Journal of Polymers and the Environment最新文献

{"title":"Using Fungal Biomass to Enhance Biodegradability and Flexibility of Plasticized Poly(lactic acid) Matrix Composites","authors":"Mohsen Asadollahzadeh,&nbsp;Ivo Heinmaa,&nbsp;Dan Åkesson,&nbsp;Patrik R. Lennartsson","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03779-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03779-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has great potential in the plastic packaging industry due to its biodegradability, versatility, and good performance. PLA compounding with different biobased materials to enhance the flexibility and biodegradability of PLA-based packaging materials has attracted growing attention. Fungal biomass (FB), as a biological and eco-friendly by-product stream from fermentation processes, can be a valuable blending component in PLA-based biocomposites. Therefore, in this study, 10 and 20 wt% of fungal biomass (FB), defatted fungal biomass (DFB), and fungal cell wall (FCW), as promising biobased materials, were added to PLA plasticised with 10 wt% triethyl citrate (TEC) to fabricate biocomposites using the melt compounding technique. Our research focused on how the addition of fungal biomass and its fractions affected the mechanical and thermal properties, as well as the structure of PLA-based blends. These additions did not increase the strength of the biocomposites, but they did improve flexibility compared to regular plasticised PLA. The crystallisation of plasticised PLA samples blended with FB and DFB began at lower temperatures than neat PLA, plasticised PLA, and plasticised PLA blended with FCW. The addition of fungal biomass and its fractions, particularly at 20 wt%, accelerated the biodegradation of PLA-based composites. Neat PLA and plasticised PLA degraded slowly in soil and retained most of their mass, whereas PLA-based blends containing FB and its fractions degraded significantly faster. It can be concluded that fungal biomass is a promising candidate for improving the flexibility of PLA blends and facilitating their biodegradation in a natural soil environment.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-026-03779-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147340433","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":"Enhanced Removal of Toxic Bromate from Water Using a Novel 4-Vinylpyridine-Grafted Methacrylate-Modified HEMA Polymer","authors":"Abdullah M. Aldawsari,&nbsp;Ibrahim Hotan Alsohaimi,&nbsp;Mosaed S. Alhumaimess,&nbsp;Mohammad S. Algamdi,&nbsp;Ayoub Abdullah Alqadami,&nbsp;Yasser A. El-Ossaily,&nbsp;Mohamed Y. El-Sayed,&nbsp;Fan Zhang,&nbsp;Hassan M. A. Hassan","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03784-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03784-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In response to the critical need for selective and efficient bromate (BrO₃⁻) remediation, this study reports the design and synthesis of a novel hybrid polymer adsorbent, PVP-g-MPS@HEMA, fabricated by grafting 4-vinylpyridine (4-VP) onto methacrylate propyltrimethoxysilane (MPS)-modified hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The innovation lies in the integration of nitrogen-rich pyridine moieties and silane-modified backbones, offering enhanced affinity, stability, and reusability. Structural and compositional features were verified via FTIR, XRD, TGA, and XPS, confirming successful grafting and functionalization. Under optimized conditions (C₀ = 0.05 mg/L, adsorbent dose = 0.01 g, pH = 3, T = 318 K, contact time = 10 min), the polymer achieved a maximum BrO₃⁻ removal efficiency of 98.75%. The kinetic data best fit a pseudo-second-order model (R² = 0.9807), indicating that chemisorption is the rate-limiting step. Isotherm studies showed superior fit with the Freundlich (R² = 0.9948) and Redlich–Peterson (R² = 0.9931) models, indicating multilayer adsorption on a heterogeneous surface, with an estimated qₘ = 0.593 mg/g from a Langmuir fit. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG° &lt; 0, ΔH° = +47.61 kJ/mol, ΔS° &gt; 0) indicate a spontaneous, endothermic adsorption process that is enhanced at higher temperatures. Furthermore, the adsorbent exhibited strong reusability, maintaining 94.4% efficiency after five adsorption–desorption cycles using 1 M NaOH as eluent. The polymer’s BET surface area (45.6 m²/g) and pore volume (0.1341 cc/g) further support its high adsorption capacity. This work introduces PVP-g-MPS@HEMA as a scientifically innovative and practically viable material for rapid, selective, and regenerable bromate removal, contributing to the development of advanced functional materials for next-generation water purification systems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147340441","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":"Formulation and Evaluation of Kamarkas (Butea monosperma) Gum-Stabilized Emu Oil-Based Pickering Nanoemulsion for Capsaicin Delivery: In Vitro and Ex Vivo Studies","authors":"Sopan N. Nangare,&nbsp;Manasi V. Chaudhari,&nbsp;Sanjaykumar B. Bari","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03758-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03758-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Kamarkas gum (K-gum), also known as <i>Butea gum</i> or <i>Bengal kino</i>, is a natural exudate obtained from <i>Butea monosperma</i> (palash), traditionally valued for its medicinal and nutritional properties in India and other regions. Pickering nanoemulsions (Pic-Nemul), stabilized by natural phytomaterials, are emerging as safer alternatives to conventional emulsions by minimizing surfactant use. Capsaicin (CAP) possesses various pharmacological activities but suffers from poor solubility, limiting its therapeutic potential. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel K-gum-stabilized, emu oil-based Pic-Nemul loaded with capsaicin (K-gum-CAP-Pic-Nemul) to enhance its solubility, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. Here, K-gum was employed to stabilize CAP-loaded Pic-Nemul using emu oil as the lipid phase. The formulations were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, cytocompatibility, stability, etc. Additionally, release kinetics were analyzed using models such as Korsmeyer–Peppas, zero-order, Higuchi matrix, and Hixson-Crowell. The developed K-gum-CAP-Pic-Nemul showed spherical droplets with rough surfaces and a mean particle size of 13.85 ± 3.49 nm. The formulation exhibited good stability with a zeta potential of -25.14 mV and high entrapment efficiency (73.15 ± 1.18%). As well, sustained drug release was observed (97.14 ± 0.87% over 24 h), fitting the Korsmeyer–Peppas model (R² = 0.998), indicating super case-II transport (<i>n</i> = 1.18). Spectral and thermal analyses confirmed the amorphous transformation of CAP, and cytocompatibility studies revealed its non-toxic nature toward macrophages. In conclusion, the K-gum-stabilized Pic-Nemul demonstrated excellent stability, sustained release, and cytocompatibility, positioning it as a promising nanocarrier for the delivery of CAP.</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 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147338047","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":"Removal of Reactive Blue 4 Dye from Aqueous Solution with Magnetic Fe3O4@Nd/Alg Beads","authors":"Nagihan Karaaslan Ayhan,&nbsp;Seda Seker","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03767-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03767-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, magnetic iron oxide@neodymium/alginate (Fe₃O₄@Nd/Alg) beads were prepared by ionic crosslinking with neodymium (Nd) ions, then subjected to heat treatment, and for the first time, effective removal of Reactive Blue 4 (RB 4) dye from aqueous solution was achieved with these beads. For this purpose, ideal adsorption conditions that significantly affect the removal of this dye were determined. The ideal adsorption conditions were determined as pH:5, contact time (t):60 min, amount of magnetic Fe₃O₄@Nd/Alg bead (m):10 mg, initial RB 4 dye concentration (C₀):25 mg/L, temperature (T): 25 °C. Adsorption isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic studies were carried out under the ideal adsorption conditions. The adsorption data was found to completely follow Langmuir model for RB 4 dye and the maximum adsorption capacity of RB 4 was found to be 263.16 mg/g. The adsorption kinetic data was found to be compatible with pseudo-second order and adsorption processes were explained by intraparticle diffusion. In adsorption thermodynamics studies, it has been determined that the nature of the adsorption reaction is spontaneous, endothermic and with increasing randomness. Furthermore, reuse studies of magnetic Fe₃O₄@Nd/Alg beads were carried out and it was determined that these beads could be used successfully up to 10 adsorption/desorption cycles.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-026-03767-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147337625","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":"Polyol Through Synergistic Hydrolysis and Alcoholysis in the In Situ Peracid Epoxidation of Palm Stearin","authors":"Norin Hafizah Rahim,&nbsp;Intan Suhada Azmi,&nbsp;Mohammad Aathif Addli,&nbsp;Norhusna Mohamad Nor,&nbsp;Mohd Jumain Jalil","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03725-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03725-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study explores the use of palm stearin as a natural, renewable substances as alternatives to petroleum-based raw materials for synthesizing polyols. Palm oil-based polyols enhance polyurethane properties and reduce environmental impact, making them suitable for sustainable applications in automotive interiors, furniture, and insulation materials. During polyol synthesis, water and alcohol act as nucleophilic reagents that are typically used individually. Conversely, this study employs a novel approach to enhance the polyol yield through synergistic hydrolysis and alcoholysis via in situ peracid epoxidation of palm stearin. The epoxidation of palm stearin reaction involves introducing an oxygen atom to form an epoxide, followed by ring opening with nucleophiles which lead to the formation of polyol palm stearin. The optimal conditions for synthesis polyol with a maximum hydroxyl value of 189 mg KOH/g: (1) an alcohol to palm stearin molar ratio of 2:1, (2) a water to palm stearin molar ratio of 1.5:1, and (3) a mixing time of 1 h. In the FTIR analysis, the polyol shows a broad OH stretching band around 3450 cm⁻¹, indicating the presence of hydroxyl groups. In kinetic modelling, there was a significant alignment between the simulation and experimental results, confirming the model’s reliability. The model’s predictive accuracy, with an R² value of 0.952, indicates a strong correlation between experimental and simulated data.