Conducting Polymer Nanoparticles Research Articles

Smart polyurethane endosponges for endoluminal vacuum therapy: Integration of a bacteria sensor

The development of smart biomedical devices as efficient tools in early diagnosis and therapy monitoring has recently witnessed unprecedented growth, becoming an emerging field in biomedical engineering. Sponges for endoluminal vacuum therapy, which are intended for transmitting negative pressure as trigger for tissue regeneration and for draining infections in anastomotic leakages, are massively used implants with very complex geometry and high risk of infection. In this work, commercial polyurethane (PU) sponges have been converted into smart biomedical devices by incorporating an electrochemical sensor to monitor the growth of bacteria. Such innovative approach, which allows to track the tissue healing process avoiding further infection development, has been performed applying a three-step process: 1) activation of PU using low pressure oxygen plasma; 2) incorporation of conducting polymer (CP) nanoparticles (NPs) at the surface of the activated PU by chemical oxidative polymerization; and 3) formation of a homogeneous electroactive coating using the CP NPs obtained in 2), as growth nuclei in an electrochemical polymerization. The functionalized PU sponge is able to monitor the bacteria growth in the surrounding media by detecting the concentration of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) from respiration reactions in the cytosol (i.e. bacteria do not have mitochondria). Conversely, respiration in normal eukaryotic cells takes place in the mitochondria, whose double membrane is not permeable to NADH. The sensing performance of the CP-coated PU sponges (limit of detection: 0.06 mM; sensitivity: 1.21 mA/cm2) has been determined in the lab using NADH solutions, while a proof of concept have been conducted using Escherichia coli bacteria cultures.

Conducting Polymer Nanoparticles with Intrinsic Aqueous Dispersibility for Conductive Hydrogels.

Conductive hydrogels are promising materials with mixed ionic-electronic conduction to interface living tissue (ionic signal transmission) with medical devices (electronic signal transmission). The hydrogel form factor also uniquely bridges the wet/soft biological environment with the dry/hard environment of electronics. The synthesis of hydrogels for bioelectronics requires scalable, biocompatible fillers with high electronic conductivity and compatibility with common aqueous hydrogel formulations/resins. Despite significant advances in the processing of carbon nanomaterials, fillers that satisfy all these requirements are lacking. Herein, intrinsically dispersible acid-crystalized PEDOT:PSS nanoparticles (ncrys-PEDOTX ) are reported which are processed through a facile and scalable nonsolvent induced phase separation method from commercial PEDOT:PSS without complex instrumentation. The particles feature conductivities of up to 410 S cm-1 , and when compared to other common conductive fillers, display remarkable dispersibility, enabling homogeneous incorporation at relatively high loadings within diverse aqueous biomaterial solutions without additives or surfactants. The aqueous dispersibility of the ncrys-PEDOTX particles also allows simple incorporation into resins designed for microstereolithography without sonication or surfactant optimization; complex biomedical structures with fine features (< 150 µm)areprinted with up to 10% particle loading . The ncrys-PEDOTX particles overcome the challenges of traditional conductive fillers, providing a scalable, biocompatible, plug-and-play platform for soft organic bioelectronic materials.

Thermo-kinetic behaviour of green synthesized nanomaterial enhanced organic phase change material: Model fitting approach

Metal, carbon and conducting polymer nanoparticles are blended with organic phase change materials (PCMs) to enhance the thermal conductivity, heat storage ability, thermal stability and optical property. However, the existing nanoparticle are expensive and need to be handle with high caution during operation as well during disposal owing to its toxicity. Subsequently handling of solid waste and the disposal of organic PCM after longevity usage are of utmost concern and are less exposed. Henceforth, the current research presents a new dimension of exploration by green synthesized nanoparticles from a thorny shrub of an invasive weed named Prosopis Juliflora (PJ) which is a agro based solid waste. Subsequently, the research is indented to decide the concentration of green synthesized nanoparticle for effective heat transfer rate of organic PCM (Tm = 35–40 °C & Hm = 145 J/g). Furthermore, an in-depth understanding on the kinetic and thermodynamic profile of degradation mechanism involved in disposal of PCM after usage via Coats and Redfern technique is exhibited. Engaging a two-step method, we fuse the green synthesized nanomaterial with PCM to obtain nanocomposite PCM. On experimental evaluation, thermal conductivity of the developed nanocomposite (PCM + PJ) increases by 63.8% (0.282 W/m⋅K to 0.462 W/m⋅K) with 0.8 wt% green synthesized nanomaterial owing to the uniform distribution of nanoparticle within PCM matrix thereby contributing to bridging thermal networks. Subsequently, PCM and PCM + PJ nanocomposites are tested using thermogravimetric analyzer at different heating rates (05 °C/min; 10 °C/min; 15 °C/min & 20 °C/min) to analyze the decomposition kinetic reaction. The kinetic and thermodynamic profile of degradation mechanism involved in disposal of PCM and its nanocomposite of PCM + PJ provides insight on thermal parameters to be considered on large scale operation and to understand the complex nature of the chemical reactions. Adopting thirteen different chemical mechanism model under Coats and Redfern method we determine the reaction mechanism; kinetic parameter like activation energy (Ea) & pre-exponential factor (A) and thermodynamic parameter like change in enthalpy (ΔH), change in Gibbs free energy (ΔG) and change in entropy (ΔS). Dispersion of PJ nanomaterial with PCM reduces Ea from 370.82 kJ/mol−1 to 342.54 kJ/mol−1 (7.7% reduction), as the developed nanomaterial is enriched in carbon element and exhibits a catalytic effect for breakdown reaction. Corresponding, value of ΔG for PCM and PCM + PJ sample within heating rates of 05–20 °C/min varies between 168.95 and 41.611 kJ/mol−1. The current research will unbolt new works with focus on exploring the pyrolysis behaviour of phase change materials and its nanocomposite used for energy storage applications. This work also provides insights on the disposal of PCM which is an organic solid waste. The thermo-kinetic profile will help to investigate and predict the optimum heating rate and temperature range for conversion of micro-scale pyrolysis to commercial scale process.

Conductive Polymer Nanoparticles as Solid Contact in Ion-Selective Electrodes Sensitive to Potassium Ions.

A preparation method of nanocomposites based on poly (3-octylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (POT) and carbon black (CB) as the transducer of an all-solid potassium ion selective electrode is proposed. POT is used as the dispersant of CB, and the obtained nanocomposites have unique characteristics, including high conductivity, high capacitance and high stability. The potassium ion selective electrode based on POT and CB was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and chronopotentiometry. The results showed that the detection limit of potassium ions was 10-6.2 M, and the slope was 57.6 ± 0.8 mV/façade. The water layer test and anti-interference test show that the electrode has high hydrophobicity, the static contact angle reaches 139.7° and is not easily affected by light, O2 and CO2.

Preparation and Characterization of Functionalized Surgical Meshes for Early Detection of Bacterial Infections.

Isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) nonabsorbable surgical meshes are modified by incorporating a conducting polymer (CP) layer to detect the adhesion and growth of bacteria by sensing the oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), a metabolite produced by the respiration reactions of such microorganisms, to NAD+. A three-step process is used for such incorporation: (1) treat pristine meshes with low-pressure O2 plasma; (2) functionalize the surface with CP nanoparticles; and (3) coat with a homogeneous layer of electropolymerized CP using the nanoparticles introduced in (2) as polymerization nuclei. The modified meshes are stable and easy to handle and also show good electrochemical response. The detection by cyclic voltammetry of NADH within the interval of concentrations reported for bacterial cultures is demonstrated for the two modified meshes. Furthermore, Staphylococcus aureus and both biofilm-positive (B+) and biofilm-negative (B-) Escherichia coli cultures are used to prove real-time monitoring of NADH coming from aerobic respiration reactions. The proposed strategy, which offers a simple and innovative process for incorporating a sensor for the electrochemical detection of bacteria metabolism to currently existing surgical meshes, holds considerable promise for the future development of a new generation of smart biomedical devices to fight against post-operative bacterial infections.

An ultra-flexible temperature-insensitive strain sensor

Using a sensor material consisting of a conductive polymer and Ag nanoparticles, an ultra-flexible temperature-insensitive strain sensor is developed with a minimum bending radius of 0.14 mm and temperature coefficient of resistance of 0.11% K−1.

