Polymers最新文献

{"title":"Poly(oligoethylene glycol methylether methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) Aggregates as Nanocarriers for Curcumin and Quercetin.","authors":"Michaila Akathi Pantelaiou, Dimitrios Vagenas, Stergios Pispas","doi":"10.3390/polym17050635","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050635","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Amphiphilic statistical copolymers can be utilized for the formulation of nanocarriers for the drug delivery of insoluble substances. Oligoethylene glycol methylether methacrylate and methyl methacrylate are two biocompatible monomers that can be used for biological applications. In this work, the synthesis of linear poly(oligoethylene glycol methylether methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate), P(OEGMA-co-MMA), and statistical copolymers via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is reported. P(OEGMA-co-MMA) copolymers with different comonomer compositions were synthesized and characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), ¹H-NMR, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Self-assembly studies were carried out by the dissolution of polymers in water and via the co-solvent protocol. For the characterization of the formed nanoaggregates, DLS, zeta potential, and fluorescence spectroscopy (FS) experiments were performed. Such measurements delineate the association of copolymers into aggregates with structural characteristics dependent on copolymer composition. In order to investigate the drug encapsulation properties of the formed nanoparticles, curcumin and quercetin were loaded into them. The co-solvent protocol was followed for the encapsulation of varying concentrations of the two drugs. Nanocarrier formulation properties were confirmed by DLS while UV-Vis and FS experiments revealed the encapsulation loading and the optical properties of the drug-loaded nanosystems in each case. The maximum encapsulation efficiency was found to be 54% for curcumin and 49% for quercetin. For all nanocarriers, preliminary qualitive biocompatibility studies were conducted by the addition of FBS medium in the copolymer aqueous solutions which resulted in no significant interactions between copolymer aggregates and serum proteins. Novel nanocarriers of curcumin and quercetin were fabricated as a first step for the utilization of these statistical copolymer nanosystems in nanomedicine.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functionalization of Phenolic Aldehydes for the Preparation of Sustainable Polyesters and Polyurethanes.","authors":"Rachele N Carafa, Brigida V Fernandes, Clara Repiquet, Sidrah Rana, Daniel A Foucher, Guerino G Sacripante","doi":"10.3390/polym17050643","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050643","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biobased organic diols derived from the phenolic aldehyde by-products in the depolymerization of lignin (4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, vanillin, and syringaldehyde) for the synthesis of polyesters and polyurethanes is described. Methods to prepare lignin-based diols involved a two-step synthetic route using either a hydroxy alkylation and aldehyde reduction or an aldehyde reduction and Williamson-Ether substitution. The preparation of five polyesters (PEs) and ten polyurethanes (PUs) from lignin-based diols was also performed and their physical and thermal properties were analyzed. DSC analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of all synthesized polymers, and GPC analysis revealed broad dispersities and high molecular weights. Two PE polyols were also derived from a vanillin-based diol at concentrations of 10 and 25 wt% for their usage in sustainable PU foams. PU foams were prepared from these polyols, where it was found that only the foam containing the 10 wt% formulation was suitable for mechanical testing. The PU foam samples were found to have good hardness and tensile strengths compared to both control foams, showing potential for the incorporation of biobased polyols for PU foam formation.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902746/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chemically Polymerized Polypyrrole on Glucose-Porcine Skin Gelatin Nanofiber as Multifunctional Electrochemical Actuator-Sensor-Capacitor.","authors":"Rudolf Kiefer, Toribio F Otero, Madis Harjo, Quoc Bao Le","doi":"10.3390/polym17050631","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050631","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Multifunctional materials requiring low functional voltages are the main goal of new industrial smart technologies. Polypyrrole (PPy) was chemically synthesized by a simple dip-coating process on glucose-porcine skin gelatin nanofibers, accelerating mass production, here shown on nanofiber scaffolds (NFs) with those consisting of composites. The isometric and isotonic characterizations by electro-chemo-mechanical