Hyperspectral imaging of acoustically trapped plastics.

Hyperspectral (HS) imaging bridges conventional imaging into spectroscopy and generates a spatial map of spectral variations. On the one hand, in HS imaging, the effect of the background on the final spectra has to be removed or managed. On the other hand, there are important classes of materials that need to be immobilized for investigation.

Influence of the hard segments content on the properties of electrospun aliphatic poly(carbonate-urethane-urea)s.

The study investigated the impact of hard segments (HS) content on the morphology and thermomechanical properties of electrospun aliphatic poly(carbonate-urea-urethane)s (PCUUs). The obtained nonwovens exhibited surface porosity ranging from 50% to 57%, and fiber diameters between 0.59 and 0.

Electrospun Poly(carbonate-urea-urethane)s Nonwovens with Shape-Memory Properties as a Potential Biomaterial.

Poly(carbonate-urea-urethane) (PCUU)-based scaffolds exhibit various desirable properties for tissue engineering applications. This study thus aimed to investigate the suitability of PCUU as polymers for the manufacturing of nonwoven mats by electrospinning, able to closely mimic the fibrous structure of the extracellular matrix. PCUU nonwovens of fiber diameters ranging from 0.

Carboxymethyl Chitosan-Functionalized Polyaniline/Polyacrylonitrile Nano-Fibers for Neural Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Electroconductive scaffolds based on polyaniline (PANi)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were fabricated and surface-functionalized by carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) as efficient scaffolds for nerve tissue regeneration. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurement approved the successful fabrication of CMC-functionalized PANi/PAN-based scaffolds. Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) were cultured on the scaffolds for 10 d in the presence or absence of β-carotene (βC, 20 µM) as a natural neural differentiation agent.

Green Chemistry for Biomimetic Materials: Synthesis and Electrospinning of High-Molecular-Weight Polycarbonate-Based Nonisocyanate Polyurethanes.

Conventional synthesis routes for thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) still require the use of isocyanates and tin-based catalysts, which pose considerable safety and environmental hazards. To reduce both the ecological footprint and human health dangers for nonwoven TPU scaffolds, it is key to establish a green synthesis route, which eliminates the use of these toxic compounds and results in biocompatible TPUs with facile processability. In this study, we developed high-molecular-weight nonisocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) through transurethanization of 1,6-hexanedicarbamate with polycarbonate diols (PCDLs).

Photo-Curing Kinetics of 3D-Printing Photo-Inks Based on Urethane-Acrylates.

In this study, photo-curing kinetics for urethane-acrylate-based photo-inks for 3D printing were evaluated using a photo-differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Initially, the photopolymerization kinetics of di- and monofunctional monomers were separately studied at different temperatures (5-85 °C). Later, the photo-curing kinetics and mechanical properties of photo-inks based on different monomer mixtures (40/60-20/80) were evaluated.

Innovative application of magnetically modified bovine horn as a natural keratin resource in the role of value-added organocatalyst.

This study presents the conversion of bovine horn powder (BHP) as an available and low-cost waste material to a value-added highly recyclable catalyst. This green catalyst was prepared through the immobilization of BHP, as a natural keratin resource, on the magnetic FeO nanoparticles. The successful preparation of the catalyst was fully investigated using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopies as well as field emission scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and thermogravimetry.

Chemical Immobilization of Carboxymethyl Chitosan on Polycaprolactone Nanofibers as Osteochondral Scaffolds.

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) as a bio-based osteochondral inductive material was chemically immobilized on the surface of polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers to fabricate scaffolds for osteochondral tissue engineering applications. The chemical immobilization process included the aminolysis of ester bonds and bonding of the primary amines with glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. The SEM and FTIR results confirmed the successfulness of the CMC immobilization.

Laponite/amoxicillin-functionalized PLA nanofibrous as osteoinductive and antibacterial scaffolds.

In this study, Amoxicillin (AMX) was loaded on laponite (LAP) nanoplates and then immobilized on the surface of electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers to fabricate scaffolds with osteoinductive and antibacterial activities. The highest loading efficiency (49%) was obtained when the concentrations of AMX and LAP were 3 mg/mL and 1 mg/mL, respectively. FTIR and XRD spectroscopies and zeta potentiometry confirmed the successful encapsulating of AMX within LAP nanoplates.

Developing non-isocyanate urethane-methacrylate photo-monomers for 3D printing application.

Urethane-methacrylate photo-monomers were prepared a non-isocyanate route for the 3D printing application. The monomers were synthesized through reacting aliphatic amines, 1,6-hexanediamine, 1,4-butanediol bis(3-aminopropyl) ether, or -butylamine, with cyclic carbonates, ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate, followed by the methacrylation of the generated hydroxylurethanes. The effects of the chemical structure of monomers on their photo-reactivity and physicomechanical properties of the cured samples were studied.

Enhanced Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells Proliferation by Carboxymethyl-Chitosan Functionalized Polycaprolactone Nanofiber.

Background: Through combining two synthetic and natural polymers, scaffolds can be developed for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine purposes.

Methods: In this work, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC; 20%) was grafted to Polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers using the cold atmospheric plasma of helium. The PCL scaffolds were exposed to CAP, and functional groups were developed on the PCL surface.

Osteoinductivity of polycaprolactone nanofibers grafted functionalized with carboxymethyl chitosan: Synergic effect of β-carotene and electromagnetic field.

In this study, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) was grafted on polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers to fabricate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. The electrospun PCL nanofibers were treated by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) of helium to generate the reactive functions necessary for CMC grafting. β-carotene (βC) as a biochemical clue and electromagnetic field (EMF, 31.

Bone morphogenic protein-2 immobilization by cold atmospheric plasma to enhance the osteoinductivity of carboxymethyl chitosan-based nanofibers.

Electrospun polycaprolactone/carboxymethyl chitosan (PCL/CMC) nanofibers treated by helium cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) and grafted with bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP-2) were used scaffolds for the osteodifferentiation of stem cells to. For in vitro study, human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were cultured on these scaffolds, and their behaviors were assessed via optical microscopy, MTT assay, and SEM. The osteogenic differentiation of the hMSCs was evaluated by calcium content and alkaline phosphatase assays, Alizarin red and immunofluorescence (ICC) staining, and RT-PCR.

Decorated single-enantiomer phosphoramide-based silica/magnetic nanocomposites for direct enantioseparation.

The nano-composites FeO@SiO@(-OSi[(CH)NH])P([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(NH-(+)CH(CH)(CH)) (FeO@SiO@PTA(+)) and FeO@SiO@(-OSi[(CH)NH])P([double bond, length as m-dash]O)(NH-(-)CH(CH)(CH)) (FeO@SiO@PTA(-)) were prepared and used for the chiral separation of five racemic mixtures (PTA = phosphoric triamide). The separation results show chiral recognition ability of these materials with respect to racemates belonging to different families of compounds (amine, acid, and amino-acid), which show their feasibility to be potential adsorbents in chiral separation. The nano-composites were characterized by FTIR, TEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, and VSM.

Biodegradable bead-on-spring nanofibers releasing β-carotene for bone tissue engineering.

Bead-on-string mats based on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) releasing β-carotene (βC) as a natural osteogen were fabricated and used for bone tissue engineering. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded on the scaffolds successfully differentiated to osteoblasts without using any a differential medium. The mats showed a small burst of β-carotene (24-27%) during the first day and a sustained slow release up to 21 days.

Correction: β-Carotene: a natural osteogen to fabricate osteoinductive electrospun scaffolds.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1039/C7RA13237A.].

Composite Polymeric Membranes with Directionally Embedded Fibers for Controlled Dual Actuation.

In this paper, preparation method and actuation properties of an innovative composite membrane composed of thermo- and pH-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) fibers (average diameter ≈ 905 nm) embedded within a passive thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix at different angles with degree of alignment as high as 98% are presented. The composite membrane has a gradient of TPU along the thickness. It has the capability of temperature- and pH-dependent direction-, and size-controlled actuation in few minutes.

Polycaprolactone/carboxymethyl chitosan nanofibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application.

This research focused on the physical properties and cell compatibility of nanofibrous scaffolds based on polycaprolactone/chitosan (PCL/CTS) and PCL/carboxymethyl chitosan (PCL/CMC) blends for bone tissue engineering application. Scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning technique. SEM images showed that the undesirable ultrafine and splitting fibers in PCL/CTS scaffolds are eliminated by replacing CTS with CMC.

β-Carotene: a natural osteogen to fabricate osteoinductive electrospun scaffolds.

β-Carotene (βC) as a natural osteogenic material was incorporated in PCL electrospun mats to fabricate scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. These scaffolds successfully supported the attachment and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Seeded scaffolds were calcinated during 21 days of cell culture in a non-differential medium, which showed the osteodifferentiation of MSCs.

Hyperbranched polyesters as biodegradable and antibacterial additives.

Herein, we present novel hyperbranched poly(amino-ester)s functionalized with quaternary ammonium salts (QAS-HPAEs). These materials can be used as antibacterial and biodegradable additives for mixing with non-active polymers. The chemical structure and thermal properties of the HPAEs were studied.

Poly(sodium methacrylate)/eggshell particles hydrogel composites as dye sorbent.

Eggshell (ES) particles as an available and low-cost waste material were utilized to prepare novel hydrogel composites for dye adsorbing application. For this purpose, solution polymerization of sodium methacrylate was carried out in the presence of ES particles with various size ranges. Results showed that incorporation of ES particles resulted in heterogeneous pores and cavities in the structure of the poly(sodium methacrylate) (PNaMA) matrix.

Preparation and characterization of novel antibacterial castor oil-based polyurethane membranes for wound dressing application.

Preparation of novel antibacterial and cytocompatible polyurethane membranes as occlusive dressing, which can provide moist and sterile environment over mild exudative wounds is considered in this work. In this regard, an epoxy-terminated polyurethane (EPU) prepolymer based on castor oil and glycidyltriethylammonium chloride (GTEAC) as a reactive bactericidal agent were synthesized. Polyurethane membranes were prepared through cocuring of EPU and different content of GTEAC with 1,4-butane diamine.

Synthesis and characterization of antibacterial polyurethane coatings from quaternary ammonium salts functionalized soybean oil based polyols.

In this study, a simple and versatile synthetic approach was developed to prepare bactericidal polyurethane coatings. For this purpose, introduction of both quaternary ammonium salts (QASs), with well-known antibacterial activity, and reactive hydroxyl groups on to the backbone of soybean oil was considered. Epoxidized soybean oil was reacted with diethylamine and the intermediate tertiary amine containing polyol was reacted with two different alkylating agents, methyl iodide and benzyl chloride, to produce MQAP and BQAP, respectively.

Synthesis and evaluation of antibacterial polyurethane coatings made from soybean oil functionalized with dimethylphenylammonium iodide and hydroxyl groups.

Preparation of antibacterial polyurethane coatings from novel functional soybean oil was considered in this work. First, epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) as a low price and widely available renewable resource raw material was subjected to the reaction with aniline using an ionic liquid as a green catalyst. The intermediate phenylamine containing polyol (SAP) was then methylated by reaction with methyl iodide to produce a polyol (QAP) with pendant dimethylphenylammonium iodide groups.

Synthesis and evaluation of novel absorptive and antibacterial polyurethane membranes as wound dressing.

Preparation and evaluation of new polyurethane membranes for wound dressing application was considered in this work. The membranes were prepared through amine curing reaction of epoxy-terminated polyurethane prepolymers and an antibacterial epoxy-functional quaternary ammonium compound (glycidyltriehtylammonium chloride, GTEACl. To render the prepared membranes to be highly absorptive of wound exudates, poly (ethylene glycol) polyols were introduced into the polyurethane networks.