Polymer Bulletin最新文献

The cardioprotective potential of Robinin (Rob) is hindered by its poor stability, low bioavailability, and rapid degradation. To address these challenges, we developed an Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP)-conjugated, Rob-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-polyethylene glycol (PLGA-PEG) nanoparticle system (NpR) for prolonged and targeted delivery to cardiomyocytes. We hypothesized that ANP-tagged PLGA-PEG nanoparticle would enhance Rob’s therapeutic efficacy by providing sustained release, extended bioactivity, and reduced cytotoxicity. NpR was synthesized via a double emulsion technique and characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Particle size, encapsulation efficiency, peptide and drug loading were measured. In vitro drug release kinetics, cellular uptake, and cytotoxicity in H9c2 cardiomyocytes were assessed. Apoptosis and pro-survival pathway analyses were performed. Characterization revealed that NpR had a particle size of 166.6 ± 2.45 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.225 ± 0.089, and a zeta potential of − 19.00 ± 1.11 mV, with spherical morphology confirmed by SEM. Encapsulation and loading efficiencies of Rob were 75.54 ± 3.11% and 10 ± 0.988% respectively, with an 81 ± 3.98% cumulative Rob release. NpR exhibited a four-fold increase in H9c2 cell uptake, mitigating ISO-induced damage over 24, 48, and 72 h by reducing ROS, apoptosis, and preserving cellular structure. Gene expression analysis showed that NpR reversed ISO-induced alterations in pro- and anti-apoptotic gene levels, while western blotting confirmed restoration of AKT/GSK3β and ERK^1/2 signaling pathways. These findings demonstrate that NpR confers potent cardioprotective effects through targeted delivery, sustained release, and enhanced cellular uptake, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for myocardial protection.

The contribution of materials in daily life has changed in recent decades due to increasing demand for lightweight, cost effective and sustainable compounds. Thus, present study aims to investigate the polymer composite developed by using bio extracted areca fiber and industrial waste sourced waste rubber latex filler particle, and that reinforcement substance is utilized after silane modification process. In addition, the nature of material determined based on their performance and durability, thus the present research investigated the ageing conditioned composite and their fatigue, creep, drop load impact, and water absorption properties. The composite performance was analyzed as per ASTM standard. Based on the result observation, the composite VR13 with increase in concentration of surface modified filler particle of 6 vol% and surface modified areca fiber of 40 vol% shows maximum cyclic load bearing fatigue properties of high life cycle counts of 23,188 for the applied load of 25% Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), 20,561 cycles for 50% UTS, and 17,612 cycles for the applied load of 75% UTS.Furthermore, the same composite VR13 exhibits maximum creep strain behavior with strain values of 0.00095, 0.00142, 0.00179, 0.00207, 0.0023over time seconds of 2000s, 4000s, 6000s, 8000s, and 10000s, respectively. The drop load impact analysis found that increasing the surface modified filler concentration by 6 vol% (VR13) resulted in an impact energy of 3 J with respect to the time seconds of 0.0060 and a load of 5.1 KN with respect to the deflection of 2.6 mm. Furthermore, the composite’s water absorption qualities under plain matrix V exhibit the lowest absorption rate of 0.75%, and among fiber and filler reinforcement, the composite V33 under temperature ageing shows the lowest water absorption rate of 1.36%. Overall, silane-treated bio-fibers and industrial waste fillers enhance the strength and durability of composites, especially in unaged and certain temperature-aged conditions, making them well-suited for applications requiring resistance to environmental changes, moisture, and impact.

This study aims to develop a natural polymer mat loaded with active constituents of essential oil to eradicate fungal biofilm. Electrospinning was utilized to fabricate nanofibers by integrating the monoterpenes (limonene and linalool) into the hydrophilic pullulan polymer (LMLN/PLN), ensuring increased drug dissolution in aqueous environments and enhanced activity. The nanofiber, was characterize using several biophysical techniques, including ¹H NMR, FESEM, XRD, and ATR-FTIR, to gather in-depth insight into morphology and thermostability. Encapsulation led to an increase in nanofiber diameter from 134 ± 25.26 nm to 162.48 ± 39.24 nm, indication the effective incorporation of the encapsulated material. Additionally, the ¹H NMR spectra of LMLN/PLN nanofiber exhibited characteristic peaks consistent with those of LMLN in the 4.0–6.0 ppm and 2.5 ppm regions. These findings corroborate the successful synthesis of stable LMLN/PLN nanofibers and their application against fungal biofilm. It was observed that the LMLN/PLN containing (NF1, 48 µg/ml) inhibited 70–76% biofilm of Candida spp (C. albicans, C. tropicalis) while 60–66% Cryptococcus spp (C. laurentii and C.neoformans) respectively. The fabricated nanofiber facilitates effective drug delivery of essential oil active constituents based drug delivery system to combat fungal biofilm invitro study while negligible cytotoxicity against fibroblast (L929) cell lines.

Bio-based polymeric scaffolds are being extensively investigated for sustainable therapeutic delivery systems due to their non-toxicity, biodegradability, and stimulus responses. This study reports the co-electrospinning of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(caprolactone) (PCL), and nano-sized silk fibroin (SF) matrices to develop functional nanofibre mats, using a chloroform/DMF (1/1, v/v) mixture as the dope medium. The prepared tricomponent (SF/PLA/PCL) mats were loaded with gentamicin sulfate and evaluated for various chemical, physical, and structural properties. The results revealed that the electrospun mats had nanofibre diameters of 35 ± 2–72 ± 5 μm, water contact angles of 41 ± 1-117 ± 2°, and tensile strengths of 10 ± 1–14 ± 1 MPa, depending on the composition. The electrospun polymeric mats expressed pH-dependent first-order kinetics. The drug-loaded co-electrospun mat released 50.3 ± 3% of the drug at pH 7.4 after 24 h in PBS. The study proposes that the gentamicin sulfate-loaded SF/PLA/PCL co-electrospun mat would be a promising template for pH-dependent sustained drug delivery.

Recent awareness of sustainable environments and the recycling of biowaste materials has stimulated various industrial sectors to replace conventional materials with polymer composites for processing their products. This study aims to reinforce the aspiration of such industries to be more focused on bio-polymers. Banana fiber was utilized to reinforce the epoxy composite in two different variants: untreated and chemically treated. Furthermore, fiber variants were followed as short fibers, woven mat, and woven mat-short fibers hybrid. To estimate the viscoelastic properties, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and post-fracture analysis were carried out. Additionally, the possible strengthening mechanism and thermal stability of the bio-polymers were evaluated with exclusive theoretical modelling to justify the improvement in the viscoelastic nature of the materials. The results concluded that the generous improvement of 100%, 141%, and 150% in storage, loss modulus and damping behaviour of treated woven banana (T-WBF) compared to untreated short banana fiber (UT-SBF). The increased level of interphase shear strength parameter and activation energy evolved from theoretical modeling demonstrated the higher structural and thermal stability of treated woven banana fiber, respectively, indicating that the novel biopolymer is the ideal candidate for structural and automotive applications.

The study of methods to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from major emission points and prevent its uncontrolled release into the atmosphere has grown significantly. Therefore, it is essential to develop selective and efficient adsorbents for CO₂ removal. Molecular imprinting technology makes specific “molecular keys” through preassembling, polymerizing monomers, cross-linking agents, and eluting template molecules. In this study, methacrylamide, identified as the optimal functional monomer with the highest affinity for CO₂ among five nitrogen (N₂) rich monomers, was quantitatively selected using density functional theory calculations. Utilizing computational molecular simulations, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were successfully synthesized via the precipitation polymerization method for CO₂ removal. The parameters for polymer synthesis were further optimized by employing response surface methodology coupled with central composite design. Three mmol of monomer, 20 mmol of cross-linker, and 35 mL of porogenic solvent were reported to be the optimum parameters that resulted in the highest binding capacity. The optimized polymer was further subjected to a series of characterizations. The effect of various adsorption process parameters (temperature, flow rate, and CO₂ concentration) on CO₂ adsorption in a fixed bed was also investigated. The adsorption data fitted the Langmuir model for isotherm analysis, the Avrami model could explain the kinetic behavior of the adsorbent, and the Yoon-Nelson model described the column adsorption behavior. The MIP indicated a high selectivity for CO₂ over N₂ gas, and the regeneration study reported a minimal reduction in adsorption capacity of approximately 8% even after the 10th cycle. This research suggests that the synthesized MIP shows potential for CO₂ removal with high selectivity and good reusability. In addition, the application of computational research has also promoted a green synthesis approach, an environmentally friendly approach to the development of MIPs.

Graphical abstract

Star-shaped polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-block-polystyrene (s-SEBS) foamed elastomers are prepared via direct twin-screw extrusion using polymer microcapsules encapsulating liquefied hydrocarbons (PMC) as a foaming agent. The melt strength and relaxation behavior of s-SEBS are sufficient to promote PMC foaming, while maintaining its structural integrity without breaking under shear. The SEM images confirmed that the foam cells and the matrix existed in an isolated and independent state. These foamed elastomers retain the intrinsic properties of thermoplastic elastomers. Although the brittle detachment of the foam cell from the matrix occurs, s-SEBS foamed elastomer 150/2 exhibits optimal tensile properties, in which the tensile strength of 3.03 MPa, the Young ‘s modulus of 0.89 MPa, and elongation at break of 1875.69%. During reciprocating stretch, s-SEBS foamed elastomers exhibit good elastic recovery capability while maintaining the structural integrity of the foam cells. The hysteresis loss is primarily attributed to the plastic deformation of S domains, rearrangement of the entanglement network, relocation of the foam cells primarily, and orientation / disorientation of chains. Higher naphthenic oil content endows higher tensile resilience to s-SEBS foamed elastomers. The preparation of s-SEBS foamed elastomers by a twin-screw extruder provides an efficient and economical method from an industrial and technical point of view. The evaluation of s-SEBS foamed elastomers in this paper will provide a practical solution for industrial-scale prefabricated plastic tracks.

