Polycaprolactone Research Articles

Three-Dimensional Printed Customized Scaffolds Covered with Decellularized Bone Extracellular Matrix for Open-Wedge High-Tibial Osteotomy

Void fillers are required for osseous gaps generated after orthopedic procedures as medial open-wedge high-tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) to provide sufficient structural support and a rapid osteosynthesis. We developed a novel three-dimensional (3D) printing-based platform technology using the customized 3D scaffolds covered with polycaprolactone (PCL)/β-tri-calcium phosphates (β-TCP)/bone decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) for use as bone substitute scaffold, which can be effectively exploited to estimate the calculated correction angle with preoperative simulations. PCL/β-TCP/bone dECM scaffolds demonstrated significantly higher cell contain levels in cell seeding efficiency, excellent proliferation capacity, and promotion of early osteogenic differentiation compared with PCL/β-TCP scaffolds. The scaffolds promoted bone mineralization at the early time points of an in vivo study (8 weeks) and exhibited biodegradable properties (38% for 16 weeks). The correction angle measured after osteotomy using 3D printed scaffolds was estimated with high accuracy with low errors (10.3° ± 0.9°) and was not significantly different even in the presence of lateral cortical hinge fractures. The customized 3D scaffold enriched with PCL/β-TCP/bone dECM yielded excellent cell seeding efficiency, proliferation capacity, early osteogenic differentiation, and bone mineralization outcomes. It is expected to solve the disadvantages related to bone union in MOWHTO and to replace autografts in the future.

Tuning Biodegradation of Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) at Mild Temperature by Blending with Poly (butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) or Polycaprolactone (PCL)

Tuning Biodegradation of Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) at Mild Temperature by Blending with Poly (butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) or Polycaprolactone (PCL)

Human acellular amniotic membrane/polycaprolactone vascular grafts prepared by electrospinning enable vascular remodeling in vivo

BackgroundVascular transplantation is an effective treatment for severe vascular lesions. The design of the bioactive and mechanical properties of small-caliber vascular grafts is critical for their application in tissue engineering. In this study, we sought to develope a small-caliber vascular graft by electrospinning a mixture of a human acellular amniotic membrane (HAAM) and polycaprolactone (PCL).ResultsMechanical tests showed that the vascular grafts were strong enough to endure stress from adjacent blood vessels and blood pressure. The biocompatibility of the HAAM/PCL vascular grafts was evaluated based on cell proliferation in vitro. The tubular formation test demonstrated that vascular grafts containing HAAM could improve human umbilical vein endothelial cell function, and in vivo implantation was performed by replacing the rat abdominal aorta. The HAAM/PCL vascular graft was found to promote attachment and endothelial cell retention. The regenerated smooth muscle layer was similar to native arteries' smooth muscle layer and the endothelium coverage was complete.ConclusionsThese results suggest that our constructs may be promising vascular graft candidates and can potentially be used to develop vascular grafts that can endothelialize rapidly in vivo.

Polarized polymer light-emitting electrochemical cells using polyfluorene and polycaprolactone blend film by floating-film transfer method

Abstract Sandwich-type structured polarized Polymer Light-emitting Electrochemical Cells (PLECs) of poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) successfully fabricated by combination of floating-film transfer method (FTM) and Post-blending ionic liquid (IL) procedure. An ion-solvating polymer, polycaprolactone (PCL), was blended in PFO for improving IL penetration. The PFO:PCL film showed clear optical dichroism due to the PFO backbone orientation. The IL, 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (EMIm-TFSI), easily post-blended into the PFO:PCL blend FTM film without disordering PFO backbone orientation. The fabricated thickness varied PLECs with ITO anode and aluminum cathode were demonstrated distinct anisotropy, whole device area emission and low turn-on voltage compared to PLEDs.

