Search Results (196)

The combination of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with hydrogels has drawn significant interest in the design of smart materials as advanced platforms for biomedical applications. These systems endow light-responsiveness enabled by the AuNPs localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) phenomenon. In this study, we propose a nanocomposite hydrogel in which gold nanorods (AuNRs) are included in an agarose–carbomer–hyaluronic acid (AC-HA)-based hydrogel matrix to study the correlation between light irradiation, local temperature increase, and drug release for potential light-assisted drug delivery applications. The gel is obtained through a facile microwave-assisted polycondensation reaction, and its properties are investigated as a function of both the hyaluronic acid molecular weight and ratio. Afterwards, AuNRs are incorporated in the AC-HA formulation, before the sol–gel transition, to impart light-responsiveness and optical properties to the otherwise inert polymeric matrix. Particular attention is given to the evaluation of AuNRs/AC-HA light-induced heat generation and drug delivery performances under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation in vitro. Spatiotemporal thermal profiles and high-resolution thermal maps are registered using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor arrays, enabling accurate probing of maximum internal temperature variations within the composite matrix. Lastly, using a high-steric-hindrance protein (BSA) as a drug mimetic, we demonstrate that moderate localized heating under short-time repeated NIR exposure enhances the release from the nanocomposite hydrogel. Full article

Using multifunctional dual-cure smart bioactive resin luting agents (DRLs) offers benefits in adhesive dentistry, but their optical stability remains a concern. Their pre-cured form is a shear-thinning structure with thixotropic gel-like behavior. The effect of their hydrophilicity and different thicknesses of nanoceramic hybrid on the final shade of milled esthetic restorations needs further investigation. This study examined how the optical function deterioration of dual-cure smart bioactive resin luting agents used to bond a CAD/CAM nano-ceramic hybrid composite would influence the restoration’s final shade at three different thicknesses. A nanoceramic hybrid composite (GD) was cut into blocks and grouped by thickness (0.8, 1.0, 1.5 mm). Ten blocks from each group were assigned to subgroups based on the DRL type: Panavia SA Universal (PN), Predicta Bioactive (PR), and ACTIVA BioACTIVE (AC). Color and whiteness changes after a 24 h/day (24 days) coffee immersion were analyzed using statistical methods (ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD for ΔE₀₀; Welch’s ANOVA and Games-Howell for ΔWI_D and ΔL*). DRL type significantly affected ΔE₀₀, ΔWI_D, and ΔL* (p < 0.001). All materials showed the least color change and optical function deterioration at a restoration thickness of 1.5 mm, which was below the acceptability threshold (AT). Despite PR’s bioactive functionality, it maintained its primary optical function with the least color change at GD thicknesses of 1.0 and 1.5 mm (p < 0.001). AC exhibited the greatest ΔE₀₀ above AT, especially at a thickness of 0.8 mm (p < 0.001). ΔL*, ΔE₀₀, and ΔWI_D varied significantly based on DRL type, GD thickness, and the interaction between DRL and thickness (p < 0.05). This suggests that although dual-cure smart DRLs containing bioactive glasses are advantageous, their optical function shifts may become more noticeable in thin, translucent restorations. Increasing the restoration thickness can help mitigate this by altering the optical pathway. Full article

Integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology represents a transformative advancement in healthcare, fashion, and personal hygiene. Antibacterial fabrics, designed to inhibit microbial growth, are gaining prominence due to their potential to reduce infections, enhance durability, and maintain cleanliness in wearable devices. These fabrics offer effective antimicrobial properties while retaining comfort and functionality by incorporating nanotechnology and advanced materials, such as silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and graphene. The production techniques for antibacterial textiles range from chemical and physical surface modifications to biological treatments, each tailored to achieve long-lasting antibacterial performance while preserving fabric comfort and breathability. Advanced methods such as nanoparticle embedding, sol–gel coating, electrospinning, and green synthesis approaches have shown significant promise in enhancing antibacterial efficacy and material compatibility. Wearable technology, including fitness trackers, smart clothing, and medical monitoring devices, relies on prolonged skin contact, making the prevention of bacterial colonization essential for user safety and product longevity. Antibacterial fabrics address these concerns by reducing odor, preventing skin irritation, and minimizing the risk of infection, especially in medical applications such as wound dressings and patient monitoring systems. Despite their potential, integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology presents several challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key antibacterial agents, the production strategies used to fabricate antibacterial textiles, and their emerging applications in wearable technologies. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to overcome current limitations and promote the development of sustainable, safe, and functional antibacterial fabrics for next-generation wearable. Full article

