Surfactant-free Emulsion Polymerization Research Articles

Investigation of controlled salmeterol xinafoate and fluticasone propionate release from double molecular imprinted nanoparticles

AbstractSalmeterol xinafoate (SAM) and fluticasone propionate (FLU) are one of the drug combinations used together in the treatment of lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of novel dual molecular imprinted nanoparticles (poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-(L)-alanine-N-methacryloyl-(L)-histidine) [p(HEMA-MAAL-MAH)], abbr. DMIPNPs) as a controlled drug release systems. In this study, SAM and FLU drugs were chosen as model drugs because they are used in the treatment of these diseases. DMIPNPs were prepared by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). In in vitro drug release experiments, drug release conditions were optimized. SAM and FLU release from DMIPNPs experiments were also performed in the simulated lung fluid (SLF). The amount of released SAM and FLU were found as 4.79 and 5.68 mg/g in the SLF medium at the end of 48 h, respectively. The release kinetics of SAM and FLU from DMIPNPs were calculated in the SLF medium. The release of SAM and FLU was determined to be compatible with the Higuchi release models. According to these results, these DMIPNPs, dual-template molecular imprinted nanoparticles with dual monomers, are promising materials that can be used in the controlled release of two different drugs. Graphical abstract

Selective Extraction and Quantification of Hemoglobin Based on a Novel Molecularly Imprinted Nanopolymeric Structure of Poly(acrylamide-vinyl imidazole).

Imbalances in hemoglobin (Hb) levels can lead to conditions such as anemia or polycythemia, emphasizing the importance of precise Hb extraction from blood. To address this, a novel synthetic imprinted polymer was meticulously developed for capturing and separating Hb. Poly(acrylamide-vinylimidazole) nanopolymer (poly(AAm-VIM)) was synthesized using acrylamide and vinyl imidazole as functional monomers through surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. Characterization using FTIR, particle size, zeta potential, and SEM ensured the polymer's structure. The Hb-imprinted nanopolymer (Hb-poly(AAm-VIM)) demonstrated notable specificity, with a calculated Hb-specific adsorption value (Qmax) of 3.7377 mg/g in a medium containing 2.5 mg/mL Hb. The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) exhibited approximately 5 times higher Hb adsorption than the nonimprinted polymer (NIP). Under the same conditions, the imprinted nanopolymer displayed 2.39 and 2.17 times greater selectivity for Hb over competing proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) and lysozyme (Lys), respectively. Also, SDS-PAGE analysis results confirmed the purification of Hb by the molecularly imprinted nanopolymer. These results underscore the heightened specificity and efficacy of the molecularly imprinted nanopolymer in selectively targeting Hb atoms among other proteins. Incorporating such polymers is justified by their notable affinity, cost-effectiveness, and facile production. This research contributes valuable insights into optimizing synthetic imprinted polymers for efficient Hb extraction, with potential in medical diagnostics and treatment applications.

Chloromethylated magnetic polystyrene composite nanoparticles prepared via RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization

Polystyrene-based magnetic composite nanoparticles with well-defined core-shell morphology, customizable surface functionalization, and adjustable magnetic properties are promising catalyst support materials. In this work, chloromethylated magnetic polystyrene composite nanoparticles are successfully prepared through RAFT-mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. A comprehensive investigation is carried out to explore the influence of copolymer monomer ratios and polymerization degrees on emulsion polymerization conversion and encapsulation efficiency. The results unveil the critical importance of moderately adjusting the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties of the macroRAFT agents in achieving an effective encapsulation process. Excessive monomer addition is found to disrupt the conditions necessary for emulsion polymerization by causing the detachment of macroRAFT agents from the surface of the modified Fe3O4 nanoclusters. These results are instructive for the future rational design and synthesis of high-performance catalysts.

