Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-09-26DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102030
Zhanhui Gan , Jinming Liu , Zhuoqi Xu , Shuai Jia , Xue-Hui Dong
Most synthetic polymers are mixtures of homologous chains that vary in chain length, sequence, and architecture. This inherent heterogeneity blurs fundamental structure-property correlations and compromises experimental resolution, reliability, and reproducibility. Although modern polymerization techniques have achieved remarkable control over molecular parameters, absolute structural uniformity across multi-length scales remains unattainable. Recent progress in iterative synthesis and high-resolution chromatography has facilitated the creation of precision polymers—chains of uniform length, exact sequence, and programmable architecture. This review summarizes recent advances that confer such structural fidelity, focusing on iterative synthetic strategies and chromatographic separations. We further illustrate how these precisely defined molecular parameters translate into quantitatively predictable thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors, exemplified by crystallization and self-assembly in bulk and solution. Emerging applications in electronic information, biomedical engineering, and organic optoelectronics are also outlined. We conclude by assessing the remaining challenges and opportunities presented by the advent of AI-guided design and automation.
{"title":"Precision polymers: advances in synthesis, structural engineering, and functional optimization","authors":"Zhanhui Gan , Jinming Liu , Zhuoqi Xu , Shuai Jia , Xue-Hui Dong","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most synthetic polymers are mixtures of homologous chains that vary in chain length, sequence, and architecture. This inherent heterogeneity blurs fundamental structure-property correlations and compromises experimental resolution, reliability, and reproducibility. Although modern polymerization techniques have achieved remarkable control over molecular parameters, absolute structural uniformity across multi-length scales remains unattainable. Recent progress in iterative synthesis and high-resolution chromatography has facilitated the creation of precision polymers—chains of uniform length, exact sequence, and programmable architecture. This review summarizes recent advances that confer such structural fidelity, focusing on iterative synthetic strategies and chromatographic separations. We further illustrate how these precisely defined molecular parameters translate into quantitatively predictable thermodynamic and kinetic behaviors, exemplified by crystallization and self-assembly in bulk and solution. Emerging applications in electronic information, biomedical engineering, and organic optoelectronics are also outlined. We conclude by assessing the remaining challenges and opportunities presented by the advent of AI-guided design and automation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"170 ","pages":"Article 102030"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145141151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-09-04DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102022
Anzar Khan
The base-catalyzed ring-opening reaction of epoxides by thiol nucleophiles, commonly known as the thiol-epoxy ‘click’ reaction, is a versatile method for forming thioether bonds. This review offers mechanistic insights into the reaction and explores its applications in polymer synthesis. The discussion also includes post-polymerization modifications of thioether linkages into sulfoxides, sulfones, and cationic sulfonium salts, as well as esterification of the secondary hydroxyl groups generated by the ‘click’ reaction. Additional topics include scalability, chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and the formation of disulfide defects. Practical recommendations are provided for optimizing reaction conditions and minimizing side reactions. Finally, future directions are proposed to further expand the utility of this reaction in polymer chemistry.
{"title":"Thiol-epoxy ‘click’ reaction in polymer synthesis","authors":"Anzar Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102022","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102022","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The base-catalyzed ring-opening reaction of epoxides by thiol nucleophiles, commonly known as the thiol-epoxy ‘click’ reaction, is a versatile method for forming thioether bonds. This review offers mechanistic insights into the reaction and explores its applications in polymer synthesis. The discussion also includes post-polymerization modifications of thioether linkages into sulfoxides, sulfones, and cationic sulfonium salts, as well as esterification of the secondary hydroxyl groups generated by the ‘click’ reaction. Additional topics include scalability, chemoselectivity, regioselectivity, and the formation of disulfide defects. Practical recommendations are provided for optimizing reaction conditions and minimizing side reactions. Finally, future directions are proposed to further expand the utility of this reaction in polymer chemistry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 102022"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144995548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-09-12DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102025
Xiangyan Yu , Qichen Zhou , Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou , Han Zhang , Haixue Yan , Michael J. Reece , Minhao Yang , Emiliano Bilotti
Polymer dielectrics play a pivotal role in modern electronic applications, including oscillators, resonant circuits, electronic filters, and energy storage systems. However, the relentless pursuit of higher power densities and operating frequencies in next-generation electronics has led to exponential growth in heat generation. Conventional polymer dielectrics, with their inherently low thermal conductivity (< 0.5 W·m−1·K−1), struggle to dissipate this accumulated heat efficiently, leading to elevated operating temperatures and increased risk of premature dielectric breakdown. To ensure long-term stability and reliability in high-performance electronic systems, a fundamental understanding of heat transfer mechanisms and dielectric behaviour in polymers is essential. Furthermore, novel material‐design approaches are needed to boost dielectric performance and thermal conductivity in tandem, allowing polymer dielectrics to fulfil the exacting demands of next-generation passive components.
