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In major materials breakthrough, UVA team solves a nearly 200-year-old challenge in polymers

Researchers at UVA have developed a new polymer design that decouples stiffness and stretchability, allowing materials to be both strong and flexible. The 'foldable bottlebrush polymer networks' can store extra length within their structure, enabling them to elongate up to 40 times more than standard polymers without weakening.

Automated synthesis allows for discovery of unexpected charge transport behavior in organic molecules

A cross-disciplinary team at the University of Illinois used automated synthesis to discover a new mechanism for high conductance in organic electronics applications. The technology rapidly scanned through a library of molecules and uncovered unexpectedly high conductance, dependent on concentration and surface adsorption.

The key to a powerful antibiotic’s formation now clear

Researchers have imaged an enzyme involved in carbapenem biosynthesis, shedding light on the process of creating a potent side chain that makes these antibiotics effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The discovery could lead to improved antibiotics and new strategies for combating bacterial resistance.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 2, 2022

Enzyme from Amazon fungus could enhance efficiency of second-generation ethanol production

Researchers discovered an enzyme from Amazon fungus Trichoderma harzianum capable of breaking down diverse plant biomass sugars, enhancing the efficiency of second-generation ethanol production. The enzyme's industrial use is now viable at low cost due to genetic engineering techniques.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeNews article·DateAug 4, 2021

Proteins for making tough rubber

Researchers at Sichuan University developed a synthetic analogue to vulcanized natural rubber by attaching short protein chains to the polymer backbone. This results in a self-reinforcing effect under strain, making the material tougher and more recyclable. The new rubber's properties closely resemble those of vulcanized natural rubber.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 10, 2018

Polymers that mimic chameleon skin

Researchers have developed a biocompatible synthetic material that replicates tissue mechanics and alters color when it changes shape, like chameleon skin. The material is composed of a unique triblock copolymer with carefully selected structural parameters, exhibiting flexibility, strain profile, and optical properties.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018

Researchers develop new semiconducting polymer for forthcoming flexible electronics

Researchers developed a new n-type semiconducting polymer with superior electron mobility and oxidative stability, boosting charge transport in polymer semiconductors. The modified polymer formed a superstructure composed of polymer backbone crystals and side-chain crystals, resulting in high semicrystalline order.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 20, 2016

'Swiss army knife' molecule

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a versatile polymer coating with covalent bonds to various materials, preventing biofouling in biomedical diagnostics and medical technology. The 'Swiss army knife' molecule offers simple dip-and-rinse application and withstands harsh conditions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateFeb 15, 2016

'Supercool' material glows when you write on it

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new material that stays liquid at temperatures below its expected freezing point but crystallizes upon writing or rubbing. This unique property makes it highly sensitive to pressure and could lead to breakthroughs in biosensors, optical memory, and electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 13, 2015