Poly Ethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate Research Articles

Bioprinting-Based PDLSC-ECM Screening for in Vivo Repair of Alveolar Bone Defect Using Cell-Laden, Injectable and Photocrosslinkable Hydrogels.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease worldwide that may result in periodontal defect (especially alveolar bone defect) and even tooth loss. Stem-cell-based approach combined with injectable hydrogels has been proposed as a promising strategy in periodontal treatments. Stem cells fate closely depends on their extracellular matrix (ECM) characteristics. Hence, it is necessary to engineer an appropriate injectable hydrogel to deliver stem cells into the defect while serving as the ECM during healing. Therefore, stem cell-ECM interaction should be studied for better stem cell transplantation. In this study, we developed a bioprinting-based strategy to study stem cell-ECM interaction and thus screen an appropriate ECM for in vivo repair of alveolar bone defect. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) were encapsulated in injectable, photocrosslinkable composite hydrogels composed of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDA). PDLSC-laden GelMA/PEGDA hydrogels with varying composition were efficiently fabricated via a 3D bioprinting platform by controlling the volume ratio of GelMA-to-PEGDA. PDLSC behavior and fate were found to be closely related to the engineered ECM composition. The 4/1 GelMA/PEGDA composite hydrogel was selected since the best performance in osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Finally, in vivo study indicated a maximal and robust new bone formation in the defects treated with the PDLSC-laden hydrogel with optimized composition as compared to the hydrogel alone and the saline ones. The developed approach would be useful for studying cell-ECM interaction in 3D and paving the way for regeneration of functional tissue.

In Vivo Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Bacterial Non-Leachable Coating Thermally Polymerized on Cylindrical Catheter

Catheters are indispensable tools of modern medicine, but catheter-associated infection is a significant clinical problem, even when stringent sterile protocols are observed. When the bacteria colonize catheter surfaces, they tend to form biofilms making them hard to treat with conventional antibiotics. Hence, there is a great need for inherently antifouling and antibacterial catheters that prevent bacterial colonization. This paper reports the preparation of nonleachable antibiofilm and antibacterial cationic film coatings directly polymerized from actual tubular silicone catheter surfaces via the technique of supplemental activator and reducing agent surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization (SARA SI-ATRP). Three cross-linked cationic coatings containing (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (AMPTMA) or quaternized polyethylenimine methacrylate (Q-PEI-MA) together with a cross-linker (polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate, PEGDMA) were tested. The in vivo antibacterial and antibiofilm effect of these nonleachable covalently linked coatings (using a mouse catheter model) can be tuned to achieve 1.95 log (98.88%) reduction and 1.26 log (94.51%) reduction of clinically relevant pathogenic bacteria (specifically with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE)). Our good in vivo bactericidal killing results using the murine catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) model show that SARA SI-ATRP grafting-from technique is a viable technique for making nonleachable antibiofilm coating even on "small" (0.30/0.64 mm inner/outer diameter) catheter.

Zero-Magnetic-Field Splitting in the Excited Triplet States of Octahedral Hexanuclear Molybdenum(II) Clusters: [{Mo6X8}(n-C3F7COO)6]2- (X = Cl, Br, or I).

Temperature (T)-dependent emission from [{Mo6X8}(n-C3F7COO)6]2- (X = Cl (1), Br (2), and I (3)) in optically transparent polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate matrices were studied in 3 K < T < 300 K to elucidate the spectroscopic and photophysical properties of the clusters, in special reference to zero-magnetic-field splitting (zfs) in the lowest-energy excited triplet states (T1) of the clusters. The cluster complexes 1 and 2 showed the T-dependent emission characteristics similar to those of [{Mo6Cl8}Cl6]2-, while 3 exhibited emission properties different completely from those of 1 and 2. Such T-dependent emission characteristics of 1, 2, and 3 were explained successfully by the excited triplet state spin-sublevel (Φn, n = 1-4) model. The zfs energies between the lowest-energy (Φ1) and highest-energy (Φ4) spin sublevels, ΔE14, resulted by the first-order spin-orbit coupling, were evaluated to be 650, 720, and 1000 cm-1 for 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The emission spectra of 1, 2, and 3 in CH3CN at 298 K were reproduced very well by the ΔE14 values and the population percentages of Φn at 300 K. We also report that the ΔE14 values of the clusters correlate linearly with the fourth power of the atomic number (Z) of X: ΔE14 ∝ {Z(X)}4.

