The Role of α, γ, and Metastable Polymorphs on Electrospun Polyamide 6/Functionalized Graphene Oxide.

The present paper describes the addition of nitroxide-functionalized graphene oxide (GOFT) into polyamide 6 (PA6) micro- and nanofibers, which are obtained through electrospinning. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs demonstrate the presence of fibers. Tensile testing presents an unexpected and non-obvious behavior, in which the Young's modulus, tensile strength, and elongation simultaneously and remarkably increase compared to the pristine polymer nanofibers.

Enhanced Release of Molecules upon Ultraviolet (UV) Light Irradiation from Photoresponsive Hydrogels Prepared from Bifunctional Azobenzene and Four-Arm Poly(ethylene glycol).

Advances in biosensors and drug delivery are dependent on hydrogels that respond to external stimuli. In this work, we describe the preparation and characterization of photoresponsive hydrogels prepared by cross-linking of di-NHS ester of azobenzoic acid and four-armed, amine-terminated poly(ethylene glycol). The porous structure and composition of the hydrogels were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Conductive polymer-based nanoparticles for laser-mediated photothermal ablation of cancer: synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation.

Laser-mediated photothermal ablation of cancer cells aided by photothermal agents is a promising strategy for localized, externally controlled cancer treatment. We report the synthesis, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of conductive polymeric nanoparticles (CPNPs) of poly(diethyl-4,4'-{[2,5-bis(2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-1,4-phenylene] bis(oxy)}dibutanoate) (P1) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) stabilized with 4-dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid and poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid--maleic acid) as photothermal ablation agents. The nanoparticles were prepared by oxidative-emulsion polymerization, yielding stable aqueous suspensions of spherical particles of <100 nm diameter as determined by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy.

Electroactive Polymer Nanoparticles Exhibiting Photothermal Properties.

A method for the synthesis of electroactive polymers is demonstrated, starting with the synthesis of extended conjugation monomers using a three-step process that finishes with Negishi coupling. Negishi coupling is a cross-coupling process in which a chemical precursor is first lithiated, followed by transmetallation with ZnCl2. The resultant organozinc compound can be coupled to a dibrominated aromatic precursor to give the conjugated monomer.

Biodegradable DNA-enabled poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels prepared by copper-free click chemistry.

Significant research has focused on investigating the potential of hydrogels in various applications and, in particular, in medicine. Specifically, hydrogels that are biodegradable lend promise to many therapeutic and biosensing applications. Endonucleases are critical for mechanisms of DNA repair.

Imaging, spectroscopy, mechanical, alignment and biocompatibility studies of electrospun medical grade polyurethane (Carbothane™ 3575A) nanofibers and composite nanofibers containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

In the present study, we discuss the electrospinning of medical grade polyurethane (Carbothane™ 3575A) nanofibers containing multi-walled-carbon-nanotubes (MWCNTs). A simple method that does not depend on additional foreign chemicals has been employed to disperse MWCNTs through high intensity sonication. Typically, a polymer solution consisting of polymer/MWCNTs has been electrospun to form nanofibers.

Imaging, Spectroscopic, Mechanical and Biocompatibility Studies of Electrospun Tecoflex EG 80A Nanofibers and Composites Thereof Containing Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes.

The present study discusses the design, development and characterization of electrospun Tecoflex EG 80A class of polyurethane nanofibers and the incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to these materials. Scanning electron microscopy results confirmed the presence of polymer nanofibers, which showed a decrease in fiber diameter at 0.5% wt.

Biodegradable electrospun nanofibers coated with platelet-rich plasma for cell adhesion and proliferation.

Biodegradable electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds were coated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to improve cell adhesion and proliferation. PRP was obtained from human buffy coat, and tested on human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to confirm cell proliferation and cytocompatibility. Then, PRP was adsorbed on the PCL scaffolds via lyophilization, which resulted in a uniform sponge-like coating of 2.

Fabrication of Mineralized Collagen from Bovine Waste Materials by Hydrothermal Method as Promised Biomaterials.

In the present study, we aimed to produce mineralized-collagen by hydrothermal process. A simple method not depending on additional foreign chemicals has been employed to isolate the mineralized-collagen fibers from bovine waste. The process of extraction involves the use of hydrothermal method from available bovine bones.

Fabrication of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) Nanofibers Containing Nickel Nanoparticles as Future Energy Server Materials.

In the present study, we introduce Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers containing nickel (Ni) nanoparticles (NPs) as a result of an electrospinning. Typically, a colloidal solution consisting of PVDF/Ni NPs was prepared to produce nanofibers embedded with solid NPs by electrospinning process. The resultant nanostructures were studied by SEM analyses, which confirmed well oriented nanofibers and good dispersion of Ni NPs over them.

Microscopic and Spectroscopic Studies of Thermally Enhanced Electrospun PMMA Micro- and Nanofibers.

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) have been incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) through electrospinning. The resulting micro- and nanofibers have been characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which confirmed fiber formation and demonstrated a core-sheath structure of the PMMA fibers. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to obtain the thermal properties of the materials, indicating an enhancement in the thermal properties of the composite fibers.