Journal of Polymer Research最新文献

{"title":"Preparation of lignin-based polymer hydrogels: Stepwise removal of heavy metal-organic pollutant","authors":"Feng Zhang,&nbsp;Ying Yao,&nbsp;Keli Zhao,&nbsp;Ming Guo","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05074-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05074-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The synergistic removal of wastewater containing heavy metals and organic pollutants remains a major challenge. Although multifunctional materials can enable one-step treatment, their high cost limits practical application, making sequential treatment with single-functional materials a feasible strategy. In this study, two lignin-based hydrogels were developed for stepwise removal of heavy metals and tetracycline (TC). Iron-manganese-modified lignin hydrogel (IM-LH) was prepared by copolymerizing acrylamide with lignin, in situ loading iron and manganese ions, and subsequent sulfuration, enabling efficient adsorption of Cd(II) and As(III). The immobilized enzyme composite hydrogel (HRP@HPAAM-LA) is made by chemically attaching horseradish peroxidase (HRP) to the pores and surfaces of a lignin-based semi-interpenetrating network carrier (HPAAM-LA), which is built through free radical copolymerization, using an EDC/NHS-mediated amidation reaction. This material can both adsorb and concentrate TC while letting HRP carry out oxidative degradation. The hydrogels were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, XPS, and TGA, and their continuous removal performance and mechanisms were investigated. Both hydrogels exhibited uniform porous networks and abundant active sites. IM-LH showed maximum adsorption capacities of 86.20 mg·g^− 1 for Cd(II) and 60.01 mg·g^− 1 for As(III), retaining removal rates of 65.46% and 51.44% after 15 cycles. HRP@HPAAM-LA achieved an HRP immobilization rate of 78.13% and a TC removal rate of 92.22%, retaining 61.82% after 13 cycles. This study successfully prepared two lignin-based hydrogels, achieving the synergistic removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants. It provides a new method for the hierarchical and synergistic treatment of complex environmental wastewater, while also promoting the high-value utilization of biomass resources in environmental remediation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimizing metronidazole-loaded PCL films for pH-triggered drug release","authors":"Hanieh Saghafi,&nbsp;Mohammad Amani Tehran,&nbsp;Reza Mohammad Ali Malek","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05071-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05071-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Smart drug delivery systems based on pH-responsive mechanisms have attracted significant attention for targeted and controlled drug release. In this study, polycaprolactone (PCL) films loaded with 7 wt% metronidazole (MET) and varying concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (SB, 1–7 wt%) were developed to investigate both the pH-triggered release behavior and the structural role of SB within the polymer matrix. The films were prepared via solvent casting and evaluated in an acetate buffer (pH 5.0), simulating acidic microenvironments typically found in infected tissues. The results demonstrated that increasing SB content enhanced the release rate of MET due to pore formation induced by CO₂ generation under acidic conditions. However, higher SB concentrations also led to increased burst release and post-wash values. Post-wash indicates the amount of drug on the film surface at the moment of zero release. Among the tested formulations, the film containing 3 wt% SB exhibited an optimal balance between controlled release behavior and minimal burst release. Morphological analyses (FESEM and SEM) confirmed that SB contributes to porosity development and structural modification of the films, indicating its dual role as both a pH-responsive trigger and a structure-modifying agent. Furthermore, the effect of SB particle size was investigated, revealing that reduced particle size increases release kinetics but also promotes undesired burst release. Overall, this study provides new insights into the design of SB-based smart drug delivery systems by highlighting the importance of both formulation parameters and structural characteristics. The developed films show potential for localized drug delivery applications in infection-related conditions, such as periodontal disease.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Thermally durable and flame-resistant EPDM composites reinforced with barium metaborate ceramic filler: structure–property correlations and grey relational optimization","authors":"Samaa R. Salem,&nbsp;Sanna M. El-Sawy,&nbsp;Fahima M. Helaly,&nbsp;Adel A. Koriem","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05057-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05057-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The development of multifunctional elastomeric composites of simultaneously improving thermal durability and fire resistance remains a key challenge for EPDM-based materials. Herein, we report a flame-retardant composite, where barium metaborate (BBO) was synthesized and incorporated into EPDM at different loadings to explore its potential as a ceramic multifunctional filler. The synthesized BBO was characterized by ATR–FTIR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, revealing the characteristic borate structure and a wide optical band gap of approximately 3.95 eV. The influence of BBO on curing characteristics, thermal decomposition behavior, degradation kinetics, and flame-retardant performance of EPDM was subsequently investigated. Following BBO incorporation, rheological analysis revealed accelerated vulcanization and enhanced elastic network development. Moreover, thermal analysis demonstrated delayed decomposition, increased activation energy, and higher residual mass compared with unfilled EPDM. As a result, the BBO-filled composites exhibited enhanced resistance to thermo-oxidative degradation. From the findings, the burning rate decreased from 3.33 to 1.67 mm s⁻¹ as the BBO loading increased, corresponding to an approximately 50% reduction in flame propagation. The absence of flaming drips further highlighted the structural stability of the composites during combustion. These findings established BBO as an effective ceramic additive that enhanced the thermal and fire performance of EPDM while providing additional ultraviolet-shielding functionality, thus broadening the applicability of EPDM composites in demanding service environments. </p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of ethyl cellulose-based microsponges for controlled release and enhanced performance of sunscreen formulations","authors":"Sara K. Mohammed,&nbsp;Nizar Jawad Hadi,&nbsp;Massar Najim,&nbsp;Zainab Jawad Kadhim","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05073-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05073-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study aimed to develop, optimize, and evaluate a topical delivery system based on hyaluronic acid (HA)-loaded microsponges to develop sunscreen and achieve a long-term release of HA, which increases the hydration of the mixture and thus enhances its stability. The HA-loaded microsponges were prepared using the solvent diffusion method in the emulsion, where the concentration of ethyl cellulose (EC) was changed to study its effect on the physical properties of the microsponges. The study included the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), surface potential measurement (Zeta potential), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to characterize the microsponges. The effect of microsponges on the efficacy and stability of the sunscreen and the evaluation of the drug release in vitro. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) was also used to characterize the sun protection factor (SPF). The rheological behavior of ISDIN sunscreen before and after adding microsponge was tested through viscosity curves, flow curves, and fit curves at different temperatures using a cone-plate viscometer. The drug-polymer compatibility analysis was also performed using FTIR spectroscopy, which revealed no interactions between HA molecules and EC, and confirmed the successful retention of HA inside the microsponge. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the spherical and porous nature of the prepared microsponge. The results showed that the prepared microsponge had a diameter of 18.536–24.953 μm and that the stability was good as shown by zeta potential. Carbonyl Index (CI) analysis confirmed that M3 formulation provided superior oxidative stability compared to ISDIN and other microsponge formulations. This was attributed to the gradual release of HA, which enhanced antioxidant performance and reduced degradation over time. As a result, the HA loaded microsponge contributed to improving the stability of the sunscreen.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sorption of congo red from aqueous solutions using graphene oxide/Poly(N, N-diethylacrylamide) composite hydrogels","authors":"Zorica Eraković,&nbsp;Đorđe Petrović,&nbsp;Dragan Cvetković,&nbsp;Marija Kodrić,&nbsp;Shahidul Islam,&nbsp;K.Z.M. Abdul Motaleb,&nbsp;Ksenija Kumrić,&nbsp;Ljiljana Matović,&nbsp;Snežana Ilić-Stojanović","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05066-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05066-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Graphene oxide/poly(<i>N</i>,<i> N</i>-diethyl acrylamide) (GO/pDEA) composite hydrogels were synthesized via thermally initiated free-radical polymerization using different crosslinker contents and evaluated as adsorbents for Congo red removal from aqueous solutions. The obtained materials were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and XRD analyses, which confirmed successful incorporation of graphene oxide into the hydrogel network and the formation of a predominantly amorphous, highly porous composite structure. Swelling studies demonstrated that the swelling degree was primarily governed by the crosslinking density, whereas the effect of solution pH was relatively limited. The adsorption behavior was strongly influenced by the solution pH, with the highest adsorption capacity achieved under alkaline conditions (pH 10). Equilibrium adsorption was best described by the Sips and Freundlich isotherm models, indicating adsorption on energetically heterogeneous active sites, while the pseudo-first-order kinetic model showed the best agreement with the experimental data, suggesting that adsorption is predominantly controlled by rapid occupation of readily accessible surface sites. The maximum adsorption capacity predicted by the Langmuir model was 21.03 mg g⁻¹, which is in excellent agreement with the experimentally determined value of 21.4 mg g⁻¹, confirming the consistency of the obtained adsorption parameters under the applied experimental conditions. Furthermore, the GO/pDEA composite retained 89.4% of its initial adsorption efficiency after five consecutive adsorption–desorption cycles, demonstrating satisfactory regeneration capability and structural stability. These findings indicate that GO/pDEA composite hydrogels are promising reusable adsorbents for the removal of anionic dyes from aqueous media and represent a potential material for sustainable wastewater treatment applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing mechanical durability and moisture stability in low-energy citric acid-crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose films for cherry tomato preservation","authors":"Khanh Quang Tran,&nbsp;Son Thi Nguyen,&nbsp;Son Anh Pham,&nbsp;Khai Dinh Do,&nbsp;Hanh Thi My Luong,&nbsp;Ngoc Thi Bich Vu,&nbsp;Vuong Duy Nguyen,&nbsp;Oanh Thi Kim Vuong,&nbsp;Supakij Suttiruengwong,&nbsp;Thu Hong Anh Ngo","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05072-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05072-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a highly promising biopolymer for sustainable packaging; however, its application is restricted by inherent brittleness and moisture sensitivity. Although citric acid (CA) crosslinking strengthens the polymer matrix, conventional high-temperature curing often induces thermal degradation, thereby reducing mechanical strength. To solve these limitations, this study developed a low-energy crosslinking strategy. Instead of conventional high-heat curing, the optimal formulation (2.25 wt% CMC, 20 wt% CA) was established through a two-step mechanism: a brief kinetic activation at 80 °C (3 min) to initiate esterification, followed by a thermodynamically driven drying phase at 40 °C that shifts the esterification equilibrium forward. This optimized matrix exhibited exceptional durability, demonstrating a 1.3-fold increase in tensile strength and a 4.7-fold increase in elongation at break compared to pristine CMC films. Structural and thermal evaluations (ATR-FTIR, TGA) verified the formation of a stable covalent ester network. The mechanical durability of this network effectively provides superior moisture stability and a reduced water vapour transmission rate. In practical trials, the crosslinked films maintained the sensory quality of cherry tomatoes over 21 days. These findings present a highly efficient, low-energy strategy for fabricating biodegradable films for fruit preservation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fabrication and characteristics of photocrosslinked silk fibroin/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate nanofibers according to irgacure 2959 content","authors":"So Yun Heo,&nbsp;Gyeong Tae Lee,&nbsp;Young Ki Hong","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05070-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05070-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)-mediated photocrosslinking process was introduced into electrospun silk fibroin (SF)/hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) nanofiber mats, and the effects of Irgacure 2959 (I2959) content on photocrosslinking reactivity, electrospinning processability, and physicochemical properties were investigated. Photocrosslinked SF/HPMC nanofiber mats (P-SHNFs) were fabricated by electrospinning SF/HPMC solutions containing PEGDA and different amounts of I2959, followed by UV irradiation of the prepared nanofiber mats to induce photocrosslinking. The precursor solution viscosity increased with increasing I2959 content up to P-SHNF75, but decreased at P-SHNF100, indicating that excessive I2959 could alter the processability of the spinning solution. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis showed that the vinyl index decreased up to P-SHNF75 and increased again at P-SHNF100, suggesting enhanced vinyl group consumption at an appropriate I2959 content and possible limitation of photocrosslinking reactivity under excessive photoinitiator conditions. All P-SHNF mats maintained high gel fractions above 96% in Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS), indicating aqueous stability and leaching resistance after methanol (MeOH) stabilization and photocrosslinking. P-SHNF75 exhibited the highest tensile strength of 5.59 MPa, whereas P-SHNF25 showed improved tensile strength while maintaining a relatively high absorption rate. The absorption rate decreased from P-SHNF0 to P-SHNF75, but P-SHNF100 showed an exceptional increase. However, Δm and water contact angle analyses indicated that this increase did not directly correspond to a proportional increase in actual water uptake capacity. In the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, all P-SHNF groups maintained relative cell viability above 80%, suggesting preliminary in vitro cytocompatibility under the tested conditions. Overall, P-SHNF75 was favorable for mechanical reinforcement, whereas P-SHNF25 showed a more balanced performance for potential wound dressing applications by improving tensile strength while preserving absorption capacity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148751358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dispersion-dependent free volume behavior in polycarbonate/strontium titanate nanocomposites","authors":"Mahdi Ghasemifard,&nbsp;Misagh Ghamari,&nbsp;Cumali Tav,&nbsp;Ugur Yahsi","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05064-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05064-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polycarbonate-based nanocomposites incorporating varying concentrations (0–7 wt%) of strontium titanate (STO) were fabricated via spin-coating. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the crystallinity of the polycarbonate matrix remained largely unaffected at STO loadings up to 5 wt%; however, a significant increase in crystallinity was observed at 7 wt%. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that higher STO content correlated with improved surface homogeneity. Free volume characteristics were investigated using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS), coincidence Doppler broadening spectroscopy (CDBS), and variable energy positron beam (VEPB) techniques. The results demonstrated that, with the exception of the 5 wt% STO composition, the incorporation of STO nanoparticles reduced free volume by restricting polymer chain mobility. The anomalous behavior at 5 wt% is attributed to poor nanoparticle dispersion, which promoted void formation. Depth-profiling analysis conducted via VEPB further revealed that surface regions exhibit higher free volume compared to the bulk. The observed non-monotonic behavior is tentatively attributed to a competition between polymer–filler interfacial interactions (plausibly involving polar interactions with the filler surface) and filler aggregation, though the chemical nature of these interactions remains speculative without direct spectroscopic evidence.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148750894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study on crystallinity and physical properties of polyvinyl alcohol films regulated by electric field","authors":"Yuancheng Tao,&nbsp;Xianglong Wan,&nbsp;Mingyue Zhang,&nbsp;Yahan Xu,&nbsp;Shiping Han,&nbsp;Bing Wang,&nbsp;Menghe Gao,&nbsp;Iqra Nawaz","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05067-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05067-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film performance, including hydrophilicity and barrier capacity, is highly dependent on its crystallinity. To realize the tunable modulation of these two core performances, this work constructs an experimental scheme based on the inherent structure–property correlation of polymeric materials. In the drying process of PVA wet films, positive and negative electric fields were separately introduced, with natural drying without an electric field set as the control group; this strategy modulates the orientation of PVA molecular chains and alters its crystallization kinetics. To systematically evaluate the effect of electric fields (with different polarities) on the structure and performance of PVA films during curing, the films were characterized for their crystallinity (by X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry), microstructure, hydrophilicity, and thermal stability. Results indicated that the electric field induced changes in the arrangement of the polymer’s molecular chains. The crystallinity rose from around 13% to around 20%. Compared with the control group (water diffusion constant: 0.80 × 10^− 11 m²/s), the water diffusion constant of PVA films dried under a positive electric field decreased to 0.65 × 10^− 11 m²/s, while that of films dried under a negative electric field increased to 1.14 × 10^− 11 m²/s. The crystallinity of PVA films dried under positive and negative electric fields increased by approximately 30% and 50%, respectively; correspondingly, their swelling ratio increased by 19.8% and 38%, respectively. This study not only provides a practical technical approach for the performance optimization of PVA films but also offers valuable insights for the controllable regulation of the physical properties of polymer materials in general.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148750964","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Positively charged poly(3-sulfopropyl acrylate-co-1-vinyl imidazole)/xanthan gum composite hydrogels: synthesis, antibacterial activity, and dual drug release study","authors":"Dilara Gokkaya,&nbsp;Ozgur Ozay","doi":"10.1007/s10965-026-05065-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10965-026-05065-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In biomaterial design, improving a single property is often insufficient to meet the multiple functional requirements of wound dressing materials. In this study, a poly(3-sulfopropyl acrylate-co-1-vinyl imidazole)/xanthan gum hydrogel was synthesized from the natural polysaccharide xanthan gum and the monomers 3-sulfopropyl acrylate and 1-vinyl imidazole. The optimized hydrogel was rendered pH-responsive by protonation, and stabilized silver-silver chloride nanoparticles (Ag/AgCl NPs) were synthesized in situ within the hydrogel network via a green reduction method using <i>Echinacea purpurea</i> extract. The synthesized hydrogels and composites were characterized by TEM, SEM, XRD, FT-IR, TGA, and swelling studies. The drug-release performance of the poly(SPA-<i>co</i>-VI)/XG hydrogel was evaluated using penicillin G sodium and diclofenac sodium as model drugs. After 12 h in SWF, penicillin was released at 77.1 ± 10.6% and diclofenac at 25.5 ± 5.6%. According to the applied kinetic models, penicillin followed zero-order kinetics, whereas diclofenac exhibited a slow, sustained release profile, with Korsmeyer-Peppas <i>n</i> values indicating a release mechanism predominantly governed by polymer dynamics. These results demonstrate that hydrogel can provide distinct release profiles for different drug molecules. The synthesized Ag/AgCl nanocomposite (poly(SPA-<i>co</i>-VI)/XG@Ag) contained spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 12.3 ± 2.9 nm and exhibited selective antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, producing inhibition zones of 11.3 ± 0.1 mm for <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> and 10.0 ± 0.1 mm for <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. In addition, the composite exhibited antioxidant activity. Overall, the developed hydrogel combines pH-responsive drug release, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant properties within a single material, suggesting its potential for wound dressing applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":658,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymer Research","volume":"33 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148750963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}