Development of functionalized polymeric nanomaterial by organosiliconic reagent for boronate affinity-based dopamine recognition

The dopamine neurotransmitter is mainly responsible for endocrine functions in our body. The increase in the level of dopamine in the human body leads to many disorders such as schizophrenia, uncontrollable tics, addiction, increased tension, desire to act excessively, and carelessness. Decreased levels of dopamine cause problems such as malnutrition, stress, insomnia, and the use of antidepressants. Recognition of dopamine is crucial for clinical experiments. Therefore, the development of recognition surfaces of dopamine is essential for isolation, purification, and determination processes. This study, it was aimed to produce a polymeric nanomaterial that can recognize dopamine. For this purpose, p(HEMA) polymer was synthesized with surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method and silanized by organosilicon reagent (3-aminopropyl) triethoxylsilane (APTES) and modified with phenylboronic acid (PBA). Characterization of the p(HEMA)-APTES-PBA nanopolymeric system for dopamine recognition was performed with Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta-size/zeta-potential analysis, surface area calculations. Dopamine affinity of the p(HEMA)-APTES-PBA was optimized in terms of pH, time, concentration, buffer concentration, and buffer type parameters. Dopamine adsorption of p(HEMA)-APTES-PBA nanopolymers was 4,8 times more than epinephrine in specificity analysis. After the 7 adsorption–desorption cycles, the desorption rate was found to be 74.8 %. The developed nanopolymeric system is a convenient method with high adsorption capacity which allows easy and rapid extraction, isolation, and purification of dopamine.

Strengthening polylactic acid (PLA) composites with poly(methyl methacrylate)-functionalized cellulose nanofibrils created through grafting-through emulsion polymerization

Aqueous surfactant free emulsion grafting-through polymerization produced poly(methyl methacrylate) coated cellulose nanofibrils that retained microstructure and strengthened poly(lactic acid) composites.

Dynamic surfaces of latex films and their antifouling applications

Latex polymer particles have been widely used in industry and everyday life. For decades the fabrication of “smart” latex film from latex particles has been a great challenge due to the difficulty in the synthesis of the functional latex particles by traditional emulsion polymerization using small molecular surfactants. In this manuscript, a simple and environmentally-friendly approach to the fabrication of “smart” latex films with dynamic surfaces is reported. Latex particles with poly(n-butyl methacrylate) (PnBMA) in the cores and zwitterionic poly-3-[dimethyl-[2-(2-methylprop-2-enoyloxy) ethyl]azaniumyl]propane-1-sulfonate (PDMAPS) in the shells are synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. The kinetics for the emulsion polymerization is studied, and the latex particles are analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Latex films are prepared by casting aqueous solutions of the latex particles at temperatures above the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PnBMA. On the dried latex film, the hydrophobic PnBMA blocks occupy the top surface; after water treatment, the hydrophilic PDMAPS blocks migrate to the surface. A change in the surface hydrophilicity results in a change in the water contact angle of the latex film. A mechanism for the formation of the dynamic surface structure is proposed in this research. Antifouling applications of the latex films are investigated. Experimental results indicate that the water-treated latex film is able to efficiently inhibit protein adsorption and resist bacterial adhesion.

Facile synthesis of multi-stimuli responsive biocompatible trimethyl chitosan-based nanogel as potential nanocarrier for photothermal chemotherapy

Development of multi-stimuli responsive nanocarriers for cancer treatment with combined or synergistic functionalities is highly attractive and challenging for overcoming the limitations related to single-stimuli responsive ones. Herein, we report the synthesis of multi-stimuli responsive biocompatible nanogel comprising crosslinked poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) core and trimethyl chitosan (TMC) periphery by a facile visible light-initiated surfactant-free emulsion polymerization, and its use as multi-stimuli responsive nanocarrier. Some of polymerization parameters, such as TMC type and crosslinker concentration were optimized, which were found to strongly affect the nanogel's thermoresponsiveness. At the optimal condition, using TMC (45% degree of quaternization) and 5% MBA crosslinker, the synthesized nanogel exhibited a reversible upper critical solution temperature (UCST)-type volume phase transition above 30 °C in acidic aqueous environment (pH 4.5–5). Moreover, the incorporation of sodium copper chlorophyllin as a bio-based photosensitive agent and honokiol model drug to such nanogel not only introduced the hyperthermic effect under light irradiation, but also triggered the release of encapsulated honokiol. The co-loaded nanogel, possessing combined photothermal and chemotherapeutic effect, enhanced the antitumor efficacy against Calu-3 cells. These results showed that the nanogel with pH- and light-dependent UCST-type thermoresponsiveness can be synthesized through the facile method and is promising for being used as multifunctional nanocarrier in cancer therapy.

Influence of poly(butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) stabilized silver nanoparticles on mechanical and antibacterial properties of peroxide prevulcanized natural rubber

Colloidal poly(butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (P(BA-co-MAA)) particles were synthesized by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. The polymeric particles were then mixed with natural rubber latex which was further prepared as peroxide prevulcanized natural rubber-poly(butyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid)/silver (PPNR-P(BA-co-MAA)/Ag) nanocomposites. UV–visible (UV–vis) spectra and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images indicated the octahedral shape of AgNPs in the nanocomposite films. The presence of P(BA-co-MAA) in the nanocomposite films increased tensile strength compared to films without P(BA-co-MAA). The highest enhancement of mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was obtained with 10,000 and 5000 ppm of P(BA-co-MAA) and AgNO3, respectively. The PPNR-P(BA-co-MAA)/Ag films exhibited a bactericidal effect against E. coli and S. aureus. The successful bacterial reduction results corresponded to Ag+ released from the nanocomposite films and the presence of Ca2+ from a coagulant in the dipping process.

Residue-free and nondestructive separation of transparent adhesive thin films using the interfacial coating of thermo-responsive nanocapsules

The effective separation of flexible optoelectronic panels bonded with transparent adhesive films is an innovative technology that enables the reuse of expensive devices, reducing manufacturing costs in multilayered flexible displays. Herein, we present an effective, facile strategy for heat-triggered detachment of adhesive thin films with high optical transparency by interfacial coating with thermo-responsive nanocapsules. These temperature-sensitive nanocapsules, comprising reactive benzenesulfonyl hydrazide cores and polyacrylonitrile-poly(methyl methacrylate) copolymer shells, were simply prepared through a one-pot synthesis using surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. The synthesized nanocapsules were mixed with UV-curable resins and applied as a thin interfacial layer on the substrate through blade coating and UV curing, producing a transparent, uniform nanocapsule layer of 10 μm with extensive coverage. A transparent double-layered adhesive film was achieved by stacking optically clear adhesive film on the interfacial nanocapsule layer. Compared with pure transparent adhesive film, this double-layered adhesive film containing interfacial nanocapsule layer yields a remarkable optical transparency of 99.1 % and high initial adhesion strength of 98.2 %. Furthermore, a short-time heat treatment at 100 °C produces numerous gas microbubbles in the interfacial region between the substrate and optical thin film, facilitating their clean and spontaneous detachment with an outstanding desorption efficiency of 78.7 %. Our separation approach will be helpful for providing a promising way to dismantle polymer thin films without surface damage in wide industries from semiconductor packaging to flexible devices.

Thermo-Sensitive Microgel/Poly(ether sulfone) Composited Ultrafiltration Membranes.

Thermo-sensitive microgels known as PMO-MGs were synthesized via surfactant free emulsion polymerization, with poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (OEGMA475) and 2-(2-methoxyethoxy) ethyl methacrylate (MEO2MA) used as the monomers and N, N-methylene-bis-acrylamide used as the crosslinker. PMO-MGs are spherical in shape and have an average diameter of 323 ± 12 nm, as determined via transmission electron microscopy. PMO-MGs/poly (ether sulfone) (PES) composited ultrafiltration membranes were then successfully prepared via the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method using a PMO-MG and PES mixed solution as the casting solution. The obtained membranes were systematically characterized via combined X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle goniometer techniques. It was found that the presence of PMO-MGs significantly improved the surface hydrophilicity and antifouling performance of the obtained membranes and the PMO-MGs mainly located on the channel surface of the membranes. At 20 °C, the pure water flux increased from 217.6 L·m-2·h-1 for pure PES membrane (M00) to 369.7 L·m-2·h-1 for PMO-MGs/PES composited membrane (M20) fabricated using the casting solution with 20-weight by percentage microgels. The incorporation of PMO-MGs also gave the composited membranes a thermo-sensitive character. When the temperature increased from 20 to 45 °C, the pure water flux of M20 membrane was enhanced from 369.7 to 618.7 L·m-2·h-1.

