Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (163)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = biodegradable polyurethanes

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
22 pages, 5403 KiB  
Article
Degradation of Synthetic and Natural Textile Materials Using Streptomyces Strains: Model Compost and Genome Exploration for Potential Plastic-Degrading Enzymes
by Vukašin Janković, Brana Pantelic, Marijana Ponjavic, Darka Marković, Maja Radetić, Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic and Tatjana Ilic-Tomic
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1800; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081800 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 196
Abstract
Given the environmental significance of the textile industry, especially the accumulation of nondegradable materials, there is extensive development of greener approaches to fabric waste management. Here, we investigated the biodegradation potential of three Streptomyces strains in model compost on polyamide (PA) and polyamide-elastane [...] Read more.
Given the environmental significance of the textile industry, especially the accumulation of nondegradable materials, there is extensive development of greener approaches to fabric waste management. Here, we investigated the biodegradation potential of three Streptomyces strains in model compost on polyamide (PA) and polyamide-elastane (PA-EA) as synthetic, and on cotton (CO) as natural textile materials. Weight change of the materials was followed, while Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to analyze surface changes of the materials upon biodegradation. The bioluminescence-based toxicity test employing Aliivibrio fischeri confirmed the ecological safety of the tested textiles. After 12 months, the increase of 10 and 16% weight loss, of PA-EA and PA, respectively, was observed in compost augmented with Streptomyces sp. BPS43. Additionally, a 14% increase in cotton degradation was recorded after 2 months in compost augmented with Streptomyces sp. NP10. Genome exploration of the strains was carried out for potential plastic-degrading enzymes. It highlighted BPS43 as the most versatile strain with specific amidases that show sequence identity to UMG-SP-1, UMG-SP-2, and UMG-SP-3 (polyurethane degrading enzymes identified from compost metagenome). Our results showcase the behavior of Streptomyces sp. BPS43 in the degradation of PA and PA-EA textiles in composting conditions, with enzymatic potential that could be further characterized and optimized for increased synthetic textile degradation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Microbiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5151 KiB  
Article
Design and Characterization of Curcumin-Modified Polyurethane Material with Good Mechanical, Shape-Memory, pH-Responsive, and Biocompatible Properties
by Man Wang, Hongying Liu, Wei Zhao, Huafen Wang, Yuwei Zhuang, Jie Yang, Zhaohui Liu, Jing Zhu, Sichong Chen and Jinghui Cheng
Biomolecules 2025, 15(8), 1070; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15081070 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 247
Abstract
In the context of critical challenges in curcumin-modified polyurethane synthesis—including limited curcumin bioavailability and suboptimal biodegradability/biocompatibility—a novel polyurethane material (Cur-PU) with good mechanical, shape memory, pH-responsive, and biocompatibility was synthesized via a one-pot, two-step synthetic protocol in which HO-PCL-OH served as the soft [...] Read more.
In the context of critical challenges in curcumin-modified polyurethane synthesis—including limited curcumin bioavailability and suboptimal biodegradability/biocompatibility—a novel polyurethane material (Cur-PU) with good mechanical, shape memory, pH-responsive, and biocompatibility was synthesized via a one-pot, two-step synthetic protocol in which HO-PCL-OH served as the soft segment and curcumin was employed as the chain extender. The experimental results demonstrate that with the increase in Cur units, the crystallinity of the Cur-PU material decreases from 32.6% to 5.3% and that the intensities of the diffraction peaks at 2θ = 21.36°, 21.97°, and 23.72° in the XRD pattern gradually diminish. Concomitantly, tensile strength decreased from 35.5 MPa to 19.3 MPa, and Shore A hardness declined from 88 HA to 65 HA. These observations indicate that the sterically hindered benzene ring structure of Cur imposes restrictions on HO-PCL-OH crystallization, leading to lower crystallinity and retarded crystallization kinetics in Cur-PU. As a consequence, the material’s tensile strength and hardness are diminished. Except for the Cur-PU-3 sample, all other variants exhibited exceptional shape-memory functionality, with Rf and Rr exceeding 95%, as determined by three-point bending method. Analogous to pure curcumin solutions, Cur-PU solutions demonstrated pH-responsive chromatic transitions: upon addition of hydroxide ion (OH) solutions at increasing concentrations, the solutions shifted from yellow-green to dark green and finally to orange-yellow, enabling sensitive pH detection across alkaline gradients. Hydrolytic degradation studies conducted over 15 weeks in air, UPW, and pH 6.0/8.0 phosphate buffer solutions revealed mass loss <2% for Cur-PU films. Surface morphological analysis showed progressive etching with the formation of micro-to-nano-scale pores, indicative of a surface-erosion degradation mechanism consistent with pure PCL. Biocompatibility assessments via L929 mouse fibroblast co-culture experiments demonstrated ≥90% cell viability after 72 h, while relative red blood cell hemolysis rates remained below 5%. Collectively, these findings establish Cur-PU as a biocompatible material with tunable mechanical properties, and pH responsiveness, underscoring its translational potential for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

