In this study, we report the step-gradient nanocomposite (NC) hydrogel generated easily by spatial connection of different nanocomposite hydrogel pastes varying in the concentrations of nanomaterials with the aid of a 3D printing technique. The prepared 3D printed gradient NC hydrogel has self-adhesive properties and is used to direct the migration of fibroblast cells towards the higher concentration of biopolymer-coated silica-based nanomaterials (NMs) within the 3D network of the hydrogel. Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential application of our gradient NC hydrogel in migration and subsequent enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBM MSC). The osteogenic differentiation of hBM MSC is achieved in the absence of osteogenic differentiation medium due to the silica-based NMs. The increase in the NM content in the gradient construct promotes hBM MSC migration and results in higher Ca2+ deposition.

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In this chapter we discus molecular imprinting technology MIT , molecular imprinted polymers MIPs , and their compatibility on a proper transducer to construct a sensing system. Molecularly imprinted sensors MISens , in other words, artificial receptor-based sensors synthesized in the presence of the target molecule, are capable of sensing target molecules by using their specific cavities and are compatible with the target molecule. This MIP technology is a viable alternative of artificial receptor technology, and the sensor technology is capable of detecting any kind of molecule without pre-analytic preparations. In this chapter, you can find examples, sensor construction techniques and fundamentals of MIP and sensor combinations to look forward in your studies. For sensor technology, we explained and discussed the new sensing technologies of MIP-based electrochemical, optical especially surface plasmon resonance, SPR , and piezoelectric techniques. Therefore, this chapter presents a short guideline of MISens.

In this paper, a novel electrochemical sensor based on molecularly imprinted polypyrrole film at gold electrode for selective and sensitive detection of tyrosine (Tyr) was fabricated. Tyr was used as template molecule and polymerized in presence of pyrrole, used as the functional monomer. As a comparison a non-modified polymer surface was also prepared under same circumstances without template molecule. The feature of both imprinted and non-imprinted electrode surfaces were performed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and electro impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The imprinted polypyrrole sensor exhibited good selectivity toward tyrosine in comparison with other structurally similar molecules. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the linearity range and the detection limit of the imprinted sensor were obtained as 5.0x10 -9 -2.5x10 -8 M and 2.5x10 -9 M, respectively.

Dedicated to Professor Rudolf Zentel-a dedicated scientist and loving father A kinetic model based on fundamentals of radical polymerization and literature known rate parameters for the polymerization of n-butyl acrylate is validated against molecular analysis and rheological data. The model is used to predict conversion, molar mass distribution, and branching densities in form of short and long chain branching. Rheological measurements of synthesized model polymers are evaluated along the Carreau-Yasuda and Van Gurp-Palmen presentations, allowing to detect small differences in the degree of long chain branching. Contributions of anharmonics to viscoelastic response in large amplitude oscillations are small and differences between the products are dominated by the differences in molar mass.

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Front Cover: The interplay between reaction conditions of the polymerization process of n‐butyl acrylate with the resulting product properties is investigated and quantified in article number 2100620 by Kristina Maria Zentel and co‐workers. A detailed kinetic model for the polymerization is validated against model experiments and used to determine the polymeric microstructure—here molar mass distribution and branching densities. They can be directly linked to the rheological behavior in the linear (SAOS) as well as non‐linear regime (LAOS).

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