{"title":"Review of enhancing thermal conductivity in polymer-based dielectrics as passive components","authors":"Xiangyan Yu , Qichen Zhou , Dimitrios G. Papageorgiou , Han Zhang , Haixue Yan , Michael J. Reece , Minhao Yang , Emiliano Bilotti","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102025","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102025","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polymer dielectrics play a pivotal role in modern electronic applications, including oscillators, resonant circuits, electronic filters, and energy storage systems. However, the relentless pursuit of higher power densities and operating frequencies in next-generation electronics has led to exponential growth in heat generation. Conventional polymer dielectrics, with their inherently low thermal conductivity (< 0.5 W·m<sup>−1</sup>·K<sup>−1</sup>), struggle to dissipate this accumulated heat efficiently, leading to elevated operating temperatures and increased risk of premature dielectric breakdown. To ensure long-term stability and reliability in high-performance electronic systems, a fundamental understanding of heat transfer mechanisms and dielectric behaviour in polymers is essential. Furthermore, novel material‐design approaches are needed to boost dielectric performance and thermal conductivity in tandem, allowing polymer dielectrics to fulfil the exacting demands of next-generation passive components.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 102025"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145043514","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-30DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102014
Baoquan Wan , Jun-Wei Zha , Zhi-Min Dang
Environmentally friendly dielectric polymer materials that can subjectively adapt to environmental changes and self-restore mechanical and electrical insulation properties continue to emerge. These adaptive systems are expected to revolutionize the development of smart grids, power electronic systems, and other fields. We will present a new trend emerging in environmentally friendly dielectric design that utilizes reversible chemistry (both non-covalent and covalent) to control reactions originating at the most fundamental (molecular) level. Dielectrics designed with this molecular structure will be able to heal or recycle themselves on a macroscopic scale as a result of changes in the molecular structure of the material (i.e., rearrangement or reorganization of polymer components or aggregates). However, the ability to design the molecular structure and ensure the original excellent properties of the dielectric is of interest to researchers. This review will summarize the challenges and opportunities in chemical structure modification with respect to the needs of dielectric application scenarios and specific examples. Furthermore, it will guide the design and preparation of environmentally friendly dielectrics and promote the development of interdisciplinary research between high-voltage insulation technology and polymer chemistry.