Comparison study on hyaline cartilage versus fibrocartilage formation in a pig model by using 3D-bioprinted hydrogel and hybrid constructs

Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) with the help of engineered constructs has shown promise for the regeneration of hyaline cartilage, where fibrocartilage may also be formed due to the biomechanical loading resulting from the host weight and movement. Previous studies have primarily reported on hyaline cartilage formationin vitroand/or in small animals, while leaving the fibrocartilage formation undiscovered. In this paper, we, at the first time, present a comparison study on hyaline cartilage versus fibrocartilage formation in a large animal model of pig by using two constructs (namely hydrogel and hybrid ones) engineered by means of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting. Both hydrogel and hybrid constructs were printed from the bioink of alginate (2.5%) and ATDC5 cells (chondrogenic cells at a cell density of 5 × 106cells ml-1), with the difference in that in the hybrid construct, there was a polycaprolactone (PCL) strand printed between every two bioink strands, which were strategically designed to shield the force imposed on the cells within the bioink strands. Both hydrogel and hybrid constructs were implanted into the chondral defects created in the articular cartilage of weight-bearing portions of pig stifle joints; the cartilage formation was examined at one- and three-months post-implantation, respectively, by means of Safranin O, Trichrome, immunofluorescent staining, and synchrotron radiation-based (SR) inline phase contrast imaging microcomputed tomography (inline-PCI-CT). Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen type II (Col II) secretion were used to evaluate the hyaline cartilage formation, while collagen type I (Col I) was used to indicate fibrocartilage given that Col I is low in hyaline cartilage but high in fibrocartilage. Our results revealed that cartilage formation was enhanced over time in both hydrogel and hybrid constructs; particularly, the hydrogel construct exhibited more cartilage formation at both one- and three-months post-implantation, while hybrid constructs tended to have less fibrocartilage formed in a long time period. Also, the result from the inline-PCI-CT revealed that the inline-PCI-CT was able to provide not only the information seen in other histology images, but also high-resolution details of biomaterials and regenerating cartilage. This would represent a significant advance toward the non-invasive assessment of cartilage formation regeneration within large animal models and eventually in human patients.

A comparative analysis of PLA and PCL microparticles for hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.

This study aims to investigate Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polycaprolactone (PCL) polymers for microencapsulation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic anti-glaucoma drugs using an emulsion-based solvent evaporation technique. Microparticle size was analysed using optical microscopy, while drug-polymer interactions through Dynamic-Light-Scattering (DLS) and Fourier-Transform-Infra-red/Attenuated-Total-Reflection spectroscopy (FTIR/ATR). In vitro, drug release studies were performed to investigate drug encapsulation and release profiles. Spherical microparticles, with particle size 94 ± 6.9 μm for PCL-based and 100 ± 3.74 μm for PLA-based formulation, were obtained. Drug release studies showed 100% release over about 32 days, with encapsulation efficiency (%EE) and drug loading (%w/w) reaching up to 95 and 2.84% for PLA-based and 97 and 2.91% for PCL-based microparticles, respectively. DLS studies reveal an increase in hydrodynamic radius (RH), which correlates to enhanced drug encapsulation. So, the nature of the drug and polymer significantly impacts drug encapsulation and release, with drug-polymer interactions playing a crucial role alongside experimental parameters.

Drug-Eluting and Antibacterial Core-Shell Polycaprolactone/Pectin Nanofibers Containing Ti3C2Tx MXene and Medical Herbs for Wound Dressings.

Fibrous scaffolds capable of delivering natural drugs and herbs show great promise for tissue regeneration and wound care, particularly in personalized medicine. This study presents the fabrication and characterization of drug-eluting antibacterial core-shell mats composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and pectin nanofibers produced through coaxial electrospinning. Berberine chloride (BBR), an herbal compound with antineoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antilipidemic, and antidiabetic properties, served as the model drug. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was blended with pectin to enhance the mechanical properties of the core fibers. The shell was modified with two-dimensional Ti3C2Tx (MXene) nanosheets and subjected to covalent and ionic cross-linking. Structural analysis confirmed the successful production of bead-free fibers with diameters ranging from 160 to 350 nm, depending on composition. The PCL core fibers were uniformly coated with a pectin/PVA shell approximately 90 nm thick. The inclusion of BBR and MXene increased the fiber diameter. Drug-release kinetics, modeled by using Korsmeyer-Peppas, revealed a two-stage release mechanism. An initial burst release occurred within the first 24 h (kinetic exponent n = 1.36), followed by sustained release over 2 weeks (n = 0.48). The release mechanisms were identified as case-II relaxational release in the first stage, transitioning to quasi-Fickian diffusion in the second. Incorporating MXene into the shell further prolonged drug release. The mechanical strength of the scaffolds improved significantly by a factor of 7 and 4 in wet and dry conditions, respectively. In vitro biocompatibility assays using L929 cells demonstrated excellent cell attachment and compatibility. Additionally, antibacterial tests against Escherichia coli showed that the inclusion of MXene enhanced antibacterial activity by 30%. These results suggest that the functional biocomposite scaffolds hold the potential for developing innovative, drug-eluting wound dressings.

