One-Step Fabrication Process of Silica-Titania Superhydrophobic UV-Blocking Thin Coatings onto Polymeric Films.

Developing a durable multifunctional superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that can be industrially scalable is a challenge in the field of surface engineering. This article presents a novel method for a scalable technology using a simple single-step fabrication of a superhydrophobic coating on polymeric films that exhibits excellent water-repelling and UV-blocking properties, along with impressive wear resistance and chemical robustness. A mixture of titanium precursors, tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), hydrophobic silanes and silica nano/micro-particles is polymerized directly on a corona-treated polymeric film which reacts with the surface via siloxane chemistry.

Engineering of Silane-Pyrrolidone Nano/Microparticles and Anti-Fogging Thin Coatings.

Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) exhibits remarkable qualities; owing to the strong affinity for water of its pyrrolidone group, which enhances compatibility with aqueous systems, it is effective for stabilizing, binding, or carrying food, drugs, and cosmetics. However, coating the surface of polymeric films with PVP is not practical, as the coatings dissolve easily in water and ethanol. Poly(silane-pyrrolidone) nano/microparticles were prepared by combining addition polymerization of methacryloxypropyltriethoxysilane and N-vinylpyrrolidone, followed by step-growth Stöber polymerization of the formed silane-pyrrolidone monomer.

Synthesis and Characterization of Durable Antifog Silane-Pyrrolidone Thin Coatings onto Polymeric Films.

The fogging of transparent surfaces-condensation of water vapor in the air to a small liquid surface at specific environmental conditions-scatters incident light, creating a blurry vision. Fogging presents a significant challenge in various industries, adversely affecting numerous applications including plastic packaging, agricultural films, and various optical devices. Superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic coatings are the main strategies used to induce antifogging to minimize light scattering.

Fabrication and Applications of Magnetic Polymer Composites for Soft Robotics.

The emergence of magnetic polymer composites has had a transformative impact on the field of soft robotics. This overview will examine the various methods by which innovative materials can be synthesized and utilized. The advancement of soft robotic systems has been significantly enhanced by the utilization of magnetic polymer composites, which amalgamate the pliability of polymers with the reactivity of magnetic materials.

Engineering of PVA/PVP Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications.

Hydrogels have gained significant popularity in agricultural applications in terms of minimizing waste and mitigating the negative environmental impact of agrochemicals. This review specifically examines the utilization of environmentally friendly, shapable hydrogels composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in various casings for crop protection against different pests, fertilizing, and watering. To activate their effectiveness, PVA/PVP hydrogels were loaded with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic environmentally friendly pesticides, namely hydrogen peroxide (HP), the essential oil thymol, and urea as a fertilizer, either separately or in combination.

Synthesis and Characterization of Durable Antibiofilm and Antiviral Silane-Phosphonium Thin Coatings for Medical and Agricultural Applications.

Pathogens such as bacteria and viruses cause disease in a range of hosts, from humans to plants. Bacterial biofilms, communities of bacteria, e.g.

Engineered Cross-Linked Silane with Urea Polymer Thin Durable Coatings onto Polymeric Films for Controlled Antiviral Release of Activated Chlorine and Essential Oils.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization announced a pandemic attributed to SARS-CoV-2, a novel beta-coronavirus, which spread widely from China. As a result, the need for antiviral surfaces has increased significantly. Here, the preparation and characterization of new antiviral coatings on polycarbonate (PC) for controlled release of activated chlorine (Cl) and thymol separately and combined are described.

Proteinoid Polymers and Nanocapsules for Cancer Diagnostics, Therapy and Theranostics: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

Proteinoids-simple polymers composed of amino acids-were suggested decades ago by Fox and coworkers to form spontaneously by heat. These special polymers may self-assemble in micrometer structures called proteinoid microspheres, presented as the protocells of life on earth. Interest in proteinoids increased in recent years, in particular for nano-biomedicine.

