Search Results (9,921)

Amyloid fibrillization represents an effective strategy for extending and enhancing protein function, particularly for the delivery of hydrophobic active substances. In this study, oat globulin (OG) and its fibrils were complexed with quercetin (Que) to construct the delivery system, and ultrasonic pretreatment was applied during fibril preparation to explore the promoter of complex formation. The results demonstrated that complexation with Que induced a dose-dependent static quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of the protein/fibrils, with hydrophobic interactions and tryptophan residues being the primary interaction forces and the main fluorescence quenching groups, respectively. In comparison, OG fibrils prepared with ultrasound pretreatment (UOGF) exhibited the strongest encapsulation and loading capacity for Que, ranging from 97.16% at a mass ratio of 200:1 to 42.48% at a ratio of 25:1. Subsequently, complexes were prepared with a ratio of 50:1. Structural analysis revealed that Que primarily interacts with the protein/fibril carriers through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, inducing structural changes and ultimately being encapsulated in an amorphous form within the composite material. Additionally, Que promoted the mutual aggregation and cross-linking of protein/fibril units, leading to increased hydrodynamic diameter and zeta-potential. Moreover, UOGF-Que showed the greatest improvement in the thermal stability and the photostability of Que, and enhancing the bioaccessibility. These findings provide valuable insights into using ultrasound as an auxiliary measure for fibril self-assembly to enhance the application potential of fibrils, especially the delivery of hydrophobic functional substances. Full article

Conductive hydrogels show great promise for wearable sensors but suffer from low sensitivity in small strain ranges. In this study, we developed a micropatterned composite hydrogel sheet (thickness: 1.2 ± 0.1 mm) by constructing a continuous electronic conductive network of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a highly crosslinked micropatterned hydrogel sheet. The sheet was fabricated via a two-step synthesis of a polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid polymer network—crosslinked by Zr⁴⁺ in a glycerol-water system—using sandpaper as the template. The first step ensured tight conformity to the template, while the second step preserved the micropattern’s integrity and precision. The reverse sandpaper micropattern enables secure bonding of CNTs to the hydrogel and induces localized stress concentration during stretching. This triggers controllable cracking in the conductive network, allowing the sensor to maintain high sensitivity even in small strain ranges. Consequently, the sensor exhibits ultra-high sensitivity, with gauge factors of 76.1 (0–30% strain) and 203.5 (30–100% strain), alongside a comfortable user experience. It can detect diverse activities, from subtle physiological signals and joint bending to complex hand gestures and athletic postures. Additionally, the micropatterned composite hydrogel sheet also demonstrates self-healing ability, adhesiveness, and conformability, while performing effectively under extreme temperatures and sweaty conditions. This innovative structure and sensing mechanism—leveraging stress concentration and controlled crack formation—provides a strategy for designing wearable electronics with enhanced performance. Full article

To explore new possibilities in topological materials, we designed a tetrafunctional crosslinker composed of a [c2]daisy-chain rotaxane framework. In this study, a novel topological network polymer was successfully synthesized via an addition reaction between 3,6-dioxa-1,8-octanedithiol (DODT) and a tetrafunctional crosslinker, a [c2]daisy-chain rotaxane constructed from dibenzo-24-crown-8 ether (DB24C8) units and bearing long-chain alkenes on its four benzene rings. The resulting network polymer exhibited both high stiffness and toughness, along with excellent shape-memory properties. These characteristics were governed by a balance between plastic and elastic deformation originating from the DODT and rotaxane domains, respectively, highlighting a new design strategy for the creation of advanced topological materials. Full article

Enzymatically crosslinked hydrogels are important in biomedical applications. However, conventional horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-based systems are expensive, unstable, and potentially immunogenic. Herein, we introduce hemin/albumin complexes as cost-effective and biocompatible catalysts for phenol-mediated hydrogel formation. Phenolated bovine serum albumins (BSA-LPh, -MPh, and-HPh) with different degrees of substitution were synthesized and complexed with hemin. Spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that phenol modification altered the hemin microenvironment, resulting in distinct shifts in the Soret band. Functional assays revealed that albumin complexation enhanced catalytic activity compared to hemin alone. Moderate phenol modification provided an optimal balance between catalytic efficiency and hydrogel integration, whereas excessive modification reduced the performance of the enzyme. Hydrogels containing hemin/BSA-Ph complexes exhibited controllable protein retention and high cytocompatibility (>90%) with mouse fibroblast 10T1/2 cells. These findings demonstrate that hemin/albumin complexes are promising, cost-effective, and cytocompatible alternatives to HRP systems for hydrogel-based biomedical and nonclinical applications. Full article

