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Li X, Lv D, Ai L, Wang X, Xu X, Qiang M, Huang G, Yao X. Superstrong Ionogel Enabled by Coacervation-Induced Nanofibril Assembly for Sustainable Moisture Energy Harvesting. ACS NANO 2024; 18:12970-12980. [PMID: 38725336 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c01179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Ionogels have grabbed significant interest in various applications, from sensors and actuators to wearable electronics and energy storage devices. However, current ionogels suffer from low strength and poor ionic conductivity, limiting their performance in practical applications. Here, inspired by the mechanical reinforcement of natural biomacromolecules through noncovalent aggregates, a strategy is proposed to construct nanofibril-based ionogels through complex coacervation-induced assembly. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) can bundle together with poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) to form a superstrong nanofibrous network, in which the ionic liquid (IL) can be retained to form ionogels with high liquid inclusion and ionic conductivity. The strength of the CNF-PIL-IL ionogels can be tuned by the IL content over a wide range of up to 78 MPa. The optical transparency, high strength, and hygroscopicity enabled them to be promising candidates in moist-electricity generation and applications such as energy harvesting windows and wearable power generators. In addition, the ionogels are degradable and the ionogel-based generators can be recycled through dehydration. Our strategy suggests perspectives for the fabrication of high-strength and multifunctional ionogels for sustainable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Dong Lv
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Liqing Ai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xuejiao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xiubin Xu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Mengyi Qiang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Gongsheng Huang
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xi Yao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, P. R. China
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2
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Ortiz-Deleón AM, Román-Guerrero A, Sandoval-Castilla O, Cuevas-Bernardino JC. Characterization of O/W emulgels based on whey protein-alginate-inulin coacervates: Influence of temperature and ultrasound as protein preconditioning process. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:131260. [PMID: 38599904 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131260] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Preconditioning processes in proteins play a crucial role in enhancing their functional properties as surface active agents. Whey protein isolate (WPI, 20 wt%) was preconditioned via temperature (WPIT, 90 °C) or ultrasound (WPIUS, 20 kHz, 80 % amplitude). FTIR and zeta potential analysis demonstrated the effect of the preconditioning process on the secondary structure and surface properties of WPI. WPI-Alginate:Inulin (AI) complex coacervates (CCWPI:AI) were formed at pH 3.0 using WPIT and WPIUS, and the associative electrostatic interactions between WPI-AI led to coacervation yields >90 %, influenced by the preconditioning process employed. Viscoelastic properties outlined a predominantly solid-like behavior (G´ > G"). The CCWPI:AI system based on WPIT showed enhanced strength and gel-like structure compared to the WPIUS-based system. Oil-in-water (O/W) emulgels were formed and stabilized with the CCWPI:AI complexes, exhibiting spherical droplets (93.3-292.8 μm), whereas texture and rheological properties highlighted the formation of gel-like systems. The centrifugation STEP technology was used to evaluate the physical stability of emulgels, WPIT-based emulgels displayed superior stability against creaming than untreated WPI and WPIUS-based emulgels. These findings provide a basis for developing emulgels with prolonged stability and tunable functional properties, tailoring enhanced viscoelastic and texture attributes to meet specific needs for industrial applications where gel-like properties are pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony M Ortiz-Deleón
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa, Av. Ferrocarril San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma 1ª secc., 09310, Iztapalapa, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Angélica Román-Guerrero
- Departamento de Biotecnología, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa, Av. Ferrocarril San Rafael Atlixco 186, Leyes de Reforma 1ª secc., 09310, Iztapalapa, CDMX, Mexico.
| | - Ofelia Sandoval-Castilla
- Departamento de Ingeniería Agroindustrial, Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, km 38.5 Carretera México-Texcoco, 56230 Texcoco, Estado de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Cuevas-Bernardino
- CONACYT - Centro de Investigación y Asistencia en Tecnología y Diseño del Estado de Jalisco, Subsede Sureste, Parque Científico Tecnológico de Yucatán, Km 5.5. Carretera Sierra Papacal-Chuburná Puerto, 97302 Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico
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3
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Du R, Fielding LA. Preparation of polymer nanoparticle-based complex coacervate hydrogels using polymerisation-induced self-assembly derived nanogels. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2074-2081. [PMID: 36857682 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01534j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports a generic method to prepare polymer nanoparticle-based complex coacervate (PNCC) hydrogels by employing rationally designed nanogels synthesised by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT)-mediated polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA). Specifically, a poly(potassium 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate) (PKSPMA) macromolecular chain-transfer agent (macro-CTA) was synthesised via RAFT solution polymerisation followed by chain-extension with a statistical copolymer of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) at pH 2. Thus, pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) comprising a hydrophobic polyacid core-forming block and a sulfonate-functional stabiliser block were formed. With the introduction of methacrylic acid into the core of the NPs, they become swollen with increasing pH, as judged by dynamic light scattering (DLS), indicating nanogel-type behaviour. PNCC hydrogels were prepared by simply mixing the PISA-derived nanogels and cationic branched polyethyleneimine (bPEI) at 20% w/w. In the absence of MAA in the core of the NPs, gel formation was not observed. The mass ratio between the nanogels and bPEI affected resulting hydrogel strength and a mixture of bPEI and PKSPMA68-P(BzMA0.6-stat-MAA0.4)300 NPs with a mass ratio of 0.14 at pH ∼7 resulted in a hydrogel with a storage modulus of approximately 2000 Pa, as determined by oscillatory rheology. This PNCC hydrogel was shear-thinning and injectable, with recovery of gel strength occurring rapidly after the removal of shear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruiling Du
- Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Lee A Fielding
- Department of Materials, School of Natural Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
- Henry Royce Institute, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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4
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Zhou S, Hu Y, Xin W, Fu L, Lin X, Yang L, Hou S, Kong XY, Jiang L, Wen L. Surfactant-Assisted Sulfonated Covalent Organic Nanosheets: Extrinsic Charge for Improved Ion Transport and Salinity-Gradient Energy Harvesting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208640. [PMID: 36457170 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Charge-governed ion transport is the vital property of nanofluidic channels for salinity-gradient energy harvesting and other electrochemical energy conversion technologies. 2D nanofluidic channels constructed by nanosheets exhibit great superiority in ion selectivity, but a high ion transport rate remains challenging due to the insufficiency of intrinsic surface charge density in nanoconfinement. Herein, extrinsic surface charge into nanofluidic channels composed of surfactant-assisted sulfonated covalent organic nanosheets (SCONs), which enable tunable ion transport behaviors, is demonstrated. The polar moiety of surfactant is embedded in SCONs to adjust in-plane surface charges, and the aggregation of nonpolar moiety results in the sol-to-gel transformation of SCON solution for membrane fabrication. The combination endows SCON/surfactant membranes with considerable water-resistance, and the designable extrinsic charges promise fast ion transport and high ion selectivity. Additionally, the SCON/surfactant membrane, serving as a power generator, exhibits huge potential in harvesting salinity-gradient energy where corresponding output power density can reach up to 9.08 W m-2 under a 50-fold salinity gradient (0.5 m NaCl|0.01 m NaCl). The approach to extrinsic surface charge provides new and promising insight into regulating ion transport behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyang Zhou
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Yuhao Hu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Weiwen Xin
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lin Fu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Xiangbin Lin
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Linsen Yang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Shuhua Hou
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiang-Yu Kong
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
| | - Liping Wen
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, P. R. China
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5
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Toor R, Neujahr Copstein A, Trébuchet C, Goudeau B, Garrigue P, Lapeyre V, Perro A, Ravaine V. Responsive microgels-based colloidosomes constructed from all-aqueous pH-switchable coacervate droplets. J Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 630:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2022.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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6
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Effect of glutraldehyde and halloysite on gelatin-carboxymethyl cellulose gel formed via phase separation: Potential application in removal of methylene blue from waste water. CARBOHYDRATE POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carpta.2022.100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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7
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Nguyen NT, Jennings J, Milani AH, Martino CDS, Nguyen LTB, Wu S, Mokhtar MZ, Saunders JM, Gautrot JE, Armes SP, Saunders BR. Highly Stretchable Conductive Covalent Coacervate Gels for Electronic Skin. Biomacromolecules 2022; 23:1423-1432. [PMID: 35188757 PMCID: PMC9098112 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.1c01660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Highly stretchable electrically conductive hydrogels have been extensively researched in recent years, especially for applications in strain and pressure sensing, electronic skin, and implantable bioelectronic devices. Herein, we present a new cross-linked complex coacervate approach to prepare conductive hydrogels that are both highly stretchable and compressive. The gels involve a complex coacervate between carboxylated nanogels and branched poly(ethylene imine), whereby the latter is covalently cross-linked by poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PEGDGE). Inclusion of graphene nanoplatelets (Gnp) provides electrical conductivity as well as tensile and compressive strain-sensing capability to the hydrogels. We demonstrate that judicious selection of the molecular weight of the PEGDGE cross-linker enables the mechanical properties of these hydrogels to be tuned. Indeed, the gels prepared with a PEGDGE molecular weight of 6000 g/mol defy the general rule that toughness decreases as strength increases. The conductive hydrogels achieve a compressive strength of 25 MPa and a stretchability of up to 1500%. These new gels are both adhesive and conformal. They provide a self-healable electronic circuit, respond rapidly to human motion, and can act as strain-dependent sensors while exhibiting low cytotoxicity. Our new approach to conductive gel preparation is efficient, involves only preformed components, and is scalable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam T Nguyen
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - James Jennings
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Amir H Milani
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Chiara D S Martino
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
| | - Linh T B Nguyen
- Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London WC1X 8LD, U.K
| | - Shanglin Wu
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Muhamad Z Mokhtar
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Jennifer M Saunders
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Julien E Gautrot
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, U.K
| | - Steven P Armes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Brian R Saunders
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
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8
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Guo J, Yu Y, Zhang H, Sun L, Zhao Y. Elastic MXene Hydrogel Microfiber-Derived Electronic Skin for Joint Monitoring. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:47800-47806. [PMID: 34590841 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c10311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Effective and timely joint monitoring has been a significantly vital research direction in human healthcare. As an emerging technology, flexible electronics provides more possibilities and applicabilities for practical sensing and signal transmission. Here, we provide novel elastic MXene microfibers of controllable morphologies at a microscale through microfluidic technology for actual joint motion monitoring. Double-network hydrogels including covalently cross-linking polyacrylamide and ionically cross-linking alginate were chosen for superelasticity. For the improvement of the electrical conductivity of superelastic hydrogel microfibers, MXene was selected to mix with them. By introducing the cross-linker to the outer channel, microfibers with controllable diameters along with high electrical conductivities and tensile properties could be fabricated successfully. The practical value of the synthesized microfibers in joint movement sensing has been demonstrated by acting as the element of new motion sensors. Based on these features, it is believed that these elastic MXene hydrogel microfibers have high potential for rapid sensing and diagnosis of joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yunru Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lingyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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9
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Wanasingha N, Dorishetty P, Dutta NK, Choudhury NR. Polyelectrolyte Gels: Fundamentals, Fabrication and Applications. Gels 2021; 7:148. [PMID: 34563034 PMCID: PMC8482214 DOI: 10.3390/gels7030148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyelectrolyte gels are an important class of polymer gels and a versatile platform with charged polymer networks with ionisable groups. They have drawn significant recent attention as a class of smart material and have demonstrated potential for a variety of applications. This review begins with the fundamentals of polyelectrolyte gels, which encompass various classifications (i.e., origin, charge, shape) and crucial aspects (ionic conductivity and stimuli responsiveness). It further centralises recent developments of polyelectrolyte gels, emphasising their synthesis, structure-property relationships and responsive properties. Sequentially, this review demonstrates how polyelectrolyte gels' flourishing properties create attractiveness to a range of applications including tissue engineering, drug delivery, actuators and bioelectronics. Finally, the review outlines the indisputable appeal, further improvements and emerging trends in polyelectrolyte gels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naba K. Dutta
- School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (N.W.); (P.D.)
| | - Namita Roy Choudhury
- School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (N.W.); (P.D.)
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10
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Shanks HR, Wu S, Nguyen NT, Lu D, Saunders BR. Including fluorescent nanoparticle probes within injectable gels for remote strain measurements and discrimination between compression and tension. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:1048-1055. [PMID: 33289763 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01635g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The ability to remotely and non-invasively monitor and measure the strain within injectable gels used to augment soft tissue is highly desirable. Such information could enable real-time monitoring of gel performance and bespoke gel design. We report progress towards this goal using two fluorescent particle probe systems included within two different injectable gels. The two injectable gels have been previously studied in the contexts of intervertebral disc repair and stretchable gels for cartilage repair. The two fluorophore particle probes are blue or near-infrared (NIR) emitting and are present at very low concentrations. The normalised photoluminescence (PL) intensity from the blue emitting probe is shown to equal the compressive deformation ratio of the gels. Furthermore, the normalised ratio of the PL intensities for the blue and NIR probes varies linearly with deformation ratio over a wide range (from 0.2 to 3.0) with a seamless transition from compression to tension. Hence, PL can discriminate between compression and tension. The new approach established here should apply to other gels and enable remote detection of whether a gel is being compressed or stretched as well as the extent. This study may provide an important step towards remotely and minimally invasively measuring the strain experienced by load-supporting gels in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah R Shanks
- School of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
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11
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Zhu M, Lu D, Lian Q, Wu S, Wang W, Lyon LA, Wang W, Bártolo P, Dickinson M, Saunders BR. Highly swelling pH-responsive microgels for dual mode near infra-red fluorescence reporting and imaging. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2020; 2:4261-4271. [PMID: 36132786 PMCID: PMC9419105 DOI: 10.1039/d0na00581a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Near infra-red (NIR) fluorescence is a desirable property for probe particles because such deeply penetrating light enables remote reporting of the local environment in complex surroundings and imaging. Here, two NIR non-radiative energy transfer (NRET) fluorophores (Cy5 and Cy5.5) are coupled to preformed pH-responsive poly(ethylacrylate-methacrylic acid-divinylbenzene) microgel particles (PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MGs) to obtain new NIR fluorescent probes that are cytocompatible and swell strongly. NIR ratiometric photoluminescence (PL) intensity analysis enables reporting of pH-triggered PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MG particle swelling ratios over a very wide range (from 1-90). The dispersions have greatly improved colloidal stability compared to a reference temperature-responsive NIR MG based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNP-5/5.5). We also show that the wavelength of maximum PL intensity (λ max) is a second PL parameter that enables remote reporting of swelling for both PEA-MAA-5/5.5 and PNP-5/5.5 MGs. After internalization the PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MGs are successfully imaged in stem cells using NIR light. They are also imaged after subcutaneous injection into model tissue using NIR light. The new NIR PEA-MAA-5/5.5 MGs have excellent potential for reporting their swelling states (and any changes) within physiological settings as well as very high ionic strength environments (e.g., waste water).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingning Zhu
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Dongdong Lu
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Qing Lian
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Shanglin Wu
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Wenkai Wang
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - L Andrew Lyon
- Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University Orange CA 92866 USA
- Fowler School of Engineering, Chapman University Orange CA 92866 USA
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Paulo Bártolo
- Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Mark Dickinson
- Photon Science Institute, University of Manchester Oxford Road Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Brian R Saunders
- Department of Materials, University of Manchester, MSS Tower Manchester M13 9PL UK
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12
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Gehlen DB, Jürgens N, Omidinia-Anarkoli A, Haraszti T, George J, Walther A, Ye H, De Laporte L. Granular Cellulose Nanofibril Hydrogel Scaffolds for 3D Cell Cultivation. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 41:e2000191. [PMID: 32783361 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The replacement of diseased and damaged organs remains an challenge in modern medicine. However, through the use of tissue engineering techniques, it may soon be possible to (re)generate tissues and organs using artificial scaffolds. For example, hydrogel networks made from hydrophilic precursor solutions can replicate many properties found in the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) but often lack the dynamic nature of the ECM, as many covalently crosslinked hydrogels possess elastic and static networks with nanoscale pores hindering cell migration without being degradable. To overcome this, macroporous colloidal hydrogels can be prepared to facilitate cell infiltration. Here, an easy method is presented to fabricate granular cellulose nanofibril hydrogel (CNF) scaffolds as porous networks for 3D cell cultivation. CNF is an abundant natural and highly biocompatible material that supports cell adhesion. Granular CNF scaffolds are generated by pre-crosslinking CNF using calcium and subsequently pressing the gel through micrometer-sized nylon meshes. The granular solution is mixed with fibroblasts and crosslinked with cell culture medium. The obtained granular CNF scaffold is significantly softer and enables well-distributed fibroblast growth. This cost-effective material combined with this efficient and facile fabrication technique allows for 3D cell cultivation in an upscalable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Gehlen
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Niklas Jürgens
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Abdolrahman Omidinia-Anarkoli
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tamás Haraszti
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, D-52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julian George
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Headington, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, UK
| | - Andreas Walther
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hua Ye
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Engineering Science, Old Road Campus Research Building, University of Oxford, Headington, OX3 7DQ, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI-Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials, Forckenbeckstr. 50, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.,Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, Worringerweg 1-2, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.,Department of Advanced Materials for Biomedicine, Institute of Applied Medical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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