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Hamonangan WM, Lee S, Choi YH, Li W, Tai M, Kim SH. Microballoons: Osmotically-inflated elastomer shells for ultrafast release of encapsulants and mechanical energy. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 668:272-281. [PMID: 38678883 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.04.146] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Microcapsules with osmotically-inflated elastic shells exhibit an ultrafast release of encapsulants while mechanically stimulating the microenvironments, akin to popping balloons. EXPERIMENTS To prepare elastic shells with uniform thickness and size, monodisperse water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) double-emulsion drops are produced in a capillary microfluidic device. The polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-containing oil phase is thermally cured to create the elastic shell. The elastic shells are inflated by pumping water into the lumen in hypotonic conditions. The inflated microcapsules produced undergo mechanical compression, and their release properties are studied. FINDINGS By controlling the osmotic pressure difference, Microballoons are inflated into a diameter of 200 μm - 316 μm and shell thickness of 7.8 μm - 0.7 µm, respectively. The inflated shell pops due to mechanical failure when subjected to mechanical stress above a certain threshold, resembling a balloon. During popping, the stretched shell rapidly retracts to the original uninflated state, resulting in an ultrafast release of encapsulants from the lumen within a millisecond. This process converts elastic potential energy stored in the shell into mechanical energy with substantial power. The microballoons mechanically stimulate the local environment, leading to the direct and rapid release of encapsulants. This has the potential to improve absorption efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wahyu Martumpal Hamonangan
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangmin Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Hun Choi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanzhao Li
- Infinitus (China) Company Ltd, Guangzhou 510405, China
| | - Meiling Tai
- Infinitus (China) Company Ltd, Guangzhou 510405, China.
| | - Shin-Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea.
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Barbinta-Patrascu ME, Bita B, Negut I. From Nature to Technology: Exploring the Potential of Plant-Based Materials and Modified Plants in Biomimetics, Bionics, and Green Innovations. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:390. [PMID: 39056831 PMCID: PMC11274542 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9070390] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This review explores the extensive applications of plants in areas of biomimetics and bioinspiration, highlighting their role in developing sustainable solutions across various fields such as medicine, materials science, and environmental technology. Plants not only serve essential ecological functions but also provide a rich source of inspiration for innovations in green nanotechnology, biomedicine, and architecture. In the past decade, the focus has shifted towards utilizing plant-based and vegetal waste materials in creating eco-friendly and cost-effective materials with remarkable properties. These materials are employed in making advancements in drug delivery, environmental remediation, and the production of renewable energy. Specifically, the review discusses the use of (nano)bionic plants capable of detecting explosives and environmental contaminants, underscoring their potential in improving quality of life and even in lifesaving applications. The work also refers to the architectural inspirations drawn from the plant world to develop novel design concepts that are both functional and aesthetic. It elaborates on how engineered plants and vegetal waste have been transformed into value-added materials through innovative applications, especially highlighting their roles in wastewater treatment and as electronic components. Moreover, the integration of plants in the synthesis of biocompatible materials for medical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds and artificial muscles demonstrates their versatility and capacity to replace more traditional synthetic materials, aligning with global sustainability goals. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current and potential uses of living plants in technological advancements, advocating for a deeper exploration of vegetal materials to address pressing environmental and technological challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bogdan Bita
- Department of Electricity, Solid-State Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 077125 Magurele, Romania;
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Irina Negut
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Magurele, Romania
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Ren L, Liu S, Zhong J, Zhang L. Revolutionizing targeting precision: microfluidics-enabled smart microcapsules for tailored delivery and controlled release. LAB ON A CHIP 2024; 24:1367-1393. [PMID: 38314845 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00835e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
As promising delivery systems, smart microcapsules have garnered significant attention owing to their targeted delivery loaded with diverse active materials. By precisely manipulating fluids on the micrometer scale, microfluidic has emerged as a powerful tool for tailoring delivery systems based on potential applications. The desirable characteristics of smart microcapsules are associated with encapsulation capacity, targeted delivery capability, and controlled release of encapsulants. In this review, we briefly describe the principles of droplet-based microfluidics for smart microcapsules. Subsequently, we summarize smart microcapsules as delivery systems for efficient encapsulation and focus on target delivery patterns, including passive targets, active targets, and microfluidics-assisted targets. Additionally, based on release mechanisms, we review controlled release modes adjusted by smart membranes and on/off gates. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and potential implications associated with smart microcapsules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Ren
- School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Shuang Liu
- School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Junjie Zhong
- School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong, China.
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- School of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong, China.
