Articles tagged with Natural Polymers
Researchers have finally understood why reinforced rubber is so tough and durable, with tiny particles forcing the material to fight against its own incompressibility. This breakthrough could improve tire design and lead to safer, longer-lasting products.
Researchers at Flinders University developed a high-performance coating made from peppermint essential oil that protects against infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The coating demonstrates strong antibacterial action against key pathogens, including E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
A new study uses molecular imaging to uncover structural defects in conjugated polymers formed through aldol condensation, a versatile and environmentally friendly synthesis method. By understanding these defects, researchers can develop more sustainable materials for electronics, computing, and other applications.
Researchers highlight biodegradable plastics as a promising solution to single-use plastic waste, with the packaging segment accounting for half of single-use plastic production. The market is expected to reach $105 billion by 2024, driven by consumer awareness and corporate response.
Researchers develop a gel polymer electrolyte with a localized high-concentration solvation structure, enabling solid-state batteries to operate at 4.7 V with high energy density and cycling stability. The new electrolyte also exhibits exceptional safety characteristics, including no electrolyte leakage or combustion.
Researchers at the University of Amsterdam found that worms behave like 'active polymers' when navigating complex environments. In disordered obstacles, they spread faster as obstacle density increases, contradicting common sense. The study's findings suggest a crucial role for environmental geometry in dictating movement strategies.
A research team at the University of Turku developed a novel biomimetic fabrication technique to replicate bioinspired microstructures found in plant leaf skeletons. The resulting surfaces offer superior flexibility, breathability, and transparency, making them ideal for next-generation flexible electronics.
The new μETF method simplifies fabrication of flexible 3D microelectrode arrays for neural applications. It reduces stimulation thresholds by 1.7 times and improves spatial resolution compared to traditional flat electrodes. The technology has potential in brain-computer interfaces, wearable electronics, and lab-on-a-chip systems.
Researchers developed a sustainable approach to improving polymer performance by using plasma treatment on polypropylene-lignin blends. The treated lignin exhibited increased phenoxy radicals and reduced hydroxyl functionalities, leading to enhanced compatibility with PP.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a stronger, biodegradable adhesive polymer that can replace common superglues. The new polymer, made from P3HB, offers tunable adhesion strength and is biodegradable under various conditions.
A new catalyst converts methane into polymers at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, making it easier to deploy at sites of methane production. The catalyst also enables the creation of sealants to heal cracks in natural gas pipes, potentially reducing methane leakage.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel gelation method using carbon dioxide to form hydrogels. The post-gelation release rate affects the degree of crosslinking and mechanical properties, providing insights for creating hydrogels suitable for medical applications.
Collymer is a regenerative collagen polymeric biomaterial designed for various medical applications. It can be engineered into materials with different shapes and properties to address unmet clinical needs in wound care, tissue reconstruction, aesthetics, orthopedics, and therapeutic cell delivery.
Researchers have developed a production method for a nanofibrous cellulose matrix, replacing non-renewable industrial materials with environmentally friendly alternatives. The new method has potential biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility properties.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new cooling system that extracts water from the air using gravity, eliminating the need for electricity. The system can double the rate of water collection compared to alternative technologies and offers significant energy savings.
Researchers at KAIST have successfully developed a microbial strain that efficiently produces aromatic polyester using systems metabolic engineering. The team achieved the world's highest concentration (12.3±0.1 g/L) for efficient production of poly(PhLA), demonstrating the possibility of industrial-level production.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology developed two techniques to join wood with metals and polymer composites without adhesives or screws. The AddJoining technique uses 3D printing to create strong joints, while the Ultrasonic Joining method employs high-frequency vibration to melt polymer into wood pores. These methods show pr...
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered two species of purple bacteria that can produce polyhydroxyalkanoates, natural polymers for bioplastics. Genetic engineering has also been used to boost production levels in another well-studied but stubborn species.
