M. Karimi, Majid Safajou Jahankhanemlou, Behruz Mirzayi
{"title":"A Developed Filtrate Regression Model for Polymers in Water-based Drilling Fluids: Application in Gas Reservoirs","authors":"M. Karimi, Majid Safajou Jahankhanemlou, Behruz Mirzayi","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03974-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03974-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>High-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the gas fields of Southern Zagros, Iran, create significant challenges for water-based drilling fluids, including excessive filtrate loss and rheological instability. Properly controlled water-based drilling fluids are required to minimize filtrate invasion into high-pressure high-temperature formations, such as the deep Kangan and Dalan gas reservoirs (85–105 °C) in Southern Zagros. This study investigates the effects of three widely used synthetic polymers, polyanionic cellulose, partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, and carboxymethyl cellulose, on filtration control at polymer concentrations of 0.5–1.5 g/L. A generalized linear model-based regression approach was developed to predict filtrate volume by representing water-based drilling fluids as a two-phase system consisting of a continuous aqueous phase and a dispersed polymer phase. The interaction effects between these phases were incorporated through experimental variables, including polymer type, molecular weight, pH, and operational conditions. The developed model was applied to 27 experimental runs covering temperature ranges of 85–110 °C, polymer concentrations of 0.5–1.5 g/L, and pH values of 4–9. The results demonstrated the superior filtration control performance of PAC, reducing filtrate volume by 40–60% at temperatures below 105 °C under Southern Zagros conditions with 100,000–200,000 ppm salinity. The optimized PAC formulation achieved filtrate volumes of 8–10 mL/30 min based on favorable pH conditions and polymer structural characteristics. The final model showed a predicted R-square value of 76.26%, an R-square of 83.24%, and an error value of 0.0719, demonstrating its suitability for estimating filtrate behavior under HPHT and high-salinity condition. MW as a structural parameter incorporated in the model equation controlled filtrate volume. Increasing polymer MW reduced filtrate volume by enhancing polymer–water interactions, promoting a more stable hydration layer, and decreasing mud cake permeability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhannur Myltykbayeva, Asude Sena Demirci Ülke, İbrahim Kaba, Hideki Kurokawa, Yaşar Andelib Aydin, Atıf Koca
{"title":"Metal Modified TiO2 Embedded Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol Membranes for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production","authors":"Zhannur Myltykbayeva, Asude Sena Demirci Ülke, İbrahim Kaba, Hideki Kurokawa, Yaşar Andelib Aydin, Atıf Koca","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-04004-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-04004-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In order to tune the light absorption, M-TiO<sub>2</sub> (M = Mo, V or W) photocatalysts were prepared by doping with Mo, V and W metal nanoparticles. M-TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles were incorporated into chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (CS/PVA) membranes to prepare M-TiO<sub>2</sub>@CS/PVA films, which were then used in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reactions. This strategy aimed for not only the facilitation of the recovery and reuse of photocatalysts but also, enhancement of the structural stability of M-TiO<sub>2</sub>, prevent agglomeration and photocatalyst loss in the flow system, and enabling easy washing and repeated use, which are the major challenges related to photocatalytic processes. The success of the M-TiO<sub>2</sub>@CS/PVA film formation strategy was confirmed by comparison of the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate (PCHER) M-TiO<sub>2</sub> powders and M-TiO₂@CS/PVA films. The photocatalytic experiments were performed in the Na<sub>2</sub>S/Na<sub>2</sub>SO<sub>3</sub> aqueous solution under simulated sunlight (1000 W m<sup>− 2</sup>). Among all the prepared M-TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalysts, Mo-TiO<sub>2</sub> exhibited the best performance with a PCHER of 1.06 mmol h<sup>−1</sup>g<sup>− 1</sup>. Approximately similar PCHER performance (0.92 mmol h<sup>− 1</sup> g<sup>− 1</sup>) was observed with Mo-TiO<sub>2</sub>@CS/PVA films. Additionally, the recyclability and stability of the photocatalyst was enhanced in consecutive test cycles and the Mo-TiO<sub>2</sub>@CS/PVA films were easily removed from the electrolyte without any loss of catalyst. These results demonstrated the synergistic effect of transition metal modifying to TiO<sub>2</sub> and membrane immobilization toward photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical water splitting. In particular, the Mo-TiO<sub>2</sub>@CS/PVA films exhibited excellent potential as a visible-light-driven and recyclable material for sustainable hydrogen production.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pawan Kumar, Jitender Sharma, Radha Mahendran, Jaroslav Frantík, Tomáš Najser, Disha Arora, Arpan Kumar Tripathi
{"title":"3D Printed GelMA/nHA/VEGF Composite Hydrogel Scaffolds for Non-Load-Bearing Bone Tissue Engineering","authors":"Pawan Kumar, Jitender Sharma, Radha Mahendran, Jaroslav Frantík, Tomáš Najser, Disha Arora, Arpan Kumar Tripathi","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03990-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03990-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Bone defects resulting from trauma, tumour resection, congenital abnormalities, or degenerative diseases remain a significant clinical challenge. Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as a promising strategy for fabricating biomimetic scaffolds that support cellular growth and tissue regeneration. In this study, a multifunctional bioink composed of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was developed to fabricate 3D-printed composite scaffolds for non-load-bearing bone tissue engineering. GelMA served as a cell-supportive hydrogel matrix, while nHA was incorporated to enhance osteoconductivity and mechanical stability. VEGF was incorporated to provide sustained release of an angiogenic growth factor while evaluating its release behavior within the composite scaffold. The composite bioinks were systematically evaluated for rheology, printability, mechanics, degradation, and biological performance.</p><p>Rheological analysis demonstrated shear-thinning behaviour and dominant elastic properties, making it suitable for extrusion-based printing. SEM analysis revealed well-defined, interconnected porous architectures (~ 200 μm) that are favourable for cell infiltration and nutrient transport. Incorporation of nHA significantly increased the compressive modulus from 118 ± 9 kPa in pure GelMA to 305 ± 16 kPa in GelMA + 20% nHA + VEGF scaffolds, while maintaining structural stability and hydrogel characteristics. These values fall within the typical range reported for hydrogel-based scaffolds designed for non-load-bearing bone regeneration. The scaffolds exhibited controlled swelling, slower enzymatic degradation with increasing nHA content, and sustained VEGF release over 14 days. Live/Dead assays confirmed high cytocompatibility and improved cell viability in composite scaffolds. Furthermore, osteogenic differentiation assays conducted under osteogenic induction conditions showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition in hMSCs cultured on the composite scaffolds. These findings demonstrate that the optimized GelMA/nHA/VEGF bioink possesses favorable physicochemical properties and encouraging in vitro biological performance for non-load-bearing bone tissue engineering.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Polylactide Structural Parameters on its Hydrolytic Degradation and Resulting Chemical, Thermal, Surface and Mechanical Properties","authors":"Nour-Alhoda Masarra, Noëllie Ylla, Denis Chantegraille, Eliane Espuche, Véronique Bounor-Legaré","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03964-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03964-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This research investigates the complete consequences of the hydrolytic degradation (from chemical evolution of the sample and water medium to the mechanical properties) of three commercial polylactide (PLA) grades having different crystallinity degrees (2%, 33%, and 43%, respectively). For that goal, films with a thickness equal to 0.3 mm were prepared from each grade and immersed in distilled water at 40 °C over times up to 190 days. PLA samples degradation was evaluated using complementary characterization techniques that allowed to monitor changes in chemical structure and hydrophobicity (FTIR, SEC, and contact angle measurements). For all PLA grades, a rise in carbonyl index (CI) from immersion day 84 and increased surface hydrophilicity after day 133 indicated chemical changes upon ageing. The degradation was more severe for the PLA grade having the highest initial crystallinity degree, as evidenced by early disintegration, greater weight loss, and important pH decrease in the surrounding water. This decrease indicated a higher release of lactic acid, promoted by the greater amorphous–crystalline interfacial area favorable in this sample. Besides chain scissions leading to average molar mass decrease was observed. Moreover, sample weight loss was evidenced which emphasized after 147 ageing days. The evolution of crystallinity (DSC) and mechanical properties (tensile tests) were also investigated according to the ageing times. The thermal and mechanical properties of the three PLA grades deteriorated also with the ageing time. These findings clarify the non-linear role of crystallinity and confirm that a complete analysis of all the factors related to this hydrolytic PLA degradation has to be performed to fully understand this behavior.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
