Composite Sponge Research Articles

Facile synthesis of new metal-organic framework/chitosan composite sponge for Hg(II) removal: Characterization, adsorption efficiency, and optimization using Box-Behnken design

The objective of this research was to develop a novel adsorbent to eliminate mercury (Hg(II)) from water. A unique citrate-crosslinked La-MOF/citrate crosslinked chitosan composite sponge (La-MOF@CSC composite sponge) was successfully synthesized in an acidic environment using a one-step technique. Modifying the composition of adsorbent materials is a commonly employed strategy to enhance adsorption capacity, particularly for materials composed of metal-organic frameworks. The study investigated the impact of the composite sponge on the adsorption and removal of Hg(II). The composite sponge exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) for Hg(II) at 765.22 mg/g and an impressive high surface area of 1208 m2/g. Various factors influencing the adsorption capacity were taken into account in this study. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics were modeled using Langmuir and pseudo-second-order equations, respectively. Consistent with thermodynamics, the adsorption process was identified as spontaneous and endothermic. The quantities of adsorbed substances increased with rising temperature. The La-MOF@CSC composite sponge demonstrated the ability to be reused up to five times with satisfactory efficiency, retaining its chemical composition and exhibiting similar XRD and XPS data before and after each reuse. The interaction between heavy metals and the La-MOF/CSC composite sponge was examined. Optimization of the adsorption outcomes was conducted using the Box-Behnken design (BBD).

Silk fibroin-gelatine haemostatic sponge loaded with thrombin for wound haemostasis and tissue regeneration.

Wound haemostasis is an important part of clinical treatments, especially treatments for patients with avulsion injury, destructive injury and large-scale soft tissue injury. Therefore, developing fast and effective haemostatic materials is critical. This study aimed to design a novel and efficient silk fibroin-gelatine composite haemostatic sponge loaded with thrombin (SFG@TB) to assist in wound haemostasis. The SFG@TB composite haemostatic sponge was formed with gelatine, silk fibroin and thrombin through a freeze-drying technique. First, the material characteristics of SFG@TB were measured, including the elastic modulus, swelling rate and porosity. Second, in vitro cell coculture experiments, in vivo embedding experiments and haemolytic analyses were performed to evaluate the biocompatibility of SFG@TB. Then, coagulation experiments and femoral artery and liver bleeding models were used to evaluate the haemostatic performance of SFG@TB. Finally, the ability of SFG@TB to promote tissue healing was evaluated through experiments with Sprague-Dawley rat models of injury. Compared with gelatine sponges, SFG@TB exhibited outstanding mechanical properties and water absorption properties. In addition, the excellent biosafety of the composite haemostatic sponge was confirmed by cell experiments, subcutaneous embedding experiments and haemolytic analysis. Based on the in vitro coagulation test results, SFG@TB exhibited greater adhesion of red blood cells and platelets and a shorter dynamic coagulation time. Compared to the use of silk fibroin-gelatine composite haemostatic sponges or gelatine sponges, the introduction of thrombin resulted in a shorter haemostasis time and a smaller bleeding volume, as revealed by in vivo coagulation tests. The experiments with Sprague-Dawley rat models of injury indicated that SFG@TB accelerated the wound healing process and reduced scar width, which was accompanied by thicker granulation tissue. Overall, the SFG@TB composite haemostatic sponge, which exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, good haemostatic performance and high biosafety, promoted wound haemostasis and tissue repair. Therefore, the SFG@TB composite haemostatic sponge could be a promising material for wound haemostasis.

Construction and screening of spin-crossover-sponge materials based on iron(II)-triazole coordination polymers.

Iron(II)-triazole coordination polymers have attracted considerable interest for their synthetic versatility, which allows tuning their spin-crossover (SCO) properties. Embedding SCO solid particles in sponge matrices is a simple, powerful, and generic approach to construct processable SCO materials. Here, we have studied a series of magnetic frameworks based on partial ligand substitution by using different chemical mixtures of two organic ligands, yielding four isostructural coordination polymers. The integration of the hygroscopic SCO material has endowed the composite sponge with the ability to capture moisture under ambient conditions. In particular, not only does a spin-crossover transition during absorption occur, but also a color variation has been achieved by varying humidity. The consequences of cooperativity and the exposed surface of the composite sponge on the spin transition were evaluated and the most promising materials among them were screened. This work provides guiding significance for the fabrication and practical application of spin-crossover-sponge materials.

Holobiont dysbiosis or acclimatation? Shift in the microbial taxonomic diversity and functional composition of a cosmopolitan sponge subjected to chronic pollution in a Patagonian bay.

Dysbiosis and acclimatization are two starkly opposing outcomes of altered holobiont associations in response to environmental pollution. This study assesses whether shifts in microbial taxonomic composition and functional profiles of the cosmopolitan sponge Hymeniacidon perlevis indicate dysbiotic or acclimatized responses to water pollution. To do so, sponge and water samples were collected in a semi-enclosed environment (San Antonio Bay, Patagonia, Argentina) from variably polluted sites (i.e., eutrophication, heavy metal contamination). We found significant differences in the microbiome of H. perlevis with respect to the pollution history of the sites. Several indicators suggested that acclimatization, rather than dysbiosis, explained the microbiome response to higher pollution: 1) the distinction of the sponge microbiome from the water microbiome; 2) low similarity between the sponge and water microbiomes at the most polluted site; 3) the change in microbiome composition between sponges from the different sites; 4) a high similarity in the microbiome among sponge individuals within sites; 5) a similar ratio of common sponge microbes to opportunistic microbes between sponges at the most and least polluted sites; and 6) a distinctive functional profile of the sponge microbiome at the most polluted site. This profile indicated a more expansive metabolic repertoire, including the degradation of pollutants and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, suggesting a relevant role of these microbial communities in the adaptation of the holobiont to organic pollution. Our results shed light on the rearrangement of the H. perlevis microbiome that could allow it to successfully colonize sites with high anthropogenic impact while resisting dysbiosis.

Preparation and hemostatic performance of composites using tourmaline and shells as main raw materials

Synthesis process and hemostatic mechanism of shell/tourmaline composite hemostatic sponge (STS).

One-step construction of silver–polyaniline nanocomposite modified multifunctional sponges for wastewater remediation: adsorption, catalysis and antimicrobial applications

The porous and multifunctional composite sponge (Ag–PANI@PAS) prepared by a one-step polymerization and reduction reaction is a promising material for high-performance wastewater treatment.

Efficient solar-driven steam generation for clean water production using a low-cost and scalable natural rubber composite sponge

Utilizing well-established foam production technology facilitates the scalability of the methodology described in this study, allowing SSG materials to rapidly transition from the laboratory to commercial and real-world applications.

In situ growth of Zr-based metal-organic frameworks on cellulose sponges for Hg2+ and methylene blue removal

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are characterised by high porosity levels and controllable structures, making them ideal adsorbents for wastewater. However, obtaining substrate materials with mechanical stability, excellent pore accessibility, and good processability for compositing MOF crystal powders to adsorb multiple pollutants in complex aqueous environments is challenging. In this study, porous MOFs@ modified cellulose sponge (MCS) composites were fabricated using MCS as a scaffold to provide anchoring sites for the coordination of Zr4+ ions and further in situ synthesis of MOFs, namely UiO-66@MCS and UiO-66-NH2@MCS, which effectively removed heavy metal ions and organic dyes. MOFs@MCS composites exhibit excellent water and dimensional stability, maintaining the pore structure by ambient drying during reuse. Compared with UiO-66@MCS composite, UiO-66-NH2@MCS composite exhibited a higher adsorption capacity of 224.5 mg·g−1 for Hg2+ and 400.9 mg·g−1 for methylene blue (MB). The adsorption of Hg2+ onto the MOFs@MCS composites followed the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, whereas the Freundlich and pseudo-second-order models were more suitable for MB adsorption. Moreover, the MOFs@MCS composites exhibited excellent reusability and were selective for the removal of Hg2+. Overall, this approach effectively combines Zr-based MOFs with mechanically and dimensionally stable porous cellulose sponges, rendering the approach suitable for purifying complex wastewater.

A study of biodiversity of Baikal sponges Lubomirskiidae in areas under different anthropogenic loads

The study analyzed the species composition of endemic Baikal sponges Lubomirskiidae in three areas of Lake Baikal. Listvyanka is a place with an increased anthropogenic load, while Bolshiye Koty (Varnachka pad) and Chernaya pad are less affected by the anthropogenic load and can be used as a background for comparison. A total of 168 samples of sponges Lubomirskiidae were collected, analyzed and divided into ten species. Frequently encountered species were: in Listvyanka – Lubomirskia baikalensis, Baikalospongia bacillifera, Baikalospongia intermedia; in Bolshie Koty – Baikalospongia intermedia, Lubomirskia incrustans, Lubomirskia baikalensis; in Chernaya village – Lubomirskia baikalensis, Swartschewskia papyracea, Baikalospongia recta. Similar data on the sponge species diversity in the three areas were demonstrated. 17 % of samples were not identified based on their morphology. The presence of samples with intermediate morphological characteristics indicates the incomplete species divergence within Lubomirskiidae, which is confirmed by the molecular methods. The results suggest that the mass disease of Baikal sponges is associated with climate changes rather than the anthropogenic factor.

