Global Challenges最新文献_第3页

Technological Innovation and Trade Orientation as Drivers of Renewable Energy Consumption: Panel Evidence from G7 Economies 技术创新和贸易导向是可再生能源消费的驱动因素：来自G7经济体的面板证据

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-29 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400345

Minyan Yu, Umar Farooq, Mosab I. Tabash, Abdullah A. Aljughaiman, Abdulateif A. Almulhim

{"title":"Technological Innovation and Trade Orientation as Drivers of Renewable Energy Consumption: Panel Evidence from G7 Economies","authors":"Minyan Yu, Umar Farooq, Mosab I. Tabash, Abdullah A. Aljughaiman, Abdulateif A. Almulhim","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400345","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400345","url":null,"abstract":"Recent advancements in industrialization have sparked substantial interest among the academic community and policymakers regarding energy consumption. The consumption patterns of distinct energy types seem to be influenced by many national and international factors. In this essence, this study investigates the effects of technological innovation and trade orientation on renewable energy consumption (REC). Using panel data from G-7 economies from 2000 to 2019, Panel EGLS (estimated generalized least square) and ARDL (autoregressive distributed lag) models are employed to check the regression. The analysis reveals that both technological innovation and export orientation have a significant and positive impact on REC. In contrast, import orientation negatively affects REC. The results highlight that technological advancements and a focus on export-oriented trade strategies can significantly boost REC. Policymakers are encouraged to invest in research and development to advance renewable energy technologies and provide incentives for their adoption. These measures are crucial for achieving environmental sustainability and reducing pollution. The study provides valuable insights into how national and international trade dynamics influence renewable energy usage.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400345","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581993","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Meta-Analysis of Consumer Willingness to Pay for Short Food Supply Chain Products 消费者对短食品供应链产品支付意愿的元分析

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400154

Muhammad Adzran Che Mustapa, Zein Kallas

{"title":"Meta-Analysis of Consumer Willingness to Pay for Short Food Supply Chain Products","authors":"Muhammad Adzran Che Mustapa, Zein Kallas","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400154","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400154","url":null,"abstract":"Due to their perceived benefits for health, the environment, the economy, and sustainability, in recent years there has been a growing interest on the part of researchers and policymakers in short-food supply chains (SFSCs). However, a systematic review of the literature on this topic remains lacking. To address this gap, the study conducts a meta-analysis to examine consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for SFSC products, taking into account various sociodemographic factors and sustainability attributes. On average, consumers are willing to pay a 34.5% premium for SFSC products. Key factors influencing WTP include gender, education, study year, age, region, product category, and sustainability attributes. Women exhibit higher WTP, and individuals with higher education levels also demonstrate increased WTP. Notably, WTP for SFSC products is lower before 2014, while younger consumers exhibit higher WTP overall. Consumers in Western Europe present higher WTP estimates compared to those in North America and other regions. In terms of sustainability attributes, organic products receive the highest WTP, with food categories such as meat, poultry, dairy products, and honey showing the highest estimates. These findings offer valuable insights for SFSC producers, marketers, and policymakers, guiding effective strategies to promote SFSC products within sustainable agri-food systems.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400154","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581978","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Virucidal and Bactericidal Properties of Biocompatible Copper Textiles 生物相容性铜织物的杀菌性能

