Cross-linked Network Research Articles

Epoxy-based multifunctional re-bondable polymer with self-healing, shape memory and superb bonding properties

Thermoset epoxy resin-based materials are widely used, but their permanent cross-linked network limits their processability and reusability, which can lead to environmental burdens. In this work, by exploiting the weak reactivity of aniline to design appropriate reaction ratios, we achieved a linear link between the epoxy resin and the curing agent. This linear link, along with the crosslinking points provided by the flexibly branched polyurethanes, avoids the inherent brittleness associated with the highly crosslinked network of conventional epoxy resins. As a result, the adhesive exhibits extraordinary improvements in extensibility and toughness. The lap shear strength, tensile strength and elongation at break reach 11.9 MPa, 14.4 MPa and 607 %, respectively. The fracture toughness is as high as 109.6 kJ/m2, far beyond the existing epoxy adhesives. The synergistic effect of disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds confers the adhesive with self-healing and repeatable bonding characteristics. The multi-level hydrogen bonding and appropriate phase separation structure are key to optimizing toughness, resulting in excellent comprehensive performance. The introduction of polyurethane not only improves toughness but also enhances the interfacial bonding force between the adhesive and the substrate, broadening the scope of applications. The prepared high-performance polymers provide new insights into reusable epoxy adhesives.

Self-assembling chitosan based injectable and expandable sponge with antimicrobial property for hemostasis and wound healing

Chitosan and chitosan derivative are widely used in hemostasis, antibiosis and wound repair for its good biocompatibility and unique effect. However, the preparation of chitosan based hemostatic materials or wound dressings generally involves chemical crosslinking agent introduction, acid residue or complicated preparation process, which limits its clinical application. In this study, an injectable and expandable chitosan sponge was constructed by chitosan (CS) and quaternized chitosan (QCS) self-assembly without acid retention and chemical crosslinker introduction. In the neutral condition, the hydrogen bond of CS molecules can act as the driving force to form cross-linking network, and the QCS was introduced to regulate the hydrogen bond of CS to avoid the excessive aggregation. The porous QCS/CS sponge was obtained by freeze-drying of the self-assembly QCS/CS hydrogel. The sponge exhibited high expansibility, injectability and water/blood triggered shape memory property. Due to the introduction of QCS, the sponge showed good antibacterial properties, which can protect the wound from bacterial invasion. The convenient and green preparation method of injectable and expandable QCS/CS sponge is a potential method for the treatment of hemostasis and wound healing.

Developing boiling water resistant lactose-based adhesive and branched P-N synergistic flame retardant coating

In this work, lactose-based adhesive with excellent boiling water resistance was prepared by the Maillard reaction, free radical polymerisation and multiple cross-linking network strategy using lactose and biomass polyamino compound (MP) as raw materials. On the other hand, the branched P-N synergistic flame retardant coating was constructed using the developed MP reacted with aminotrimethylene phosphonic acid (ATMP), which was used to coat the surface layer of laminated composite to give it flame-retardant properties. The dry shear strength, 3 h hot water (63 °C) wet shear strength, and 3 h boiling water wet shear strength of the laminated composite were 2.23 MPa, 1.14 MPa, and 1.02 Mpa, respectively, which were in line with the requirements of GB/T 9846-2015 standard (≥0.7 MPa). In summary, this work provides potential methods for the preparation of environmentally friendly boiling water resistant lactose-based adhesive and branched P-N synergistic flame retardant coating which were used for the construction of high performance wood laminated composites.

Effect of N-heterocyclic carbenes-Pt catalytic system and crosslinking networks on the pyrolytic behavior of liquid silicone rubber

