Synthetic Materials Research Articles

Greek Postwar Plastics Consumption as a Female Cultural Phenomenon

This research is historical in nature and concerns the capitalist expansion of the West in post-war Greece using as ‘Trojan Horse’ the plastic products that flooded the domestic market and were associated with new technologies, typologies and a brand-new way of living. The mass import of synthetics, synonymous with postwar American and European abundance and prosperity, is connected with the almost total overthrow of the strictly traditional social institutions, habits and customs of the Greeks, as well as with the emergence of a new model of cultural consumption based on female purchasing power which was at the same time associated with the female emancipation and independence, especially in the 1960s. The series of subversive developments that sealed, mostly anonymously, the formation of taste, class culture, but also triggered the birth of the domestic plastics industry, unfolds methodically and it is also connected to the political aspect of the ‘western cultural invasion’. Through this research we will be able to identify the introduction of plastic products into the Greek market, society and culture with the aim of prevailing in an aesthetic, practical and symbolic way. This research will also shed light on a totally neglected field of modern Greek cultural and material history connected with the synthetic materials transforming power as regards the female emancipation through consumption.

Finite element static analysis of polyurethane-sandwiched skewed bridge decks

Bridge decks are the surface structure of bridges that carry the weight of the vehicles. But nowadays, the need for a sustainable approach is required. So, the use of a sustainable material for construction and retrofitting purposes is the need of the hour. In the present study, a novel synthetic material polyurethane has been used in the sandwiched deck of the bridges. The study deals with the variation in skew angles to determine the response of the sandwiched bridge deck under Indian loading conditions. In this study, the response of deflection, equivalent stress, and stresses in $X$ and $Y$ directions on the bridge deck due to the variation in skewness, the thickness of the steel plate and the thickness of polyurethane deck are analysed using finite element method. Further, the bridge deck is sandwiched using steel and polyurethane having different thicknesses, and the responses are recorded. Afterward, a bridge deck is modelled using only polyurethane, to pursue sustainability and justify the RRR (reduce, reuse, and recycle) concept of waste management. The models are developed and analysed using ANSYS workbench. On increasing the skew angle for the sandwiched deck, the deflection and stresses are decreased; so, the skewed deck is more effective than the straight one. It is found that the deflection and stresses are reduced about 8 times and 4 times respectively, when the thickness of polyurethane is increased from 250 mm to 1500 mm. Therefore, it is a good and effective solution for pedestrian bridges and many other such small-scale applications.

Investigating the impact of building facades and finishing materials on the sustainable architectural identity of housing: A case study of Kabul

The architectural identities of a city and its surroundings are crucial for maintaining its quality and preserving its unique features. The cities of Afghanistan have undergone significant changes in their identities due to various internal and external factors. These factors have altered or destroyed the identity of the city, leading to the loss of architectural identity and increased confusion in numerous cities in Afghanistan. Throughout history, the city of Kabul, the largest city, has struggled to maintain an identifiable architectural style due to the rapid growth of informal settlements. Recently, large glass and synthetic material facades have become prominent features of Kabul’s urban landscape. These structures represent a new era of modernity, in contrast to the traditional mud-colored buildings that have long dominated the city’s architecture style. The purpose of this research is to explore the influence of building façades and finishing materials on Kabul's sustainable architectural identity, with the goal of studying the relationship between residential building design features and the city's cultural, social, and historical environment. The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, which involves conducting a comprehensive literature analysis and a field study that involves collecting data through observations, interviews, and questionnaires to achieve its objectives. The findings indicate that the selection of building façades and finishing materials has a significant impact on the sustainable architectural identity of Kabul. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers, architects, urban planners, and other stakeholders involved in shaping a sustainable built environment for Kabul and other similar cities in Afghanistan.