A promising application of smart materials based on natural polymers is the potential to solve problems related to hemostasis in cases of severe bleeding caused by injury or surgery. This can be a life-threatening situation. Cellulose and its modified derivatives represent one of the most promising sources for creating effective hemostatic systems, as well as for various sensing applications related to disease detection, infection diagnosis, chronic condition monitoring, and blood analysis. The aim of this review was to identify key criteria for the efficiency of cellulose-based gels with hemostatic activity. Experimental studies aimed at evaluating new hemostatic devices were analyzed based on international sources using the PRISMA methodology. A total of 111 publications were identified. Following the identification and screening stages, 20 articles were selected for the final qualitative synthesis. The analyzed publications include experimental studies focused on the development and analysis of highly porous cellulose-based scaffolds in the form of aerogels and cryogels. The type and origin of cellulose, as well as the influence of additional components and synthesis conditions on gel formation, were investigated. Three major groups of key criteria that should be considered when developing new cellulose-based highly porous scaffolds with hemostatic functionality were identified: (I) physicochemical and mechanical properties (pore size distribution, compressive strength, and presence of functional groups); (II) in vitro tests (blood clotting index, red blood cell adhesion rate, hemolysis, cytocompatibility, and antibacterial activity); (III) in vivo hemostatic efficiency (hemostasis time and blood loss) in compliance with the 3Rs policy (replacement, reduction, refinement). The prospects for the development of highly porous cellulose-based scaffolds are not only focused on their hemostatic properties, but also on the development of smart platforms. Full article

Dynamic covalent hydrogels exhibiting multi-responsive and antibacterial properties offer significant potential for biomedical applications, including smart wound dressings and controlled drug delivery. Herein, a series of amphiphilic quaternized copolymers (Q-C8PEG-n) with tunable quaternization degrees was synthesized from C8PEG via iodomethane addition and characterized by ¹H NMR, COSY, FTIR, UV-vis spectroscopy, DLS, TEM, and zeta potential analyses, confirming successful quaternization and micelle formation. These copolymers displayed thermosensitive behavior, with cloud point temperatures increasing due to enhanced hydrophilicity. Q-C8PEG-3 micelles, incorporating diethanolamine units, were crosslinked with phenylboronic acid-grafted hyaluronic acid (HA-PBA) to yield dynamic covalent hydrogels (Gel) through reversible boronic ester bonds stabilized by B-N coordination. The Gel exhibited multi-responsiveness, undergoing degradation in acidic or alkaline conditions and exposure to glucose or H₂O₂. SEM confirmed a porous microstructure, enabling efficient drug encapsulation, as demonstrated by the release of Nile red (NR). In vitro antibacterial tests revealed enhanced post-quaternization efficacy, with the Gel showing strong activity against S. aureus. This micelle-crosslinked platform synergistically combines tunable stimuli-responsiveness with inherent antibacterial properties, holding promise for applications in wound healing and tissue engineering. Full article