Electrospun polyfunctional quasi-tricolor nanoribbon and array

By integrating a coaxial spinneret with a tri-axial parallel spinneret, a distinctive monoaxis//coaxis//monoaxis parallel spinneret is firstly constructed. A novel flexible one-dimensional nanoribbon (abbreviated as NR), very like the tricolor and thus named as quasi-tricolor NR, is firstly designed and prepared via electrospun technique by the distinctive spinneret. As a case study, {[Tb(TTA)3(TPPO)2] (abbreviated as TbTT)/PMMA}//{[CoFe2O4/PMMA]@[polyaniline (PANI)/PMMA]}//{anthracene/rhodamine B/PMMA} quasi-tricolor NR and array (named as QNA for short) are prepared. Each quasi-tricolor NR is made up of left and right sides of green luminescent [TbTT/PMMA] NR and blue-red luminescent [anthracene/rhodamine B/PMMA] NR, respectively, and the middle of magnetic-conductive [CoFe2O4/PMMA]@[PANI/PMMA)] coaxial NR. The quasi-tricolor NR as the building unit with unique quadri-partitioned structure restricts the conductive polymer, luminescent materials and magnetic nanoparticles in their own spatial domains, which effectively avoid unfavorable effects among various functions and ensure strong luminescence and high conductive aeolotropy of the array. Luminescent-magnetic-conductive trifunctionality is highly integrated. Moreover, energy transfer among luminescent materials is regulated by the aid of special structure of NR and thus white light emission (abbreviated as WLE) is realized by the combination of terbium complexes with dyes. The conductive aeolotropy and magnetism of the QNA can be respectively modulated by varying the contents of PANI and CoFe2O4. The highest conductance ratio in two perpendicular directions can reach 108 when PANI content is 70 %. The quasi-tricolor NR can be extended to assemble other functions to avoid adverse mutual interferences to achieve poly functions.

Fabrication and Characterization of Functionalized Multi-Wall Carbon Nanotubes Flexible Network Modified by a Layer of Polypyrrole Conductive Polymer and Metallic Nanoparticles

Short Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes functionalized with OH group (MWCNTs-OH) were used to synthesize flexible MWCNTs networks. The MWCNTs suspension was synthesized using Benzoquinone (BQ) and N, N Dimethylformamide alcohol (DMF) in specific values and then deposited on filter paper by filtration from suspension (FFS) method. Polypyrrole (PPy) conductive polymer doped with metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) prepared using in-situ chemical polymerization method. To improve the properties of the MWCNTs networks, a coating layer of (PPy) conductive polymer, PPy:Ag nanoparticles, and PPy: Cu nanoparticles were applied to the network. The fabricated networks were characterized using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD), UV-Vis. spectrometer, and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). XRD results revealed that the broadening for the (002) peak decreased after being coated with PPy and increased for the doped samples with MNPs, indicating on decrease in the crystalline size (MWCNTs/PPy) sample and increasing for doped ones with Ag and Cu MNPs. AFM images revealed that the surface roughness of the MWCNTs-OH network decreased after being coated with PPy, PPy: Ag, and PPy: Cu. With the help of AFM and XRD results, the CNTs contain 14 layers, while the inner and outer diameters were 18.2 nm and 27 nm receptivity. The UV-Vis. spectrum of MWCNTs showed several peaks, the highest in the 350 nm range. The coated of MWCNTs greatly affected the absorption spectrum, with many bands appearing between 300 to 450 nm and increasing the absorbance along the overall spectrum. For samples doped with Ag NPs and Cu NPs, a weak absorption peak of the plasmonic resonance frequency of the metallic nanoparticles. Analysis of Raman spectra shows that (ID/IG) ratios for all networks are less than one, which prove that the fabricated networks have few impurities and have good homogeneity. This work aimed to synthesize and characterize a flexible MWCNTs network and develop it by coated with a layer of conductive polymer and metallic nanoparticles for gas sensing application using quick and straightforward preparation methods.

Nanoparticles improving polyaniline electrical conductivity: A meta-analysis study

Polyaniline is a conductive polymer that attracts the attention of many researchers around the world. The history of this polymer begins in 1862 when Letheby first reported this material. Since then, a myriad of studies has been conducted onthis material, and new works continue to investigate the potential of this material. Polyaniline has been improved with the help of Nanotechnology. The use of nanofillers has been seen as a quick and economical way to modify materials, drivinginnovations based on new physical and chemical properties from the conductive polymer materials and nanoparticles joining. Several works address the use of different nanoparticles, which leads to the practical impossibility of sifting through all this information. Thus, this work proposes to systematically collect data in the literature and investigate which nanoparticles can increase the electrical conductivity of Polyaniline (PAni). The results obtained demonstrate that among the possiblenanofillers, graphene and carbon nanotubes have great prominence. Furthermore, the results of the meta-analysis prove that PAni's conductivity increases when this polymer is modified with the aforementioned nanofillers.

Polypeptide hydrogel loaded with conducting polymer nanoparticles as electroresponsive delivery system of small hydrophobic drugs

A hydrogel/nanoparticle-loaded system for the controlled delivery of small hydrophobic drugs has been prepared using poly(γ-glutamic acid) (PGGA), a naturally occurring biopolymer made of glutamic acid units connected by amide linkages between α-amino and γ-carboxylic acid groups, and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), a very stable conducting polymer with excellent electrochemical response. Specifically, curcumin (CUR)-loaded PEDOT nanoparticles (PEDOT/CUR) were incorporated to the PGGA hydrogel during the crosslinking reaction. After chemical, morphological and electrochemical characterization, the release profiles of PEDOT/CUR and PGGA/PEDOT/CUR system have been compared in absence and presence of electrical stimuli, which consisted on the application of a voltage of –0.5 V for 15 min every 24 h. Results show that the release is higher for electrically stimulated systems by more than twice, even though due to its hydrophobicity and poor solubility in water the release was relatively slow in both cases. This feature could be advantageous when the therapeutic treatment requires slow, controlled and sustained CUR release.

Single-Ion Conducting Polymer Nanoparticles as Functional Fillers for Solid Electrolytes in Lithium Metal Batteries

Composite solid electrolytes including inorganic nanoparticles or nanofibers which improve the performance of polymer electrolytes due to their superior mechanical, ionic conductivity, or lithium transference number are actively being researched for applications in lithium metal batteries. However, inorganic nanoparticles present limitations such as tedious surface functionalization and agglomeration issues and poor homogeneity at high concentrations in polymer matrixes. In this work, we report on polymer nanoparticles with a lithium sulfonamide surface functionality (LiPNP) for application as electrolytes in lithium metal batteries. The particles are prepared by semibatch emulsion polymerization, an easily up-scalable technique. LiPNPs are used to prepare two different families of particle-reinforced solid electrolytes. When mixed with poly(ethylene oxide) and lithium bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI/PEO), the particles invoke a significant stiffening effect (E′ > 106 Pa vs 105 Pa at 80 °C) while the membranes retain high ionic conductivity (σ = 6.6 × 10–4 S cm–1). Preliminary testing in LiFePO4 lithium metal cells showed promising performance of the PEO nanocomposite electrolytes. By mixing the particles with propylene carbonate without any additional salt, we obtain true single-ion conducting gel electrolytes, as the lithium sulfonamide surface functionalities are the only sources of lithium ions in the system. The gel electrolytes are mechanically robust (up to G′ = 106 Pa) and show ionic conductivity up to 10–4 S cm–1. Finally, the PC nanocomposite electrolytes were tested in symmetrical lithium cells. Our findings suggest that all-polymer nanoparticles could represent a new building block material for solid-state lithium metal battery applications.

Metabolizable pH/H2O2 dual-responsive conductive polymer nanoparticles for safe and precise chemo-photothermal therapy

Conductive polymers with high near-infrared absorbance, have attracted considerable attention in the design of intelligent nanomedicines for cancer therapy, especially chemo-photothermal therapy. However, the unknown long-term biosafety of conductive polymers in vivo due to non-degradability hinders their clinic application. Herein, a H2O2-triggered degradable conductive polymer, polyacrylic acid (PAA) stabilized poly(pyrrole-3-COOH) (PAA@PPyCOOH), is fabricated to form nanoparticles with doxorubicin (DOX) for safe and precise chemo-phototherapy. The PAA@PPyCOOH was found to be an ideal photothermal nano-agent with good dispersity, excellent biocompatibility and high photothermal conversion efficiency (56%). After further loading of doxorubicin (DOX), PAA@PPyCOOH@DOX demonstrates outstanding photothermal performance, as well as pH/H2O2 dual-responsive release of DOX in tumors with an acidic and overexpressed H2O2 microenvironment, resulting in superior chemo-photothermal therapeutic effects. The degradation mechanism of PAA@PPyCOOH is proposed to be the ring-opening reaction between the pyrrole-3-COOH unit and H2O2. More importantly, the nanoparticles can be specifically degraded by excess H2O2 in tumor, and the degradation products were confirmed to be excreted via urine and feces. In vivo therapeutic evaluation of chemo-photothermal therapy reveals tumor growth of 4T1 breast cancer model is drastically inhibited and no apparent side-effect is detected, thus indicating substantial potential in clinic application.