{"title":"Chemical structure design for eco-friendly dielectric polymer materials","authors":"Baoquan Wan , Jun-Wei Zha , Zhi-Min Dang","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Environmentally friendly dielectric polymer materials that can subjectively adapt to environmental changes and self-restore mechanical and electrical insulation properties continue to emerge. These adaptive systems are expected to revolutionize the development of smart grids, power electronic systems, and other fields. We will present a new trend emerging in environmentally friendly dielectric design that utilizes reversible chemistry (both non-covalent and covalent) to control reactions originating at the most fundamental (molecular) level. Dielectrics designed with this molecular structure will be able to heal or recycle themselves on a macroscopic scale as a result of changes in the molecular structure of the material (i.e., rearrangement or reorganization of polymer components or aggregates). However, the ability to design the molecular structure and ensure the original excellent properties of the dielectric is of interest to researchers. This review will summarize the challenges and opportunities in chemical structure modification with respect to the needs of dielectric application scenarios and specific examples. Furthermore, it will guide the design and preparation of environmentally friendly dielectrics and promote the development of interdisciplinary research between high-voltage insulation technology and polymer chemistry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 102014"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144920855","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-01Epub Date: 2025-08-31DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102013
Pengyu Song , Jiachen Lv , Chun Yang , Qianxi Gu , Shangning Liu , Yuanzu Zhang , Wenli Wang , Yunqing Zhu , Jianzhong Du
Polypeptides, as one of the most remarkable biomacromolecules in nature, possess immense application potential due to their protein-mimetic architectures. Since the discovery of N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomers in the early 20th century, these cyclic derivatives have revolutionized polypeptide synthesis by overcoming the inherent challenges in amino acid polycondensation. NCA remains an active research frontier in polymer science and materials engineering. In this review we critically summarize recent advances in NCA-based polymerization strategies. We first highlight ring-opening polymerization approaches, followed by an in-depth discussion on copolymerization systems with emphasis on monomer compatibility. As molecular assembly serves as the critical bridge connecting polymer synthesis to functional applications, we subsequently analyze various self-assembly mechanisms of NCA-derived polypeptides, with a focus on elucidating the driving forces underlying different supramolecular architectures. Furthermore, we comprehensively overview the emerging functional applications of these polypeptide materials across biomedical and nanotechnology domains. We critically analyze persistent challenges while charting emergent research frontiers in this field. This review not only consolidates the recent progress in NCA polymerization but also provides mechanistic insights into molecular assembly and a roadmap for advancing functional polypeptide materials in next-generation applications.
{"title":"Ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxyanhydrides: An efficient approach toward peptides, peptoids, and functional materials","authors":"Pengyu Song , Jiachen Lv , Chun Yang , Qianxi Gu , Shangning Liu , Yuanzu Zhang , Wenli Wang , Yunqing Zhu , Jianzhong Du","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102013","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Polypeptides, as one of the most remarkable biomacromolecules in nature, possess immense application potential due to their protein-mimetic architectures. Since the discovery of <em>N</em>-carboxyanhydride (NCA) monomers in the early 20th century, these cyclic derivatives have revolutionized polypeptide synthesis by overcoming the inherent challenges in amino acid polycondensation. NCA remains an active research frontier in polymer science and materials engineering. In this review we critically summarize recent advances in NCA-based polymerization strategies. We first highlight ring-opening polymerization approaches, followed by an in-depth discussion on copolymerization systems with emphasis on monomer compatibility. As molecular assembly serves as the critical bridge connecting polymer synthesis to functional applications, we subsequently analyze various self-assembly mechanisms of NCA-derived polypeptides, with a focus on elucidating the driving forces underlying different supramolecular architectures. Furthermore, we comprehensively overview the emerging functional applications of these polypeptide materials across biomedical and nanotechnology domains. We critically analyze persistent challenges while charting emergent research frontiers in this field. This review not only consolidates the recent progress in NCA polymerization but also provides mechanistic insights into molecular assembly and a roadmap for advancing functional polypeptide materials in next-generation applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"169 ","pages":"Article 102013"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144920853","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-11DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102012
Xi Chen, Jiahao Yao, Yong Lu, Yixin Li, Zhenhua Yan, Kai Zhang, Jun Chen
Conjugated carbonyl polymers (CCPs) have emerged as a promising class of organic electrode materials for high-performance organic lithium batteries, offering unique advantages such as structural versatility, tunable electrochemical properties, sustainability, and high theoretical capacity. These materials address key limitations of traditional inorganic electrodes, including resource scarcity and environmental concerns. Their conjugated π-systems enhance electron transport, and polymerised structures improve anti-dissolution and thermal stability. However, challenges such as low conductivity, limited carbonyl utilization, high synthesis costs, and compatibility issues with existing battery systems hinder their practical application. This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress of CCPs in organic lithium batteries, focusing on strategies to optimize their structure and performance through molecular engineering, morphology control, composite synthesis, and electrode fabrication. It analyzes the fundamental relationships between molecular structure, electrochemical performance, and practical applicability, highlighting advancements in enhancing conductivity, cycle stability, and rate capability. Furthermore, the review discusses current challenges, including cost reduction of synthesis, improvement of structural stability, and optimisation of interfaces, alongside potential solutions and future research directions. By integrating insights from computational simulations, experimental studies, and practical application considerations, this work underscores the potential of CCPs to advance next-generation high-energy-density, sustainable organic lithium batteries, paving the way for their broader adoption in energy storage technologies.