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400346

Andrei-Florin Sandu, Sofya Danilova, Lauren Acton, Andrew Cobley, Phillip Gould

{"title":"Virucidal and Bactericidal Properties of Biocompatible Copper Textiles","authors":"Andrei-Florin Sandu, Sofya Danilova, Lauren Acton, Andrew Cobley, Phillip Gould","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400346","url":null,"abstract":"The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the global threat posed by emerging viruses, emphasizing the critical need for effective strategies to combat pathogen transmission. Moreover, alongside emerging viruses, the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance further reinforces the need to develop novel methods for infection control. Anti-pathogenic coatings on textiles offer a promising solution; in this study, three electroless copper-plated fabrics are evaluated for their antipathogenic properties following International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards. Prior to electroless plating, materials are activated either by immersion in a Pd catalyst solution (material A) or by ink-jet printing Cu/Ag catalyst along the weft (material B) or warp thread (material C). This study demonstrates that activation method influences the materials antipathogenic performance, with all materials achieving complete bactericidal/fungicidal neutralization within 30 min of incubation. Material B exhibits up to 4-log virucidal effects within 1 h against viruses such as coronavirus (OC43, 229E), Influenza A (H1N1), and Rotavirus A. Furthermore, biocompatibility testing indicates that material B exhibited low in vitro cytotoxicity. Textile B demonstrates strong antibacterial results even after one year of accelerated aging with no significant difference (P = 0.74) in efficiency against MRSA, highlighting promising applications for infection control in clinical settings reducing pathogen transmission, nosocomial infections and the associated economic burden.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400346","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581977","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Lightweight Natural Fiber Insulation Boards Produced with Kapok Fiber (Ceiba Pentandra) and Polylactic Acid or Bicomponent Fiber as a Binder 以木棉纤维（Ceiba Pentandra）和聚乳酸或双组分纤维为粘结剂生产的轻质天然纤维保温板

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400310

Aldo Joao Cárdenas-Oscanoa, Elmar Bonaccurso, Wolfgang Machunze, Markus Euring, Kai Zhang

{"title":"Lightweight Natural Fiber Insulation Boards Produced with Kapok Fiber (Ceiba Pentandra) and Polylactic Acid or Bicomponent Fiber as a Binder","authors":"Aldo Joao Cárdenas-Oscanoa, Elmar Bonaccurso, Wolfgang Machunze, Markus Euring, Kai Zhang","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400310","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400310","url":null,"abstract":"Traditionally, kapok fiber is employed as filling for soft pillows, bedding, and diverse elements. Due to its buoyancy and proportion between cell wall and lumen, it is also applied as buoyant material in life vests and insulation materials. This study examine slightweight insulation panels produced from kapok fibers. Lightweight insulation boards are produced by hot-air using kapok fibers (95%) bonded with polylactic acid or bicomponent fiber (5%), achieving very low densities of 10,15, and 20 kg.m−3. The technological attributes like density, porosity, water absorption, wettability, compression, and thermal conductivity, are evaluated against commercial glass wool. In terms of water absorption rates, there is a direct correlation with density. All the variables reach short-term water absorption values less than 1 kg.m−2, which are comparable to commercial standards. This can be attributed to the lower density, higher porosity of the samples, and the inherent hydrophobic wax layer in the cell wall surface of kapok fibers. This trend is also evident in wettability tests, where produced boards demonstrated water-repellency when exposed to water. Regarding the mechanical property of compression, neither the binder nor the density significantly impacts compression strength. The thermal conductivity performance of kapok-based boards is comparable with commercially available ones.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400310","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicle ITGB2 Promotes the Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via the Activation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts 癌症来源的细胞外囊泡ITGB2通过激活癌症相关成纤维细胞促进三阴性乳腺癌的进展

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-23 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400235

Jingjing Fan, Tong Sha, Binlin Ma

{"title":"Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicle ITGB2 Promotes the Progression of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer via the Activation of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts","authors":"Jingjing Fan, Tong Sha, Binlin Ma","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400235","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400235","url":null,"abstract":"Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and a leading cause of death among women globally, posing a significant public health challenge. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype accounting for 15–20% of all breast cancers, lacks targeted therapies due to the absence of hormone receptors and HER2, resulting in poor prognosis and high recurrence rates. This study investigates the role of cancer-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) integrin beta-2 (ITGB2) in TNBC progression. These findings reveal that ITGB2 is significantly overexpressed in TNBC tissues and serum EVs, correlating with advanced tumor stages and poor patient survival. ITGB2 enhances TNBC progression by activating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor growth, migration, and invasion. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that EV ITGB2 facilitates CAF activation, driving tumor-stroma interactions that support TNBC progression. These results highlight ITGB2 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in TNBC, emphasizing the need for novel interventions to combat this challenging breast cancer subtype.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400235","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) for MRI: A Benefit–Risk Balance Analysis from a Chemical, Biomedical, and Environmental Point of View 钆基MRI造影剂（gbca）：从化学、生物医学和环境角度的利益-风险平衡分析

