Polymer-Based Nanomaterials

A special issue of Macromol (ISSN 2673-6209).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 20444

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Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica, Universidad de Alcalá, Química Física e Ingeniería Química, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona Km. 33.6, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
Interests: nanomaterials; polymers; nanocomposites; inorganic nanoparticles; antibacterial agents; surfactants; interphases
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric nanomaterials is a common term used to designate all polymer-based nanomaterials made of natural, synthetic, or semisynthetic polymers in the nanoscale range. Depending on their behavior, they can be classified as biodegradable or non-biodegradable. They are used to encapsulate and deliver a broad variety of compounds, ranging from drugs, water-insoluble chemicals, metals, bioactive compounds, proteins, and nucleic acids to vaccine antigens to the desired site of action. Polymeric nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity can prevent the delivered antigens or drugs from degradation; further, nanomaterials can make the vaccine antigen long-acting.

This Special Issue, focused on polymer-based nanomaterials including natural polymeric nanomaterials, chemically synthesized polymer materials, and biosynthesized polymeric materials will report the latest progresses on the synthesis, properties, and applications of this type of materials. Polymer-based nanomaterials are a versatile class of nanocomposites with great potential in a large number of applications.

Prof. Dr. Ana María Díez-Pascual
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Polymer nanoparticles
  • Biopolymers
  • Drug delivery
  • Biodegradable nanocomposites
  • Polymer nanotechnology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Nanobiotechnology

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1288 KiB  
Article
Inter- and Intra-Hydrogen Bonding Strategy to Control the Fluorescence of Acylhydrazone-Based Conjugated Microporous Polymers and Their Application to Nitroaromatics Detection
by Inhwan Cha, Seohyun Baek, Sun Gu Song, Junggong Kim, Ho Keun Lee, Jongman Lee, Kyung-su Kim and Changsik Song
Macromol 2021, 1(3), 234-242; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol1030016 - 15 Sep 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3303
Abstract
Acylhydrazone-based fluorescent conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with inter-and intra-hydrogen bonding-controlled emissive properties were prepared. The synthesized CMPs (BH-CMP and ABH-CMP) were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, solid-state 13C cross polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence [...] Read more.
Acylhydrazone-based fluorescent conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with inter-and intra-hydrogen bonding-controlled emissive properties were prepared. The synthesized CMPs (BH-CMP and ABH-CMP) were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, solid-state 13C cross polarization/magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Interestingly, BH-CMP exhibited emission enhancement via adsorption of water molecules, whereas the emission of ABH-CMP, which possesses free amine groups, decreased upon the addition of water molecules. The differences in the emission trends of BH-CMP and ABH-CMP in the presence of water molecules originate from the formation of different hydrogen-bonding networks in each CMP. The acylhydrazone-based CMPs were applied to the detection of nitroaromatic compounds. As a result, ABH-CMP in DMF exhibited high selectivity for 1,3,5-trinitrotoluene (TNT) over other nitroaromatic compounds nitrobenzene, 1-chloro-4-nitrobenzene, 2,3-dichloronitrobenzene, and 2,4-dinitrotoluene. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials)
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10 pages, 3600 KiB  
Article
Polymer-Derived Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanosheet Cluster and Its Application for Water Purification
by Xiaoyan Yu, Ting Zheng and Srikanth Pilla
Macromol 2021, 1(2), 84-93; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol1020007 - 2 Apr 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2762
Abstract
A series of nitrogen-doped carbons (NCs) were prepared by the pyrolysis (300–900 °C) of crystalline polyazomethine (PAM) synthesized via a facile condensation reaction in methanol solvent. The controlled solvent evaporation resulted in PAM crystals in the form of nanosheet clusters with a sheet [...] Read more.
A series of nitrogen-doped carbons (NCs) were prepared by the pyrolysis (300–900 °C) of crystalline polyazomethine (PAM) synthesized via a facile condensation reaction in methanol solvent. The controlled solvent evaporation resulted in PAM crystals in the form of nanosheet clusters with a sheet thickness of ~50 nm. Such architecture was maintained after pyrolysis, obtaining porous CNs of high specific surface areas of up to 700 m2/g. The resulting NCs were used as absorbents to remove aromatic Rhodamine B from water. The NC that pyrolyzed at 750 °C exhibited the highest adsorption capacity (0.025 mg/mg), which is attributed to its high surface area and surface condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials)
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15 pages, 3304 KiB  
Article
Bottom-Up Development of Nanoimprinted PLLA Composite Films with Enhanced Antibacterial Properties for Smart Packaging Applications
by Eleni Psochia, Lazaros Papadopoulos, Dimitrios J. Gkiliopoulos, Achille Francone, Maria-Eirini Grigora, Dimitrios Tzetzis, Joana Vieira de Castro, Nuno M. Neves, Konstantinos S. Triantafyllidis, Clivia M. Sotomayor Torres, Nikolaos Kehagias and Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Macromol 2021, 1(1), 49-63; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol1010005 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 5005
Abstract
In this work, polymer nanocomposite films based on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) were reinforced with mesoporous silica nanoparticles, mesoporous cellular foam (MCF) and Santa Barbara amorphous-15 (SBA). PLLA is a biobased aliphatic polyester, that possesses excellent thermomechanical properties, and has already been commercialized for [...] Read more.
In this work, polymer nanocomposite films based on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) were reinforced with mesoporous silica nanoparticles, mesoporous cellular foam (MCF) and Santa Barbara amorphous-15 (SBA). PLLA is a biobased aliphatic polyester, that possesses excellent thermomechanical properties, and has already been commercialized for packaging applications. The aim was to utilize nanoparticles that have already been established as nanocarriers to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of PLLA. Since the introduction of antibacterial properties has become an emerging trend in packaging applications, to achieve an effective antimicrobial activity, micro/nano 3D micropillars decorated with cone- and needle-shaped nanostructures were implemented on the surface of the films by means of thermal nanoimprint lithography (t-NIL), a novel and feasible fabrication technique with multiple industrial applications. The materials were characterized regarding their composition and crystallinity using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), respectively, and their thermal properties using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their mechanical properties were examined by the nanoindentation technique, while the films’ antimicrobial activity against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains was tested in vitro. The results demonstrated the successful production of nanocomposite PLLA films, which exhibited improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to the pristine material, as well as notable antibacterial activity, setting new groundwork for the potential development of biobased smart packaging materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials)
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Review