The current study successfully synthesized nanocomposite films by incorporating various concentrations of Cd_0.1Ni_0.9Y_0.05Fe_1.95O₄ (CNYFO) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using the solution casting technique. The impact of CNYFO spinel ferrite loading on the structure of PVA was examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), optical microscopy (OM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. XRD and Raman analysis confirmed the successful synthesis of CNYFO nanoparticles in a cubic phase and revealed the reduction in the PVA’s semi-crystallinity as CNYFO content rises, indicating strong interfacial complexation of CNYFO NPs and the PVA chains. Adding CNYFO to the PVA causes a change in the absorption edge towards longer wavelengths. The optical bandgap values decreased from 5.527 eV (pure PVA) to 4.171 eV (PVA + 8%CNYFO) for direct transitions and from 4.692 eV (pure PVA) to 2.262 eV (PVA + 8%CNYFO) for indirect transitions. In contrast, the Urbach energy increased from 0.497 eV to 3.736 eV as the CNYFO concentration grew from 0 to 8%, respectively. Moreover, the refractive index of the pure PVA showed an enhancement after the inclusion of CNYFO NPs. The Wemple-DiDomenico model was employed to identify the essential optical parameters, like the refractive index and the dispersion energy, which were increased as the CNYFO concentration increased, signifying enhanced electronic polarizability and amorphous enrichment within the matrix. The Cd_0.1Ni_0.9Y_0.05Fe_1.95O₄ /PVA films with enhanced features are strongly nominated for optical applications.

The advancement of convergent technologies in the textile field is bridging the gap between connectivity and interactivity. This review highlights recent progress in the development of smart textiles utilizing polypyrrole (PPy), a widely studied conducting polymer. The synthesis and deposition techniques for PPy on fabrics, including in situ polymerization, screen printing, inkjet printing, spray coating, and dip coating, are critically discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the interaction mechanisms between PPy and textile surfaces, which govern adhesion, durability, and wash stability. Surface modification strategies such as plasma treatment, polydopamine interlayers, and nanoparticle reinforcement are outlined as promising methods to enhance coating performance. Furthermore, the multifunctional applications of PPy-coated textiles are explored, including gas and mechanical sensors, pH monitoring, electromagnetic interference shielding, and antibacterial fabrics. This review also identifies current challenges particularly weak adhesion and poor washability and provides perspectives on future research directions for achieving durable, high-performance, and multifunctional smart textiles.

Graphical Abstract

Graphical representation of PPy synthesis, properties and application on cloth.

Human lifestyle is getting changed in recent decades by concentrating more on sustainable growth. Consequently, the need for using eco-friendly material in day to day life are getting increased. The present study has focused on the development of composite film for antimicrobial packaging application using biodegradable clove oil, modified cellulose particle and ginger stalk microfiber incorporated within PVA matrix. The main novelty of this study is to develop a composite film using natural waste biomass and conducting in-vitro swelling and degradation as well as antimicrobial test for providing better sustainable packaging material. Further, this research extracts microfibers from ginger stalk and cellulose from pumpkin seed husk and the films were fabricated using solvent casting method. Further, the plain resin P with 100 vol% PVA achieved 25 MPa in tensile, 4.5 N/mm in tear, producing inhibition zone of 0.2 mm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), 0.6 mm (Klebsiella pneumoniae) and 0.8 mm (Staphylococcus aureus) with swelling behaviour from 2.45% in 1st week to 3.18% in 5th week. In addition, this specimen attained 1.81% in 1st week to 2.72% in 5th week.Notably, the results showed that the composite film PM2 (3 vol% cellulose, 10 vol% clove oil, and 30 vol% microfiber) exhibited superior mechanical properties, with a tensile strength of 48 MPa and a tear strength of 12.7 N/mm. This enhancement is attributed to the surface treatments and synergistic interactions between the bio-oil and cellulose, which improved interfacial adhesion, as evidenced by the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. In antimicrobial tests, PM3 (5 vol% cellulose) emerged as the most effective, producing inhibition zones of 16.5 mm (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), 18.2 mm (Klebsiella pneumoniae), and 17.4 mm (Staphylococcusaureus). When immersed in simulated body fluid for five weeks, PM3 also showed remarkable moisture stability, with the lowest swelling (1.92% in week 1 to 2.45% by week 5) and minimal degradation (1.04% → 1.74%), illustrating its structural resilience. Collectively, these results position PM3 as a mechanically robust, antimicrobial, and moisture-resistant biocomposite, ideal for demanding biomedical and packaging applications.