O-microbubble of iron-porphyrin conjugated polyaspartamide for molecular ultrasound contrast effect.

Objective: This study aimed to prepare oxygen-microbubbles incorporating ferrous porphyrin to emulate the oxygen-capturing ability of hemoglobin porphyrin in red blood cells.

Results: We synthesized poly(2-hydroxyethyl aspartamide) (PHEA) grafted with ferrous porphyrins (Iron-P-PHEA) and created microbubbles using 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. These microbubbles trapped oxygen and retained it over a 2 h period.

Fabrication and Characterization of Biocompatible Multilayered Elastomer Hybrid with Enhanced Water Permeation Resistance for Packaging of Implantable Biomedical Devices.

This study presents the synthesis and characterization of hexadecyl-modified SiO (HD-SiO) nanoparticles and their application in the fabrication of a multilayered elastomer hybrid sheet to enhance water resistance in implantable biomedical devices. The surface modification of SiO nanoparticles was confirmed via FT-IR and TGA analyses, showing the successful grafting of hydrophobic hexadecyl groups. FE-SEM and DLS analyses revealed spherical HD-SiO nanoparticles with an average size of 360 nm.

Regulated Self-Folding in Multi-Layered Hydrogels Considered with an Interfacial Layer.

Multi-layered hydrogels consisting of bi- or tri-layers with different swelling ratios are designed to soft hydrogel actuators by self-folding. The successful use of multi-layered hydrogels in this application greatly relies on the precise design and fabrication of the curvature of self-folding. In general, however, the self-folding often results in an undesired mismatch with the expecting value.

Implantable Multi-Cross-Linked Membrane-Ionogel Assembly for Reversible Non-Faradaic Neurostimulation.

Neural interfaces play a major role in modulating neural signals for therapeutic purposes. To meet the demand of conformable neural interfaces for developing bioelectronic medicine, recent studies have focused on the performance of electrical neurostimulators employing soft conductors such as conducting polymers and electronic or ionic conductive hydrogels. However, faradaic charge injection at the interface of the electrode and nerve tissue causes irreversible gas evolution, oxidation of electrodes, and reduction of biological ions, thus causing undesired tissue damage and electrode degradation.

Engineering Tissue-Specific, Multiscale Microvasculature with a Capillary Network for Prevascularized Tissue.

Although there are various pre-existing technologies for engineering vasculatures, multiscale modeling of the architecture of human vasculature at a capillary scale remains a challenge. In this study, a novel technology is developed for the production of a functional, multiscale microvasculature comprising of endothelialized channels and tissue-specific capillary networks. Perfusable, endothelialized channels are bioprinted, after which angiogenic sprouts are grown into user-designed capillary networks.

An integrative multiomics approach to characterize anti-adipogenic and anti-lipogenic effects of Akkermansia muciniphila in adipocytes.

The cellular components of Akkermansia muciniphila are considered potential biotherapeutics for the improvement of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases. However, the molecular-based mechanism of A. muciniphila for treatment of obesity, which can provide important evidence for human research, has rarely been explored.

Hydrogel Surface-Modified Polyurethane Copolymer Film with Water Permeation Resistance and Biocompatibility for Implantable Biomedical Devices.

To use implantable biomedical devices such as electrocardiograms and neurostimulators in the human body, it is necessary to package them with biocompatible materials that protect the internal electronic circuits from the body's internal electrolytes and moisture without causing foreign body reactions. Herein, we describe a hydrogel surface-modified polyurethane copolymer film with concurrent water permeation resistance and biocompatibility properties for application to an implantable biomedical device. To achieve this, hydrophobic polyurethane copolymers comprising hydrogenated poly(ethylene-co-butylene) (HPEB) and aliphatic poly(carbonate) (PC) were synthesized and their hydrophobicity degree and mechanical properties were adjusted by controlling the copolymer composition ratio.

An Active and Soft Hydrogel Actuator to Stimulate Live Cell Clusters by Self-folding.

The hydrogels are widely used in various applications, and their successful uses depend on controlling the mechanical properties. In this study, we present an advanced strategy to develop hydrogel actuator designed to stimulate live cell clusters by self-folding. The hydrogel actuator consisting of two layers with different expansion ratios were fabricated to have various curvatures in self-folding.

Experimental Implementation of a New Composite Fabrication Method: Exposing Bare Fibers on the Composite Surface by the Soft Layer Method.

The bipolar plate is a key component in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). It is a multi-functional component that should have high electrical conductivity, high mechanical properties, and high productivity. In this regard, a carbon fiber/epoxy resin composite can be an ideal material to replace the conventional graphite bipolar plate, which often leads to the catastrophic failure of the entire system because of its inherent brittleness.