Mesh Sheet Research Articles

Electricity generation and bivalent copper reduction as a function of operation time and cathode electrode material in microbial fuel cells

The performance of carbon rod (CR), titanium sheet (TS), stainless steel woven mesh (SSM) and copper sheet (CS) cathode materials are investigated in microbial fuel cells (MFCs) for simultaneous electricity generation and Cu(II) reduction, in multiple batch cycle operations. After 12 cycles, the MFC with CR exhibits 55% reduction in the maximum power density and 76% increase in Cu(II) removal. In contrast, the TS and SSM cathodes at cycle 12 show maximum power densities of 1.7 (TS) and 3.4 (SSM) times, and Cu(II) removal of 1.2 (TS) and 1.3 (SSM) times higher than those observed during the first cycle. Diffusional resistance in the TS and SSM cathodes is found to appreciably decrease over time due to the copper deposition. In contrast to CR, TS and SSM, the cathode made with CS is heavily corroded in the first cycle, exhibiting significant reduction in both the maximum power density and Cu(II) removal at cycle 2, after which the performance stabilizes. These results demonstrate that the initial deposition of copper on the cathodes of MFCs is crucial for efficient and continuous Cu(II) reduction and electricity generation over prolonged time. This effect is closely associated with the nature of the cathode material. Among the materials examined, the SSM is the most effective and inexpensive cathode for practical use in MFCs.

Pectus excavatum repair using Prolene polypropylene mesh.

We aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of our surgical technique for repair of pectus excavatum using Prolene polypropylene mesh. Among 29 patients with pectus excavatum, the major complaint was cosmetic dissatisfaction, and the main symptom was exercise dyspnea in 15 patients. The Haller index used to assess pectus excavatum severity; it was significant in 22 patients. In all patients, a 2-layer sheet of Prolene polypropylene mesh was placed behind the sternum. No serious complication was observed postoperatively, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result. Mitral valve prolapse improved in all cases after 3 months. Spirometry revealed improved pulmonary function after surgery. With due attention to the advantages of Prolene polypropylene mesh, such as remaining permanently in place, adapting to various stresses encountered in the body, resisting degradation by tissue enzymes, and trimming without unraveling, we concluded that this mesh is suitable for use as posterior sternal support in pectus excavatum patients.

A Review of Obturator Hernias：Incarcerated Cases after Mesh Sheet and Plug Hernioplasty

A Review of Obturator Hernias：Incarcerated Cases after Mesh Sheet and Plug Hernioplasty

A Wrapping Method for Inserting Titanium Micro-Mesh Implants in the Reconstruction of Blowout Fractures.

Titanium micro-mesh implants are widely used in orbital wall reconstructions because they have several advantageous characteristics. However, the rough and irregular marginal spurs of the cut edges of the titanium mesh sheet impede the efficacious and minimally traumatic insertion of the implant, because these spurs may catch or hook the orbital soft tissue, skin, or conjunctiva during the insertion procedure. In order to prevent this problem, we developed an easy method of inserting a titanium micro-mesh, in which it is wrapped with the aseptic transparent plastic film that is used to pack surgical instruments or is attached to one side of the inner suture package. Fifty-four patients underwent orbital wall reconstruction using a transconjunctival or transcutaneous approach. The wrapped implant was easily inserted without catching or injuring the orbital soft tissue, skin, or conjunctiva. In most cases, the implant was inserted in one attempt. Postoperative computed tomographic scans showed excellent placement of the titanium micro-mesh and adequate anatomic reconstruction of the orbital walls. This wrapping insertion method may be useful for making the insertion of titanium micro-mesh implants in the reconstruction of orbital wall fractures easier and less traumatic.

