Polytetrafluoroethylene cuff fenestration reinforcement demonstrates low endoleak rates in physician-modified endografts, independent of bridging stent type.

Endovascular procedures require devices with widely varying mechanical properties: flexibility for navigating tortuous vessels, and rigidity for stable therapeutic delivery. Suction-actuated variable stiffness sheaths attempt to address this challenge by incorporating axial wire string arrays that couple mechanically under suction to increase flexural rigidity. However, prototype devices achieve stiffening ratios well below theoretical predictions, suggesting that string array positioning and interlayer mechanics require investigation. We therefore investigated whether interweaving expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape within the string array can enhance flexural rigidity modulation and improve bending uniformity along the catheter length. Prototypes with varying PTFE wrap configurations were fabricated and evaluated using three complementary approaches. First, flexural testing revealed that flexural rigidity in the actuated and unactuated states was largely unaffected by wrapping for small deformations. Second, curvature stability testing revealed that deformation through acute simulated vascular bends was higher than expected due to two failure mechanisms: slip, in which string arrays migrate after overcoming wrap-imposed friction, and buckling, in which arrays become locally pinned and deflect against the outer lumen. Finally, a mathematical model characterized stability limits as functions of the wrapping architecture and device mechanical properties, revealing criteria for which device performance improved. Results suggest design principles for intracatheter wrapping that can narrow the gap between theoretical and achieved flexural rigidity ratios, potentially contributing to the development of endovascular devices capable of single-sheath navigation and intervention.

Tough adhesion, combining high levels of both adhesive strength and ductility, is important for a wide range of everyday applications, but achieving it remains challenging because of the strength-ductility trade-off. Currently, only a few polymer adhesives provide tough adhesion by addressing this trade-off. In contrast, small-molecule adhesives offer advantages such as easy removability and recyclability; however, none have been reported to achieve tough adhesion because they cannot form entangled networks necessary for the emergence of ductility. Here, we report fluoro-crown ether phosphates such as CyclicFP-fmoc as the first small-molecule adhesives that enable highly strong and ductile adhesion to a broad range of materials. Yet, they are readily removable by washing with ethanol. Notably, CyclicFP-fmoc exhibits tough adhesion to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), whose surface is highly inert and difficult to bond. By integrating multiple dynamic interactions, including F-F, hydrogen bonding, and π-π stacking interactions, CyclicFP-fmoc achieves an unprecedented level of ductility despite being a small molecule. Detailed investigations using solid-state NMR and FT-IR revealed that CyclicFP-fmoc forms F-F interactions with the surface of PTFE.

Pseudoaneurysm is a recognized complication of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hemodialysis grafts and may be associated with rupture, infection, thrombosis, and vascular access loss. While Doppler ultrasound findings are well established, the incorporation of nephrologist-performed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) within dialysis units may facilitate timely bedside recognition and expedited referral in high-risk patients. We report the case of a 53-year-old woman with end-stage kidney disease secondary to lupus nephritis, receiving maintenance hemodialysis since 2013, who presented with pain, swelling, fever, local warmth, and a rapidly enlarging pulsatile mass over a brachioaxillary PTFE graft. Physical examination revealed hyperemia, thinning of the overlying skin, and cutaneous shininess suggestive of impending rupture. Bedside POCUS performed by the attending nephrologist inside the dialysis unit demonstrated a 1.94 × 0.6cm pseudoaneurysm communicating with the graft lumen through a narrow neck measuring approximately 0.24 × 0.35cm, associated with turbulent bidirectional flow and the characteristic "yin-yang" sign on color Doppler imaging. The examination enabled immediate bedside confirmation and expedited referral to a tertiary vascular center. Computed tomography angiography (CTA), requested for surgical planning and evaluation of lesion extent and suspected contained rupture, confirmed active contrast extravasation. Due to vascular access exhaustion, an initial conservative strategy with broad-spectrum antibiotics was attempted. Blood cultures subsequently grew Enterococcus faecium, and transthoracic echocardiography revealed tricuspid valve infective endocarditis with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Despite partial infectious improvement with directed antimicrobial therapy, graft excision was ultimately required and was complicated by intraoperative hemorrhagic shock. The patient required prolonged intensive care admission, central venous angioplasties, and tunneled femoral catheter placement for dialysis continuation. This case illustrates the feasibility of nephrologist-performed POCUS in the dialysis unit as a rapid problem-focused tool for early recognition of vascular access complications and expedited referral for definitive management. Limitations include the single-case design, operator dependency, absence of spectral Doppler interrogation, and lack of long-term vascular access outcomes.