deformation (ECMD) of NFS-PPy are obtained from cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric responses in lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium triflouromethanesulfonate (LiTF) and sodium perchlorate (NaClO₄) in propylene carbonate (PC). The results indicate a prevalent anion-driven actuation of the linear actuator (expansion by oxidation and contraction by reduction). Different stress (4-2 kPa) and strain (0.7-0.4%) gradients are a function of the anion Van der Waals volume. During reversible actuation (expansion/contraction), the material stores/releases energy, obtaining greater specific capacitance, 68 F g^-1, in LiTFSI solutions, keeping 82% of this capacity after 2000 cycles. The sensitivity (the slope of the linear sensing equation) is a characteristic of the exchanged anion. The reaction of the PPy-coated nanofiber is multifunctional, developing simultaneous actuation, sensing, and energy storage. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902419/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Aesthetic Orthodontic Brackets Bonded to Aged Composite Restorative Resin Materials.","authors":"Mohammed E Sayed","doi":"10.3390/polym17050621","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050621","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patient demands for aesthetic orthodontic brackets (OBs) has increased since orthodontic treatments are of long duration. Clinicians encounter old composite restorations frequently, against which OBs need to be bonded. This study aims to determine the shear bond strength (SBS) of two aesthetic OBs (ceramic and resin) against aged composite resins (flowable and packable) after standard surface treatment. A total of 96 disk-shaped specimens of two aged (A) composite resins [flowable (F) and packable (P)] were divided into eight groups, using ceramic (C) and plastic (P) brackets, out of which four subgroups served as the control [non-aged (N)FC, NPC, NFR, NPR] and four as experimental [AFC, APC, AFR, APR]. Surface treatment included mechanical [air abrasion] and chemical [Assure Plus and Transbond XT]. After 24 h of storage, the specimens were tested for SBS and observed for failure mode using adhesive remnant index scores. Mean values of SBS in each subgroup were analyzed statistically using a one-way analysis of variance test and Tukey post hoc test. All probability '<i>p</i>' differences were significant at a value of 0.05 and less. All aged composite resin subgroups had decreased bond strength than controls, with all subgroups bonded with plastic brackets having the least bond strengths that were clinically nonacceptable [≤7 to 10 MPa]. Flowable composites when bonded with either ceramic or plastic brackets had higher strength than packable composites. Ceramic brackets had higher SBS than plastic brackets for both flowable and packable composites. Significant differences in bond strength were observed among subgroups of plastic brackets. Ceramic brackets were associated with a higher residue of adhesives on the composite surface. Aged composite resins exhibit significantly lower SBS than fresh composites, with ceramic brackets and flowable composites producing better bond strength values than plastic brackets and packable composites.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902532/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biomimetic Prussian Blue Sensor for Ultrasensitive Direct Detection of Myoglobin.","authors":"Jacinta Ricardo, Abel Duarte, Stefano Chiussi, Gabriela V Martins, Felismina T C Moreira","doi":"10.3390/polym17050630","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050630","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This research presents a novel, cost-effective, and scalable approach for the direct detection of myoglobin (Myo) in point-of-care (PoC) applications. In this strategy, redox-active Prussian Blue nanocubes (PBNCs) are applied to a disposable platinum screen-printed electrode (Pt-SPE). Subsequently, a biomimetic sensing layer is generated by electropolymerization of ortho-phenylenediamine (o-PD) in the presence of Myo, which forms molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sites by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The electropolymerization process takes place in a potential range of -0.2 V to +0.8 V, for five cycles at a scan rate of 50 mV/s, in a 10 mmol/L o-PD solution. After polymerization, the electrode is incubated in trypsin for 2 h to create Myo-specifically imprinted cavities. The structural and morphological properties of the biomimetic layer were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The direct detection of Myo was analyzed by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results showed a linear response to Myo concentrations ranging from 1.0 ag/mL to 10 ng/mL, a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.76 ag/mL, and a R² value of 0.9775. The absence of an external liquid redox probe simplifies the sensor design, improves portability, and reduces the complexity of the assay, making it more suitable for PoC.