Search

Traditional anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings struggle against the harsh marine environment. Our study tackled this by introducing a novel dual-layer hydrogel (A-H DL) coating system. This system combined a Cu2O–SiO2–acrylic resin primer for anchoring and controlled copper ion release with a dissipative double-network double-anchored hydrogel (DNDAH) boasting superior mechanical strength and anti-biofouling performance. An acrylamide monomer was copolymerized and cross-linked with a coupling agent to form the first irreversible network and first anchoring, providing the DNDAH coating with mechanical strength and structural stability. Alginate gel microspheres (AGMs) grafted with the same coupling agent formed the second reversible network and second anchoring, while coordinating with Cu2+ released from the primer to form a system buffering Cu2+ release, enabling long-term antibacterial protection and self-healing capabilities. FTIR, SEM, TEM, and elemental analyses confirmed the composition, morphology, and copper distribution within the A-H DL coating. A marine simulation experiment demonstrated exceptional stability and anti-fouling efficacy. This unique combination of features makes A-H DL a promising solution for diverse marine applications, from ship hulls to aquaculture equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, banana peel was used as raw material to prepare cellulose nanofibrils; and then, cellulose nanofibrils/polyvinyl alcohol gel microspheres with a 3D network structure were prepared using reversed-phase suspension cross-linking. Nickel nanoparticles were prepared in situ by reducing nickel ions adsorbed in the gel microsphere network with sodium borohydride to obtain a loaded catalyst. The morphology, functional group structure, and surface elemental composition of the gel microspheres were investigated by various characterization tools. The gel microspheres allow excellent dispersion of the nickel nanoparticles and act as a catalytic vessel for the reaction, allowing the nickel nanoparticles to effectively contact the hexavalent chromium and the reducing agent, resulting in the great catalytic ability for the reduction of Cr (VI) by formic acid. Cr (VI) reduction to Cr (III) was in 25 min at room temperature with a rate constant of 0.3294 min−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) always suffer from severe abdominal pain and appear to be at high risk for colorectal cancer. Recently, the co-delivery of targeted drugs and gut microbiota has developed into an attractive strategy. A new strategy using gut microbiota fermentation to overcome the interspace diffuse resistance from the mucus layer to control drug release in inflammatory bowel sites (IBS sites) has not yet been available. Here, we designed an alginate hydrogel microsphere encapsulating bifidobacterium (Bac) and drug-modified nanoscale dietary fibers (NDFs). The hydrogel microsphere is responsible for protecting drugs from acidic and multi-enzymatic environments and delivering drugs to the colorectum. Subsequently, the fermentation of Bac by digesting NDFs and proteins as carbon and nitrogen sources can promote drug release and play a probiotic role in the gut microbiota. In vitro evidence indicated that small-sized NDF (NDF-1) could significantly promote short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) expression. Notably, NDF-1 hydrogel microspheres showed a boost release of 5-ASA in the IBS sites, resulting in the amelioration of gut inflammation and remodeling of gut microbiota in chronic colitis mice. This study developed a controlled release system based on microbial fermentation for the treatment of IBD.

Traditional anti-corrosion and anti-fouling coatings struggle against the harsh marine environment. Our study tackled this by introducing a novel dual-layer hydrogel (A-H DL) coating system. This system combined a Cu2O–SiO2–acrylic resin primer for anchoring and controlled copper ion release with a dissipative double-network double-anchored hydrogel (DNDAH) boasting superior mechanical strength and anti-biofouling performance. An acrylamide monomer was copolymerized and cross-linked with a coupling agent to form the first irreversible network and first anchoring, providing the DNDAH coating with mechanical strength and structural stability. Alginate gel microspheres (AGMs) grafted with the same coupling agent formed the second reversible network and second anchoring, while coordinating with Cu2+ released from the primer to form a system buffering Cu2+ release, enabling long-term antibacterial protection and self-healing capabilities. FTIR, SEM, TEM, and elemental analyses confirmed the composition, morphology, and copper distribution within the A-H DL coating. A marine simulation experiment demonstrated exceptional stability and anti-fouling efficacy. This unique combination of features makes A-H DL a promising solution for diverse marine applications, from ship hulls to aquaculture equipment.