Unidirectional freezing as a tool for tailoring air permeability in macroporous poly(ethylene glycol)-based cross-linked networks

Unidirectional freezing followed by photopolymerization at subzero temperatures was used to obtain highly air-permeable monoliths with ordered porous structures. Scaffolds were obtained from aqueous solutions of a poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) oligomer, a photosensitizer and a reducing agent. Solutions were vertically frozen in liquid nitrogen at a controlled rate to induce the oriented growth of ice crystals and then cryo-photopolymerized under blue-light irradiation. Ice crystals were finally removed under vacuum producing macroporous hydrophilic networks with aligned pores. Porosities ranged between 80 and 95%, depending on the initial concentration of PEGDMA. The influence of processing variables on the final properties of the materials was addressed, concerning particularly the effect of porosity and freezing directionality on air permeability. Compared to porous PEGDMA-based monoliths with non-aligned macropores, gas permeability was two to three times higher for oriented scaffolds at the same porosity level, a fact explained by the easier transport of gas molecules through the aligned structures. However, the role of pore orientation on gas permeability was shown to be less marked as porosity increased. The results demonstrate that the use of unidirectional freezing strongly increases the permeability of monolithic samples up to values usually required, for instance, in tissue engineering applications (higher than 2D). These findings provide new perspectives on pore design principles toward future scaffolding of polymeric cross-linked matrices.

Controlled basic fibroblast growth factor release device made of poly(ethyleneglycol) dimethacrylates for creating a subcutaneous neovascular bed for cell transplantation.

Subcutaneous space is a potential site for the transplantation of cells such as islets for treatment of type 1 diabetes. To enhance engraftment, an optimal space for the growth of the transplanted cells is needed along with neovascularization. In this study, we developed a device using a photocurable resin, poly(ethyleneglycol) dimethacrylates (PEGDM), for controlled release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) to create a subcutaneous neovascular bed in rats. The device consists of a disk-shaped capsule with micropores and is composed of tri(ethyleneglycol) dimethacrylate (TEGDM) and a drug formulation of PEGDM. The release rate was tuned by changing the number of pores and the composition of water and PEGDM in the drug formulation. bFGF released from devices incubated in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) enhanced the growth of fibroblasts, indicating bioactivity of bFGF after release. Histological evaluation showed a significant increase in the extent of vasculature that was dependent on the amount of bFGF loaded into the device. A perfusion study using fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran 2000 kDa showed linear and capillary staining patterns, indicating potent functional vasculature. In conclusion, the controlled bFGF releasing device could provide a neovascular bed with the required vascularization in the subcutaneous space. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3017-3024, 2017.

Vapor-liquid interfacial reaction to fabricate superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic thiol-ene/silica hybrid decorated fabric for oil/water separation

With oil spill accidents and oil industrial wastewater increasing, oil/water separation has attracted much attention in recent years. Herein, we report the fabrication of superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic thiol-ene/silica hybrid decorated fabrics for oil/water separation via vapor-liquid interfacial reaction. It is based on sol-gel reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) to generate silica and thiol-ene reaction between poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) and trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) (TTMP) to form crosslinked hydrophilic polymer on polyester fabric under the catalysis of butylamine/ammonia vapor. The chemical structure of the surfaces on thiol-ene/silica hybrid decorated fabric was confirmed by FTIR and XPS, and obvious micro-nano morphology and roughness were observed with SEM and AFM. The water contact angle of the fabric attained 0° in 0.36s, and the underwater oil contact angle reached up to 160°. Importantly, the fabric exhibited high separation efficiency at 99.5%, fast water flux above 71600Lm−2h−1 and excellent recyclability in oil/water separation. Our findings open a new strategy to fabricate organic-inorganic hybrid superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic materials for oil/water separation.