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-23 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400269

Angelo Scarciglia, Chiara Papi, Chiara Romiti, Andrea Leone, Enza Di Gregorio, Giuseppe Ferrauto

{"title":"Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents (GBCAs) for MRI: A Benefit–Risk Balance Analysis from a Chemical, Biomedical, and Environmental Point of View","authors":"Angelo Scarciglia, Chiara Papi, Chiara Romiti, Andrea Leone, Enza Di Gregorio, Giuseppe Ferrauto","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400269","url":null,"abstract":"Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) have revolutionized medical imaging, enhancing the accuracy and diagnostic value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The increasing use of GBCAs has raised concerns about the release of gadolinium (Gd)(III) into the environment and potential risks for human health. Initially, multiple administrations of GBCAs were associated only with nephrogenic system fibrosis disease in individuals with impaired kidney function. Even if the Gd(III) retention in tissues has not yet been correlated with any specific disease, caution is required for the extensive use of GBCAs. The concerns related to the employment of GBCAs, due to the possible deposition and retention, should be extended also to healthy individuals without renal impairments. To ensure the well-being of patients, there is a need to develop even more stable and better-performing GBCAs, new MRI approaches requiring lower doses of GBCAs and, finally, innovative methods for recovering Gd(III) from both patients’ urines and the environment. This can have strong advantages for human health and for environmental sustainability, also considering Gd(III) scarcity, being a rare earth element, and the shared guideline to reduce, as much as possible, the use of rare metals.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400269","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Research on the Development of Rural Human Settlement Environment in the Upper Reaches of the Lancang River Based on Ecological Carrying Capacity Constraints 基于生态承载力约束的澜沧江上游农村人居环境发展研究

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-20 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400248

Xiaoliang Zhao, Junhuan Li

{"title":"Research on the Development of Rural Human Settlement Environment in the Upper Reaches of the Lancang River Based on Ecological Carrying Capacity Constraints","authors":"Xiaoliang Zhao, Junhuan Li","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400248","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400248","url":null,"abstract":"The development of rural human settlement environments in ecologically sensitive areas, particularly the upper reaches of the Lancang River within the Sanjiangyuan region, has garnered significant attention due to its paramount importance in balancing economic growth and ecological conservation. However, the comprehension of sustainable development strategies within the confines of ecological carrying capacity in these regions remains inadequate. The present study aims to investigate the rural human settlement environment in Nangqen County, situated within the Sanjiangyuan region, and to explore adaptive construction strategies that facilitate harmonious coexistence between human settlements and the natural environment. Utilizing an ecological footprint model integrated with the ArcGIS platform, this research evaluates the ecological carrying capacity and its variations from 2000 to 2020. The results indicate that, despite the land ecological environment being generally safe, the total ecological footprint has surpassed a twofold increase, primarily driven by the expansion of animal husbandry activities. Furthermore, the study conducts a suitability assessment of rural settlements in Nangqen County, pinpointing areas that are most conducive to sustainable development and those that necessitate protection.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400248","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581955","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Solar Drying for Domestic and Industrial Applications: A Comprehensive Review of Innovations and Efficiency Enhancements 太阳能干燥在家庭和工业中的应用：创新和效率提高的综合综述

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-12 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400301

Md Atiqur Rahman, S. M. Mozammil Hasnain, Prabhu Paramasivam, Rustem Zairov, Abinet Gosaye Ayanie