Single human sperm cryopreservation method using hollow-core agarose capsules

To develop an efficient cryopreservation method using a single sperm. Experimental study. Laboratory of a private institute. A fertile donor. We produced hollow-core capsules with agarose walls. A single human sperm was injected into each capsule as per the conventional intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) method. The capsules that contained the spermatozoa were cryopreserved on polycarbonate or nylon mesh sheets using nitrogen vapor. Before their use, the capsules were thawed and recovered. The motile spermatozoa in the capsules were counted. The recovery rates of the agarose capsules and the spermatozoa in these capsules after thawing and the mortality and survival rates of the spermatozoa. The recovery rates of the capsules were 91.5% (75/82) using polycarbonate sheets (PS) and 98.3% (59/60) using mesh sheets (MS) after thawing. The recovered capsules were not at all damaged. The recovery rates of the spermatozoa were 91.5% (75/82) using PS and 96.7% (58/60) using MS. Sperm motility rates were 85.3% (64/75) and 82.8% (48/58), whereas the survival rates of the immotile spermatozoa by the hypoosmotic swelling test were 81.8% (9/11) and 50.0% (5/10); furthermore, the total survival rates of the spermatozoa were 97.3% (73/75) and 91.4% (53/58) using PS and MS, respectively. There was no significant difference between the results obtained using PS and MS. A cryopreservation method for a single sperm using an agarose capsule has been developed. The method is expected to be useful in ICSI treatment in patients with few spermatozoa.

A Method for Combining Thin and Thick Malleable Titanium Mesh in the Repair of Cranial Defects

Introduction: Cranial defects following the removal of tumor involved bone require repair and reconstruction for brain protection and cosmesis. A variety of autologous bone substrates and synthetic materials can be employed, alone or in combination. In this article, we describe the use of dual thin and thick titanium mesh, connected together using plate hardware, to repair a right frontotemporal sphenoidal bone defect following resection of a hyperostosing sphenoid wing meningioma.Methods: Reconstruction of the pterion was done with a dual mesh cranioplasty. After replacement of the native orbitozygomatic and frontotemporal bone pieces, a piece of thinner mesh was molded to the pterional defect connecting the two bone pieces and re-creating the concave shape of the pterion below the superior temporal line. The circular area of the bony defect overlying the frontal and temporal lobes was supplemented by cutting and molding an additional piece of thicker mesh which was secured to the thinner mesh with burr hole cover sectors using rescue screws.Results: A 30-year-old woman presented with painless proptosis and was found to have a hyperostosing right sphenoid wing meningioma. The patient underwent a frontotemporal orbitozygomatic craniotomy for tumor resection and extensive bony osteotomy. Repair and reconstruction of the cranial defect in the region were accomplished at the time of open operation using two thicknesses of mesh connected one to another with titanium plate pieces and rescue screws. The patient underwent gross total resection of the meningioma and near total resection of the soft tissue and bony components (Simpson Grade II). The external cosmetic results following the orbital-cranial reconstruction with the dual mesh technique was deemed “very good” by the surgeon and patient. Postoperative CT imaging demonstrated symmetric re-approximation of the shape of the pterion as compared to the opposite side.Conclusions: We present a method for connecting two titanium mesh sheets with available hardware to improve the strength in compression while maintaining the ability to mold thinner sheets as necessary for the best cosmetic results. This method is an option for coverage of bony defects in the region of the pterion for young, physically active patients providing them with additional mesh cranioplasty strength.

Cell Adhesion Minimization by a Novel Mesh Culture Method Mechanically Directs Trophoblast Differentiation and Self-Assembly Organization of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Mechanical methods for inducing differentiation and directing lineage specification will be instrumental in the application of pluripotent stem cells. Here, we demonstrate that minimization of cell-substrate adhesion can initiate and direct the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into cyst-forming trophoblast lineage cells (TLCs) without stimulation with cytokines or small molecules. To precisely control cell-substrate adhesion area, we developed a novel culture method where cells are cultured on microstructured mesh sheets suspended in a culture medium such that cells on mesh are completely out of contact with the culture dish. We used microfabricated mesh sheets that consisted of open meshes (100∼200 μm in pitch) with narrow mesh strands (3-5 μm in width) to provide support for initial cell attachment and growth. We demonstrate that minimization of cell adhesion area achieved by this culture method can trigger a sequence of morphogenetic transformations that begin with individual hiPSCs attached on the mesh strands proliferating to form cell sheets by self-assembly organization and ultimately differentiating after 10-15 days of mesh culture to generate spherical cysts that secreted human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone and expressed caudal-related homeobox 2 factor (CDX2), a specific marker of trophoblast lineage. Thus, this study demonstrates a simple and direct mechanical approach to induce trophoblast differentiation and generate cysts for application in the study of early human embryogenesis and drug development and screening.