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902790/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616854","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Harnessing Photon Density Wave Spectroscopy for the Inline Monitoring of up to 100 L Vinyl Acetate-Versa^® 10 Polymerization: Insights into Dispersion Dynamics and Mixing.","authors":"Stephanie Schlappa, Werner Pauer, Oliver Reich, Marvin Münzberg","doi":"10.3390/polym17050629","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050629","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Photon Density Wave (PDW) spectroscopy is used as process analytical technology (PAT) in three batch sizes, 1 L, 10 L and 100 L, of polyvinyl acetate-neodecanoic acid vinyl ester (Versa^® 10) copolymerization. The effects on particle formation and growth are comparably analyzed. The data show comparability across scales up to a polymer volume fraction of around 0.15. Deviations beyond this suggest differences in particle growth dynamics. A detailed analysis of the dispersion dynamics and mixing properties provides an enhanced understanding compared to previous studies. Furthermore, the PDW spectroscopy data suggest inhomogeneity due to insufficient mixing at the beginning of the syntheses, despite very low feed-rates of the monomer mixture. PDW spectroscopy is thus capable of monitoring deviations in syntheses at different reaction volumes in real-time. These findings underline the potential of PDW spectroscopy not only for monitoring synthesis but also for enabling inhomogeneity analysis as a new application area. The integration of offline conversion and particle size measurements emphasizes the critical role of mixing efficiency in achieving optimal polymer dispersion properties and final product quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902584/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-Objective Optimization of Low-Velocity Impact and Compression Behavior of 3D-Printed PLA Cubic Samples.","authors":"Oguz Dogan, Muhammed S Kamer, Mehmet F Sahan","doi":"10.3390/polym17050627","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050627","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigates how various 3D printing parameters influence mechanical properties, specifically strength in compression and low-velocity impact (LVI) tests, and identifies the best printing parameters (layer thickness, nozzle diameter, and infill density) that lead to durable samples. Utilizing a Taguchi L₉ orthogonal array, the study systematically examined the effects of three critical 3D printing parameters on the mechanical strength of cubic test samples. Nine experimental configurations were tested, each subjected to compression and LVI tests according to ASTM standards. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and grey relational analysis (GRA), were employed to evaluate parameter significance and optimize results. Infill density significantly influenced the compression tests, while nozzle diameter was the most impactful parameter in LVI tests. Layer thickness had a minimal influence on both outcomes. Additionally, applying GRA revealed that optimal 3D printing parameters differ when considering the two mechanical properties simultaneously, highlighting the complexity of achieving balanced performance in 3D-printed structures. The application of the Taguchi method to optimize 3D printing parameters improved the mechanical properties of printed materials while significantly reducing the number of required experiments. By employing an efficient experimental design, this research demonstrates how to achieve high-quality results in compression and LVI tests with minimal resource use and time investment. Additionally, integrating GRA for the simultaneous optimization of multiple performance characteristics further enhances the practical applicability of the findings in additive manufacturing.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902764/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advancing Textile Waste Recycling: Challenges and Opportunities Across Polymer and Non-Polymer Fiber Types.","authors":"Mehrdad Seifali Abbas-Abadi, Brecht Tomme, Bahman Goshayeshi, Oleksii Mynko, Yihan Wang, Sangram Roy, Rohit Kumar, Bhargav Baruah, Karen De Clerck, Steven De Meester, Dagmar R D'hooge, Kevin M Van Geem","doi":"10.3390/polym17050628","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050628","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The growing environmental impact of textile waste, fueled by the rapid rise in global fiber production, underscores the urgent need for sustainable end-of-life solutions. This review explores cutting-edge pathways for textile waste management, spotlighting innovations that reduce reliance on incineration and landfilling while driving material circularity. It