Surface functionalization of acrylic based photocrosslinkable resin for 3D printing applications

The limited number of resins, available for stereolithography applications, is one of the key drivers in research applied to rapid prototyping. In this work an acrylic photocrosslinkable resin based on methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl methacrylate (BMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDA) was developed with different composition and characterized in terms of mechanical, thermal and biological behaviour. Two different systems have been developed using different amount of reagent. The influence of every components have been evaluated on the final characteristic of the resin in order to optimize the final composition for applications in bone tissue engineering. The crosslinked materials showed good mechanical properties and thermal stabilities and moreover cytotoxicity test confirms good biocompatibility with no cytotoxic effect on cells metabolism. Moreover two different treatments have been proposed, using fetal bovine serum (FBS) and methanol (MeOH), in order to improve cell recognition of the surfaces. Samples threatened with MeOH allow cell adhesion and survival, promoting spreading, elongation and fusion of C2C12 muscle myoblast cells.

Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Derived Neural Stem Cell Survival and Neural Differentiation on Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate Hydrogels Containing a Continuous Concentration Gradient of N-Cadherin Derived Peptide His-Ala-Val-Asp-Ile.

Although preclinical models of spinal cord injury have shown that matrix inclusion in stem cell therapy leads to greater neurological improvements than that including cells alone, there has been insufficient matrix optimization for human cells. N-Cadherin influences the development and maintenance of neural tissue, but the effects of N-cadherin derived peptide His-Ala-Val-Asp-Ile (HAVDI) on the survival, neurite extension, and expression of neural differentiation markers in human induced pluripotent stem cell derived neural stems (hNSC) have not been widely examined. Using polyethylene glycol hydrogels containing a continuous gradient of HAVDI, this study identifies concentration dependent effects on hNSC survival and neural differentiation.

Hydrophilic Modification of PVDF Microfiltration Membrane with Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Dimethacrylate through Surface Polymerization

ABSTRACTThe hydrophilic modification of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane with poly (ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) through grafting reaction for antifouling was reported. The influence of PEGDMA content, reaction temperature and time, on the structure, morphology, antifouling, and hydrophilicity of PVDF-g-PEGDMA membrane has been investigated. The PEGDMA monomers that were grafted on the surface of PVDF microfiltration membrane were confirmed by Attenuation total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and morphology study conducted by SEM revealed the changes before and after modification. The protein adsorption, filtration performance, water content, and dynamic contact angle were used to characterize the antifouling and hydrophilicity of the modified PVDF membranes. Compared with the pristine PVDF membrane, the bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption on the PVDF-g-PEGDMA membrane decreased about 80%, and the water contact angle of the membrane dropped to 0°. Besides, the experimental results revealed no significant differences between the membrane samples with respect to pore size.

Magnetic stimuli-responsive chitosan-based drug delivery biocomposite for multiple triggered release

Stimuli-responsive biomaterials offer a unique advantage over traditional local drug delivery systems in that the drug elution rate can be controllably increased to combat developing symptomology or maintain high local elution levels for disease treatment. In this study, superparamagnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the antibiotic vancomycin were loaded into chitosan microbeads cross-linked with varying lengths of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate. Beads were characterized using degradation, biocompatibility, and elution studies with successive magnetic stimulations at multiple field strengths and frequencies. Thirty-minute magnetic stimulation induced a temporary increase in daily elution rate of up to 45% that was dependent on field strength, field frequency and cross-linker length. Beads degraded by up to 70% after 3 days in accelerated lysozyme degradation tests, but continued to elute antibiotic for up to 8 days. No cytotoxic effects were observed in vitro compared to controls. These promising preliminary results indicate clinical potential for use in stimuli-controlled drug delivery.

A self-deploying drug release device using polymeric films.

