Ethyl Methacrylate Research Articles

Synthesis, self-assembly, and doxorubicin release kinetics of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate- graft -(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)

Synthesis, self-assembly, and doxorubicin release kinetics of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate- <i>graft</i> -(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)

Sensing diversity in halogen-bonded multi-stimuli responsive materials: Light, pH, magnetism, and electron-rich species

The present study delves into the synthesis and characterization of multi-stimuli responsive polymers, demonstrating their sensitivity towards magnetic field, pH level, light irradiation, and electron-rich species through halogen bonding (XB). Detailed X-ray analyses of two azobenzene derivatives, each incorporating a tetrafluoroiodobenzene group, provided the compelling evidence of engagement of the building blocks in the formation of halogen bonds. Interestingly, the investigation of an ammonium analog, featuring a tetrahalogenoferrate(III) anion, not only showcased a magnetic response even upheld its ability to undergo isomerization under UV irradiation. These functional properties were subsequently harnessed in the form of multi-responsive compounds through the random quaternization of poly(2-(N,N-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA), and by employing varying proportions of XB-donor dye (8, 11, 15, 21, and 43 %) followed by magnetic anion exchange. Leveraging the presence of free ternary amino groups and diazobenzene moieties, the resulting polymers demonstrated pronounced sensitivity towards a variation of pH and UV light stimuli, while a careful modulation of magnetic susceptibility was found to be directly proportional to the degree of quaternization. An NMR titration, conducted using a synthetic intermediate, revealed the formation of I⋯Cl‾ interactions in the solution state, thereby underscoring the materials' sensitivity to electron-rich species. Moreover, the electron microscopic analysis displayed an alteration in morphology upon the application of a magnetic field and UV irradiation. Thus, the presented strategic framework offers an avenue for the development of multi-stimuli responsive materials for remotely controlled smart devices to act in response to a diverse set of four stimuli, and heralding a significant advancement in the realm of responsive material design.

Nanoparticles (NPs)-mediated lncMALAT1 silencing to reverse cisplatin resistance for effective hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

Platinum-based chemotherapy has been widely used for clinical cancer treatment, but drug resistance is the main barrier to induce the poor prognosis of cancer patients. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized as a type of new cancer therapeutic targets due to their important role in regulating cancer progression such as drug resistance. However, it is still challenged to effectively intervene the expression of lncRNAs as they are usually located at various subcellular organelles (e.g., nucleus, mitochondrion, and endoplasmic reticulum). We herein developed an endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticle (NP) platform for small interfering RNA (siRNA) and cisplatin prodrug co-delivery and effective cisplatin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) therapy. This co-delivery nanoplatform is comprised of a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) shell and a hydrophobic poly (2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDPA) core, in which cisplatin prodrug and electrostatic complexes of nucleus-targeting amphiphilic peptide (NTPA) and siRNA are encapsulated. After intravenous injection and then uptake by tumor cells, the endosomal pH could trigger the dissociation of nanoplatform and enhance the endosomal escape of loaded cisplatin prodrug and NTPA/siRNA complexes via the "proton sponge" effect. Subsequently, the NTPA/siRNA complexes could specifically transport siRNA into the nucleus and efficiently reverse cisplatin resistance via silencing the expression of lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (lncMALAT1) mainly localized in the nucleus, ultimately inhibiting the growth of cisplatin-resistant HCC tumor.

Synthesis of thermally and pH-responsive poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-based hydrogel reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals for sustained drug release

Hydrogels are widely employed in biomedical applications due to their high swelling potential, tailored mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and ability to incorporate drugs to modify their release behavior. This study explored the synthesis of dual stimuli-responsive composite hydrogels by combining poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) with 4, 8, and 12 % (w/w) of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) through in-situ free-radical polymerization, modifying their properties for topical anti-inflammatory release. Although PDMAEMA-based hydrogels have been known for their responsiveness to pH and temperature stimuli, which are useful for modulating the release profile of drugs, their use as a matrix for anti-inflammatory topical applications remains unexplored. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of CNC concentration's impact on PDMAEMA-based hydrogel structure and physicochemical properties is provided. The incorporation of ibuprofen as an anti-inflammatory model was assessed, providing insights into the potential of these composite hydrogels for sustained drug delivery applications. Overall, the hydrogels exhibited homogenous CNC dispersion, with gel fraction higher than 70 % and ibuprofen load higher than 90 %. The rise in CNC concentration led to an increase hydrogel stiffness. Finally, the CNC incorporation also modified the ibuprofen release to a more sustained profile, following the Peppas-Sahlin model, which may be attractive for developing pharmaceutical devices for different therapeutical scenarios.

Nanosized Complexes of the Proteolytic Enzyme Serratiopeptidase with Cationic Block Copolymer Micelles Enhance the Proliferation and Migration of Human Cells.

In this study, we describe the preparation of the cationic block copolymer nanocarriers of the proteolytic enzyme serratiopeptidase (SER). Firstly, an amphiphilic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA9-b-PCL35-b-PDMAEMA9) triblock copolymer was synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Then, cationic micellar nanocarriers consisting of a PCL hydrophobic core and a PDMAEMA hydrophilic shell were formed by the solvent evaporation method. SER was loaded into the polymeric micelles by electrostatic interaction between the positively charged micellar shell and the negatively charged enzyme molecules. The particle size, zeta potential, and colloid stability of complexes as a function of SER concentration were investigated by dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering. It was found that SER retained its proteolytic activity after immobilization in polymeric carriers. Moreover, the complexes have a concentration-dependent enhancing effect on the proliferation and migration of human keratinocyte HaCaT and gingival fibroblast HGF cells.

Association of Thermoresponsive Diblock Copolymer PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA in Aqueous Solutions: The Influence of Terminal Groups.

Aqueous solutions of a thermoresponsive diblock copolymer poly(di-[ethylene glycol] methyl ether methacrylate)-b-poly(2-[diisopropylamino] ethyl methacrylate) (PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA) were studied by static, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry. Thermoresponsive behavior of PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA was investigated at two pH values, pH = 2, at which the terminal carboxylic group of the PDEGMA chain and the PDIPAEMA block are protonated, and pH = 7, where the carboxyl terminal group is ionized while the PDIPAEMA block is partially deprotonated and more hydrophobic. Both at pH = 2 and 7, PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA copolymer underwent extensive association (the size of the aggregates was between 100 and 300 nm), indicating strong interchain interactions. While the measurements confirmed thermoresponsive behavior of PDEGMA-b-PDIPAEMA at pH = 7, no changes in the association with temperature were observed at pH 2 as the thermoresponsivity of PDEGMA was suppressed by hydrogen bonding between carboxylic groups and PDEGMA segments, as well as due to the increased hydrophilicity of the PDIPAEMA block. Fluorescence measurements with pyrene as a fluorescent probe showed that both at pH = 2 and pH = 7 the associates were able to solubilize hydrophobic substances.

Solvent-free synthesis of polysilane-carbazole – A green route to develop fluorescent polysilanes with amplified emission characteristics via bridge intramolecular charge transfer effect

This work presents the synthesis of a new polysilane-carbazole structure (PSCB) by hydrosilylation in solvent-free conditions. For this purpose a polyhydrosilane (PSH) with a high content in methylhydrosilyl groups was mixed with 2-(((2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethoxy)carbonyl)amino)ethyl methacrylate (CB) and triturated in the presence of Karstedt catalyst. The reaction proceeds smoothly in normal conditions of pressure and temperature in a dry atmosphere. The chemical structure of the resulted polymer was determined using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopies. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis proved the completion of the addition reaction in high yields. The computational analysis reveals the electronic structures of both CB and the PSCB molecule and highlights the significance of conformational effects on electronic structure and emission properties. The carbazole moiety acts as an electron donor, while the polysilane chain serves as an acceptor, enabling an intra-molecular through bridge charge transfer. Fluorescence measurements validate the unique structure, demonstrating an amplified emission due to the cumulative effect of the polysilane chain. The polysilane-carbazole polymer holds promise for various applications, emphasizing its potential in optoelectronic devices and sensing technologies.

Design of High-Performance Molecular Imprinted Magnetic Nanoparticles-Loaded Hydrogels for Adsorption and Photodegradation of Antibiotics from Wastewater.

A hydrogel formulation of 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) containing covalently linked magnetite nanoparticles was developed to actively facilitate the selective removal and photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics. To this purpose, the hybrid materials were molecularly imprinted with Lomefloxacin (Lome) or Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), achieving a selectivity of 60% and 45%, respectively, starting from a solution of XX concentration. After the adsorption, the embedded magnetite was used with the double function of (i) magnetically removing the material from water and (ii) triggering photo-Fenton (PF) reactions assisted by UVA light and H2O2 to oxidize the captured antibiotic. The success of the material design was confirmed by a comprehensive characterization of the system from chemical-physical and morphological perspectives. Adsorption and degradation tests demonstrated the material's ability to efficiently degrade Lome until its complete disappearance from the electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra. Regeneration tests showed the possibility of reusing the material for up to three cycles. Ecotoxicological tests using algae Rapidocelis subcapitata, crustaceans Daphnia magna, and bacteria Vibrio fischeri were performed to evaluate the ecosafety of our synthesized materials.

Local fluorinated functional units enhance Li+ transport in acrylate-based polymer electrolytes for lithium metal batteries

Fluorinated polymer matrix emerges as a promising candidate owing to their enhanced anti-oxidation ability, but their application is plagued by the relatively low ion conduction ability and the ambiguous ionic conduction mechanism in the fluorinated polymer electrolytes (PEs). Herein, a series of acrylate-based electrolytes with different fluorinated functional units (fluorinated-FUs) of poly(ethyl methacrylate) electrolyte (0F PE), poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate) electrolyte (3F PE) and poly(hexafluorobutyl methacrylate) electrolyte (6F PE) were investigated. Beneficial from the long fluorinated-FUs in the side chain, the 6F PE exhibits improved both ionic conductivity of 4.0×10−4 S cm−1 and Li+ transference number of 0.65 at 25 °C, which are superior to those of the 0F PE and the 3F PE. The enhanced ion conduction mechanism was clarified via combining the theoretical calculations and experimental data, where the integration of local fluorinated-FUs provides additional coordinating sites for the continuous Li+ migration and regulates the ion transporting pathways. This work demonstrates that the regulation of local fluorinated-FUs can provide a promising strategy for achieving high performance PEs applied in solid-state batteries.

A new inhibitor of quaternary copolymer against calcium carbonate scaling in high-temperature geothermal fluids

An effective quaternary copolymer inhibitor against calcium carbonate scaling in 120 °C geothermal fluids, with an inhibition ratio of over 95 %, was synthesized through aqueous free radical polymerization of itaconic acid (IA), acrylic acid (AA), hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and sodium allylsulfonate (SAS). The synthesis process involved using ammonium persulfate as an initiator and tert-butanol as the molecular weight regulator. A four-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment was conducted to optimize the synthesis process, resulting in a monomer ratio of m(IA):m(AA) = 1:7, 15 % initiator concentration, a reaction temperature of 90 °C, and a reaction time of 2.5 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis revealed the presence of carboxyl, sulfonic acid, hydroxyl, and ester groups in the copolymer, while thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed its thermal stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) examinations of calcium carbonate crystals indicated that the copolymer scale inhibitor caused significant damage to the surface morphology and crystal structure. This scaling inhibitor is useful for efficient geothermal energy utilization.

Amphiphilic block and random copolymers: aggregation and hydrophobic modification on metal-free tanned collagen fibers

Hydrophobicity enhancement of metal-free leather, which is crucial for improving its comprehensive performance, can be achieved by using amphiphilic copolymer retanning agents. However, the relationship between the sequential structure and the hydrophobic modification effect of amphiphilic copolymers remains unclear. Herein, an amphiphilic block copolymer was synthesized using stearyl methacrylate and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate via atom transfer radical polymerization, and the corresponding random copolymer with similar monomer compositions and molecular weights was prepared for comparison. The aggregation behavior of block and random copolymers was investigated. DLS and TEM results indicate that the block copolymer exhibits a larger aggregate size than the corresponding random copolymer. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the block copolymer aggregate exhibit a thicker hydrophilic shell and more concentrated distribution of cationic DMA block than the random copolymer aggregate. Subsequently, the block and random copolymers were used for the hydrophobic modification of metal-free tanned collagen fibers (CFs). The block copolymer shows superior binding capacity to CFs than the random one because of its larger size and more concentrated charge distribution. Hence, the block copolymer can form a dense and uniform hydrophobic film on the surface of collagen fibrils and endow CFs with higher hydrophobicity than the random one. This work provides theoretical guidance for modulating the hydrophobicity of CFs by tailoring the sequential structure of amphiphilic copolymers, which is expected to inspire the manufacturing of high-performance metal-free leather.Graphical

WITHDRAWN: Folic acid Grafted, cell-penetrating peptide conjugated pH-sensitive hydrophobically modified Glycol chitosan nanoparticles for drug delivery in breast cancer

Nanocarriers are an outcome of the fast development of nanotechnology; however, delivering drugs to tumor sites effectively is still a major difficulty. A pH-responsive drug carrier with good cell penetration and targeting ability was developed to release the drug exactly to the cancer site and overcome these limitations.The drug carrier FA-TAT-HGCNPs/PTX, which is pH-responsive, uses folic acid (FA) and TAT peptide to deliver paclitaxel (PTX) for target folate-receptor-overexpressing breast cancer cells. 2-(diisopropylamino) ethyl methacrylate was connected to glycol chitosan (GC) to form HGCNPs. Then TAT and HGCNPs were conjugated and FA was grafted onto the HGCNPs’ hydroxyl group. Physicochemical characterizations of FA-TAT-HGCNPs was also evaluated. The maximum DLE and EE values of the FA-TAT-HGCNPs at pH 8.0 were 74.0 ± 2.22 % and 93.7 ± 2.8 %, respectively. FA-TAT-HGCNPs, for instance, showed stability during long-term storage and lyophilization while exhibiting pH-responsive dissociation properties. The synthesized drug carrier was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, HRTEM, DLS, and Zeta analysis. MTT assay exhibited the high anticancer activity of the FA-TAT-HGCNPs/PTX against the MCF-7 cells, whereas drug-free ones are highly biocompatible. The pharmacokinetic results showed twice the bioavailability of FA-TAT-HGCNPs/PTX compared to HGCNPs/PTX. Unlike FA-HGCNPs/PTX, CLSM analysis showed that FA-TAT-HGCNPs/PTX had a significantly more efficient intracellular uptake in MCF-7 cells. These data have shown the transmembrane ability of TATpeptide,the targeting effects of folate decoration, and the synergistic interaction between them.According to these findings, PTX-loaded FA-TAT-HGCNPs offer a potentially effective nanoscale drug delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer.

Fabrication of dopamine/TiO2 nanocomposite hydrogel using fenugreek gum for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants under visible light irradiation

The efficient removal of organic pollutants from wastewater is a global challenge and poses a significant threat to public health and ecosystems. In this study, we synthesized a novel fenugreek gum-based polymer functionalized with dopamine (DA) and monomers dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMA), acrylamide, and N, N, methylene bis acrylamide (MBA) as a crosslinker and TiO2 nanocomposite hydrogel photocatalytic degradation for environmental remediation. The nanocomposite hydrogel was determined using various analytical techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, DRS-UV, TEM, LC-MS, and XPS. The optical band gap was at 2.81 eV, calculated from UV–visible DRS spectra. The XRD confirmed the crystalline and anatase phases. TEM, EDX, and XPS analyses defined the size, shape, chemical composition, and purity of synthesized FNG/DDM/TiO2 nanocomposite hydrogel. The resulting nanocomposite hydrogel photocatalyst effectively degraded hazardous pollutants such as methylene blue (MB) and Congo red (CR) organic dyes under visible light irradiation. The decomposition efficiency of Congo red is 95.27 % within 75 min and methylene blue is 73.26 % within 150 min. Moreover, the results of the trapping experiment revealed that the active species in the photocatalytic degradation process are holes (h+) and super oxide radicals (.O2-), more reactive species. The probable degradation intermediates and the degradation pathway were analyzed by LCMS analysis, and the degradation fragments formed during Congo red (CR) dye degradation were identified. The recyclability and stability were studied in the presence of a photocatalyst, achieving 90.5 % degradation after four cycles. The FNG/DDM/TiO2 hydrogel also effectively removed dyes from wastewater containing organic pollutants. The novel FNG/DDM/TiO2 nanocomposite hydrogel, synthesized through an environmentally friendly polymer, demonstrated high efficiency in degrading organic dyes, excellent recyclability with robust structural stability, and significant potential for photocatalytic degradation of wastewater across various industries.

Vitrimers based on block copolymers with diverse block sequences

Vitrimers based on block copolymers give access to adaptable polymer networks where the resulting properties can be adjusted not only by the vitrimer chemistry itself but also can be influenced by the structure of the block copolymer. In this work, linear AB, ABA, and BAB block copolymers are introduced as backbones in vinylogous urethane vitrimers to produce crosslinked materials that are reprocessable and have a wide range of tunable mechanical properties. The narrow-disperse block copolymers were synthesized by photoiniferter reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (photoRAFT). Two different types of hydrophobic A blocks, poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(ethyl methacrylate) with a higher glass transition temperature compared to the hydrophilic B block, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), were chosen. The B block carries the functional groups for further modification to obtain acetoacetylated side groups, which are then transformed to vinylogous urethane crosslinks. It has been found that the architectures of backbones as well as the alkyl substituents in the side groups of the A block influence the final performance of the vitrimers. By adjusting block sequences, the mechanical properties can be varied from hard to tough to elastic materials corresponding to BAB, ABA, and AB block copolymer vitrimers, respectively. These materials are reprocessable and have self-healing as well as shape-memory properties.

Anti-fogging properties of amphiphilic copolymer films deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD)

This study demonstrates the deposition of an amphiphilic copolymer as an anti-fogging coating on the glass and mirror surfaces. For this purpose, copolymer films of 2,2,2,3,4,4,4,4 hexafluorobutyl acrylate (HFBA) with 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) were synthesized using initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD). During the iCVD process by adjusting the flow rate ratio of the monomers, the amount of fluorinated moiety in the P(HFBA-DMAEMA) was systematically tuned, which was confirmed through FTIR and XPS analyses. According to the water contact angle measurements, coatings were shown to be more hydrophobic with increasing fraction of fluorine atoms in their structures. The P(HFBA-DMAEMA)-deposited surfaces showed outstanding and long-lasting anti-fogging performance while maintaining high optical transmissivity. Films were observed to be functional in terms of anti-fogging behavior even after 1-year from the initial coating process, which confirms the durability of the films.

Membrane Permeability and Responsiveness Drive Performance: Linking Structural Features with the Antitumor Effectiveness of Doxorubicin-Loaded Stimuli-Triggered Polymersomes.

The permeability and responsiveness of polymer membranes are absolutely relevant in the design of polymersomes for cargo delivery. Accordingly, we herein correlate the structural features, permeability, and responsiveness of doxorubicin-loaded (DOX-loaded) nonresponsive and stimuli-responsive polymersomes with their in vitro and in vivo antitumor performance. Polymer vesicles were produced using amphiphilic block copolymers containing a hydrophilic poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (PHPMA) segment linked to poly[N-(4-isopropylphenylacetamide)ethyl methacrylate] (PPPhA, nonresponsive block), poly[4-(4,4,5,5-tetra-methyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl methacrylate] [PbAPE, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive block], or poly[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDPA, pH-responsive block). The PDPA-based polymersomes demonstrated outstanding biological performance with antitumor activity notably enhanced compared to their counterparts. We attribute this behavior to a fast-triggered DOX release in acidic tumor environments as induced by pH-responsive polymersome disassembly at pH < 6.8. Possibly, an insufficient ROS concentration in the selected tumor model attenuates the rate of ROS-responsive vesicle degradation, whereas the nonresponsive nature of the PPPhA block remarkably impacts the performance of such potential nanomedicines.

Fast and effective hydroquinone adsorption by poly (2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)/zinc oxide nanocomposite hydrogel in textile wastewater treatment

ABSTRACT Hydroquinone, a widely used phenolic compound, poses significant health and environmental risk and must be removed from wastewater. In this study, a novel adsorbent was developed for the removal of hydroquinone from aqueous solutions through the in-situ polymerisation of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) in the presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). The kinetics of equilibrium swelling in deionised water (DI) and the effect of pH on the swelling behaviour were investigated. The structure of the nanocomposite hydrogel was analysed using FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDX, TEM, and BET analysis. Various factors affecting the adsorption process, such as solution pH (2–12), initial concentration (25–200 mg/L), adsorbent dosage (4.0–80 mg/100 mL), NaCl concentration (0.1–1.0 mol/L), and temperature, were also investigated. The adsorption capacity of hydroquinone and the removal efficiency of PDMAEMA@ZnO reached 455 mg/g and 91%, respectively, at pH 11 within 15 minutes. Furthermore, PDMAEMA@ZnO showed a high removal efficiency of 99.47% in tests with real wastewater. Reusability studies showed that the adsorbent retained its ability to remove hydroquinone after four regeneration cycles. The adsorption data were well described by the pseudo-second order and Langmuir models. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process is spontaneous and endothermic. Therefore, the adsorbent, has considerable industrial potential as it quickly and efficiently adsorbs phenolic impurities such as hydroquinone from real textile wastewater.

Efficient extraction of textile dyes using reusable acrylic-based smart polymers

Water pollution from industrial or household waste, containing dyes from the textile industry, poses a significant environmental challenge requiring immediate attention. In this study, we have developed a crosslinked-smart-polymer film based on 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate copolymerized with other hydrophilic and hydrophobic commercial monomers, and its efficacy in removing 21 different textile dyes was assessed. The smart polymer effectively interacts with and adsorbs dyes, inducing a noticeable colour change. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis confirmed a removal efficiency exceeding 90 % for anionic dyes, with external diffusion identified as the primary influencing factor on process kinetics, consistent with both pseudo-first-order kinetics and the Crank-Dual model. Isothermal studies revealed distinct adsorption behaviors, with indigo carmine adhering to a Freundlich isotherm while others conformed to the Langmuir model. Permeation and fluorescence analyses corroborated isotherm observations, verifying surface adsorption. Significantly, our proof-of-concept demonstrated the resilience of the smart-film to common fabric softeners and detergents without compromising adsorption capacity. Additionally, the material exhibited reusability (for at least 5 cycles), durability, and good thermal and mechanical properties, with T5 and T10 values of 265 °C and 342 °C, respectively, a Tg of 168 °C, and a water swelling percentage of 54.3 %, thus confirming its stability and suitability for industrial application. Environmental implicationDyes released during laundry processes should be classified as "hazardous materials" owing to their significant toxicity towards aquatic organisms, with the potential to disrupt ecosystems and harm aquatic biodiversity. This paper discusses the development of a novel acrylic material in film form, engineered to extract toxic anionic dyes. This study directly contributes to mitigating the environmental impact associated with the fashion industry and the domestic use of textiles. It can be implemented on both an industrial and personal scale, thereby encouraging more sustainable practices and promoting collaborative citizen science efforts towards

Multiresponsive Bilayer Hydrogel Actuator with Switchable Shape Morphing Capability and Visible Color/Fluorescence Change.

Bilayer hydrogels, endowed with multiresponsive and switchable color-changing properties, have garnered significant attention for bioinspired artificial intelligent materials. However, the design and fabrication of such hydrogels that can fully mimic the adaptation of the live organism, i.e., simultaneous changes in shape, fluorescent, and/or visible color, still remain significant challenges. Herein, a multiresponsive (e.g., temperature, salt, and pH) and multiadaptive (shape, fluorescent color, and visible color changes) hydrogel was fabricated by employing monomers featuring pH-responsive fluorescence 4-(2-(4-(dimethylamino) phenyl)-1-isocyanovinyl) phenol (DP) and switchable color-changing 4-(2-sulfethyl) -1-(4-vinylbenzyl) pyridinium betaine (VPES). The bilayer hydrogel comprises a temperature- and pH-responsive gel layer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate), along with a pH-, temperature-, and salt-responsive gel layer, poly(acrylamide-co-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-co-VPES)@DP. Due to the opposite swelling/shrinking behavior between the two layers, the prepared hydrogel exhibits shape changes in response to thermal, salt, and pH stimuli, along with switchable fluorescent color and visible color change that originate from DP and polyVPES, respectively. Apart from multiresponsive behavior, this hydrogel also shows an excellent antifatigue property and high sensitivity, which makes it hold significant potential in many applications. We anticipate that this strategy to realize multiresponsive capability in this work can also inspire the design of the biomimetic smart materials.

Ultrathin-flexible multifunctional MXene composite hydrogels with good mechanical properties-high strain sensitivity and ultra-broadband EMI shielding performances

Conductive hydrogels show excellent application potential in flexible and stretchable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials due to their water-rich porous structure and tissue-like mechanical properties. However, integrating multiple functions into EMI shielding materials remains challenging, including ultra-broadband EMI shielding, mechanical properties, strain sensitivity, flexibility, etc., with high performance. Here, through a straightforward and scalable combination of ultrasound-assisted dispersion and thermal polymerization, we have successfully synthesized the MXene/PE-CS composite hydrogels composed of acrylic acid (AA), 2-(Dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and chitosan (CS). It exhibits more comprehensive and excellent functionalities including high stretchability (0.47 MPa, 747 %), strain sensitivity (11.2), ultralow thickness (0.5–2.0 mm), good adhesion (0.13 MPa), and flexibility. More importantly, it achieves excellent shielding performance of more than 99.99 % in ultra-broadband (X-band, Ka-band, Ku-band, and THz-band) under ultralow thickness (0.5–2 mm) and MXene (transition metal carbides/nitrides) content (0.46 wt%), and the shielding properties can be dynamically controlled through MXene content, PE content and hydrogel thickness. Even after repeated stretching, bending, and long-term water evaporation, it still exhibits stable and high-performance EMI shielding performance. Our MXene/PE-CS composite hydrogels exhibit potential applications in ultra-broadband shielding for new generation flexible wearable electronic devices.