Cellulose Metamaterials with Hetero‐Profiled Topology via Structure Rearrangement During Ball Milling for Daytime Radiative Cooling

AbstractPassive radiative cooling is a zero‐energy consumption approach, which can dissipate heat to outer space by emitting infrared radiation through the transparency window. Traditional cooling materials, such as photonic films, metafabrics, and polymer foams, still suffer from complex preparation processes and high costs. In this work, it is reported that natural cellulose can be converted into a “green” optical metamaterial by rational structure reconfiguration at the micro/nano level via scalable ball milling technology for efficient daytime radiative cooling. Specifically, fine‐tuning the shearing kinetics in the mechanochemistry process, cellulosic optical metamaterial (COM) with ≈98% solar reflectivity and ≈0.97 infrared emissivity has been successfully achieved, which can break through the theoretical value of photonic crystals as well as the conventional synthetic optical materials. The COMSOL simulation reveals that the excellent optical properties of the cellulose metamaterial are explained by the “confined scattering” effect caused by the rearranged heterostructure at the micro/nano level. Outdoor tests demonstrat that the COM‐based coating exhibits a daytime radiative cooling efficiency of 5.7 °C in hot Nanjing. Meanwhile, the COM can be produced into different scattering materials via spray coating, freeze casting, and solution casting technology. This study will facilitate the development of scalable and sustainable optical metamaterials for mitigating energy consumption.

Non-isocyanate polyurethane-co-polyglycolic acid electrospun nanofiber membrane wound dressing with high biocompatibility, hemostasis, and prevention of chronic wound formation

The prevention of chronic wound formation has already been a primary subject in wound management, particularly for deep wounds. The electrospun nanofiber membranes hold tremendous potential in the prevention of chronic wounds due to their micro/nano pore structures. Currently, many natural and synthetic materials have been utilized in the fabrication of nanofiber membranes. However, striking a balance between the structural stability and the biocompatibility remains challenging. It is necessary not only to ensure the long-term durability of nanofiber membranes but also to enhance their biocompatibility for alleviating patients' suffering. In this study, we reported a nanofiber membrane dressing with excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties, which is potential for the treatment of deep wounds. The basal material chosen for the preparation of the nanofiber membrane was a co-polyester (NI-LPGD5) synthesized by non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) and polyglycolic acid with a dihydroxy structure (LPGD—synthesized from glycolic acid and neopentyl glycol). Moreover, curcumin was also added as a bioactive substance to enhance the pro-healing effect of dressings. The physicochemical properties of the prepared nanofiber membranes were characterized through various physicochemical tools. Our results demonstrated that the NI-LPGD5 co-polymer can be electrospun into smooth fibers. Meanwhile, curcumin-loaded nanofiber membranes (Cur/NI-LPGD5) also exhibited a favorable microscopic morphology. The fabricated membranes exhibited suitable mechanical properties, outstanding hygroscopic-swelling rate and water vapor transmittance. Besides, in vitro cell culturing, the cells on the NI-LPGD5 membrane maintained their maximum viability. The potential of in vivo wound healing was further demonstrated through animal experiments. The experimental results showed that the nanofiber membranes effectively prevented chronic wounds from forming and promoted granulation tissue growth without replacing the dressing throughout the healing process. We also found that these nanofiber membranes could effectively promote the expression of related biomarkers to accelerate wound healing, particularly the Cur/NI-LPGD5 membrane. In conclusion, the fabricated membranes possess suitable physicochemical properties and promising bioactivity. As a result, it effectively prevented the formation of chronic wounds and demonstrated significant potential in reducing the frequency of dressing changes.

EVALUATION OF VARIOUS FILTERS IN RECIRCULATION AQUACULTURE SYSTEMS ON SURVIVAL RATE, CORTISOL, GROWTH AND OSMOTIC PERFORMANCE IN CHANNA MARULIOIDES AS DOMESTICATION EFFORT

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of various filter materials in RAS such as synthetic materials and organic materials and there an impact on plasma cortisol, osmotic performance rate, growth rate and survival rate of Channa marulioides. The cultivation process in the RAS system is carried out for 100 days with 50 individuals in each different treatment, namely T1: Synthetic filter; T2: Organic filter; T3: Mixture of synthetic and organic filter; Control: No Filter and RAS. Measurements of plasma cortisol and osmotic performance levels were carried out at the beginning and end of cultivation which had an impact on growth and survival rates. The results of the study showed a decrease in cortisol levels (ng/ml), namely: T1: 9.24, T2: 9.66, T3: 10.37 which showed that there was no significant difference in each treatment (P> 0.05) but in T1, T2, and T3 were significantly different with control treatment: 1.32 (P<0.05). The same trend occurred when observing the level of osmotic performance with the highest decrease in T3 on 6 scales; T2 on a scale of 5.5; T1 has 5 scales, and Control has 3 scales. Reducing the level of cortisol and osmotic performance hormones with the RAS system can increase energy efficiency by reducing stress levels, and osmotic performance so that it can be optimized for growth and survival in adaptation.

Bioactivity, hemocompatibility, and inflammatory response of calcium incorporated sulfonated polyether ether ketone on mouse-derived bone marrow cells.

Natural and synthetic polymeric materials, particularly soft and hard tissue replacements, are paramount in medicine. We prepared calcium-incorporated sulfonated polyether-ether ketone (SPEEK) polymer membranes for bone applications. The bioactivity was higher after 21 days of immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) due to calcium concentration in the membrane. We present a new biomaterial healing system composed of calcium and sulfonated polyether ether ketone (Ca-SPEEK) that can function as a successful biomaterial without causing inflammation when tested on bone marrow cells. The Ca-SPEEK exhibited 13 ± 0.5% clot with low fibrin mesh formation compared to 21 ± 0.5% in SPEEK. In addition, the Ca-SPEEK showed higher protein adsorption than SPEEK membranes. As an inflammatory response, IL-1 and TNF-α in the case of Ca-SPEEK were lower than those for SPEEK. We found an early regulation of IL-10 in the case of Ca-SPEEK at 6 h, which may be attributed to the down-regulation of the inflammatory markers IL-1 and TNF-α. These results evidence the innovative bioactivity of Ca-SPEEK with low inflammatory response, opening venues for bone applications.

From Nature to Technology: Exploring the Potential of Plant-Based Materials and Modified Plants in Biomimetics, Bionics, and Green Innovations.

This review explores the extensive applications of plants in areas of biomimetics and bioinspiration, highlighting their role in developing sustainable solutions across various fields such as medicine, materials science, and environmental technology. Plants not only serve essential ecological functions but also provide a rich source of inspiration for innovations in green nanotechnology, biomedicine, and architecture. In the past decade, the focus has shifted towards utilizing plant-based and vegetal waste materials in creating eco-friendly and cost-effective materials with remarkable properties. These materials are employed in making advancements in drug delivery, environmental remediation, and the production of renewable energy. Specifically, the review discusses the use of (nano)bionic plants capable of detecting explosives and environmental contaminants, underscoring their potential in improving quality of life and even in lifesaving applications. The work also refers to the architectural inspirations drawn from the plant world to develop novel design concepts that are both functional and aesthetic. It elaborates on how engineered plants and vegetal waste have been transformed into value-added materials through innovative applications, especially highlighting their roles in wastewater treatment and as electronic components. Moreover, the integration of plants in the synthesis of biocompatible materials for medical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds and artificial muscles demonstrates their versatility and capacity to replace more traditional synthetic materials, aligning with global sustainability goals. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current and potential uses of living plants in technological advancements, advocating for a deeper exploration of vegetal materials to address pressing environmental and technological challenges.

New Materials for Controlling Water Inrush and Sealing Tunnel Karst Pipes

Water inrush disasters in karst areas have caused great losses to underground engineering construction, so it is urgent to control water gushing disasters in karst pipelines. In this paper, solution polymerization is used to prepare a grouting and sealing expanded matrix material to control disasters. Noncovalent weak interactions were used to improve the surface properties of the expanded matrix material, the effects of the natural polymer content on the properties of the matrix material were studied, and a modified expanded matrix material with an optimal response rate was prepared. A cross-linked curing agent (CCA) was developed and synthesized, and a new cross-linked expansive grouting and sealing material (WIS grouting material) with various particle sizes was synthesized with noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, static electricity, van der Waals forces, etc. The results showed that a 4 % solution polymer content (accounting for the particle mass of the expanded matrix) was the optimal dosage, and the optimal ratio of the modified expansion matrix material to the crosslinking curing agent was 1:1. The early compressive strength exceeded 0.2 MPa, and the water absorption rate reached 170 times. There was a power function relationship between the water absorption rate and time, and the rate was controlled by adjusting the particle sizes. The mechanism through which the WIS grouting material underwent expansion and crosslinking was explained at the microscopic level. The gel formed in response to water resisted dispersion in dynamic water and rapidly sealed karst pipe water gushers. This paper proposes a novel approach to utilizing the expansion characteristics of polymer chemical synthetic materials for crosslinking to seal karst pipe water gushers, effectively addressing the issue of poor resistance to dynamic water dispersion in traditional grouting materials used in karst areas. These results provide a scientific basis for the development and application of new materials to control water inrush in karst pipes.

Fibroblastic tissue growth on polymeric electrospun membranes: a feasibility study

In recent years the interest in synthetic scaffolds has increased significantly as an alternative to animal-derived materials, as well as the advancement of material and manufacturing engineering, has resulted in improved standardisation and reproducibility within the field. Despite these advancements, a significant amount of research on animal-derived scaffolds, whilst research on synthetic materials is lacking for the growth of non-tumourgenic breast cell lines. The main objective of this work is to manufacture biodegradable scaffolds using biocompatible materials such as PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol), PU (Polyurethane), Ge (Gelatin) and PCL (Poly-(-caprolactone) to test human cell adhesion and investigate the optimal system that supports representative tissue organisation and that could be used as an alternative to Matrigel™. Here, human mammary fibroblasts (HMF) were used as proof of concept. The membranes were manufactured using the process of electrospinning and characterised by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), contact angle, tensile strength, and degradation studies. The assessment of the membranes as a viable biomaterial for the growth and development of cells was studied by MTT proliferation assay, fluorescence microscopy and SEM imaging. Results demonstrate that all materials are suitable for HMF proliferation. However, from microscopy analysis, only PU and PVA membranes induced morphological organisation of HMF similar to those results obtained in the Matrigel™ control conditions. This feasibility study reveals that HMF organisation, and proliferation are affected by the properties of the scaffold. Consequently, scaffolds parameters should be adjusted and manipulated to impact cell behaviour and emulate in vivo conditions.

Synthesis and properties of biodegradable PBAT prepared from PBT chemically recycled resources

The production of synthetic polymer materials has engendered substantial environmental hazards stemming from waste generation. Employing chemical recycling methods constitutes a viable approach for attaining sustained recycling of synthetic raw materials. In the present study, bishydroxybutyl terephthalate (BHBT), a precursor for the synthesis of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), was created by chemically alcoholyzing polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Further, bis(4-hydroxybutyl) adipate (BHAT), which was produced via esterification with adipic acid (AA) and 1,4-butanediol (BDO), and BHBT condensation polymerization were combined to create biodegradable PBAT. Additionally, the effects of the recycled BHBT and BHAT segment ratio on the structures and properties of biodegradable PBAT were investigated. The results indicate that the synthesis of repolymerized PBAT was accomplished successfully. As the proportion of butylene terephthalate (BT) segments increased, several notable improvements were observed: an increase in melting temperature, enhanced thermal stability, elevated tensile strength, and a reduction in the rate of biodegradation. The melting point was 139.51 °C, the tensile strength was 22.62 MPa, and the 30-day biodegradation rate was 23.32 % when the percentage of BT segments was 60 %. In the present study, a method for producing biodegradable polyesters through the process of alcoholysis and repolymerization of recalcitrant polyester waste was proposed. It provides a new solution for the efficient recycling of waste polymer materials.