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20 pages, 5281 KiB  
Review
Chemical Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes with Polymers: A Brief Overview
by Ana Maria Díez-Pascual
Macromol 2021, 1(2), 64-83; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol1020006 - 30 Mar 2021
Cited by 101 | Viewed by 8148
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the one-dimensional allotropes of carbon, have attracted noteworthy research interest since their discovery in 1991 owing to their large aspect ratio, low mass density, and unique chemical, physical, and electronic properties that provide exciting possibilities for nanoscale applications. Nonetheless, two [...] Read more.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the one-dimensional allotropes of carbon, have attracted noteworthy research interest since their discovery in 1991 owing to their large aspect ratio, low mass density, and unique chemical, physical, and electronic properties that provide exciting possibilities for nanoscale applications. Nonetheless, two major issues should be considered when working with this sort of nanomaterial: their strong agglomerating tendency, since they are typically present as bundles or ropes of nanotubes, and the metallic impurities and carbonaceous fragments that go along with the CNTs. The successful utilization of CNTs in a wide variety of applications—in particular, in the field of polymer composites—depends on their uniform dispersion and the development of a strong chemical interaction with the polymeric matrix. To achieve these aims, chemical functionalization of their sidewalls and tips is required. In this article, a brief overview of the different approaches for CNT modification using polymers is provided, focusing on the covalent functionalization via “grafting to” or “grafting from” strategies. The characteristics and advantages of each approach are thoroughly discussed, including a few typical and recent examples. Moreover, applications of polymer-grafted CNTs as biosensors, membranes, energy storage substances, and EMI shielding are briefly described. Finally, future viewpoints in this vibrant research area are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer-Based Nanomaterials)
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