Polymers

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 2881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Assembly of the Block Copolymer Containing Discotic Mesogens Driven by Liquid Crystalline Ordering Effect

by Xiaojian Hou, Lingjuan Hu, Huanzhi Yang, Bixin Jin, Yunjun Luo and Xiaoyu Li

Polymers 2024, 16(23), 3339; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16233339 - 28 Nov 2024

Viewed by 371

Abstract

Block copolymers (BCPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to form a variety of complex assemblies with diverse morphologies and functions in solution. By incorporating liquid crystalline (LC) moieties, the LC side chains significantly affect the morphologies and sizes of BCP [...] Read more.

Block copolymers (BCPs) have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to form a variety of complex assemblies with diverse morphologies and functions in solution. By incorporating liquid crystalline (LC) moieties, the LC side chains significantly affect the morphologies and sizes of BCP assemblies. In this study, we synthesized the copolymer with an LC block containing triphenylene (HAT) discotic mesogen and short methylene side chains. By enhancing the π–π interaction between triphenylene discotic mesogens, and doping the discotic mesogens, the LC orderedness was significantly enhanced and able to dictate the self-assembly behaviors of the BCP in solution. Additionally, the lengths of resultant fibrillar micelles were easily tuned by adjusting the dopant content. More interestingly, two growth modes, nucleation growth and coupling, were observed during the formation of fibrils. Consequently, with long-term aging and sufficient concentration, a large portion of these fibrils underwent end-to-end coupling to form long fibrils, allowing the formation of organogel via inter-fibrillar entanglement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bio-Based Epoxy Vitrimers with Excellent Properties of Self-Healing, Recyclability, and Welding

by Jianrong Xia, Shuyun Li, Renjin Gao, Yuchi Zhang, Liwei Wang, Yuansong Ye, Changlin Cao and Hanyu Xue

Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2113; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152113 - 24 Jul 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

The development of more recyclable materials is a key requirement for a transition towards a more circular economy. Thanks to exchange reactions, vitrimer, an attractive alternative for recyclable materials, is an innovative class of polymers that is able to change its topology without [...] Read more.

The development of more recyclable materials is a key requirement for a transition towards a more circular economy. Thanks to exchange reactions, vitrimer, an attractive alternative for recyclable materials, is an innovative class of polymers that is able to change its topology without decreasing its connectivity. In this work, a bisphenol compound (VP) was prepared from saturated cardanol, i.e., 3−pentadecylphenol and vanillyl alcohol. Then, VP was epoxidized to obtain epoxide (VPGE). Finally, VPGE and citric acid (CA) were polymerized in the presence of catalyst TBD to prepare a fully bio−based vitrimer based on transesterification. The results from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the VPGE/CA system could be crosslinked at around 163 °C. The cardanol−derived vitrimers had good network rearrangement properties. Meanwhile, because of the dynamic structural elements in the network, the material was endowed with excellent self−healing, welding, and recyclability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1813 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Enhanced Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Cardanol Epoxy/Clay-Based Nanocomposite through Girard’s Reagent

by Ji Xu, Lingxiao Jia, Qixin Lan and Daheng Wu

Polymers 2024, 16(11), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16111528 - 29 May 2024

Viewed by 861

Abstract

The green and environmentally friendly cardanol epoxy resin has a bright application prospect, but its insufficient thermal/mechanical properties seriously hinder its application. Adding nanoclay to polymer matrix is an effective method to enhance the thermal/mechanical properties of material, but the dispersion and compatibility [...] Read more.

The green and environmentally friendly cardanol epoxy resin has a bright application prospect, but its insufficient thermal/mechanical properties seriously hinder its application. Adding nanoclay to polymer matrix is an effective method to enhance the thermal/mechanical properties of material, but the dispersion and compatibility of nanoclay in epoxy resin remain to be solved. In this work, active Girard’s reagent clay (PG-clay) and non-active Girard’s reagent clay (NG-clay) were prepared by using acethydrazide trimethylammonium chloride (Girard’s reagent) as the modifier, and cardanol epoxy resin/G-clay nanocomposites were synthesized by the “clay slurry composite method”. The results showed that both PG-clay and NG-clay were dispersed in the epoxy matrix in the form of random exfoliation/intercalation, which effectively improved the thermal/mechanical properties of the composites. Tg of the cardanol epoxy resin has raised from 19.8 °C to 38.1 °C (4 wt.% PG-clay). When the mass fraction of clay is 4%, the tensile strength of the non-reactive NG-clay increases by 128%, and the elongation at break also increases by 101%. Simultaneously, the active PG-clay can participate in the curing reaction of epoxy resin due to the amino group, forming a chemical bond between the clay layer and the resin matrix and establishing a strong interfacial force. The tensile strength of the composite is increased by 970%, and the elongation at break is also increased by 428%. This research demonstrates that the cardanol epoxy resin/G-clay nanocomposite stands as a highly promising candidate for bio-based epoxy resin materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 16857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cationic Azobenzenes as Light-Responsive Crosslinkers for Alginate-Based Supramolecular Hydrogels

by Miriam Di Martino, Lucia Sessa, Barbara Panunzi, Rosita Diana, Stefano Piotto and Simona Concilio

Polymers 2024, 16(9), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16091233 - 28 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1540

Abstract

Azobenzene photoswitches are fundamental components in contemporary approaches aimed at light-driven control of intelligent materials. Significant endeavors are directed towards enhancing the light-triggered reactivity of azobenzenes for such applications and obtaining water-soluble molecules able to act as crosslinkers in a hydrogel. Here, we [...] Read more.

