Metal-Organic Frameworks as Fillers in Porous Organic Polymer-Based Hybrid Materials: Innovations in Composition, Processing, and Applications.

Hybrid materials based on porous organic polymers (POPs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are increasing attention for advanced separation processes due to the possibility to combine their properties. POPs provide high surface areas, chemical stability, and tunable porosity, while MOFs contribute a high variety of defined crystalline structures and enhanced separation characteristics. The combination (or hybridization) with PIMs gives rise to mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with improved permeability, selectivity, and long-term stability.

Succinimidyl Alginate-Modified Fibrin Hydrogels from Human Plasma for Skin Tissue Engineering.

Plasma-derived fibrin hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering because of their excellent biological properties. Specifically, human plasma-derived fibrin hydrogels serve as 3D matrices for autologous skin graft production, skeletal muscle repair, and bone regeneration. Nevertheless, for advanced applications such as in vitro skin equivalents and engineered grafts, the intrinsic limitations of native fibrin hydrogels in terms of long-term mechanical stability and resistance to degradation need to be addressed to enhance the usefulness and application of these hydrogels in tissue engineering.

Segmented Polyurethanes Based on Adipate and Sebacate Biodegradable Polyesters for Use as Nerve Guide Conduits in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration.

This study investigated the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) synthesized using less common biodegradable polyester polyols, specifically poly(adipate) (PAD) and poly(sebacate) (PSC), to evaluate their potential as nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) in peripheral nerve regeneration. The synthesis of novel 4,4' methylene-bis-cyclohexyl diisocyanate (HMDI) SPUs was conducted in a two-step process: prepolymer formation and chain extension with 1,4-butanediol (BO) or 1,4-butanediamine (BA). SPUs were synthesized with two molar ratios-polyol:HMDI:BA/BO at 1:2:1 and 1:3:2 for the PAD:HMDI:BA system-to optimize mechanical properties.

Biodegradable Polyurethanes for Tissue Engineering: Influence of L-Lactide Content on Degradation and Mechanical Properties.

The influence of L-lactide content (between 15% and 43%) on the degradation of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) for tissue engineering was systematically addressed in this study. An ideal tissue scaffold should exhibit a mechanical response and degradability appropriate for the host tissue. To achieve it, polyols containing ε-caprolactone and L-lactide moieties were used, with the random distribution of lactide units disrupting the regularity, and hence the crystallinity, of poly(caprolactone) segments, facilitating their degradation.

Competing Effects of Plasticization and Miscibility on the Structure and Dynamics of Natural Rubber: A Comparative Study on Bio and Commercial Plasticizers.

Plasticizers are essential for improving the processability and flexibility of rubber compounds by reducing viscosity, aiding filler dispersion, and softening the rubber matrix. Traditionally, petroleum-based phthalate esters like dioctyl phthalate (DOP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) have been widely used for these purposes. However, these plasticizers pose significant challenges, including migration from the rubber over time, which can lower performance and raise environmental and health concerns.

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) as a versatile semiconducting polymer for cutting-edge bioelectronics.

Semiconducting polymers (SPs), widely used in organic optoelectronics, are gaining interest in bioelectronics owing to their intrinsic optical properties, conductivity, biocompatibility, flexibility, and chemical tunability. Among them, poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) has attracted great attention as a versatile SP, being both optically active and conductive, for the fabrication of smart materials (, films and nanoparticles), allowing the modulation of their performance and final biomedical applications. This review article provides an overview of the design of different kinds of P3HT-based materials, from chemical properties to structural engineering, to be used as key opto-electronic components in the development of opto-transducers for the modulation of cell fate, as well as biosensors such as organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) and organic field effect transistors (OEFTs).

Effect of Proteins on the Network Formation and Degradation of Peroxide Cross-Linked Natural Rubber Elucidated by Time-Domain NMR.

The importance of sustainable polymers has increased greatly in the last years since most polymers are derived from non-renewable sources. Sustainable polymers (i.e.

Optimisation of stimuli-responsive films based on dynamic α,β-unsaturated imines from chitosan and trans-2-hexenal to enhance the antimicrobial acid-response.

Trans-2-hexenal (HX) is a potent antimicrobial which can be reversibly stabilised in chitosan (CS) films forming α,β-unsaturated imines. The hydrolysis of the imines promoted by acid environments triggers the release of HX to the media exerting its antimicrobial activity. It is known that besides imines, the electrophilic β-alkene carbon of HX can form Michael adducts with primary amino groups of chitosan.

Nanostructured films from poly(3-hexylthiophene)--poly(ε-caprolactone) as light-responsive generators of reactive oxygen species.

The design of smart photoelectrodes is used to modulate and control the spatio-temporal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this work, we develop photoactive films with tunable nanostructured morphologies to favor ROS production photostimulation. To that aim, we synthesized graft copolymers, made of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), P3HT--PCL, which were employed to fabricate compact films by drop casting.

The fingerprint of pesticides in agricultural used polyethylene.

The widespread use of polyethylene (PE) materials in agriculture through mulch films, tunnels, greenhouse covers, irrigation pipes and tying tapes has been instrumental in increasing crop productivity and reducing water demand. However, it raised concerns regarding the interaction between PE and pesticides sprayed on crops. This research strives to study the fingerprint of pesticides in agricultural PE by analyzing new items, end-of-life agricultural plastics and a range of samples corresponding to the recycling of aged PE, from sized and washed flakes to second-hand pellets and plant protection tubes elaborated from recycled plastic.

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles as visible-light photoinitiators and photosensitizers in 3D printable acrylic hydrogels for photodynamic therapies.

The design of smart photoelectrodes capable of stimulating the localized production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on demand is of great interest for redox medicine therapies. In this work, poly(3-hexylthiophene) semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (P3HT SPNs) are used with a dual role to fabricate light-responsive hydrogels. First, P3HT SPNs act as visible-light photoinitiators to induce the photopolymerization of acrylic monomers such as acrylamide (AAm), 2-(hydroxyethyl) acrylate (HEA), and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA).

Spontaneous loss of quorum sensing control selects a new high cellulose producing Ancylobacter strain.

In recent years the number of non-Acetobacteraceae strains shown to produce nanofibrillar cellulose at the levels of the known Acetobacteraceae producers has increased considerably. The Ancylobacter sp. STN1B isolate capable of cellulose production from naphthalene has previously been described.

Manifestation of Rouse and Entanglement Dynamics in Non-Cross-Linked and Cross-Linked Polymers Studied by Field-Cycling and Multiple Quantum NMR.

Rubbers prepared from technical poly(butadiene) and natural poly(isoprene) are studied by field-cycling (FC) H NMR relaxometry to elucidate the changes of the relaxation spectrum. Starting with the non-cross-linked polymer successively cross-links are introduced via sulfur or peroxide vulcanization. Applying an advanced home-built relaxometer allows one to probe entanglement dynamics in addition to Rouse dynamics.

In vivo antitumor activity of PHT-427 inhibitor-loaded polymeric nanoparticles in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Recent studies on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tumorigenesis have revealed several dysregulated molecular pathways. The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is frequently activated in HNSCC, making it an attractive target for therapies. PHT-427 is a dual inhibitor of PI3K and the mammalian target of AKT/PDK1.

Evaluation of Different Concentrations of Antimicrobial Quaternary Polymers on the Behavior of Gelatin- and Starch-Based Films.

Nowadays, incorporating quaternary ammonium groups into polymers is one of the most promising strategies for preparing antimicrobial biomaterials for general applications. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of antimicrobial quaternary polymers in gelatin- and starch-based films for the development of active materials intended for applications in food packaging and medical fields. Two antimicrobial biobased polymers, called MeFPIAx (MeFPIA1 and MeFPIA2), were previously synthesized through the radical polymerization of itaconic acid (IA), followed by their subsequent functionalization and modification.

Dibenzodioxin-Based Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity with Enhanced Transport Properties for Lithium Ions in Aqueous Media.

Boosting the transport and selectivity properties of membranes based on polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) toward one specific working analyte of interest is challenging. In this work, a novel family of PIM membranes, prepared by casting and exhibiting optima mechanical properties and high thermal stability, was synthesized from 4,4'-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-phenylethane-1,1-diyl) bis(benzene-1,2-diol) and two tetrafluoro-nitrile derivatives. Gas permeability measurements evidenced a CO/CH selectivity up to 170% relative to the reference polymer, PIM-1, in agreement with their calculated fractional free volume and the analysis of the textural properties by N and CO gas adsorption.

A pH-Responsive Hydrogel for the Oral Delivery of Ursolic Acid: A Pentacyclic Triterpenoid Phytochemical.