highlights advancements in collection, sorting, and pretreatment technologies, as well as both established and emerging recycling methods. Smart collection systems utilizing tags and sensors show great promise in streamlining logistics by automating pick-up routes and transactions. For sorting, automated technologies like near-infrared and hyperspectral imaging lead the way in accurate and scalable fiber separation. Automated disassembly techniques are effective at removing problematic elements, though other pretreatments, such as color and finish removal, still need to be customized for specific waste streams. Mechanical fiber recycling is ideal for textiles with strong mechanical properties but has limitations, particularly with blended fabrics, and cannot be repeated endlessly. Polymer recycling-through melting or dissolving waste polymers-produces higher-quality recycled materials but comes with high energy and solvent demands. Chemical recycling, especially solvolysis and pyrolysis, excels at breaking down synthetic polymers like polyester, with the potential to yield virgin-quality monomers. Meanwhile, biological methods, though still in their infancy, show promise for recycling natural fibers like cotton and wool. When other methods are not viable, gasification can be used to convert waste into synthesis gas. The review concludes that the future of sustainable textile recycling hinges on integrating automated sorting systems and advancing solvent-based and chemical recycling technologies. These innovations, supported by eco-design principles, progressive policies, and industry collaboration, are essential to building a resilient, circular textile economy.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902667/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biodegradable 3D-Printed Conjunctival Inserts for the Treatment of Dry Eyes.","authors":"Piyush Garg, Parvin Shokrollahi, Chau-Minh Phan, Lyndon Jones","doi":"10.3390/polym17050623","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050623","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To fabricate 3D-printed, biodegradable conjunctival gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) inserts that can release polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) when exposed to an ocular surface enzyme.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>In this work, biodegradable conjunctival inserts were 3D-printed using a stereolithography-based technique. The release of PVA from these insert formulations (containing 10% GelMA and 5% PVA (P-Gel-5%)) was assessed along with different mathematical models of drug release. The biodegradation rates of these inserts were studied in the presence of a tear-film enzyme (matrix metalloproteinase-9; MMP9). The morphology of the inserts before and after enzymatic degradation was monitored using scanning electron microscopy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The 3D-printed P-Gel-5% inserts formed a semi-interpenetrating network, which was mechanically stronger than GelMA inserts. The PVA release graphs demonstrate that at the end of 24 h, 222.7 ± 20.3 µg, 265.5 ± 27.1 µg, and 242.7 ± 30.4 µg of PVA were released when exposed to 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL of MMP9, respectively. The release profiles of the P-Gel-5% containing hydrogels in the presence of different concentrations of MMP9 showed the highest linearity with the Korsmeyer-Peppas model. The results suggest that the degradation rate over 24 h is a function of MMP9 enzyme concentration. Over 80% of P-Gel-5% inserts were degraded at the end of 8 h, 12 h, and 24 h in the presence of 100, 50, and 25 µg/mL MMP9 enzyme solutions, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results demonstrate the potential for 3D printing of GelMA for use as conjunctival inserts. These inserts could be used to deliver PVA, which is a well-known therapeutic agent for dry eye disease. PVA release is influenced by multiple mechanisms, including diffusion and enzymatic degradation, which is supported by morphological studies and biodegradation results.</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902855/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Sherstneva et al. Biodegradable Microparticles for Regenerative Medicine: A State of the Art and Trends to Clinical Application. <i>Polymers</i> 2022, <i>14</i>, 1314.","authors":"Anastasia A Sherstneva, Tatiana S Demina, Ana P F Monteiro, Tatiana A Akopova, Christian Grandfils, Ange B Ilangala","doi":"10.3390/polym17050622","DOIUrl":"10.3390/polym17050622","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acknowledgments were not included in the original publication [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":20416,"journal":{"name":"Polymers","volume":"17 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11902621/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143616871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}