Smart Nanocomposites Research Articles

Smart Nanocomposite Hydrogels as Next-Generation Therapeutic and Diagnostic Solutions

Stimuli-responsive nanocomposite gels combine the unique properties of hydrogels with those of nanoparticles, thus avoiding the suboptimal results of single components and creating versatile, multi-functional platforms for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. These hybrid materials are engineered to respond to various internal and external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, light, magnetic fields, and enzymatic activity, allowing precise control over drug release, tissue regeneration, and biosensing. Their responsiveness to environmental cues permits personalized medicine approaches, providing dynamic control over therapeutic interventions and real-time diagnostic capabilities. This review explores recent advances in stimuli-responsive hybrid gels’ synthesis and application, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostics. Overall, these platforms have significant clinical potential, and future research is expected to lead to unique solutions to address unmet medical needs.

Synthesis of smart PVA/acid-activated/Cu2O@sepiolite nanocomposite: Evaluation of thermal, mechanical, lead removal and antibacterial properties

Lead [Pb(II)] poses a serious threat to public health and the environment due to its high prevalence in industrial effluents. Herein, we developed smart poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites containing acid-activated sepiolite (ASep) and cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanoparticles containing sepiolite using the alkaline method. Structural, thermal, physical, and mechanical properties of PVA/ASep@Cu2O nanocomposites were evaluated. The modulus of elasticity of PVA/ASep@Cu2O nanocomposites was 1.26-fold enhanced compared to the PVA membrane. The influence of adsorbent dose (0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 g), pH (3, 4, 5), time (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min), and temperature (300.15, 310.15, and 320.15 K) on the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous media by PVA/ASep@Cu2O nanocomposites was investigated. The maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity of PVA/ASep@Cu2O nanocomposite was 284.09 mg/g. The practical application of the smart nanocomposite for eliminating heavy metals from industrial effluent and contaminated drinking water was determined. The PVA/ASep@Cu2O nanocomposite also exhibited robust antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Therefore, PVA/ASep@Cu2O nanocomposite could be employed as a smart approach by producing clean water to protect public health and the environment.

Preparation and characterization of transparent advanced smart nanocomposites reinforced by nanofibrillated cellulose/poly(methyl methacrylate)/methyl methacrylate/benzoyl peroxide

Transparent smart nanocomposites, which are among the advanced materials, were developed with the synergistic effect of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFCs) as a natural bionanomaterial, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a biocompatible microcapsule, methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a monomer, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as an initiator and catalyst. Epoxy resin was reinforced with NFC, PMMA, MMA, and BPO. Casting, which appears to be an industrially promising method that allows for cost-effective and high-quantity production, was used for producing transparent advanced nanocomposites. The properties of the nanocomposites, including yield strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness, impact energy, and self-healing capability, were determined. Increases in the yield strength (136.4%), modulus of elasticity (260%), hardness (28.3%), and impact energy (75%) were observed in the transparent smart nanocomposites reinforced with NFC, PMMA, MMA, and BPO, compared to pure epoxy composites. Furthermore, the transparent advanced smart nanocomposites self-healed by about 7% after the notch/scratch defect. It has the potential to be used in a variety of applications, such as interior and structural components for the aerospace and automotive industries, packaging, flexible screens, and lightweight transparent materials.

Towards highly homogeneous self-regulating heating of smart nanocomposites

Smart self-regulating heating devices utilising the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect have shown great potential in advancing applications across healthcare, soft robotics, and energy-efficient manufacturing. However, achieving homogeneous resistive heating within such temperature self-controllable nanocomposites remains a significant challenge, falling short of meeting the requirements of advanced heating systems. This study explores and evaluates multiple innovative strategies aimed at enhancing the temperature uniformity of PTC nanocomposites. By identifying and analysing the primary physical mechanisms behind the inhomogeneous heating observed in conductive polymer composites, we propose a series of targeted strategies, ranging from customised material formulations to novel electrode configurations. Recycled carbon fibres have also been explored and upcycled as an effective solution for homogenous self-regulating heating. Through a comprehensive analysis of experimental results, the effectiveness of each strategy has been evaluated with a significantly improved temperature uniformity (from 32.6 to 2.7 % variation at 125 °C), providing valuable insights for the design and development of advanced self-regulating heating devices based on conductive polymer nanocomposites, while offering promising prospects for achieving more energy-efficient and uniform heating in various industrial applications.