Conventional dental materials with organised crystal structures exhibit limitations in corrosion resistance, bioactivity, and drug delivery capability. In contrast, amorphous nanomaterials offer potential advantages in overcoming these limitations due to their unique structural properties. They are characterised by a non-crystalline, disordered atomic structure and are similar to a solidified liquid at the nanoscale. Among the amorphous nanomaterials used in dentistry, there are five major categories: calcium-, silicon-, magnesium-, zirconia-, and polymer-based systems. This study reviewed these amorphous nanomaterials by investigating their synthesis, properties, applications, limitations, and future directions in dentistry. These amorphous nanomaterials are synthesised primarily through low-temperature methods, including sol–gel processes, rapid precipitation, and electrochemical etching, which prevent atomic arrangements into crystalline structures. The resulting disordered atomic configuration confers exceptional properties, including enhanced solubility, superior drug-loading capacity, high surface reactivity, and controlled biodegradability. These characteristics enable diverse dental applications. Calcium-based amorphous nanomaterials, particularly amorphous calcium phosphate, demonstrate the ability to remineralise tooth enamel. Silicon-based amorphous nanomaterials function as carriers that can release antibacterial agents in response to stimuli. Magnesium-based amorphous nanomaterials are antibacterial and support natural bone regeneration. Zirconia-based amorphous nanomaterials strengthen the mechanical properties of restorative materials. Polymer-based amorphous nanomaterials enable controlled release of medications over extended periods. Despite the advances in these amorphous nanomaterials, there are limitations regarding material stability over time, precise control of degradation rates in the oral environment, and the development of reliable large-scale manufacturing processes. Researchers are creating smart materials that respond to specific oral conditions and developing hybrid systems that combine the strengths of different nanomaterials. In summary, amorphous nanomaterials hold great promise for advancing dental treatments through their unique properties and versatile applications. Clinically, these materials could improve the durability, bioactivity, and targeted drug delivery in dental restorations and therapies, leading to better patient outcomes. Full article

Biocompatible stimuli-sensitive hydrogels are a versatile and promising class of materials with significant potential for various biomedical applications. These ‘’smart’’ hydrogels can dynamically respond to external environmental stimuli such as pH, temperature, enzymes, or biomolecular interactions, enabling controlled drug release, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and biosensing applications. Hydrogels derived from natural polymers, including chitosan, alginate, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, offer key advantages such as intrinsic biocompatibility, biodegradability, and the ability to mimic the extracellular matrix. Their ability to respond to environmental stimuli—including pH, temperature, redox potential, and enzymatic activity—enables control over drug release and tissue regeneration processes. This review explores the fundamental principles governing the design, properties, and mechanisms of responsiveness of natural stimuli-sensitive hydrogels. It also highlights recent advancements in their biomedical applications, discusses existing challenges, and outlines future research directions aimed at improving their functional performance and therapeutic potential for sustainable healthcare solutions. Full article

The objective of this study was to develop a pectin–tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) hybrid gel with improved functional properties and biocompatibility. The sol–gel process was used to create pectin–TEOS hydrogels containing 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 M TEOS, which were labeled AP-T0.75, AP-T1.00, AP-T1.25, and AP-T1.50. The pectin–TEOS hydrogel AP-T1.50 exhibited a hardness of 631 kPa, a Young’s modulus of 1588 kPa, and an elasticity of 1.95 mm. The degree of swelling decreased as the TEOS content increased. The pectin–TEOS hydrogel AP-T1.25 exhibited the highest strength of adhesion to serosa of 60.6 mN. Serum protein and bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption by pectin–TEOS gels was recorded in the range of 2–43 µg/mg after 6 h of incubation at pH 5.0, 7.4, and 8.0. Pectin–TEOS gels demonstrated low rates of hemolysis and complement activation. Leukocyte adhesion on the surface of pectin–TEOS gels depends on TEOS content. Consequently, the mechanical characteristics, serosal adherence, and biocompatibility of pectin–TEOS gel position it as a strong contender for the advancement of smart biomaterials. Full article

