Antimicrobial Functionalization of Silicone-graft-poly(-vinylimidazole) Catheters.

In this work, we present the modification of a medical-grade silicone catheter with the -vinylimidazole monomer using the grafting-from method at room temperature and induced by gamma rays. The catheters were modified by varying the monomer concentration (20-100 vol%) and the irradiation dose (20-100 kGy). Unlike the pristine material, the grafted poly(-vinylimidazole) chains provided the catheter with hydrophilicity and pH response.

Lignocellulosic Membranes Grafted with -Vinylcaprolactam Using Radiation Chemistry: Load and Release Capacity of Vancomycin.

Radiation chemistry presents a unique avenue for developing innovative polymeric materials with desirable properties, eliminating the need for chemical initiators, which can be potentially detrimental, especially in sensitive sectors like medicine. In this investigation, we employed a radiation-induced graft polymerization process with N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) to modify lignocellulosic membranes derived from , commonly known as maguey. The membranes underwent thorough characterization employing diverse techniques, including contact angle measurement, degree of swelling, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier-transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), nuclear magnetic resonance (CP-MAS C-NMR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and uniaxial tensile mechanical tests.

Crosslinked Chitosan Films Supplemented with sp. Fruit Extract.

This work proposes the development of a polymer film made up of affordable components for its use as a healthcare material. Chitosan, itaconic acid, and fruit extract (Mexican variation) are the unique ingredients of this biomaterial prospect. Chitosan (from crustacean chitin) is crosslinked with itaconic acid, and in situ added fruit extract in a one-pot reaction carried out in water as the sole solvent.

Silver Nanoparticles Loaded on Polyethylene Terephthalate Films Grafted with Chitosan.

Currently, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used polymeric materials in different sectors such as medicine, engineering, and food, among others, due to its benefits, including biocompatibility, mechanical resistance, and tolerance to chemicals and/or abrasion. However, despite all these excellent characteristics, it is not capable of preventing the proliferation of microorganisms on its surface. Therefore, providing this property to PET remains a difficult challenge.

Polypropylene Graft Poly(methyl methacrylate) Graft Poly(-vinylimidazole) as a Smart Material for pH-Controlled Drug Delivery.

Surface modification of polypropylene (PP) films was achieved using gamma-irradiation-induced grafting to provide an adequate surface capable of carrying glycopeptide antibiotics. The copolymer was obtained following a versatile two-step route; pristine PP was exposed to gamma rays and grafted with methyl methacrylate (MMA), and afterward, the film was grafted with -vinylimidazole (NVI) by simultaneous irradiation. Characterization included Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and physicochemical analysis of swelling and contact angle.

Gamma rays: An alternative energy source for the preparation of manganese carbonyls-based new materials.

We report on the synthesis of new manganese carbonyls-based materials prepared using gamma-rays radiation (at doses of 10 and 40 kGy) as energy source. Characterization was achieved using nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, differential scan calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mass spectrometry. The irradiated materials presented enhanced thermal stability along with formation of spherical shaped microparticles sized around 0.

Radiation Grafting for the Functionalization and Development of Smart Polymeric Materials.

Gamma radiation has been shown particularly useful for the functionalization of surfaces with stimuli-responsive polymers. This method involves the formation of active sites (free radicals) onto the polymeric backbone as a result of the high-energy radiation exposition over the polymeric material. Thus, a microenvironment suitable for the reaction among monomer and/or polymer and the active sites is formed and then leading to propagation to form side-chain grafts.