Solar to hydrocarbon production using metal-free water-soluble bulk heterojunction of conducting polymer nanoparticle and graphene oxide

This work demonstrates the first example of interfacial manipulation in a hybrid photocatalyst based on poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) nanoparticle and graphene oxide (GO) bulk heterojunctions to efficiently reduce CO2 into selective industrial hydrocarbons under gas-phase reaction and visible-light illumination. High selectivity of chemical products (methanol and acetaldehyde) was observed. Moreover, the hybrid photocatalyst's solar-to-fuel conversion efficiency was 13.5 times higher than that of pure GO. The increased production yield stems from the co-catalytic and sensitizing role of P3HT in the hybrid system due to its ability to extend light absorption to the visible range and improve interfacial charge transfer to GO. The hybrid P3HT-GO formed a type II heterojunction, and its static and dynamic exciton behaviors were examined using fluorescence spectroscopy and exciton lifetime mapping. A reduced fluorescence decay time was observed by interfacial manipulation for improved dispersion, indicating a more efficient charge transfer from the excited P3HT to GO. Thus, the conducting polymer nanoparticles, 2D nanocarbon, have demonstrated superior performance as a metal-free, non-toxic, low-cost, and scalable heterogeneous photocatalyst for CO2 reduction to solar fuel, a solid-gas system.

PVC based flexible nanocomposites with the incorporation of Polyaniline and Barium Hexa-Ferrite nanoparticles for the shielding against EMI, NIR, and thermal imaging cameras

The chemical oxidative method was used for the polymerization of the polyaniline (PANI) by the use of ammonium persulphate as oxidant and formic acid as a dopant. The co-precipitation method was for the precipitation of barium Hexaferrite (BaFe). By the use of polyaniline, polyvinyl chloride, and barium Hexaferrite the magnetic and electrically conductive polymer nanocomposites films were synthesized with a solution casting method having a thickness of 0.5 mm. Enhanced EMI shielding effectiveness was achieved with very less nanocomposite film thickness using novel combination of electrically conductive polymer and ferrite nanoparticles. The effects of synthesis parameters on the features of the subsequent nanocomposites like near-infrared (NIR) transmission, electrical conductivity, tensile strength, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness by absorbance and reflection was examined in the frequency region of 0.1–20 GHz. The electrically conductive nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy, SEM, VNA, 2-Probe Method, and thermal images. The different concentrations of polyaniline and barium Hexaferrite result in different electrical conductivity values, mechanical properties, transmission value, and shielding efficiencies at the 0.1–20 GHz frequency range. The maximum attenuation achieved by PVC/PANI nanocomposites was 43.76 dB while PVC/PANI/BaFe nanocomposites have 78 dB.

Conducting polymer nanoparticles for a voltage-controlled release of pharmacological chaperones.

Pharmacological chaperones (PCs) are low-molecular weight chemical molecules used in patients for the treatment of some rare diseases caused primarily by protein instability. A controlled and on-demand release of PCs via nanoparticles is an alternative for cases in which long treatments are needed and prolonged oral administration could have adverse effects. In this work, pyrimethamine (PYR), which is a potent PC consisting of pyrimidine-2,4-diamine substituted at position 5 by a p-chlorophenyl group and at position 6 by an ethyl group, was successfully loaded in electroresponsive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) nanoparticles (PEDOT NPs). The PYR-loading capacity was 11.4 ± 1.5%, with both loaded and unloaded PEDOT NPs exhibiting similar sizes (215 ± 3 and 203 ± 1 nm, respectively) and net surface charges (-26 ± 7 and -29 ± 6 mV, respectively). In the absence of electrical stimulus, the release of PC from loaded NPs is very low (1.6% in 24 h and 18% in 80 days) in aqueous environments. Instead, electrical stimuli that sustained for 30 min enhanced the release of PYR, which was ∼50% when the voltage was scanned from -0.5 V to 0.5 V (cyclic voltammetry) and ∼35% when a constant voltage of 1.0 V was applied (chronoamperometry).

Nanotheranostic Interface Based on Antibiotic-Loaded Conducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Real-Time Monitoring of Bacterial Growth Inhibition.

Conducting polymers have been increasingly used as biologically interfacing electrodes for biomedical applications due to their excellent and fast electrochemical response, reversible doping-dedoping characteristics, high stability, easy processability, and biocompatibility. These advantageous properties can be used for the rapid detection and eradication of infections associated to bacterial growth since these are a tremendous burden for individual patients as well as the global healthcare system. Herein, a smart nanotheranostic electroresponsive platform, which consists of chloramphenicol (CAM)-loaded in poly(3,4-ethylendioxythiophene) nanoparticles (PEDOT/CAM NPs) for concurrent release of the antibiotic and real-time monitoring of bacterial growth is presented. PEDOT/CAM NPs, with an antibiotic loading content of 11.9± 1.3% w/w, are proved to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Streptococcus sanguinis due to the antibiotic release by cyclic voltammetry. Furthermore, in situ monitoring of bacterial activity is achieved through the electrochemical detection of β-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a redox active specie produced by the microbial metabolism that diffuse to the extracellular medium. According to these results, the proposed nanotheranostic platform has great potential for real-time monitoring of the response of bacteria to the released antibiotic, contributing to the evolution of the personalized medicine.

