Macromolecular Research最新文献

Despite being one of the most abundant natural polymers, lignin from paper mills and biorefinery processes is primarily used as a low-cost energy source; however, its utilization in value-added products remains limited. To address this issue, a novel strategy was developed for valorizing lignin as a multifunctional compatibilizer for biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT, 80/20 wt%) blends, enhancing both the interfacial compatibility and functional performance. A lignin-based multifunctional compatibilizer (LigSG) was synthesized by grafting styrene and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto lignin. LigSG contains reactive functional groups that enable preferential localization at the PLA/PBAT interface, thereby enhancing the interfacial adhesion. By incorporating LigSG at varying loadings (1, 5, and 10 phr), the morphology, mechanical properties, rheological behavior, and functional properties of the blends were successfully modulated. The domain size of PBAT dispersed in the blend containing LigSG was smaller, leading to enhanced tensile strength and an increase in the elongation at break compared to those of the uncompatibilized blend. The complex viscosity and interphase relaxation time increased, as revealed by rheological analysis, indicating stronger interfacial interactions. LigSG significantly enhanced the UV shielding ability of the blends, effectively reducing the transmittance in the UV region and preventing polymer degradation over time. The LigSG-containing blend exhibited enhanced water-barrier properties, demonstrating its dual role as a compatibilizer and functional additive. These findings highlight the potential of valorizing lignin for developing high-performance biodegradable polymer blends, enabling sustainable and high-value applications of lignin in eco-friendly packaging and material engineering.

Graphic Abstract

Lignin-based multifunctional reactive compatibilizer was introduced into biodegradable polymer blends, achieving simultaneousinterfacial compatibilization and functional enhancement. In addition to improved phase compatibility, the lignin-based compatibilizerprovided antioxidant, water-barrier, and UV-shielding properties to the blend system.

This study presents the development and comprehensive evaluation of a phloretin-loaded graphene oxide-infused self-healing foam dressing for enhanced wound healing. Phloretin (PHL), a polyphenolic compound known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties was encapsulated with β-cyclodextrin (PHL-β-CYD) to improve its aqueous solubility and stability. This inclusion complex (IC) was characterized using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, TGA, and DTA to confirm its structural integration, changes in crystallinity, and thermal behavior. Foam dressings were fabricated using an optimized blend of chitosan and sodium alginate, with graphene oxide as a self-healing agent. The PHL-β-CYD inclusion complex was incorporated into the foam matrix at varying concentrations of F1 (0.25%), F2 (0.5%), and F3 (1%), and evaluated for swelling behavior, in vitro drug release, self-healing, hemocompatibility, blood coagulation, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory potential. Among the formulations, FD-2 (0.5% PHL-β-CYD) was selected for further evaluation based on its optimal swelling behavior and sustained in vitro release profile. Drug release kinetics indicated sustained and pH-responsive behavior, while hemolysis and coagulation assays confirmed excellent biocompatibility and pro-coagulant properties. Anti-inflammatory activity was validated through BSA and egg albumin denaturation assays. In vitro cytotoxicity was conducted using fibroblast L929 cell lines and in vivo wound-healing efficacy were evaluated using an excision wound model in mice, with histopathological analysis confirming enhanced epithelialization and collagen deposition in treated group. Along with that, a network pharmacological approach was employed to identify the overlapping molecular targets between phloretin and wound-associated genes. Protein–protein interaction analysis, and GO-KEGG pathway enrichment, highlighted key biological processes and molecular pathways, particularly those involved in inflammation and tissue regeneration. In conclusion, the results validate the therapeutic potential of the developed PHL-loaded foam dressing as a multifunctional dressing for wound management and skin tissue repair.

Graphical abstract

Fabrication of a phloretin-loaded, graphene oxide-infused self-healing foam dressing using a sodium alginate-chitosan polymeric blend for enhanced wound healing. The optimized formulation (FD-2) exhibited sustained drug release, biocompatibility, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed accelerated wound healing and tissue regeneration. Network pharmacology analysis provided mechanistic insights into phloretin’s ability in modulating key inflammatory pathways

Polymer binders constitute less than 3% of the cell’s weight but play a critical role in the battery’s performance in various batteries. This review summarizes recent research on traditional and mussel-inspired catechol binders. Notably, catechol binders exhibit excellent adhesion to active materials, catalysts, and current collectors, enhancing the electrode stability of the batteries. Through recent research findings, this review highlights the potential of new catechol binders for various types of batteries and suggests future research directions.