3D and 4D Printing of PETG-ABS-Fe3O4 Nanocomposites with Supreme Remotely Driven Magneto-Thermal Shape-Memory Performance.

This study introduces novel PETG-ABS-Fe3O4 nanocomposites that offer impressive 3D- and 4D-printing capabilities. These nanocomposites can be remotely stimulated through the application of a temperature-induced magnetic field. A direct granule-based FDM printer equipped with a pneumatic system to control the output melt flow is utilized to print the composites. This addresses challenges associated with using a high weight percentage of nanoparticles and the lack of control over geometry when producing precise and continuous filaments. SEM results showed that the interface of the matrix was smooth and uniform, and the increase in nanoparticles weakened the interface of the printed layers. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased from 25.98 MPa for the pure PETG-ABS sample to 26.3 MPa and 27.05 MPa for the 10% and 15% Fe3O4 nanocomposites, respectively. This increase in tensile strength was accompanied by a decrease in elongation from 15.15% to 13.94% and 12.78%. The results of the shape-memory performance reveal that adding iron oxide not only enables indirect and remote recovery but also improves the shape-memory effect. Improving heat transfer and strengthening the elastic component can increase the rate and amount of shape recovery. Nanocomposites containing 20% iron oxide demonstrate superior shape-memory performance when subjected to direct heat stimulation and a magnetic field, despite exhibiting low print quality and poor tensile strength. Smart nanocomposites with magnetic remote-control capabilities provide opportunities for 4D printing in diverse industries, particularly in medicine, where rapid speed and remote control are essential for minimally invasive procedures.

Smart fluorescent PVA/CS/AV/g-C3N4QDs hydrogel nanocomposites: synthesis and study of UV absorbance, rheological and self-healing properties

Response to exterior stimulants, such as light and pH and also self-healing behavior are the major specifications of smart nanocomposites. This project aims to synthesise various weight percentages of smart fluorescent hydrogel nanocomposites using natural and bio-friendly materials including polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), corn starch (CS), aloe vera (AV) and g-C3N4QDs (PSA/CN). Graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-C3N4QDs or CN) were synthesised by way of pyrolysis of the urea and citric acid (CA) blend with 18:1 weight proportion employing microwave-supported procedure. Next, synthesis and properties of the prepared nanocomposites were verified by means of microscopic and electroscopic methods. The strong absorption peaks registered at 230, 290 and 390 nm confirmed UV absorption ability of the synthesised PSA/CN nanocomposites. In response to 390 nm exciting wavelength, these nanocomposites emitted green fluorescence (FL) at 505–510 nm. Adding CN (0.25 wt% and 0.5 wt%) to the hydrogel matrix bred a growth in thermal stability of the resultant nanocomposites. Loading diverse weight percentages of CN into hydrogel matrix led the rheological features of the hydrogel nanocomposites to improve. Studies on pH-responsive and rheological analyses approved self-healing behavior of the PSA/CN nanocomposites against damages.

Smart nanocomposites: Harnessing magnetically recoverable MWCNT-CF for efficient organic dyes reduction in water quality monitoring applications

