Biodegradable Polymer Composites for Electrophysiological Signal Sensing

Research and progress on the mechanism of lower urinary tract neuromodulation: a literature review

The storage and periodic voiding of urine in the lower urinary tract are regulated by a complex neural control system that includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral autonomic ganglia. Investigating the neuromodulation mechanisms of the lower urinary tract helps to deepen our understanding of urine storage and voiding processes, reveal the mechanisms underlying lower urinary tract dysfunction, and provide new strategies and insights for the treatment and management of related diseases. However, the current understanding of the neuromodulation mechanisms of the lower urinary tract is still limited, and further research methods are needed to elucidate its mechanisms and potential pathological mechanisms. This article provides an overview of the research progress in the functional study of the lower urinary tract system, as well as the key neural regulatory mechanisms during the micturition process. In addition, the commonly used research methods for studying the regulatory mechanisms of the lower urinary tract and the methods for evaluating lower urinary tract function in rodents are discussed. Finally, the latest advances and prospects of artificial intelligence in the research of neuromodulation mechanisms of the lower urinary tract are discussed. This includes the potential roles of machine learning in the diagnosis of lower urinary tract diseases and intelligent-assisted surgical systems, as well as the application of data mining and pattern recognition techniques in advancing lower urinary tract research. Our aim is to provide researchers with novel strategies and insights for the treatment and management of lower urinary tract dysfunction by conducting in-depth research and gaining a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements in the neural regulation mechanisms of the lower urinary tract.

Advancements in tailoring PEDOT: PSS properties for bioelectronic applications: A comprehensive review

In the field of bioelectronics, the demand for biocompatible, stable, and electroactive materials for functional biological interfaces, sensors, and stimulators, is drastically increasing. Conductive polymers (CPs) are synthetic materials, which are gaining increasing interest mainly due to their outstanding electrical, chemical, mechanical, and optical properties. Since its discovery in the late 1980s, the CP Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) has become extremely attractive, being considered as one of the most capable organic electrode materials for several bioelectronic applications in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Main examples refer to thin, flexible films, electrodes, hydrogels, scaffolds, and biosensors. Within this context, the authors contend that PEDOT:PSS properties should be customized to encompass: i) biocompatibility, ii) conductivity, iii) stability in wet environment, iv) adhesion to the substrate, and, when necessary, v) (bio-)degradability. However, consolidating all these properties into a single functional solution is not always straightforward. Therefore, the objective of this review paper is to present various methods for acquiring and improving PEDOT:PSS properties, with the primary focus on ensuring its biocompatibility, and simultaneously addressing the other functional features. The last section highlights a collection of designated studies, with a particular emphasis on PEDOT:PSS/carbon filler composites due to their exceptional characteristics.

Recent Progress in Long-Term Sleep Monitoring Technology

Sleep is an essential physiological activity, accounting for about one-third of our lives, which significantly impacts our memory, mood, health, and children's growth. Especially after the COVID-19 epidemic, sleep health issues have attracted more attention. In recent years, with the development of wearable electronic devices, there have been more and more studies, products, or solutions related to sleep monitoring. Many mature technologies, such as polysomnography, have been applied to clinical practice. However, it is urgent to develop wearable or non-contacting electronic devices suitable for household continuous sleep monitoring. This paper first introduces the basic knowledge of sleep and the significance of sleep monitoring. Then, according to the types of physiological signals monitored, this paper describes the research progress of bioelectrical signals, biomechanical signals, and biochemical signals used for sleep monitoring. However, it is not ideal to monitor the sleep quality for the whole night based on only one signal. Therefore, this paper reviews the research on multi-signal monitoring and introduces systematic sleep monitoring schemes. Finally, a conclusion and discussion of sleep monitoring are presented to propose potential future directions and prospects for sleep monitoring.

Experimental and Computational Approaches to Sulfonated Poly(arylene ether sulfone) Synthesis Using Different Halogen Atoms at the Reactive Site

Engineering thermoplastics, such as poly(arylene ether sulfone), are more often synthesized using F-containing monomers rather than Cl-containing monomers because the F atom is considered more electronegative than Cl, leading to a better condensation polymerization reaction. In this study, the reaction's spontaneity improved when Cl atoms were used compared to the case using F atoms. Specifically, sulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) was synthesized by reacting 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl with two types of biphenyl sulfone monomers containing Cl and F atoms. No significant difference was observed in the structural, elemental, and chemical properties of the two copolymers based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. However, the solution viscosity and mechanical strength of the copolymer synthesized with the Cl-terminal monomers were slightly higher than those of the copolymer synthesized with the F-terminal monomers due to higher reaction spontaneity. The first-principle study was employed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these reactions.

On the Use of Polymer-Based Composites for the Creation of Optical Sensors: A Review

Polymers are widely used in many areas, but often their individual properties are not sufficient for use in certain applications. One of the solutions is the creation of polymer-based composites and nanocomposites. In such materials, in order to improve their properties, nanoscale particles (at least in one dimension) are dispersed in the polymer matrix. These properties include increased mechanical strength and durability, the ability to create a developed inner surface, adjustable thermal and electrical conductivity, and many others. The materials created can have a wide range of applications, such as biomimetic materials and technologies, smart materials, renewable energy sources, packaging, etc. This article reviews the usage of composites as a matrix for the optical sensors and biosensors. It highlights several methods that have been used to enhance performance and properties by optimizing the filler. It shows the main methods of combining indicator dyes with the material of the sensor matrix. Furthermore, the role of co-fillers or a hybrid filler in a polymer composite system is discussed, revealing the great potential and prospect of such matrixes in the field of fine properties tuning for advanced applications.

Insights on Development Aspects of Polymeric Nanocarriers: The Translation from Bench to Clinic

Scientists are focusing immense attention on polymeric nanocarriers as a prominent delivery vehicle for several biomedical applications including diagnosis of diseases, delivery of therapeutic agents, peptides, proteins, genes, siRNA, and vaccines due to their exciting physicochemical characteristics which circumvent degradation of unstable drugs, reduce toxic side effects through controlled release, and improve bioavailability. Polymers-based nanocarriers offer numerous benefits for in vivo drug delivery such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, active drug targeting via surface modification, and controlled release due to their pH-and thermosensitive characteristics. Despite their potential for medicinal use, regulatory approval has been achieved for just a few. In this review, we discuss the historical development of polymers starting from their initial design to their evolution as nanocarriers for therapeutic delivery of drugs, peptides, and genes. The review article also expresses the applications of polymeric nanocarriers in the pharmaceutical and medical industry with a special emphasis on oral, ocular, parenteral, and topical application of drugs, peptides, and genes over the last two decades. The review further examines the practical, regulatory, and clinical considerations of the polymeric nanocarriers, their safety issues, and directinos for future research.