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Triazine- and thiophene-based soluble and fluorescent conjugated polymer networks exhibit Lewis acid-based reversible doping, and they were employed for cell imaging and the killing of cancer cells.

Carfentrazone-ethyl is embedded in guar gum to prepare a polymer-herbicide conjugate gel formulation for a sustained release of the active ingredient (a.i.). The sprayable gel formulation was optimized at 0.5% (w/v) concentration. Strong interactions of the prepared composition of the polymer-herbicide conjugate system are shown through spectroscopic techniques, depicting the peak broadening of hydrophilic -OH bonds in the herbicide at 1743 cm

BACKGROUND: Synthetic biopolymers have been widely used to manage bone effects in recent years. The study aims to analyse the ability to repair artificially created ulnar bone defects with the scaffold made of Polycaprolactone (PCL) and investigate the material's feasibility as a bone graft substitute. METHOD: We have tested a novel 3D biodegradable Polycaprolactone Poly-l-Lactide polymer scaffold in an experimental animal model. 14 adults New Zealand white rabbits were used to create the ulnar defect model of 10 mm in length, and randomly divided into group A (test-12 rabbits), group B (control-3 rabbits). The defect area was implanted with the PCL scaffold in the test group, whereas it was left as such in the control group. The repairing effect was observed by gross, histology, radiology, and the Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Cook's scoring was used to assess the radiological parameters. RESULTS: Histological and radiological results showed better quality of bone regeneration in the defect area at 12 week follow-up period. The SEM image at that period showed impregnation of the osteogenic cells in the surface and pores of the scaffold material. It was evident that the scaffold was thoroughly degraded, corresponding with osteogenesis. New bone formation was statistically significant in the test group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The Polycaprolactone Poly-l-Lactide polymer scaffold is biodegradable in-vivo at a suitable half-life. It has an excellent porous structure, no tissue toxicity, excellent mechanical strength, high osteogenesis potential, and osteoconductivity. Therefore, it can be used as bone graft material in the gap non-union and as a void filler in bone defects.

Novel poly(M3i-ar-PEGA) has shown composition dependent LCST, Tg and Dh properties as well as usefulness as an excellent nanocarrier for drug delivery.

Graphene oxide was chemically tagged with thermoplastic polyurethane, chain extended using butanediol to obtain the varying molecular weight of the polymer. Graphene-tagged polyurethane was functionalized using propane sultone to introduce the polar sulphonate groups in the main chain. The chain extension, tagging of GO and functionalization have been verified through spectroscopic techniques such as NMR, FTIR, UV and gel permeation chromatography. Thermal stability and the nature of the interaction were explored through thermal measurements to understand the effect of GO and functionalization. Electrical conduction was improved by the chemical attachment of graphene with the polymer (5.08 × 10

3D bioprinting or additive manufacturing is an emerging innovative technology revolutionizing the field of biomedical applications by combining engineering, manufacturing, art, education, and medicine. This process involved incorporating the cells with biocompatible materials to design the required tissue or organ model in situ for various in vivo applications. Conventional 3D printing is involved in constructing the model without incorporating any living components, thereby limiting its use in several recent biological applications. However, this uses additional biological complexities, including material choice, cell types, and their growth and differentiation factors. This state-of-the-art technology consciously summarizes different methods used in bioprinting and their importance and setbacks. It also elaborates on the concept of bioinks and their utility. Biomedical applications such as cancer therapy, tissue engineering, bone regeneration, and wound healing involving 3D printing have gained much attention in recent years. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of all the aspects associated with 3D bioprinting, from material selection, technology, and fabrication to applications in the biomedical fields. Attempts have been made to highlight each element in detail, along with the associated available reports from recent literature. This review focuses on providing a single platform for cancer and tissue engineering applications associated with 3D bioprinting in the biomedical field.