{"title":"Research progress on conjugated carbonyl polymer electrodes for organic lithium batteries","authors":"Xi Chen, Jiahao Yao, Yong Lu, Yixin Li, Zhenhua Yan, Kai Zhang, Jun Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conjugated carbonyl polymers (CCPs) have emerged as a promising class of organic electrode materials for high-performance organic lithium batteries, offering unique advantages such as structural versatility, tunable electrochemical properties, sustainability, and high theoretical capacity. These materials address key limitations of traditional inorganic electrodes, including resource scarcity and environmental concerns. Their conjugated π-systems enhance electron transport, and polymerised structures improve anti-dissolution and thermal stability. However, challenges such as low conductivity, limited carbonyl utilization, high synthesis costs, and compatibility issues with existing battery systems hinder their practical application. This review comprehensively summarizes the research progress of CCPs in organic lithium batteries, focusing on strategies to optimize their structure and performance through molecular engineering, morphology control, composite synthesis, and electrode fabrication. It analyzes the fundamental relationships between molecular structure, electrochemical performance, and practical applicability, highlighting advancements in enhancing conductivity, cycle stability, and rate capability. Furthermore, the review discusses current challenges, including cost reduction of synthesis, improvement of structural stability, and optimisation of interfaces, alongside potential solutions and future research directions. By integrating insights from computational simulations, experimental studies, and practical application considerations, this work underscores the potential of CCPs to advance next-generation high-energy-density, sustainable organic lithium batteries, paving the way for their broader adoption in energy storage technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 102012"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144819395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-07-30DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102005
Sukyoung Won , Kijun Yang , Jeong Jae Wie
Miniaturized magnetic robots can be wirelessly maneuvered into hard-to-reach regions beyond the limits of manual control, enabling diverse functionalities such as drug delivery, microfluidic control, cargo transportation, ultraprecision polishing, and microplastic removal. From the perspective of mechanical engineering, robot locomotion has been extensively discussed in previous reviews. However, targeted and high-precision actuation requires multidisciplinary understanding from the perspective of polymer and materials science, which remains insufficiently covered in earlier reviews. This review aims to elucidate processing–structure–property–performance relationships in recent magnetically responsive polymer composites (i.e., magnetic polymer composites) for magnetic robot actuation. We address processing strategies and underlying rationales for magnetic polymer composites by considering magnetic properties of magnetic fillers and thermal processability of polymer matrices. Locomotion of millimeter-to-nanometer scale robots is discussed based on comprehensive understanding of processing, structure, properties, and actuation of magnetic polymer composites. This review offers insights required to advance magnetic robotics, paving the way for future miniaturized actuators and robots with diverse biomedical, environmental, industrial, and interdisciplinary functions.
{"title":"Processing–Structure–Property–Performance relationships of polymer composites for untethered magnetic robotics","authors":"Sukyoung Won , Kijun Yang , Jeong Jae Wie","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Miniaturized magnetic robots can be wirelessly maneuvered into hard-to-reach regions beyond the limits of manual control, enabling diverse functionalities such as drug delivery, microfluidic control, cargo transportation, ultraprecision polishing, and microplastic removal. From the perspective of mechanical engineering, robot locomotion has been extensively discussed in previous reviews. However, targeted and high-precision actuation requires multidisciplinary understanding from the perspective of polymer and materials science, which remains insufficiently covered in earlier reviews. This review aims to elucidate processing–structure–property–performance relationships in recent magnetically responsive polymer composites (i.e., magnetic polymer composites) for magnetic robot actuation. We address processing strategies and underlying rationales for magnetic polymer composites by considering magnetic properties of magnetic fillers and thermal processability of polymer matrices. Locomotion of millimeter-to-nanometer scale robots is discussed based on comprehensive understanding of processing, structure, properties, and actuation of magnetic polymer composites. This review offers insights required to advance magnetic robotics, paving the way for future miniaturized actuators and robots with diverse biomedical, environmental, industrial, and interdisciplinary functions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 102005"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144737630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-09-01Epub Date: 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102002
Sofie Houben , Marta Mestre Membrado , Lander Van Belleghem , Ion Olazabal , Niels Van Velthoven , Karolien Vanbroekhoven , Haritz Sardon , Dirk De Vos , Elias Feghali , Kathy Elst
Nitrogen containing polymers (NCPs), particularly polyurethanes (PU) and polyamides (PA), play a crucial role in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, leading to exponential growth in recent years. The production of both polymers relies primarily on fossil-fuel-derived monomers and lacks sustainable waste disposal solutions. To reduce fossil-fuel dependency, scaling up chemical recycling to an industrial scale is essential. Various systems have been developed at a lab scale, nevertheless, progress toward industrial-scale implementation remains scarce. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main chemical recycling approaches. Systems already operating at an industrial scale are reviewed separately and a general comparison of all techniques is made for each polymer. Beyond technical aspects, this review highlights broader challenges, including concerns with economic feasibility, regulatory constraints related to handling toxic compounds, and logistical challenges in waste collection. The future perspective gives an update on the state-of-the-art of chemical recycling and outlines the current limitations toward a fully circular economy for the two major NCPs.
{"title":"Chemical recycling of nitrogen containing polymers: processes and industrial prospects","authors":"Sofie Houben , Marta Mestre Membrado , Lander Van Belleghem , Ion Olazabal , Niels Van Velthoven , Karolien Vanbroekhoven , Haritz Sardon , Dirk De Vos , Elias Feghali , Kathy Elst","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrogen containing polymers (NCPs), particularly polyurethanes (PU) and polyamides (PA), play a crucial role in a wide range of industrial and consumer applications, leading to exponential growth in recent years. The production of both polymers relies primarily on fossil-fuel-derived monomers and lacks sustainable waste disposal solutions. To reduce fossil-fuel dependency, scaling up chemical recycling to an industrial scale is essential. Various systems have been developed at a lab scale, nevertheless, progress toward industrial-scale implementation remains scarce. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main chemical recycling approaches. Systems already operating at an industrial scale are reviewed separately and a general comparison of all techniques is made for each polymer. Beyond technical aspects, this review highlights broader challenges, including concerns with economic feasibility, regulatory constraints related to handling toxic compounds, and logistical challenges in waste collection. The future perspective gives an update on the state-of-the-art of chemical recycling and outlines the current limitations toward a fully circular economy for the two major NCPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"168 ","pages":"Article 102002"},"PeriodicalIF":26.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144787349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102004
Jun Jie Chang, Qianyu Lin, Nicholas Ong, Joey Wong Hui Min, Valerie Ow, Belynn Sim, Cally Owh, Rubayn Goh, Jason Y.C. Lim, Xian Jun Loh
Thermogels are promising biomaterials with the ability to attain temperature-induced sol-gel transitions. This property enables their injectability, facilitating minimally invasive administration for a range of biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound healing. However, their assembly via physical crosslinks often result in weaker mechanical properties when compared to covalent hydrogels. Over the years, the development of more sophisticated thermogels by leveraging past insights and incorporating novel synthetic and fabrication techniques has successfully resulted in a wide variety of thermogels with a range of physicochemical properties. This has enabled the precise control over the physical and chemical characteristics of thermogels, allowing their customization for various applications through rational design. This review categorizes the desirable qualities of thermogels into key physical and biochemical properties, highlighting their importance in performance optimization. Then, it explores the various strategies and approaches that have been used by research groups to precisely tailor thermogel properties, discussing the insights gained from these results. Finally, the review provides a perspective on the future of thermogel development. Collectively, the insights provided herein will guide rational and targeted design of thermogel properties that serve emerging biomedical applications and beyond.