Researchers have developed a new class of synthetic polymers that effectively combat fungal infections by attacking the cells in multiple ways. These compounds mimic naturally occurring peptides and offer potential for sustainable treatment options with improved survival rates.
Liheng Cai, a UVA engineering professor, has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to create advanced biomaterials that can be used to repair living tissues and build organ structures. His lab aims to develop polymers that mimic human biology and integrate healthy cells into the human body.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a novel technique to control Förster resonance energy transfer using optical tweezers. The method, which accelerates energy transfer by increasing laser intensity, offers a non-contact approach for microchemistry and quantum dot applications.
A Binghamton University professor investigates the adaptive response of fire ant rafts to mechanical load, discovering that they exhibit catch bond behavior under force, which enhances cohesion for survival. This phenomenon is being explored to develop artificial materials with autonomous self-strengthening properties.
A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new sensor that can detect tiny quantities of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The device uses lateral flow technology and can measure concentrations as low as 200 parts per trillion, offering a potential solution for consumer testing and industrial applications.
Researchers at UNIST have developed a groundbreaking technology that enables the real-time display of colors and shapes through changes in nanostructures. Utilizing block copolymers, they achieved the self-assembly of photonic crystal structures on a large scale, mimicking natural phenomena observed in butterfly wings and bird feathers.
Researchers have developed a new compound using MXenes, which can be used to create lightweight and efficient telecommunication antennas. This innovation has the potential to transform satellite communication and replace traditional manufacturing methods.
A study by the University of Tsukuba found that keratin microsphere gel enhanced cell proliferation and gene expression related to hair growth. The gel's stimulatory impact on papilla cells was validated through genetic analysis, demonstrating its potential as a safe and effective hair growth agent.
Researchers at KAIST have developed high-performance strains producing a variety of compounds, including succinic acid, biodegradable plastics, and biofuels. They provide insights into advancements in polyamide monomer production and synthesizing bio-based polyamides through chemical conversion.
Biopolymer composites made from agarose and chitosan demonstrate enhanced strength, antibacterial properties, and water repellence. These sustainable materials could lead to eco-friendly packaging solutions for food and consumer goods.
A research team led by Michele Galizia aims to create polymer membranes that can efficiently separate gases, reducing energy consumption. The project has the potential to apply in various fields such as fossil fuels, healthcare, and the airline industry.
Scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology develop biopolymer-blended protective layer to stabilize zinc anodes in metal batteries. The film facilitates uniform nucleation of zinc, reducing the formation of twig-like crystals and improving battery longevity.
A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.
A team of researchers developed soft yet durable materials that glow in response to mechanical stress, using single-celled algae and a seaweed-based polymer. The materials demonstrate inherent simplicity, no electronics needed, and can be used as mechanical sensors or soft robotics, while also being resilient and self-sustaining.
Researchers have created biobased polyesters with superior mechanical properties, exceeding those of polyethylene and polypropylene. The new material can be easily recycled and exhibits increased tensile strength and elongation at break with molecular weight.
A UH research team is developing innovative chemical processes to transform plastic waste into useful materials, aiming to create new ways to reuse and recycle polyolefins. The project seeks to produce durable thermoset materials that can be recycled multiple times, reducing environmental impact and promoting a circular plastics economy.
Researchers have developed a sustainable solution to clean contaminated water using 3D-printed 'living material' containing genetically engineered bacteria that produce an enzyme to transform organic pollutants. The material's surface area and geometry optimize bacterial growth and decontamination efficiency.
Scientists have engineered trees to be easier to disassemble into simpler building blocks using callose-enriched wood. This approach increases the efficiency of converting woody plant biomass to fuel and other useful products.
Researchers develop energy-efficient chitinous films that can generate mechanical movement and produce electricity without external power. The films exhibit adaptability and molecular changes in response to environmental changes, enabling applications in engineering and biomedical fields.