Herein, we report a sheet-type device capable of self-deployment and sustained release of protein type drugs. The device consisted of a thin photopolymerized polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDM) sheet and collagen microparticles (COLs), which were embedded in the sheet as drug carriers and for increased drug permeation. When the density of the COLs in the sheet was increased to be sufficiently interconnected, the drug permeability was increased. In addition, since protein type drugs electrostatically interacted with the COLs, a prolonged sustained release was possible. The PEGDM/COLs device was flexible enough to be rolled up, and the device maintained its structure due to van der Waals attractive forces between the sheet surfaces. When the device was immersed in water, the attractive forces acting between the sheet surfaces were relieved by water. Subsequently, the device unfolded by bending-stress relaxation. Moreover, the rolled-up device could be injected through a conventional syringe needle into water to recover its original shape. The developed sheet-type device provides the possibility of minimally invasive transplantation into diseased tissues and organs, and could provide better therapeutic outcomes and reduce possible side effects. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 780-786, 2018.

Carbon nanotubes hybrid hydrogels for electrically tunable release of Curcumin

Electro-responsive hybrid hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization using Gelatin-coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes as electro-conductive component, acrylamide and polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate as plasticizing and crosslinking monomer, respectively. Dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, resistivity measurement, cell viability assay, and evaluation of swelling degree upon application of an external voltage at 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48V were performed as characterization tools. Composite materials were found to be highly versatile in modulating the drug delivery of neutral drugs (e.g. Curcumin) as a function of both nanotube content and voltage magnitude, with drug partition between carrier and releasing media being dependent on the balance between electrostatic attractive and repulsive forces and hydrogel swelling degree. Finally, suitable mathematical modelling were employed for the kinetic characterization of the release mechanism. The results allowed hypothesizing the use of hybrid for different therapeutic needs in wound healing treatment.

Microbiome precision editing: Using PEG as a selective fermentation initiator against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Recent creation of a Unified Microbiome Initiative (UMI) has the aim of understanding how microbes interact with each other and with us. When pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus infects the skin, the interplay between S. aureus and skin commensal bacteria occurs. Our previous data revealed that skin commensal bacteria can mediate fermentation against the growth of USA300, a community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus MRSA. By using a fermentation process with solid media on a small scale, we define poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEG-DMA) as a selective fermentation initiator which can specifically intensify the probiotic ability of skin commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria. At least five short-chain fatty acids including acetic, butyric and propionic acids with anti-USA300 activities are produced by PEG-DMA fermentation of S. epidermidis. Furthermore, the S. epidermidis-laden PEG-DMA hydrogels effectively decolonized USA300 in skin wounds in mice. The PEG-DMA and its derivatives may become novel biomaterials to specifically tailor the human skin microbiome against invading pathogens.

Functionalization of cyclic olefin copolymer substrates with polyethylene glycol diacrylate for the in situ synthesis of immobilized nanoparticles

Nanoparticles as novel stationary phase could enhance chromatographic performance (efficiency and resolution). However, their implementation in columns is rather challenging. The methodological approach we propose is an in situ synthesis of such nanoparticles through photopolymerization of a miniemulsion containing hexyl acrylate monomers. While the miniemulsion composition was previously optimized, resulting in highly spherical monodisperse nanoparticles with a mean size inferior to 200 nm, the immobilization of such particles is not straightforward. The strategy consists in carrying out the miniemulsion polymerization in the very close vicinity of a reactive surface, namely cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), from which covalent bond can grow thanks to hydrogen abstraction. While the hydrophobic nature of COC appears to disturb the stability of the miniemulsion, a more polar surface allows simultaneous polymerization and anchoring of nanoparticles on the surface. Surface functionalization of COC with different monomers was tested in this work and polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate photografting was found to provide an adequate surface modification. It appears however that the extent of surface modification and especially the amount of initiator that is applied on the COC surface have consequences on both the spherical aspect and the number of resulting nanoparticles. An optimization of the PEGDA surface modification by central composite design in regards to PEGDA and BME amounts and irradiation time is proposed. SEM images after miniemulsion photopolymerization for different conditions of PEGDA photografting showed the impact of photografting on nanoparticle shape.