Advanced cell-based therapies, including immunotherapy, regenerative medicine, and other biotechnological applications, require large quantities of viable mammalian cells for research and clinical use. Conventional enzymatic harvesting methods, such as trypsini-zation, can compromise cell integrity and reduce viability. This study investigates an al-ternative temperature-responsive approach using alginate beads incorporated with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), a polymer exhibiting a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of approximately 32 °C. This system enables temperature-controlled cell detachment while preserving cellular structure and extracellular matrix components, thereby potentially improving post-harvest viability compared to trypsin treatment. Ho-mogeneous alginate hydrogel beads were synthesized using a standard infusion pump and ionically crosslinked with calcium cations. The beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology and by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) for compositional and thermal analysis. Mouse fibroblast cells (L929 cell line) were cultured on the beads, and their proliferation and viability were assessed using CCK-8 and Live/Dead assays, demonstrating significant cell growth over seven days. The results suggest that PNIPAAm-modified alginate beads provide a promising, enzyme-free platform for efficient mammalian cell harvesting and delivery, with potential applications across advanced cell manufacturing and therapeutic technologies. Full article

Plant-based natural polymers are gaining attention as ecofriendly alternatives to synthetic materials with applications in food, biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental science. Tragacanth gum (TG), a natural exudate obtained from Astragalus species, represents a unique polysaccharide with a complex molecular structure and distinctive rheological properties. It has been traditionally used for centuries as a stabilizer and emulsifier. Recent advances highlight its potential as a multifunctional biopolymer with industrial and biomedical potential. This review explores the structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, and modification strategies of TG, comparing it with other plant derived gums. Special emphasis is given to its applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing, biodegradable packaging, and functional food formulation. Strengths such as biocompatibility and gel-forming ability but challenges remain including variability in quality, limited standardization, and issues with large scale production. Emerging trends, such as nanoformulations, hybrid polymer composites, and smart hydrogels, are also discussed. By positioning TG within the broader context of sustainable biomaterials, this review identifies key research gaps and proposes future directions to advance its role in the green polymer economy. Full article

Gel-based delivery systems have emerged as versatile platforms in dentistry due to their biocompatibility, injectability, tunable rheology, and ability to localize therapeutic agents at the site of application. This review synthesizes current evidence on hydrogels, thermosensitive gels, mucoadhesive gels, nanoparticle-loaded gels, and stimuli-responsive systems, highlighting their structural characteristics, mechanisms of drug release, and clinical relevance. Mucoadhesive formulations demonstrate prolonged retention in periodontal pockets and oral mucosa, improving the efficacy of antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory agents. Thermosensitive gels enable minimally invasive administration and in situ gelation, supporting controlled release at body temperature. Nanoparticle-loaded gels exhibit enhanced drug stability and deeper tissue penetration, while “smart” gels respond to environmental stimuli such as pH or temperature to modulate release profiles. Clinical findings indicate reductions in probing depth, improved wound healing, decreased bacterial load, and better patient comfort when gel systems are used as adjuncts to mechanical therapy or regenerative procedures. However, despite these advances, challenges such as variability in gel stability, manufacturing reproducibility, regulatory approval pathways, and limited long-term clinical evidence still constrain widespread adoption of these systems in routine practice. Full article

With continuous breakthroughs in electrochromic technology, tungsten trioxide (WO₃) thin films, as a core material in this field, are rapidly expanding their applications in smart windows, anti-glare automotive rearview mirrors, and adaptive optical lenses. Owing to its excellent electrochromic properties—including high optical modulation, short switching times, and high coloration efficiency—WO₃ has become a research focus in the field of electrochromic devices. This review takes WO₃ thin films as the research subject. It begins by introducing the crystal structure of WO₃ and the ion/electron co-intercalation-based electrochromic mechanism and explains two key performance parameters for evaluating electrochromic properties: optical modulation amplitude and coloration efficiency. Subsequently, it provides a detailed review of recent advances in the preparation of WO₃ thin films via physical methods (including sputtering deposition, evaporative deposition, and pulsed laser deposition) and chemical methods (including hydrothermal, sol–gel, and electrodeposition methods). A systematic comparison is made of the microstructure and electrochromic performance (optical modulation amplitude and coloration efficiency) of films prepared by different methods, and the interaction between WO₃ film morphology and device structure is analyzed. Finally, the advantages and challenges of physical and chemical methods in tuning film properties are summarized, and the outlook of their application prospects in high-performance electrochromic devices is given. This review aims to provide guidance for the selection and process optimization of WO₃ thin films with enhanced performance for applications such as smart windows, anti-glare rearview mirrors, and adaptive optical systems. Full article