Recurrence of hernia after mesh hernioplasty – a study of 100 cases

Introduction: Recurrences have been a significant problem following hernia repair. Prosthetic materials are increasingly used in hernia repair to prevent recurrences. Their use has been associated with several advantages, such as less postoperative pain, rapid recovery and low recurrence rates. Objectives: This study has been done to find out the early and late morbidity specially the recurrence rates of Hernia after mesh hernioplasty. Methods: This retrospective study, was performed on 100 patients between the periods of October 2007 to October 2012 at Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka, on whom tension free open repair were performed by Rives (Inlay), Lichtenstein (onlay) or Stoppa (GPRVS) technique. Stoppa technique was applied in bilateral cases. Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair was done by TAPP (Trans Abdominal Pre Peritoneal) approach. All data concerning age, sex, history, and symptoms of patients, as well as the post operative condition of the patients were recorded in predesigned data sheet. Results: Out of 100 cases 90 (90%) were male and 10 (10%) were female. The overall age ranged between 30 – 80 years with an increased incidence between 5th and 6th decades (50%). Most of the patients were having inguinal Hernia (75%), 83 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 followed by incisional hernia in 15 (15%) and paraumbilical hernia in 10 (10%) patients. Among inguinal hernia, direct variety were 53 (58.2%), indirect 29 (31.9%), recurrent 9 (9.9%), right sided 44 (48.3%), left sided 31 (34.1%) and bilateral 16 (17.6%). Fifteen (15%) cases had diabetes mellitus, 10 (10%) cases had hypertension, 12 (12%) cases had been suffering from bronchial asthma and 2 (2%) cases had features of prostatism. Ninety two (92%) patients underwent open surgery and 8 (8%) cases laparoscopic hernioplasty. Among the open procedure done (83 procedures) in inguinal hernias unilateral inlay inguinal hernioplasty (Rives) was done in 47 (56.6%), onlay (Lichtenstein) in 20 (24.1%) and Stoppa procedure was done in 16 (19.3%) bilateral cases. In all 100 cases, a sheet of Polypropyelene mesh was given as prosthetic material. Post operatively a few patients developed complication. Ecchymosis of skin in 2 (2%), testicular swelling and orchitis in 4 (4%), wound infection in 3 (3%), retention of urine in 10 (10%) cases. All were treated and improved. 2 (2%) cases developed recurrence after operation as found in follow-up where onlay mesh were given and who had features of prostatism. Conclusion: Tension-free mesh hernia repair is a simple, safe, comfortable and effective method, with extremely low early and late morbidity and remarkably low recurrence rate and therefore it is a preferred method for hernia repair. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21842 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013

Temporary abdominal closure with zipper-mesh device for management of intra-abdominal sepsis.

to present our experience with scheduled reoperations in 15 patients with intra-abdominal sepsis. we have applied a more effective technique consisting of temporary abdominal closure with a nylon mesh sheet containing a zipper. We performed reoperations in the operating room under general anesthesia at an average interval of 84 hours. The revision consisted of debridement of necrotic material and vigorous lavage of the involved peritoneal area. The mean age of patients was 38.7 years (range, 15 to 72 years); 11 patients were male, and four were female. forty percent of infections were due to necrotizing pancreatitis. Sixty percent were due to perforation of the intestinal viscus secondary to inflammation, vascular occlusion or trauma. We performed a total of 48 reoperations, an average of 3.2 surgeries per patient. The mesh-zipper device was left in place for an average of 13 days. An intestinal ostomy was present adjacent to the zipper in four patients and did not present a problem for patient management. Mortality was 26.6%. No fistulas resulted from this technique. When intra-abdominal disease was under control, the mesh-zipper device was removed, and the fascia was closed in all patients. In three patients, the wound was closed primarily, and in 12 it was allowed to close by secondary intent. Two patients developed hernia; one was incisional and one was in the drain incision. the planned reoperation for manual lavage and debridement of the abdomen through a nylon mesh-zipper combination was rapid, simple, and well-tolerated. It permitted effective management of severe septic peritonitis, easy wound care and primary closure of the abdominal wall.