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-025-03725-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147337671","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":"Epoxy CFRP Composites and Structural Adhesives from a Bio-Derived Dynamic Hardener: Preparation, Recyclability, Reprocessability, Healability, Weldability, Greenness and DFT Evaluation","authors":"Mohammad Reza Zamani,&nbsp;Mohammad Jalal Zohuriaan-Mehr,&nbsp;Mehdi Ghambarian,&nbsp;Kourosh Kabiri,&nbsp;Omid Zabihi","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03736-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03736-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Epoxy networks, despite outstanding properties, cannot be reprocessed and reused; thus, disposing of them usually involves landfilling or incineration, causing adverse environmental consequences. This study introduces a bio-based vanillin-derived hardener containing thermally reversible imine bond for epoxy resin curing in the presence or absence of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a modifying agent to create vitrimers that support environmental sustainability and circular economy. This research deals with investigation of the curing process, examination of the physical-chemical, mechanical, and thermal properties of cured matrix and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite, assessment of their self-healability, recyclability, weldability, and reprocessability, besides performance experiments as reversible structural adhesives. The vitrimer matrix retained over 86.0% of lap shear strength after multiple rebonding cycles, while recycled carbon fibers maintained 92.0% of tensile strength, and microwave-assisted welding restored 94.5% of tensile strength within 4 min. PEG enhanced thermostability as high as 45 °C (TGA, T_d1%), and the onset curing temperature occurred earlier between 3 and 10 °C. Stress relaxation analysis indicated lower activation energy for bond exchange in PEG-modified vitrimers (40.4 vs. 46.5 kJ/mol). Additionally, DFT verified the coexistence of dual dynamic mechanisms, i.e., covalent imine bond and supramolecular H-bonding, and it correlated PEG-induced H-bonding (average 42.1 kJ/mol) with mechanical and thermal properties. A simplified life-cycle assessment (GREEN-MOTION™ analysis) further confirmed a favorable balance between material performance and environmental impact. These combined results highlight a distinctive molecular design strategy offering high-performance, recyclable, and eco-efficient epoxy networks.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147337626","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":"Synthesis and Characterization of Azide-Functionalized Soy-Based Polyols by Using Solid Supports","authors":"Ghazale Seifi,&nbsp;Mir Mohammad Alavi Nikje","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03776-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03776-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The synthesis and characterization of azide-functionalized soy-based polyols (Az-ESBO) using Amberlyst-15 and Cloisite-20 A as solid supports were reported for the first time. The data showed the efficiency of the azide ion as the nucleophile toward both epoxy and ester groups in epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) under uncontrolled reaction conditions. The research focused on the new optimization of the selective reaction of azide ion with epoxy vs. ester functional groups. The reaction of the azide ion with the ester group causes the loss of the acylglycerol backbone, forming by-products and increasing polydispersity. To enhance the selectivity toward epoxy and/or ester functional groups, the reaction temperature and the amount of NaN₃ (sodium azide) reagent were carefully adjusted (NaN₃: epoxy group = 1:1, 60 °C). Moreover, the chemoselectivity of the utilized solid supports was compared. The synthesized Az-ESBO structures were characterized using FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared), ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR (Proton and Carbon Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), and GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography) techniques. The collected data showed a chemoselective synthesis of the ring-opened product in 83% yield when Amberlyst was used as the solid support. The dispersity in molar mass (Đ), M_w, and M_n of the product were calculated as 1.89, 2404, and 1271 g·mol⁻¹, respectively. In contrast, Cloisite-20 A had a conversion yield of 62% and a dispersity of about three. The ¹H-NMR integral ratio of Az-ESBO was compared to that of ESBO to evaluate the relative selectivity of Amberlyst and Cloisite in preserving the acylglycerol backbone; the corresponding ratio equivalents were 1 and 0.4.</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 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147337303","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":"Green Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-Organoclay Biocomposite Functionalized with Antioxidant Extracts: Enhancing Bioactivity and Controlled Release","authors":"Niloufar Haghighatjou,&nbsp;Alireza Mahjoub,&nbsp;Saman Hosseinkhani,&nbsp;Elham Karimi","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03775-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03775-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Contaminants can penetrate the skin and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), including free radicals which induce oxidative stress. Incorporating antioxidants into skincare formulations is an effective strategy to reduce free radicals, but conventional antioxidants often suffer from uncontrolled release. Here, for the first time, an eco-friendly chitosan/pomegranate peel extract (Ch–PPE) biocomposites intercalated into Gemini-modified montmorillonite (OMMT) were synthesized to develop a multifunctional and biodegradable skincare formulation (CPOM). Structural and physicochemical