Rigid-Flexible Coupled Dendritic Molecule Doping: General Approach to Activate Commercial Polymers into Harsh Condition-Tolerant Multi-Reusable Strong Supramolecular Adhesives.

Developing functional adhesives combining strong adhesion, good recyclability and diverse harsh-condition adaptability is a grand challenge. Here, we introduce a general dendritic molecule doping strategy to activate commercial polymers into a new family of supramolecular adhesives integrating high adhesion strength, ultralow temperature, water resistant and multi-reusable properties. Our method involves rational design of a new rigid-flexible coupled dendritic molecule-M4C8OH as a versatile dopant, while simple M4C8OH doping into commercial polymers can modulate internal and external non-covalent interaction to enable H-bonding enhanced interchain cross-linking for tough cohesion along with enhanced interphase interaction. This endows 20 wt % M4C8OH-doped polycaprolactone (PCL) adhesives (PCL-M4C8OH) with improved adhesion strength on various substrates with the maximum increase up to 2.87 times that of PCL. In particular, the adhesion strengths of PCL-M4C8OH on polymethyl methacrylate at 25 °C and -196 °C reach 4.67 and 3.58 MPa-1.9 and 2.3 times those of PCL and superior to diverse commercial adhesives and most reported adhesives. PCL-M4C8OH also displays markedly-improved multi-usability and tolerance against ultralow temperature and diverse wet environments. Mechanism studies reveal the crucial role of M4C8OH molecular structures toward superior adhesion. Our method can be expanded to other polymer matrices, yielding diverse new supramolecular adhesives.

Impact of Porosity and Stiffness of 3D Printed Polycaprolactone Scaffolds on Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Activation of Dendritic Cells.

Despite the potential of extrusion-based printing of thermoplastic polymers in bone tissue engineering, the inherent nonporous stiff nature of the printed filaments may elicit immune responses that influence bone regeneration. In this study, bone scaffolds made of polycaprolactone (PCL) filaments with different internal microporosity and stiffness was 3D-printed. It was achieved by combining three fabrication techniques, salt leaching and 3D printing at either low or high temperatures (LT/HT) with or without nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS). Printing PCL at HT resulted in stiff scaffolds (modulus of elasticity (E): 403 ± 19 MPa and strain: 6.6 ± 0.1%), while NIPS-based printing at LT produced less stiff and highly flexible scaffolds (E: 53 ± 10 MPa and strain: 435 ± 105%). Moreover, the introduction of porosity by salt leaching in the printed filaments significantly changed the mechanical properties and degradation rate of the scaffolds. Furthermore, this study aimed to show how these variations influence proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSC) and the maturation and activation of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DC). The cytocompatibility of the printed scaffolds was confirmed by live-dead imaging, metabolic activity measurement, and the continuous proliferation of hBMSC over 14 days. While all scaffolds facilitated the expression of osteogenic markers (RUNX2 and Collagen I) from hBMSC as detected through immunofluorescence staining, the variation in porosity and stiffness notably influenced the early and late mineralization. Furthermore, the flexible LT scaffolds, with porosity induced by NIPS and salt leaching, stimulated Mo-DC to adopt a pro-inflammatory phenotype marked by a significant increase in the expression of IL1B and TNF genes, alongside decreased expression of anti-inflammatory markers, IL10 and TGF1B. Altogether, the results of the current study demonstrate the importance of tailoring porosity and stiffness of PCL scaffolds to direct their biological performance toward a more immune-mediated bone healing process.

Sulfur-Doped g-C3N4/Polycaprolactone Nanofibers Based Smart Sensor for 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine Biomarker Monitoring

8-Hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) signifies one of the primary byproducts of oxidative DNA damage, thereby being a valuable DNA biomarker. This study presents a label-free, low-cost, smart sensor that could improve evaluation, tracking, and survival rates by allowing for an early assessment of cancer. Herein, we fabricated sulfur-doped graphitic carbon nitride (S-gC₃N₄) embedded in polycaprolactone (PCL) for highly efficient monitoring of 8-OHdG, offering functional groups such as sulfur and nitrogen that facilitate strong binding against 8-OHdG. FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques were utilized to investigate the S-gC3N4/PCL nanocomposite. Interestingly, the nanocomposite demonstrates strong electrochemical responses to the oxidation of 8-OHdG, with a detection limit of 0.24 nM across a wide dynamic concentration range (1 nM–50 μM). Additionally, it exhibits exceptional durability, selectivity, reusability, and repeatability. Additionally, the designed sensor has the potential to measure 8-OHdG levels in individuals and could be used to evaluate early cancer indicators. Furthermore, the S-gC₃N₄/PCL sensor was successfully tested to determine 8-OHdG levels in human samples.