The use of nontreated mosquito-net mesh cloth for a tension free inguinal hernia repair: our experience.

Introduction:The prohibitive costs and scarcity of the imported prosthetic mesh for hernioplasty, has prevented its widespread use in most developing countries. We then set out to ascertain the outcome, complications (undue pain, wound infection, recurrence, and mesh extrusion) and cost implications in the use of a nontreated mosquito-net for inguinal hernioplasty.Materials and Methods:A prospective study of all consecutive adult patients with uncomplicated inguinal hernia who were admitted for open herniorrhaphy between January 2012 and December, 2013 at the Federal Medical Centre, Ido – Ekiti, South West, Nigeria. A sheet of the nontreated mosquito-net mesh 10 cm Χ 8 cm, autoclaved, a day prior to surgery was used for each patient's hernia repair. The operation sites were exposed and examined 3rd and 6th postoperative days. Findings were documented for analysis.Result:A total of 130 adult patients were recruited for this study of which 115 of the patients were males and 15 were females. Forty-four (41.53%) had inguinal hernia and 76 (58.46%) of them had inguinoscrotal hernia. They all had successful repair and were followed-up for complications for a period of 6 weeks to 6 months at the surgical out-patient department.Conclusion:Locally-sourced and autoclaved mosquito-net mesh is an effective alternative for hernioplasty especially in situations where commercial mesh is not readily available or affordable.

Clinical usefulness of free subcutaneous fat pad for reduction of intraoperative air leakage during thoracoscopic pulmonary resection in lung cancer cases.

Intraoperative alveolar air leaks remain a significant problem in thoracoscopic surgery (TS) cases. We examined the usefulness of covering damaged lung tissue with a subcutaneous fat pad for preventing postoperative air leakage in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with NSCLC underwent a thoracoscopic lobectomy or segmentectomy. When alveolar air leakage from the superficial pulmonary parenchyma was found, fibrin glue in combination with an absorbable mesh sheet was applied (S group; n = 100). When leakage originated from deep within the pulmonary parenchyma, a subcutaneous fat pad about 2 × 2 cm in size was harvested from the utility incision and placed on the damaged lung tissue with fibrin glue and sutures (F group; n = 66). Patient characteristics, air leak duration, and chest-tube removal time were analyzed. The homogeneity of each group was consistent, with no statistical differences for age, respiratory function, surgical procedures, pathologic stage, and histological type. The air leak duration was significantly shorter (p = 0.015), and the chest tube was removed significantly earlier (p = 0.002) in patients in the F group. Use of a free subcutaneous fat pad during pulmonary resection for TS patients with NSCLC reduced the duration of air leakage and chest tube drainage. The present method is easy, safe, and effective for repairing an air leak from remaining lung tissues in such cases.

A rigid and bioabsorbable material for anterior chest wall reconstruction in a canine model.

The optimal material for anterior chest wall reconstruction following chest wall resection remains controversial. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate short-term, morphological and histological outcomes of anterior chest wall reconstruction with a rigid and bioabsorbable material in a canine model. Twenty adult beagle dogs underwent anterior chest wall resection. In the experimental group (n = 10), the anterior chest wall was reconstructed with a rigid and bioabsorbable material composed of poly-L-lactide acid matrix (60 wt%) and uncalcined and unsintered hydroxyapatite particles (40 wt%), whereas in the control group it was (n = 10) reconstructed with dual polypropylene mesh sheets. Short-term complication rates were compared with a χ(2) test. Postoperative sternal deviations were evaluated with sternal alignment angles using computed tomography and multiplanar reconstruction and were compared with Mann-Whitney U-test immediately after reconstruction, and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Histological findings of the regenerated chest wall tissue were obtained after staining with haematoxylin and eosin and Elastica van Gieson (EVG) and compared at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. There was not a significant difference in the short-term postoperative complication rate (P = 0.53) and the complication rate was 20% (wound infection, n = 1 and lethal mediastinitis, n = 1) in the control group and 10% (wound infection, n = 1) in the experimental group. The postoperative sternal deviation was significantly less remarkable at 1 month (123.3 ± 32.2° vs 159.4 ± 19.7°, P = 0.027), 3 months (109.8 ± 34.7° vs 150.9 ± 34.2°, P = 0.039) and 12 months (61 ± 15.6° vs 170.3 ± 6.6°, P = 0.046) in the experimental group than in the control group, whereas no significant difference was noted immediately after reconstruction (165.7 ± 6.4° vs 168.4 ± 9.1°, P = 0.50). Histological findings showed dense connective tissue in the regenerated chest wall in both groups and showed chondroblasts in the regenerated chest wall tissue at 3 and 6 months only in the experimental group. Our results suggest that anterior chest wall reconstruction with a rigid and bioabsorbable material is feasible and may be a valuable alternative to reconstruction with a non-rigid and non-absorbable material.