{"title":"Polymeric thermogels: Fundamentals and strategies for their rational design","authors":"Jun Jie Chang, Qianyu Lin, Nicholas Ong, Joey Wong Hui Min, Valerie Ow, Belynn Sim, Cally Owh, Rubayn Goh, Jason Y.C. Lim, Xian Jun Loh","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.102004","url":null,"abstract":"Thermogels are promising biomaterials with the ability to attain temperature-induced sol-gel transitions. This property enables their injectability, facilitating minimally invasive administration for a range of biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound healing. However, their assembly via physical crosslinks often result in weaker mechanical properties when compared to covalent hydrogels. Over the years, the development of more sophisticated thermogels by leveraging past insights and incorporating novel synthetic and fabrication techniques has successfully resulted in a wide variety of thermogels with a range of physicochemical properties. This has enabled the precise control over the physical and chemical characteristics of thermogels, allowing their customization for various applications through rational design. This review categorizes the desirable qualities of thermogels into key physical and biochemical properties, highlighting their importance in performance optimization. Then, it explores the various strategies and approaches that have been used by research groups to precisely tailor thermogel properties, discussing the insights gained from these results. Finally, the review provides a perspective on the future of thermogel development. Collectively, the insights provided herein will guide rational and targeted design of thermogel properties that serve emerging biomedical applications and beyond.","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144787350","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-07-06DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.101993
Nicholas Jäck , Sören Nagel , Laura Hartmann
Sequence-defined polymers offer unparalleled structural precision, enabling tailored biological interactions, enhanced stability, and optimized function. Unlike traditional synthetic polymers, which often lack defined structures, these materials allow for precise tuning of molecular interactions to improve biomedical performance. This review surveys advancements over the past decade, covering foundational studies that elucidate sequence-function relationships - such as interactions with model lectins - as well as direct biomedical applications including nucleotide delivery, lectin and protein inhibition, antibacterial and antiviral strategies, tumor therapy, and bioimaging. The control over polymer sequences is crucial for enhancing specificity, reducing off-target effects, and improving stability in physiological environments.
By comparing sequence-defined polymers with natural biopolymers and conventional synthetic materials, we highlight their advantages in addressing challenges like immune recognition, enzymatic degradation, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. These materials present new avenues for developing targeted therapies, precision drug delivery systems, and advanced biomaterials.
Distinguishing itself from previous reviews focused on synthetic methodologies, this work emphasizes how sequence precision impacts biological function and thus potential biomedical applications. By summarizing foundational examples, recent breakthroughs and key challenges, we provide insights into the pivotal role of sequence-defined macromolecules in shaping the next generation of bioactive materials.
{"title":"Sequence-defined polymers for biomedical applications","authors":"Nicholas Jäck , Sören Nagel , Laura Hartmann","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.101993","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2025.101993","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sequence-defined polymers offer unparalleled structural precision, enabling tailored biological interactions, enhanced stability, and optimized function. Unlike traditional synthetic polymers, which often lack defined structures, these materials allow for precise tuning of molecular interactions to improve biomedical performance. This review surveys advancements over the past decade, covering foundational studies that elucidate sequence-function relationships - such as interactions with model lectins - as well as direct biomedical applications including nucleotide delivery, lectin and protein inhibition, antibacterial and antiviral strategies, tumor therapy, and bioimaging. The control over polymer sequences is crucial for enhancing specificity, reducing off-target effects, and improving stability in physiological environments.</div><div>By comparing sequence-defined polymers with natural biopolymers and conventional synthetic materials, we highlight their advantages in addressing challenges like immune recognition, enzymatic degradation, and suboptimal pharmacokinetics. These materials present new avenues for developing targeted therapies, precision drug delivery systems, and advanced biomaterials.</div><div>Distinguishing itself from previous reviews focused on synthetic methodologies, this work emphasizes how sequence precision impacts biological function and thus potential biomedical applications. By summarizing foundational examples, recent breakthroughs and key challenges, we provide insights into the pivotal role of sequence-defined macromolecules in shaping the next generation of bioactive materials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"167 ","pages":"Article 101993"},"PeriodicalIF":26.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144566413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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