8 pages, 2222 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Advanced 3D Polymeric Sponges Offer Promising Solutions for Addressing Environmental Challenges in Qatar’s Marine Ecosystems
by Mohamed Helally, Mostafa H. Sliem and Noora Al-Qahtani
Mater. Proc. 2025, 22(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/materproc2025022004 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 209
Abstract
The increasing incidence of oil contamination in many aquatic ecosystems, particularly in oil-rich regions such as Qatar, poses significant threats to marine life and human activities. Our study addresses the critical need for effective and eco-friendly oil-water separation techniques, focusing on developing graphene [...] Read more.
The increasing incidence of oil contamination in many aquatic ecosystems, particularly in oil-rich regions such as Qatar, poses significant threats to marine life and human activities. Our study addresses the critical need for effective and eco-friendly oil-water separation techniques, focusing on developing graphene and chitosan-based three-dimensional (3D) polymeric sponges. These materials have demonstrated potential due to their high porosity and surface area, which can be enhanced through surface treatment to improve hydrophobicity and oleophilicity. This study introduces a new technique dependent on the optimization of the graphene oxide (GO) concentration within the composite sponge to achieve a superior oil uptake capacity (51.4 g oil/g sponge at 3% GO), and the detailed characterization of the material’s performance in separating heavy oil-water emulsions. Our study seeks to answer key questions regarding the performance of these modified sponges and their scalability for industrial applications. This research directly aligns with Qatar’s environmental goals and develops sustainable oil-water separation technologies. It addresses the pressing challenges of oil spills, ultimately contributing to improved marine ecosystem protection and efficient resource recovery. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

58 pages, 9226 KiB  
Review
Biocompatible Glues: Recent Progress and Emerging Frontiers in Surgical Adhesion
by Marine Boursier, Yves Bayon, Claire Negrell, Julien Pinaud and Sylvain Caillol
Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1749; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131749 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 820
Abstract
Surgical adhesives and glues have gained significant attention in the medical field due to their potential to replace traditional sutures and staples in various surgical applications. This review explores the evolution of biocompatible adhesives, focusing on their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. [...] Read more.
Surgical adhesives and glues have gained significant attention in the medical field due to their potential to replace traditional sutures and staples in various surgical applications. This review explores the evolution of biocompatible adhesives, focusing on their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. We discuss the key challenges in developing these materials, including their adhesive strength, degradation rate, and tissue compatibility. The article also delves into regulatory frameworks governing their use in clinical settings and highlights the ongoing innovations aimed at enhancing their performance and safety. Finally, the review examines the current trends in the development of next-generation surgical adhesives, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and bioresorbable options. The importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in advancing these materials for clinical use is also underscored. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Selected Papers from "CNRS")
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 3581 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Bio-Polyurethane Foam Synthesized from Liquefied Waste Wood Polyol
by Go Masuda, Christian Ebere Enyoh, Keiju Ishidoya, Weiqian Wang and Qingyue Wang
Recycling 2025, 10(4), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/recycling10040126 - 22 Jun 2025
Viewed by 422
Abstract
Bio-polyurethane foam was synthesized in this study using bio-polyol derived from liquefied waste wood as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyols. It has been widely reported that polyurethane foams incorporating liquefied wood exhibit biodegradability when buried in soil, with assessments typically relying on [...] Read more.