Macroporous polyvinyl alcohol-formaldehyde-silicon composite sponges with designed structure for high-efficiency water-in-oil emulsion separation

Macroporous materials with suitable pore structure and surface composition have demonstrated their advancing applications in absorption, adsorption, and separation. In this contribution, two types of macroporous polyvinyl alcohol-formaldehyde (PVFs) based composite sponges, stearoyl chlorides modified polyvinyl alcohol/PVF (PVA/PVF-CH) and octadecyltrimethoxysilane modified PVA/PVF (PVA/PVF-Si) are designed and synthesized through the secondary crosslinking reaction between the hydroxyl groups in PVA and PVF with formaldehyde, and subsequently covalently bonding the long-alkyl chains into the network of the composite sponge. Basic characterizations confirm PVA/PVF-CH and PVA/PVF-Si composite sponges exhibit the open-cell structure as original PVFs with porosity up to 80.1%, hydrophobic networks, and narrow pore size distribution (5 µm to 60 µm). Notably, the PVA/PVF-Si, possessing the smallest average pore size (14.4 µm), exhibits ignorable swelling performances in a wide range of organic solvents and excellent mechanical properties and separation properties for oil from water-in-oil emulsion with separation efficiency and flux up to 99.99% and 7.65 × 104 L m−2h−1bar−1 as compared to PVA/PVF-CH, respectively. Those features indicate that PVA/PVF-Si composite sponges can be desirable for emulsion separation.

Preparation of Hydrophobic Functionalized Poly(vinyl alcohol) Formaldehyde-Based Composite Sponges for Highly Effective Water-in-Oil Emulsion Separation

Preparation of Hydrophobic Functionalized Poly(vinyl alcohol) Formaldehyde-Based Composite Sponges for Highly Effective Water-in-Oil Emulsion Separation

Synthesis and characterization of new composite sponge combining of metal-organic framework and chitosan for the elimination of Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions: Batch adsorption and optimization using Box-Behnken design

By using a one-step hydrothermal process in an acidic environment, an unique Ag-MOF/chitosan composite sponge (Ag-MOF/CSC composite sponge) was effectively created. Chitosan synthesis has been studied for more than half a century, but its Use for adsorption of heavy metals (HM) is presently being researched. As Particularly with regard to adsorbents constructed of metal organic framework, to increase an adsorbent material's adsorption capacity, its composition is commonly changed. Pb(II), Cu(II), and Cd(II) adsorption and elimination were examined in this study in relation to the composite Ag-MOF/CSC sponge. Following thorough analysis including measurements of the surface area using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and SEM and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) (BET).The Ag-MOF/CSC composite sponge exhibits an impressive large surface area of 1496.58 square meters per gram, besides having the best capacity for adsorption (qmax) for various ions: 1.80, 1.49 and 1.72 mmol per gram for Pb(II), Cu(II) and Cd(II), respectively. Consider the factors that influence the adsorption characteristics, such as temperature, pH, metal concentration, and adsorbent dosage. The kinetic isotherm and the adsorption isotherm were fitted using the pseudo-second-order equation and the Langmuir equation, respectively. It was shown that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in accordance with adsorption thermodynamics. With rise in temperature, more metal were absorbed. With good efficiency, no change in chemical composition, and similar XRD and XPS data before and after reuse, the Ag-MOF/CSC composite sponge was repurposed six times. Investigate the mechanism of interaction between the heavy metals and the Ag-MOF/CSC composite sponge. Utilizing Box-Behnken design, the adsorption outcomes were optimized (BBD).