In the present work, a new bio-sourced adhesive system based on deep eutectic solvent-modified lignin and oxidized starch (OSTL) resin is presented. For this purpose, unmodified and choline chloride–Zinc chloride (ChCl–ZnCl₂) deep eutectic solvent modified lignin at different contents (10%, 20%, and 30%) were used to prepare the OSTL resin. Ammonium persulfate (APS) was the oxidizer employed for the oxidation of starch, and urea was used as a low cost and effective crosslinker agent in the OSTL resin. FTIR analysis indicated that the content of carboxyl and carbonyl groups changed after the curing of the OSTL resin compared to oxidized starch (OST). DSC analysis indicated that the curing temperature of the OSTL resin containing DES-modified lignin was lower than that for unmodified lignin. Also, greater dimensional stability and mechanical strength could be achieved by increasing the amount of DES-treated lignin in the OSTL wood adhesive from 10 to 30 wt%. Based on the findings of this research, the physical and mechanical properties of the particleboard panels bonded with this type of bio-adhesive were acceptable according to the relevant standards. Additionally, urea can thus be used as a good cross-linker, not only to crosslink just OST, but also to connect DES-modified lignin and oxidized starch molecules. Under the conditions used, particleboards bonded with an oxidized starch–urea–pristine lignin adhesive presented decreasing internal bond (IB) strength with an increasing proportion of lignin. Conversely, when the same adhesive using DES-modified lignin was used, the internal bond (IB) strength improved with the increasing proportion of DES-modified lignin. At 30% proportions of lignin, the oxidized starch–urea–DES-modified lignin presented a 27% improvement in strength. Finally, it can be noted that this work brings a new insight to the development and application of lignin-based bio-adhesives to bond wood-based panels. Full article

This study investigates additive-free cold calendering of ELT-derived rubber powders across three particle size fractions (<0.5 mm, 0.5–0.71 mm, and 0.71–0.90 mm) using a two-roll mill without external heating or virgin polymers, aiming to obtain a cohesive material. Results demonstrate particle size effects on material properties. The finest fraction exhibited the highest crosslink density (5.30 × 10⁻⁴ mol·cm⁻³), approximately 18% greater than coarser fractions, correlating with superior hardness (≈65 ShA) and elastic modulus (≈7.5 MPa). Tensile properties ranged from 1.6–1.8 MPa stress and 60–75% elongation at break, positioning calendered sheets between low-temperature compression-molded GTR and high-pressure sintered materials reported in the literature. The cold calendering process achieves competitive mechanical performance with reduced energy consumption, simplified processing, and complete retention of recycled content. These findings support the development of regulation-compliant ELT recycling technologies, with potential applications in nonstructural construction panels, vibration-damping components, and protective barriers, advancing circular economy objectives while addressing emerging microplastic concerns. Full article

Background/Objectives: Red blood cells actively influence hemostasis by enhancing platelet activation, promoting thrombin generation, and contributing to clot structure. Their transfusion may alter coagulation dynamics, yet conventional tests often miss these effects, highlighting the need for viscoelastic monitoring. Methods: This retrospective single-center study carried out in the intensive care unit analyzed ROTEM, conventional coagulation tests, and CBC data pre–post-single-unit RBC transfusion. Platelet and fibrinogen contributions to clot strength were assessed. Statistical comparisons used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with significance set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was waived. Results: Thirty-five patients were analyzed; ROTEM revealed reduced fibrinogen contribution to clot strength and decreased hyperfibrinolysis post-transfusion. Conventional tests showed minimal changes, except for a significant increase in D-dimer levels. Conclusions: Transfusion of a single RBC in non-bleeding critically ill patients with severe anemia may lead to diminished fibrinogen-based clot architecture or fibrin cross-linking, as well as a decrease in hyperfibrinolysis. Most of the hemostatic effects of RBC transfusion cannot be detected by conventional coagulation tests. The net effect of RBC transfusion remains undetermined and requires further mechanistic studies. Full article

Fractured lost circulation remains a major drilling challenge due to low compatibility between conventional plugging materials and fractures. By utilizing thermosetting resin emulsification and high-temperature crosslinking coalescence, this study developed a temperature-activated nanomaterial enhanced liquid–solid phase transition plugging emulsion. The system adapts to varying fracture apertures, forming plugging particles with a broad size distribution and high strength upon thermal activation. The structural characteristics, mechanical properties, and fracture-plugging performance of the plugging particles were systematically investigated. Results demonstrate that the optimized system, comprising 8 wt.% emulsifier, 0.16 wt.% dispersant, 0.4 wt.% crosslinker, 0.4 wt.% viscosifier, 70 wt.% distilled water, and 2 wt.% nano-silica (all percentages relative to epoxy resin content), can produce particles with a size of 1–5 mm at formation temperatures of 80–120 °C. After 16 h of thermal aging at 180 °C, the particles exhibited excellent thermal stability and compressive strength, with D(90) degradation rates of 3.07–5.41%, and mass loss of 0.63–3.40% under 60 MPa. The system exhibits excellent injectability and drilling fluid compatibility, forming rough-surfaced particles for stable bridging. Microscopic analysis confirmed full curing in 140–180 min. Notably, it sealed 1–5 mm fractures with 10 MPa pressure, enabling adaptive plugging for unknown fracture apertures. Full article