Bio-polyurethane foam was synthesized in this study using bio-polyol derived from liquefied waste wood as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyols. It has been widely reported that polyurethane foams incorporating liquefied wood exhibit biodegradability when buried in soil, with assessments typically relying on CO2 emission measurements in a close system. However, this method cannot obtain any chemical bonding breakage information of the bio-polyurethane foam. On the other hand, our study investigated the biodegradation process by employing an elemental composition analysis using a CHN coder and functional group analysis through Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to capture chemical structure changing. The results demonstrated that biodegradation occurs in three different stages over time, even in the absence of significant early-stage weight loss. The gradual breakdown of urethane bonds was confirmed through changes in the elemental composition and functional group ratios, providing a more detailed understanding of the degradation mechanism. These findings suggest highlighting the importance of complementary chemical analytical techniques for a more accurate evaluation. On the other hand, TG data showed that bio-polyurethane foams remained thermally stable even after biodegradation occurred. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 4674 KiB  
Article
Segmented Polyurethanes Based on Adipate and Sebacate Biodegradable Polyesters for Use as Nerve Guide Conduits in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration
by Alexis B. Sabido-Barahona, Rossana F. Vargas-Coronado, Fernando Hernández-Sánchez, Antonio Martínez-Richa, José L. Gómez Ribelles, Juan V. Cauich-Rodríguez and Angel Marcos-Fernández
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1692; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121692 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 467
Abstract
This study investigated the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) synthesized using less common biodegradable polyester polyols, specifically poly(adipate) (PAD) and poly(sebacate) (PSC), to evaluate their potential as nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) in peripheral nerve regeneration. The synthesis of novel [...] Read more.
This study investigated the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) synthesized using less common biodegradable polyester polyols, specifically poly(adipate) (PAD) and poly(sebacate) (PSC), to evaluate their potential as nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) in peripheral nerve regeneration. The synthesis of novel 4,4′ methylene-bis-cyclohexyl diisocyanate (HMDI) SPUs was conducted in a two-step process: prepolymer formation and chain extension with 1,4-butanediol (BO) or 1,4-butanediamine (BA). SPUs were synthesized with two molar ratios—polyol:HMDI:BA/BO at 1:2:1 and 1:3:2 for the PAD:HMDI:BA system—to optimize mechanical properties. 1HRMN analysis verified the expected chemical structure of SPUs, whereas Raman and IR spectroscopy confirmed successful polyurethane synthesis. X-ray diffractograms showed that PAD-based SPUs (SPUPAD) were amorphous while PSC-based SPUs (SPUPSC) exhibited semi-crystalline behavior. SPUPAD showed only one degradation stage by TGA, while DSC showed one thermal event. In contrast, SPUPSC exhibited two degradation stages and three thermal events that confirmed phase separation. The longitudinal tensile properties of an NGC fabricated from SPUA-PAD-2 (PAD:HMDI:BA (1:3:2)) after 30 days of immersion in water (25 °C) showed a lower modulus (4.46 ± 0.5 MPa) than native intact nerves (15.87 ± 2.21 MPa) but a similar modulus to extracted nerves (8.19 ± 7.27 MPa). This system exhibited a longitudinal tensile force of 11.1 ± 1.6 N, which is lower than that of peripheral nerves (19.85 ± 7.21 N) but higher than that of commercial collagen-based nerve guide conduits (6.89 ± 2.6 N). The observed properties suggest that PUA-PAD-2 has potential as a biomaterial for nerve regeneration applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Scaffold for Tissue Engineering Applications, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 2648 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable Polyurethanes for Tissue Engineering: Influence of L-Lactide Content on Degradation and Mechanical Properties
by Alejandra Rubio Hernández-Sampelayo, Laura Diñeiro, Dulce María González-García, Enrique Martínez Campos, Rodrigo Navarro and Ángel Marcos-Fernández
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1685; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121685 - 17 Jun 2025
Viewed by 400
Abstract
The influence of L-lactide content (between 15% and 43%) on the degradation of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) for tissue engineering was systematically addressed in this study. An ideal tissue scaffold should exhibit a mechanical response and degradability appropriate for the host tissue. To achieve [...] Read more.