Azobenzene photoswitches are fundamental components in contemporary approaches aimed at light-driven control of intelligent materials. Significant endeavors are directed towards enhancing the light-triggered reactivity of azobenzenes for such applications and obtaining water-soluble molecules able to act as crosslinkers in a hydrogel. Here, we report the rational design and the synthesis of azobenzene/alginate photoresponsive hydrogels endowed with fast reversible sol–gel transition. We started with the synthesis of three cationic azobenzenes (AZOs A, B, and C) and then incorporated them in sodium alginate (SA) to obtain photoresponsive supramolecular hydrogels (SMHGs). The photoresponsive properties of the azobenzenes were investigated by UV–Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Upon irradiation with 365 nm UV light, the azobenzenes demonstrated efficient trans-to-cis isomerization, with complete isomerization occurring within seconds. The return to the trans form took several hours, with AZO C exhibiting the fastest return, possibly due to higher trans isomer stability. In the photoresponsive SMHGs, the minimum gelation concentration (MGC) of azobenzenes was determined for different compositions, indicating that small amounts of azobenzenes could induce gel formation, particularly in 5 wt% SA. Upon exposure to 365 nm UV light, the SMHGs exhibited reversible gel–sol transitions, underscoring their photoresponsive nature. This research offers valuable insights into the synthesis and photoresponsive properties of cationic, water-soluble azobenzenes, as well as their potential application in the development of photoresponsive hydrogels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

26 pages, 3871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Fractionation and Physicochemical Characterisation of Self-Assembled Chitosan–DNA Polyelectrolyte Complexes

by Ayesha Sajid, Matteo Castronovo and Francisco M. Goycoolea

Polymers 2023, 15(9), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15092115 - 28 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

Chitosan is extensively studied as a carrier for gene delivery and is an attractive non-viral gene vector owing to its polycationic, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature. Thus, it is essential to understand the chemistry of self-assembled chitosan–DNA complexation and their structural and functional properties, [...] Read more.

Chitosan is extensively studied as a carrier for gene delivery and is an attractive non-viral gene vector owing to its polycationic, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature. Thus, it is essential to understand the chemistry of self-assembled chitosan–DNA complexation and their structural and functional properties, enabling the formation of an effective non-viral gene delivery system. In this study, two parent chitosans (samples NAS-032 and NAS-075; Mw range ~118–164 kDa) and their depolymerised derivatives (deploy nas-032 and deploy nas-075; Mw range 6–14 kDa) with degrees of acetylation 43.4 and 4.7%, respectively, were used to form polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) with DNA at varying [–NH₃⁺]/[–PO₄⁻] (N/P) molar charge ratios. We investigated the formation of the PECs using ζ-potential, asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled with multiangle light scattering (MALS), refractive index (RI), ultraviolet (UV) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) detectors, and TEM imaging. PEC formation was confirmed by ζ-potential measurements that shifted from negative to positive values at N/P ratio ~2. The radius of gyration (R_g) was determined for the eluting fractions by AF4-MALS-RI-UV, while the corresponding hydrodynamic radius (R_h), by the DLS data. We studied the influence of different cross-flow rates on AF4 elution patterns for PECs obtained at N/P ratios 5, 10, and 20. The determined rho shape factor (ρ = R_g/R_h) values for the various PECs corresponded with a sphere morphology (ρ ~0.77–0.85), which was consistent with TEM images. The results of this study represent a further step towards the characterisation of chitosan–DNA PECs by the use of multi-detection AF4 as an important tool to fractionate and infer aspects of their morphology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 21954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Dual Modification of PNIPAM and β-Cyclodextrin Grafted on Hyaluronic Acid as Self-Assembled Nanogel for Curcumin Delivery

by Tisana Kaewruethai, Yuan Lin, Qian Wang and Jittima Amie Luckanagul

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010116 - 27 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3033

Abstract

Curcumin is an extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) which possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and wound-healing effects and has been used as an active compound in biomedical research for many years. However, its poor solubility presents challenges for its use in drug delivery [...] Read more.

