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Search Results (4,765)

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Keywords = copolymer

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43 pages, 71331 KiB  
Review
Polymeric and Polymer-Functionalized Drug Delivery Vectors: From Molecular Architecture and Elasticity to Cellular Uptake
by Thorsten Auth
Polymers 2025, 17(16), 2243; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17162243 - 19 Aug 2025
Abstract
Polymers and polymer composites offer versatile possibilities for engineering the physico-chemical properties of materials on micro- and macroscopic scales. This review provides an overview of polymeric and polymer-decorated particles that can serve as drug-delivery vectors: linear polymers, star polymers, diblock-copolymer micelles, polymer-grafted nanoparticles, [...] Read more.
Polymers and polymer composites offer versatile possibilities for engineering the physico-chemical properties of materials on micro- and macroscopic scales. This review provides an overview of polymeric and polymer-decorated particles that can serve as drug-delivery vectors: linear polymers, star polymers, diblock-copolymer micelles, polymer-grafted nanoparticles, polymersomes, stealth liposomes, microgels, and biomolecular condensates. The physico-chemical interactions between the delivery vectors and biological cells range from chemical interactions on the molecular scale to deformation energies on the particle scale. The focus of this review is on the structure and elastic properties of these particles, as well as their circulation in blood and cellular uptake. Furthermore, the effects of polymer decoration in vivo (e.g., of glycosylated plasma membranes, cortical cytoskeletal networks, and naturally occurring condensates) on drug delivery are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Polymeric Composite for Drug Delivery Application)
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16 pages, 7479 KiB  
Article
Anti-Swelling Dual-Network Zwitterionic Conductive Hydrogels for Flexible Human Activity Sensing
by Zexing Deng, Litong Shen, Qiwei Cheng, Ying Li, Qianqian Liu and Xin Zhao
Polymers 2025, 17(16), 2230; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17162230 - 16 Aug 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
Conventional conductive hydrogels are susceptible to swelling in aquatic environments; which compromises their mechanical integrity; a limitation that poses a potential challenge to their long-term stability and application. In this study, a zwitterionic ion-conductive hydrogel was fabricated from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), acrylic acid [...] Read more.
Conventional conductive hydrogels are susceptible to swelling in aquatic environments; which compromises their mechanical integrity; a limitation that poses a potential challenge to their long-term stability and application. In this study, a zwitterionic ion-conductive hydrogel was fabricated from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), acrylic acid (AA), and [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (SMBA), forming a dual-network structure. A copolymer of zwitterionic SBMA and AA formed the first network, and PVA formed the second network by repeated freeze–thawing. The equilibrium state of zwitterionic SBMA was modulated by AA to protonate the SBMA, which resulted in the conversion of -SO3 to -SO3H; thus, hydrogels had the anti-swelling property driven by electrostatic repulsion. In addition, the prepared hydrogels possessed excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 0.76 MPa, elongation at break of 322%, and compressive strength of 0.97 MPa at 75% compressive strain) and remarkable anti-swelling properties (80% swelling after 120 h of immersion). Owing to the zwitterionic nature of SBMA, the hydrogel also showed inherent antimicrobial properties and high electrical conductivity, which could be capable of monitoring human movement and physiological signals. This work provides a facile strategy for designing hydrogels with remarkable mechanical properties and anti-swelling characteristics, expanding the application environment of hydrogels in flexible sensing Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Networks and Gels)
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20 pages, 5076 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Interfacial Behavior of Cycloaliphatic-like Epoxy Resin with Optical Fibers: Insights from Experiments and Molecular Simulations
by Jianbing Fu, Zhifan Lin, Junhao Luo, Yufan Zheng, Yuhao Liu, Bin Cao, Fanghui Yin and Liming Wang
Materials 2025, 18(16), 3830; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18163830 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 258
Abstract
Optical fiber composite insulators are essential for photoelectric current measurement, yet insulation failure at embedded optical fiber interfaces remains a major challenge to long-term stability. This study proposes a strategy to replace conventional silicone rubber with cycloaliphatic-like epoxy resin (CEP) as the shed-sheathing [...] Read more.
