1
|
Rando G, Scalone E, Sfameni S, Plutino MR. Functional Bio-Based Polymeric Hydrogels for Wastewater Treatment: From Remediation to Sensing Applications. Gels 2024; 10:498. [PMID: 39195027 DOI: 10.3390/gels10080498] [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: 07/01/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many researchers have focused on designing hydrogels with specific functional groups that exhibit high affinity for various contaminants, such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens, or nutrients, or environmental parameters. Novel approaches, including cross-linking strategies and the use of nanomaterials, have been employed to enhance the structural integrity and performance of the desired hydrogels. The evolution of these hydrogels is further highlighted, with an emphasis on fine-tuning features, including water absorption capacity, environmental pollutant/factor sensing and selectivity, and recyclability. Furthermore, this review investigates the emerging topic of stimuli-responsive smart hydrogels, underscoring their potential in both sorption and detection of water pollutants. By critically assessing a wide range of studies, this review not only synthesizes existing knowledge, but also identifies advantages and limitations, and describes future research directions in the field of chemically engineered hydrogels for water purification and monitoring with a low environmental impact as an important resource for chemists and multidisciplinary researchers, leading to improvements in sustainable water management technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rando
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN-CNR, URT of Messina, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Scalone
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN-CNR, URT of Messina, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Sfameni
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN-CNR, URT of Messina, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN-CNR, URT of Messina, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Burak D, Seo DC, An HE, Jeong S, Lee SE, Cho SH. Chitosan-Based Structural Color Films for Humidity Sensing with Antiviral Effect. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 14:351. [PMID: 38392724 PMCID: PMC10892554 DOI: 10.3390/nano14040351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
This scientific investigation emphasizes the essential integration of nature's influence in crafting multifunctional surfaces with bio-inspired designs for enhanced functionality and environmental advantages. The study introduces an innovative approach, merging color decoration, humidity sensing, and antiviral properties into a unified surface using chitosan, an organo-biological polymer, to create cost-effective multilayered films through sol-gel deposition and UV photoinduced deposition of metal nanoparticles. The resulting chitosan films showcase diverse structural colors and demonstrate significant antiviral efficiency, with a 50% and 85% virus inhibition rate within a rapid 20 min reaction, validated through fluorescence cell expression and real-time qPCR (polymerase chain reaction) assays. Silver-deposited chitosan films further enhance antiviral activity, achieving remarkable 91% and 95% inhibition in independent assays. These films exhibit humidity-responsive color modifications across a 25-90% relative humidity range, enabling real-time monitoring validated through simulation studies. The proposed three-in-one functional surface can have versatile applications in surface decoration, medicine, air conditioning, and the food industry. It can serve as a real-time humidity sensor for indoor and outdoor surfaces, find use in biomedical devices for continuous humidity monitoring, and offer antiviral protection for frequently handled devices and tools. The customizable colors enhance visual appeal, making it a comprehensive solution for diverse applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darya Burak
- Materials Architecturing Research Center, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, 5 Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (D.B.); (H.-E.A.); (S.J.)
- Department of Nanomaterial Science and Engineering, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Chan Seo
- Research Animal Resources Center, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, 5 Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea;
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Eun An
- Materials Architecturing Research Center, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, 5 Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (D.B.); (H.-E.A.); (S.J.)
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Sohee Jeong
- Materials Architecturing Research Center, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, 5 Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (D.B.); (H.-E.A.); (S.J.)
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Research Animal Resources Center, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, 5 Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea;
| | - So-Hye Cho
- Materials Architecturing Research Center, Korea Institute of Science & Technology, 5 Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (D.B.); (H.-E.A.); (S.J.)
- Department of Nanomaterial Science and Engineering, Korea University of Science and Technology, 217 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Burratti L, Prosposito P, Venditti I. Functionalized Gels for Environmental Applications. Gels 2023; 9:818. [PMID: 37888391 PMCID: PMC10606832 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A gel is a type of material that exhibits a semi-solid, jelly-like state, characterized by a three-dimensional network of interconnected particles or molecules dispersed within a liquid or solid medium [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Burratti
- Sciences Department, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Rome, Italy; (L.B.); (I.V.)
| | - Paolo Prosposito
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Iole Venditti
- Sciences Department, Roma Tre University, Via della Vasca Navale 79, 00146 Rome, Italy; (L.B.); (I.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Scolaro C, Liotta LF, Calabrese C, Marcì G, Visco A. Adhesive and Rheological Features of Ecofriendly Coatings with Antifouling Properties. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15112456. [PMID: 37299255 DOI: 10.3390/polym15112456] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, formulations of "environmentally compatible" silicone-based antifouling, synthesized in the laboratory and based on copper and silver on silica/titania oxides, have been characterized. These formulations are capable of replacing the non-ecological antifouling paints currently available on the market. The texture properties and the morphological analysis of these powders with an antifouling action indicate that their activity is linked to the nanometric size of the particles and to the homogeneous dispersion of the metal on the substrate. The presence of two metal species on the same support limits the formation of nanometric species and, therefore, the formation of homogeneous compounds. The presence of the antifouling filler, specifically the one based on titania (TiO2) and silver (Ag), facilitates the achievement of a higher degree of cross-linking of the resin, and therefore, a better compactness and completeness of the coating than that attained with the pure resin. Thus, a high degree of adhesion to the tie-coat and, consequently, to the steel support used for the construction of the boats was achieved in the presence of the silver-titania antifouling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scolaro
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Leonarda Francesca Liotta
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)-CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Carla Calabrese
- Istituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN)-CNR, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marcì
- "Schiavello-Grillone" Photocatalysis Group, Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR-IPCB, Via P. Gaifami 18, 9-95126 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sfameni S, Rando G, Plutino MR. Sustainable Secondary-Raw Materials, Natural Substances and Eco-Friendly Nanomaterial-Based Approaches for Improved Surface Performances: An Overview of What They Are and How They Work. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065472. [PMID: 36982545 PMCID: PMC10049648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
To meet modern society’s requirements for sustainability and environmental protection, innovative and smart surface coatings are continually being developed to improve or impart surface functional qualities and protective features. These needs regard numerous different sectors, such as cultural heritage, building, naval, automotive, environmental remediation and textiles. In this regard, researchers and nanotechnology are therefore mostly devoted to the development of new and smart nanostructured finishings and coatings featuring different implemented properties, such as anti-vegetative or antibacterial, hydrophobic, anti-stain, fire retardant, controlled release of drugs, detection of molecules and mechanical resistance. A variety of chemical synthesis techniques are usually employed to obtain novel nanostructured materials based on the use of an appropriate polymeric matrix in combination with either functional doping molecules or blended polymers, as well as multicomponent functional precursors and nanofillers. Further efforts are being made, as described in this review, to carry out green and eco-friendly synthetic protocols, such as sol–gel synthesis, starting from bio-based, natural or waste substances, in order to produce more sustainable (multi)functional hybrid or nanocomposite coatings, with a focus on their life cycle in accordance with the circular economy principles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sfameni
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Rando
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0906765713
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sfameni S, Lawnick T, Rando G, Visco A, Textor T, Plutino MR. Super-Hydrophobicity of Polyester Fabrics Driven by Functional Sustainable Fluorine-Free Silane-Based Coatings. Gels 2023; 9:109. [PMID: 36826279 PMCID: PMC9957304 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyester fibers are widely employed in a multitude of sectors and applications from the technical textiles to everyday life thanks to their durability, strength, and flexibility. Despite these advantages, polyester lacks in dyeability, adhesion of coating, hydrophilicity, and it is characterized by a low wettability respect to natural fibers. On this regard, beyond the harmful hydrophobic textile finishings of polyester fabrics containing fluorine-compounds, and in order to avoid pre-treatments, such as laser irradiation to improve their surface properties, research is moving towards the development of fluorine-free and safer coatings. In this work, the (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and various long alkyl-chain alkoxysilanes were employed for the fabrication in the presence of a catalyst of a water-based superhydrophobic finishing for polyester fabrics with a simple sol-gel, non-fluorinated, sustainable approach and the dip-pad-dry-cure method. The finished polyester fabrics surface properties were investigated by static and dynamic water repellency tests. Additionally, the resistance to common water-based liquids, abrasion resistance, moisture adsorption, and air permeability measurements were performed. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to examine the micro- and nano-morphology of the functionalized polyester fabrics surfaces. The obtained superhydrophobic finishings displayed high water-based stain resistance as well as good hydrophobicity after different cycles of abrasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sfameni
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Tim Lawnick
- TEXOVERSUM School of Textiles, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rando