D. M. Aboelkhir, Nour Hany Adel, Ayman Amin, Asmaa Sayed, Ghada A. Mahmoud
{"title":"Gamma Irradiation-Induced Synthesis of Dextrin/N-Vinylpyrrolidone Biohydrogel for High-Efficiency Adsorptive Removal of Nitrofurantoin and Methylene Blue from Aqueous Media","authors":"D. M. Aboelkhir, Nour Hany Adel, Ayman Amin, Asmaa Sayed, Ghada A. Mahmoud","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03967-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03967-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Biomedical pollutants, including pharmaceutical residues such as nitrofurantoin (NF) and medical dyes such as methylene blue (MB), are increasingly detected in surface water and wastewater, posing environmental and health concerns due to their durability and biological activity. In this study, dextrin/N-vinylpyrrolidone (Dex/NVP) biohydrogel was successfully synthesized by Co-60 gamma irradiation and evaluated as a green adsorbent for the removal of NF and MB from aqueous media. The optimized hydrogel, prepared with 5 wt% dextrin at an irradiation dose of 30 kGy, achieved a gel fraction of ≈ 90%. Structural (by FTIR and XRD), morphological(by SEM and AFM), and thermal (by TGA) characterization confirmed the successful formation of a porous, cross-linked hydrogel with a high swelling capacity (780–800%) and good thermal stability. Under the optimum adsorption conditions (pH 3.0, adsorbent dosage 0.05 g, and contact time 420 min), the hydrogel removed approximately 78% of NF and 98% of MB, with maximum Langmuir adsorption capacities of 40.93 and 42.51 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, while the Langmuir isotherm provided the best fit, indicating monolayer adsorption on homogeneous active sites. Frontier molecular orbital analysis further supported the contribution of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amide functional groups to the adsorption process. These findings demonstrate that the radiation-fabricated Dex/NVP biohydrogel is a sustainable and environmentally friendly adsorbent with promising potential for wastewater treatment applications.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-026-03967-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163139","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}
Gayathri Anoop, Seetha S. Babu, Anu Thomas, M. Kamaraj, T. G. Nithya, Raghu Babu Pothireddy
{"title":"In Silico and Experimental Investigation of κ-Carrageenan/Agarose Hydrogel Films: Insights into Composition-Dependent Behaviour, Predicted Protein Associations, and Model Protein Release","authors":"Gayathri Anoop, Seetha S. Babu, Anu Thomas, M. Kamaraj, T. G. Nithya, Raghu Babu Pothireddy","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03988-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03988-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Advanced wound dressings require biomaterials that sustain a hydrated microenvironment and support bioactive protein interactions. This study combined in silico and experimental approaches to evaluate κ-carrageenan (kCA)/agarose (AG) hydrogel films for wound healing. STRING, Gene Ontology, and KEGG analyses identified TGF-β1, FGF2, VEGFA, EGF, and PDGF-BB as key repair mediators. Molecular docking predicted associations of kCA with TGF-β1 (-5.547 kcal/mol), FGF2 (-6.109 kcal/mol), and VEGFA (-5.191 kcal/mol), while AG showed predicted affinity for TGF-β1 (-5.529 kcal/mol). MD simulations (100 ns) evaluated the stability and residue interactions of kCA/AG-TGF-β1 and kCA/AG-FGF2 complexes. kCA/AG films containing 0.5–1.5% kCA (F1-F3), 1% AG, and 0.3% glycerol were fabricated and characterized. F1 showed initial swelling of 508.08 ± 43.5% at 37 °C, and F3 reached 495.19 ± 0.20% equilibrium swelling at 37 °C. SEM revealed compact films with lamellar organization. FTIR confirmed sulfated polysaccharide integrity with peaks at 1234 cm⁻¹ (S = O), 1043 cm⁻¹ (glycosidic), and 918 cm⁻¹ (3,6-anhydrogalactose). TGA demonstrated thermal stability. BSA was used solely as a model protein for release evaluation, not as a surrogate for the investigated growth factors. BSA release kinetics over 0–4 h were fitted to Korsmeyer-Peppas (R² = 0.938–0.989, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and Higuchi models (R² = 0.954–0.991, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The kinetic profiles were consistent with a contribution from diffusion. Cytocompatibility was confirmed by MTT assay, where kCA maintained > 92% viability, and AG at 1% showed 93.22% viability. Collectively, this study provides a preliminary framework for polysaccharide-based hydrogel films and offers hypothesis-generating insights into protein-polysaccharide interactions relevant to wound healing.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shabnam Naderlou, Ali Mohammadi, Ali Heidarnejad Maleki, Amirmahdi Danafar, Hossein Danafar
{"title":"Biodegradable BSA-Stabilized CuFe₂O₄-Bi₂S₃ Nanocomposite for Methotrexate Delivery: Environmental Protein-Based Nanomedicine for Sustainable Cancer Therapy","authors":"Shabnam Naderlou, Ali Mohammadi, Ali Heidarnejad Maleki, Amirmahdi Danafar, Hossein Danafar","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03979-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03979-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The development of environmentally degradable nanomaterials for biomedical applications addresses the dual challenge of therapeutic efficacy and ecological sustainability. This study presents a bovine serum albumin (BSA)-stabilized CuFe₂O₄-Bi₂S₃ nanoplatform loaded with methotrexate (MTX) as a biodegradable, protein-based nanocomposite for breast cancer treatment. BSA, a naturally occurring biopolymer, serves as both a biocompatible stabilizer and an environmentally degradable matrix, facilitating enzymatic and hydrolytic degradation pathways under physiological conditions. The nanoplatform achieved an encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 87.3% and a drug loading (DL) capacity of 10.26% for MTX and demonstrated 3.2-fold enhanced hydroxyl radical (•OH) production and 81% glutathione (GSH) depletion, resulting in an IC₅₀ of 8.2 µg/mL in 4T1 breast cancer cells. Computational modeling validated stable integration: CuFe₂O₄-BSA binding energy of -10.74 kcal/mol, interfacial electronic coupling (band gap 1.87 eV), and molecular dynamics simulations confirming structural stability (RMSD ~0.3 nm, ΔG_bind = -196 kJ/mol).The protein-based design ensures biodegradability through proteolytic enzyme action, contrasting with persistent synthetic polymers. This work advances the field of environmentally responsible nanomedicine by integrating computational design with experimental validation, offering a sustainable alternative for cancer therapy that aligns with green chemistry principles and reduces environmental accumulation of non-degradable therapeutic materials.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jie Song, Chi Liu, Lijun Chen, Yingnan Zhou, Xi Li
{"title":"Fabrication of Functionalized Carboxymethyl Cellulose-Based Magnetic Hydrogels and Investigation on Their Sustained-Release Mechanism for Glyphosate","authors":"Jie Song, Chi Liu, Lijun Chen, Yingnan Zhou, Xi Li","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03984-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03984-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The excessive loss and inefficient utilization of chemical pesticides caused by rapid release and environmental migration remain significant challenges in sustainable agricultural production. Developing biodegradable polymer-based controlled-release systems represents an effective strategy for improving pesticide utilization efficiency while minimizing environmental risks. In this study, a multifunctional composite hydrogel (CMCAA-AC/KHA/AM/MAH/β-CD@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) was fabricated via free-radical polymerization, incorporating acetoacetylated carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCAA), potassium humate (KHA), and β-cyclodextrin-modified Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles (β-CD@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>) as functional components for glyphosate delivery. The resulting hydrogel exhibited magnetic responsiveness (saturation magnetization of 27.91 emu/g), enhanced mechanical strength (tensile strength of 0.1930 MPa), and tunable swelling behavior under different environmental conditions. Swelling kinetics analysis demonstrated that the swelling process was well described by the Schott’s second-order model. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the incorporation of KHA and β-CD@Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub> strengthened intermolecular interactions within the hydrogel network, thereby contributing to structural stability and regulated glyphosate diffusion. Furthermore, glyphosate release behavior was fitted well by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating a diffusion-controlled release mechanism. Pot experiments confirmed the effective growth inhibition of Ophiopogon japonicus, while degradation evaluation demonstrated the gradual degradation behavior of the hydrogel system. This study provides a multifunctional polymer-based hydrogel platform for regulating pesticide delivery and promoting sustainable agricultural applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Starch on the Shape-Memory Behavior and Hydrolytic Degradation of TPU-Based Ternary Polymer Composites","authors":"MD Ashikur Rahman, Cheera Prasad, V. Govinda, Hyeong Yeol Choi, Eun Joo Shin","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-04007-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-04007-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Integrating shape-memory functionality with partial hydrolytic degradation is essential for developing sustainable polymeric materials for biomedical and soft-actuation applications. This study investigated the effect of incorporating cellulose nanocrystals and starch in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU, 94% bio-based), synthesized via one-shot solvent-free polymerization using 71% bio-based 1,5-pentamethylene diisocyanate, 100% bio-based polytrimethylene ether glycol, and 1,3-propanediol. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were added to the combinations at 0.5, 1, and 2 wt% and starch at 1 wt%. As a result of the shape recovery test, TPU_CNC_2 achieved full recovery within 30 s at 90 °C, while TPU_Starch_1 exhibited a recovery ratio of 95 ± 2.2% within 30 s. TPU_CNC_2_Starch_1 also achieved full recovery at 90 °C within 30 s and exhibited a tensile strength of approximately 20 ± 1.2 MPa, an elongation at break of 2891 ± 20.9%, and a hardness of 67 ± 1.6 Shore A. Moreover, all developed samples showed approximately 90% cell viability on the sample surface, with TPU_CNC_2_Starch_1 achieving 99 ± 1% viability. Hydrolytic degradation was investigated in phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 7.4), where starch-containing samples, such as TPU_Starch_1 and TPU_CNC_2_Starch_1, lost 16 ± 1.3% of their weight over 8 weeks. These findings demonstrate a rapid recovery, cytocompatibility, and enhanced mechanical strength of a bio-based thermoplastic composite for limited biomedical devices, soft actuators, and environmentally responsible packaging.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Developing Network Materials by Covalent and Supramolecular Interactions for use in Wound Dressing: Evaluation of Antioxidant, Mucoadhesion and Permeability Properties","authors":"Ajay Kumar, Nistha Thakur, Vikrant Sharma, Baljit Singh","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03992-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03992-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Recent advancements in biomedical research have inspired the researchers to develop functional materials from bioactive polysaccharides. In this direction, extensive efforts have been made to design bio-sensing hydrogel (HGEL) wound dressings for efficient drug delivery to improve wound repair functions. Herein, bioactive sterculia gum (SG) and moringa gum (MOG) were explored for the synthesis of dressing materials with induce inherent therapeutic properties of polysaccharides. The HGEL films were made by crosslinking of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with MOG and SG and were characterized by AFM, FTIR and <sup>13</sup>C NMR. Simulated wound fluid (SWF) sorption, drug delivery, mucoadhesion, antioxidant, permeability, and mechanical properties of HGEL were also analyzed. AFM analysis revealed rough and coarse topological traits of the HGEL films. HGEL films exhibited hemolytic index of 1.75 ± 0.20% indicative negligible toxicity during interaction with biological system. DPPH assay revealed radical scavenging ability of HGEL and highlighted their potential effectiveness in attenuating oxidative stress mediated cellular damage and support tissue repair process. HGEL films were found to be impermeable to microbial penetration while simultaneously permitting diffusion of O<sub>2</sub> and H<sub>2</sub>O vapor. The cefuroxime release in SWF followed Fickian diffusion and release data was best described by Hixson-Crowell kinetic model. Collectively, physico-chemical and biological attributes substantiate their applicability and reinforce their suitability for promoting wound healing dynamics and enabling targeted therapeutic delivery.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 11","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149163044","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}