Class I hydrophobins secreted by filamentous fungi self-assemble at interfaces to form rod-like structures known as rodlets. Although hydrophobins can self-assemble at both air-water and solid-water interfaces, the mechanism governing the latter self-assembly remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the self-assembly of RolA, a class I hydrophobin from Aspergillus oryzae, on a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface without an air-water interface. The fluorescence time course of thioflavin T binding indicated that RolA self-assembled at the solid-water interface. Atomic force microscopy revealed that RolA formed both rod-like structures and amorphous aggregates. The presence of such aggregates, not observed at air-water interfaces, suggests that the self-assembly pathway depends on the interface type. These findings help to advance our understanding of how the functions of hydrophobins at solid-water interfaces are related to hydrophobin self-assembly.

Heat dissipation remains a formidable challenge for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based high-frequency substrates, as the integration of thermally conductive fillers like hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is often hindered by the intrinsic chemical inertness and ultra-low surface energy of PTFE. Herein, a soluble fluoroalkyl end-capped polyimide (FPI) precursor is developed. The amphipathic structure of FPI acts as an intermolecular bridge, facilitating the homogeneous dispersion of hydrophobic hBN within aqueous PTFE emulsions. Upon thermal imidization, in situ microphase "rivet" architectures evolve at the filler-matrix boundaries, replacing fragile van der Waals contacts with robust, mechanically anchored transitional zones. The topological interlocking significantly restricts the long-range segmental mobility of PTFE chains, yielding an exceptional thermal conductivity of 2.89W/m·K (a 7.5-fold increase) alongside an ultralow copper-matched coefficient of thermal expansion (12ppm/K). Remarkably, these breakthroughs are achieved while preserving superior dielectric properties (permittivity Dk = 2.52, loss tangent Df = 0.00078 @ 10GHz). This work establishes a universal and scalable blueprint for fabricating extreme-performance PTFE substrates tailored for the stringent demands of next-generation 5G/6G telecommunications.

The superior sinus venosus atrial septal defect is situated immediately inferior to the junction of the superior caval vein (SCV) and the right atrium. It is usually associated with partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. Surgical correction used to be the only treatment option, but the transcatheter approach using a covered stent has recently evolved substantially. This is a single-centre retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent transcatheter correction of sinus venosus atrial septal defect in our institution between January 2024 and January 2026. Data was collected from the Adult CHD multidisciplinary meeting records and patients' medical records. The hospital records, including case notes and other electronic data, were reviewed. Five patients were treated with transcatheter correction of sinus venosus atrial septal defect and partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage. All patients were adults with an age range of 30-61 years. Three were males. One patient received a 100-mm Optimus-CVS polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-Covered Stent XXL, whereas all remaining 4 patients received an 80-mm stent. One patient received a second stent for a residual shunt. There were no mortalities or immediate adverse events. The follow-up period at the time of manuscript submission so far is 3-24 months, and no late complications have been observed. Transcatheter closure of sinus venosus atrial septal defect is a feasible and safe procedure in selected patients with good results. The learning curve is still to be completed, and surgical options are not to be completely abolished.