Coatings of Polymeric Films with Core Polystyrene, Core-Shell Polystyrene/SiO, and Hollow SiO Micro/Nanoparticles and Potential Applications.

In many industrial settings, films of polymers such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) require surface treatment due to poor wettability and low surface energy. Here, a simple process is presented to prepare durable thin coatings composed of polystyrene (PS) core, PS/SiO core-shell, and hollow SiO micro/nanoparticles onto PP and PET films as a platform for various potential applications. Corona-treated films were coated with a monolayer of PS microparticles by dispersion polymerization of styrene in ethanol/2-methoxy ethanol with polyvinylpyrrolidone as stabilizer.

Bioimaging Probes Based on Magneto-Fluorescent Nanoparticles.

Novel nanomaterials are of interest in biology, medicine, and imaging applications. Multimodal fluorescent-magnetic nanoparticles demand special attention because they have the potential to be employed as diagnostic and medication-delivery tools, which, in turn, might make it easier to diagnose and treat cancer, as well as a wide variety of other disorders. The most recent advancements in the development of magneto-fluorescent nanocomposites and their applications in the biomedical field are the primary focus of this review.

Fabrication and Characterization of Hydrogen Peroxide and Thymol-Loaded PVA/PVP Hydrogel Coatings as a Novel Anti-Mold Surface for Hay Protection.

Animal food source production is increasing due to the growing world population. Many sources (e.g.

Naturally Derived Carbon Dots In Situ Confined Self-Healing and Breathable Hydrogel Monolith for Anomalous Diffusion-Driven Phytomedicine Release.

Fluorescent nanocarbons are well-proficient nanomaterials because of their optical properties and surface engineering. Herein, -derived carbon dots (ACDs) have been synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal process without using any surplus vigorous chemicals or ligands. ACDs were captured via an in situ gelation reaction to form a semi-interpenetrating polymer network system showing mechanical robustness, fluorescent behavior, and natural adhesivity.

Targeting tumor cells using magnetic nanoparticles - a feasibility study in animal models.

Introduction: In non-resectable tumors, chemotherapy is crucial to improve patient survival. However, it is often accompanied by considerable side effects. Targeted delivery of chemotherapy by coupling with iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles (IONP) could potentially increase efficacy while decreasing adverse systemic side effects.

Tailor made magnetic nanolights: fabrication to cancer theranostics applications.

Nanoparticles having magnetic and fluorescent properties could be considered as a gift to materials scientists due to their unique magneto-optical qualities. Multiple component particles can overcome challenges related with a single component and unveil bifunctional/multifunctional features that can enlarge their applications in diagnostic imaging agents and therapeutic delivery vehicles. Bifunctional nanoparticles that have both luminescent and magnetic features are termed as magnetic nanolights.

Fabrication of Transparent Silica/PEG Smooth Thin Coatings on Polymeric Films for Antifogging Applications.

Fog accumulation on surfaces typically has a negative effect by reducing their transparency and efficiency. Applications such as plastic packaging, agricultural films, and particularly many optical devices suffer from these negative effects. One way to prevent fogging is to coat the substrate with an antifogging coating having a smooth surface and hydrophilic surface chemical groups.

Mussel-Inspired Polynorepinephrine/MXene-Based Magnetic Nanohybrid for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding in X-Band and Strain-Sensing Performance.

The current work delivers preparation of MXene-based magnetic nanohybrid coating for flexible electronic applications. Herein, we report carbon dot-triggered photopolymerized polynorepinepherene (PNE)-coated MXene and iron oxide hybrid deposited on the cellulose microporous membrane via a vacuum-assisted filtration strategy. The surface morphologies have been monitored by scanning electron microscopy analysis, and the coating thickness was evaluated by the gallium-ion-based focused ion beam method.

Design of Magnetic Hydrogels for Hyperthermia and Drug Delivery.

