, Wang X, Wu D. One-Step Soaking Strategy toward Anti-Swelling Hydrogels with a Stiff "Armor". ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206242. [PMID: 36683238 PMCID: PMC10037974 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Double-network (DN) hydrogels consisting of noncovalent interacting networks are highly desired due to their well-controlled compositions and environmental friendliness, but the low water resistance always impairs their mechanical strength. Here, an anti-swelling hydrogel possessing the core/shell architecture through rational regulation of multiple weak noncovalent interactions is prepared. A composite hydrogel consists of chitosan (CS) and poly(N-acryloyl 2-glycine) (PACG), readily forming the shell-structured DN hydrogel after soaking in a FeCl3 solution because of in situ formation of chain entanglements, hydrogen bonds, and ionic coordination. The produced DN hydrogels exhibit excellent anti-swelling behaviors and mechanical durability for over half a year, even in some strict situations. Taking the merits of noncovalent bonds in adjustability and reversibility, the swelling property of these hydrogels can be easily customized through control of the ion species and concentrations. A dynamically reversible transition from super-swelling to anti-swelling is realized by breaking up and rebuilding the metal-coordination complexes. This facile but efficient strategy of turning the noncovalent interactions and consequently the mechanics and anti-swelling properties is imperative to achieve the rational design of high-performance hydrogels with specific usage requirements and expand their applicability to a higher stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Dou
- College of ChemistryChemical Engineering and Materials ScienceKey Laboratory of Molecular and Nano ProbesMinistry of EducationCollaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of ShandongInstitute of Molecular and Nano ScienceShandong Normal UniversityJinan250014China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Hufei Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Fei Yang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Hong Shen
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Xing Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
| | - Decheng Wu
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular SciencesInstitute of ChemistryChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100190China
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringSouthern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhen518055China
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37
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Masubuchi Y, Doi Y, Ishida T, Sakumichi N, Sakai T, Mayumi K, Uneyama T. Phantom Chain Simulations for the Fracture of Energy-Minimized Tetra- and Tri-Branched Networks. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Masubuchi
- Department of Materials Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Yuya Doi
- Department of Materials Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Takato Ishida
- Department of Materials Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Sakumichi
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1138654, Japan
| | - Takamasa Sakai
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 1138654, Japan
| | - Koichi Mayumi
- The Institute for Solid State Physics, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi 2778581, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takashi Uneyama
- Department of Materials Physics, Nagoya University, Nagoya 4648603, Japan
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38
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Watabe T, Otsuka H. Swelling-induced Mechanochromism in Multinetwork Polymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202216469. [PMID: 36524463 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202216469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We report a novel and versatile approach to achieving swelling-induced mechanochemistry using a multinetwork (MN) strategy that enables polymer networks to repeatedly swell with monomers and solvents. The isotropic expansion of the first network (FN) provides sufficient force to drive the mechanochemical scission of a radical-based mechanophore, difluorenylsuccinonitrile (DFSN). Although prompt recombination generally occurs in such highly mobile environments, the resulting pink radicals are kinetically stabilized in the gels, probably due to limited diffusion in the extended polymer chains. Moreover, the DFSN embedded in the isotropically strained chain exhibits increased thermal reactivity, which can be reasonably explained by an entropic contribution of the FN to the dissociation. The utility of the MN polymers is demonstrated not only in terms of swelling-force-induced network modification, but also in the context of tunable reactivity of the dissociative unit through proper design of the hierarchical network architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Watabe
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Otsuka
- Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 152-8550, Japan.,Living Systems Materialogy (LiSM) Research Group, International Research Frontiers Initiative (IRFI), Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama, 226-8501, Japan
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39
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Zhu S, Yan D, Chen L, Wang Y, Zhu F, Ye Y, Zheng Y, Yu W, Zheng Q. Enhanced Rupture Force in a Cut-Dispersed Double-Network Hydrogel. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020158. [PMID: 36826328 PMCID: PMC9956972 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The Kirigami approach is an effective way to realize controllable deformation of intelligent materials via introducing cuts into bulk materials. For materials ranging from ordinary stiff materials such as glass, ceramics, and metals to soft materials, including ordinary hydrogels and elastomers, all of them are all sensitive to the presence of cuts, which usually act as defects to deteriorate mechanical properties. Herein, we study the influence of the cuts on the mechanical properties by introducing "dispersed macro-scale cuts" into a model tough double network (DN) hydrogel (named D-cut gel), which consists of a rigid and brittle first network and a ductile stretchable second network. For comparison, DN gels with "continuous cuts" having the same number of interconnected cuts (named C-cut gel) were chosen. The fracture tests of D-cut gel and C-cut gel with different cut patterns were performed. The fracture observation revealed that crack blunting occurred at each cut tip, and a large wrinkle-like zone was formed where the wrinkles were parallel to the propagation direction of the cut. By utilizing homemade circular polarizing optical systems, we found that introducing dispersed cuts increases the rupture force by homogenizing the stress around the crack tip surrounding every cut, which reduces stress concentration in one certain cut. We believe this work reveals the fracture mechanism of tough soft materials with a kirigami cut structure, which should guide the design of advanced soft and tough materials along this line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Zhu