Bioresorbable composites based on magnesium and hydroxyapatite for use in bone tissue engineering: focus on controlling and minimizing corrosion activity

A biodegradable matrix with a significant content of bioactive components can be applied for bone tissue replacement, including load-bearing applications in orthopedic surgery. The study outlines the optimized procedure for the production of bioresorbable magnesium-hydroxyapatite (Mg-HA) composites and their corrosion resistance properties. Composites were meticulously crafted by combining pure magnesium with microwave-synthesized hydroxyapatite nanopowder. Sintering occurred via spark plasma sintering technology (SPS). To align the degradation time of the resulting composites with bone remodeling, the corrosion resistance of SPS materials was enhanced through the application of plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) and polycaprolactone (PCL) spin-coating methods. The protective properties, morphology dynamics, and composition due to surface treatment and corrosion propagation were investigated using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS), Potentiodynamic Polarization (PDP), hydrogen evolution tests, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Analytics of the physicochemical properties data of the formed coatings indicate a significant improvement in protective characteristics and deceleration of the corrosive degradation of the samples. The application of polycaprolactone to the PEO coating leads to a decrease in the corrosion current compared to uncoated magnesium composites by more than three orders of magnitude: from 1 10-5 to 2 10-9 A cm-2. During long-term exposure of samples to 0.9 % NaCl solution, it was found that coating reduced the rate of corrosion degradation of samples from 1.5 to 80 times compared to an unprotected Mg-HA composite and sintered magnesium. Mg-HA composites treated with PEO exhibit potential application as bioactive and biodegradable materials for orthopedic implants and fixation devices.

Using Polycaprolactone Nanofibers for the Proof-of-Concept Construction of the Alveolar-Capillary Interface.

The alveolar-capillary interface is the key functional element of gas exchange in the human lung, and disruptions to this interface can lead to significant medical complications. However, it is currently challenging to adequately model this interface invitro, as it requires not only the co-culture of human alveolar epithelial and endothelial cells but mainly the preparation of a biocompatible scaffold that mimics the basement membrane. This scaffold should support cell seeding from both sides, and maintain optimal cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation conditions. Our study investigates the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers as a versatile substrate for such cell cultures, aiming to model the alveolar-capillary interface more accurately. We optimized nanofiber production parameters, utilized polyamide mesh UHELON as a mechanical support for scaffold handling, and created 3D-printed inserts for specialized co-cultures. Our findings confirm that PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are manageable and support the co-culture of diverse cell types, effectively enabling cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. Our research establishes a proof-of-concept model for the alveolar-capillary interface, offering significant potential for enhancing cell-based testing and advancing tissue-engineering applications that require specific nanofibrous matrices.

Development of polycaprolactone-based electrospun nanofiber incorporated lemon beebrush essential oil-loaded metal-organic frameworks as a novel active food packaging for meat preservation

This research involved the development of novel antimicrobial and antioxidant food packaging using electrospun nanofibrous films (ENFs) made of polycaprolactone (PCL) with added lemon beebrush (Aloysia Citriodora) essential oil (LEO)–loaded chromium(III)-metal–organic framework (Cr(III)-MOF) to extend the shelf life of red meat. We conducted a comprehensive range of microstructure, physical, and mechanical tests on nanofibers based on PCL. The PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofibers displayed improved thermal stability, anti-deformation capacity, and increased TS (62.3–68.2 MPa) but reduced flexibility (32.6–28.2 %). Moreover, the inclusion of LEO@Cr(III)-MOF led to a decreased hydrophobic surface due to the formation of hydrogen bonds, as well as a reduction in the water vapor barrier (2.8–2.2 × 10−11 g m/m2. s. Pa). Additionally, the PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofibers exhibited antibacterial (E. coli (20.3 mm) and S. aureus (24.3 mm)) and antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS) activity. The effectiveness of PCL-based nanofibers was evaluated in red meat samples stored at a temperature of 4 °C, and the findings demonstrated that PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF nanofibers preserved the chemical (pH, TVB-N, PV, and TBA) and microbial quality (PTC and TVC) of the samples and prolonged their shelf life by 18 days. These findings indicate the promising potential of the developed PCL/LEO@Cr(III)-MOF electrospun nanofibers for active food packaging.