In this study, poly(HEMA-PEGxMEM-IA) hydrogels were prepared by radical copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGxMEM), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and itaconic acid (IA). The reaction was carried out in ethanolic solution using N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinking agent and 1-hydroxycyclohexyl phenyl ketone (HCPK) as a photo-initiator. The poly(HEMA-PEGxMEM-IA) hydrogels (HGx) were evaluated as a delivery system for ursolic acid (UA), a phytochemical extracted from the plant "flor de arena".

Porous Organic Polymers as Ionomers for High-Performance Alkaline Membrane Water Electrolysis.

Sustainable hydrogen production is focused on anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolyzers (AEMWEs), which still require more development to achieve high performance and durability. Here, we propose a novel class of porous organic polymers (POPs) as durable solid-ionomers for AEMWEs, which was prepared by reacting the 4-methylpiperidone with trifunctional or a mixture of trifunctional:difunctional aromatic monomers (in a 2 : 3 mol ratio). The resulting POP ionomers exhibited exceptional electrochemical properties and remarkable alkaline stability.

Synthesis and characterization of macrodiols and non-segmented poly(ester-urethanes) (PEUs) derived from α,ω-hydroxy telechelic poly(ε-caprolactone) (HOPCLOH): effect of initiator, degree of polymerization, and diisocyanate.

Nine different macrodiols derived from α,ω-hydroxy telechelic poly(ε-caprolactone) (HOPCLOH) were prepared by ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone (CL) using three linear aliphatic diols (HO-(CH) -OH, where = 4, 8, and 12) as initiators and catalyzed by ammonium decamolybdate (NH)[MoO]. The crystallization temperature ( ) and crystallinity ( ) were relatively high for HOPCLOH species with a long aliphatic chain [-(CH)-] in the oligoester. Also, HOPCLOH was the precursor of twenty-seven different poly(ester-urethanes) (PEUs) with various degrees of polymerization (DP) of HOPCLOH and three types of diisocyanates such as 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), and 4,4'-methylenebis (cyclohexyl isocyanate) (HMDI).

Enzymatic Degradation Behavior of Self-Degradable Lipase-Embedded Aliphatic and Aromatic Polyesters and Their Blends.

Over the past decade, the preparation of novel materials by enzyme-embedding into biopolyesters has been proposed as a straightforward method to produce self-degrading polymers. This paper reports the preparation and enzymatic degradation of extruded self-degradable films of three different biopolyesters: poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(butylene adipate--terephthalate) (PBAT), and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), as well as three binary/ternary blends. lipase B (CalB) has been employed for the enzyme-embedding procedure, and to the best of our knowledge, the use of this approach in biopolyester blends has not been reported before.

Development of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Membranes Based on Functionalized and Crosslinked Chitosan for Tissue Regeneration.

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that develops new methods to enhance the regeneration of damaged tissues, including those of wounds. Polymer systems containing bioactive molecules can play an important role in accelerating tissue regeneration, mitigating inflammation process, and fighting bacterial infection. Chitosan (CS) has attracted much attention regarding its use in wound healing system fabrication thanks to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the presence of functional groups in its structure.

Nanocarrier of α-Tocopheryl Succinate Based on a Copolymer Derivative of (4,7-dichloroquinolin-2-yl)methanol and Its Cytotoxicity against a Breast Cancer Cell Line.

In order to improve the water solubility and, therefore, bioavailability and therapeutic activity of anticancer hydrophobic drug α-tocopherol succinate (α-TOS), in this work, copolymers were synthesized via free radicals from QMES (1-[4,7-dichloroquinolin-2-ylmethyl]-4-methacryloyloxyethyl succinate) and VP (N-vinyl-2-pirrolidone) using different molar ratios, and were used to nanoencapsulate and deliver α-TOS into cancer cells MCF-7. QMES monomer was chosen because the QMES pendant group in the polymer tends to hydrolyze to form free 4,7-dichloro-2-quinolinemethanol (QOH), which also, like α-TOS, exhibit anti-proliferative effects on cancerous cells. From the QMES-VP 30:70 (QMES-30) and 40:60 (QMES-40) copolymers obtained, it was possible to prepare aqueous suspensions of empty nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with α-TOS by nanoprecipitation.

Unlocking the potential of self-healing and recyclable ionic elastomers for soft robotics applications.

In the field of soft robotics, current materials face challenges related to their load capacity, durability, and sustainability. Innovative solutions are required to address these problems beyond conventional strategies, which often lack long-term ecological viability. This study aims to overcome these limitations using mechanically robust, self-healing, and recyclable ionic elastomers based on carboxylated nitrile rubber (XNBR).