This study presents a comprehensive survey of microgel-coated materials and their functional behavior, describing the complex interplay between the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the microgels and the chemical and morphological features of substrates. The cited literature is articulated in four main sections: i) properties of 2D and 3D substrates, ii) synthesis, modification, and characterization of the microgels, iii) deposition techniques and surface patterning, and iv) application of microgel-coated surfaces focusing on separations, sensing, and biomedical applications. Each section discussesby way of principles and examples -how the various design parameters work in concert to deliver functionality to the composite systems. The case studies presented herein are viewed through a multi-scale lens. At the molecular level, the surface chemistry and the monomer make-up of the microgels endow responsiveness to environmental and artificial physical and chemical cues. At the micro-scale, the response effects shifts in size, mechanical, and optical properties, and affinity towards species in the surrounding liquid medium, ranging from small molecules to cells. These phenomena culminate at the macro-scale in measurable, reversible, and reproducible effects, aiming in a myriad of directions, from lab-scale to industrial applications.
Composite material enabling the delivery of synergistic combination of doxorubicin and gemcitabine against breast cancer with molar and kinetic precision.
Resorbable elastomers are an emerging class of materials required for transient implantable medical devices (IMDs), as their tissue‐matching mechanical properties decrease the risks associated with implant removal and promote functional tissue integration. Traditional materials employed in IMDs are typically much more rigid than native tissue, which leads to increased foreign body response and tissue irritation, and must be removed at the end of life of the implant, thus increasing the risk to patients. Resorbable elastomeric biomaterials support efficiently all the functions of substrate/encapsulant, dielectric, semiconductors and conductors that are needed in IMDs, while offering beneficial mechanical properties and a programed degradation that circumvents the need for surgical removal. This mini‐review presents the chemical characteristics, material properties and applications as IMD substrates of three resorbable elastomer families: polyurethane, poly(glycerol sebacate) and poly(diol citrate). Finally, some challenges and future directions on the pathway to biomedical adoption of resorbable elastomeric biomaterials are discussed including safety, processing conditions and critical development steps for conductive and dielectric elastomers. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
A mathematical model based on formation and dissolution kinetics is formulated for the formation of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase layer on the anode and cathode in a lithium ion battery. The model assumes that the formation of the Solid Electrolyte interphase (SEI) at the anode and cathode involves formation and dissolution of the SEI layer. The model evaluates capacity fading as a function of temperature for various values of formation and dissolution rate constants. Model results also predict capacity fade results when there is no dissolution of the SEI layer. Model results show that at higher temperatures dissolution of the SEI layer plays a major role in the capacity loss in a lithium ion battery.
This study presents dual-responsive colloidal microgels to repair nonwoven fiber mats (NWFs) and recover their native morphological and functional properties. The formulation comprises poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (PNIPAmco-AA) microgels loaded with iron oxide nanoparticles acting as magneto-responsive "bricks" and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-4-benzoylphenyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm-co-BPAm) serving as photo-cross-linkable "mortar". The formulation is employed to repair small tears in meltblown polypropylene (PP) and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) NWFs and recover the functional properties of the native membranes. Specifically, magnetically directed and UV-light-triggered repair recovers (i) the topological integrity, as shown by optical microscopy and image analysis of PP and PBT NWFs, (ii) the mechanical properties, as demonstrated by the values of tensile modulus of native, damaged, and repaired PP NWFs, and (iii) the permeability to sodium chloride of both PP and PBT NWFs. A comparative study of repair using magneto-responsive and photo-cross-linkable vs photocross-linkable-only formulations demonstrate that magnetic localization is vital to ensure rapid, spatially accurate, and effective recovery of the morphological and functional properties of damaged NWFs.
This study presents the development of the first composite nonwoven fiber mats (NWFs) with infrared light-controlled permeability. The membranes were prepared by coating polypropylene NWFs with a photothermal layer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm)-based microgels impregnated with graphene oxide nanoparticles (GONPs). This design enables “photothermal smart-gating” using light dosage as remote control of the membrane’s permeability to electrolytes. Upon exposure to infrared light, the GONPs trigger a rapid local increase in temperature, which contracts the PNIPAm-based microgels lodged in the pore space of the NWFs. The contraction of the microgels can be reverted by cooling from the surrounding aqueous environment. The efficient conversion of infrared light into localized heat by GONPs coupled with the phase transition of the microgels above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAm provide effective control over the effective porosity, and thus the permeability, of the membrane. The material design parameters, namely the monomer composition of the microgels and the GONP-to-microgel ratio, enable tuning the permeability shift in response to IR light; control NWFs coated with GONP-free microgels displayed thermal responsiveness only, whereas native NWFs showed no smart-gating behavior at all. This technology shows potential toward processing temperature-sensitive bioactive ingredients or remote-controlled bioreactors.
Recyclable and biodegradable microelectronics, i.e., “green” electronics, are emerging as a viable solution to the global challenge of electronic waste. Accordingly, the development of novel materials to replace passive components and packaging is necessary to realize sustainable manufacturing and growing distribution of electronic devices. Specifically, alternatives to printed circuit boards (PCBs) represent a prime target for novel materials development and increasing the utility of green electronics in biomedical and Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications. Ideal PCB substrates and packaging are good dielectrics, mechanically and thermally robust, and are compatible with traditional microfabrication processes, which typically result in the use of non-biodegradable materials. Poly(octamethylene maleate (anhydride) citrate) (POMaC) – a citric acid-based elastomer with tunable degradation and mechanical properties – presents a promising alternative for PCB substrates and packaging. Here, we report the novel use and characterization of POMaC-PCBs. Synthesis and processing conditions were optimized to achieve desired degradation and mechanical properties for production of stretchable circuits. POMAC-PCB traces were characterized and exhibited sheet resistance of 0.599 Ω cm-2, crosstalk distance of <0.6 mm, and R/R0 = 30 after 100 cycles to 20% strain. Fabrication of single and multilayer layer POMaC-PCBs was demonstrated.
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