A new acrylamide monomer

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their nanocomposites are used in various products and technologies due to their unique characteristics. For their future implementation, the manufacturing of CNTs with appropriate specifications has gained momentum in the area of nanoscience and technology. Conventional phase change materials used in solar thermal energy storage have low thermal conductivity. CNTs are used to prepare phase change materials with high thermal conductivity to solve this issue. This chapter addresses the synthesis, structure, and properties of CNTs. The different varieties of solar energy storage systems used to store solar radiation are also discussed. Further, we explain the phase change materials (PCMs) as suitable solar thermal energy storage systems and discuss the methods to prepare CNT-based nanomaterials for use as a heat transfer fluid (HTF) after using the CNTs based PCMs in solar storage systems. CNT based nanomaterials as a heat transfer fluid significantly increase the effective receiving efficiency, thermal conductivity, and absorption coefficient of such storage systems.

Compositional designed electrodes exhibiting high specific capacities are of great interest towards align="center"high performance charge storage devices. Electrode surface can store charge or guest ions due to structural confinement effect. Ion storage capacity depends on the structural integrity of electrode (anode) materials of batteries. Electrolyte selection also decides the storage capacity of batteries and other charge storage devices. Volume expansion or variation can be minimized through structural variation of the electrode. align="center"The charging phenomenon proceeds through the continuous ion destruction process of adsorbed ions into semipermeable align="center"pores. Dimension controlled electrode materials possess superior ion storage capacity. The contemporary design is an effective way to improve the charge storage capacity of electrodes. Low dimension materials exhibit better charge storage capacity due to high surface density (surface to volume ratio) and efficient charge confinement. The confined dimensions (quantum confinement) play important roles in orienting the desired kinetic properties of nanomaterials, such as charge transport and diffusion. This chapter emphasizes critical overviews of the state-of-the-art nanowires based align="center"electrodes for energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion capacitors, sodium-ion batteries, and supercapacitors. Ions or charges can be percolated easily through nanowire networks due to fast adsorption and diffusion. High-rate capability is intensified align="center"over large electroactive surface in align="center"an ordered nanowire electrode.

The current review article provides deep insight into the fluoropolymers and their applications in energy technology, especially in the field of energy harvesting and the development of fuel cell electrolyte polymeric membranes. Fluoropolymers have gained wide attention in the field of energy applications due to their versatile properties. The incorporation of nanofillers within the fluoropolymer to develop the nanohybrid results in an enhancement in the properties, like thermal, mechanical, gas permeation, different fuel cross-over phenomena through the membrane, hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature, ion transport, and piezo-electric properties for fabricating energy devices. The properties of nanohybrid materials/membranes are influenced by several factors, such as type of filler, their size, amount of filler, level of dispersion, surface acidity, shape, and formation of networking within the polymer matrix. Fluoropolymer-based nanohybrids have replaced several commercial materials due to their chemical inertness, better efficacy, and durability. The addition of certain electroactive fillers in the polymer matrix enhances the polar phase, which enhances the applicability of the hybrid for fuel cell and energy-harvesting applications. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) is one of the remarkable fluoropolymers in the field of energy applications such as fuel cell and piezoelectric energy harvesting. In the present review, a detailed discussion of the different kinds of nanofillers and their role in energy harvesting and fuel cell electrolyte membranes is projected.

The conducting nanochannel is made up of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and its nanohybrid (NH) membrane through irradiation of high-energy (80 MeV) lithium ions followed by chemical etching. The NH is ...

A polymer gel electrolyte has been developed based on functionalized thermoplastic polyurethane for solar cell devices. Long-chain polyurethane is synthesized, and subsequently, a small pendant moi...

Double hydrophilic ABA-type amphiphilic polyurethane (PU)-based poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PNVP)-b-PU-b-PNVP and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-b-PU-b-PNIPAM triblock copolymers have successfu...