The accelerating use of organic dyes in various industries has led to a surge in water pollution, especially from non-biodegradable dye effluents discharged into water resources. This study addresses the critical issue of catalyzing the reduction of two prevalent dyes, methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine-B (RhB), using a multiwalled carbon nanotube-cobalt ferrite (MWCNT-CF) nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite demonstrates exceptional catalytic activity, stability, and recyclability. Conventional methods for treating dye-containing wastewater often prove expensive. This study explores the efficacy of catalytic reduction, a relatively fast process facilitated by semiconductor nanoparticles. Structural analyses using X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirm the formation of the nanocomposite, revealing unsaturated surface bonds and chains conducive to adsorption. The nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable reduction in both dyes, with easy recyclability for multiple cycles. Magnetization studies confirm the ferrimagnetic nature of the nanocomposite, facilitating its efficient separation from the reaction mixture using a magnet. The study delves into the kinetics of the catalytic reduction following pseudo-first-order kinetics. The surface modifications of the nanocomposite, as revealed by TEM, contribute to enhanced adsorption and catalytic efficiency. Notably, the MWCNT-CF nanocomposite demonstrates negligible loss of catalytic activity during recycling, highlighting its potential for cost-effective and sustainable applications in dye reduction across various industries.

Multi-responsive shape memory and self-healing hydrogels with gold and silver nanoparticles

Nanocomposite smart gels (Nc-x) with self-healing and shape memory properties were designed in different types and size nano particles with temperature or light stimuli.

Fabrication of photoluminescent electrically conductive and flame-retardant cellulose fabric incorporating polyaniline/strontium aluminate nanocomposite for a plethora of useful applications

The pad dry cure method was used to coat linen fibers with a smart nanocomposite that has photoluminescence, electrical conductivity, flame resistance, and hydrophobic properties. Environmentally benign silicone rubber (RTV) was utilized to encapsulate rare-earth activated strontium aluminate nanoparticles (RESAN; 10–18 nm), polyaniline (PANi) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) into linen surface. The flame resistance of the treated linen fabrics was evaluated for their self-extinguishing capabilities. The flame-retardant qualities of linen were retained for 24 washings. Additionally, the superhydrophobicity of the treated linen has markedly improved upon increasing the concentration of RESAN. The colorless luminous film deposited onto linen surface was excited at 365 nm and emitted a wavelength of 518 nm. In accordance with the results of CIE (Commission internationale de l'éclairage) Lab and luminescence analysis, the photoluminescent linen gave rise to diverse colors, including off-white in daylight, green beneath UV radiation and greenish-yellow in a darkened room. The treated linen displayed sustained phosphorescence, as evidenced by decay time spectroscopy. The bending length and air permeability of linen were evaluated for their mechanical and comfort assessment. Finally, the coated linens exhibited remarkable antibacterial activity along with strong UV protection.

Multifunction smart nanocomposite film for food packaging based on carboxymethyl cellulose/Kombucha SCOBY/pomegranate anthocyanin pigment

Active packing systems employed to preserve food quality have gone through chains of sustainable development processes, reflecting the growth in consumer awareness of high-quality foods in eco-friendly packaging. Consequently, this study aims to develop antioxidant, antimicrobial, UV-shielding, pH-sensitive, edible, and flexible films from composites of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), pomegranate anthocyanin extract (PAE), and various fractions (1–15 %) of bacterial cellulose from the Kombucha SCOBY (BC Kombucha). Various analytical tools such as ATR-FTIR, XRD, TGA, and TEM were utilized to investigate the physicochemical characterization of BC Kombucha and CMC-PAE/BC Kombucha films. The DDPH scavenging test demonstrated the efficiency of PAE as a matrix with potent antioxidant properties, both as a solution and enclosed in composite films. The fabricated films of CMC-PAE/BC Kombucha showed antimicrobial activities against many pathogenic Gram-negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella sp., and Escherichia coli), Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, and Candida albicans, ranging from a 20 to 30 mm inhibition zone. The CMC-PAE/BC Kombucha nanocomposite has additionally been utilized to pack red grapes and plums. The results illustrated that CMC-PAE/BC Kombucha nanocomposite can increase red grapes and plums' shelf lives by up to 25 days while maintaining the fruits' quality better than those left unpacked.

Role of bioactive magnetic nanoparticles in the prevention of wound pathogenic biofilm formation using smart nanocomposites

BackgroundBiofilm formation and its resistance to various antibiotics is a serious health problem in the treatment of wound infections. An ideal wound dressing should have characteristics such as protection of wound from microbial infection, suitable porosity (to absorb wound exudates), proper permeability (to maintain wound moisture), nontoxicity, and biocompatibility. Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been investigated as antimicrobial agents, their limitations in penetrating into the biofilm, affecting their efficiency, have consistently been an area for further research.ResultsConsequently, in this study, the optimal amounts of natural and synthetic polymers combination, along with AgNPs, accompanied by iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), were utilized to fabricate a smart bionanocomposite that meets all the requirements of an ideal wound dressing. Superparamagnetic IONPs (with the average size of 11.8 nm) were synthesized through co-precipitation method using oleic acid to improve their stability. It was found that the addition of IONPs to bionanocomposites had a synergistic effect on their antibacterial and antibiofilm properties. Cytotoxicity assay results showed that nanoparticles does not considerably affect eukaryotic cells compared to prokaryotic cells. Based on the images obtained by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), significant AgNPs release was observed when an external magnetic field (EMF) was applied to the bionanocomposites loaded with IONPs, which increased the antibacterial activity and inhibited the formation of biofilm significantly.ConclusionThese finding indicated that the nanocomposite recommended can have an efficient properties for the management of wounds through prevention and treatment of antibiotic-resistant biofilm.Graphical

Erbium activating effect on the photoluminescence, morphology, and structure studies of nano-composite Phospho-silicate SiO2–P2O5

Smart nano-composites Phospho-silicate (SiO2–P2O5) prepared in monolith form containing 16 mol% P2O5, and doped with different mol% of Er3+ ions between 0.5 and 5 mol%; the composite has been synthesized by Sol-Gel technique, and subsequently annealed at 850 °C.X-ray diffraction patterns show the structural properties of the mentioned prepared samples, giving rise to the crystallite sizes to increase in a range between 18, and 20.8 nm as the molar percent of the Er3+ ion increase from 0% to 5%. The morphology, and surface morphology of the prepared samples were characterized using TEM, and FESEM, respectively. The Raman analyses show that the active Raman bands are corresponding to silicate, and phosphate. These bands were enveloped by the strong asymmetric vibrations of Er2O3 at 420, and 840 cm−1, their Bose-Einstein corrected intensities increased gradually by increasing the Er3+ ions concentration in the regions from 3400 up to 3450 cm−1, and 3550 up to 3700 cm−1. The optical studies show that the refractive index increased by increasing Er3+ ions concentration, from 1.7 up to 1.8 for as the concentration of Er3+ ions increase. The photoluminescence are exhibiting an emission with splitting at 1545, and 1555 nm, which is related to the intra 4F transition. It has been found that the optimal doping content of Er is 1 mol% then, after quenching caused by OH groups in Er3+ ions doped Phospho-silicate at higher concentrations. It is obviously that 1 mol% of Erbium ions is a suitable candidate for photonic applications such as Laser waveguide, and optical amplifier.

Enhanced Polarization Effect of Flexible Magnetoelectric PVDF-TrFE/Fe3O4 Smart Nanocomposites for Nonvolatile Memory Application

High power consumption of nonvolatile memory is a major challenge, as it reduces the memory efficiency of information storage devices. The magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in multiferroic nanocomposites, which can be utilized in magnetoelectric random access memory, is an effective approach to reduce power consumption in information storage. Here, a type of ME nanocomposite embedded with 0.5 wt % Fe3O4 is presented, exhibiting higher ME voltage coefficients for piezoelectric thin films. Specifically, the ME voltage coefficient of the P(VDF-TrFE)/Fe3O4 composite developed in this study is 8.97 mV/(cm·Oe), which is 17.5% higher compared to that of the pure P(VDF-TrFE) at a Hdc of 1000 Oe. Meanwhile, the enhanced ME effect of smart nanocomposites is characterized by the increase of diffraction peak intensity at a microscopic level. The nanocomposite films exhibit high ME voltage coefficients and information storage performance, providing a great potential for creating next-generation memory devices in the realm of artificial intelligence and wearable devices.

Synthesis and Characterization of Supermagnetic Nanocomposites Coated with Pluronic F127 as a Contrast Agent for Biomedical Applications.

Nanomedicine has garnered significant interest owing to advances in drug delivery, effectively demonstrated in the treatment of certain diseases. Here, smart supermagnetic nanocomposites based on iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with Pluronic F127 (F127) were developed for the delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) to tumor tissues. The XRD patterns for all samples revealed peaks consistent with Fe3O4, as shown by their indices (220), (311), (400), (422), (511), and (440), demonstrating that the structure of Fe3O4 did not change after the coating process. After loading with DOX, the as-prepared smart nanocomposites demonstrated drug-loading efficiency and drug-loading capacity percentages of 45 ± 0.10 and 17 ± 0.58% for MNP-F127-2-DOX and 65 ± 0.12 and 13 ± 0.79% for MNP-F127-3-DOX, respectively. Moreover, a better DOX release rate was observed under acidic conditions, which may be credited to the pH sensitivity of the polymer. In vitro analysis demonstrated the survival rate of approximately 90% in HepG2 cells treated with PBS and MNP-F127-3 nanocomposites. Furthermore, after treatment with MNP-F127-3-DOX, the survival rate decreased, confirming cellular inhibition. Hence, the synthesized smart nanocomposites showed great promise for drug delivery in liver cancer treatment, overcoming the limitations of traditional therapies.

Effect of Interface on Elastic Properties for Hybrid Smart Nanocomposites using Micromechanics based Mori Tanaka Technique

Effect of Interface on Elastic Properties for Hybrid Smart Nanocomposites using Micromechanics based Mori Tanaka Technique

Enhanced electrochromic properties of WO3/ITO nanocomposite smart windows.

Tungsten oxide is regarded as the most promising electrochromic material owing to its continuously tunable optical properties, low cost, and high coloration efficiency. Further improving its optical modulation, switching speed, and coloration efficiency is important to electrochromic smart windows and related devices. Here, we demonstrate an enhanced electrochromic film composed of a WO3 nanosheet and ITO nanoparticles developed by an all-solution technology. The WO3 nanosheet is fabricated by an acid-assisted hydrothermal process with high product efficiency. The introduction of an ITO into the WO3 nanosheets significantly improved the electrochemical activity and the conductivity of the composite film. Compared with a reported electrochromic film without ITO doping, our synthesized composite WO3 film exhibited optical modulation up to 88% and a high coloration efficiency of 154.16 cm2 C-1. Particularly, our electrochromic film was based on the dispersant solution and spin-coating technology, which may also be realized with nano-spray coating for large scale applications. The results offer an effective way to develop large-area electrochromic film and devices.

Rheological, Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of Toughened Self-Healing Supramolecular Resins, Based on Hydrogen Bonding.

This paper proposes the design of toughened self-healing supramolecular resins able to fulfill functional and structural requirements for industrial applications. These new nanocomposites are based on compounds acting as promotors of reversible self-healing interactions. Electrically conductive carbon nanotubes, selected among those allowing to reach the electrical percolation threshold (EPT) with a very low amount of nanofiller, were dispersed in the self-healing polymeric matrix to contrast the electrical insulating properties of epoxy matrices, as required for many applications. The formulated supramolecular systems are thermally stable, up to 360 °C. Depending on the chemical formulation, the self-healing efficiency η, assessed by the fracture test, can reach almost the complete self-repairing efficiency (η = 99%). Studies on the complex viscosity of smart nanocomposites highlight that the effect of the nanofiller dominates over those due to the healing agents. The presence of healing compounds anchored to the hosting epoxy matrix determines a relevant increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg), which results in values higher than 200 °C. Compared to the unfilled matrix, a rise from 189 °C to 223 °C is found for two of the proposed formulations.

Shape memory polymer smart plaster for orthopaedic treatments

Shape memory polymer (SMP) is a smart material that can respond to external stimuli and recover its permanent shape after being programmed. Researchers have been interested in SMPs for invasive biomedical applications, but there are many opportunities for non-invasive applications. Thus, in this study, a novel hybrid SMP nanocomposite smart plaster (SP) is synthesised for non-invasive orthopaedic fractured bone immobilisation. Due to its considerable structural properties, the SP for this study was synthesised with Bisphenol A epoxy, reinforced with E-glass fibres, its bioinspiration qualities were improved incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles. After that, the SP was preserved for three months under five different conditions. This was done to compare their environmental durability and usability for fractured bone immobilisation by analysing the resulting thermomechanical and shape memory properties. In addition, an Abaqus finite element model was developed and validated which can be used to optimise the design and geometrical parameters of the SP. The SP vitro performance was verified, demonstrating a lower limb leg cylindrical cast in less than 10 min. The SP at 50 °C and two layers of cotton webril produced the optimum results, and the recorded maximum undercast temperature was less than 45 °C, which was within the safe limit for human use. Furthermore, the undercast pressure did not surpass 30.2 ± 5.2 mmHg, indicating that the results are equivalent to other bone immobilisation procedures. Therefore, the synthesised SP showed a promising approach to address existing orthopaedic fractured bone limb immobilisation challenges.

Nonlinearity enhancement of Multi-walled carbon nanotube decorated with ZnO nanoparticles prepared by laser assisted method

A nanosecond solid state Nd:YAG laser was employed to develop nanocomposites from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with ZnO nanoparticles in a single step to improve their optoelectronic capabilities. The physicochemical features of the produced samples were investigated using various spectroscopic methods. The produced results showed that the MWCNTs image has a smooth tubular surface associated with spherical material of ZnO that is uniformly connected to the surface nanomaterials. There were no extra particles discovered surrounding MWCNTs, and the elemental analysis study consisted of just Zn, C, and O. Moreover, the diffraction patterns showed the main characteristic peaks of the graphite structure and the ZnO structure. Besides, the transition motion of the prepared ZnO was red-shifted compared to that of bulk ZnO. Also, the intensity ratios (ID/IG) were developed to higher values than pristine MWCNTs. After that, the Z-scan approach was used to evaluate the nonlinear characteristics of the produced nanocomposite at the different irradiation laser intensities. It was shown that as the incident laser intensities increase, the values of nonlinearity parameters increase, and metal oxide nanoparticles improve the nonlinearity of MWCNTs significantly because metal oxide nanoparticles increase the time of electron transfer and photon transition, resulting in recombination for both electrons and holes, and extend the free carrier's working time, improving the nonlinear optical properties of nanocomposites. These results show a simple way to make a smart nanocomposite with great nonlinearity properties. These nanocomposites could be used in optical devices like optical switches and optical sensors.

Development of functional glow-in-the-dark photoluminescence linen fabrics with ultraviolet sensing and shielding.

Linen fibres were coated with a glow-in-the-dark photoluminescence, flame-retarding, and hydrophobic smart nanocomposite using the pad-dry-curing process. Ecologically friendly ammonium polyphosphate and lanthanide-activated strontium aluminium oxide (LSAO) nanoparticles were immobilized into linen fabric using eco-friendly room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber. Different analytical techniques were used to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental compositions of LSAO nanoparticles and treated linen textiles. The self-extinguishing properties of the treated linen textiles were tested for their fire resistance. After 24 washing cycles, the coated linen samples retained their flame-retarding properties. The treated linen's superhydrophobicity rose in direct proportion to the LSAO concentration. After being excited at 365 nm, the colourless luminescent film that was coated on linen surface gave out an emission wavelength of 519 nm. The photoluminescent linen was monitored to create a range of different colours, including off-white in daytime light and green under ultraviolet (UV) light radiation, according to the Commission Internationale de l'éclairage laboratory colorimetric coordinates and photoluminescence spectra. Emission, excitation, and lifetime spectral analysis of the treated linen revealed persistent phosphorescence. For mechanical and comfort evaluation, the coated linen textiles' bending length and air permeability were assessed. Good UV light shielding and enhanced antibacterial activity were detected in the treated linens.