In-situ strategies for melamine-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets-based nanocomposite proton exchange membranes in wide-temperature range applications.

The traditional preparation of nanocomposite proton exchange membranes (PEM) is hindered by poor organic-inorganic interface compatibility, insufficient proton-conducting sites, easy aggregation of nanoparticles, and difficulty in leveraging nanoscale advantages. In this study, a novel method involving electrochemical anodic oxidation exfoliation was employed to prepare melamine-coated graphene oxide (Me@GO), which was subsequently subjected to in-situ polymerization with poly(2,5-benzimidazole) (ABPBI) to prepare a Me@GO/ABPBI composite proton exchange membrane. Benefiting from the strong hydrogen bonding and large π stacking interactions, melamine (Me) tightly bound to graphene oxide (GO), effectively preventing the secondary aggregation of GO after exfoliation.

Integrated Experimental and Mathematical Exploration of Modular Tissue Cultures for Developmental Engineering.

Developmental engineering (DE) involves culturing various cells on modular scaffolds (MSs), yielding modular tissues (MTs) assembled into three-dimensional (3D) tissues, mimicking developmental biology. This study employs an integrated approach, merging experimental and mathematical methods to investigate the biological processes in MT cultivation and assembly. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were cultured on tissue culture plastics, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) discs with regular open structures, or spherical poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) MSs, respectively.

Advances in ionogels for proton-exchange membranes.

To ensure the long-term performance of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) have stringent requirements at high temperatures and humidities, as they may lose proton carriers. This issue poses a serious challenge to maintaining their proton conductivity and mechanical performance throughout their service life. Ionogels are ionic liquids (ILs) hybridized with another component (such as organic, inorganic, or organic-inorganic hybrid skeleton).

Investigation of cell infiltration and colonization in 3D porous scaffolds via integrated experimental and computational strategies.

This study aimed to integrate experimental and computational methods to systematically investigate cell infiltration and colonization within porous scaffolds. Poly(lactic acid) discs (Diameter: 6 mm; Thickness: 500 µm) with open pores (Diameter: 400-1100 µm), corners (Angle: 30-120°) and gaps (Distance: 100-500 µm), and cellulosic scaffolds with irregular pores (Diameter: 50-300 µm) were situated in tissue culture plates and cultured with human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Both phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy revealed that HDFs initially proliferated on scaffold surfaces, then infiltrated into the porous structures via cell bridging and stacking strategies, which was affected by the initial cell seeding densities, porous structures and culture times.

Evaluation of Polymeric Particles for Modular Tissue Cultures in Developmental Engineering.

Developmental engineering (DE) aims to culture mammalian cells on corresponding modular scaffolds (scale: micron to millimeter), then assemble these into functional tissues imitating natural developmental biology processes. This research intended to investigate the influences of polymeric particles on modular tissue cultures. When poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and polystyrene (PS) particles (diameter: 5-100 µm) were fabricated and submerged in culture medium in tissue culture plastics (TCPs) for modular tissue cultures, the majority of adjacent PMMA, some PLA but no PS particles aggregated.

Antiplasticization of Polymer Materials: Structural Aspects and Effects on Mechanical and Diffusion-Controlled Properties.

Antiplasticization of glassy polymers, arising from the addition of small amounts of plasticizer, was examined to highlight the developments that have taken place over the last few decades, aiming to fill gaps of knowledge in the large number of disjointed publications. The analysis includes the role of polymer/plasticizer molecular interactions and the conditions leading to the cross-over from antiplasticization to plasticization. This was based on molecular dynamics considerations of thermal transitions and related relaxation spectra, alongside the deviation of free volumes from the additivity rule.

Modification of montmorillonite with aminopropylisooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane.

Sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) was modified with various amounts of aminopropylisooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsequioxane (POSS) and a second surfactant (alkyl ammonium based) via ion-exchange reactions. Interlayer spacing, interlamellar structure, and thermal and surface properties of these organoclays were characterized by wide angle X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle measurement. The interlayer space of POSS-modified clay (POSS-MMT) was strongly dependent on the arrangement of POSS surfactant but less dependent on the POSS concentration.

Surface characteristics of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane modified clay and its application in polymerization of macrocyclic polyester oligomers.

Novel porous aminopropyllsooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) modified montmorillonite clay complexes (POSS-Mts) with large interlayer distance and specific surface area have been successfully prepared via ion-exchange reaction and followed by freeze-drying treatment. The morphology of the POSS-Mts is highly influenced by the POSS concentration, pH of the suspension and drying procedure, but the interlayer distance of the POSS-Mts does not change much when the POSS concentration is above 0.4 CEC.