Multifunctional Analgesic Sutures from Microfluidic Spinning Technology.

Sutures are the most commonly used wound repair method after surgery. However, addressing delayed recovery and pain management remains a significant challenge. Here, microfibers are developed from microfluidic spinning with long-lasting analgesia capabilities for sutures. By using a solvent extraction manner, the polycaprolactone (PCL) microfibers encapsulated with ropivacaine (ROP), a well-known analgesic, can be continuously obtained from microfluidics. The intrinsic property of PCL and the advantage of microfluidic spinning technique impart the microfiber with highly controlled morphologies, mechanical strengths, as well as drug release. After exploring their biocompatibility both at in vitro and in vivo levels, the microfibers are directly applied to wound suture. The results demonstrate the lasting analgesic effect of the microfiber on mice with incision pain, highlighting its potential as promising suture for post-surgery treatments. It is anticipated that the multifunctional analgesic sutures produced through microfluidic spinning will pave the way for utilizing fibers as effective sutures in clinical incision wound treatment.

One‐Pot Synthesis of [(l‐GluA)‐b‐(PCL)]‐Based Diblock Copolymer and Solvent‐Assisted Multifaceted Capsules as Potential Cargo Payload for Nanomedicines

Abstract This study shows that the synthesis of di‐BCP between amino acid l‐glutamic acid (l‐GluA) and hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) leads to multifunctional and multifaceted capsule formation with different dispersion solvents. Successful synthesis of [(l‐GluA)‐b‐(PCL)] was confirmed by using FTIR and 1H NMR characterizations. For morphological studies, synthesized di‐BCP of [(l‐GluA)‐b‐(PCL)] was dispersed in four different solvents such as acetone, DMSO, IPA, and ethanol and was used for sample preparation for SEM imaging. Interestingly, smooth‐surfaced NPs (defined as type I NPs), rough‐surfaced NPs (type II NPs), porous NPs (type III NPs), and football‐type deep excavation having NPs (defined as type IV NPs). Furthermore, these NPs were characterized through BET, AFM, and DLS for particle size and ζ potential of NPs. LC for types III and IV NPs was calculated to be 1.96% ± 0.01% and 1.92% ± 0.01%, respectively. EE of types III and IV NPs was calculated to be 91% ± 1.5% and 94% ± 1.2%. We used K562 (leukemia blood cancer) and HEK293 (embryonic kidney) cells for in vitro studies. DOX@[(l‐GluA)‐b‐(PCL)] nanoformulation related to types III and IV NPs shows significant early apoptosis that is, 29.17%, which is a remarkable programmed cell death for these porous nanoparticles.

QbD-driven Formulation Development and Evaluation of Genistein Nanoparticles for Prostate Cancer

Background: Genistein (GEN) shows significant anticancer potential, particularly against prostate cancer. However, its clinical application is limited by poor water solubility, rapid metabolism and excretion, low bioavailability, and lack of targeted delivery to cancer cells, hindering its effectiveness as a chemopreventive or therapeutic agent. Objective: In this study, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles incorporating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a stabilizer were engineered to encapsulate genistein (GEN) effectively. Utilizing a Quality by Design (QbD) methodology, the development and optimization of these nanoparticles were systematically approached. Methods: GEN-loaded PCL nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared using the Solvent Evaporation Technique, ideal for encapsulating hydrophobic drugs. A Plackett–Burman design (PBD) identified key factors, followed by a Box–Behnken design (BBD) to optimize nanoparticle quality. The NPs were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential (ZP), polydispersity index (PDI), morphology, encapsulation efficiency (EE), in vitro drug release, and cytotoxicity. Results: The optimized formulation containing PCL, PVA, and Volume of organic solvent as 43.7 mg, 6.2 mg, and 10.0 ml, respectively was chosen because it showed EE (%) of 94.0%, average particle size of 150 nm, PDI of 0.10, ZP of -28.0 and exhibited sustained release of GEN for around four days. The antiproliferative activities of GEN PCL NPs were confirmed by the MTT test in vitro on malignant prostate carcinoma cell lines (PC3). Flow cytometric analysis showed that the inhibition of cell proliferation of more potent GEN PCL NPs is comparable with the effects of free GEN. Conclusion: The findings indicate that genistein-loaded PCL nanoparticles have the potential to augment the anticancer efficacy of genistein, both in vitro and in vivo. This suggests their promise as a viable candidate for prostate cancer treatment.