In this study, patch-structured C₈/CHO template microspheres were successfully synthesized through in situ reduction and sol–gel reactions, providing a reusable platform for subsequent modifications. Based on these templates, temperature-responsive PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻-PILs/PNIPAM Janus nanosheets were prepared via sequential Schiff-base coupling and ATRP. Structural characterizations (XRD, SEM, TEM, FTIR, and TGA) confirmed successful functionalization and nanosheet formation. The PNIPAM moiety endowed the nanosheets with temperature responsiveness, while the incorporation of polymerized ionic liquids and phosphotungstate anions further enhanced amphiphilicity and dispersion stability. When applied as particulate emulsifiers in water/toluene systems, the Janus nanosheets formed stable Pickering emulsions at elevated temperatures and underwent reversible emulsification–demulsification upon temperature cycling. These findings demonstrate the potential of PW₁₂O₄₀³⁻-PILs/PNIPAM Janus nanosheets as smart emulsifiers for responsive separation and formulation technologies. Full article

The transition to a sustainable energy mix is essential to mitigate climate change. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) using low-salinity water (smart water) has emerged as a promising strategy for reducing environmental impacts in the petroleum industry, producing a highly valuable energy source due to both its energy density and market value. This study critically reviews intermediate technological readiness levels (TRL), applying a patent-based approach (TRL 4–5) and a review of articles (TRL 3) to analyze various aspects of smart water for EOR, including its composition. A total of 23 patents from the European Patent Office (Questel Orbit) and 1395 articles from Elsevier’s Scopus database were analyzed, considering annual trends, country distribution, international collaborations, author and applicant affiliations, citation dependencies, and factorial analyses. Both patents and articles show exponential growth; however, international collaboration is more frequent in the scientific literature, while patents remain concentrated in a few countries aligned with their markets. Technologies are focused on wettability, surface complexation, CO₂ interactions, emulsification, aerogels, reinjection water treatment, carbonate reservoirs, effluent treatment, nanofluidics, and ASP fluids. Recent topics include CO₂ associations, permeability, fractured reservoirs, gels, reservoir water, wettability alteration, and reservoir/oil heterogeneity. The findings indicate the need for multivariated development of customized smart waters to address complex interfacial synergistic mechanisms. International Joint Industry Projects and global regulations on the safe use and composition of hybrid injections are recommended to accelerate development, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance the efficient use of existing fields, alleviating the challenges of finding new reservoirs. Full article

To address issues of traditional coalbed methane (CBM) fracturing fluids (high displacement, weak sand-carrying, poor stability, severe coal seam damage), this study synthesized CO₂-responsive erucamide propyl dimethylamine surfactant (C₂₂ZEA, yield 99%), with molecular structure verified by ¹H NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃) matching the target. Molecular simulation showed CO₂ protonates C₂₂ZEA into EA⁺: 1 wt% forms a simple micelle network, while 3 wt% enhances entanglement into a dense 3D network. Experiments indicated: 3 wt% solution reaches 160 mPa·s viscosity in 200 s under CO₂ (0.2 L·min⁻¹); 1.5–4.5 wt% solutions are pseudoplastic (n = 0.14–0.18), with G′ > G″ when concentration > 2 wt%; viscosity recovery rate > 95% after alternating shear (170 s⁻¹/10 s⁻¹); viscosity remains > 160 mPa·s after 1 h shear (170 s⁻¹) at 70 °C; gel breaks to 0.01–0.02 Pa·s in 15 min with N₂ at 45 °C; 1.0–3.0 wt% solutions meet non-toxic standards via EC₅₀/96 h LC₅₀. This study supports high-efficiency low-damage smart fracturing fluids, boosting CBM extraction efficiency. Full article