The influence of L-lactide content (between 15% and 43%) on the degradation of biodegradable polyurethanes (PUs) for tissue engineering was systematically addressed in this study. An ideal tissue scaffold should exhibit a mechanical response and degradability appropriate for the host tissue. To achieve it, polyols containing ε-caprolactone and L-lactide moieties were used, with the random distribution of lactide units disrupting the regularity, and hence the crystallinity, of poly(caprolactone) segments, facilitating their degradation. The biodegradable PUs were synthesised using these copolymers as soft segments and were characterised through various physicochemical techniques, including bioassays and water absorption measurements. It was determined that mechanical behaviour and water absorption depended significantly on molecular weight, L-lactide content in the soft segment, and the crystallinity of the hard segment. Additionally, two types of chain extenders were also evaluated: hydrolysable and non-hydrolysable. PUs based on hydrolysable chain extenders achieved higher molecular weights and exhibited better mechanical performance than their non-hydrolysable counterparts. To assess the cytocompatibility of these materials, an endothelial model was used, involving metabolic activity and DNA content analysis. The results demonstrated good cell adhesion and the absence of toxicity, confirming the viability of cell growth on the surfaces of these biodegradable PUs. The PUs developed in this study exhibited a low initial modulus and adjustable mechanical properties, highlighting their potential application in tissue engineering as biodegradable and biocompatible biomedical materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Biodegradable Polymers for Biomedical Applications)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 5199 KiB  
Article
Biodegradable, Wear-Resistant and Resilient Thermoplastic Polycarbonate-Based Polyurethane with Nanoscale Microphase Structure
by Shuang Su, Jintao Wang, Qi Yan, Anqi Li, Chuang Liu, Xianli Wu and Yuezhong Meng
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1665; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121665 - 16 Jun 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
A series of PPCDL-PEG1000-TPU were prepared by melting method using CO2 based biodegradable polycarbonate diol (PPCDL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG1000) as soft segments, and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as hard segments. Their structure and properties were characterized to [...] Read more.
A series of PPCDL-PEG1000-TPU were prepared by melting method using CO2 based biodegradable polycarbonate diol (PPCDL) and polyethylene glycol (PEG1000) as soft segments, and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as hard segments. Their structure and properties were characterized to show that the products have nanoscale microphase separation, excellent wear-resistance and high resilience. PPCDL-PEG1000-TPUs have high tensile strength, high elongation at break, controllable hardness and excellent wear resistance when the content of hard segment is about 20%. Compared to PPCDL-TPU with only PPCDL as soft segment, the mechanical properties of TPU increase rather than decrease after the addition of PEG due to the crystallization behavior of PEG units in block copolymers. When the ratios of nPPCDL:nPEG are 10:1 and 4:1, the tensile strength of PPCDL-PEG1000-TPU reaches 27.5 MPa and 16.5 MPa (an increase of nearly 200% and 20% than PPCDL-TPU). The elongation at break reaches 1995% and 2485% (an increase of nearly 40% and 75% than PPCDL-TPU). Hardness of the prepared PPCDL-PEG1000-TPUs’ Shore A can be controlled in range of 70~85 by regulating the addition of PEG and their glass transition temperature (Tg) decreases with the increase of the amount of PEG incorporated. All PPCDL-PEG1000-TPUs exhibit good wear resistance with the average Akron wear volume of 12 mm3 after 4000 cycles of experiments according to national standards. PPCDL-PEG1000-TPUs show a high resilience performance with a negligible change in the hysteresis loop area after six cycles of tensile stretching. Furthermore, all PPCDL-PEG1000-TPUs possess high thermal stability, strong hydrophobicity, and low water absorption. This material has excellent application prospects and competitiveness in footwear and shock-absorbing materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1914 KiB  
Article
Derivatization of PVA into Polyols Suitable for Fabrication of Rigid Polyurethane Foams—Preliminary Studies and Perspectives
by Jacek Lubczak
Materials 2025, 18(12), 2780; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18122780 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 468
Abstract
Polyols derived from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have not been reported before. The hydroxyalkylation of PVA with oxiranes leads to powdered or gum-like products that are not miscible with isocyanates and therefore useless as sources of polyurethane foams. Glycidol and ethylene carbonates were used [...] Read more.