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) always suffer from severe abdominal pain and appear to be at high risk for colorectal cancer. Recently, the co-delivery of targeted drugs and gut microbiota has developed into an attractive strategy. A new strategy using gut microbiota fermentation to overcome the interspace diffuse resistance from the mucus layer to control drug release in inflammatory bowel sites (IBS sites) has not yet been available. Here, we designed an alginate hydrogel microsphere encapsulating bifidobacterium (Bac) and drug-modified nanoscale dietary fibers (NDFs). The hydrogel microsphere is responsible for protecting drugs from acidic and multi-enzymatic environments and delivering drugs to the colorectum. Subsequently, the fermentation of Bac by digesting NDFs and proteins as carbon and nitrogen sources can promote drug release and play a probiotic role in the gut microbiota. In vitro evidence indicated that small-sized NDF (NDF-1) could significantly promote short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) expression. Notably, NDF-1 hydrogel microspheres showed a boost release of 5-ASA in the IBS sites, resulting in the amelioration of gut inflammation and remodeling of gut microbiota in chronic colitis mice. This study developed a controlled release system based on microbial fermentation for the treatment of IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Materiae Compositae Sinica is the property of Acta Materiea Compositae Sinica Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In view of the serious membrane fouling problem in the treatment of oil wastewater by ultrafiltration membrane, the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ultrafiltration membrane modified by gel microspheres was prepared. P(MAAc-co-MAAm) multi-hydrogen bonding self-assembled gel microspheres were synthesized by free-radical polymerization combined with vigorously stirring, and grafted on the surface of carboxylated PVDF membrane through intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions. The particle size of microspheres was measured by dynamic light scattering particle size analyzer (DLS), the surface morphology of membranes was observed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the performances of membranes were characterized by contact angle test, underwater oil droplet adhesion test and oil-water emulsion filtration test. The results show that the average diameter of gel microspheres is about 248 nm. Water contact angle of the modified membrane is as low as 25.4 ° ± 1.5 °, and the modified membrane has excellent resistance to oil droplet adhesion underwater. The rejection rate of PVDF modified membrane prepared with 40 mL P(MAAc-co-MAAm) gel microspheres suspension to the N-hexane oil-water emulsion with an average particle size of 220 nm is as high as 99.8%. After four oil-water emulsion cycle tests, the flux recovery rate of the modified PVDF membrane is 85.2%, while the one of pure PVDF membrane is only 41.5%. It indicates that the modified PVDF membrane has excellent anti-fouling performance, and separation performance as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated microfluidic systems afford extensive benefits for chemical and biological fields, yet traditional, monolithic methods of microfabrication restrict the design and assembly of truly complex systems. Here, a simple, reconfigurable and high fluid pressure modular microfluidic system is presented. The screw interconnects reversibly assemble each individual microfluidic module together. Screw connector provided leak-free fluidic communication, which could withstand fluid resistances up to 500 kPa between two interconnected microfluidic modules. A sample library of standardized components and connectors manufactured using 3D printing was developed. The capability for modular microfluidic system was demonstrated by generating sodium alginate gel microspheres. This 3D printed modular microfluidic system makes it possible to meet the needs of the end-user, and can be applied to bioassays, material synthesis, and other applications.

Congo Red (CR) is a hydrophobic dye commonly used for diagnosis and potentially useful as therapeutic agent of beta amyloid plaques in neurodegenerative diseases. CR, as drug model, was encapsulated on Alginate-Carboxy Methyl Guar Gum (Alg-CMGG) blend microspheres. Guar gum 18% carboxymethylated (CMGG) derivative was synthesized in order to improve aqueous solubility, polymer blending and help reduce surface tension. The derivative was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Surface tension of the new CMGG is reduced in about 50% compared with the native polymer. Lowering of Guar Gum (GG) aqueous solutions viscosity from 30,000 cps to 350-400 cps in case of CMGG is indicating pseudoplastic fluid behavior modifications. Vibrational spectroscopy analysis confirmed interactions among CR molecules in alginate-CMGG matrices ascribed largely to the aromatic motif of the dye and the biopolymer a polar regions. CR was encapsulated on 68/32% alginate/CMGG blend microspheres as the best formulation tested. The release of CR from the microspheres was not detected at pH = 1.2 in 25 min, but 62% of CR was found in the supernatant when the pH was raised to 7.4 at 37 °C after 8 h incubation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrated microfluidic systems afford extensive benefits for chemical and biological fields, yet traditional, monolithic methods of microfabrication restrict the design and assembly of truly complex systems. Here, a simple, reconfigurable and high fluid pressure modular microfluidic system is presented. The screw interconnects reversibly assemble each individual microfluidic module together. Screw connector provided leak-free fluidic communication, which could withstand fluid resistances up to 500 kPa between two interconnected microfluidic modules. A sample library of standardized components and connectors manufactured using 3D printing was developed. The capability for modular microfluidic system was demonstrated by generating sodium alginate gel microspheres. This 3D printed modular microfluidic system makes it possible to meet the needs of the end-user, and can be applied to bioassays, material synthesis, and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyaluronic acid (HA) gel microspheres have advantages in the application of hydrogel injections due to their uniform size and shape. The HA microspheres are typically prepared using oil‐emulsion methods, which often use toxic solvents, or spray methods involving dehydration, which can negatively affect the properties of the hydrogel. In this study, an alternative fabrication method that avoids the use of solvents or dehydration is introduced. A poly‐dimethylsiloxane template is micro‐patterned to mimic the papillae structure of the lotus leaf which has superhydrophobicity. Glycidyl‐methacrylate HA solution is sprayed on the superhydrophobic template followed by photocrosslinking the droplet to produce spherical shapes of HA hydrogel particles. Gel particles with diverse shapes are formed, with the shapes depending on the arrangement of the papillae and surface hydrophobicity. As a result, microspherical particles with aspect ratios greater than 0.8 are produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]