Tailored and sustainable bio-composite thanks to synergetic interactions of polycaprolactone (PCL) and guar gum derivative

Tailored and sustainable bio-composite thanks to synergetic interactions of polycaprolactone (PCL) and guar gum derivative

Application of electrospinning and 3D-printing based bilayer composite scaffold in the skull base reconstruction during transnasal surgery

Skull base defects are a common complication after transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery, and their commonly used autologous tissue repair has limited clinical outcomes. Tissue-engineered scaffolds prepared by advanced techniques of electrostatic spinning and three-dimensional (3D) printing was an effective way to solve this problem. In this study, soft tissue scaffolds consisting of centripetal nanofiber mats and 3D-printed hard tissue scaffolds consisting of porous structures were prepared, respectively. And the two layers were combined to obtain bilayer composite scaffolds. The physicochemical characterization proved that the nanofiber mat prepared by polylactide-polycaprolactone (PLCL) electrospinning had a uniform centripetal nanofiber structure, and the loaded bFGF growth factor could achieve a slow release for 14 days and exert its bioactivity to promote the proliferation of fibroblasts. The porous scaffolds prepared with polycaprolactone (PCL), and hydroxyapatite (HA) 3D printing have a 300 μm macroporous structure with good biocompatibility. In vivo experiments results demonstrated that the bilayer composite scaffold could promote soft tissue repair of the skull base membrane through the centripetal nanofiber structure and slow-release of bFGF factor. It also played the role of promoting the regeneration of the skull base bone tissue. In addition, the centripetal nanofiber structure also had a promotional effect on the regeneration of skull base bone tissue.

Phase-Transition-Promoted Interfacial Anchoring of Sulfide Solid Electrolyte Membranes for High-Performance All-Solid-State Lithium Battery.

Solvent-free manufacturing is crucial for fabricating high-performance sulfide-electrolyte-based all-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs), with advantages including side reaction inhibition, less contamination, and practical scalability. However, the fabricated sulfide electrolytes commonly suffer from brittleness, limited ion transport, and unsatisfactory interfacial stability due to the uncontrolled dispersion of the sulfide particles within the polymer binder matrix. Herein, a "solid-to-liquid" phase transition strategy is reported to fabricate flexible Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) electrolytes. The polycaprolactone (PCL)-based binder (PLI) with phase-transition characteristics fills the gap of LPSCl particles and tightly grafts on the particle surface via ion-dipole interaction, bringing a thin and compact electrolyte membrane (80µm). The simultaneously high Li-ion conducting and electron insulating nature of PLI binder facilitates Li-ion transport and ensures good interfacial stability between electrolyte and anode. Consequently, the sulfide electrolyte membrane exhibits high ionic conductivity (8.5×10-4 S cm-1), enabling symmetric and full cells with 10 and 2.5 times longer cycling life compared with that of the cells with pristine LPSCl electrolyte, respectively. The demonstrated strategy is versatile and can be extended to ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) that also brings enhanced electrochemical performance. The thin sulfide electrolyte with high interfacial stability potentially facilitates dendrite-free ASSLBs with high energy density.

Biomimetic Mineralized Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Scaffolds From Microfluidic 3D Printing for Bone Repair

AbstractBone defect is a common clinical orthopedic disease. The trend in this field is to develop tissue engineering scaffolds with appropriately designed components and structures for bone repair. Herein, inspired by the organic and inorganic components of bone matrix and the natural biomineralization mechanism, a MgSiO3@Fe3O4 nanoparticle composite polycaprolactone (PCL) hybrid mineralized scaffold for bone repair is developed by microfluidic 3D printing. The incorporation of MgSiO3@Fe3O4 within the PCL scaffold can effectively improve the bioactivity. In addition, a biomimetic mineralized layer is prepared on the surface of the scaffold, which endowed it with unique microstructural characteristics, enhanced cell adhesion and osteogenic activity, and thus improved the bone repair performance. Owing to these advantages, both in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that the designed scaffold has outstanding biocompatibility and bone repair performance. These features indicate that the organic–inorganic biomineralized hybrid scaffold can be a potential bone graft substitute for clinical bone repair.