Glycol Diacrylate Research Articles

Melanin Hydrogel Inverse Opal Microneedle Patches for Wound Healing.

Bacterial infected wounds bring an economic burden to the worldwide medical care field. A variety of bioactives-integrated hydrogel patches are developed in response to this challenge. Here, the melanin hydrogel inverse opal microneedle patches (MNs) with antioxidant and visual color sensing abilities for the management of bacterial infected wounds are proposed. The MNs are fabricated by applying melanin-loaded polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as the inverse opal hydrogel and using bacitracin-carried gelatin to fill those nanopores of hydrogel scaffold. Benefitting from the antioxidant capacity of melanin nanoparticles and the local antimicrobial ability of bacitracin, the resulting MNs possess the integrated functions of reactive oxygen species scavenging and antibacterial. Besides, the inverse opal structure endows the MNs with vivid structure color and detectable reflected wavelength, which can gradually shift with the release of the drug, thus allowing MNs to assess the drug delivery. Based on these characteristics, MNs perform excellent in in vitro drug delivery and monitoring, as well as the promotion of bacterial infected wound recovery in vivo, indicating the potential of MNs in the future wound management field.

3D-Printed Plasmonic Nanocomposites: VAT Photopolymerization for Photothermal-Controlled Drug Release

Background: Gold nanoparticles can generate heat upon exposure to radiation due to their plasmonic properties, which depend on particle size and shape. This enables precise control over the release of active substances from polymeric pharmaceutical formulations, minimizing side effects and premature release. The technology of 3D printing, especially vat photopolymerization, is valuable for integrating nanoparticles into complex formulations. Method: This study aimed to incorporate gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and nanorods (AuNRs) into polymeric matrices using vat photopolymerization, allowing for controlled drug release with exposure to 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths. Results: The AuNSs (27 nm) responded to 532 nm and the NRs (60 nm length, 10 nm width) responded to 1064 nm. Niclosamide was used as the drug model. Ternary blends of Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate 250 (PEGDA 250), Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG 400), and water were optimized using DesignExpert 11 software for controlled drug release upon specific wavelength exposure. Three matrices, selected based on solubility and printability, underwent rigorous characterization. Two materials achieved controlled drug release with specific wavelengths. Bilayer devices combining AuNSs and AuNRs demonstrated selective drug release based on irradiation wavelength. Conclusions: A pharmaceutical device was developed, capable of controlling drug release upon irradiation, with potential applications in treatments requiring delayed administration.

Stereolithography Printing and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Ceramic Composites

To enhance the mechanical properties of bioceramic composite bone scaffolds, a composite paste of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) with a solid content of up to 42 wt% was developed in this study. The part was produced using stereolithography (SLA). The SLA printing parameters and material ratios of the paste were optimized through a homogeneous design and mechanical property tests. The results indicate that the single‐line curing width of the PEGDA/h‐BN paste in the XY plane ranged from 172 to 209 μm, while the curing depth of a single layer along the Z‐axis ranged from 99 to 154 μm. Laser power was identified as the primary factor influencing both the width and depth of curing. The compressive strength of the printed sample of PEGDA/h‐BN ceramic composite paste was measured at 222.4 ± 5.6 MPa, which is 61 times greater than the compressive strength of a pure PEGDA structure and comparable to that of cortical bone (100‐230 MPa). Finally, the superior biocompatibility of PEGDA/h‐BN ceramics was confirmed through cytotoxicity experiments. Consequently, PEGDA/h‐BN ceramic composites meet the mechanical properties and biocompatibility requirements necessary for bone tissue applications, indicating promising potential in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Facile fabrication of degradable, serrated polyethylene diacrylate microneedles using stereolithography

Microneedles have the potential for minimally invasive drug delivery. However, they are constrained by absence of rapid, scalable fabrication methods to produce intricate arrays and serrations for enhanced adhesion. 3D printing techniques like stereolithography (SLA) are fast, scalable modalities but SLAs require non-degradable and stiff resins. This work attempts to overcome this limitation by utilizing a poly (ethylene glycol diacrylate) (PEGDA, F3) resin and demonstrating its compatibility with a commercial SLA printer. FESEM images showed high printing efficiency of customized bioinks (F3) similar to commercial resins using SLA 3D printer. Mechanical endurance tests of whole MNA showed that MNs array printed from F3 resin (485 ± 5.73 N) required considerably less force than commercial F1 resin (880 ± 32.4 N). Penetration performance of F1 and F3 was found to be 10.8 ± 2.06 N and 0.705 ± 0.03 N. In-vitro degradation study in PBS showed that MNs fabricated from F3 resin exhibited degradation after 7 days, which was not observed with the commercial F1 resin provided by the manufacturer. The histology of porcine skin exhibited formation of triangular pores with pore length of 548 μm and efficient penetration into the deeper dermal layer. In conclusion, PEGDA can be used as for fabricating degradable, serrated solid MNs over commercial resin.