Optical fiber composite insulators are essential for photoelectric current measurement, yet insulation failure at embedded optical fiber interfaces remains a major challenge to long-term stability. This study proposes a strategy to replace conventional silicone rubber with cycloaliphatic-like epoxy resin (CEP) as the shed-sheathing material. Three optical fibers with distinct outer coatings, ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer (ETFE), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), and epoxy acrylate resin (EA), were evaluated for their interfacial compatibility with CEP. ETFE, with low surface energy and weak polarity, exhibited poor wettability with CEP, resulting in an interfacial tensile strength of 0 MPa, pronounced dye penetration, and rapid electrical tree propagation. Its average interfacial breakdown voltage was only 8 kV, and the interfacial leakage current reached 35 μA after hygrothermal aging. In contrast, TPEE exhibited high surface energy and strong polarity, enabling strong bonding with CEP, yielding an average interfacial tensile strength of approximately 46 MPa. Such a strong interface effectively suppressed electrical tree growth, increased the average interfacial breakdown voltage to 27 kV, and maintained the interfacial leakage current below 5 μA even after hygrothermal aging. EA exhibited moderate interfacial performance. Mechanism analysis revealed that polar ester and ether groups in TPEE enhanced interfacial electrostatic interactions, restricted the mobility of CEP molecular chain segments, and increased charge traps. These synergistic effects suppressed interfacial charge transport and improved insulation strength. This work offers valuable insight into structure–property relationships at fiber–resin interfaces and provides a useful reference for the design of composite insulation materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Electronic Materials)
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32 pages, 3378 KiB  
Review
Thermoresponsive and Fluorescent Polymers: From Nanothermometers to Smart Drug Delivery Systems for Theranostics Against Cancer
by Mirian A. González-Ayón, Jesús E. Márquez-Castro, Diana V. Félix-Alcalá and Angel Licea-Claverie
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(8), 1062; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17081062 - 15 Aug 2025
Viewed by 485
Abstract
This mini-review article is focused on polymeric materials that comprise thermoresponsive and fluorescent organic units. The combination of fluorescent clusters/dots embedded in or grafted with polymers is not considered in this article. Here we review the preparation, characterization, and application of thermoresponsive polymers [...] Read more.
This mini-review article is focused on polymeric materials that comprise thermoresponsive and fluorescent organic units. The combination of fluorescent clusters/dots embedded in or grafted with polymers is not considered in this article. Here we review the preparation, characterization, and application of thermoresponsive polymers functionalized covalently with organic fluorescent compounds either compartmentalized or randomly distributed: block-copolymers, self-assembled micelles or vesicles, core–shell nanogels, and their temperature driven self-assembly/shrinkage/expansion and resulting effect in fluorescence: quenching, enhancing, shifting. The applications suggested for these smart-materials are reviewed in the last ten years and range from nanothermometers, drug delivery systems, agents for bioimaging, sensors, and advanced materials for theranostics focused on cancer treatment. This article is organized reviewing the preparation methods, the main characterization techniques, and the application, depending on polymer architecture and the emission wavelength of the fluorophores. Finally, comments, suggestions, and problems to be solved for the advancement of these materials in the future prior to real-life applications are given. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functionalized Polymers for Anticancer Applications)
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17 pages, 2842 KiB  
Article
Hygrosensitive Response and Characteristics of Copolymer Coatings with Potential for Humidity Monitoring
by Katerina Lazarova, Silvia Bozhilova, Martina Docheva, Ketrin Pavlova, Gergana Alexieva, Darinka Christova and Tsvetanka Babeva
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 954; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080954 - 14 Aug 2025
Viewed by 210
Abstract
Newly developed hygrosensitive poly(vinyl alcohol) derivatives comprising grafted poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) chains of varied length and graft density are presented. The optical, sensing, and hydration properties of these copolymer thin films prepared by spin-coating were systematically studied. Refractive indices (n), absorption coefficients ( [...] Read more.