Comparing the cost-effectiveness and yarn quality improvement with PVA versus conventional maize starch as the sizing agents

The clothing industry is striving to reduce material use and energy consumption during the production process to maximize resource efficiency. The production of high-quality fabrics is driven by key materials such as sizing agents. While starch and its derivatives stand as the most prevalent natural sizing agents, they are without their drawbacks, particularly during the de-sizing process. Maize starch is the most widely used sizing agent in Ethiopia’s textile sector, yet its use presents challenges both in terms of the efficiency of the weaving process and in terms of the quality of the textiles. This study focuses on the development of a new size recipe for textile fabric processing, which is exclusive to PVA synthetic sizing material. Various criteria, such as viscosity, production improvement, environment sustainability, fabric quality, ease of de-sizing, low breakage rate, and cost-effectiveness, have been considered in selecting PVA sizing agents. The study assessed parameters such as size regain, yarn elongation loss, and fabric production. The study demonstrates the potential for substantial improvements in textile production by exploiting PVA's special properties and addressing shortcomings related to traditional sizing material. This shift to PVA based sizing formulations is not only expected to improve the quality and production efficiency of the fabric, but also to meet the wider sustainability objectives of the textile industry.

A comprehensive review on starch-based sustainable edible films loaded with bioactive components for food packaging

Biopolymers like starch, a renewable and widely available resource, are increasingly being used to fabricate the films for eco-friendly packaging solutions. Starch-based edible films offer significant advantages for food packaging, including biodegradability and the ability to extend shelf life. However, they also present challenges such as moisture sensitivity and limited barrier properties compared to synthetic materials. These limitations can be mitigated by incorporating bioactive components, such as antimicrobial agents or antioxidants, which enhance the film's resistance to moisture and improve its barrier properties, making it a more viable option for food packaging. This review explores the emerging field of starch-based sustainable edible films enhanced with bioactive components for food packaging applications. It delves into fabrication techniques, structural properties, and functional attributes, highlighting the potential of these innovative films to reduce environmental impact and preserve food quality. Key topics discussed include sustainability issues, processing methods, performance characteristics, and potential applications in the food industry. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current research and developments in starch-based edible films, presenting them as promising alternatives to conventional food packaging that can help reduce plastic waste and environmental impact.

Preparation and characterization of high‐solid carboxylate/sulfonate waterborne polyurethane and its application in novel water‐based superfine fiber synthetic material

AbstractWith isophorone diisocyanate and polytetrahydrofuran as basic raw materials, dimethylolpropionic acid and 2,3‐dihydroxypropanesulfonic acid triethylamine salt (DHPSTEA) as chain extension agents, trimethylolpropane as crosslinking agent, N, N‐dimethylethanolamine as neutralizer, the high‐solid carboxylate/sulfonate waterborne polyurethane (SC‐HWPU) was synthesized. The effect of COO−/SO3− molar ratio on the properties of SC‐HWPU was studied. Fourier transform infrared and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results demonstrated that the SC‐HWPU molecular chain contained carboxylate and sulfonate groups. The results of thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and mechanical properties of SC‐HWPU film indicated that higher DHPSTEA content was favorable for the thermostability and mechanical properties when the total dosage of hydrophilic groups was invariable. When the mole ratio of COO−/SO3− is 8:2, the solid content of the prepared SC‐HWPU3 emulsion can reach to 51.6%, which has excellent storage stability and alkali resistance stability. Subsequently, the application of SC‐HWPU emulsion on the fixed‐island type polyamide/polyethylene terephthalate copolymer superfine fiber non‐woven fabric single‐coating process was analyzed, and the water‐base superfine fiber non‐woven fabric was prepared. Scanning electron microscopy showed that there was still a large amount of SC‐HWPU filled in the superfine fiber gap after alkali‐decrement, indicating that SC‐HWPU has excellent alkali resistance.

A molecularly imprinted ratiometric fluorescent sensor for visual detection of 1-naphthol based on fluorescence-enhanced CdTeS QDs via APTES modification.

CdTeS quantum dots (CdTeS QDs) were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and subsequently modified with (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES). This modification resulted in a significant enhancement of the fluorescence intensity, which was observed to be five times stronger than that of unmodified CdTeS QDs at 597nm. Only after the fluorescence enhancement by APTES modification, the material showed a response to 1-naphthol (1-NP). Based on this, the molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with ratiometric fluorescence were developed for the detection of 1-NP, that is, the synthetic raw material and the metabolite of the pesticide carbaryl. Under the excitation of 365nm UV, the bright orange-red fluorescence (597nm) of CdTeS QDs encapsulated in MIPs was quenched by 1-NP in the suspension, and 1-NP showed a gradually increasing blue emission (460nm) with the increase of its concentration. This sensor has a good linear relationship between fluorescence intensity ratio (F460/F597) and 1-NP concentration (C1-NP) in a large concentration range (6.0-140.0 µM, LOD=0.45 µM, RSD<4.41%). Itexhibits a visible fluorescence change from orange-red to blue-purple. Excellent recoveries in real samples were obtained by simulating carbaryl metabolism and demonstrated its potential in detection of 1-NP and carbaryl.

Molecularly imprinted nanogels as synthetic recognition materials for the ultrasensitive detection of periodontal disease biomarkers.

Periodontal disease affects supporting dental structures and ranks among one of the top most expensive conditions to treat in the world. Moreover, in recent years, the disease has also been linked to cardiovascular and Alzheimer's diseases. At present, there is a serious lack of accurate diagnostic tools to identify people at severe risk of periodontal disease progression. Porphyromonas gingivalis is often considered one of the most contributing factors towards disease progression. It produces the Arg- and Lys-specific proteases Rgp and Kgp, respectively. Within this work, a short epitope sequence of these proteases is immobilised onto a magnetic nanoparticle platform. These are then used as a template to produce high-affinity, selective molecularly imprinted nanogels, using the common monomers N-tert-butylacrylamide (TBAM), N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM), and N-(3-aminopropyl) methacrylamide hydrochloride (APMA). N,N-Methylene bis(acrylamide) (BIS) was used as a crosslinking monomer to form the interconnected polymeric network. The produced nanogels were immobilised onto a planar gold surface and characterised using the optical technique of surface plasmon resonance. They showed high selectivity and affinity towards their template, with affinity constants of 79.4 and 89.7nM for the Rgp and Kgp epitope nanogels, respectively. From their calibration curves, thetheoretical limit of detection was determined to be 1.27nM for the Rgp nanogels and 2.00nM for the Kgp nanogels. Furthermore, they also showed excellent selectivity against bacterial culture supernatants E8 (Rgp knockout), K1A (Kgp knockout), and W50-d (wild-type) strains in complex medium of brain heart infusion (BHI).

An Organic-Inorganic Hydrogel with Exceptional Mechanical Properties via Anion-Induced Synergistic Toughening for Accelerating Osteogenic Differentiation.

Mineralized bio-tissues achieve exceptional mechanical properties through the assembly of rigid inorganic minerals and soft organic matrices, providing abundant inspiration for synthetic materials. Hydrogels, serving as an ideal candidate to mimic the organic matrix in bio-tissues, can be strengthened by the direct introduction of minerals. However, this enhancement often comes at the expense of toughness due to interfacial mismatch. This study reveals that extreme toughening of hydrogels can be realized through simultaneous in situ mineralization and salting-out, without the need for special chemical modification or additional reinforcements. The key to this strategy lies in harnessing the kosmotropic and precipitation behavior of specific anions as they penetrate a hydrogel system containing both anion-sensitive polymers and multivalent cations. The resulting mineralized hydrogels demonstrate significant improvements in fracture stress, fracture energy, and fatigue threshold due to a multiscale energy dissipation mechanism, with optimal values reaching 12MPa, 49kJm-2, and 2.98kJm-2. This simple strategy also proves to be generalizable to other anions, resulting in tough hydrogels with osteoconductivity for promoting in vitro mineralization of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. This work introduces a universal route to toughen hydrogels without compromising other parameters, holding promise for biological applications demanding integrated mechanical properties.

Advanced Cardiac Patches for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction.

Myocardial infarction is a cardiovascular disease characterized by a high incidence rate and mortality. It leads to various cardiac pathophysiological changes, including ischemia/reperfusion injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and ventricular remodeling, which ultimately result in heart failure and pose a significant threat to global health. Although clinical reperfusion therapies and conventional pharmacological interventions improve emergency survival rates and short-term prognoses, they are still limited in providing long-lasting improvements in cardiac function or reversing pathological progression. Recently, cardiac patches have gained considerable attention as a promising therapy for myocardial infarction. These patches consist of scaffolds or loaded therapeutic agents that provide mechanical reinforcement, synchronous electrical conduction, and localized delivery within the infarct zone to promote cardiac restoration. This review elucidates the pathophysiological progression from myocardial infarction to heart failure, highlighting therapeutic targets and various cardiac patches. The review considers the primary scaffold materials, including synthetic, natural, and conductive materials, and the prevalent fabrication techniques and optimal properties of the patch, as well as advanced delivery strategies. Last, the current limitations and prospects of cardiac patch research are considered, with the goal of shedding light on innovative products poised for clinical application.

Fluorophilic Sigma(σ)‐Lock Self‐Healable Copolymers

AbstractAlthough F‐Containing molecules and macromolecules are often used in molecular biology to increase the binding with Lewis acidic groups by introducing favorable C−F dipoles, there is virtually no experimental evidence and limited understanding of the nature of these interactions, especially their role in synthetic polymeric materials. These studies elucidate the molecular origin of inter‐ and intra‐Chain interactions responsible for self‐healing of F‐Containing copolymers composed of pentafluorostyrene and n‐butyl acrylate units (p(PFS/nBA). Guided by dynamic surface oscillating force (SOF) and spectroscopic measurements supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, these studies show that the reformation of σ‐σ orbitals in −C−F of PFS and CH3CH2− of nBA units enables the recovery of entropic energy via fluorophilic‐σ‐lock van der Waals forces when PFS/nBA molar ratios are ~50/50. The strength of these interactions determined experimentally for self‐healable PFS/nBA compositions is in the order ~0.3 kcal/mol which primarily comes from fluorophilic‐σ‐lock (~70 %) contributions. These interactions are significantly diminished for non‐self‐healable counterparts. Strongly polarized −C−F σ orbitals create lateral dipolar forces enhancing the affinity towards −C−H orbitals, facilitating energetically favorable interactions. Entropic recovery driven by non‐Covalent bonding offers a valuable tool in designing materials with unique functionalities, particularly self‐healable batteries and energy storage devices.

Fluorophilic Sigma(σ)-Lock Self-Healable Copolymers.

Although F-Containing molecules and macromolecules are often used in molecular biology to increase the binding with Lewis acidic groups by introducing favorable C-F dipoles, there is virtually no experimental evidence and limited understanding of the nature of these interactions, especially their role in synthetic polymeric materials. These studies elucidate the molecular origin of inter- and intra-Chain interactions responsible for self-healing of F-Containing copolymers composed of pentafluorostyrene and n-butyl acrylate units (p(PFS/nBA). Guided by dynamic surface oscillating force (SOF) and spectroscopic measurements supported by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, these studies show that the reformation of σ-σ orbitals in -C-F of PFS and CH3CH2- of nBA units enables the recovery of entropic energy via fluorophilic-σ-lock van der Waals forces when PFS/nBA molar ratios are ~50/50. The strength of these interactions determined experimentally for self-healable PFS/nBA compositions is in the order ~0.3 kcal/mol which primarily comes from fluorophilic-σ-lock (~70 %) contributions. These interactions are significantly diminished for non-self-healable counterparts. Strongly polarized -C-F σ orbitals create lateral dipolar forces enhancing the affinity towards -C-H orbitals, facilitating energetically favorable interactions. Entropic recovery driven by non-Covalent bonding offers a valuable tool in designing materials with unique functionalities, particularly self-healable batteries and energy storage devices.