- College of Physics, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Dongdong Yan
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Lin Chen
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Fengbo Zhu
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yanan Ye
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yong Zheng
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wenwen Yu
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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40
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Zhu S, Wang Y, Wang Z, Chen L, Zhu F, Ye Y, Zheng Y, Yu W, Zheng Q. Metal-Coordinated Dynamics and Viscoelastic Properties of Double-Network Hydrogels. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020145. [PMID: 36826315 PMCID: PMC9956398 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Biological soft tissues are intrinsically viscoelastic materials which play a significant role in affecting the activity of cells. As potential artificial alternatives, double-network (DN) gels, however, are pure elastic and mechanically time independent. The viscoelasticization of DN gels is an urgent challenge in enabling DN gels to be used for advanced development of biomaterial applications. Herein, we demonstrate a simple approach to regulate the viscoelasticity of tough double-network (DN) hydrogels by forming sulfonate-metal coordination. Owing to the dynamic nature of the coordination bonds, the resultant hydrogels possess highly viscoelastic, mechanical time-dependent, and self-recovery properties. Rheological measurements are performed to investigate the linear dynamic mechanical behavior at small strains. The tensile tests and cyclic tensile tests are also systematically performed to evaluate the rate-dependent large deformation mechanical behaviors and energy dissipation behaviors of various ion-loaded DN hydrogels. It has been revealed based on the systematic analysis that robust strong sulfonate-Zr4+ coordination interactions not only serve as dynamic crosslinks imparting viscoelastic rate-dependent mechanical performances, but also strongly affect the relative strength of the first PAMPS network, thereby increasing the yielding stress σy and the fracture stress at break σb and reducing the stretch ratio at break λb. It is envisioned that the viscoelasticization of DN gels enables versatile applications in the biomedical and engineering fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilei Zhu
- College of Physics, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yan Wang
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Lin Chen
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Fengbo Zhu
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Yanan Ye
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yong Zheng
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
- Correspondence: (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Wenwen Yu
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Shanxi-Zheda Institute of Advanced Materials and Chemical Engineering, Taiyuan 030024, China
| | - Qiang Zheng
- College of Materials Science & Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan 030024, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
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41
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Hao XP, Zhang CW, Hong W, Meng M, Hou LX, Du M, Zheng Q, Wu ZL. Engineering viscoelastic mismatch for temporal morphing of tough supramolecular hydrogels. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:432-442. [PMID: 36606414 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01339h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Viscoelasticity is a generic characteristic of soft biotissues and polymeric materials, endowing them with unique time- and rate-dependent properties. Here, by spatiotemporally tailoring the viscoelasticity in tough supramolecular hydrogels, we demonstrate reprogrammable morphing of the gels based on differential viscoelastic recovery processes that lead to internal strain mismatch. The spatial heterogeneity of viscoelasticity is encoded through integrating dissimilar hydrogels or by site-specific treatment of a singular hydrogel. The temporal morphing behavior of tough gels, including a fast deformation process and then a slow shape-recovery process, is related to the kinetics of associative interactions and the entropic elasticity of supramolecular networks after pre-stretching and release, which takes place spontaneously in the absence of external stimuli. Such a kinetically driven morphing mechanism resolves the trade-off between the mechanical robustness and shape-changing speed in tough hydrogels with dense entanglements and physical associations, and should be applicable to other viscoelastic materials. A numerical theory for the temporal morphing of tough supramolecular gels has been formulated by dynamic coupling of viscoelastic recovery and mechanics of deformations, which is further implemented to predict the sophisticated morphed structures. Furthermore, magnetic particles are incorporated into the morphed tough hydrogels to devise versatile soft actuators and robots for specific applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Peng Hao
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Chuan Wei Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meng Meng
- Design Informatics, Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JS, UK