Polyols derived from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have not been reported before. The hydroxyalkylation of PVA with oxiranes leads to powdered or gum-like products that are not miscible with isocyanates and therefore useless as sources of polyurethane foams. Glycidol and ethylene carbonates were used to dissolve and convert PVA into liquid polyol. The physical properties of the PVA-derived polyol, such as the density, viscosity, and surface tension, were determined. The polyol was then used to obtain rigid polyurethane foams (PUFs). Foaming conditions were optimized, and the apparent density, volume water uptake, dimensional stability, heat conductance coefficient, pore size, thermal resistance, compressive strength, and glass transition temperature of the obtained PUFs were determined. The properties of the obtained PUFs were similar to those of classic rigid PUFs, but the thermal resistance of the former is better. Specifically, PVA-derived PUFs are thermally resistant at temperatures of up to 150 °C. Furthermore, they are ecologically safe; in standard soil conditions, 54.6% or 100% biodegradation of the foams in cube and powder form, respectively, was observed, as measured by BOD after 28 days of storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Development and Characterization of Polyurethane Foams)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 24795 KiB  
Article
Novel Research on Selected Mechanical and Environmental Properties of the Polyurethane-Based P3HB Nanobiocomposites
by Iwona Zarzyka, Beata Krzykowska, Karol Hęclik, Wiesław Frącz, Grzegorz Janowski, Łukasz Bąk, Tomasz Klepka, Jarosław Bieniaś, Monika Ostapiuk, Aneta Tor-Świątek, Magda Droździel-Jurkiewicz, Joanna Paciorek-Sadowska, Marcin Borowicz, Adam Tomczyk, Anna Falkowska and Michał Kuciej
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112664 - 5 Jun 2025
Viewed by 464
Abstract
This study focused on hybrid nanobiocomposite polymers produced with the use of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P3HB and aliphatic polyurethane (PU) as a matrix, including variable quantities of organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite®30B). Mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability tests were conducted to evaluate their properties. The nanobiocomposites [...] Read more.
This study focused on hybrid nanobiocomposite polymers produced with the use of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P3HB and aliphatic polyurethane (PU) as a matrix, including variable quantities of organomodified montmorillonite (Cloisite®30B). Mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability tests were conducted to evaluate their properties. The nanobiocomposites were tested using monotonic tensile tests, which revealed that the addition of PU and organomodified montmorillonite reduced the stiffness and strain at break compared to native P3HB. The material’s yield strength was higher for P3HB, while the PU-modified composites exhibited lower stiffness and increased ductility, especially with lower amounts of clay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that cracks in the samples propagated more rapidly as the clay content increased. The bending test showed that the P3HB–PU composites and the nanobiocomposites exhibited lower bending strength and elongation at break compared to pure polyester. However, the composites with lower clay content showed better performance, suggesting that clay promotes ductility to some extent. The Charpy impact tests indicated an increase in impact strength for the composites with the addition of PU and montmorillonite, especially for the samples with 1 wt.% clay. Biodegradability testing showed that P3HB has a biodegradability of 63.21%. However, the addition of clay reduced biodegradability, with a notable decrease as the clay content increased. The biodegradation of composites with 1 and 2% by mass clay was higher than that of P3HB. Thermal analysis indicates an improvement in the thermal stability of the nanomaterials, with the 1% by mass clay sample showing the highest decomposition onset temperature (263 °C). Overall, the study demonstrated that the presence of PU and montmorillonite moderated the mechanical and thermal properties and biodegradation of P3HB, with the optimal performance observed in the composites with 1% by mass clay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bio-Polymer and Polymer Composites)
Show Figures

Figure 1

75 pages, 15988 KiB  
Review
Tailoring Polymer Properties Through Lignin Addition: A Recent Perspective on Lignin-Derived Polymer Modifications
by Nawoda L. Kapuge Dona and Rhett C. Smith
Molecules 2025, 30(11), 2455; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30112455 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 902
Abstract
Lignin, an abundant and renewable biopolymer, has gained significant attention as a sustainable modifier and building block in polymeric materials. Recent advancements highlight its potential to tailor mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymers while offering a greener alternative to petroleum-based additives. This [...] Read more.