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Xie D, Zu M, Li M, Liu D, Wang Z, Li Q, Cheng H. A Hyperspectral Camouflage Colorant Inspired by Natural Leaves. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2302973. [PMID: 37524335 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202302973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The unmet spectral mimicry of foliar green in camouflage materials is hampered by the lack of colorants with similar spectral properties to chlorophyll, resulting in substantial risks of exposure from hyperspectral target detection. By drawing inspiration from leaf chromogenesis, a microcapsule colorant with a chloroplast-like structure and chlorophyll-like absorption is developed, and a generic bilayer coating is designed to provide high spectral similarity to leaves with different growth stages, seasons, and species. Specifically, the microcapsule colorant preserves the monomeric absorption of the internal phthalocyanine and features the manufacturability of conventional pigments, such as amenability to painting and patterning, and compatibility to different substrates. The pigmented artificial leaves successfully deceive the hyperspectral classification algorithm in a foliar background, and outperforming the state-of-art spectral simulation materials. This coloration strategy expands the knowledge base of the spectral fine tuning of composite colorants, which are essential for their application in spectral-resolved optical materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjin Xie
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, China
| | - Mei Zu
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, China
| | - Mingyang Li
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, China
| | - Dongqing Liu
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, China
| | - Qingwen Li
- Suzhou Institute of Nanotech and Nanobionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Haifeng Cheng
- Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha, 410073, China
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Jeong HS, Kim E, Park JP, Lee SJ, Lee H, Choi CH. Broad-temperature-range mechanically tunable hydrogel microcapsules for controlled active release. J Control Release 2023; 356:337-346. [PMID: 36871645 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.045] [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: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report PNIPAm-co-PEGDA hydrogel shelled microcapsules with a thin oil layer to achieve tunable thermo-responsive release of the encapsulated small hydrophilic actives. We use a microfluidic device integrated with a temperature-controlled chamber for consistent and reliable production of the microcapsules by utilizing triple emulsion drops (W/O/W/O) with a thin oil layer as capsule templates. The interstitial oil layer between the aqueous core and the PNIPAm-co-PEGDA shell provides a diffusion barrier for the encapsulated active until the temperature reaches a critical point above which the destabilization of interstitial oil layer occurs. We find that the destabilization of the oil layer with temperature increase is caused by outward expansion of the aqueous core due to volume increase and the radial inward compression from the deswelling of the thermo-responsive hydrogel shell. The copolymerization of NIPAm with PEGDA increases the biocompatibility of the resulting microcapsule while offering the ability to alter the compressive modulus in broad ranges by simply varying crosslinker concentrations thereby to precisely tune the onset release temperature. Based on this concept, we further demonstrate that the release temperature can be enhanced up to 62 °C by adjusting the shell thickness even without varying the chemical composition of the hydrogel shell. Moreover, we incorporate gold nanorods within the hydrogel shell to spatiotemporally regulate the active release from the microcapsules by illuminating with non-invasive near infrared (NIR) light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Seon Jeong
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea; Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunseo Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Pil Park
- Basic Research Laboratory, Department of Food Science and Technology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong 17546, Republic of Korea
| | - Sei-Jung Lee
- Major of Human Biocovergence, Division of Smart Healthcare, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyomin Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-Ro, Nam-Gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chang-Hyung Choi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38541, Republic of Korea; Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, 1 Haanydaero, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk 38610, Republic of Korea.
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Chen L, Xiao Y, Zhang Z, Zhao CX, Guo B, Ye F, Chen D. Porous ultrathin-shell microcapsules designed by microfluidics for selective permeation and stimuli-triggered release. Front Chem Sci Eng 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11705-022-2201-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Gan J, Sun L, Guan C, Ren T, Zhang Q, Pan S, Zhang Q, Chen H. Preparation and Properties of Salecan-Soy Protein Isolate Composite Hydrogel Induced by Thermal Treatment and Transglutaminase. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9383. [PMID: 36012648 PMCID: PMC9409434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Salecan (Sal) is a novel marine microbial polysaccharide. In the present research, Sal and soy protein isolate (SPI) were adopted to fabricate Sal-SPI composite hydrogel based on a stepwise process (thermal treatment and transglutaminase induction). The effect of Sal concentration on morphology, texture properties, and the microstructure of the hydrogel was evaluated. As Sal concentration varied from 0.4 to 0.6 wt%, hydrogel elasticity increased from 0.49 to 0.85 mm. Furthermore, the internal network structure of Sal-SPI composite hydrogel also became denser and more uniform as Sal concentration increased. Rheological studies showed that Sal-SPI elastic hydrogel formed under the gelation process. Additionally, FTIR and XRD results demonstrated that hydrogen bonds formed between Sal and SPI molecules, inferring the formation of the interpenetrating network structure. This research supplied a green and simple method to fabricate Sal-SPI double network hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Gan
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, No. 30 Qingquan Road, Laishan Strict, Yantai 264000, China
| | - Lirong Sun
- Marine College, Shandong University, No. 180 Wenhua West Road, Gao Strict, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Chenxia Guan
- Marine College, Shandong University, No. 180 Wenhua West Road, Gao Strict, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Teng Ren
- Marine College, Shandong University, No. 180 Wenhua West Road, Gao Strict, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Qinling Zhang
- Marine College, Shandong University, No. 180 Wenhua West Road, Gao Strict, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Shihui Pan
- Marine College, Shandong University, No. 180 Wenhua West Road, Gao Strict, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Marine College, Shandong University, No. 180 Wenhua West Road, Gao Strict, Weihai 264209, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Marine College, Shandong University, No. 180 Wenhua West Road, Gao Strict, Weihai 264209, China
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Abstract
Recent years have seen substantial efforts aimed at constructing artificial cells from various molecular components with the aim of mimicking the processes, behaviours and architectures found in biological systems. Artificial cell development ultimately aims to produce model constructs that progress our understanding of biology, as well as forming the basis for functional bio-inspired devices that can be used in fields such as therapeutic delivery, biosensing, cell therapy and bioremediation. Typically, artificial cells rely on a bilayer membrane chassis and have fluid aqueous interiors to mimic biological cells. However, a desire to more accurately replicate the gel-like properties of intracellular and extracellular biological environments has driven increasing efforts to build cell mimics based on hydrogels. This has enabled researchers to exploit some of the unique functional properties of hydrogels that have seen them deployed in fields such as tissue engineering, biomaterials and drug delivery. In this Review, we explore how hydrogels can be leveraged in the context of artificial cell development. We also discuss how hydrogels can potentially be incorporated within the next generation of artificial cells to engineer improved biological mimics and functional microsystems.
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