Scientists at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material for food packaging using bacterial cellulose. The material has high tensile strength, versatility, and can be produced through microbial fermentation, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Researchers at MIT have developed a superabsorbent material that can soak up record amounts of moisture from the air, even in dry conditions. The material is made by infusing hydrogel with lithium chloride and has shown to absorb and retain unprecedented amounts of water vapor.
Chemists at Colorado State University have created a synthetic PHA platform that addresses the limitations of existing biodegradable plastics. The new design enhances thermal stability, mechanical toughness, and enables closed-loop chemical recycling.
A team at UC San Diego developed a biodegradable polymer system to treat rheumatoid arthritis by working with the immune system. The method uses encapsulated all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) that transforms disease-causing cells into regulatory T cells.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba have developed natural-waste pads that absorb moisture and delay meat oxidation, favoring a more sustainable packaging option. The pads, made from chitosan, nanocellulose, and bay leaf essential oil, show promise in preserving fresh meat for up to 10 days.
Researchers develop AI-designed synthetic polymers that mimic specific functions of natural proteins, working as well as the real protein and easier to synthesize. The polymers could be a game-changer for biomedical applications, including drug delivery and photosynthesis.
Researchers have created a biodegradable polymer using carotenoids from carrots, which can be selectively broken down with acid and sunlight. The resulting material exhibits electrically conductive properties, making it suitable for energy storage and biomedical applications.
Researchers have developed a method to transform lignin, a biopolymer found in biomass, into chemically recyclable plastics using light. This breakthrough could advance the circular plastic economy by producing next-generation materials with reduced waste.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hybrid hydrogel combining natural squid tissues with synthetic polymers, exhibiting hierarchical anisotropy and toughness.
A transdisciplinary team of QUT researchers has proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackle plastic pollution, combining DNA-like encoding of plastics with international law. The technology aims to trace plastic waste back to its source, enabling the identification of polluters and eventual phasing out of plastics.
Scientists at Osaka University have created a new material that could replace traditional plastics with a sustainable, biodegradable alternative. The cellulose nanofibers were engineered to exhibit direction-dependent properties, allowing for facile molding into complex structures such as microneedles and bio/nanotechnology architectures.
Researchers at KAUST have developed a new class of oriented mixed-matrix metal-organic framework (MMMOF) membrane that selectively removes detrimental gases like H2S and CO2 from natural gas. The membrane demonstrates far better separation efficiency compared to conventional methods.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
Scientists at UMass Amherst developed a new theory to predict how double-gyroid networks form in polymer superstructures. The theory reveals the hidden geometry allowing polymers to assume this complex shape.
Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.
Researchers at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have developed a method to break down plastics and create stronger, more valuable materials. By modifying carbon-hydrogen bonds, they can expand the life span of single-use plastics into high-value polymers.
Researchers developed a new phosphorescent material inspired by wood's natural ability to faintly glow, using lignin trapped within a 3D polymer network. The material glows visibly for around one second and has potential applications in medical imaging, optical sensing, and textile industry.
Researchers developed natural polymer coatings that significantly improved metal electrochemical corrosion properties and allowed for cell attachment while disallowing bacterial attachment. These coatings can be modified to possess multifunctionality, opening a new era of applications in bone tissue engineering.
Researchers at the University of Groningen and ECUST have developed a way to produce polymers from lipoic acid, which can be easily depolymerized under mild conditions. The process recovers 87% of monomers in their pure form, enabling fully recyclable plastics.
A team led by Dr. Mert Atilhan and Dr. Cafer Yavuz developed a new porous polymer that can store natural gas more effectively than current methods. This breakthrough material has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by storing cleaner-burning fuels, such as natural gas, instead of coal or oil.
Researchers have developed a delivery system that increases insulin secretion by mouse pancreatic cells and reduces blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. The system, based on natural components, delays the release of herbal extract under acidic conditions, leading to a significant reduction in blood glucose levels.