Lignin, an abundant and renewable biopolymer, has gained significant attention as a sustainable modifier and building block in polymeric materials. Recent advancements highlight its potential to tailor mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties of polymers while offering a greener alternative to petroleum-based additives. This review provides an updated perspective on the incorporation of lignin into various polymer matrices, focusing on lignin modification techniques, structure–property relationships, and emerging applications. Special emphasis is given to recent innovations in lignin functionalization and its role in developing high-performance, biodegradable, and recyclable materials such as polyurethanes, epoxy resins, phenol-formaldehyde resins, lignin-modified composites, and lignin-based films, coatings, elastomers, and adhesives. These lignin-based materials are gaining attention for potential applications in construction, automated industries, packaging, textiles, wastewater treatment, footwear, supporting goods, automobiles, printing rollers, sealants, and binders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Materials Based on Lignocellulosic Biomass)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2221 KiB  
Review
Gel-Based Approaches to Vegan Leather: Opportunities and Challenges in Mimicking Leather Properties
by Soon Mo Choi, Do Hyun Lee, Sun Mi Zo, Ankur Sood and Sung Soo Han
Gels 2025, 11(6), 395; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060395 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 838
Abstract
Recently, increased global awareness of environmental sustainability and ethical consumerism has amplified the demand for sustainable alternatives to animal-derived leather. Traditional leather manufacturing faces significant ethical and ecological challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water consumption, deforestation, and toxic chemical usage. Vegan leather [...] Read more.
Recently, increased global awareness of environmental sustainability and ethical consumerism has amplified the demand for sustainable alternatives to animal-derived leather. Traditional leather manufacturing faces significant ethical and ecological challenges, including greenhouse gas emissions, excessive water consumption, deforestation, and toxic chemical usage. Vegan leather has emerged as a promising solution, predominantly fabricated from petroleum-based synthetic materials such as polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, these materials have sustainability limitations due to their non-biodegradability and associated environmental burdens. To overcome these issues, this review critically explores the feasibility of developing vegan leather using gel-based materials derived from natural and synthetic polymers. These materials offer precise structural controllability, excellent biodegradability, and the potential for significantly improved mechanical performance through hybridization and nanocomposite strategies. Despite their promising attributes, gel-based materials face significant limitations, including insufficient tensile strength, poor abrasion resistance, susceptibility to swelling, limited long-term stability, and challenges in scaling up for industrial production. This paper outlines the structural and physical properties required for viable leather substitutes, reviews opportunities provided by gel-based materials, addresses associated technical challenges, and proposes comprehensive strategies for enhancing mechanical properties and developing sustainable, eco-friendly production processes. Future research directions emphasize hybrid composite development, nanoparticle integration, circular manufacturing processes, and multi-disciplinary collaboration to establish gel-based vegan leather as a viable, sustainable, and market-competitive alternative to conventional animal leather. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Gel-Related Materials: Challenges and Opportunities)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 14895 KiB  
Article
Regenerated Cellulose Films Coated with Waterborne Polyurethane with Enhanced Mechanical Properties
by Renxiang Xiong and Jinping Zhou
Polymers 2025, 17(7), 890; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17070890 - 26 Mar 2025
Viewed by 867
Abstract
Regenerated cellulose (RC) films with abundant sources and low processing costs are considered to be excellent biodegradable and recycled packaging materials. However, there is still a problem to be solved: the poor strength of RC films in the wet state. Polyurethane (PU) possesses [...] Read more.