Poly (PEGDMA-MAA) copolymeric micro and nanoparticles for oral insulin delivery : A molecular mechanistic revisit

Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) based micro and nanoparticles were prepared for oral insulin delivery. The reactional profiles of MAA, PEGDMA and PEGDMA-MAA were elucidated using molecular mechanics energy relationships (MMER) in vacuum and in a solvated system by exploring the spatial disposition of different concentrations of polymers with respect to each other. Furthermore, the incorporation of insulin within the polymeric matrix was modeled using connolly molecular surfaces. The computational results corroborated with the experimental and analytical data. The ability to effectively control blood glucose level coupled with the non toxic behavior of the nanoparticles renders them a potential candidate for insulin delivery.

A Comprehensive Study of Photorefractive Properties in Poly(ethylene glycol) Dimethacrylate- Ionic Liquid Composites.

A detailed investigation of the recording, as well as the readout of transmission gratings in composites of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) and ionic liquids is presented. Gratings with a period of about 5.8 micrometers were recorded using a two-wave mixing technique with a coherent laser beam of a 355-nm wavelength. A series of samples with grating thicknesses micrometers, each for two different exposure times, was prepared. The recording kinetics, as well as the post-exposure properties of the gratings were monitored by diffracting a low intensity probe beam at a wavelength of 633 nm for Bragg incidence. To obtain a complete characterization, two-beam coupling experiments were conducted to clarify the type and the strength of the recorded gratings. Finally, the diffraction efficiency was measured as a function of the readout angle at different post-exposure times. We found that, depending on the parameters, different grating types (pure phase and/or mixed) are generated, and at elevated thicknesses, strong light-induced scattering develops. The measured angular dependence of the diffraction efficiency can be fitted using a five-wave coupling theory assuming an attenuation of the gratings along the thickness. For grating thicknesses larger than 85 microns, light-induced scattering becomes increasingly important. The latter is an obstacle for recording thicker holograms, as it destroys the recording interference pattern with increasing sample depth. The obtained results are valuable in particular when considering PEGDMA-ionic liquid composites in the synthesis of advanced polymer composites for applications, such as biomaterials, conductive polymers and holographic storage materials.

Concentration dependent survival and neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells cultured on polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate hydrogels possessing a continuous concentration gradient of n-cadherin derived peptide His-Ala-Val-Asp-Lle.

Single cell encapsulation is common in tissue engineering matrices. This eliminates cellular access to cell-cell signaling. N-cadherin, a cell-cell signaling molecule, plays a vital role in the development of neural tissues, but has not been well studied as a bioactive signaling element in neural tissue engineering matrices. The present study uses a systematic continuous gradient approach to identify concentration dependent effects of n-cadherin derived peptide, HAVDI, on the survival and neural differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells. This work underscores the need for greater use to combinatorial strategies to understand the effect complex bioactive signaling, such as n-cadherin, and the need to optimize the concentration of such bioactive signaling within tissue engineering matrices for maximal cellular response.

Tailored poly(ethylene) glycol dimethacrylate based shape memory polymer for orthopedic applications

Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) are stimuli-responsive materials known for their outstanding ability to be actuated from temporary shape into original shape. Because of this unique functionality SMPs are promising materials for diverse technological applications including smart biomedical devices. In this article, the work has been focused towards tailoring the SMP precursor and crosslinker wt% to obtain biocompatible acrylate based shape memory polymer with glass transition temperature (Tg) close to human body temperature. Methacrylate based shape memory polymer networks are synthesized via free radical polymerization by varying the wt% of t-butyl acrylate (tBA) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) as crosslinker. The Tg is found to increase from 28 to 45°C with increasing tBA amount. The SMP synthesized from 70wt% of tBA and 30wt% of PEGDMA possess Tg close to human body temperature and is tested for cytotoxicity with two different cell lineages, osteosarcoma (MG-63) cells, and human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. The synthesized SMP is found to be non-cytotoxic. Thus the investigated biocompatible shape memory polymer network can be a promising soft substrate for passive thermomechanical stimulation which can adapt and meet specific needs of in vitro or in vivo orthopedic Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (SLAP) medical devices.

Drug Delivery System Using Injectable Polymeric Sheets

Introduction Designing drug-delivery systems (DDS) targeting a local specific organ in the body, e.g., the bladder and the subretinal structure, is one of the most challenging tasks. Ideally, DDS devices are to be less-invasive as much as possible. Given the conventional DDS devices, DDS microspheres are superior in terms of less-invasive by injection but they cannot be located at the affected area. On the other hand, sheet-type DDS devices require surgical procedure to be retained in the body while they can delivery drug for long-term at affected area. Therefore, development of DDS devices that can be injected and located at the affected area for long-term drug release would bring significant benefits. In this study, we report on an injectable sheet-type DDS device by embedding DDS microspheres in polymeric sheets. The developed device was characterized in vitro and also evaluated in vivo by implanting it into rat eyes. Material and Method Collagen microspheres (COLs) were prepared by water-in-oil emulsion method. Next, COLs were immersed in solution of a model drug FITC-dextran (FD-40). The devices were made by photopolymerization with UV light of mixtures of polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate (PEGDM), a photopolymerization initiator and COLs. The devices were observed by SEM and fluorescence microscope to examine the distribution of COLs in PEGDM. In vitro release study was carried out to reveal release characteristics. To estimate the amounts of FD-40 that had diffused out of the devices, the devices were immersed in 3 mL of PBS and incubated at 37 C. The fluorescent intensities of the PBS solutions were measured spectrofluorometrically. PEGDM sheets of different thickness were photopolymerized with UV light. They were rounded several times around a glass cylindrical shape and the deployment times were measured in water in order to examine self-deployment characteristics. For in vivo experiments, Sprague-Dawley rats (SLC) weighing 250-300 g were used. After the rats were anesthetized with ketamine hydrochloride and xylazine hydrochloride, the FITC-albumin-loaded device was implanted on the sclera of rats and the fluorescence distribution at the posterior segment of the eye was evaluated. Result and Discussion A sheet type DDS device that consists of COLs and PEGDM sheet was fabricated. COLs were uniformly distributed in the device and a part of COLs was exposed on the surface of the device. The density of COLs in the device was proportional to the concentration of COLs in the corresponding unpolymerized PEGDM/COL mixture. In vitro release study confirmed that devices could release FD-40 continuously over 4 weeks, though the release of FD-40 could not be observed from PEGDM sheets in which FD-40 was directly loaded without the use of COLs. The results indicate that the drug diffuses through interconnected COLs in the device. PEGDM sheets showed a linear relationship between deployment time and the number of turns of the sheet. Also, the device could be injected in water through a syringe needle and then fully expanded. In vivo experiments showed that the device adhered on the sclera without suturing. Also, the fluorescence could still be detected in the sclera and retina even 4 weeks after the implantation of the device, indicating the transscleral delivery of the drug to the retina. Conclusion We developed an injectable sheet type DDS device consisting of COLs and PEGDM sheet, which can continuously release a model drug over 4 weeks. The device could implanted on the sclera of rat eyes and indicated the possibility of the transscleral delivery of the drug to the retina.

Boronic ionogel electrolytes to improve lithium transport for Li-ion batteries

Boron containing ionogels were fabricated through chemical crosslinking of boron allyloxide with polyethylene glycol dimethacrylate in an ionic liquid electrolyte solution to obtain mechanically robust gels. Because of the relatively small concentration of crosslinking agent required to fully solidify the ionic liquid electrolyte, good characters of high ionic conductivity, high thermal stability, and good electrochemical stability were observed. A spectroscopic investigation of the boronic ionogels revealed that the lithium mobility was noticeably enhanced compared with ionogels fabricated without the boronic crosslinker, leading to promising Li-ion battery performance at elevated temperatures.