Metal-Chelated Polymeric Nanomaterials for the Removal of Penicillin G Contamination.

We developed selective and relatively low-cost metal-chelated nanoparticle systems for the removal of the penicillin G (Pen G) antibiotic, presented for the first time in the literature. In the nanosystem, poly(glycidyl methacrylate) nanoparticles were synthesized by a surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method and covalently bound with a tridentate-chelating ligand, iminodiacetic acid, based on the immobilized metal chelate affinity technique. It was modified with Cu2+, a chelating metal, to make Pen G specific. Metal-chelated nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, zeta dimensional analysis, and scanning electron microscopy technology. Optimization studies of the Pen G removal were conducted. As a result of this study, Pen G removal with the p(GMA)-IDA-Cu2+ nanoparticle reached its maximum adsorption capacity of 633.92 mg/g in the short time of 15 min. The Pen G adsorption of p(GMA)-IDA-Cu2+ was three times more than that of the p(GMA) nanoparticles and two times more than that of the ampicillin adsorption. In addition, there was no significant decrease in the adsorption capacity of Pen G resulting from the repeated adsorption-desorption process of metal-chelated nanoparticles over five cycles. The metal-chelated nanoparticle had an 84.5% ability to regain its ability to regenerate the product with its regeneration capability, making the widespread use of the system very convenient in terms of reducing cost, an important factor in removal processes.

Cellulose nanocrystal/polymer nanocomposite latex via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization

Polar cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are difficult to disperse well in hydrophobic polymer matrices, and usually surfactants or expensive and time-consuming functionalization of the reinforcement or matrix have been attempted to improve dispersion. Here, we report a new, facile method to prepare CNC/polymer nanocomposite latices directly via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization of vinyl monomers and CNCs initiated by a cationic, water-soluble, free-radical initiator. The distribution of CNCs in the latex particles can be tailored through controlling the reaction procedures, namely, whether the monomers are added before or after preheating the CNCs with the initiator and has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) studies. CNCs distribute inside the latex particles if the monomers are added after the preheating step, and owing to the more even distribution of CNCs, such nanocomposite latices exhibit better mechanical properties than those prepared without preheating or via physically mixing CNCs with emulsions polymerized using conventional surfactant system. A latex particle formation mechanism is proposed based on these phenomena and polymerization kinetics studied in this work. Unlike typical CNC-based Pickering emulsion polymerization, our process can be operated without the need for intense mechanical shearing and provide an industrially scalable approach to prepare stable CNC/polymer nanocomposite latices that can be melt processed or used directly in a variety of applications, such as paints and coatings, adhesives, or cosmetics.

Acrylates-based hydrophilic co-polymeric nanobeads as nanocarriers for imaging agents

Acrylates-based co-polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are widely used in nanomedicine applications due to their tunable hydrophilic surface, physical and chemical versatility. Particularly attracting is their use as nanocarriers for imaging agents. Herein, methyl methacrylate (MMA) and N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) monomers were used to synthesize hydrophilic p(MMA-co-DMAA) nanoparticles in the 200–600 nm size range via surfactant-free radical emulsion polymerization technique. Different MMA/DMAA molar ratios, temperatures, and reaction times were investigated to evaluate their role in determining the average particle size, polydispersity, and optimizing surface properties of PNPs. Nanoparticles formation, stability (in water and culture medium for cell growth), swelling behavior, structural features and molecular weights were assessed by spectroscopic, non-spectroscopic, and chromatographic techniques. Morphological profiles confirming spherical-shaped NPs were obtained at solid state via microscopies (FESEM, AFM). To use such colloids as potential imaging agents, PNPs were loaded with Y3+(aq) ions by the addition of aqueous solutions of YCl3 at different concentrations, and results compared with p(MMA-co-AA)-DTPA NPs (AA = acrylic acid) functionalized with DTPA chelating agent. Yttrium ions loading percentage was ca. 90% for both p(MMA-co-DMAA) and p(MMA-co-AA)-DTPA, with negligible release (<15%) over a month. Parallelly, optical imaging nanoprobes were obtained by physical encapsulation of fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer I (FITC) dye during the synthesis process, and the spontaneous FITC incorporation was evaluated by spectroscopic studies and fluorescence microscopy. Cytotoxicity studies on pristine and yttrium-loaded nanoparticles were done in vitro on human glioblastoma T98G cell line within 24 h of treatment. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies on cancer cells treated with NPs confirmed an active uptake of PNPs through multiple endocytic pathways to reach the perinuclear region of the cell. Overall, this work elucidated the role of synthetic parameters for a rational design of hydrophilic PNPs as nanocarriers for imaging agents with potential applications in theranostics.

Making particle size library of polystyrene latexes prepared through surfactant-free emulsion polymerization: from nano to micronsize

Making particle size library of polystyrene latexes prepared through surfactant-free emulsion polymerization: from nano to micronsize

Impact of Aqueous Grafting of Polystyrene through Methacrylate-Modified Cellulose Nanofibrils on Emulsion Stabilization and Drying Behavior

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are abundant materials limited in application by their hydrophilic nature and fibrillar collapse during drying. Herein, hydrophobic CNFs (PS-MetCNFs) were produced via the grafting of polystyrene through a methacrylate handle on modified CNFs. This modification prevented fibrillar collapse of the CNFs upon drying with as low as 3.5 wt % polystyrene. System characterization through kinetics studies and controls revealed that a surfactant-free emulsion polymerization ran parallel to the grafting-through polymerization. Polystyrene on the PS-MetCNFs was both covalently bound and noncovalently bound. This noncovalently bound polymer was due to polymerization in the monomer-swollen polymer particles on the PS-MetCNF surface. The polystyrene modification interfered with CNF Pickering emulsion behavior, instead stabilizing monomer-swollen polymer particles entangled in the CNF network. Composites of PS-MetCNFs and poly(lactic acid) showed higher maximum tensile stress and modulus at 5 wt % loading relative to composites made with unmodified spray-dried CNFs, demonstrating a route to composite reinforcement with CNFs without energy-intensive spray drying.

Multifunctional Layer-by-Layer Coating Based on a New Amphiphilic Block Copolymer via RAFT-Mediated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Process.

In this hi-tech world, the "smart coatings" have sparked significant attention among materials scientists because of their versatile applications. Various strategies have been developed to generate smart coatings in the past 2 decades. The layer-by-layer (LbL) technique is the most commonly employed strategy to produce a smart coating for suitable applications. Here, we present a smart coating with healing, antifogging, and fluorescence properties fabricated by the LbL assembly of an anionic amphiphilic block copolymer latex and cationic inorganic POSS (polyhedral-oligomeric-silsesquioxane) nanoparticles. In this case, a new anionic block copolymer (BCP), {poly(sodium styrene sulfonate)-block-poly[2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate]}, (PSS-b-PAAEMA) was synthesized via surfactant-free RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization using the PISA technique. The PSS-b-PAAEMA was characterized by 1H NMR, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy analyses as well as by UV-vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. For LbL coating fabrication, an amine-modified glass was successively dipped in the anionic latex and cationic POSS solution. The transparent coating exhibited good fluorescence properties under UV light (blue color). The antifogging performance of the coating was also investigated using both cold-warm and hot-vapor techniques. Additionally, the coating surface showed a significant healing activity with a healing efficiency of >75% through ionic interaction. Thus, this finding provides a simple low volatile organic compound (VOC) water-based LbL coating with multifunctional properties that can be a potential material for versatile applications.

Mixtures of Acid- and Base-Functionalized Microparticles for One-Pot Cascade Reaction.

This study reports on the synthesis of surface-protected acid and base microparticles via surfactant-free emulsion polymerization. The protective layer allows to form particle mixtures with both colloidal catalysts that show excellent performance in a well-established model cascade reaction involving an acid-catalyzed deacetalization and a subsequent base-catalyzed Knoevenagel condensation. Compared to nanoreactors that contain both catalysts, the colloidal mixture shows comparable reaction kinetics despite the local separation of both catalysts onto separate particles. Since the synthesis of individual microparticles requires less steps, is scalable, and more versatile in terms of catalyst variation, colloidal mixtures are certainly an alternative to multifunctional nanoreactors, making them attractive for practical applications.

Fluorinated hydrogel nanoparticles with regulable fluorine contents and T2 relaxation times as 19F MRI contrast agents.

Medical imaging contrast agents that are able to provide detailed biological information have attracted increasing attention. Among the new emerging imaging contrast agents, 19F magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents (19F MRI CAs) are extremely promising for their weak background disturbing signal from the body. However, to prepare 19F MRI CAs with a long T2 relaxation time and excellent biocompatibility in a simple and highly effective strategy is still a challenge. Herein, we report a new type of 19F MRI hydrogel nanocontrast agents (19F MRI HNCAs) synthesized by a surfactant-free emulsion polymerization with commercial fluorinated monomers. The T2 relaxation time of 19F MRI HNCA-1 was found to be 25-40 ms, guaranteeing its good imaging ability in vitro. In addition, according to an investigation into the relationship between the fluorine content and 19F MRI signal intensity, the 19F MRI signal intensity was not only determined by the fluorine content in 19F MRI HNCAs but also by the hydration microenvironment around the fluorine atoms. Moreover, 19F MRI HNCAs demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and imaging capability inside cells. The primary exploration demonstrated that 19F MRI HNCAs as a new type of 19F MRI contrast agent hold potential for imaging lesion sites and tracking cells in vivo by 19F MRI technology.

Engineering dual-stimuli responsive poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibrous membranes for cancer treatment by magnetic hyperthermia

The development of new cancer treatment options, such as multifunctional devices, allows for a more personalized treatment, avoiding the known severe side effects of conventional options. In this context, on-demand drug delivery systems can actively control the rate of drug release offering a precise control of treatment. Magnetically and thermally controlled drug delivery systems have been explored as on-demand devices to treat chronic diseases and cancer tumors. In the present work, dual-stimuli responsive systems were developed by incorporating Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) microgels into electrospun polymeric fibers for application in cancer treatment. First, Fe3O4 NPs with an average diameter of 8 nm were synthesized by chemical precipitation technique and stabilized with dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) or oleic acid (OA). PNIPAAm microgels were synthesized by surfactant-free emulsion polymerization (SFEP). Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was used as a fiber template originating fibers with an average diameter of 179 ± 14 nm. Stress tests of the membranes showed that incorporating both microgels and Fe3O4 NPs in electrospun fibers increases their Young's modulus. Swelling assays indicate that PVA membranes have a swelling ratio of around 3.4 (g/g) and that the presence of microgels does not affect its swelling ability. However, with the incorporation of Fe3O4 NPs, the swelling ratio of the membranes decreases. Magnetic hyperthermia assays show that a higher concentration of NPs leads to a higher heating ability. The composite membrane with the most promising results is the one incorporated with DMSA-coated NPs, since it shows the highest temperature variation, 5.1 °C. To assess the membranes biocompatibility and ability to promote cell proliferation, indirect and direct contact cell viability assays were performed, as well as cell adhesion assays. Following an extract method viability assay, all membrane designs did not reveal cytotoxic effects on dermal fibroblasts and melanoma cancer cells, after 48 h exposure and support long-term viability. The present work demonstrates the potential of dual-stimuli composite membranes for magnetic hyperthermia and may in the future be used as an alternative cancer treatment particularly in anatomically reachable solid tumors.

Highly Selective Photocatalytic Conversion of Glucose on Holo-Symmetrically Spherical Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous Heterojunction Photonic Crystal

Highly Selective Photocatalytic Conversion of Glucose on Holo-Symmetrically Spherical Three-Dimensionally Ordered Macroporous Heterojunction Photonic Crystal