Proposed technique for inguinal hernia repair with self-gripping mesh: avoiding fixation to undesired structures.

Self-gripping meshes have been developed to avoid fixing sutures during inguinal hernia repair. Operative time is shorter when using a self-gripping mesh than with conventional Lichtenstein repair. However, these meshes can be difficult to handle because they fix to undesired structures. The aim of this report is to describe a new technique to avoid this problem. Inguinal hernia dissection is made as usual. Once dissection is finished, a Parietex ProGrip(®) (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) flat sheet mesh is cut depending on the size needed. A small split is made between the lower and medium third of the mesh to mark where the split for the spermatic cord will be. Using this mark, the upper third of the mesh is folded over the medium third, hiding the microgrips that make this a self-gripping mesh. In this way, only the lower third of the mesh has the microgrips exposed and the mesh can be fixed to the pubic bone and inguinal ligament without fixation to undesired structures. Once the lower third of the mesh is fixed, the split for the spermatic cord is completed and the upper part of the mesh is passed below the spermatic cord. Then, the mesh is unfolded to expose the microgrips again and the medium and upper third of the mesh are descended to its final position. This proposed technique for inguinal hernia repair with self-gripping mesh makes the surgery easier, avoiding mesh fixation to undesired structures.

Electro-magnetic insulating behavior of thin multilayered copper-nickel composite mesh sheet formed by two-step pulse electroplating

Layer-by-layer depositions of nickel and copper with nano-sized thickness were well formed by two-step pulsation at pH 4.5. The multi-layers were composed of a copper-rich nickel phase of 8: 2 with 14-nm thickness and a nickel-rich copper phase of 9: 1 with 16-nm thickness, respectively. The Ni2+-citrate solution controls the optical and chemical properties of the Cu2+Ni2+-citrate solution. The absorbance change with pH was related to complex formation. The relative contents of nickel and copper of an electroplated layer depended on electroplating conditions like the current density and pH. The electromagnetic shielding efficiency of the copper-nickel composite mesh/PI film showed more effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties than a pure copper mesh/PI film in the GHz frequency range.

Liquid flow behavior study in SiC foam corrugated sheet using a novel ultraviolet fluorescence technique coupled with CFD simulation

The liquid flow behaviors and liquid residence time distribution on different structured SiC foam corrugated sheets are observed experimentally to assess the suitability of the foam structured corrugated packing consisting of SiC foam corrugated sheets. A novel experimental technique using an ultraviolet fluorescence system combined with a HD camera for non-invasive liquid flow behavior measurement has been developed in this article. A model based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach developed in previous work (Li et al., 2011) is used to calculate the liquid flow behaviors and characteristics of residence time for the SiC foam corrugated sheets. Both experimental and numerical results agreed well and demonstrated that the pore size and the extrusion ratio of foam materials played a key role for the liquid flow performance. Finally, the characteristics of flow behaviors obtained from experimental and numerical simulation were compared to the wire mesh sheet. These comparison results showed that SiC-foam sheets have outstanding liquid dispersion capability, which indicates SiC-foam is a promising material for the structured packing.