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) employing LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 (LNMO) cathodes (5 V-class, vs Li+/Li) exhibit significant potential for next-generation energy storage owing to their high theoretical energy density and high-voltage capability. However, the practical development of LNMO/Li batteries is severely constrained by the incompatibility of carbonate-based electrolytes with highly reactive cathodes and anodes. To solve this, we propose a novel electrode-electrolyte interfacial engineering strategy: a dry electrode fabrication process is implemented, in which vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCFs) are coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to passivate carbon active sites, thereby effectively mitigating electrolyte oxidation at high voltages. Simultaneously, lithium nonafluorobutanesulfonate (LNBS) and succinonitrile (SN) are incorporated as functional additives into the cathode. Mild heating during electrode fabrication melts these additives, enhancing the flexibility and mechanical integrity of the electrode. These additives partially dissolve during cell operation. LNBS contains SO3- polar groups that facilitate the dissociation of lithium salt ion pairs. Its electronegativity anchors transition metal ions onto the LNMO cathode surface, forming a Ni-S-containing adsorption layer that suppresses their migration into the electrolyte. Meanwhile, lithium difluoro(oxalato)borate (LiODFB) preferentially decomposes at the cathode interface, cooperatively forming a protective bilayer (an outer inorganic-rich layer and an inner Ni-S-containing absorption layer). At the anode, Li-SN (formed via coordination between SN and Li+) decomposes to generate an inorganic-rich solid electrolyte interphase (SEI), stabilizing lithium plating/stripping. These synergistic modifications enable LNMO/Li batteries with high-loading cathodes (20 mg cm-2) to achieve 88.6% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 0.5 C, with an average Coulombic efficiency of 99.44%. Moreover, when charged to 4.85 V, the cell maintains an open-circuit voltage above 4.68 V for over 1400 h, demonstrating exceptional cycling and storage stability with conventional carbonate-based electrolytes.

Piezo-Photothermal Accelerates Co3+/Co2+ cycle to Boost PMS Activation over Co3O4/PTFE for Efficient Antibiotic Degradation.

Standardizing microplastic quantification by scanning electron microscopy: Structural performance of filter membranes and implications from bottled drink analysis.

There is increasing interest over the widespread use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to their possible persistence and accumulation, leading to concerns over potential health and environmental impact. The worry stems back to compounds polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) discovered in the early 20th century. Recent definitions of PFAS have broadened the number of compounds included in this series, and due to the propensity of some of these compounds to accumulate they have been termed "forever chemicals". Herein, this study describes the defluorination of a molecule included in this definition, under environmentally relevant conditions. The degradation of [14C] 4-trifluoromethoxybenzoic acid labelled in the carbon of the OCF3 group was investigated in soil under aerobic conditions at a typical field application rate. The degradation rate was calculated from analysis of loss of parent compound over time, resulting in a degradation time of 50% (DegT50) range of 1.15-3.14 days, and the generation of 14CO2 between 61.8 and 72.7% of the total applied radioactivity. The results from this study show that OCF3 groups, and hence C-F bonds, can degrade under environmentally relevant conditions and on a short timescale.

We introduce NaI as a mild reagent for low-temperature topochemical defluorination of Ruddlesden-Popper oxyfluorides. In a topochemical fluorination and subsequent defluorination process La2CoO3F3 is obtained from La2CoO4, using poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as fluorine sources, and converted to La2CoO3F2 by the addition of NaI. Both processes were studied by laboratory in situ X-ray diffraction, which reveals a stepwise fluorine uptake through four crystalline intermediates. Subsequent NaI treatment enables controlled F- removal to form La2CoO3F2. This Co(II) phase is not accessible by direct topochemical fluorination of La2CoO4 and is not observed along the La2CoO3F3 formation pathway. X-ray and neutron powder diffraction establish La2CoO3F3 as monoclinic (P21/c) with full occupation of the interstitial anion layer, whereas La2CoO3F2 is isotypic to La2NiO3F2 (Cccm) and exhibits a channel-like interstitial anion arrangement. Thermal analysis by in situ XRD is used to scan the temperature ranges over which both oxyfluorides retain their structure, and magnetization measurements indicate the change in cobalt oxidation and spin state upon fluorination/defluorination. This study uses the La2CoO4 → La2CoO3F3 → La2CoO3F2 reaction sequence as model system to demonstrate that, sequential topochemical fluorination and NaI-mediated defluorination provides access to metastable, anion-ordered RP oxyfluorides under milder conditions than conventional hydride-based reductions, avoiding both reduction of the metal cations to their metallic state and anion substitution reactions due to size effects of the iodide ion.

Separation membranes with inherent antiwettability and stability are highly desirable for membrane distillation (MD) in practical applications. In this study, hydrophilic-hydrophobic dual-layer membranes composed of a dense poly (vinyl alcohol)/halloysite nanotube (PVA-HNT) layer and a microporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) layer were fabricated to improve wetting and fouling resistance during the MD process. The incorporation of the HNT manipulated the crystallization and chain mobility of PVA, endowing the PVA-HNT layer with tunable water transport properties by adjusting the level of HNT loading. Benefiting from the hydrophilic top layer on PTFE, the dual-layer membrane with an optimal HNT loading of 5 wt% showed stable water vapor flux (7.6 kg/m2·h) while maintaining salt rejection above 99.95%. This performance was achieved using a 3.5 wt% NaCl feed solution with 0.4 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate at a feed temperature of 50 °C and permeate temperature of 10 °C. In contrast, the pristine PTFE membrane suffered from severe pore wetting, with its salt selectivity dropping from 99.5% to 91.5%. Antifouling performance was further evaluated using real landfill leachate in a 50 h treatment. The dual-layer membrane with a 5 wt% HNT maintained stable separation behavior with a 15.3% decrease in water flux, whereas the flux of the PTFE membrane declined by 70.5% in 30 h of operation. A distinct fouling layer was observed on the PTFE membrane surface after the operation, while no obvious fouling was identified on the dual-layer membrane, confirming its superior antifouling properties.

Reactive carbon capture (RCC) from bicarbonate solutions offers a highly efficient pathway for carbon-neutral fuel production by bypassing energy-intensive CO2 desorption steps. However, conventional carbon paper (CP)-based electrodes suffer from electrolyte flooding and limited mass transport in liquid-fed RCC systems, hindering in situ CO2 regeneration from bicarbonate. Here, we report a macroporous nickel foam (NF)-based electrode incorporating an asymmetric binder strategy that incorporates hydrophobic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the microporous layer (MPL) and proton-conducting Nafion in the catalyst layer (CL). The macroporosity of NF and asymmetric binder architecture decouples bulk electrolyte transport from interfacial CO2 regeneration. This asymmetric architecture effectively mitigates flooding and prevents excessive interfacial alkalization, facilitating rapid in situ CO2 regeneration from bicarbonate and ensuring a solid-liquid-gas triple phase boundary (TPB). The NF electrode achieves a CO Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 62.6% at 100 mA cm-2 with a low cell voltage of 3.26 V in a bipolar membrane (BPM)-based membrane electrode assembly (MEA)-type electrolyzer. Furthermore, the electrode exhibits robust durability, maintaining stable continuous operation for 44 h. This structural engineering approach offers an effective and scalable strategy for overcoming mass transport limitations in RCC systems.

CaSO4:Tm thermoluminescent semi-spherical-shaped pellets for improved angular dependence dosimeters.

HighlightsPTFE/SiO2–ER/FR superhydrophobic coatings for anti-icing and de-icing of insulators were designed.The micro/nanoscale hierarchical structure imparts good superhydrophobicity to PTFE/SiO2–ER/FR.PTFE/SiO2–ER/FR superhydrophobic coatings achieve good durability against UV irradiation or freeze–thaw cycling.PTFE/SiO2–ER/FR superhydrophobic coatings possess good anti-icing and de-icing performance under natural icing conditions.This work describes the preparation of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)/SiO2 (silicon dioxide)–ER (epoxy resin)/FR (fluorosilicone resin) superhydrophobic coatings using the spray method to improve the anti-icing and de-icing performance of transmission line insulators. The coatings exhibit a consistent fluorine distribution (32.86 wt%), which enhances their low surface energy, alongside SiO2 nanoparticles that occupy the interstices between PTFE particles, resulting in a dense micro- and nanoscale hierarchical structure. Consequently, the coatings have good superhydrophobicity, featuring a contact angle of 173.9° and roll angle of 1.2°. Following 66 days of UV irradiation, the contact angle remains above 150°, and the roll angle is approximately 15°, accompanied by a slight increase in ice adhesion strength. Following 26 freeze–thaw cycles, the contact angle stabilizes at around 157°, showing good environmental durability. Natural icing studies validate the coatings’ good anti-icing and de-icing efficacy: in comparison to common insulators, the coated insulators demonstrate a 14.2% reduction in ice accretion weight and a 67.7% reduction in maximum ice ridge length.

Microplastics (MPs) have been recognized as persistence contaminant in drinking water causing potential risks to human health. This study investigated the occurrence, removal and polymer type of MPs in three major drinking water treatment plants (DWTPs) as well as different commercial brands of bottled water in Jordan. Water samples were collected from different treatment stages at DWTPs between May and June 2025. These samples were sieved over 20 µm sieve and analyzed for MPs using Nile Red staining and micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FTIR). The results showed that MPs were present in all raw water samples of Zai, Zara and Jerash DWTPs, with concentrations ranged from 2.3 to 17.7 particles/L resulting an average MPs removal efficiency of 75%, 81%, 65% respectively. Also, for commercial bottled water, MPs concentrations ranged from 1.1 to 4.4 particles/L which are slightly higher than those measured at the outlets of the DWTPs. Moreover, the results showed that the rayon fiber, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PU), and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were the main types of polymers detected in the samples. Overall, the study findings demonstrated that existing DWTPs in Jordan substantially reduce microplastic loads but do not fully eliminate MPs ≥ 20 µm. Moreover, the results established a baseline for MPs levels in drinking water and commercial bottled water in a water-scarce region. • First national assessment of MPs in Jordanian DWTPs • MPs ≥ 20 µm detected in raw and treated waters • Treatment processes achieved 65–81% MP removal • PET, PE, PU, PTFE and rayon were dominant polymers • Baseline data established for a water-scarce region

Microplastic entry into bloodstream via hemodialysis: A dual-simulation clinical study.

Perigraft hygroma causing recurrent small bowel obstruction after polytetrafluoroethylene aortic reconstruction

Microplastics (MPs) are emerging contaminants which of global concern impacting water quality of an aquatic ecosystem. However, the investigation on the MPs is uncommon as compared to the water quality parameter analysis particularly in South India. This study analysed the MPs abundance, their polymer characterisation and physicochemical parameters of water quality in five lakes fed by the River Palar in South India. Water samples were collected from the lakes to analyse 14 physico-chemical parameters to determine the Water Quality Index (WQI)MPs were extracted from the water samples using density separation, and their polymer characterisation was performed using light microscopy, SEM & FTIR spectroscopy. The concentration of MP ranged from 89 to 637mg/L across the five lakes with the highest concentration from Lake Saduperi showing (673mg/L). Nine major Polymer types were identified, which includes Polyamide (Nylon), Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). SEM micrographs revealed irregular, surface-cracked microplastic structures with co-contaminants. Geospatial analysis of water quality parameters indicated sharp regional variations in water quality, showing higher contamination around urban settlements, solid waste disposal sites, and from agricultural runoff zones. The estimation of Pearson correlation revealed a statistically significant correlation (r = 0.9) between the concentration of MP and Phosphate (r = 0.98, FDR-adjusted p = 0.0496)-which clearly indicates a direct effect of MP on water. An overall WQI comparison of the five lakes highlighted that the water quality was poor and unsuitable for drinking in all lakes except one i.e., Lake Sathyamangalam. This study provides novel insights on the MP- Phosphate co-occurrence in the study area. A targeted monitoring of phosphate-MP and polymer-specific source tracking is recommended to prevent contamination in the freshwater systems. This study also supports regional water management, and aids urban planners in environmental management and policy modifications.