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 9-95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Torsten Textor
- TEXOVERSUM School of Textiles, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Matos T, Pinto V, Sousa P, Martins M, Fernández E, Henriques R, Gonçalves LM. Design and In Situ Validation of Low-Cost and Easy to Apply Anti-Biofouling Techniques for Oceanographic Continuous Monitoring with Optical Instruments. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 23:605. [PMID: 36679400 PMCID: PMC9867425 DOI: 10.3390/s23020605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Biofouling is the major factor that limits long-term monitoring studies with automated optical instruments. Protection of the sensing areas, surfaces, and structural housing of the sensors must be considered to deliver reliable data without the need for cleaning or maintenance. In this work, we present the design and field validation of different techniques for biofouling protection based on different housing materials, biocides, and transparent coatings. Six optical turbidity probes were built using polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), PLA with copper filament, ABS coated with PDMS, ABS coated with epoxy and ABS assembled with a system for in situ chlorine production. The probes were deployed in the sea for 48 days and their anti-biofouling efficiency was evaluated using the results of the field experiment, visual inspections, and calibration signal loss after the tests. The PLA and ABS were used as samplers without fouling protection. The probe with chlorine production outperformed the other techniques, providing reliable data during the in situ experiment. The copper probe had lower performance but still retarded the biological growth. The techniques based on transparent coatings, epoxy, and PDMS did not prevent biofilm formation and suffered mostly from micro-biofouling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Matos
- CMEMS-UMinho, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Vânia Pinto
- CMEMS-UMinho, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Paulo Sousa
- CMEMS-UMinho, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| | | | - Emilio Fernández
- Grupo de Oceanografía Biolóxica, Faculty of Marine Science, Universidade de Vigo, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Renato Henriques
- Institute of Earth Sciences, Campus de Gualtar, University of Minho Pole, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Luis Miguel Gonçalves
- CMEMS-UMinho, Campus de Azurém, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rando G, Sfameni S, Plutino MR. Development of Functional Hybrid Polymers and Gel Materials for Sustainable Membrane-Based Water Treatment Technology: How to Combine Greener and Cleaner Approaches. Gels 2022; 9:gels9010009. [PMID: 36661777 PMCID: PMC9857570 DOI: 10.3390/gels9010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Water quality and disposability are among the main challenges that governments and societies will outside during the next years due to their close relationship to population growth and urbanization and their direct influence on the environment and socio-economic development. Potable water suitable for human consumption is a key resource that, unfortunately, is strongly limited by anthropogenic pollution and climate change. In this regard, new groups of compounds, referred to as emerging contaminants, represent a risk to human health and living species; they have already been identified in water bodies as a result of increased industrialization. Pesticides, cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, organic dyes, and other man-made chemicals indispensable for modern society are among the emerging pollutants of difficult remediation by traditional methods of wastewater treatment. However, the majority of the currently used waste management and remediation techniques require significant amounts of energy and chemicals, which can themselves be sources of secondary pollution. Therefore, this review reported newly advanced, efficient, and sustainable techniques and approaches for water purification. In particular, new advancements in sustainable membrane-based filtration technologies are discussed, together with their modification through a rational safe-by-design to modulate their hydrophilicity, porosity, surface characteristics, and adsorption performances. Thus, their preparation by the use of biopolymer-based gels is described, as well as their blending with functional cross-linkers or nanofillers or by advanced and innovative approaches, such as electrospinning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rando
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Analytical Sciences (ChiBioFarAm), University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Sfameni
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0906765713
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Sfameni S, Del Tedesco A, Rando G, Truant F, Visco A, Plutino MR. Waterborne Eco-Sustainable Sol-Gel Coatings Based on Phytic Acid Intercalated Graphene Oxide for Corrosion Protection of Metallic Surfaces. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231912021. [PMID: 36233325 PMCID: PMC9569461 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231912021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, corrosion protection of metal materials has become a global challenge, due to its great economic importance. For this reason, various methods have been developed to inhibit the corrosion process, such as surface treatment approaches, by employing corrosion inhibitors through the deposition of opportunely designed functional coatings, employed to preserve from corrosion damages metallic substrates. Recently, among these techniques and in order to avoid the toxic chromate-based pre-treatment coatings, silane-based coatings and films loaded with organic and inorganic corrosion inhibitors have been widely used in corrosion mitigation water-based surface treatment. In this study, the synthetic approach was devoted to create an embedded, hosted, waterborne, and eco-friendly matrix, obtained by use of the sol–gel technique, through the reaction of functional alkoxysilane cross-linking precursors, namely (3-glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) intercalated with natural and non-toxic phytic acid (PA) molecules. As a matter of fact, all experimental results from FT-IR spectroscopy, UV–Vis analysis, and SEM confirmed that PA molecules were successfully decorated on GO. Furthermore, polarization measurements and a neutral salt spray test were used to evaluate the anticorrosive performance on aluminum and steel substrates, thus showing that the GO-PA nanofiller improved the barrier and corrosion protection properties of the developed functional silane-based coatings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sfameni