Hydrogels are spatially organized hydrophilic polymeric systems that exhibit unique features in hydrated conditions. Among the hydrogel family, composite hydrogels are a special class that are defined as filler-containing systems with some tailor-made properties. The composite hydrogel family includes magnetic-nanoparticle-integrated hydrogels.

Tumor-Targeted Fluorescent Proteinoid Nanocapsules Encapsulating Synergistic Drugs for Personalized Cancer Therapy.

Personalized cancer treatment based on specific mutations offers targeted therapy and is preferred over "standard" chemotherapy. Proteinoid polymers produced by thermal step-growth polymerization of amino acids may form nanocapsules (NCs) that encapsulate drugs overcoming miscibility problems and allowing passive targeted delivery with reduced side effects. The arginine-glycine-glutamic acid (RGD) sequence is known for its preferential attraction to αvβ3 integrin, which is highly expressed on neovascular endothelial cells that support tumor growth.

Fabrication of Magnetic Platforms for Micron-Scale Organization of Interconnected Neurons.

The ability to direct neurons into organized neural networks has great implications for regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and bio-interfacing. Many studies have aimed at directing neurons using chemical and topographical cues. However, reports of organizational control on a micron-scale over large areas are scarce.

Carbon-Dots-Initiated Photopolymerization: An Synthetic Approach for MXene/Poly(norepinephrine)/Copper Hybrid and its Application for Mitigating Water Pollution.

The current work presents a facile and green synthesis of carbon quantum dots (C-dots), which could serve as initiators for polymerization. Herein, C-dots have been synthesized from an easily available green herb, dill leaves, by a single-step hydrothermal method. These C-dots were efficiently utilized as initiators for the photopolymerization of the polymer poly(norepinephrine) (PNE) for the first time.

Immobilization of Heteroatom-Doped Carbon Dots onto Nonpolar Plastics for Antifogging, Antioxidant, and Food Monitoring Applications.

This work presents the facile synthesis of heteroatom-doped fluorescent carbon quantum dots (C-dots), which could serve as an antioxidant. Herein, nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur codoped carbon dots (NPSC-dots) have been synthesized by a single-step hydrothermal strategy. Owing to the radical scavenging activity of the NPSC-dots, they were tested against several methods as well as in practical applications.

Engineering of Doxorubicin-Encapsulating and TRAIL-Conjugated Poly(RGD) Proteinoid Nanocapsules for Drug Delivery Applications.

Proteinoids are non-toxic biodegradable polymers prepared by thermal step-growth polymerization of amino acids. Here, P(RGD) proteinoids and proteinoid nanocapsules (NCs) based on D-arginine, glycine, and L-aspartic acid were synthesized and characterized for targeted tumor therapy. Doxorubicin (Dox), a chemotherapeutic drug used for treatment of a wide range of cancers, known for its adverse side effects, was encapsulated during self-assembly to form Dox/P(RGD) NCs.

Applications of N-Doped Carbon Dots as Antimicrobial Agents, Antibiotic Carriers, and Selective Fluorescent Probes for Nitro Explosives.

The synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N@CDs) was accomplished by a hydrothermal process using - phenylenediamine as a source of carbon and nitrogen. As prepared N@CDs exhibited bright blue color fluorescence emission (λ = 340 nm and λ = 420 nm) with a quantum yield of 12%. Gram-negative and Gram-positive were eradicated by N@CDs with a minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 1 and 0.

Microwave-Synthesized Polysaccharide-Derived Carbon Dots as Therapeutic Cargoes and Toughening Agents for Elastomeric Gels.

Fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) play a versatile role in materials science. Herein, we have developed alginate-derived nitrogen-doped CDs as a drug carrier and a toughening agent for hydrogels by a microwave-assisted method. In the first phase of work, we carried out covalent conjugation of the drug onto the CD surface for controlled delivery of drug molecules, and in the second phase of work, we demonstrated how CDs could act as a toughening agent as well as a viscosity modifier for poly(acrylic acid--methacrylamide) copolymer hydrogels.