Using reactive atomistic molecular dynamics, we simulate the network formation and bulk properties of chemically identical liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and isotropic elastomers. The nematic elastomer is from a family of materials that have been shown to be auxetic at a molecular level. The network orientational order parameters and glass transition temperatures measured from our simulations are in strong agreement with experimental data. We reproduce, in silico, the magnitude and onset of strain-induced nematic order in isotropic simulations. Application of uniaxial strain to nematic LCE simulations causes biaxial order to emerge, as has been seen experimentally for these auxetic LCEs. At strains of ~1.0, the director reorients to be parallel to the applied strain, again as seen experimentally. The simulations shed light on the strain-induced order at a molecular level and allow insight into the individual contributions of the side-groups and crosslinker. Further, the agreement between our simulations and experimental data opens new possibilities in the computational design of high-molecular-weight liquid crystals, especially where an understanding of the properties under mechanical actuation is desired. Moreover, the simulation methodology we describe will be applicable to other combinations of orientational and/or positional order (e.g., smectics, cubics). Full article

This study investigates the influence of selected combustion rate catalysts on the ballistic, physicochemical, and mechanical properties of non-isocyanate heterogeneous solid rocket propellants. Methods for curing prepolymers and modifying hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) to obtain carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) and its epoxidized derivative (EHTPB) are discussed. The initial stage involved the synthesis of CTPB and EHTPB. The obtained compounds were analyzed for viscosity, comparing their properties to those of the base polymer HTPB. FTIR spectra of the synthesized compounds were recorded. Crosslinking systems were formulated based on the synthesized substances and tested for tensile strength. The final stage consisted of preparing solid heterogeneous rocket propellants containing selected catalysts—catocene and iron nanopowder—and evaluating their burning rate, hardness, and density. The results of the rocket propellant tests indicate that both catalysts perform effectively in the proposed system. Significantly higher burning rates were achieved compared to the catalyst-free formulation. The addition of 1% catocene resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in burning rate. Even better performance was observed with iron nanopowder—1% addition led to an almost threefold increase in burning rate. Neither catalyst significantly affected the hardness of the propellant; all samples exhibited hardness values in the range of 71–76 Shore A. Increasing the catocene content led to a decrease in the final propellant density, whereas the addition of iron nanopowder increased the density relative to the base formulation. Full article

Tannin foams are polymeric, porous materials produced from plant tannins, with good thermal insulation and fire-retardant properties. Although research has mainly concentrated on usage of condensed tannins (CTs), interest in a second group, hydrolyzable tannins (HTs), is growing. This study evaluated the usability of glyoxal as a single crosslinker for condensed and hydrolyzable tannins in foams created through mechanical agitation, using various ratios of chestnut (HT) and quebracho (CT) tannins. Glyoxal could react with chestnut tannin, but foams with only chestnut collapsed before hardening due to its slow reactivity, with 70% chestnut as the maximum viable content. Increasing the chestnut tannin amount reduced the foamability and compression strength, resulting in higher density and increased pore size. At a similar density (~210 kg m⁻³), the 70%-HT foam reached only one-third the compressive strength of the pure CT foam (0.22 vs. 0.61 MPa), while the pure CT foam showed a smaller mean pore size (189 vs. 365 µm) despite its lower mean density (208 vs. 241 kg m⁻³). The fire resistance and thermal conductivity appeared unaffected by the tannin type and instead depended on the foam density, with thermal conductivities ranging from 56 to 71 mW/(m·K). Leaching tests showed a slight increase in leaching for formulations with higher chestnut tannin contents, with 15% to 24% of acid recovered after the leaching cycle. The ¹³C-NMR analysis revealed the glyoxal crosslinks at the free position of the A-ring in CTs and at the free ortho ones of the gallic/ellagic moieties in HTs. Overall, this study demonstrated that tannin foams can be produced using glyoxal as a single crosslinker, allowing for up to 70% substitution of the condensed tannin component in the formulation. Full article

Polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), as an electrically controlled dimming material, has broad application prospects in various fields, including smart glass, display technology, and optical devices. However, traditional PDLC materials still face some challenges in practical applications, such as a high driving voltage and insufficient optical contrast, which limit their further application in high-performance optoelectronic devices. In this study, PDLC composite films exhibiting low-voltage operation (23 V), high contrast ratios (135), and rapid response times (T_R ~1.28 ms, T_D ~48 ms) were developed. This was achieved by modifying the chain length of the crosslinking agent and polymer monomer as well as by incorporating molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets. It shows a good regulation ability in the sunlight range (ΔT_sol = 63.92%, ΔT_lum = 73.97%). Simultaneously, the various chemical bonds inside the film and its special network structure enable it to exhibit a good radiative cooling effect. The indoor sunlight simulation tests showed that the indoor temperature decreased by 5 °C. This study provides valuable ideas for the development and preparation of smart windows with high efficiency and energy savings. Full article

Textile dye effluents containing toxic organic compounds pose serious environmental challenges. In this study, novel Poly(1-vinyl imidazole)-Bis[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] phosphate (PVIB) polymers were synthesized with crosslinker molar fractions ranging from 5% to 80% and were subsequently investigated as advanced adsorbents for textile dye removal. Procion Red (PR), a widely used reactive dye, was selected as the model pollutant. The materials were characterized using FTIR, TGA, DTG, SEM-EDX, WD-XRF, TEM, and BET analyses. Adsorption mechanisms were examined through kinetic, isotherm, and thermodynamic models. Among the synthesized formulations, PVIB20% achieved the best dye removal, reaching an experimental adsorption capacity of 330 mg g⁻¹ within 60 min under acidic to neutral conditions. The kinetic modeling studies identified the pseudo-first-order model as the best fit, indicating a surface-controlled process involving both physical and chemical interactions. Isotherm studies showed that the Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson models provided the best fit, yielding a maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 765 mg g⁻¹. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy-driven. Overall, PVIB20% demonstrated superior adsorption capacity, rapid kinetics, and strong dye–polymer interactions compared with many conventional and modified adsorbents, which highlights its potential as an efficient and durable material for anionic dye removal from wastewater. Full article

Pulmonary emphysema is a progressive and debilitating lung disease characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls and enlargement of airspaces, resulting in impaired gas exchange and reduced lung function. Central to this pathology is the degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly the elastic fiber network containing elastin protein responsible for storing and releasing the energy that expels air from the lung. Both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanical stress play a pivotal role in ECM remodeling, influencing elastin degradation and the structural integrity of alveolar walls. This paper explores the interactions between mechanical forces and ECM components, emphasizing the role of increased elastin crosslinking in the pathogenesis and progression of emphysema. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this process are described in the context of emergent phenomena associated with alveolar wall distension and rupture, including the role of diagnostic biomarkers in the early detection of elastic fiber injury that may facilitate timely therapeutic interventions designed to preserve ECM integrity and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Metal anodes promise improvements in energy density and cost; however, their performance is determined within the first several nanometers at the interface. This review reports on how polymer-based artificial solid electrolyte interphases (SEIs) are engineered to stabilize Li and aqueous-Zn anodes, and how these designs are now evaluated against operando readouts rather than post-mortem snapshots. We group the related molecular strategies into three classes: (i) side-chain/ionomer chemistry (salt-philic, fluorinated, zwitterionic) to increase cation selectivity and manage local solvation; (ii) dynamic or covalently cross-linked networks to absorb microcracks and maintain coverage during plating/stripping; and (iii) polymer–ceramic hybrids that balance modulus, wetting, and ionic transport characteristics. We then benchmark these choices against metal-specific constraints—high reductive potential and inactive Li accumulation for Li, and pH, water activity, corrosion, and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) for Zn—showing why a universal preparation method is unlikely. A central element is a system of design parameters and operando metrics that links material parameters to readouts collected under bias, including the nucleation overpotential (η_nuc), interfacial impedance (charge transfer resistance (R_ct)/SEI resistance (R_SEI)), morphology/roughness statistics from liquid-cell or cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM), stack swelling, and (for Li) inactive-Li inventory. By contrast, planar plating/stripping and HER suppression are primary success metrics for Zn. Finally, we outline parameters affecting these systems, including the use of lean electrolytes, the N/P ratio, high areal capacity/current density, and pouch-cell pressure uniformity, and discuss closed-loop workflows that couple molecular design with multimodal operando diagnostics. In this view, polymer artificial SEIs evolve from curated “recipes” into predictive, transferable interfaces, paving a path from coin-cell to prototype-level Li- and Zn-metal batteries. Full article