Graphic Abstract

Schematic illustration highlighting catechol-based polymeric binders in battery charge–discharge cycles

To address the challenge of carbon dioxide accumulation in confined environments, a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-based, organic–inorganic hybrid hydrogel system was developed for CO₂ capture via mineralization. A PVA-based hydrogel functionalized with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and impregnated with CaCl₂ was fabricated for efficient CO₂ capture under humid indoor conditions. The hydrogel exhibited tunable porosity, high elasticity, and mechanical integrity, attributed to the synergistic effects of physical freeze–thaw crosslinking and TEOS-mediated covalent bonding. The presence of Ca ions within the hydrogel enabled effective CO₂ mineralization under humid conditions, leading to the formation of CaCO₃ polymorphs, as confirmed by SEM, XRD, and FT-IR analyses. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the hydrogel could accommodate over 35 wt% CaCO₃, indicating its substantial CO₂ uptake capacity of more than 15 wt%. This strategy demonstrates the potential of PVA-based hybrid hydrogels as functional platforms for carbon dioxide capture in confined spaces, combining physical robustness with ion-mediated CO₃ sequestration.

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Ca ion-functionalized PVA-based hydrogel that was hybridized with silica was newly developed for the effective capture of CO₂ in humid indoor environments. CO₂ capture was successfully accomplished via mineralization of CO₂ to CaCO₃ in the hydrogel.

Electrospun nanofibers (ENFs) have garnered significant attention as a research direction for advanced nanomaterials owing to their exclusive properties, such as high specific surface area, thermal and chemical stability, excellent electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, controllable structures and high porosity. These characteristics make them highly suitable for a broad range of applications, spanning from energy storage, tissue engineering, and drug delivery to environmental remediation, sensors, and precise medicine. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the next generation of electrospun nanofibers for multidisciplinary applications. The paper will critically discuss the latest advances in the development of ENFs for biomedical, dermatological, precise medicine, energy storage, environmental, textiles and wearables, agro-food systems and structural applications. Furthermore, it reviews the emerging trends including the incorporation of hybrid materials, soft robotics, biosensors, and innovations in nanofiber design that promise to expand their application horizon. It then emphasizes challenges such as scalability and industrial feasibility, durability and long-term stability and environmental concerns, which remain key hurdles to widespread commercial adoption. By examining the current state of research, this review will address the future development of high-performance electrospun nanofiber-reinforced composites in industries such as composites, defense, and aerospace.

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Applications of Electrospun Nanofibers in Various Fields

We report the design and synthesis of two new donor–acceptor copolymers, PBDTT–TPD and PBDTSe–TPD, incorporating N-alkylthieno[3,4-c]pyrrole-4,6-dione (TPD) as the electron-acceptor unit benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene (BDT) derivatives incorporating thiophene and selenophene as the electron-donor unit, respectively. To investigate the impact of substituting sulfur with selenium in the BDT core, we performed comprehensive structural, optical, and electrical characterizations. Compared to PBDTT–TPD, the selenophene-containing PBDTSe–TPD polymer exhibits a narrower optical bandgap, broader and red-shifted absorption spectra, and enhanced intermolecular interactions. As a result, the organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) fabricated with these polymers show hole mobilities of 0.0058 cm²/V·s or PBDTT–TPD and 0.021 cm²/V·s for PBDTSe–TPD. These results demonstrate that the strong quinoidal character and lower aromaticity of selenophene contribute to improved molecular packing and charge transport properties, highlighting its potential for high-performance organic electronic materials.

Graphical Abstract

We investigate how selenophene substitution in BDT-based donor–acceptor copolymers modulates molecular packing and charge transport. Two polymers, PBDTT-TPD and its selenium analogue PBDTSe-TPD, were synthesized and comprehensively characterized. Selenophene incorporation narrows the electrochemical bandgap, red-shifts absorption, and strengthens π–π interactions, while slightly reducing long-range lamellar order

Porous polymer materials have gained significant attention due to their tunable porosity, high thermal stability, and mechanical durability, making them ideal candidates for various applications, including energy storage. In this study, a cellulose derivative (CD) with a molecular weight of 380,000 was utilized to fabricate porous polymers via a vacuum-assisted process. The role of acetic acid as an additive was investigated, particularly its influence on porosity and gas permeability. The results demonstrated that increasing the acetic acid concentration led to enhanced porosity and improved gas transport properties, with the CD: acetic acid = 1: 2.0 porous polymer exhibiting a porosity of 89.2% and a Gurley value of 12.0 s/100 cc. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that while the presence of acetic acid facilitated pore formation through the weakening of intermolecular forces, the modified porous polymers maintained superior thermal stability compared to conventional polyolefin-based materials. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed that the cellulose structure remained chemically stable throughout the vacuum-assisted process, with only minor shifts in functional groups observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further validated the formation of well-defined pores, emphasizing the effectiveness of acetic acid-assisted vacuum processing in tailoring porosity.