| | - Li Xin Hou
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Miao Du
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Qiang Zheng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Zi Liang Wu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
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42
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Li W, Guan Q, Li M, Saiz E, Hou X. Nature's strategy to construct tough responsive hydrogel actuators and their applications. Prog Polym Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
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43
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Xu J, Jiang Y, Gao L. Synthetic strain-stiffening hydrogels towards mechanical adaptability. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:221-243. [PMID: 36507877 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01743a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Living organisms are made of wet, soft tissues. However, there is only one candidate to simultaneously replicate the mechanical and composition features of load-bearing tissues, that is, strain-stiffening hydrogels. The conventional mechanical match design principle is mostly limited to stiffness matching. However, this strategy cannot sufficiently and necessarily lead to mechanical matching over the whole physiologic deformation period for tissues and damages the tissues over time. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the reported synthetic strain-stiffening hydrogels and particularly focus on the relationship between their structure and performance. Initially, we present a brief introduction on the significance of strain-stiffening hydrogels in mimicking the mechanics of tissues, and then we discuss the qualitative evaluation of the strain-stiffening behaviors to guide the design of materials towards mimicking soft tissue. After distinguishing the mechanical testing methods, we focus on the methods for the preparation of typical strain-stiffening hydrogels based on categories, such as network without strand entanglement, semiflexible network, and anisotropic networks. Subsequently, we discuss the structural evolution of strain-stiffening hydrogels. We hope that this review will serve as an updated introduction and reference for researchers who are interested in exploring strain-stiffening hydrogels as tissue-mimics for addressing the societal needs at various frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Xu
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yin Jiang
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Liang Gao
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China. .,Jieyang Branch of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Rongjiang Laboratory), Jieyang 515200, China
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44
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Vahdati M, Hourdet D, Creton C. Soft Underwater Adhesives based on Weak Molecular Interactions. Prog Polym Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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45
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Li X, Luo F, Sun TL, Cui K, Watanabe R, Nakajima T, Gong JP. Effect of Salt on Dynamic Mechanical Behaviors of Polyampholyte Hydrogels. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyu Li
- Laboratory of Soft & Wet Matter, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
| | - Feng Luo
- Laboratory of Soft & Wet Matter, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu610065, China
| | - Tao Lin Sun
- Laboratory of Soft & Wet Matter, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510640, China
| | - Kunpeng Cui
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei230026, China
| | - Reina Watanabe
- Laboratory of Soft & Wet Matter, Division of Soft Matter, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Life Science, Kita10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido060-0810, Japan
| | - Tasuku Nakajima
- Laboratory of Soft & Wet Matter, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
| | - Jian Ping Gong
- Laboratory of Soft & Wet Matter, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, Kita 21, Nishi 11, Kita-ku, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
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Su M, Zhang J, Li Z, Wei Y, Zhang J, Pang Z, Gao Y, Qian S, Heng W. Recent advances on small molecular gels: formation mechanism and their application in pharmaceutical fields. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2022; 19:1597-1617. [PMID: 36259939 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2022.2138329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As an essential complement to chemically cross-linked macromolecular gels, drug delivery systems based on small molecular gels formed under the driving forces of non-covalent interactions are attracting considerable research interest due to their potential advantages of high structural functionality, lower biological toxicity, reversible stimulus-response, and so on. AREA COVERED The present review summarizes recent advances in small molecular gels and provides their updates as a comprehensive overview in terms of gelation mechanism, gel properties, and physicochemical characterizations. In particular, this manuscript reviews the effects of drug-based small molecular gels on the drug development and their potential applications in the pharmaceutical fields. EXPERT OPINION Small molecular-based gel systems, constructed by inactive compounds or active pharmaceutical ingredients, have been extensively studied as carriers for drug delivery in pharmaceutical field, such as oral formulations, injectable formulations, and transdermal formulations. However, the construction of such gel systems yet faces several challenges such as rational and efficient design of functional gelators and the great occasionality of drug-based gel formation. Thus, a deeper understanding of the gelation mechanism and its relationship with gel properties will be conducive to the construction of small molecular gels systems and their future application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Su
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zudi Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanfeng Wei
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zunting Pang
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuai Qian
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weili Heng
- School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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Erkoc C, Yildirim E, Yurtsever M, Okay O. Roadmap to Design Mechanically Robust Copolymer Hydrogels Naturally Cross-Linked by Hydrogen Bonds. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cagla Erkoc
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, 34469 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erol Yildirim
- Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mine Yurtsever
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, 34469 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oguz Okay
- Department of Chemistry, Istanbul Technical University, Maslak, 34469 Istanbul, Turkey
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Kamiyama Y, Tamate R, Fujii K, Ueki T. Controlling mechanical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight ion gels by chemical structure of ionic liquids and monomers. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8582-8590. [PMID: 36367165 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00853j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A new class of ion gels, termed ultrahigh molecular weight (UHMW) gels, formed by physical entanglement of ultrahigh molecular weight polymers in ionic liquids, are synthesised using facile one step radical polymerisation with significantly low initiator conditions, and exhibit superior mechanical characteristics such as stretchability, recyclability, and room temperature self-healing ability. In this study, UHMW gels are synthesised using various combinations of monomer and IL structures, and the effect of their chemical structures on the physicochemical properties of UHMW gels are thoroughly investigated. UHMW polymers are prepared in situ for all combinations of ILs and monomers used in this study, indicating the wide applicability of this fabrication strategy. The structure-property relationships between chemical structures and mechanical properties of UHMW gels are investigated in detail. Furthermore, the differences in self-healing efficiency of UHMW gels depending on the chemical structure is discussed in terms of individual polymer conformation and polymer-polymer interaction based on molecular dynamics simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Kamiyama
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Ryota Tamate
- Center for Green Research on Energy and Environmental Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
- PRESTO, JST., 7 Gobancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0076, Japan
| | - Kenta Fujii
- Graduate School of Sciences and Technology for Innovation, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8611, Japan
| | - Takeshi Ueki
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
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49
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Dong C, Lu M, Fan H, Jin Z. Cooperation of Zr(IV)-N and Zr(IV)-O coordinate bonds of Zr(IV)-amide ensures the transparent and tough polyacrylamide hydrogels. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:9258-9265. [PMID: 36326062 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01496c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Developing advanced soft machines and tissue engineering for load-bearing cartilage or tendons requires tough hydrogels. However, the construction of double or triple crosslinked networks for these tough hydrogels, i.e., a strong network crosslinked by covalent bonds and one or two sacrificial networks built by hydrogen bonds or coordinate bonds, generally asks for multiple steps. It remains a challenge to develop hydrogels with a combination of excellent toughness and a high content of water through the time-saving one-pot process. This study demonstrates that this puzzle could be solved through engineering zirconium(IV)-amide coordinate bonds. To be specific, the combination of strong Zr(IV)-O and moderate Zr(IV)-N coordinate bonds in Zr-polyacrylamide (Zr-PAAm) hydrogels has the advantage that they are usually generated through multiple cross-linked networks. Compared to chemical crosslinked PAAm hydrogels, the highly transparent Zr-PAAm hydrogels crosslinked by Zr(NO3)4 displayed a 26-times increase in fracture stress, 4-times in fracture strain, 6-times in elastic modulus, and over 250-times in toughness. Besides, the mechanical properties of Zr-PAAm hydrogels could be altered over a wide range via changing the anion species, showing a dependence on the Hofmeister effect. The co-existence of Zr(IV)-N and Zr(IV)-O has been confirmed through XPS and FTIR characterizations. In particular, the effect of Zr(IV)-N in Zr-PAAm hydrogels has been verified by comparing the property changes of Zr-PAAm hydrogels before and after swelling in water, in which the Zr(IV)-N in the as-prepared hydrogels was replaced by Zr(IV)-O in the swollen gels. With ultra-stretchability and high transparency, the colorless Zr-PAAm hydrogels displayed rich interference colors under stretching, which brought great potential in anti-counterfeiting materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Dong
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Light Conversion Materials and Biophotonics, Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, People's Republic of China.
| | - Mengfan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Light Conversion Materials and Biophotonics, Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hailong Fan
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, N21W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
| | - Zhaoxia Jin
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Light Conversion Materials and Biophotonics, Department of Chemistry, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, People's Republic of China.
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Tominaga R, Takeda Y, Kotera M, Suzuki Y, Matsumoto A. Non-destructive observation of internal structures of epoxy monolith and co-continuous network polymer using X-ray CT imaging for elucidation of their unique mechanical features and fracture mechanism. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.125433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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