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This study investigates a supramolecular approach to elucidate the interaction between an organic semiconducting molecule, specifically butyric acid-functionalized perylene diimide, and a block copolymer comprising poly-3-hexyl thiophene-b-polyethylene glycol. This interaction results in the formation of a precisely structured nanoarchitecture within the supramolecular block copolymer, driven by the ionic interplay between the block copolymer and small organic molecules. The optical properties of the synthesized supramolecular block copolymer were characterized by using ellipsometry. Additionally, further characterization employing atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction provided detailed insights into the crystallinity and morphology of the nanostructure. The characterization data showed that this approach significantly influenced the tuning of morphology, crystallinity, and optical and electronic properties of the resulting nanostructure. The demonstrated methodology holds considerable promise as a strategic tool for broadening the spectrum of attainable nanomorphologies in semiconducting polymers, particularly for applications in electronics or photovoltaics., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent respiratory condition with global implications. Accurate and timely diagnosis is critical; however, traditional diagnostic methods (based on spirometry) show limitations, prompting the search for predictive biomarkers and modern diagnostic techniques. This study explored the validation of COPD-related biomarkers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, neutrophil elastase, and alpha-1 antitrypsin) in saliva. A diverse cohort, including healthy non-smokers, healthy smokers, and COPD patients of Polish origin, underwent spirometry and marker analysis. The data correlated with clinical factors, revealing noteworthy relations. Firstly, salivary biomarker levels were compared with serum concentrations, demonstrating notable positive or negative correlations, depending on the factor. Further analysis within healthy individuals revealed associations between biomarker levels, spirometry, and clinical characteristics such as age, sex, and BMI. Next, COPD patients exhibited an enhanced concentration of biomarkers compared to healthy groups. Finally, the study introduced a breathing assessment survey, unveiling significant associations between self-perceived breathing and spirometric and tested parameters. Outcomes emphasized the relevance of subjective experiences in COPD research. In conclusion, this research underscored the potential of salivary biomarkers as diagnostic tools for COPD, offering a non-invasive and accessible alternative to traditional methods. The findings paved the way for improved modern diagnostic approaches.

Herein, we report the thermal transitions and structural properties of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene/cucurbit[7]uril) pseudopolyrotaxane (PEDOT∙CB7-PS) and polyrotaxane (PEDOT∙CB7-PR) thin films compared with those of pristine PEDOT. The structural characteristics were investigated by using variable-temperature spectroscopic ellipsometry (VTSE), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). VTSE and DSC results indicated the presence of an endothermic process and glass transition in the PEDOT∙CB7-PS and PEDOT∙CB7-PR thin films. X-ray diffraction of PEDOT∙CB7-PS and PEDOT∙CB7-PR powders displayed the presence of interchain π-π stacking revealing a characteristic arrangement of aromatic rings in the internal structure of the crystallites. AFM imaging of PEDOT∙CB7-PS and PEDOT∙CB7-PR thin films exhibited significant differences in the surface topographies compared with those of PEDOT. A high degree of crystallization was clearly visible on the surface of the PEDOT layer, whereas the PEDOT∙CB7-PS and PEDOT∙CB7-PR thin films exhibited more favorable surface parameters. Such significant differences identified in the surface morphology of the investigated layers can, therefore, be clearly associated with the presence of surrounding CB7 on PEDOT skeletons.