Liquid silicone rubber (LSR) exhibits excellent thermal stability and has been selected for use in a variety of applications where thermal stability, chemical resistance and fire-retardant are required. The enhancement of the organic-to-inorganic conversion of LSR to improve their flame-retardant properties represents a significant area of research. The thermal stability of the platinum catalysts and the crosslinked network structure of the LSR have a considerable influence on the organic-to-organic conversion behavior of LSR. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand-modified Karstedt's catalysts as catalysts for the curing of LSR by hydrosilylation at room temperature and for the organic-to-inorganic conversion of LSR at elevated temperatures. The catalyst was employed in the preparation of three LSRs with varying network structures, utilizing four polysiloxanes with differing degrees of functionality. The pyrolytic behavior and organic-to-organic conversion rate of these LSRs were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) coupled with a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The findings indicated that LSRs with the highest crosslink density exhibited the highest organic-to-inorganic conversion rate; however, they demonstrated the lowest fire-resistance. The anomalous behavior has been subjected to further analysis with respect to the mechanical properties of the LSRs and the characteristics of their network structure. LSR coatings with enhanced hardness and fire-resistance are then produced by combining the advantageous properties of both LSRs in a layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly.

The Role of Tissue Factor In Signaling Pathways of Pathological Conditions and Angiogenesis.

Tissue factor (TF) is an integral transmembrane protein associated with the extrinsic coagulation pathway. TF gene expression is regulated in response to inflammatory cytokines, bacterial lipopolysaccharides, and mechanical injuries. TF activity may be affected by phosphorylation of its cytoplasmic domain and alternative splicing. TF acts as the primary initiator of physiological hemostasis, which prevents local bleeding at the injury site. However, aberrant expression of TF, accompanied by the severity of diseases and infections under various pathological conditions, triggers multiple signaling pathways that support thrombosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, and metastasis. Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are central in the downstream signaling pathways of TF. In this study, we have reviewed the TF signaling pathways in different pathological conditions, such as wound injury, asthma, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), viral infections, cancer and pathological angiogenesis. Angiogenic activities of TF are critical in the repair of wound injuries and aggressive behavior of tumors, which are mainly performed by the actions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF1-α). Pro-inflammatory effects of TF have been reported in asthma, CVDs and viral infections, including COVID-19, which result in tissue hypertrophy, inflammation, and thrombosis. TF-FVII induces angiogenesis via clotting-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Clottingdependent angiogenesis is induced via the generation of thrombin and cross-linked fibrin network, which facilitate vessel infiltration and also act as a reservoir for endothelial cells (ECs) growth factors. Expression of TF in tumor cells and ECs triggers clotting-independent angiogenesis through induction of VEGF, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR), early growth response 1 (EGR1), IL8, and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61).

Hierarchical H-bonding and metal coordination bonds enabled supramolecular dual networks for high-performance energy-dissipation

Natural organisms have superior material properties such as mechanical adaptability, impact protection, and self-healing to protect the body from complicated external environments, fascinating the development of functional supramolecular elastic materials with biomimetic protective features. Herein, a dual physically crosslinked supramolecular polyurethane (PU) network with strain-hardening effect is synthesized by incorporating hierarchical hydrogen bonds (H-bond) and metal coordination bonds into an elastomer matrix. A moderate content of quadruple H-bonds is critical for achieving a prominent toughness and a considerable strain-at-break owing to the strain hardening effect enabled by the hierarchical H-bonds. When the Zn-to-pyridine coordination bonds were introduced to the supramolecular PU, the strength, toughness, and energy dissipation properties were further enhanced attributing to the dual physical crosslinking networks. The dynamic dissociation and association of the sacrificial H-bonds and Zn-to-pyridine coordination bonds induced significant strain hardening effect and enabled tremendous energy absorption and self-healing properties. Besides, the supramolecular PU elastomers and their blends were foamed via scCO2 foaming to produce supramolecular foams containing dynamic bonds. The composite foam could effectively reduce the impact force from 6085 N to 373 N and achieve an outstanding energy absorption efficiency of 93.87% owing to the synergistic effect of porous structure and dual physically crosslinked networks. This work provides an innovative strategy for designing high-performance energy absorbing supramolecular elastomers and cushioning foams with reversible bonds.