Regenerated cellulose (RC) films with abundant sources and low processing costs are considered to be excellent biodegradable and recycled packaging materials. However, there is still a problem to be solved: the poor strength of RC films in the wet state. Polyurethane (PU) possesses excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this work, a PU coating is successfully introduced on the RC film surface via a facile surface engineering strategy, followed by plane hot-pressing process, and the RC@PU films are obtained. Notably, under wet conditions, RC@PU films show outstanding mechanical properties (fracture stress of 22.5 MPa, fracture strain of 75.9%, toughness of 10.6 MJ/m3), which are greater than those of the pure RC films (18.9 MPa, 56.5%, 6.9 MJ/m3). In addition, RC@PU films play an important role in anti-water evaporation tests. Moreover, RC@PU films exhibit excellent biodegradability, which can be completely degraded in a natural environment in about 70 days. This work provides a simple and feasible surface engineering strategy for developing RC films with excellent wet strength and biodegradability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Eco-Friendly Polymeric Coatings and Adhesive Technology, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1580 KiB  
Article
Theoretical Models and Simulations of Gene Delivery with Polyurethane: The Importance of Polyurethane as a Vector in Personalized Therapy
by Roxana Maria Jeleriu, Roxana-Karin Hajaj, Iuliana-Anamaria Trăilă, Mihaela Zaharie and Maria Puiu
Biomedicines 2025, 13(3), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13030692 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 943
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Advancements in personalized medicine have revolutionized drug delivery, enabling tailored treatments based on genetic and molecular profiles. Non-viral vectors, such as polyurethane (PU)-based systems, offer promising alternatives for gene therapy. This study develops mathematical models to analyze PU degradation, DNA/RNA release kinetics, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Advancements in personalized medicine have revolutionized drug delivery, enabling tailored treatments based on genetic and molecular profiles. Non-viral vectors, such as polyurethane (PU)-based systems, offer promising alternatives for gene therapy. This study develops mathematical models to analyze PU degradation, DNA/RNA release kinetics, and cellular interactions, optimizing their application in personalized therapy. Methods: This theoretical study utilized mathematical modeling and numerical simulations to analyze PU-based gene delivery, focusing on diffusion, degradation, and cellular uptake. Implemented in Python 3.9, it employed differential equation solvers and adsorption/internalization models to predict vector behavior and optimize delivery efficiency. Results: This study demonstrated that PU degrades in biological environments following first-order kinetics, ensuring a controlled and predictable release of genetic material. The Higuchi diffusion model confirmed a gradual, sustained DNA/RNA release, essential for efficient gene delivery. Simulations of PU adsorption onto cellular membranes using the Langmuir model showed saturation-dependent binding, while the endocytosis model revealed a balance between uptake and degradation. These findings highlight PU’s potential as a versatile gene delivery vector, offering controlled biodegradability, optimized release profiles, and effective cellular interaction. Conclusions: Our results confirm that PU-based vectors enable controlled biodegradability, sustained DNA/RNA release, and efficient cellular uptake. Mathematical modeling provides a framework for improving PU’s properties, enhancing transport efficiency and therapeutic potential in personalized medicine and gene therapy applications. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 5256 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Potential of Plant-Derived Diarylheptanoids and Their Derivatives in Bio-Based Polyurethane Compositions
by Matiss Pals, Jevgenija Ponomarenko, Maris Lauberts, Lilija Jashina, Vilhelmine Jurkjane and Alexandr Arshanitsa
Plants 2025, 14(5), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14050775 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1199
Abstract
The key challenge in polymer science is developing sustainable synthesis methods using renewable feedstocks. This study explores plant-derived diarylheptanoids with various structures as the building blocks for polyurethane (PU) materials. Diarylheptanoid glucosides isolated from black alder (Alnus glutinosa) bark were hydrolyzed [...] Read more.
The key challenge in polymer science is developing sustainable synthesis methods using renewable feedstocks. This study explores plant-derived diarylheptanoids with various structures as the building blocks for polyurethane (PU) materials. Diarylheptanoid glucosides isolated from black alder (Alnus glutinosa) bark were hydrolyzed and fractionated to remove sugar moieties. The resulting diarylheptanoids, along with unhydrolyzed analogues and curcumin, were used as biomass-based polyols to synthesize model PU films. Incorporating diarylheptanoids enhanced the mechanical strength and reduced the flexibility of PU due to increased crosslinking, with effects proportional to the OH functionality of the biomass-based polyols. Weight loss, FTIR, and Py-GC-MS/FID analyses revealed that the catechol moieties and the glucosidic bonds are biodegradable structural subunits of diarylheptanoids incorporated into PU films. Rigid polyurethane foams (PURs) incorporating high-OH-functionality diarylheptanoid glucosides such as oregonin demonstrated significantly higher compression strength and less weight loss during non-isothermal thermal analysis in air compared to those of commercial polyol-based foams. A cone calorimeter test showed that the PUR foam with diarylheptanoid derivatives had a lower degradation rate, a longer flame-burning time, 30% less heat emission, and 25% less smoke, indicating improved flame retardancy. Adding 1–2% oregonin-enriched black alder bark extracts to commercial Elastopir 1132/509/0 PUR foam significantly improved its resistance to thermal oxidative aging, outperforming the commercial antioxidant Irganox. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop