Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS)-Based Hybrid Soft Gels: Molecular Design, Material Advantages, and Emerging Applications

Abstract

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) represent the new frontier in hybrid materials science and engineering, because of their well-defined nanostructure and unique dual nature combining material properties from both inorganic siloxane cage and organic groups at the periphery. Recent advances in synthetic chemistry, combined with the controlled radical polymerization techniques, have significantly influenced the construction of POSS soft gel as emerging biomaterials and beyond. In this Review, the most recent developments in the design strategies of POSS-based hybrid soft gels are presented, with respect to different functions of architectural POSS, including POSS as a crosslinker, end-cap polymer chain, pendent group, etc. In addition, the insights into the uniqueness of POSS in microstructure and their different organic substituents in the enhancement of the hydrogel performance are illustrated. These sophisticated materials with multiple functions, oriented toward advanced therapeutic applications, are further summarized into several active domains in controlled drug delivery, 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, and wound healing. The recent new applications of using POSS hybrid soft gel in environmental health are also summarized in this Review. Finally, perspectives and challenges related to the further advancement of POSS-based hybrid soft gel materials are discussed.

Silsesquioxane Derivatives as Functional Additives for Preparation of Polyethylene-Based Composites: A Case of Trisilanol Melt-Condensation

“…To improve either processing or service properties of PE or composites thereof, additives such as lubricants, compatibilisers, plasticizers, or antioxidants/stabilizers have been extensively used [ 10 ]. As a novel type of either processing/functional additives or nanoreinforcing agents for polymer (nano)composites or blends, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (SSQ) have been reported several times over the last twenty years, and discussed in detail in reviews by Kausar [ 11 ], Du [ 12 ], Kuo [ 13 ], Ayandele [ 14 ], Zhou [ 15 ], Shi [ 16 ], and Li [ 17 ]. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes are known for their well-defined, molecular structure, controllable physicochemical properties on the basis of the introduced organic substituents, good solubility and dispersion properties, or simple, reproducible synthetic protocols [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Fluorescent‐Labeled Octasilsesquioxane Nanohybrids as Potential Materials for Latent Fingerprinting Detection

“…In this regard, polyhedralo ligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) have emergeda savaluableg roup of 3D nano-building-blocks for the fabrication of av ariety of hybrid functional materials. [15][16][17][18][19] Several prime qualifications make POSS the appropriate choice for its use as principal core:( i) it exhibits high stability and excellent biocompatibility in ab iological environment, [20] (ii)the inorganic cage providesn ot only protection to the covalently attached dye from stabilityb ut also ac onvenient framework for 3D multivalent display of pendant epitopes, [21] (iii)facile functionalization. [22] The highly symmetrical and topologically ideal cubic-octameric framework (T8), with general formula (RSiO1.5) 8 and ac age size of approximately 0.5-0.7 nm has been reported as suitable precursor.…”

Soluble network polymers based on trifluoropropyl‐substituted open‐cage silsesquioxane: Synthesis, properties, and application for surface modifiers

“…[8][9][10][11][12][13] Several types of POSS-based polymers have been prepared, including main-chain types from bifunctional POSS monomers [13][14][15][16][17][18][19] and network types from octa-functional POSSs. [20][21][22][23][24] However, POSSs for the former category are limited to certain organic substituents on their peripheral, while it is difficult to control the crosslinking of the latter type.…”

“…The materials are known for their well‐defined structures containing rigidly inorganic cores with organic substituents in the peripheral 8–13 . Several types of POSS‐based polymers have been prepared, including main‐chain types from bifunctional POSS monomers 13–19 and network types from octa‐functional POSSs 20–24 . However, POSSs for the former category are limited to certain organic substituents on their peripheral, while it is difficult to control the crosslinking of the latter type.…”