Self-healing cellulose nanocrystals/fluorinated polyacrylate with double dynamic interactions of coumarin groups and multiple hydrogen bonds

In this work, self-healing cellulose nanocrystals/fluorinated polyacrylate with dual dynamic networks of photoreversible crosslinking network and high-density hydrogen bonds was prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization. The main work was to study the effects of 7-(2-methacryloyloxy)-4-methylcoumarin (CMA) and 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone methyl methacrylate (UPyMA) monomer dosage on emulsion polymerization and latex film properties. The monomer conversion increased first and then decreased as the CMA and UPyMA monomer dosage increased, while a reverse trend was noted for the particle size and particle size distribution. Incorporating UPyMA allowed the rapid formation of hydrogen bonds at the crosslinking sites, which increased the interaction force between the healing surfaces. Besides, reversible photocrosslinking reaction of coumarin groups provided another support for self-healing performance. Moreover, the influence of self-healing temperature, self-healing time and UV irradiation on the self-healing ability was also systematically investigated The tensile strength of the prepared cellulose nanocrystals/fluorinated polyacrylate latex film exhibited a self-healing efficiency of 91.4 % under 365 nm UV irradiation and 80 °C for 12 h. The latex film had excellent thermal stability as was shown by TG and DTG analyses. The outstanding self-healing capability of latex film was attributed to the reversible photodimerization of coumarin groups and multiple hydrogen bonds. In addition, the water-oil repellent and mechanical properties of the latex films were improved as the CMA and UPyMA monomer dosage increased.

Polymers for Perovskite Solar Cells.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are recognized as one of the most promising next-generation photovoltaics, primarily due to their exceptional power conversion efficiency, ease of processing, and cost-effectiveness. Despite these advantages, challenges remain in achieving high-quality films and ensuring the long-term stability of PSCs, which hinder their widespread commercialization. Polymers, characterized by multifunctional groups, superior thermal stability, flexible long chains, and cross-linking capabilities, offer significant potential to enhance the performance and reliability of PSCs. This review comprehensively presents the multifaceted roles that polymers play in PSCs. Through carefully controlling interactions between polymers and perovskites, crucial aspects such as film crystallization kinetics, carrier transport process, ion migration issues, and mechanical properties under bending can be effectively regulated to maximize the device performance. Furthermore, the hydrophobic properties and strong chelated cross-linking networks of polymers significantly enhance the stability of PSCs under various environmental conditions while effectively mitigating lead leakage, thereby addressing environmental concerns and long-term durability. Moreover, this Perspective identifies potential pathways for further advancing polymer-based strategies in PSC applications.

Dynamic borate ester bond reinforced hydroxyethyl cellulose/corn starch crosslinked film for simple recycling and regeneration

Endowing biodegradable plastics with easy recyclability can reduce competition with food resources and further enhance their environmental friendliness. In this work, 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid was grafted onto the side chains of hydroxyethyl cellulose and compounded with inexpensive cornstarch. Upon the introduction of tannic acid, stable and reversible borate ester bond rapidly formed, yielding composite biodegradable plastic films with outstanding mechanical properties and facile recyclability. The formation of a dynamic cross-linked network mitigates the aggregation of gelatinized starch molecules, enhancing the flexibility and durability of the crosslinked film. Testing revealed that while maintaining high tensile strength, the elongation at break of the crosslinked film increased by 952.86 %. The static water contact angle was improved from 32.74° to 78.82°, with a change of <5° within 1 min, demonstrating enhanced water resistance. Excellent antioxidant and thermal stability were also characterized, the crosslinked film can be easily dissolved by heating in water at pH = 6.5 and reshaped in water at pH = 7.2. After five times of regeneration, the tensile strength loss was as low as 5.68 %. This eco-friendly and efficient recycling process is promising during green chemistry.

Constructing multiple bonding mechanisms with a novel lignin-activated modified polymer core for the fabrication of strong, water-resistant, and mildew-resistant adhesives