Newly developed hygrosensitive poly(vinyl alcohol) derivatives comprising grafted poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) chains of varied length and graft density are presented. The optical, sensing, and hydration properties of these copolymer thin films prepared by spin-coating were systematically studied. Refractive indices (n), absorption coefficients (k), and thicknesses (d) were calculated via curve fitting of the reflection spectra. Reflectance measurements across a relative humidity range of 5% to 95% were used to evaluate the humidity sensing behavior. Coating swelling exceeding 100% was observed. Hydration levels under high humidity conditions were studied using a quartz crystal microbalance method. This revealed approximately 24% water content in the polymer with the higher grafting density and shorter PDMA chains compared to around 31% in the copolymer with longer PDMA brushes that were loosely grafted The potential application of these copolymers as responsive materials for advanced humidity sensing is discussed. A combined optical and gravimetric approach for characterizing the humidity sensing properties of thin nanosized coatings is demonstrated, providing opportunities for advanced characterization of new functional materials, thus broadly contributing to the state of the art of sensor technologies. Full article
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21 pages, 7460 KiB  
Article
Deciphering the Triple-Peak C-O-C Stretching FTIR Absorbance Consistently Occurring in Semicrystalline PEG
by Theodor Stern
Polymers 2025, 17(16), 2199; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17162199 - 12 Aug 2025
Viewed by 351
Abstract
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is among the most intensively researched and applied polymers, exhibiting a very wide range of industrial, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. The strongest and most highly diagnostic absorbance in the FTIR spectrum of PEG and of PEG-containing polyurethanes, is the ether [...] Read more.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is among the most intensively researched and applied polymers, exhibiting a very wide range of industrial, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. The strongest and most highly diagnostic absorbance in the FTIR spectrum of PEG and of PEG-containing polyurethanes, is the ether C-O-C stretching absorbance, which consistently appears as a triple-peak absorbance in a semicrystalline state. Surprisingly, this phenomenon has very seldom been mentioned or elaborated, and no direct structural diagnostic FTIR assignment has been determined for each component of the triple-peak. The present research conclusively demonstrates that the left-side and right-side components of the triple-peak are assigned to the chain-fold regions and the extended-chain regions of the crystallized chains, respectively, while the strong-wide central component is assigned to the randomly oriented chains in the amorphous phase of the semicrystalline PEG. The present demonstration was facilitated via the synthesis of a highly oriented fibrillar polyurethane block-copolymer, exclusively containing extended-chain-crystallized PEG soft-segments, obtained through dense hard-segment crosslinking under vigorous unidirectional shear-stress continuously applied during the synthesis. The present research results enable us to directly relate the FTIR spectra of PEG and block copolymers synthesized thereof, to their crystallization mechanisms and chain conformations, thus facilitating the development of improved industrial processing methods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Analysis and Characterization)
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28 pages, 3518 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Properties of Degradable Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) [P(3HB-co-3HV)] Derived from Waste Fish Oil
by Tatiana G. Volova, Evgeniy G. Kiselev, Alexey G. Sukovatyi, Natalia O. Zhila, Kristina Yu. Sapozhnikova, Natalia D. Ipatova and Peter O. Shishatskii
Polymers 2025, 17(16), 2171; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17162171 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 281
Abstract
The article presents the results of the first successful synthesis of degradable microbial copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate [P(3HB-co-3HV)] by the wild-type strain C. necator B-10646 using waste fish oil (WFO) obtained from the heads of Sprattus sprattus balticus. Samples [...] Read more.
The article presents the results of the first successful synthesis of degradable microbial copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyvalerate [P(3HB-co-3HV)] by the wild-type strain C. necator B-10646 using waste fish oil (WFO) obtained from the heads of Sprattus sprattus balticus. Samples of copolymers with 3HV monomer contents from 11.9 to 59.7 mol.% were synthesized with fractional and controlled feeding of potassium valerate, a precursor of 3HV monomers, into the bacterial culture. Samples synthesized on WFO with different contents of 3HV monomers had a reduced degree of crystallinity (36.5% and below), and close average molecular weight (390–573 kDa), with polydispersity of 2.6–3.0, and retained thermal stability, with a gap between the melting point and the thermal degradation temperature of over 100 °C. The thermal behavior of the samples, including the kinetics of exothermic crystallization and spherulite formation, was studied. Demonstrating the possibility of using WFO for the effective synthesis of P(3HB-co-3HV) with macroinclusions of 3HV monomers without deterioration of their properties is important for expanding the raw material base, reducing costs and increasing the availability of these promising bioplastics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-Value Polymer Materials from Waste Recovery and Recycling)
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21 pages, 1757 KiB  
Article
Description of Gas Transport in Polymers: Integrated Thermodynamic and Transport Modeling of Refrigerant Gases in Polymeric Membranes
by Matteo Minelli, Marco Giacinti Baschetti and Virginia Signorini
Polymers 2025, 17(16), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17162169 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 323
Abstract
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) are today widely used as refrigerants, solvents, or aerosols for fire protection. Due to their non-negligible environmental impact, there exists an increasing interest towards their effective separation and recovery, which still remains a major challenge. This work presents a comprehensive thermodynamic [...] Read more.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) are today widely used as refrigerants, solvents, or aerosols for fire protection. Due to their non-negligible environmental impact, there exists an increasing interest towards their effective separation and recovery, which still remains a major challenge. This work presents a comprehensive thermodynamic and transport modeling approach able to describe HFC sorption and transport in different amorphous polymers, including glassy, rubbery, and copolymers, as well as in supported Ionic Liquid membranes (SILMs). In particular, the literature solubility data for refrigerants such as R-32, R-125, R-134a, and R-152a is analyzed by means of the Sanchez–Lacombe Equation of State (SL-EoS), and its non-equilibrium extension (NELF), to predict gas uptake in complex polymeric materials. The Standard Transport Model (STM) is then employed to describe permeability behaviors, incorporating concentration-dependent diffusion using a mobility coefficient and thermodynamic factor. Results demonstrate that fluorinated gases exhibit strong affinity to fluorinated and high free-volume polymers, and that solubility is primarily governed by gas condensability, molecular size, and polymer structure. The combined EoS–STM approach accurately predicts both solubility and permeability across different pressures in all polymers, including SILM. The thorough study of HFC transport in polymer membranes provided both systematic insights and predictive capabilities to guide the design of next-generation materials for refrigerant recovery and low-GWP separation processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Physics and Theory)
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15 pages, 2161 KiB  
Article
Preparation of PLLA and PLGA Copolymers with Poly(ethylene adipate) Through Reactive Melt Mixing: Structural Characterization, Thermal Properties, and Molecular Mobility Insights
by Evi Christodoulou, Christina Samiotaki, Alexandra Zamboulis, Rizos Evangelos Bikiaris, Panagiotis A. Klonos, Apostolos Kyritsis and Dimitrios N. Bikiaris
Macromol 2025, 5(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/macromol5030035 - 7 Aug 2025
Viewed by 228
Abstract
In this study, a series of copolymers was synthesized using the promising biodegradable polymers Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and Poly(ethylene adipate) (PEAd), known for their high potential. PEAd was synthesized through a two-step melt polycondensation process and then used to prepare [...] Read more.
In this study, a series of copolymers was synthesized using the promising biodegradable polymers Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), and Poly(ethylene adipate) (PEAd), known for their high potential. PEAd was synthesized through a two-step melt polycondensation process and then used to prepare copolymers with PLLA (PLLA-co-PEAd) and PLGA (PLGA-co-PEAd) at weight ratios of 90/10 and 75/25, respectively. The synthesized materials, along with the starting polymers, were extensively characterized for their structure, molecular weight, crystallinity, and thermal behavior. These novel systems exhibit single thermal transitions, e.g., glass transition. The incorporation of PEAd into the copolymers induced a plasticizing effect, evidenced by a consistent decrease in the glass transition temperature. Due to the latter effect in combination with the Mw drop, the facilitation of crystal nucleation was observed. Finally, the results by dielectric spectroscopy on the local and segmental molecular mobility provided additional proof for the homogeneity of the systems, as manifested, e.g., by the recording of single segmental relaxation processes. Overall, the findings indicate that the PLLA-co-PEAd and PLGA-co-PEAd copolymers hold significant potential, and the use of complementary experimental techniques offers valuable insights and indirect indications of their properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Collection Advances in Biodegradable Polymers)
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13 pages, 2130 KiB  
Article
Controllable Structure and Fluorescence Enhancement of ACQ Dye Nanoparticles Based on the FNP Process
by Yue Wu, Yutao Zhang, Zhiqian Guo and Yisheng Xu
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152152 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 296
Abstract
Fluorescent dyes, such as cyanine dyes, are widely used in fluorescence-imaging-guided tumor therapy due to their high absorbance and fluorescence quantum yield. However, challenges persist in optimizing the performance of fluorescent nanoparticles, particularly due to the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect of cyanine dyes. [...] Read more.
Fluorescent dyes, such as cyanine dyes, are widely used in fluorescence-imaging-guided tumor therapy due to their high absorbance and fluorescence quantum yield. However, challenges persist in optimizing the performance of fluorescent nanoparticles, particularly due to the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect of cyanine dyes. Here, a novel counterion construction strategy is introduced using cyanine dye as a model ACQ dye. Through dynamic-controlled flash nanoprecipitation, fluorescent nanoparticles (CyINPs) with tunable structures are developed, investigating the effects of various factors, including counterions, block copolymers, and dye concentrations, on CyINPs’ stability and fluorescence enhancement. The optimized CyINPs with good water solubility show a 21-fold increase in fluorescence intensity and a 3.5-fold increase in encapsulation efficiency compared to CyINPs prepared by a thermodynamic-driven method. Under the efforts of polymers and counterions, dyes are separated, which reduces the impact of the ACQ effect and results in stronger fluorescence intensity, providing insights into improving nanoparticle biocompatibility and energy utilization efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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20 pages, 3077 KiB  
Article
Influence of Carboxylic Acids (CAs) on the Structure–Properties Relationship in PLA/Pecan Nutshell (PN) Composites
by Giordano Pierozan Bernardes, Matheus de Prá Andrade and Matheus Poletto
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(8), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9080422 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Reinforcing PLA composites with natural fibres is a prominent strategy for improving PLA’s properties while benefiting from its intrinsic biodegradation. However, these composites may be susceptible to an inefficient stress-transferring process due to the weak intermolecular interactions between PLA and natural fibres. A [...] Read more.