With the depletion of the conventional energy sources, measures are being taken to create an alternate energy sources for the future. Energy harvesting from different sources are one of the better steps taken in this direction. Mechanical energy harvesting from the waste mechanical source is gaining profound investigation. Here, a nanohybrid of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and lead zirconia titanate (PZT) is prepared through solution route for energy harvesting applications. PZT is synthesized using solid state route and its concentration was varied in the nanohybrid to get the best properties from the hybrid. Structural and morphological aspects of the nanohybrid have been explored for their suitable application. Device has been fabricated using the nanohybrid to convert the waste mechanical energy from various human motions to the useful electrical energy. The device is able to generate a maximum output voltage of 55 V and a power density of 36 μ Wcm−2. The device is able to produce voltage output from different human motions such as finger tapping, feet tapping and bending. The mechanism of charge conversion is also discussed which explains the generation of such a high electrical output from waste mechanical source.

Bio-waste orange peel with poly(vinylidene fluoride) hybrids have been developed as an efficient energy harvester. Bio-wastes in huge amount cause landfills and environmental pollution. An effort in the direction of using bio-waste will be beneficial in many ways. Orange peel, a bio-waste, is mainly composed of cellulose and different proteins that are responsible for its piezoelectric effect. The hybrid exhibits significant piezoelectric properties arising through induced piezoelectricity in the polymer matrix by the smaller dimension orange peel powder as filler causing an electroactive phase of ∼ 70% in the hybrid. Integrated device has been fabricated for energy harvesting using the hybrid material, without conventional high voltage poling, which displays very high open circuit voltage of ∼ 90 V and power of 135 μ W/cm2 using finger tapping. The hybrid nanogenerator is proficient in light up the LEDs from the movement of sliding door and from any human body movements like bending, twisting and walking etc. The underlying mechanism of enhanced piezoelectricity in the hybrid is revealed through structure, morphology and thermal studies of the hybrid. Thus, the piezoelectric energy harvester prepared from the bio-waste might be one of the solutions to utilize the bio-waste.

Acceleration of gelation in the biological environment and improvement of overall biological properties of a hydrogel is of enormous importance. Biopolymer stabilized gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit cytocompatibility and therapeutic activity. Hence, in situ gelation and subsequent improvement in the property of a hydrogel by employing Au NPs is an attractive approach. We report that stable Au NPs accelerate the conventional nucleophilic substitution reaction of activated halide-terminated poly(ethylene glycol) and tertiary amine functional macromolecules, leading to the rapid formation of injectable nanocomposite hydrogels in vivo and ex vivo with improved modulus, cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and cytocompatibility than that of a pristine hydrogel. NP surfaces with low chain grafting density and good colloidal stability are crucial requirements for the use of these NPs in the hydrogel formation. Influence of the structure of the amine functional prepolymer, the spacer connecting the halide leaving groups of the substrate, and the structure of the stabilizer on the rate promoting activity of the NPs have been evaluated with model low-molecular-weight substrates and macromolecules by 1H NMR spectroscopy, rheological experiments, and density functional theory. Results indicate a significant effect of the spacer connecting the halide leaving group with the macromolecule. The Au nanocomposite hydrogels show sustained co-release of methotrexate, an anti-rheumatic drug, and the Au NPs. This work provides insights for designing an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel system with multifunctional property. The strategy of the use of cytocompatible Au NPs as a promoter provides new opportunity to obtain an injectable hydrogel system for biological applications.

Electrochemical water oxidation requires highly active electrocatalyst system with improved catalytic activity, high mechanical stability and strong catalyst-support interaction. In this respect, a...

A green composite, derived from the biowaste pomegranate peel, is used for piezoelectric energy harvesting. A hybrid of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and pomegranate peel powder is prepared through a s...

A flexible, lead-free piezoelectric nanogenerator is demonstrated, which produces an electrical signal (voltage) under the application of stress. Barium titanate (BaTiO3) nanoparticles are embedded...