Biobased adhesives play a pivotal role in the development of eco-friendly wood products, and phytogenic protein as a biobased material preparation adhesive has the advantages of sustainable development and green environmental protection. Current researches focus and challenge lie in developing phytogenic protein adhesives that do not emit formaldehyde and possess high water-resistant bonding strength and anti-mold properties through the use of biobased cross-linkers instead of chemical cross-linkers. In this study, lignin, a natural polymer material, was used as raw material to fabricate a novel crosslinker, and a cross-linking network structure was constructed with lignin as the cross-linking core and multiple bonding effects of hydrogen and chemical bonds. In addition, lignin-based crosslinker was prepared to replace the chemical crosslinker while successfully activating lignin to improve the crosslinking degree between lignin and the protein matrix. This study addressed environmental pollution and cost issues associated with the extensive use of chemical cross-linkers in phytogenic protein adhesives. The water-resistant bonding strength of the prepared phytogenic protein adhesive reached 1.21 MPa, and the mechanical properties of the prepared phytogenic protein adhesive were increased by 188 % compared with the ordinary phytogenic protein adhesive and exhibited effective anti-mold properties. This research provided a novel approach for creating sustainable, environmentally friendly adhesives and held significant implications for producing industrial wood-based panels.

Host-Guest recognition strengthened supramolecular preformed particle gel for conformance control in low-permeability fractured reservoirs

The conventional preformed particle gels (PPG) have problems of irreversibly shear-breakage after shearing actions during the application for conformance control in low-permeability fractured reservoirs. Herein, a novel host–guest recognition strengthened supramolecular PPG (S-PPG) was synthesized with synergistically non-covalent and covalent crosslinking structures, using host (allyl β-CD) and guest (cetyldimethylallyl ammonium chloride) monomers. Firstly, the chemical structures and micro-morphologies of S-PPG were systematically characterized by FTIR, Cryo-SEM, EDS and AFM methods. Then, the dispersion and thermal stability, swelling properties and rheological properties, including viscoelasticity, creep-recovery and shear self-healing abilities, of S-PPG were investigated, respectively. Finally, the low-permeability cores with fractures were used to identify the injectivity and plugging properties of S-PPG and conventional PPG. The results showed that the S-PPG exhibited strong crosslinking network, high dispersion and thermal stability. In addition, the S-PPG also displayed better swelling, viscoelasticity, creep-recovery and shear self-healing ability after equilibrated swelling process compared to those of conventional PPG. Finally, the S-PPG exhibited considerable compatibility with low-permeability cores with fracture width of 0.05 mm, and produced higher plugging rate (93.53 %) than conventional PPG (86.35 %). Therefore, the newly formulated supramolecular preformed particle gel (S-PPG) containing host–guest recognition can provide a new approach for solving the problems of irreversibly shear-breakage and improving the conformance control performance of PPG in low-permeability fractured reservoirs.

Melamine formaldehyde resin adhesive toughened with graphene oxide: Structures and properties

The melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resin adhesive was modified by graphene oxide (GO), the chemical structure, wettability, bonding performance, tensile properties, curing performance and thermal properties of the modified resin were analyzed, and the toughening mechanism was also discussed in this study. The results showed that: (1) The MF resin with a high molar ratio possessed stable methylene ether bonds, which could easily generate parallel folding in space to form a π-π stacking supramolecular self-assembly special structure, with the potential of enhancing the toughness of molecular structures. (2) GO contained a large number of oxygen-containing reactive functional groups, which could further lower the curing temperature of the MF resin. A dense cross-linked network structure improved the thermal stability of the resin. (3) The bonding strength and toughness of the resin were significantly improved when the content of GO was 0.1 wt%. However, due to the large specific surface area and the intense π-π interaction between sheets, GO was easy to agglomerate, and the properties of the resin with GO content of 0.4 wt% degraded sharply. (4) The crystallinity of the MF resin modified by GO decreased, and the surface energy and plastic deformation energy increased due to the increased fracture crack path and fracture surface of the resin, which was the macro-reason for the improvement of toughness. (5) The strong π-π interaction between GO sheets and π-π accumulation between triazine rings were like parallel “springs” in the molecular structure of the resin, which might be the internal reason for the improvement of toughness. In addition, it was also proved that this special structure could limit the activity of hydroxymethyl and the release of free formaldehyde in the resin.

