Macromolecular Research最新文献

This paper aims to present the statistical evaluation of dielectric constant (έ) and conductivity (σ) performance of composites preparing Maleic Anhydride (MA) and Styrene (St) polymer with various amounts of Cadmium Sülfide (CdS) by analysis of variance (ANOVA) model. For this purpose, frequency, applied voltage and CdS amount at different weight percentages were selected as input factors while dielectric constant and conductivity of the composites were selected as the response. Analysis of input factors was performed, RSM method was designed and used for estimation of response factor. From the analysis results, we found that high values of dielectric constant and conductivity were strongly related to frequency and CdS amount. However, we found that applied voltage in the selected ranges did not have a significant effect on both factors. The structural properties of the composites were investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface morphology was investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The presence of CdS in polymers has been proven by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The thermal properties of polymers were examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

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RSM for optimization of the electrical properties of polymer

In this study, four distinct polymerization strategies were systematically compared to fabricate poly(methyl methacrylate) nano/microspheres (PMMA N/MSs) with tunable diameters ranging from 63 to 1200 nm. While individual PMMA synthesis routes have been explored in prior research, a comprehensive experimental investigation comparing key polymerization parameters across multiple techniques remains limited. Here, we examine the effects of initiator concentration, aqueous phase volume, reaction time and temperature, rotation rate, and dispersion medium on particle size. Moreover, we evaluate the role of additives such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in particle nucleation and stabilization. This work uniquely demonstrates how fine-tuning process variables enables precise and reproducible size control across a wide range of synthesis conditions. The results offer a cost-effective, scalable approach to PMMA N/MS fabrication and provide a framework for modifying particle sizes for specific applications in biomedical engineering, coatings, and photonics.

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Controlled synthesis of PMMA nano/microspheres with customized sizes.

This study investigates the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of biodegradable poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)] blends with cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), focusing on the influence of both 4HB molar content (0–36.1 mol%) and CAB loading (0–60 wt%). DSC results revealed that increasing CAB content suppresses crystallization and melting transitions, while raising the glass transition temperature, indicating partial miscibility and reduced crystallinity. Mechanical analysis showed a clear phase inversion near 40 wt% CAB, characterized by a transition from a P(3HB-co-4HB)-rich to a CAB-rich morphology, resulting in enhanced tensile strength and modulus but significantly reduced elongation. Rheological evaluation further confirmed this morphological transition through a sharp increase in zero-shear viscosity at high CAB content.

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The effects of 4HB molar content (0–36.1 mol%) and CAB loading (0–60 wt%) on the thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of P(3HB-co-4HB)/CAB blends highlight the suppression of crystallinity, an increase in glass transition temperature, and phase inversion near 40 wt% CAB

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is defined by the absence of progesterone receptor (PR), estrogen receptor (ER), and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2), which contributes to its poor prognosis. Due to the lack of these receptors, available treatment options are limited, and the risk of early relapses is heightened. To address this challenge, a cell surface modification strategy was implemented to present an artificial receptor on the surface of TNBC cells. This method also offers a promising alternative to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered immune cells, mitigating issues related to genetic modification, such as complex production steps and off-tumor effects. Recognizing the distinct benefits of non-genetic lipid insertion when compared to CAR-based methods, this study employed lipid-mediated cell surface engineering using lipid-PEG conjugates. Considering both the diversity of cell membrane compositions across different cell types and the amphiphilic feature of each lipid-PEG, we aimed to determine the optimal lipid anchor for effective integration into TNBC cells. In this context, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE), 1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE), and cholesterol (CLS) were evaluated for their suitability in TNBC cell surface modification. Each lipid anchor demonstrated unique properties in terms of membrane insertion, stability, and biological compatibility. Notably, DMPE outperformed the other lipids, exhibiting efficient membrane coating and prolonged retention on the TNBC cell surface. These findings emphasize the significance of a multi-criteria approach for lipid selection and present a widely applicable methodology for lipid-based cancer cell surface engineering.

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Optimal lipid selection for TNBC cell surface engineering was performed to anchor artificial receptors, aiming to enhance the recognition and targetability of TNBC cell that lacks representative surface antigens.

Nanosuspension is an emerging and effective approach that can overcome issues related to diabetes and its associated complications by improving the pharmaceutical characteristics of poorly water-soluble antidiabetic agents. Nanosuspension is nano-sized colloidal dispersions of therapeutic agents that are stabilized with the help of surfactants, polymers, or both, offering a promising solution that enhances the solubility, absorption, dissolution rate, and therapeutic potential of antidiabetic agents. This article highlights the potential of nanosuspension, in improving glycemic control and managing diabetes-related complications such as diabetic retinopathy, diabetic foot ulcer, and diabetic cerebrovascular disease. Key nanosuspension preparation techniques, including high-pressure homogenization, emulsification solvent evaporation, media milling, precipitation, and supercritical fluid methods are discussed to optimize drug delivery. The relevance of nanosuspension in personalized diabetes is also examined, particularly in delivering anti-diabetic agents, phytoconstituents, and other novel therapeutic agents. Despite their advantages, challenges such as scalability, stability, and regulatory considerations remain. The article provides an overview of recent developments, ongoing challenges and future directions to support nanosuspension-based strategies in effective diabetes management.

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Supercapacitors are promising high‐power energy storage devices, but are often limited by low energy density and mechanical instability. Here, we present an epoxy‐silica hybrid ionogel polymer electrolyte (HIGPE) synthesized via an in situ sol–gel reaction combined with thermal polymerization. Two epoxy monomers, one rigid and one flexible, were combined with silica precursors and subjected to in situ sol–gel processing to generate nanophase-separated domains. The subsequent thermal curing in an ionic liquid medium produced a free-standing HIGPE featuring chemically bonded SiO₂ nanoparticles, which uniformly disperse and modulate polymerization-induced phase separation (PIPS), yielding a finely structured nanoscale network. At room temperature, HIGPE exhibits an ionic conductivity of 1.5 × 10^–3 S/cm and a mechanical modulus of 0.9 MPa. When assembled into symmetric activated carbon supercapacitors, HIGPE enables a specific capacitance of 145 F/g at 0.2 A/g, which is 2.5 times higher than that of SiO₂-free IGPE, and achieves an energy density of 45 Wh/kg. Moreover, capacity retention remains above 80% after 5000 cycles, and bending tests confirm excellent flexibility with negligible performance loss. These results demonstrate that controlling PIPS through in situ nanoparticle incorporation produces a mechanically robust, high-conductivity electrolyte, addressing key shortcomings of conventional supercapacitors and paving the way for next-generation flexible energy storage.

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A new hybrid epoxy-silica ionogel polymer electrolyte (HIGPE) was developed to address the challenges of low energy density and mechanical instability in supercapacitors. Created through an in situ sol-gel process followed by thermal polymerization, HIGPE features silica particles that form a nanoscale network. This structure not only enhances ionic conductivity but also maintains mechanical flexibility. HIGPE-based supercapacitors show great promise for advancing energy storage technology.

The primary objective of this study was to develop a novel polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coating incorporating drug-loaded microspheres (MS) for medical devices, with a focus on optimizing coatings for silicone surfaces used in biomedical applications. Quaternary ammonium salt chitosan (HTCC) was synthesized through chitosan modification and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) MS, loaded with coumarin-6, were prepared and characterized by scanning electron microscopy and FT-IR, confirming effective encapsulation without chemical alteration. Silicone sheets were modified with a polydopamine layer, enabling a layer-by-layer assembly of HTCC and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). MS were then applied and secured with an additional PEM coating, quantified by fluorescence. The coatings were evaluated for stability, thickness, and water contact angle, with optimal results achieved using double HTCC layers, leading to uniform and stable MS deposition. The subsequent PEM coatings significantly enhanced the hydrophilicity and coating thickness of the silicone surface. Stability tests under shear stress confirmed the ability of PEM coatings to retain MS attachment, enabling sustained drug release and prolonged implant functionality. This multifunctional coating system for silicone medical devices demonstrates improved drug loading and extended release duration by employing polydopamine as a base layer along with PLGA-MS and polyelectrolytes, thereby highlighting its potential for enhanced drug delivery and device performance in medical applications.

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Porous polyacrylonitrile nanofibers (pPAN-NFs) were successfully fabricated via an electroblow spinning method that synergistically integrates electrospinning with blow spinning to enable the scalable production of uranium adsorbents. Following fiber formation, the sacrificial poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) was selectively removed to generate a porous architecture, and the nanofibers were subsequently functionalized with amidoxime groups to enhance uranyl ion affinity. The electroblow spinning process yielded a 2.5-fold increase in nanofiber production compared with conventional electrospinning within the same processing time, highlighting its superior productivity. The resulting pPAN-NFs exhibited a markedly increased surface area relative to nonporous counterparts, leading to enhanced adsorption performance with a 20% higher uranyl uptake, reaching 44.6 mg/g. Despite the presence of porous structures, the adsorption isotherm and kinetic analyses revealed that the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics described the adsorption behavior, suggesting that monolayer adsorption and chemisorption were the predominant mechanisms. Importantly, seawater adsorption tests demonstrated the material’s high selectivity for uranyl ions over competing vanadyl ions, confirming its robust adsorption capability under harsh, high-salinity conditions. Collectively, these results underscore the potential of the developed nanofibrous adsorbent as an efficient and scalable platform for sustainable uranium recovery from seawater, offering a promising pathway toward securing future nuclear energy resources.

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Porous nanofibers were fabricated via electroblow spinning method with PVP removal, yielding high surface area and porosity. The adsorbents showed enhanced adsorption capacity because of the increased porosity. Uranium uptake was also confirmed in seawater

Graphene and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising materials in advanced electronics, particularly for use in composite inks. Although screen printing is widely utilized for depositing such materials because of its cost‐effectiveness and rapid processing, its limitations, such as lack of selectivity and suboptimal ink utilization, necessitate alternative approaches. This study explores a precision dispensing system for depositing graphene and CNT (Gr + CNT) composite ink as source/drain (S/D) electrodes in organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs). The dispensing printing method produced S/D electrodes with excellent electrical conductivity, pattern fidelity, and adhesion. The Gr + CNT electrodes exhibited a thickness of approximately 7.8 μm and a trapezoidal edge with an 11.5° incline that facilitates efficient charge injection and extraction. Furthermore, n‐type and p‐type OTFTs with a bottom‐gate bottom‐contact architecture were fabricated using these optimized electrodes, achieving mobilities of 0.07 cm²V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and 0.20 cm²V⁻¹ s⁻¹, respectively.

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We propose segmented copolymers with spatially segregated regions exhibiting piezoelectric response and electroluminescence within a single polyfluorene-based conjugated polymer chain. To achieve the material, segments with anchoring sites for poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and segments containing benzothiadiazole units were polymerized separately as oligomers and then combined in a single reactor to form the desired copolymer. To control segment lengths, a technique was developed to monitor oligomer solution viscosity during parallel polycondensation, convert the viscosity to molecular weight using a pre-established correlation, and terminate the polycondensation of each oligomer at a desired point. The resulting precursor segmented copolymer, equipped with hydroxyl anchoring groups, was converted into a macro-RAFT agent and subsequently grafted with PVDF chains, yielding the final synchronized piezoelectric and luminescence (SPL) copolymer. Among the products, SC-g-PVDF (S), with a smaller PVDF fraction, showed piezoelectric performance (d₃₃ 20.7 pm/V) comparable to a random-type PVDF-grafted copolymer and achieved over 20% higher electroluminescence brightness.

Graphic Abstract

A segmented polyfluorene copolymer grafted with poly(vinylidene fluoride) chains and an LED device fabricated using this piezoelectric and luminescent material.