Tannic acid adsorption properties of cellulose nanocrystalline/fish swim bladder gelatin composite sponge

Foods and beverages with excessive tannins acid (TA) content taste astringent and bitter. The overconsumption of TA could result in nutritional and digestive problems. In this study, the cellulose nanocrystals (CNC)/fish swim bladder gelatin (FG) composite sponge was prepared with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent. The TA adsorption performance of the sponge was discussed. The freeze-dried CNC/FG composite sponge had a porous network structure. CNC was combined into the FG matrix as a reinforcing phase. The mechanical strength, thermal stability, and swelling properties of the composite sponge were improved with the addition of an appropriate amount of CNC. Although CNC decreased the porosity of composite sponge, the increase in active adsorption sites resulted in an overall positive effect on its TA adsorption properties. Under the optimal adsorption conditions, the TA removal rate of 1.0 % CNC composites reached 80.4 %. Furthermore, the sponge retained a TA removal rate of 54 % after five cycles of adsorption and desorption using 50 % ethanol. The results demonstrated that CNC/FG composite sponge has application potential in the field of adsorption materials for TA.

Superhydrophilic carbon@halloysite nanotube decorated sponge composites for high efficiency solar steam generation and cleanup of crude oil

Three dimensional composite evaporators have now widely been used for solar driven steam generation. However, some issues such as weak interfacial interaction, moderate water transport ability and salt precipitation should be addressed for high efficiency solar driven interface evaporation. Here, carbon modified halloysite nanotubes (CHTs) are firmly anchored onto the skeleton of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponges for preparation of compressible and superhydrophilic CHTs/PVA evaporators (CPEs). CHTs endow the evaporator with outstanding light absorption and photothermal conversion performance. In addition, the hierarchically porous and hollow structures inside CPEs ensure the evaporator powerful water transport capability and hence excellent salt rejection behavior. Benefiting from the strong interfacial interaction between CHTs and the PVA sponge, CPEs possess superior surface stability and durability. The synergy of the solar driven interface evaporation and natural evaporation from the side walls contributes to a high evaporation rate (up to 3.49 kg m−2 h−1). The evaporation rate is maintained when CPE is mechanically compressed. Also, the sponge composite can be used for cleanup of crude oil, based on the photothermally induced decrease of oil viscosity. This study can provide inspiration to develop solar evaporators for high performance desalination and water purification.

Fabricating of poly(vinyl alcohol)/halloysite nanotubes/gelatin composite sponges with enhanced mechanical properties and rapid water absorption speed

AbstractIn the biomedical field, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge has been widely used. In particular, it is considered a potential implant material for repairing soft tissues. However, its insufficient water absorption and mechanical properties limit its application. In this work, a novel PVA/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)/gelatin ternary composite sponge was prepared by water solution mixing and casting techniques. HNTs and gelatin/PVA solution were mixed at different weight ratios. The structure of the ternary composite sponges was characterized by using scanning electron microscopy. The physical properties of the ternary composite sponges were characterized. The maximum water absorption reached 1783.5% with a rapid water absorption speed at a weight ratio of HNTs/gelatin of 1:8. Owing to its interconnected macroporous structure and good interfacial interaction, its highest compression strength and tensile strength reached 8.22, 1.51 MPa, respectively. In addition, its thermal stability was enhanced as well, which demonstrated that the prepared composite sponge had better performance than the pure PVA sponge by constructing a ternary system. Therefore, the results suggest that the PVA/HNTs/gelatin ternary composite sponge shows a wider application value as a potential material for repairing soft tissue.Highlights A composite PVA sponge with promising applications in tissue engineering. Simple preparation method, water solution mixing and casting techniques. Pioneering a PVA/HNTs/gelatin ternary system sponge. Improved water absorption ability and mechanical properties.

Reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane composite sponge fabricated by dual-templates method for piezoresistive pressure sensor

Reduced graphene oxide/polyurethane composite sponge fabricated by dual-templates method for piezoresistive pressure sensor

High-efficiency antibacterial calcium alginate/lysozyme/AgNPs composite sponge for wound healing

Infection poses a significant barrier to effective wound repair, leading to increased inflammatory responses that ultimately result in incomplete and prolonged wound healing. To address this challenge, numerous antibacterial ingredients have been incorporated into dressings to inhibit wound infection. Our previous work demonstrated that lysozyme/silver nanoparticles (LYZ/AgNPs) complexes, prepared using an eco-friendly one-step aqueous method, exhibited excellent antibacterial efficacy with favorable biosafety. To further explore its potential application in advancing wound healing, calcium alginate (CA) with good porosity, water absorption, and water retention capacities was formulated with LYZ/AgNPs to prepare composite sponge (CA/LYZ/AgNPs). As expected, in vivo experiments involving full-thickness skin wound and scald wound healing experiments demonstrated that CA-LYZ-AgNPs composite sponges with excellent biocompatibility exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and fungi, and outperformed the wound healing process efficacy of other commercially available AgNPs-loaded wound dressings. In summary, this work introduces a CA/LYZ/AgNPs sponge featuring exceptional antibacterial efficacy and biocompatibility, thus holding promising potential in wound care applications.