Innovative bamboo-plastic composites interfacial compatibility design approach: Self-assembled crosslinked structure of polydopamine with acylated chitin fibers

Achieving interfacial compatibility through sustainable methods is a key objective in natural fiber-plastic composites research, aimed at optimizing mechanical performance. This study introduced an innovative organic bamboo-plastic composite (BPC) interfacial layer, incorporating O-acylated chitin fibers densely coated with polydopamine (PDA) via a mild and facile self-assembly method. Chitin nanofibers were acylated with dodecenylsuccinic anhydride in a deep eutectic solvent in a one-pot process. The resulting BPCs exhibited significantly enhanced mechanical properties, with tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus, and impact strength increased by 73.64 %, 39.19 %, 15.42 %, and 63.57 %, respectively, compared to untreated BPCs. This improvement highlights the effectiveness of tailoring cross-linked networks across heterogeneous interfaces in providing strength, dissipating strain, and promoting interfacial compatibility. Furthermore, these modified BPCs demonstrated enhanced thermal stability, crystallization behavior, and moderate hydrophobicity. This surface treatment strategy offers a distinctive approach to producing high-performance, eco-friendly BPCs, also facilitating the processing and utilization of marine biological resources on a wide scale.

Dipole Orientation Engineering in Crosslinking Polymer Blends for High-Temperature Energy Storage Applications.

Polymer dielectrics that perform efficiently under harsh electrification conditions are critical elements of advanced electronic and power systems. However, developing polymer dielectrics capable of reliably withstanding harsh temperatures and electric fields remains a fundamental challenge, requiring a delicate balance in dielectric constant (K), breakdown strength (Eb), and thermal parameters. Here, amide crosslinking networks into cyano polymers is introduced, forming asymmetric dipole pairs with differing dipole moments. This strategy weakens the original electrostatic interactions between dipoles, thereby reducing the dipole orientation barriers of cyano groups, achieving dipole activation while suppressing polarization losses. The resulting styrene-acrylonitrile/crosslinking styrene-maleic anhydride (SAN/CSMA) blends exhibit a K of 4.35 and an Eb of 670 MV m-1 simultaneously at 120°C, and ultrahigh discharged energy densities (Ue) with 90% efficiency of 8.6 and 7.4 J cm-3 at 120 and 150°C are achieved, respectively, more than ten times that of the original dielectric at the same conditions. The SAN/CSMA blends show excellent cyclic stability in harsh conditions. Combining the results with SAN/CSMA and ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer)/CSMA blends, it is demonstrated that this novel strategy can meet the demands of high-performing dielectric polymers at elevated temperatures.

Antibacterial and antioxidative hydrogel dressings based on tannic acid-gelatin/oxidized sodium alginate loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles for promoting wound healing

Wound infection resulting in delayed wound healing and wound deterioration remains a clinical challenge. Recently, multifunctional hydrogel dressing was a promising strategy which has attracted wide attention in preventing wound infection and promoting wound healing. In this study, a hybrid hydrogel made of gelatin (GL), tannic acid (TA), oxidized sodium alginate (OSA), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) was prepared mainly by double network cross-linking approach, named tannic acid-gelatin/oxidized sodium alginate/zinc oxide (TA-GL/OSA/ZnO). The composite hydrogels exhibited improved mechanical properties, which provided by TA modified the structure of GL network, Schiff base reaction between GL and OSA, and the strengthening effect of ZnO NPs. Meanwhile, the composite hydrogel showed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (97.8 % ± 0.9 %) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) (96.6 % ± 1.2 %), attributed to the synergistic effect of TA and ZnO NPs. Furthermore, benefiting from the good antioxidative properties of TA, the sustain-released Zn2+ with the good capability to kill bacteria, and promoting the regeneration of skin epithelial tissues in BALB/c mice constantly, the multifunctional hydrogel had a significant therapeutic effect on wound healing and broad application prospects.

Integrated wood surface densification and Al2O3/melamine impregnated paper coating process: Properties evaluation

Fast-growing wood is limited in its use due to its low density and poor strength. Strengthening its texture and enhancing its performance is crucial for maximizing the economic value of fast-growing wood. This study employed a one-step process of unilateral surface densification and coating, which involved compressing the surface of poplar wood and simultaneously applying Al2O3/melamine impregnated paper to achieve paint-free reinforcement modification. After modification, a cross-linking network structure was established at the interface of poplar wood and Al2O3/melamine impregnated paper with bonding strength satisfied superior product requirements for solid wood flooring as per GB/T 15036.1–2018. The natural texture and original aesthetic characteristics of poplar wood were preserved, the surface scratch resistance hardness was as high as 9 H, and the color and luster of the surface showed no obvious changes after being polluted by coffee and 25 % NaOH solution. Additionally, the functionalized wood also exhibited excellent mechanical properties with a modulus of rupture (MOR) of 112.6 MPa and a modulus of elasticity (MOE) reaching 9.33 GPa; the indentation diameter was only 7.5 mm, indicating excellent impact resistance, surpassing that of hardwood commonly used for wood flooring.

The Differentiation Fate of Granulosa Cells and the Regulatory Mechanism in Ovary.

Granulosa cells (GCs) are important drives of the reproductive process, not only the supporting cells for nutrition, but also cells with endocrine functions. Their differentiation and development parallel the entire menstruation period and even during pregnancy, making it tightly linked to the fate of the follicle. To elucidate the underlying mechanism is of great significance for related researches. The life course of GCs is briefly divided into five stages, from epithelial cells to pre-granulosa cells, GCs, mural and cumulus cells, lutein cells, and eventually disappear. A wide variety of genes and transcription factors participate in the regulation of different stages, and more importantly, various hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and GCs themselves play a leading role. These endogenous and exogenous signalling molecules interact to form a cross-linked communication network, promoting the development of GCs. Together with oocytes, theca cells and other functional cells in the ovary, GCs drive one of the most vital biological processes in women.

Recent Advances in Hydrogel-Based Biosensors for Cancer Detection.

Early cancer detection is crucial for effective treatment, but current methods have limitations. Novel biomaterials, such as hydrogels, offer promising alternatives for developing biosensors for cancer detection. Hydrogels are three-dimensional and cross-linked networks of hydrophilic polymers that have properties similar to biological tissues. They can be combined with various biosensors to achieve high sensitivity, specificity, and stability. This review summarizes the recent advances in hydrogel-based biosensors for cancer detection, their synthesis, their applications, and their challenges. It also discusses the implications and future directions of this emerging field.

Synthesis and Characterization of Thiol-Ene Networks Derived from Levoglucosenone.

Levoglucosenone (LGO), a renewable compound obtained from cellulose biomass, has been utilized to prepare novel monomers bearing alkene functional groups. These monomer derivatives of LGO were subsequently cured via ultraviolet (UV)-initiated radical thiol-ene "click" chemistry with commercially available multifunctional thiols to obtain colourless, optically transparent cross-linked thermosets. The monomers prepared in this work are unique due to utilising the internal double bond of the LGO ring during polymerization as part of the cross-linked network. The thermal and mechanical properties along with the degradation of thermosets containing both ether and ester linkages within the LGO monomers were studied. These thermosets had tensile strengths of 1.3-3.3 MPa, glass transition temperatures between 23.2 and 27.2 °C, and good thermal stability of up to 300 °C.

N-oxide connected zwitterionic polyamide nanofiltration membrane for efficient antibiotic/salt separation

Nanofiltration membrane technology for antibiotic desalination in fermentation broth represents a low-energy and high-purity approach. However, it is constrained by the low perm-selectivity and susceptibility to membrane fouling. Here, we develop a novel zwitterionic nanofiltration membrane by incorporating an N-Oxide directly connected zwitterion N,N-bis(3-aminopropyl)methylamine N-oxide (DNMAO) into the nascent polyamide layer via interfacial polymerization. The N-Oxide derived zwitterion created a looser crosslinking network in addition to the trimesoyl chloride-piperazine (TMC-PIP) network, which was supported by Stokes radius related with molecular weight cut-off measurement, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller Ar adsorption isotherms. Moreover, the directly connected groups (N+-O-) without spacers endow excellent hydration ability and mitigate membrane fouling. The optimized membrane exhibits a water flux of 114.9 L m−2 h−1 and exceptional anti-fouling performance with a flux recovery ratio as high as about 96.4 %. Furthermore, the salt/antibiotic separation factor maintained at 41.1 when continuously filtrating NaCl/erythromycin (ERY) mixed solution for 7 h, which showed a great potential in antibiotic purification.