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Anna Del Tedesco
- Noxorsokem Group Srl, Via Udine 46, SS 13, 33080 Cusano di Zoppola, Italy
| | - Giulia Rando
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Fulvio Truant
- Noxorsokem Group Srl, Via Udine 46, SS 13, 33080 Cusano di Zoppola, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, CNR—IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN—CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sfameni S, Lawnick T, Rando G, Visco A, Textor T, Plutino MR. Functional Silane-Based Nanohybrid Materials for the Development of Hydrophobic and Water-Based Stain Resistant Cotton Fabrics Coatings. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:nano12193404. [PMID: 36234532 PMCID: PMC9565586 DOI: 10.3390/nano12193404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The textile-finishing industry, is one of the main sources of persistent organic pollutants in water; in this regard, it is necessary to develop and employ new sustainable approaches for fabric finishing and treatment. This research study shows the development of an efficient and eco-friendly procedure to form highly hydrophobic surfaces on cotton fabrics using different modified silica sols. In particular, the formation of highly hydrophobic surfaces on cotton fabrics was studied by using a two-step treatment procedure, i.e., first applying a hybrid silica sol obtained by hydrolysis and subsequent condensation of (3-Glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxy silane with different alkyl(trialkoxy)silane under acid conditions, and then applying hydrolyzed hexadecyltrimethoxysilane on the treated fabrics to further improve the fabrics' hydrophobicity. The treated cotton fabrics showed excellent water repellency with a water contact angle above 150° under optimum treatment conditions. The cooperative action of rough surface structure due to the silica sol nanoparticles and the low surface energy caused by long-chain alkyl(trialkoxy)silane in the nanocomposite coating, combined with the expected roughness on microscale due to the fabrics and fiber structure, provided the treated cotton fabrics with excellent, almost super, hydrophobicity and water-based stain resistance in an eco-sustainable way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Sfameni
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Tim Lawnick
- TEXOVERSUM School of Textiles, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rando
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Annamaria Visco
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials CNR IPCB, Via Paolo Gaifami 18, 95126 Catania, Italy
| | - Torsten Textor
- TEXOVERSUM School of Textiles, Reutlingen University, 72762 Reutlingen, Germany
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Trovato V, Sfameni S, Rando G, Rosace G, Libertino S, Ferri A, Plutino MR. A Review of Stimuli-Responsive Smart Materials for Wearable Technology in Healthcare: Retrospective, Perspective, and Prospective. Molecules 2022; 27:5709. [PMID: 36080476 PMCID: PMC9457686 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for the development of miniaturized and wearable sensors has skyrocketed. Among them, novel sensors for wearable medical devices are mostly needed. The aim of this review is to summarize the advancements in this field from current points of view, focusing on sensors embedded into textile fabrics. Indeed, they are portable, lightweight, and the best candidates for monitoring biometric parameters. The possibility of integrating chemical sensors into textiles has opened new markets in smart clothing. Many examples of these systems are represented by color-changing materials due to their capability of altering optical properties, including absorption, reflectance, and scattering, in response to different external stimuli (temperature, humidity, pH, or chemicals). With the goal of smart health monitoring, nanosized sol-gel precursors, bringing coupling agents into their chemical structure, were used to modify halochromic dyestuffs, both minimizing leaching from the treated surfaces and increasing photostability for the development of stimuli-responsive sensors. The literature about the sensing properties of functionalized halochromic azo dyestuffs applied to textile fabrics is reviewed to understand their potential for achieving remote monitoring of health parameters. Finally, challenges and future perspectives are discussed to envisage the developed strategies for the next generation of functionalized halochromic dyestuffs with biocompatible and real-time stimuli-responsive capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Trovato
- Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Bergamo, Viale Marconi 5, 24044 Dalmine, Italy
| | - Silvia Sfameni
- Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada di Dio, S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Rando
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
- Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Rosace
- Department of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Bergamo, Viale Marconi 5, 24044 Dalmine, Italy
| | - Sebania Libertino
- Institute of Microelectronics and MicrosystemsCNR–IMM, Ottava Strada 5, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Ada Ferri
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico Di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Plutino
- Institute for the Study of Nanostructured Materials, ISMN–CNR, Palermo, c/o Department of ChiBioFarAm, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno d’Alcontres 31, Vill. S. Agata, 98166 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|