{"title":"Solar Drying for Domestic and Industrial Applications: A Comprehensive Review of Innovations and Efficiency Enhancements","authors":"Md Atiqur Rahman, S. M. Mozammil Hasnain, Prabhu Paramasivam, Rustem Zairov, Abinet Gosaye Ayanie","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400301","url":null,"abstract":"Global challenges such as energy scarcity and food security are intensified by a growing population and substantial post-harvest food losses, contributing to alarming hunger levels. Solar drying is recognized as an effective, high-quality, and sustainable method for food preservation, significantly aiding global food security. Dryers are essential in agriculture and the food industry for extending crop shelf life by removing moisture through thermal energy, with solar thermal energy being particularly suitable due to its environmental benefits and availability. This article reviews the classification of solar dryers, including direct (DSD), indirect (ISD), and hybrid (HSD) systems, examining key components like solar collectors, drying chambers, and auxiliary systems and the factors affecting their performance. The review highlights that the efficiency of solar dryers depends on dryer type, solar irradiation, drying duration, and operational conditions. Recent advancements to enhance solar dryers' energy efficiency include hybrid systems incorporating auxiliary heating sources (electric or biomass), solar-assisted heat pump dryers, surface modification techniques, and heat storage systems utilizing sensible and latent heat storage. Findings suggest that HSD with auxiliary units can achieve up to 54% efficiencies, while solar collectors can reach up to 81%, yielding better product quality than traditional ones.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400301","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143362985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Crop Diversification for Ensuring Sustainable Agriculture, Risk Management and Food Security 确保可持续农业、风险管理和粮食安全的作物多样化

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-12 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400267

Tesfahun Belay Mihrete, Fasikaw Belay Mihretu

{"title":"Crop Diversification for Ensuring Sustainable Agriculture, Risk Management and Food Security","authors":"Tesfahun Belay Mihrete, Fasikaw Belay Mihretu","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400267","url":null,"abstract":"Agriculture faces growing challenges from climate change, pest pressures, and market instability. Crop diversification offers a sustainable strategy to enhance resilience and reduce the risks of monoculture. This review examines crop diversification as a response to these challenges, with a focus on its applications in sustainable agriculture, risk management, and food security. Strategies such as spatial, temporal, genetic, and intercropping diversification enhance soil health, improve pest management, and boost resilience to climate variability. The review highlights key principles, including ecological resilience, risk distribution, and resource optimization. By adopting diverse crops, farmers can mitigate soil degradation, reduce pest outbreaks, and stabilize incomes. Successful case studies from various regions, such as integrated rice-fish farming and agroforestry, demonstrate how diversification can improve productivity and sustainability. However, challenges remain, such as knowledge gaps, market access issues, and policy limitations. The review concludes with recommendations for future research and policy interventions, stressing the need for tailored diversification strategies, better support systems, and further exploration of innovative practices. This overview underscores the potential of crop diversification to build resilient, sustainable agricultural systems while addressing global food security concerns.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400267","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143362986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Mineral Plastics and Gels from Multi-Arm Ionomers 矿物塑料和凝胶从多臂离子

IF 4.4 4区综合性期刊

Global Challenges Pub Date : 2025-01-12 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202400244

Neta Shimony, Adi Gross, Boaz Mizrahi

{"title":"Mineral Plastics and Gels from Multi-Arm Ionomers","authors":"Neta Shimony, Adi Gross, Boaz Mizrahi","doi":"10.1002/gch2.202400244","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/gch2.202400244","url":null,"abstract":"Plastic production and waste are a growing menace that affects the soil, the marine environment, and the air in a cumulative manner. The demand for mineral and bioplastics from renewable and biodegradable materials has therefore increased in all relevant sectors. The use of currently available degradable plastics is, however, limited by their poor mechanical properties and high production costs. In addition, many of today's plastics undergo uncontrolled biodegradation processes that involve harsh or expensive conditions and which may last from months to years. Here, the advantages of using multi-arm polymers for the production of sustainable mineral plastics are presented. A 4-arm poly(acrylic acid) is synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization and is reacted with divalent calcium ions to obtain semi-liquid hydrogel or degradable plastic when dried. The mechanical properties of the different phases are evaluated and compared with linear poly(acrylic acid) of the same molecular weight. The multi-arm approach yielded improved mechanical characteristics, including self-healing and biodegradation without compromising other typical hydrogel characteristics. This concept of synthesizing multi-arm polymers with improved characteristics from building blocks of traditionally linear structures may be applicable to other mineral and bioplastic materials including acrylates, polysaccharides, and DNA.","PeriodicalId":12646,"journal":{"name":"Global Challenges","volume":"9 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/gch2.202400244","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143362987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0