A flexible, lightweight and efficient nanohybrid of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and functionalized graphene oxide is prepared through an optimized electrospinning process for energy harvesting. Nanohybrids yield good quality fibers upon the incorporation of functionalized graphene oxide. The addition of nanofillers leads to a decrease in the fibre diameter arising from better interaction of the nanoparticle with the polymer matrix. An electroactive phase of ∼88% is achieved upon the addition of nanoparticles which leads to better piezoelectric materials for energy harvesting applications. The transformation of the electroactive phases from the non-piezoelectric part is confirmed through spectroscopic and thermal studies. The developed scaffold is fabricated into a nanogenerator device for electro-mechanical responses. The fabricated device from the nanohybrid of PVDF and functionalized graphene oxide produces a better electromechanical response of 62 V (peak-to-peak) and 48.3 μW cm−2 power generation using finger tapping as compared to 20 V and 23.4 μW cm−2 power generation from pristine PVDF fibres. These devices have the capability to generate a considerable amount of power from various human body movements like walking, foot tapping and bending. These devices have been used to power LEDs from various real life waste mechanical resources like opening and closing of drawers and walking over door mats.

Herein, we demonstrate a template directed route for the synthesis of self-supported cobalt-iron based Prussian blue analogues (PBAs). The PBAs are electrochemically transformed into layered double hydroxides to produce excellent water oxidation and hydrogen evolution activity, while the overall water splitting is attained at a cell voltage of 1.58 V to reach 20 mA cm-2 current density.

An injectable hydrogel-based drug delivery carrier has been developed for long-term drug release by assembling various generations of cyclodextrin (CD) followed by hydrophobic layers to control the drug release for effective cancer treatment. Three generations of CD are designed through urethane linkages using small spacers to create a large hydrophilic core, which is covered with hydrophobic layers of polyurethane through grafting to maintain the hydrophilic hydrophobic balance of the whole superstructure. Drug release becomes sustained from the intricate superstructure following the non-Fickian diffusion process, resulting in massive cancer cell killing as compared to the low killing rate from the pure drug/material arising from its burst release. The superstructure is found to be a good biomaterial, and its drug-loaded conjugate as a carrier is applied to albino mice to treat their tumors, generated through a melanoma cell line. A drug-embedded superstructure is inoculated in an injectable hydrogel and is placed subcutaneously, below the tumor site, which completely healed the melanoma. No side effect was observed, as opposed to the conventional/control system, due to a sustained drug release from the superstructure as evident from histopathological studies of sensitive body organs and biochemical parameters. Thus, a new design of the vehicle heals the melanoma tumor by enhancing the bioavailability of drug and specific interaction without having any side effects as opposed to conventional chemotherapeutic treatment.

An injectable hydrogel of chemically modified chitosan has been developed for controlled drug delivery application. Highly hydrophilic chitosan is chemically modified through grafting of ester-diol based polyurethane to transform into hydrogel through hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance. Grafting is confirmed through different spectroscopic techniques such as

The objective of this study is to fabricate biodegradable polymers into scaffolds to embed drugs for tumor treatment without any toxic side effects. Scaffold preparation is optimized by changing the conditions, e.g., poly(lactic acid) concentration (10% w/v), applied potential (15 kV), flow rate (1 mL/h), distance between needle and collector (20 cm), and nanosheet concentration (4 wt % nanoclay), during electrospinning. A drug-embedded nanofiber scaffold is used to regulate the drug delivery in a sustainable manner utilizing the enhanced barrier effect from dispersed nanosheet and good interaction between the components. The effect of thermal treatment improves the stability and slower release of drug through alteration in microstructure. Cell culture studies using a nanofiber scaffold indicate its biocompatibility and applicability as a biomaterial for tumor treatment. Sustained drug release from the scaffold enhances the in vitro cancer cytotoxicity up to 85% in 3 days. In vivo studies clearly suggest ...