Well-Defined Block Copolymer Vitrimer Membranes.

A well-defined α,ω-dialdehyde polyisoprene-b-polystyrene block copolymer, synthesized using anionic polymerization high-vacuum techniques, is employed to prepare vitrimers with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine as the cross-linking agent. The vitrimer network, featuring dynamic imine cross-links, results in robust, flexible, and solvent-resistant films, which are applicable in thin film composite membranes. These vitrimer membranes, with molecular weight cut-offs in the nanofiltration range, are successfully used for organic solvent separation and evaluated for gas separation.

Porous Laser-Scribed Graphene Electrodes Modified with Zwitterionic Moieties: A Strategy for Antibiofouling and Low-Impedance Interfaces.

Laser-scribed graphene electrodes (LSGEs) are promising platforms for the development of electrochemical biosensors for point-of-care settings and continuous monitoring and wearable applications. However, the frequent occurrence of biofouling drastically reduces the sensitivity and selectivity of these devices, hampering their sensing performance. Herein, we describe a versatile, low-impedance, and robust antibiofouling interface based on sulfobetaine-zwitterionic moieties.

Efficient and reliable encapsulation for perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules.

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells have a tremendous potential to boost renewable electricity production thanks to their very high performance combined with promising cost structure. However, for actual field deployment, any solar cell technology needs to be assembled into modules, where the associated processes involve several challenges that may affect both the performance and stability of the devices. For instance, due to its hygroscopic nature, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is incompatible with perovskite-based photovoltaics.

Shielding and stealth effects of zwitterion moieties in double-functionalized silica nanoparticles.

Surface functionalization of silica nanoparticles (SiONPs) has been considered as a promising strategy to develop target-specific nanostructures. However, finding a chemical functionalization that can be used as an active targeting moiety while preserving the nanoparticles colloidal stability in biological fluids is still challenging. We present here a dual surface modification strategy for SiONPs where a zwitterion (ZW) and a biologically active group (BAG) (amino, mercapto or carboxylic functionalities) are simultaneously grafted on the nanoparticles' surface.

Efficacy of four irrigation needles in cleaning the apical third of root canals.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of irrigation needle gauge and design, and the final root canal diameter on the apical cleaning efficacy. Twelve human mandibular incisors were used. At different stages of root canal widening (sizes 20, 30 and 40 K-files), root canals were filled with radiopaque contrast medium.

Effectiveness of three solvents and two associations of solvents on gutta-percha and resilon.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of 3 solvents (Citrol orange oil, Eucalyptol and Tetrachloroethylene) and 2 associations of solvents (Citrol orange oil+Tetrachloroethylene and Eucalyptol+Tetrachloroethylene) on 3 types of gutta-percha (conventional, thermoplastic and EndoREZ) and Resilon. Ten discs (10 mm diameter x 1 mm thick) from each material were prepared using standard metallic molds. Each specimen was weighed to determinate its initial mass.