Controllable length adjustment of polyaniline particle with temperature sensitive block copolymer as template

Although the diameter of conductive polymer nanoparticles can be controlled effectively, the uniformity of particle length is still very challenging. In this study, with the temperature‐sensitive block copolymer PS111‐b‐PNIPAM114 as the template, the morphology and size of polyaniline (PANI) particles had been controllably adjusted through the change of temperature. Additionally, the electrochemical performance of each sample was investigated. After PS111‐b‐PNIPAM114 was synthesized through the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization (RAFT), with its vesicular micelle as the “template”, the PANI particles with uniform length distribution were prepared successfully at 40°C. The average length of PANI particles after template removal was 254.07 nm with a short tail distribution, which was closer to the average than the standard normal distribution. Electrochemical results of PANI showed that it had good electrochemical activity with fast charge and discharge ability. And, with the current density of 1 A·g−1, its discharge‐specific capacitance could reach up to 805.61 F·g−1.

Mussel-Inspired Redox-Active and Hydrophilic Conductive Polymer Nanoparticles for Adhesive Hydrogel Bioelectronics

HighlightsA universal strategy was proposed to producing conductive, redox-active, and hydrophilic sulfonated lignin-conductive polymer nanoparticles (CP/LS NPs).By incorporating the CP/LS NPs into hydrogel network, a good conductive, adhesive, and tough hydrogel was obtained.The redox-active NPs maintained enough catechol groups inner the hydrogel for adhesiveness.

All-Solid-State Lithium-Organic Batteries Comprising Single-Ion Polymer Nanoparticle Electrolytes.

Advances in lithium battery technologies necessitate improved energy densities, long cycle lives, fast charging, safe operation, and environmentally friendly components. This study concerns lithium-organic batteries comprising bioinspired poly(4-vinyl catechol) (P4VC) cathode materials and single-ion conducting polymer nanoparticle electrolytes. The controlled synthesis of P4VC results in a two-step redox reaction with voltage plateaus at around 3.1 and 3.5 V, as well as a high initial specific capacity of 352 mAh g-1 . The use of single-ion nanoparticle electrolytes enables high electrochemical stabilities up to 5.5 V, a high lithium transference number of 0.99, high ionic conductivities, ranging from 0.2×10-3 to 10-3 S cm-1 , and stable storage moduli of >10 MPa at 25-90 °C. Lithium cells can deliver 165 mAh g-1 at 39.7 mA g-1 for 100 cycles and stable specific capacities of >100 mAh g-1 at a high current density of 794 mA g-1 for 500 cycles. As the first successful demonstration of solid-state single-ion polymer electrolytes in environmentally benign and cost-effective lithium-organic batteries, this work establishes a future research avenue for advancing lithium battery technologies.

Encapsulation and Storage of Therapeutic Fibrin-Homing Peptides using Conducting Polymer Nanoparticles for Programmed Release by Electrical Stimulation.

Cys-Arg-Glu-Lys-Ala (CREKA) is an important fibrin-homing pentapeptide that has been extensively demonstrated for diagnoses and therapies (e.g., image diagnosis of tumors and to inhibit tumor cell migration and invasion). Although CREKA-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) have received major interest as efficient biomedical systems for cancer diagnosis and treatment, almost no control on the peptide release has been achieved yet. Herein, we report the development of conductive polymer NPs as therapeutic CREKA carriers for controlled dose administration through electric stimuli. Furthermore, the study was extended to CR(NMe)EKA, a previously engineered CREKA analogue in which Glu was replaced by N-methyl-Glu for improvement of the peptide resistance against proteolysis, which is one of the major weaknesses of therapeutic peptide delivery, and for enhancement of the tumor homing capacity by overstabilizing the bioactive conformation. Particularly, the present work is focused on understanding the interactions between the newly designed nanoengineered materials and biological fluids and the achievement of a modulated peptide release by fine-tuning the electrical stimuli. Two different types of stimuli were compared, chronoamperometry versus cyclic voltammetry, the latter being more effective.