Posterior Component Separation with Transversus Abdominis Release

BACKGROUND: Ventral hernia is a frequent and challenging problem. More patients today are presenting with significant comorbidities, loss of domain, and difficult anatomic considerations. The ideal method of hernia repair has not yet been found. Non-midline hernias, parastomal hernias, and recurrent ventral hernias after traditional anterior component separation present a particular challenge to repair. In these cases, typical reconstructive techniques would struggle to reestablish abdominal domain to create a lasting repair. Posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release is a new reconstructive technique that offers a durable solution to challenging ventral hernias. METHODS: Posterior component separation begins with a midline laparotomy incision. All adhesions to the posterior abdominal wall are taken down. A Rives-Stoppa-Wantz retro-rectus dissection is carried out, mobilizing large lateral musculocutaneous flaps. Just medial to the linea semilunaris, the transversus abdominis is released by dividing the fascia and muscle insertion to the posterior layer. This allows a wide plane of pre-peritoneal dissection. The plane extends to the psoas muscle laterally, under the costal margin to the central tendon of the diaphragm superolaterally, below the inguinal ligament inferolaterally, and to the neck of the bladder inferiorly. The perforating neurovascular bundles between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis are spared, creating well-vascularized flaps that retain contractile strength. Large sheets of mesh are placed beneath the transversus abdominis in a sublay fashion to reinforce the repair. The rectus abdominis can reliably be advanced to allow for a midline abdominal closure. This technique can be used in non-midline hernias, subxiphoid or suprapubic hernias, and in patients who previously had an anterior component separation – patients who previously had few or very difficult reconstructive options. RESULTS: Results with posterior component separation are reliable and durable, suggesting a 5% recurrence rate at 2 years. At our institution, prospective data collection is being conducted and is thus far encouraging, as no patients have developed recurrent hernias one year after posterior component separation. CONCLUSION: Posterior component separation is a versatile, easy-to-learn technique of hernia repair that offers a reliable, durable solution to complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Dry dressing for epidermal sloughing after subcutaneous azacitidine injection in a myelodysplastic syndrome.

Dry dressing for epidermal sloughing after subcutaneous azacitidine injection in a myelodysplastic syndrome.

The Influence of Preparation Method and Electrode on Properties of Carbon Fiber Electrically Conductive Concrete

This paper studied the influence of preparation method and electrode on properties of carbon fiber electrically conductive concrete by testing flexural strength and electrical resistance. Carbon fiber electrically conductive concrete is prepared by using dry mix method and wet mix method, the electrodes of which are stainless steel mesh and stainless steel sheet. The results show that the wet mix method of carbon fiber electrically conductive concrete is better than the dry mix method. The stainless steel sheet used as electrode in electrically conductive concrete is better than the stainless steel mesh. The long-term electrical resistivity of carbon fiber electrically conductive concrete is a constant value.

A superhydrophobic and superoleophilic miniature mesh box for oil spill clean up

In this paper, we have fabricated a miniature mesh box (SS-MB) with surface superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity for possible application in the field of oil spill clean up. The superhydrophobic SS-MB was fabricated by boiling a sheet of copper mesh in CuSO4 aqueous solution for an hour. The as-prepared SS-MB rapidly and selectively contained various industrial oils, with a high separation capacity, but did not adsorb any water due to its porosity, superoleophilicity and superhydrophobicity. Additionally, the oil contained by the SS-MB could be easily sucked out using a dropper, for reuse. After washing with toluene, the SS-MB could be used in the next oil–water separation cycle without losing its high separating ability even after 20 separation cycles. Furthermore, the SS-MB is stable under ambient conditions and also shows desirable corrosion resistance under conditions that mimic marine water. Therefore, the SS-MB has the advantages of easy fabrication, excellent oil–water separation and collection properties from the surface of the water, reusability, and reasonable stability under ambient and corrosive conditions, which make it suitable for the fast cleanup of oil spills.

Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic Miniature Device for the Collection of Oils from Water Surfaces

We develop a simple strategy for the collection of oil spill using a miniature device. The device was enfolded from a sheet of copper mesh with surface superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity. The copper mesh was fabricated through a simple thermal oxidation and surface modification process. The miniature device adsorbed various oils from the surface of oil–water mixture in its pores while repelling water completely. After the pores were full of oil, only oil could infiltrate into the device through the pores automatically and was finally concentrated into the device, showing its oil–water separating ability. Importantly, the concentrated oil in the device could be taken away by a dropper or pumped out, thus achieving the collection of oil for reuse. Additionally, after the concentrated oil was taken away, the device could be used in the next oil–water separating cycle without apparent decrease of its separation ability. Therefore, the findings in this work may offer a new strategy for the collection a...