Reinforcing PLA composites with natural fibres is a prominent strategy for improving PLA’s properties while benefiting from its intrinsic biodegradation. However, these composites may be susceptible to an inefficient stress-transferring process due to the weak intermolecular interactions between PLA and natural fibres. A well-known practice is to incorporate coupling agents to improve polymer–fibre adhesion, such as carboxylic acids (CAs) and grafted copolymers. CAs are a more affordable and biodegradable option for improving PLA/natural fibre interface strength, resulting in a material with superior mechanical and thermal properties. In this context, this research discusses the potential use of mono (C6 and C8) and di (CC6 and CC8) carboxylic acids as coupling agents in PLA/pecan nutshells (PN) composites. PLA/PN composites with four different CAs were processed in a twin-screw extruder and subsequently injection moulded. The results indicated an increase in the flexural strength of the PLA due to the presence of PN in the neat composite. The use of CAs increased the storage modulus of PLA/PN composites, while C6 and CC8 reduced the PLA composite tan δ peak height. The PLA’s Tg in PLA/PN composite shifted to lower temperatures after the incorporation of CAs while increasing the PLA crystallinity degree. These results strongly suggested that besides acting as efficient coupling agents, these acids also exerted roles as nucleating agents and plasticisers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Composites)
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12 pages, 1742 KiB  
Article
Therapeutic Effects of PSL-Loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA NPs in Allergic Contact Dermatitis Model Mice
by Ryo Fujisawa, Ryuse Sakurai, Takeshi Oshizaka, Kenji Mori, Akiyoshi Saitoh, Issei Takeuchi and Kenji Sugibayashi
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3292; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153292 - 6 Aug 2025
Viewed by 328
Abstract
This study focused on the poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) triblock copolymer, which was recently reported as a novel material for polymeric nanoparticles to replace poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as a drug carrier for prednisolone (PSL), and [...] Read more.
This study focused on the poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide)-block-poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA-PEG-PLGA) triblock copolymer, which was recently reported as a novel material for polymeric nanoparticles to replace poly(DL-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) as a drug carrier for prednisolone (PSL), and aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PSL-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) against allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). PSL-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA NPs were prepared using the nanoprecipitation method, and their particle size distribution and mean particle size were measured using dynamic light scattering. 1-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB) was used to create a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS). PSL-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA NPs were administered before sensitization with DNFB, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated by quantifying intracutaneous TNF-α and IL-4 levels suing ELISA. When PSL-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA NPs were administered before sensitization, TNF-α expression and IL-4 statements were significantly lower in the PSL-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA NP group than in the non-treated group. No significant difference was observed between the PSL-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA NP and PSL-loaded ointment groups, even though the steroid dose was 40 times lower than in the PSL-containing ointment. These results suggest that PSL-loaded PLGA-PEG-PLGA NPs may have a better effect in the treatment of ACD than PSL-loaded PLGA NPs. Full article
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26 pages, 3368 KiB  
Article
Effective Ciprofloxacin Removal from Deionized and Salt Water by Sulfonated Pentablock Copolymer (NexarTM)
by Simona Filice, Simona Crispi, Viviana Scuderi, Daniela Iannazzo, Consuelo Celesti and Silvia Scalese
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3275; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153275 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 329
Abstract
The presence of ciprofloxacin antibiotic in water is a threat to humans and aquatic life since antibiotics are currently regarded as emerging contaminants of major concern. This work reported the use of NexarTM film, a sulfonated pentablock copolymer, to effectively remove ciprofloxacin [...] Read more.