Development of HEMA-Succinic Acid-PEG Bio-Based Monomers for High-Performance Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine.

In recent years, hydrogels have found a special place in regenerative medicine for tissue repair, rehabilitation, and drug delivery. To be used in regenerative medicine, hydrogels must have desirable physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this study, a new biomonomer based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate-succinic acid-polyethylene glycol 200 (HEMA-Suc-PEG) was synthesized and characterized. Then, using the synthesized monomers and different ratios of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as a crosslinker, biocompatible hydrogels were synthesized through thermal and UV curing methods. The mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties of the hydrogels and the behavior of endothelial cells, an essential component of the cardiovascular system, were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrogel synthesized with 0.2 g of PEGDA (UV curing) has desirable mechanical and physical properties. Biological tests showed that these hydrogels are not only nontoxic to cells but also enhance cell adhesion. Therefore, the hydrogel containing the synthesized monomer HEMA-Suc-PEG and 0.2 g of PEGDA has the potential to be used in the cardiovascular system.

Mechanistic understanding of enhancing bioactivity via bio-ionic liquid functionalization of biomaterials

The selection of biomaterials is a pivotal criterion for designing tissue engineering scaffolds, crucial for diverse biomedical applications. While natural biomaterials offer inherent bioactivity and biocompatibility, fine-tuning their properties for specific applications poses challenges. Conversely, synthetic biomaterials, while highly customizable, are often bio-inert. Functionalizing materials with bioactive molecules can improve cell-material interactions. Prevailing approaches utilizing RGD peptides or natural/synthetic composites have drawbacks including cost and immunogenicity. Bio-ionic liquids (BILs), a class of biocompatible ionic liquids derived from natural or synthetic biomolecules, offer a potential alternative. Herein, we present the biofunctionalization of a bio-inert polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) with an acrylated choline-based BIL (“BioPEG”) as a method for enhancing the bioactivity of biomaterials. Cell studies using mouse myoblast C2C12 and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) revealed the excellence of BioPEG hydrogels in promoting cell attachment, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Computational molecular dynamics (MD) simulations elucidated the mechanism by which BIL facilitates cell interaction with PEGDA. 3D printability of BioPEG hydrogel was showcased using a digital light processing (DLP) bioprinter, with printed scaffolds demonstrating excellent cytocompatibility. Collectively, these findings present BIL as a versatile bioactive agent for augmenting cell adhesion to materials, thus enriching the repertoire of biomaterials for advanced tissue engineering.

Optical fiber fluorescence Cu2+ sensing technology based on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots: Large detection range, low detection limit

BackgroundCopper ion (Cu2+), a crucial heavy metal ion, is closely associated with human health and the ecological environment. Imbalances in Cu2+ can result in health issues for humans and damage to the ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential to detect Cu2+ in the environment. However, current Cu2+ sensors still face challenges such as limited detection range, poor detection limits, high costs, and complex preparation processes. Clearly, there is a need for a Cu2+ sensor with an extensive detection range, low detection limit, cost-effectiveness, and simple preparation methods that enable online monitoring and real-time measurement of Cu2+. ResultsIn this paper, a high-performance optical fiber fluorescent Cu2+ sensor based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel encapsulated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is designed and fabricated. Due to the porous nature of PEGDA hydrogels, large-diameter CdSe/ZnS QDs are confined within the hydrogels, while small molecules Cu2+ are allowed to permeate them. Cu2+ reacts with QDs, resulting in the fluorescence quenching of QDs, which enables the detection of Cu2+. Experimental results show that the sensor can quantitatively analyze Cu2+ in the concentration range of 0.1–200 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of only 0.8 nM, and the fastest response time is only 5 s. Additionally, the sensor exhibits strong specificity, has been successfully applied to real water sample detection, demonstrates good stability, and shows great potential for real-time Cu2+ detection. SignificanceThe sensor possesses a large detection range and low LOD, and the synthesis of its core fluorescent probe is straightforward and expedient. Specifically, the fluorescent probe can be synthesized by subjecting a solution of hydrogel precursors doped with CdSe/ZnS QDs to UV irradiation for approximately 2 min. This method is particularly suitable for monitoring confined environments and holds significant implications for the production of Cu2+ sensors capable of real-time detection.

Interfacial fatigue fracture of pressure sensitive adhesives

Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are viscoelastic polymers that can form fast and robust adhesion with various adherends under fingertip pressure. The rapidly expanding application domain of PSAs, such as healthcare, wearable electronics, and flexible displays, requires PSAs to sustain prolonged loads throughout their lifetime, calling for fundamental studies on their fatigue behaviors. However, fatigue of PSAs has remained poorly investigated. Here we study interfacial fatigue fracture of PSAs, focusing on the cyclic interfacial crack propagation due to the gradual rupture of noncovalent bonds between a PSA and an adherend. We fabricate a model PSA made of a hysteresis-free poly(butyl acrylate) bulk elastomer dip-coated with a viscoelastic poly(butyl acrylate-co-isobornyl acrylate) sticky surface, both crosslinked by poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. We adhere the fabricated PSA to a polyester strip to form a bilayer. The bilayer is covered by another polyester film as an inextensible backing layer. Using cyclic and monotonic peeling tests, we characterize the interfacial fatigue and fracture behaviors of the bilayer. From the experimental data, we obtain the interfacial fatigue threshold (4.6J/m2) under cyclic peeling, the slow crack threshold (33.9J/m2) under monotonic peeling, and the adhesion toughness (~ 400J/m2) at a finite peeling speed. We develop a modified Lake-Thomas model to describe the interfacial fatigue threshold due to noncovalent bond breaking. The theoretical prediction (2.6J/m2) agrees well with the experimental measurement (4.6J/m2). Finally, we discuss possible additional dissipation mechanisms involved in the larger slow crack threshold and much larger adhesion toughness. It is hoped that this study will provide new fundamental knowledge for fracture mechanics of PSAs, as well as guidance for future tough and durable PSAs.

Sawtooth-shaped microsaws for enhanced transdermal drug delivery: Improved drug loading and piercing efficiency

This study presents a novel approach to transdermal drug delivery with the introduction of sawtooth-shaped MicroSaws (MSs), a bioinspired microneedle design that significantly enhances drug loading and piercing efficiency. Unlike traditional microneedles (MNs), MSs, with dimensions of 0.2 mm width, 0.4 mm length, and 0.65 mm height, are engineered using epoxy acrylate (EA) via digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing and coated with polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) to ensure biocompatibility. Experimental results demonstrate that MSs outperform conventional MNs in both mechanical piercing tests and drug release studies, showcasing a 30 % increase in drug loading capacity and a 25 % improvement in pierceability. The unique sawtooth design not only facilitates deeper penetration but also creates microchannels that enhance drug diffusion across the stratum corneum. This innovation in microneedle technology holds significant promise for improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes in transdermal drug delivery systems.

Photocurable biomaterials labeled with luminescent sensors dedicated to bioprinting

In the present study, we focused on the development and characterization of formulations that function as biological inks. These inks were doped with coumarin derivatives to act as molecular luminescent sensors that allow the monitoring of the kinetics of in situ photopolymerization in 3D (DLP) printing and bioprinting using pneumatic extrusion techniques, making it possible to study the changes in the system in real time. The efficiency of the systems was tested on compositions containing monomers: poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylates and photoinitiators: 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldi-phenylphosphinate and lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate. The selected formulations were spectroscopically characterized and examined for their photopolymerization kinetics and rheological properties. This is important because of the fact that spectroscopic characterization, examination of photopolymerization kinetics, and rheological properties provide valuable insights into the behaviour of photocurable resin dedicated for 3D printing processes. The next step involved printing tests on commercially available 3D printers. In turn, printing carried out as part of the work on commercially available 3D printers further verified the effectiveness of the formulations. Moreover the formulation components and the resulting 3D objects were tested for their antiproliferative effects on the selected Chinese hamster ovary cell line, CHO-K1.

Sliding on Slide-Ring Gels

Recent investigations have pointed to physical entanglements that greatly outnumber chemical crosslinks as key sources of energy dissipation and low friction in hydrogel networks. Slide-ring gels are an emerging class of hydrogels described by their mobile crosslinks, which are formed by rings topologically constrained to slide along linear polymer chains within the network. These materials have enjoyed decades of study by polymer chemists but have been underexplored by the tribology community. In this work, we synthesized a pseudo-rotaxane crosslinker from poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-diacrylate) and α-cyclodextrin-acrylate followed by hydrogel networks by connecting the sliding crosslinks with polyacrylamide chains. The mechanical and tribological properties of slide-ring hydrogels were investigated using a custom-built microtribometer. Slide-ring hydrogels exhibit unique behavior compared to conventional covalently crosslinked polyacrylamide hydrogels and offer a vast design space for future investigations.Graphical

Tailoring pH-sensitive carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum-based hydrogel for an efficient delivery of hydrophobic drug indomethacin

Polyacrylamide hydrogels have gained attention in the drug delivery field for their pH-dependent nature. Nevertheless, their limited degradability and lower entrapment efficiency for hydrophobic drugs hinder their utility in controlled drug release. This research aims to design a degradable pH-sensitive hydrogel for delivering the hydrophobic drug indomethacin to the colon. This work developed and optimized the hydrogels based on β-cyclodextrin, carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum, and polyacrylamide with varying amounts of polyethylene glycol diacrylate. The optimized hydrogel exhibits 76.52 % gel fraction, 89.21 % porosity, 1000.27 % swelling, and 90.0 % equilibrium water content. The hydrogel was characterized using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, confirming the successful crosslinking of the synthesized hydrogel. Powder X-ray Diffraction revealed their amorphous nature while Scanning Electron Microscopy showed a porous surface morphology of the hydrogel. Moreover, rheology confirmed the hydrogel's elastic nature. Notably, the hydrogel demonstrated a drug release of 60.26 % at pH 7.4. Kinetic modelling of indomethacin release data indicated a Fickian diffusion release mechanism. Cytotoxicity tests on HCT-116 cells showed 79 % viability, and the hydrogel fully degraded within 10 days. These results confirmed the potential of synthesized β-CD/PAM/CMTKG hydrogel for controlled indomethacin delivery to the colon.

In Situ Fabrication of Solvent-Free Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Wide-Temperature All-Solid-State Lithium Metal Batteries.

All-solid-state lithium metal batteries (ASSLMBs) have been regarded as promising candidates to settle the safety issues of liquid electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries. However, the currently reported gel polymer electrolytes still have flammable liquid solvents, thus leading to the potential safety hazard. Here, solvent-free deep eutectic solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) are designed and fabricated via an in situ polymerization, which are composed of a poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) electrospun membrane, succinonitrile (SN), poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA200, Mn = 200 g mol-1), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiDFOB). The deep eutectic solvent (DES) with SN/LiTFSI provides a superior room-temperature ionic conductivity, while the PEGDA200 precursor acts as cross-linking network to form SPEs under thermal initiation for free radical polymerization, and LiDFOB can form a stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer. The PVDF-HFP electrospun membrane with a three-dimensional nanofibrous network structure for SN/PEGDA200/LiTFSI/LiDFOB SPEs exhibits a wide electrochemical stability window, high lithium-ion transference number, and good compatibility with the lithium metal anode. Furthermore, the obtained SPEs assembled with Li//LiMn0.6Fe0.4PO4, Li//LiFePO4, and Li//LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 asymmetric cells show excellent cycling performance and rate capability at a wide temperature. This strategy provides a promising path in designing high-energy-density ASSLMBs for practical application.

An atomistic and experimental approach to study the effect of water and nanofillers on the compressive strength of PEGDA hydrogels for cartilage replacement

Polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel is emerging as a potential candidate for biomedical applications, particularly cartilage replacement. However, due to weak mechanical strength, their applications are still in the infancy for cartilage replacement. In this article, authors have reported the compressive strength of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) reinforced PEGDA hydrogels in conjunction with different water content. A combined experimental and atomistic approach (Molecular Dynamics) was employed to explore the compressive strength of nanocomposite hydrogels. It was reported from the experimental analysis that h-BN acts as a superior reinforcement for the compressive strength at lower water content. The Molecular Dynamics (MD) based simulations also predict a similar trend with h-BN and water content. The MD-based study gives insight into scrutinizing the behavior of polymer chains and their entanglement and sheds light on microscale phenomena that are usually inaccessible through experiments alone. It can be concluded from the experiments in conjunction with MD simulations that at higher water content, the contact points between h-BN nanosheets and polymer chains decrease, mitigating the overall compressive strength of PEGDA hydrogels. In summary, this study enables us to obtain meaningful mechanical properties that mimic the strength of human articular cartilage.

The electrodynamic analysis and manipulation of PEGDA semicircular tubular structures based on optically induced dielectrophoresis

The manipulation of micron-scale semicircular tubular structures has wide applications in micro-nano processing, device manufacturing, biomedicine, and micron sensing and measurement. Here, we propose a method to fabricate and manipulate semicircular tubular structures based on optically induced dielectrophoresis (ODEP). First, electric field intensity simulations are performed for polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) semicircular tubular structures with different conductivities and of different heights. In addition, the polarization model based on slender rods reveals that the semicircular tubular structure is subject to a negative dielectrophoretic force and tends to move along the vertical direction of the central axis. Finally, according to the maximum movement speed of the semicircular tubular structure, the resistance and dielectrophoretic force it receives are characterized. This allows for the realization of the translation and rotation operations of semicircular tubular structures of different lengths, and the assembly of multiple structures into different shapes. This assembly method holds significant promise for applications in biomedicine and the manufacturing and processing of micro-nano devices.

Cryogel microcarriers loaded with glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor enhance the engraftment of primary dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson’s disease

Objective.Cryogel microcarriers made of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and 3-sulfopropyl acrylate have the potential to act as delivery vehicles for long-term retention of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) in the brain. In addition, they can potentially enhance stem cell-derived dopaminergic (DAergic) cell replacement strategies for Parkinson's disease (PD), by addressing the limitations of variable survival and poor differentiation of the transplanted precursors due to neurotrophic deprivation post-transplantation in the brain. In this context, to develop a proof-of-concept, the aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of glial cell line-derived NTF (GDNF)-loaded cryogel microcarriers by assessing their impact on the survival of, and reinnervation by, primary DAergic grafts after intra-striatal delivery in Parkinsonian rat brains.Approach.Rat embryonic day 14 ventral midbrain cells were transplanted into the 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned striatum either alone, or with GDNF, or with unloaded cryogel microcarriers, or with GDNF-loaded cryogel microcarriers.Post-mortem, GDNF and tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining were used to identify retention of the delivered GDNF within the implanted cryogel microcarriers, and to identify the transplanted DAergic neuronal cell bodies and fibres in the brains, respectively.Main results.We found an intact presence of GDNF-stained cryogel microcarriers in graft sites, indicating their ability for long-term retention of the delivered GDNF up to 4 weeks in the brain. This resulted in an enhanced survival (1.9-fold) of, and striatal reinnervation (density & volume) by, the grafted DAergic neurons, in addition to an enhanced sprouting of fibres within graft sites.Significance.This data provides an important proof-of-principle for the beneficial effects of neurotrophin-loaded cryogel microcarriers on engraftment of cells in the context of cell replacement therapy in PD. For clinical translation, further studies will be needed to assess the impact of cryogel microcarriers on the survival and differentiation of stem cell-derived DAergic precursors in Parkinsonian rat brains.

GEL POLYMER ELECTROLYTES ELABORATED BY UV-IRRADIATION FOR THE ECO-DESIGN OF LI-ION BATTERIES

This study examines the chemical, thermal, and dielectric properties of gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) based on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA, average Mn=700 g/mol). GPEs were synthesized via a single-step UV-irradiation process, whereby PEGDA was mixed with varying concentrations of a commercial liquid electrolyte (1 M LiPF6 in EC/DEC 50/50 v/v) ranging from 0 to 60 wt%. The results of the infrared analysis indicated that the liquid electrolyte was successfully immobilized within the polymeric matrix. The thermally stable nature of the synthesized GPEs was confirmed across a wide temperature range (-40 to 90°C) through thermal analysis. Furthermore, dielectric measurements were conducted in a frequency range of 0.1 to 106 Hz, with a sinusoidal AC amplitude of 10 mV, from 20 to 100°C. The results demonstrated that the ionic conductivity of GPEs increased with the addition of liquid electrolyte. The GPEs prepared with 60 wt% liquid electrolyte exhibited a conductivity value of approximately 6.6x10-3 S/m at 30°C, which is consistent with the conductivity range reported in the literature.

A wireless, battery-free microneedle patch with light-cured swellable hydrogel for minimally-invasive glucose detection

The escalating global prevalence of diabetes necessitates the development of advanced diagnostic methodologies that are both minimally invasive and devoid of discomfort. This study introduces a wireless battery-free passive microneedle patch with CMC-pHEA GelMA-GOx (CMC: sodium carboxymethyl cellulose; pHEA: polyethylene glycol diacrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate; GelMA: gelatin methacryloyl; GOx: glucose oxidase) light-cured swellable hydrogel for minimally-invasive glucose detection. The core of this technology combines microneedle with Radio-Frequency (RF) coupling detection, achieving extraction capacity; the microneedle lies in the use of composite hydrogel composed of a freeze-dried CMC-pHEA nanogel and GelMA-GOx, specifically fabricated to be selectively glucose-responsive through cross-linking with glucose oxidase. Upon exposure to interstitial fluid, the hydrogel microneedles swell in proportion to the glucose concentration, enabling glucose binding and facilitating the detection process. A flexible antenna, which is integral to the microneedle substrate as a passive sensing component, detects changes in the swelling of the hydrogel; these are reflected in the RF parameters (frequency, magnitude) variations, which are directly correlated with glucose levels. Furthermore, the results are near field wirelessly detected through a readout coil, simplifying sensing patch configurations. This method not only integrates the glucose monitoring process by combining extraction and detection into a single step but also enhances patient comfort. The platform’s sensitivity, specificity, and minimal invasiveness make it a promising tool for diabetes management and continuous glucose monitoring. By demonstrating the successful application of RF technology in wireless sensing applications, this study paves the way for advanced, user-friendly glucose monitoring solutions.

Aided Porous Medium Emulsification for Functional Hydrogel Microparticles Synthesis.

Despite the substantial advancement in developing various hydrogel microparticle (HMP) synthesis methods, emulsification through porous medium to synthesize functional hybrid protein-polymer HMPs has yet to be addressed. Here, the aided porous medium emulsification for hydrogel microparticle synthesis (APME-HMS) system, an innovative approach drawing inspiration from porous medium emulsification is introduced. This method capitalizes on emulsifying immiscible phases within a 3D porous structure for optimal HMP production. Using the APME-HMS system, synthesized responsive bovine serum albumin (BSA) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) HMPs of various sizes are successfully synthesized. Preserving protein structural integrity and functionality enable the formation of cytochrome c (cyt c) - PEGDA HMPs for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection at various concentrations. The flexibility of the APME-HMS system is demonstrated by its ability to efficiently synthesize HMPs using low volumes (≈50µL) and concentrations (100µm) of proteins within minutes while preserving proteins' structural and functional properties. Additionally, the capability of the APME-HMS method to produce a diverse array of HMP types enriches the palette of HMP fabrication techniques, presenting it as a cost-effective, biocompatible, and scalable alternative for various biomedical applications, such as controlled drug delivery, 3D printing bio-inks, biosensing devices, with potential implications even in culinary applications.

NIR responsive scaffold with multistep shape memory and photothermal-chemodynamic properties for complex tissue defects repair and antibacterial therapy

Complex tissue damage accompanying with bacterial infection challenges healthcare systems globally. Conventional tissue engineering scaffolds normally generate secondary implantation trauma, mismatched regeneration and infection risks. Herein, we developed an easily implanted scaffold with multistep shape memory and photothermal-chemodynamic properties to exactly match repair requirements of each part from the tissue defect by adjusting its morphology as needed meanwhile inhibiting bacterial infection on demand. Specifically, a thermal-induced shape memory scaffold was prepared using hydroxyethyl methacrylate and polyethylene glycol diacrylate, which was further combined with the photothermal agent iron tannate (FeTA) to produce NIR light-induced shape memory property. By varying ingredients ratios in each segment, this scaffold could perform a stepwise recovery under different NIR periods. This process facilitated implantation after shape fixing to avoid trauma caused by conventional methods and gradually filled irregular defects under NIR to perform suitable tissue regeneration. Moreover, FeTA also catalyzed Fenton reaction at bacterial infections with abundant H2O2, which produced excess ROS for chemodynamic antibacterial therapy. As expected, bacteriostatic rate was further enhanced by additional photothermal therapy under NIR. The in vitro and vivo results showed that our scaffold was able to perform high efficacy in both antibiosis, inflammation reduction and wound healing acceleration, indicating a promising candidate for the regeneration of complex tissue damage with bacterial infection.