analyses (XRD, FTIR, FE-SEM, TGA/DTG, DSC) confirmed successful intercalation and stable surface characteristics, indicating effective hybridization. Increasing PPE content enhanced bioactivity, with Ch–PPE 15% exhibiting the highest total phenolic content (298 mg GAE/g), total flavonoid content (100.26 mg QE/g), and radical scavenging activity (83.21%), accompanied by reduced moisture content, reflecting improved structural stability. The CPOM formulation blocked over 90% of UV-B radiation and showed sustained release, with the release kinetics best described by the Korsmeyer–Peppas model at both pH values. Antibacterial testing against <i>E. coli</i> demonstrated 54.30% ± 0.32 colony reduction, while cytotoxicity assays confirmed dose-dependent safety, maintaining &gt; 80% cell viability below 0.12 mg/mL. IC₅₀ values highlighted higher bioactivity of CPOM (0.17 mg/mL for HaCaT; 0.19 mg/mL for HFF) compared to PPE alone. These findings demonstrate that CPOM biocomposites act as stable, multifunctional carriers combining antioxidant, UV-protective, antibacterial, and controlled-release properties, representing a promising strategy for advanced multifunctional skincare formulations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147337302","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":"Nucleophilic Molar Ratio-Driven Kinetic Behavior in the Ring-Opening of Epoxidized Castor Oil Using Methanol and Hydrogen Peroxide","authors":"Mohammad Aathif Addli,&nbsp;Mohd Jumain Jalil,&nbsp;Intan Suhada Azmi","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03733-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03733-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Epoxidized castor oil (ECO) is a renewable platform chemical that can be converted into polyols through nucleophilic ring-opening, providing a sustainable route to bio-based polymers. To date, limited studies have explored concentration-dependent reaction rate coefficient behavior and numerical modeling in nucleophilic systems, especially concerning the ring-opening of epoxidized castor oil, underscoring the novelty and contribution of this work. This study examined the kinetics of ECO ring-opening with nucleophile (methanol and hydrogen peroxide) under varying molar ratios, with emphasis on the highest ratio (ECO: nucleophile = 1:1.5). For methanol-mediated ring-opening reactions, the ring-opening achieved a reaction rate coefficientof 0.0274 min⁻¹ (R² = 0.9214), indicating efficient conversion at elevated methanol loadings. Hydrogen peroxide-assisted reactions recorded a slightly lower rate constant of 0.0202 min⁻¹ (R² = 0.8596), reflecting its dual role as nucleophile and oxidant, which can introduce side pathways at higher concentrations. As there are no previous studies using consecutive first oder mechanism, this study have demonstrated that the numerical modeling yielded excellent agreement with experimental data, with R² = 0.998 for hydrogen peroxide and R² = 0.991 for methanol, supported by residuals tightly distributed within ± 0.03 without systematic deviation. These results confirm that the nucleophilic attack (<span>(:{k}_{1})</span>)is the rate-limiting step, while the subsequent propagation to polyols (<span>(:{k}_{4})</span>) occurs rapidly once initiated is known as the rate-determining step. By combining reaction rate analysis with validated modeling, this work provides quantitative insight for optimizing green polyol synthesis and contributes to advancing sustainable polymer technologies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147337032","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":"In Vitro Characterization of Alginate/Silk Fibroin/Alendronate Hydrogels with Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Sustained Drug Release","authors":"Mahya Baradaran,&nbsp;Fariba Ganji,&nbsp;Hossein Shaki,&nbsp;Habib Nikookar","doi":"10.1007/s10924-025-03743-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-025-03743-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In situ forming hydrogel scaffolds are essential in bone tissue engineering due to their ability to influence the behavior of seeded cells through their composition and physicochemical properties. However, many existing in situ forming hydrogels that rely solely on physical cross-linkers suffer from poor mechanical strength and inadequate gelation times. In this study, an interpenetrating network (IPN) hydrogel composed of silk fibroin (FIB), sodium alginate (ALG), and sodium alendronate (ALN) was developed, using Ca²⁺ ions as the physical cross-linking agent. ALN was incorporated into the FIB/ALG hydrogel matrix to enhance mechanical performance and regulate gelation kinetics. Increasing ALN content significantly improved the compressive modulus of the hydrogels from 28 kPa to 67 kPa. Additionally, the FIB/ALG/ALN hydrogels exhibited prolonged gelation times (25–72 s), in contrast to the nearly instantaneous gelation observed in FIB/ALG hydrogels. In vitro release studies revealed a sustained release of ALN over 20 days, attributed to ionic interactions between the phosphate groups of ALN and the hydrogel network. Cell viability assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and confirmed the hydrogel’s ability to support stem cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation. These findings highlight the potential of FIB/ALG/ALN hydrogels as promising in situ forming scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration.</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 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146082871","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}