The presence of ciprofloxacin antibiotic in water is a threat to humans and aquatic life since antibiotics are currently regarded as emerging contaminants of major concern. This work reported the use of NexarTM film, a sulfonated pentablock copolymer, to effectively remove ciprofloxacin antibiotic from water in a sustainable approach. The removal efficiency of Nexar film was evaluated in aqueous or salty (NaCl 0.5 M) ciprofloxacin solutions as a function of contact time and the initial ciprofloxacin concentration. In the investigated conditions, the polymeric film totally removed ciprofloxacin in MilliQ solution while its removal efficiency in salty solution was approximately 73%. This lower value is due to the presence of Na+ ions that compete with antibiotic molecules for adsorption on active surface sites of the polymeric film. No further release of adsorbed antibiotic molecules occurred. The kinetic studies, conducted for ciprofloxacin adsorption on Nexar film in both MilliQ and salty solutions, revealed that the overall sorption process is controlled by the rate of surface reaction between ciprofloxacin molecules and active sites on Nexar surface. Furthermore, at equilibrium conditions, the isotherm model that best fits experimental parameters was not linear. This indicates that the competition between the solute and the solvent for binding sites on the adsorbent should be considered to describe adsorption processes in both MilliQ and salty solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Materials for Environmental Remediation and Catalysis)
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26 pages, 4818 KiB  
Article
Novel Anion-Exchange Resins for the Effective Recovery of Re(VII) from Simulated By-Products of Cu-Mo Ore Processing
by Piotr Cyganowski, Pawel Pohl, Szymon Pawlik and Dorota Jermakowicz-Bartkowiak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7563; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157563 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 224
Abstract
The efficient recovery of rhenium (Re), a critical metal in high-tech industries, is essential to address its growing demand and reduce reliance on primary mining. In this study, we developed novel anion-exchange resins for the selective adsorption and recovery of Re(VII) ions from [...] Read more.
The efficient recovery of rhenium (Re), a critical metal in high-tech industries, is essential to address its growing demand and reduce reliance on primary mining. In this study, we developed novel anion-exchange resins for the selective adsorption and recovery of Re(VII) ions from acidic solutions, simulating industrial by-products. The resins were synthesized from a vinylbenzyl chloride-co-divinylbenzene copolymer modified with aliphatic, heterocyclic, and aromatic weakly basic amines, selected from among bis(3-aminopropyl)amine (BAPA), 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine (PIP), thiosemicarbazide (TSC), 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (AHP), 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine (HEP), 4-amino-2,6-dihydroxypyrimidine (AHPI), and 2-thiazolamine (TA). The adsorption of Re on BAPA, PIP, and HEP resins obeyed the Langmuir model, and the resins exhibited high adsorption capacities, with maximum values reaching 435.4 mg Re g−1 at pH 6. Furthermore, strong selectivity for ReO4 ions over competing species, including Mo, Cu, and V, was noted in solutions simulating the leachates of the by-products of Cu-Mo ores. Additionally, complete elution of Re was possible. The developed resins turned out to be highly suitable for the continuous-flow-mode adsorption of ReO4, revealing outstanding adsorption capacities before reaching column breakthrough. In this context, the novel anion-exchange resins developed offer a reference for further Re recovery strategies. Full article
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23 pages, 5029 KiB  
Review
Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of PLA-HPG-Based Biodegradable Nanocarriers: A Review
by Yijun Shen, Xuehan He and Lei Chen
Biosensors 2025, 15(8), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/bios15080502 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 595
Abstract
The development of biodegradable nanocarriers has long been a priority for researchers and medical professionals in the realm of drug delivery. Because of their inherent benefits, which include superior biocompatibility, customizable degradability, easy surface functionalization, and stealth-like behavior, polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol (PLA-HPG) copolymers [...] Read more.
The development of biodegradable nanocarriers has long been a priority for researchers and medical professionals in the realm of drug delivery. Because of their inherent benefits, which include superior biocompatibility, customizable degradability, easy surface functionalization, and stealth-like behavior, polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol (PLA-HPG) copolymers have demonstrated a promising future in the field of biomedical research. The synthesis of PLA-HPG copolymers and the creation of their nanoparticles for biomedical uses have been the focus of current efforts. In this review, we summarize the synthetic strategies of PLA-HPG copolymers and corresponding nanoparticles, and highlight their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and degradation properties. Furthermore, we introduce a number of PLA-HPG nanoparticles that are utilized for surface skin delivery, wound dressing, and in vivo drug delivery biological applications. Finally, we conclude by offering our thoughts on how this nanoplatform might advance in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Biosensors in China (2nd Edition))
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