Citric acid-cross linked with magnetic metal-organic framework composite sponge for superior adsorption of indigo carmine blue dye from aqueous solutions: Characterization and adsorption optimization via Box–Behnken design

A novel sponge composite (Fe3O4@Pd-MOF/CSC) capable of effectively eliminating indigo carmine blue (ICB) dye from water, was synthesized using an effective single-step hydrothermal method under acidic conditions, employing citrate crosslinking chitosan. The adsorbent was thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy-dispersive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area (BET) analysis. Our research indicated that the Fe3O4@Pd-MOF/CSC composite sponge possesses an impressive surface area of 1076.8 m2/g and the highest adsorption capacity (qmax) of 778.8 mg/g. The study delved into various factors influencing the adsorption process, including pH levels, indigo carmine blue concentration, adsorbent dosage, and temperature. Both the adsorption isotherm and kinetics were aligned with the Langmuir equation and the pseudo-second-order equation, respectively, for comprehensive analysis. The adsorption energy was determined to be 18.22 kJ/mol, indicating a chemisorption adsorption mechanism. According to adsorption thermodynamics, the process was observed to be both endothermic and spontaneous. Additionally, the material absorption increased with rising temperatures. Moreover, the Fe3O4@Pd-MOF/CSC composite sponge demonstrated magnetic properties, allowing for easy extraction from the solution after the adsorption process. The adsorbent displayed satisfactory efficiency even after being reused six times, demonstrating no alteration in chemical composition. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern showed consistent results before and after the reuse process. Electrostatic contact, π-π interaction, hydrogen bonding, and pore filling were identified as the primary mechanisms through which the Fe3O4@Pd-MOF/CSC composite sponge interacted with ICB. The adsorption outcomes were optimized using Box–Behnken-design (BBD).

Muscle-inspired lamellar chitosan sponge with photothermal antibacterial and antioxidant properties for hemostasis and accelerated bacteria infected wound healing

Wound dressings with excellent hemostasis, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties are essential for hemorrhagic infected wounds. Herein, inspired by the highly anisotropic and ordered fibrous structure of muscle tissue, we prepared chitosan/polydopamine biomimetic layered sponge dressings loaded with cerium dioxide (CeO2) nanoparticles by a directional freezing method. This composite sponge has an ordered laminate structure, good mechanical properties, excellent moisture absorption, and swelling properties. Thanks to the introduction of PDA, the composite sponge has outstanding photothermal properties and effectively kills bacteria under 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) light. In addition, the CeO2 loaded in the composite sponge also has an excellent ROS scavenging capacity, which protects cells from oxidative stress damage. The rat tail amputation and liver hemostasis experiment proved that this layered sponge had good hemostasis performance. Furthermore, the full-thickness skin defect model infected with S. aureus demonstrated that the composite sponge accelerated wound closure, promoted collagen deposition, down-regulated pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α), and up-regulated anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) expression, ultimately promoting wound healing. All the results suggested that this bionic sponge with a directional layered structure has a preferable therapeutic effect on the healing of infected wounds and is expected to be a more advantageous wound dressing.

A hemostatic sponge derived from chitosan and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose

Hemostatic materials are of great significance for rapid control of bleeding, especially in military trauma and traffic accidents. Chitosan (CS) hemostatic sponges have been widely concerned and studied due to their excellent biocompatibility. However, the hemostatic performance of pure chitosan sponges is poor due to the shortcoming of strong rigidity. In this study, CS and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) were combined to develop a safe and effective hemostatic composite sponges (CS/HPMC) for hemorrhage control by a simple mixed-lyophilization strategy. The CS/HPMC exhibited excellent flexibility (the flexibility was 74% higher than that of pure CS sponges). Due to the high porosity and procoagulant chemical structure of the CS/HPMC, it exhibited rapid hemostatic ability in vitro (BCI was shortened by 50% than that of pure CS sponges). The good biocompatibility of the obtained CS/HPMC was confirmed via cytotoxicity, hemocompatibility and skin irritation tests. The CS/HPMC can induced the erythrocyte and platelets adhesion, resulting in significant coagulation acceleration. The CS/HPMC had excellent performance in vivo assessments with shortest clotting time (40 s) and minimal blood loss (166 mg). All above results proved that the CS/HPMC had great potential to be a safe and rapid hemostatic material.