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Transient technology seeks the development of materials, devices, or systems that undergo controlled degradation processes after a stable operation period, leaving behind harmless residues. To enable externally powered fully transient devices operating for longer periods compared to passive devices, transient batteries are needed. Albeit transient batteries are initially intended for biomedical applications, they represent an effective solution to circumvent the current contaminant leakage into the environment. Transient technology enables a more efficient recycling as it enhances material retrieval rates, limiting both human and environmental exposures to the hazardous pollutants present in conventional batteries. Little efforts are focused to catalog and understand the degradation characteristics of transient batteries. As the energy field is a property-driven science, not only electrochemical performance but also their degradation behavior plays a pivotal role in defining the specific end-use applications. The state-of-the-art transient batteries are critically reviewed with special emphasis on the degradation mechanisms, transiency time, and biocompatibility of the released degradation products. The potential of transient batteries to change the current paradigm that considers batteries as harmful waste is highlighted. Overall, transient batteries are ready for takeoff and hold a promising future to be a frontrunner in the uptake of circular economy concepts., Advanced Science, 8 (12), ISSN:2198-3844

International audience; An effective preparation of new tailor-made macromolecular materials via a combination of two (atom-efficient) catalytic transformations is reported. First, new aliphatic polyesters with alternated composition have been prepared using a salen aluminum catalyst system. Next, the pendant vinyl moieties in those copolymers have been selectively transformed into various functional groups by metathesis in the presence of homogeneous Grubbs catalysts. The latter metathesis reaction has been optimized in terms of catalytic activity and selectivity, to define the conditions for an effective and safe procedure that does not affect the macromolecular architecture. All polymer materials have been analyzed by H-1, and C-13 NMR spectroscopy, to diagnose the catalyst selectivities in the copolymerization and metathesis processes.

Objective: In the present study, we investigate the biological performance of a calcium phosphate ceramics (CPC) bone substitute combined with poly-hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV). Materials and Methods: A particulate CPC [45% beta-tricalcium phosphate ([Formula: see text]-TCP) and 55% of dihydrated dicalcium phosphate (DCPD)] was incorporated into a biodegradable copolymer PHBV. Two series of the composite, 1 and 2, with CPC–PHBV weight ratios of (40%–60% and 60%–40%), respectively, were prepared using chloroform for dissolving the polymer and a pressure molding process for shaping the composite samples. After particle size analysis, the two composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). In a second step, a 10[Formula: see text]mm bony segmental defect created in the tibias of 20 New Zealand White Rabbits was filled randomly with either composite 1 for group 1 or composite 2 for group 2. There were 10 animals in each group. Clinical, radiological and histological assessments were then carried out to evaluate the biological properties of developed CPC–PHBV composites. Results: For both variants of the developed CPC–PHBV biocomposite, there was evidence of osseous consolidation within three months. An in vivo investigation revealed the biological properties of the biocomposite, namely, biocompatibility, bioactivity, biodegradability and osteoconductivity. The morphological characteristics, granule size and chemical composition, were indeed found to be favorable for osseous cell development. This study likewise showed lower mortality for the variant with weight ratio (40%CPC–60%PHBV). Conclusion: An in vivo investigation revealed that the new biomaterial composed of CPC and PHBV exhibits manifest osteoconductivity and bioactivity with better degradation kinetics than the CPC. Moreover, the variant with 40%CPC/60%PHBV appeared more resistant to infection than the 60%CPC/40%PHBV which is an indicator of biocompatibility.