Curcumin is an extract of turmeric (Curcuma longa) which possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and wound-healing effects and has been used as an active compound in biomedical research for many years. However, its poor solubility presents challenges for its use in drug delivery systems. A modified nanogel delivery system, with PNIPAM and β-cyclodextrin grafted onto hyaluronic acid (PNCDHA), was utilized to enhance the solubility. The polymer was characterized by NMR, and the inclusion complex between curcumin and β-cyclodextrin was confirmed by FTIR. The potential of this PNCDHA polymer complex as a drug delivery vehicle was supported by a curcumin encapsulation efficiency of 93.14 ± 5.6% and the release of encapsulated curcumin at 37 °C. At a concentration of 0.5% w/v in water, PNCDHA nanogels were biocompatible with fibroblast cell line (L929) up to a curcumin concentration of 50 µM. There was a direct concentration between curcumin loading and cellular internalization. A more detailed study of the cellular internalization of PNCDHA nanogel should be considered in order to clarify cellular delivery mechanisms and to assess how its viability as a carrier may be optimized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

30 pages, 6431 KiB

Open AccessReview

Self-Assembly of Polymers and Their Applications in the Fields of Biomedicine and Materials

by Lina Hu, Shujing Zhou, Xiumei Zhang, Chengyang Shi, Yifan Zhang and Xiaoyi Chen

Polymers 2024, 16(15), 2097; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16152097 - 23 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2544

Abstract

Polymer self-assembly can prepare various shapes and sizes of pores, making it widely used. The complexity and diversity of biomolecules make them a unique class of building blocks for precise assembly. They are particularly suitable for the new generation of biomaterials integrated with [...] Read more.

Polymer self-assembly can prepare various shapes and sizes of pores, making it widely used. The complexity and diversity of biomolecules make them a unique class of building blocks for precise assembly. They are particularly suitable for the new generation of biomaterials integrated with life systems as they possess inherent characteristics such as accurate identification, self-organization, and adaptability. Therefore, many excellent methods developed have led to various practical results. At the same time, the development of advanced science and technology has also expanded the application scope of self-assembly of synthetic polymers. By utilizing this technology, materials with unique shapes and properties can be prepared and applied in the field of tissue engineering. Nanomaterials with transparent and conductive properties can be prepared and applied in fields such as electronic displays and smart glass. Multi-dimensional, controllable, and multi-level self-assembly between nanostructures has been achieved through quantitative control of polymer dosage and combination, chemical modification, and composite methods. Here, we list the classic applications of natural- and artificially synthesized polymer self-assembly in the fields of biomedicine and materials, introduce the cutting-edge technologies involved in these applications, and discuss in-depth the advantages, disadvantages, and future development directions of each type of polymer self-assembly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2316 KiB

Open AccessReview

Polymer-Based Self-Assembled Drug Delivery Systems for Glaucoma Treatment: Design Strategies and Recent Advances

by Hao Sun, Guangtong Wang, Qingying Feng and Shaoqin Liu

Polymers 2023, 15(22), 4466; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15224466 - 20 Nov 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2474

Abstract

Glaucoma has become the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, and one of its main characteristics is high intraocular pressure. Currently, the non-surgical drug treatment scheme to reduce intraocular pressure is a priority method for glaucoma treatment. However, the complex and special structure [...] Read more.

Glaucoma has become the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, and one of its main characteristics is high intraocular pressure. Currently, the non-surgical drug treatment scheme to reduce intraocular pressure is a priority method for glaucoma treatment. However, the complex and special structure of the eye poses significant challenges to the treatment effect and safety adherence of this drug treatment approach. To address these challenges, the application of polymer-based self-assembled drug delivery systems in glaucoma treatment has emerged. This review focuses on the utilization of polymer-based self-assembled structures or materials as important functional and intelligent carriers for drug delivery in glaucoma treatment. Various drug delivery systems, such as eye drops, hydrogels, and contact lenses, are discussed. Additionally, the review primarily summarizes the design strategies and methods used to enhance the treatment effect and safety compliance of these polymer-based drug delivery systems. Finally, the discussion delves into the new challenges and prospects of employing polymer-based self-assembled drug delivery systems for the treatment of glaucoma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

45 pages, 16372 KiB

Open AccessReview

Supramolecular Combination Cancer Therapy Based on Macrocyclic Supramolecular Materials

by Yilin Li, Yuteng Su, Zhaoxiang Li and Yueyue Chen

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4855; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224855 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2840

Abstract

Supramolecular combination therapy adopts supramolecular materials to design intelligent drug delivery systems with different strategies for cancer treatments. Thereinto, macrocyclic supramolecular materials play a crucial role in encapsulating anticancer drugs to improve anticancer efficiency and decrease toxicity towards normal tissue by host–guest interaction. [...] Read more.

Supramolecular combination therapy adopts supramolecular materials to design intelligent drug delivery systems with different strategies for cancer treatments. Thereinto, macrocyclic supramolecular materials play a crucial role in encapsulating anticancer drugs to improve anticancer efficiency and decrease toxicity towards normal tissue by host–guest interaction. In general, chemotherapy is still common therapy for solid tumors in clinics. However, supramolecular combination therapy can overcome the limitations of the traditional single-drug chemotherapy in the laboratory findings. In this review, we summarized the combination chemotherapy, photothermal chemotherapy, and gene chemotherapy based on macrocyclic supramolecular materials. Finally, the application prospects in supramolecular combination therapy are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

New Progress in Polymer Self-Assembly

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI