Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Research Articles

UV-Crosslinked Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Interpenetrated into Chitosan Structure with Enhancement of Mechanical Properties Implemented as Anti-Fouling Materials.

High-performance properties of interpenetration polymer network (IPN) hydrogels, based on physically crosslinked chitosan (CS) and chemically crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAM), were successfully developed. The IPN of CS/PNiPAM is proposed to overcome the limited mechanical properties of the single CS network. In this study, the viscoelastic behaviors of prepared materials in both solution and gel states were extensively examined, considering the UV exposure time and crosslinker concentration as key factors. The effect of these factors on gel formation, hydrogel structures, thermal stabilities of networks, and HeLa cell adhesion were studied sequentially. The sol-gel transition was effectively demonstrated through the scaling law, which agrees well with Winter and Chambon's theory. By subjecting the CS hydrogel to the process operation in an ethanol solution, its properties can be significantly enhanced with increased crosslinker concentration, including the shear modulus, crosslinking degree, gel strength, and thermal stability in its swollen state. The IPN samples exhibit a smooth and dense surface with irregular pores, allowing for much water absorption. The HeLa cells were adhered to and killed using the CS surface cationic charges and then released through hydrolysis by utilizing the hydrophilic/hydrophobic switchable property or thermo-reversible gelation of the PNiPAM network. The results demonstrated that IPN is a highly attractive candidate for anti-fouling materials.

Fabrication of Interpenetrating Polymer Network-Based Hydrogel for Colon-Targeted Release of Nateglinide

Nateglinide is an anti-diabetic agent that experiences modest first-pass metabolism and poor aqueous solubility. This paper explores the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of interpenetrating polymer network composite hydrogels of chitosan and poly(meth(methacrylic)) acid as a potential carrier for the drug. Interpenetrating polymer network composite hydrogels of chitosan and poly(meth(methacrylic) acid incorporating nateglinide were prepared using N,Nꞌ-methylene bisacrylamide and glutaraldehyde as cross-linkers. The polymerization of chitosan, entrapment of the drug, and its interaction in prepared hydrogels were checked by FTIR spectroscopy, DSC, and powder XRD studies. The hydrogels were evaluated for their swelling behavior and in vitro drug release. The morphology of the hydrogels before and after dissolution was studied using SEM. The hydrogels showed a 93.29 ± 4.65% yield and 91.28 ± 2.22% drug loading. The hydrogels exhibited pH-sensitive swelling behavior. The in vitro release profile confirmed that the drug release depended on the swelling of hydrogels and showed a biphasic release pattern. Chitosan-poly(meth(methacrylic)) acid interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel, with its biodegradable nature and pH-sensitive release of nateglinide, is an attractive option to be further explored for targeted controlled drug delivery formulations for the drug.

Real-time visual humidity response films of interpenetrating polymer network based on cholesteric liquid crystal and poly (acrylic acid)

ABSTRACT Humidity sensors play a critical role in diverse fields such as agricultural production, medical equipment, and weather forecasting. However, the majority of existing humidity sensors rely on batteries or are relatively costly to construct. In this study, a simple, efficient, and battery-free visual humidity sensor was developed by combining cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) with acrylic acid (AA) and subsequently curing it to form an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) film. The IPN film changes colour with relative humidity (RH). Moreover, it has been confirmed that the film exhibits excellent repeatability, and its performance remains relatively unaffected by temperature fluctuations. Additionally, the relationship between film thickness and response time is explored in this research. Through orthogonal experiments involving various proportions of CLC, the study also scrutinises the influence of each component on the humidity response performance of the IPN films. During the transition from 40% RH to 90% RH, IPN film sample 3 experienced a remarkable redshift of 123.05 nm in the reflected wavelength. As for sample 9, its humidity response demonstrated an outstanding linearity of 0.9986. Consequently, the experimental outcomes provide strong evidence that this IPN film exhibits superior humidity response capabilities and holds considerable promise for practical applications.

Si-Drive European Project: Developing Crosslinked Polymer and Composite Membrane Electrolytes for Lithium-Based Batteries

Currently the main application of lithium ion batteries is in portable electronics, but new emerging applications such as electric cars require lower cost, improved cycle life, sustainability, safety and energy density.The ambition of Si-DRIVE European project is proposing next-generation batteries for electric cars built in Europe, designed to ensure recycling above 50%. Si-Drive battery will contain a Silicon anode, which has a high specific capacity, and a high voltage cathode without cobalt to reduce the cost and improve sustainability.As an alternative to conventional organic solvents, ionic liquids have been widely investigated over the years, due to their excellent properties in terms of safety and stability.The 1st generation of electrolytes for Si-Drive includes selected ionic liquids with high ionic conductivity and wide electrochemical stability. The 2nd generation of electrolytes combines the ionic liquids and the precursors of the polymer matrix in the formulation, in order to obtain crosslinked self-standing flexible films. The addition of ceramic super lithium ion conductors to obtain composite polymer electrolytes is also envisaged to improve the electrochemical stability window of the electrolyte.Here we present several different polymer electrolytes and semi interpenetrating polymer networks encompassing ionic liquids and ceramic materials having ionic conductivity > 10 mS/cm at 20 °C, which can be in situ-deposited and crosslinked on top of the electrodes, and combined to form bi-layered electrolyte membranes to tune the compatibility with the electrode materials. The cycling performance with different positive and negative electrodes at ambient temperature is also demonstrated. Acknowledgements: The Si-DRIVE project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research&Innovation programme, under Grant Agreement 814464. References J.-Y. Hwang, S.-T. Myung, Y.-K. Sun, Chem. Soc. Rev. 46, 3529-3614 (2017)M. Falco, C. Simari, C. Ferrara, J.R. Nair, G. Meligrana, F. Bella, I. Nicotera, P. Mustarelli, M. Winter, C. Gerbaldi, Langmuir 35, 8210-8219 (2019)M. Falco, L. Castro, J.R. Nair, F. Bella, F. Bardé, G. Meligrana, C. Gerbaldi, ACS Appl. Energy Mater. 2, 1600-1607 (2019)M. Falco et al., Electrochem. Commun. 118 106807 (2020)S. Saffirio, M. Falco, G.B. Appetecchi, F. Smeacetto, C. Gerbaldi, Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 42(3), 1023-1032 (2022).

Enhancing protein delivery for tissue regeneration: Development of AGR2-loaded hydrogels with controlled release properties

The growth factor Anterior Gradient 2 (AGR2) has been shown to have an effective role in tissue regeneration, but remained largely unexplored in localized tissue engineering applications. Alginate beads have been proven as safe carriers for protein encapsulation, but they suffer from fragility and uncontrolled protein release. For such alginate systems, little is known about how changes in concentrations and ion-crosslinking affect protein release and accumulation in 3-D matrices. To address these questions, an engineered interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has been used to synthesize a novel hybrid system consisting of AGR2 loaded beads composed of calcium-crosslinked sodium alginate (SA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). These beads are embedded in films consisting of SA and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), using a simple ion gelation technique. We assess protein release kinetics and accumulation within the hybrid system by varying polymer concentrations and cross-linking parameters. The IPN hybrid system maintains controlled release over two weeks, without an initial burst period. Through this approach efficicnt delivery of AGR2 is achieved which in turn effectively mediates cell migration and proliferation, resulting in excellent cell viability and complete wound closure. The described release system opens new perspectives in tissue engineering.

Effect of hygrothermal aging on novel hybrid composites: Transforming textile waste into a valuable product

AbstractThe textile industry now produces thousands of tons of waste worldwide, and the total amount of discarded material waste increases yearly. Hygrothermal aging of cotton/E‐glass (hybrid) fiber reinforced with various proportions of graphene oxide (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) was performed. Epoxy and vinyl ester (50:50) have been chosen because of the Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPNs) concept. Laminates were subjected to 50, 60, and 70°C temperatures for 180 days. Further, Tg and the degree of cross‐linking have been determined by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC analysis proves that a hot water bath enhances the cross‐linking of the polymer. IPN laminates were also intermittently weighed for water uptake, and their consecutive mechanical properties like tensile, flexural, and impact strength were obtained. From this work, it was observed that the addition of 5 w.t% graphene oxide in cotton/E glass fiber vinyl ester/epoxy resin hybrid IPN composites showed a tensile strength of 375.61 MPa, flexural strength of 393.54 MPa, Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of 49 MPa and the impact strength of 22.54 MPa. Moreover, the lowest inclusion of particulate addition exhibits better mechanical properties than (up to 5% of GO) the highest particulate loading into the matrix. SEM study was conducted on the broken specimens to know the impact of diffusion characteristics on the physical properties of the IPN composites.Highlights Natural and synthetic fibers are used as reinforcements. Waste cotton/E glass fiber vinyl epoxy composites are fabricated. Laminates were subjected to diverse temperatures for 180 days. The moisture diffusion coefficient is proportional to water temperature. Bathtub temperature affects the tensile strength of the laminate.

Fabrication of a Novel Fluorescein Embedded Photocomposite Based on Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) and Its Application in 4D Printing

AbstractWith the rapid development of the 3D printing technique, the concept of 4D has emerged, defining time as the fourth dimension. This concept allows for changes in the appearance, function, or other properties of 3D printed objects in response to certain controlled external stimuli over time. In this work, a new photocomposite containing fluorescein based is designed on an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) system, this system can be generated by the simultaneous photopolymerization of acrylate and epoxide monomers under visible LED@405 nm irradiation. Unexpectedly, combining the reversible fluorometric turn‐on property of fluorescein and the deformation of the IPN in the presence of water, the 3D flower structure printed from this photocomposite would demonstrate a novel dual responsive behavior with both fluorescence and shape changes when it is exposed to water for a short time. This work would present a novel functional photocomposite material and also expand the application prospect of 4D printing.

3D printed epoxy/acrylate hybrid polymers with excellent mechanical and shape memory properties via UV and thermal cationic dual-curing mechanism

Fabricating shape memory polymers with complex configurations and high mechanical performance for application as structural materials remains a significant challenge. Here, an epoxy/acrylate hybrid material with remarkable mechanical properties and excellent shape memory performance is fabricated using vat photopolymerization printing technology through photo-thermal dual curing mechanism. The UV-curing component comprises of a polyurethane acrylate and a rigid active diluent to ensure robustness and toughness. Meanwhile, the thermal curing epoxy constituent utilizes a benzylanilinium salt as the cationic initiator for its storage and handling stability throughout the UV curing stage. The interpenetrating polymer network and the unique two-phase molecular microstructure impart the hybrid material with good shape memory and high mechanical properties. Many complex objects are fabricated using vat photopolymerization printing technology and employed in self-deploying antennas, intelligent mechanical grippers, and switches. Combining with excellent printability, mechanical and shape memory properties, the hybrid materials have great potential applications in various fields.

An Overview on IPN and its Medicinal applications

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) is regarded as one of the most useful novel biomaterial. The invention of IPN can be rendered biocompatible and biodegradable has far reaching and profound long‐term implications for the pharmaceutical industry and indeed medicine as a whole. The excellent biocompatibility and safety due to its physical characteristics such as impart stability of the drug in the formulations, improves solubility of hydrophobic drugs, excellent swelling capacity and its biological characteristics, like biodegradability, impart bioavailability, drug targeting in a specific tissue and very weak antigenicity, made IPN the primary resource in both pharmaceutical and medical applications IPNs, two or more networks are at least partially interlaced on a polymer scale. Base on applications, polymers and polymer networks needs to have certain properties. IPNs can be used with interpenetration of suitable polymers to have desired properties for specific applications. The potential applications of IPN as drug delivery systems specially for the controlled release drug delivery systems. It was also used for tissue engineering including bone substitutes, stationary phase and cartilage scaffolds These systems which are also termed as ‘hungry networks’ or ‘intelligent polymers’ are currently the focus of considerable scientific research due to their potential technological application in a large number of areas: medicine, industry, biology and environmental clean-up. Some of the significant applications of IPNs include artificial implants, dialysis membranes, drug-delivery systems, burn-dressings, etc Interpenetrating polymer network has scope for its use as carrier system in drug delivery system. Characteristics of rubber can be modified by using different reinforcements.

Designing a 3D structure and a self‐healing technique for advanced polymer composites with outstanding mechanical properties and healing ability

AbstractWe designed three‐dimensional (3D) structures through a combination of glass fiber cloth and in situ formation of nano polyphenylene oxide (PPE) fibers during the fabrication process of thermosetting cyanate ester/bismaleimide composites and developed a self‐stitching technique based on PPE fiber and interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) for aiding the crack self‐healing. The building of 3D structure effectively improves the interface interaction between fiber and matrix and suppresses the crack propagation process in composite, leading to significant enhancement in the mechanical properties. When PPE content is 20%, the interlaminar shear strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and tensile strength of the resulting composite are 98%, 74%, 95%, and 101% higher than those of the composite without PPE. The resulting composites possess excellent thermomechanical and lower dielectric properties. Because IPNs within composites can create interspaces and easily deform above glass‐transition temperature, PPE components may penetrate through the interspaces under thermal expansion force, and the contraction stresses of polymers generate strong locking effects in composite after cooling to room temperature, then the crack surfaces of composites can be stitched by PPE fibers, significantly recovering the mechanical properties. The healing efficiency of the composite with 30% PPE after impact and then heating at approximately 280°C can reach 96%.Highlights 3D structures were constructed during the fabrication process of glass‐fiber‐reinforced thermosetting cyanate ester/bismaleimide composite. A self‐stitching technique was developed for aiding the crack self‐healing of composite. 3D structures significantly improved the interface interaction between fiber and matrix in laminated composite. The mechanical properties of the resulting composite could be significantly improved by 3D structures. The healing efficiency of the healed composite could reach 96%.

Self-assembled gel-assisted preparation of high-performance hydrophobic PDMS@MWCNTs/PEDOT:PSS composite aerogels for wearable piezoresistive sensors

The conductive polymer poly(3,4-thylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) exhibits potential in the development of flexible devices due to its unique conjugated structure and water-solubility characteristics. To address the incompressibility of the original PEDOT:PSS aerogel without compromising its high conductivity, a stable interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) was self-assembled by guiding the molecular motion within PEDOT:PSS and introducing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). By combining critical surface removal, directional freeze-drying, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) reinforcement processes, a hydrophobic PDMS@MWCNTs/PP aerogel with a highly oriented porous structure and high strength was prepared. Under the synergistic effect of MWCNTs/PEDOT:PSS electroactive scaffold, the composite aerogel exhibited a high sensitivity of up to 16.603 kPa−1 at 0–2 kPa, a fast response time of 74 ms, and excellent repeatability. Moreover, the sensor possessed hydrophobicity with a good water contact angle of 137° The sensor could serve as a wearable electronic monitoring device to achieve accurate and sensitive detection of human motion including large-scale human activities and tiny muscle movements. Therefore, our findings provide a new direction to fabricate high-performance piezoresistive sensors based on three-dimensional (3D) conductive polymer active scaffolds, demonstrating their great potential for flexible electronics, human-computer interaction, and a wide range of applications under special working conditions.

Engineered 3D tumor microenvironment recapitulating stiffness of lung tissue to explore drug resistance of lung carcinoma

Despite clinical advances, the development of anticancer drugs faces high failure rates owing to cancer drug resistance and insufficient understanding of the native tumor microenvironment. Polymeric hydrogels are promising engineered 3D cancer models owing to their tunable properties and structural similarities to the native extracellular matrix. However, precisely mimicking the native cancer microenvironment remains challenging. In this study, we present interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels with independent stiffness control as an engineered 3D lung carcinoma model for drug screening and basic cancer research. These IPN hydrogels are formed via horseradish peroxidase/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated dual-crosslinking reactions, showing independently tunable stiffness at various H2O2 concentrations. Using this ability, we create engineered 3D lung cancer models that simulate normal and cancerous lung tissue stiffness with encapsulation of non-small cell lung cancer cells. We perform drug resistance tests using this system and compare the drug responses in various preclinical cancer models in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we investigate the biological mechanism underlying the acquired resistance of lung carcinoma cells to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors. In summary, our engineered 3D cancer model can serve as an advanced preclinical platform for drug screening and cancer biology, including the biological mechanisms of acquired drug resistance.

Effects of glycerol and PVA on gelatin/Gum Arabic aerogels: Microstructure, mechanical properties, and applications for food monitoring

Smart labels are a hot research topic in the field of food science, but the low sensitivity of film smart labels limits the on-site and visual detection of seafood freshness. To address these challenges, betacyanin (BET) as a response signal and an aerogel smart label based on gelatin/gum arabic (Gel/GA) were designed. The labels produced a visually observable color change in the presence of volatile ammonia (2500 ppm) and displayed an immediate colorimetric response to food spoilage when packaged shrimp was used as an example. The results showed that the smart aerogel labels were better than the film smart labels in the response sensitivity test of volatile ammonia. In addition, the addition of a small amount of plasticizers (glycerol) or hardeners (polyvinyl alcohol, PVA) further enhanced the responsiveness of the aerogel to volatile ammonia. Notably, the addition of a small amount of PVA further increased the hardness of the aerogels. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that these results may be caused by the interpenetration of the PVA network and the Gel/GA network to form a new type of interpenetrating polymer network structure. Therefore, the developed smart aerogel labels play an important role in ensuring food quality and reducing food waste and inspire new ideas for the development of additional functional smart labels.

Development of a Temperature-Responsive Hydrogel Incorporating PVA into NIPAAm for Controllable Drug Release in Skin Regeneration.

Melanoma, a highly malignant and aggressive form of skin cancer, poses a significant global health threat, with limited treatment options and potential side effects. In this study, we developed a temperature-responsive hydrogel for skin regeneration with a controllable drug release. The hydrogel was fabricated using an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). PVA was chosen for its adhesive properties, biocompatibility, and ability to address hydrophobicity issues associated with NIPAAm. The hydrogel was loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), an anticancer drug, for the treatment of melanoma. The NIPAAm-PVA (N-P) hydrogel demonstrated temperature-responsive behavior with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) around 34 °C. The addition of PVA led to increased porosity and faster drug release. In vitro biocompatibility tests showed nontoxicity and supported cell proliferation. The N-P hydrogel exhibited effective anticancer effects on melanoma cells due to its rapid drug release behavior. This N-P hydrogel system shows great promise for controlled drug delivery and potential applications in skin regeneration and cancer treatment. Further research, including in vivo studies, will be essential to advance this hydrogel system toward clinical translation and impactful advancements in regenerative medicine and cancer therapeutics.

Glass fiber/epoxy composites with improved interfacial adhesion by using cross‐linking sizing agent

AbstractGlass fibers (GFs) are frequently employed as reinforcement fibers for polymer resins such as epoxy and polyester. The mechanical behaviors of GFs polymer composites are nevertheless constrained by weak interfacial adhesion between polymer matrix and GFs. Herein, we invented a cross‐linking modified sizing agent using polyethyleneimine and bisphenol A epoxy emulsion, and studied the effect of cross‐linking extent on GF surface characteristics and GF/epoxy interfacial adhesion. The treatment of GFs with cross‐linking modified sizing agent facilitated the formation of interpenetrating polymer networks in composites for strengthening interface interaction. The results show that the modified GFs have a rough surface and improved interfacial adhesion with epoxy matrix. When sizing agents with cross‐linking extent of the 23.0%, the GF/epoxy composites show advanced interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and transverse fiber bundle tension (TFBT) strength. This work demonstrates that the cross‐linking extent of sizing agent could regulate interfacial adhesion, which is a facile and promising strategy in reinforcing glass fiber polymer composites.Highlights Crosslink the sizing agent to enhance GF mechanical properties was reported. GF surface energy was enhanced and thickness of GF/epoxy interphase increased. IFSS and TFBT strength of the GF/resin composites increased by 23.65% and 30.54%, respectively.

Temperature and pH-dependent nanogel for smart pesticide delivery with enhanced foliar dispersion and washout resistance can effectively control multiple plant diseases

The utilization of nanomaterials to develop a system capable of regulating pesticide release in response to environmental cues, enhancing the deposition efficacy on plant leaves, and increasing resistance against rainwater erosion holds immense significance in improving the efficiency of pesticide usage while minimizing residual pollution. Cellulose-based green nanocomposites have emerged as a promising candidate for intelligent drug delivery systems. In this study, we had successfully developed a novel biocompatible interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) gel, named SPCs, by incorporating sodium alginate (SA), polydopamine (PDA), and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC), and a stable gel-like network structure emulsion (MJ@SPCs) was achieved by coating the pesticide azoxystrobin (MJ). The resulting MJ@SPCs exhibited excellent pH responsiveness and temperature sensitivity. Compared to free MJ, MJ@SPCs exhibited improved foliar wettability, rain erosion resistance, deposition rate, and controlled release performance. The results of the bacteriostatic performance test indicated that MJ@SPCs exhibited a higher inhibitory efficiency against Gibperella zeae (GZ) than MJ at equivalent concentrations. Moreover, the in vivo biosafety evaluation of MJ@SPCs had confirmed its relative safety for aquatic zebrafish. This study offers insights into the potential applications of nanopesticides for sustainable plant protection.

Composite Hydrogels Based on Bacterial Cellulose and Poly-1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole/Phosphoric Acid: Supramolecular Structure as Studied by Small Angle Scattering.

New composite hydrogels (CH) based on bacterial cellulose (BC) and poly-1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole (PVT) doped with orthophosphoric acid (oPA), presenting interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPN), have been synthesized. The mesoscopic study of the supramolecular structure (SMS) of both native cellulose, produced by the strain Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, and the CH based on BC and containing PVT/oPA complex were carried out in a wide range of momentum transfer using ultra- and classical small-angle neutron scattering techniques. The two SMS hierarchical levels were revealed from 1.6 nm to 2.5 μm for the objects under investigation. In addition, it was shown that the native BC had a correlation peak on the small-angle scattering curves at 0.00124 Å-1, with the correlation length ξ being equal to ca. 510 nm. This motive was also retained in the IPN. The data obtained allowed the estimation of the fractal dimensions and ranges of self-similarity and gave new information about the BC mesostructure and its CH. Furthermore, we revealed them to be in coincidence with Brown's BC model, which was earlier supported by Fink's results.

An Antibiotic-Loaded Silicone-Hydrogel Interpenetrating Polymer Network for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most frequent healthcare-associated infections, resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and cost. While correct hygiene measures and prophylactic antibiotics are effective in preventing SSIs, even in modern healthcare settings where recommended guidelines are strictly followed, SSIs persist as a considerable problem that has proven hard to solve. Surgical procedures involving the implantation of foreign bodies are particularly problematic due to the ability of microorganisms to adhere to and colonize the implanted material and form resilient biofilms. In these cases, SSIs may develop even months after implantation and can be difficult to treat once established. Locally applied antibiotics or specifically engineered implant materials with built-in antibiotic-release properties may prevent these complications and, ultimately, require fewer antibiotics compared to those that are systemically administered. In this study, we demonstrated an antimicrobial material concept with intended use in artificial vascular grafts. The material is a silicone-hydrogel interpenetrating polymer network developed earlier for drug-release catheters. In this study, we designed the material for permanent implantation and tested the drug-loading and drug-release properties of the material to prevent the growth of a typical causative pathogen of SSIs, Staphylococcus aureus. The novelty of this study is demonstrated through the antimicrobial properties of the material in vitro after loading it with an advantageous combination, minocycline and rifampicin, which subsequently showed superiority over the state-of-the-art (Propaten) artificial graft material in a large-animal study, using a novel porcine tissue-implantation model.

Fabrication and rheological properties of a novel interpenetrating network hydrogel based on sage seed hydrocolloid and globulin from the hydrocolloid extraction by-product

In this study, interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels were developed based on sage seed gum (SSG) and globulin protein (Glo) extracted from the mucilage-free seeds. By combining Glo hydrogel with the SSG network the inherent weak gelation of the single SSG system was compensated. As the fraction of Glo increased, various properties of the interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels improved substantially. Electrophoretic analysis under reducing conditions showed that Glo dissociated into subunits of approximately 30 kDa and 20 kDa, suggesting it comprises 11S globulin. FTIR spectrum revealed new peaks at 1645 cm−1 and 1537 cm−1 in the amide I and II regions, respectively, for the IPN hydrogels, indicating interactions between two hydrogel networks. Based on the weight loss measurements, the IPN hydrogels exhibited lower mass loss, particularly at higher Glo fractions up to 6 %. The IPN hydrogels also displayed enhanced elasticity, pseudoelasticity, thixotropy, and creep resistance compared to SSG hydrogel, indicating suitability for food, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. More broadly, this research provides a sustainable strategy toward innovative material development while advancing bio-based hydrogels.

Preparation and anticorrosion performance of nano polyaniline/polyurethane interpenetrating network composite coating

AbstractPolyaniline−dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid (PANI‐DBSA) particles were synthesized through in situ lotion polymerization of aniline and DBSA as raw materials, followed by combining with epoxy resin (E‐44) and castor oil (CO) to prepare a PANI mixture (PANI‐DBSA/CO) which was used as a nanofiller to create a nano polyaniline/polyurethane (PANI‐PU) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) coating. SEM, XRD and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the PANI‐DBSA and PANI‐PU IPN composite coatings that were produced. The coatings’ physical and mechanical characteristics were investigated, as well as the system's corrosion behaviour in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, utilizing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and electrokinetic polarization. Acid, alkali and saltwater immersion investigations were used to further evaluate the coatings’ medium resistance. The results show that when PANI‐DBSA is added at 1 wt%, the contact angle reaches 102.6°, the adhesion reaches S1 grade after 720 h immersion, the tensile strength is 16.22 MPa and the elongation reaches 208%. The impedance value of the composite coating grew by 569 times with the addition of 1 wt% PANI, and the resistance duration to 10 wt% H2SO4, 10 wt% NaOH and 3.5 wt% NaCl reached more than 90 days. The addition of PANI to IPN coatings can increase corrosion resistance and extend their application range. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.