Graphical Abstract

Flexible region formation by acetic acid in polymer chains

Changes in the mechanical properties of silicone rubber (SR) during long-term use can affect its comprehensive electrical–thermal properties and make it prone to failure. This paper adopts a combination of experimental and simulation methods to study the electrical–thermal–mechanical comprehensive performance change law of SR materials. Firstly, the ZnO/OMMT/SR model was constructed based on molecular dynamics software to analyze the network structure of internal intercalated bridges, and the effects of ZnO content on the electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties of SR were further investigated experimentally; finally, the electric field distribution of SR was investigated using Comsol simulation software. The experimental results show that when the doped 20% ZnO, the elastic modulus, and Payne effect of SR are optimal, the thermal conductivity of SR is also increased and the glass transition temperature is lowered; the three-dimensional lattice structure of intercalated bridges restricts the dipole motion and carrier migration, and the electrical performance shows the increase in resistivity, the increase in dielectric constant, and the decrease in dielectric loss. It was demonstrated that SR doped with 20% ZnO improves the boundary electric field distribution. This work is of great significance for coordinating the improvement of the electrical–thermal–mechanical performance of cable accessories.

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Thermal conduction pathways within microstructures and simulation models

Novolac-based photoresists, widely utilized in i-line and broadband photolithography, rely on diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ) photoactive compounds to enable UV-patterned dissolution via photochemically generated carboxylic acids. While the dissolution mechanism is typically governed by enhanced base solubility following DNQ photolysis and phenolic deprotonation, a counterintuitive decrease in dissolution rate with increasing temperature has been repeatedly observed in an intermediate thermal window—manifesting as a negative activation energy. Previous models have attributed this phenomenon to enhanced photoactive compound–novolac complexation or temperature-induced disruption of phenolate–tetramethylammonium ion pairs. However, these explanations fall short of accounting for additional observations such as surface densification and anion-specific effects. In this study, we uncover a complementary mechanism in which rapid formation of phenolate and carboxylate species leads to hydration-shell collapse and a subsequent densification of the novolac matrix near its glass transition temperature. Through systematic spectroscopic analysis, we propose a unified model that incorporates molecular interactions, ion-pairing dynamics, and polymer network reorganization, providing a comprehensive framework for understanding temperature-dependent dissolution behavior in DNQ/novolac photoresists.

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We investigate the mechanism of the dissolution process with negative activation energy of DNQ/novolac photoresists using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. We reveal that rapid anion formation at elevated temperatures induces hydration-shell collapse and matrix densification, suppressing dissolution. This structural transition near the glass transition temperature provides a molecular basis for the observed negative activation energy.

Natural polymer-based hydrogels are widely used for tissue engineering, drug delivery, food, and cosmetic applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and physical properties similar to the extracellular matrix. In this study, we develop ternary CHA hydrogels composed of low-molecular-weight collagen (Col), hyaluronic acid (HA), and alginate (Alg), three representative natural polymers, with varying calcium ion (Ca²⁺) concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 2.5 wt%. The combination of the three natural polymers imparts multifunctional characteristics, including intrinsic bioactivity, high hydration capacity, and ion-responsive gelation. The dynamic network of the hydrogels is formed by the “egg-box” coordination between Ca²⁺ and alginate, together with hydrogen-bonding interactions among Col, HA, and Alg. This Ca²⁺-induced cross-linking mechanism enables control of the swelling behavior and cross-linking density of the hydrogels. Rheological analyses elucidate that the CHA hydrogels cross-linked with Ca²⁺ exhibit a yield stress (τ_y), which increases with increasing Ca²⁺ concentration, followed by shear-thinning behavior beyond τ_y. Moreover, their storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) increase, whereas their swelling ratio and linear viscoelastic (LVE) region decrease with increasing Ca²⁺ concentration, indicating a higher ionic cross-linking density and a more rigid but brittle network. The CHA hydrogels, offering tunable mechanical properties via ionic cross-linking and inherent biocompatibility, demonstrate strong potential for drug delivery systems, regenerative scaffolds, and advanced cosmetic formulations.

Graphical abstract

CHA ternary hydrogels composed of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and alginate are fabricated with varying Ca²⁺ concentrations by forming the three-dimensional dynamic networks contributed by Ca-induced ionic coordination and hydrogen-bonding interactions among constituents. Higher Ca²⁺ content yields denser networks and higher elasticity of the hydrogels, enabling control of physicochemical and rheological properties for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications.