Nanocellulose-based soft actuators and their applications

Nanocellulose has aroused growing attention in the design and fabrication of multifarious soft actuators thanks to its abundant source, appropriate mechanical properties, and sustainability. In this mini-review, an up-to-date account of recent progresses in nanocellulose-based actuators with homogeneous and heterogeneous structures is provided. The fundamental design concepts and synthesis strategies for nanocellulose-based soft actuators with a wide array of micro-architecture are described. Moreover, their actuation mechanisms, structure–function relationships, and emerging applications in the fields of soft robotics, biomedical science and bioelectronics are highlighted. Finally, a brief conclusion, the current challenges, and future perspectives in the development of nanocellulose-based actuators is presented. This mini-review provides new insights into the fundamental research and the technological application of advanced nanocellulose-based soft actuators.     

Urease‐Catalyzed Carbonate Precipitation inside the Restricted Volume of Polyelectrolyte Capsules

A new biomimetic approach for performing CaCO₃ synthesis exclusively inside micron‐sized polyelectrolyte capsules, based on the fermentative formation of a precipitative agent (CO₃²⁻ anion) by urease‐catalyzed urea hydrolysis, was developed. Precipitated CaCO₃ completely fills the interior capsule volume and has a metastable vaterite phase.

     

壳聚糖微囊的部分特性研究

以壳聚糖为主要材料,制备壳聚糖微囊。微囊直径在０．５－０．８ｍｍ间,微囊在ｐＨ４－１１的缓冲液中稳定,能耐受３０００ｒ／ｍｉｎ离心３０ｍｉｎ以上。用牛血清白和蛋白γ－球蛋白测其通透性,表明随着微囊所在溶液ｐＨ的升高,微囊通透性降低。壳聚糖的分子量在一定范围内对微囊通透性几乎无影响而脱乙酰度对通透笥影响很大。     

Conformation‐Dependent Sequence Design of HP Copolymers: An Algorithm Based on Sequential Modifications of Monomer Units

We present a new modification of the so‐called conformation‐dependent sequence design scheme for HP copolymers which was proposed several years ago (H and P refer to the hydrophobic and polar monomer units, respectively). New method models the real chemical experiments more realistically. We performed Monte Carlo computer simulations using the bond‐fluctuation model for protein‐like copolymers obtained by means of the new “iterative” method and compared the results with those obtained for originally proposed “instantaneous coloring” procedure. Copolymers designed by the “iterative” method are shown to have better‐optimized functional properties. The investigation of the influence of sequence preparation conditions has revealed that the statistical properties of designed HP sequences depend rather strongly on the density of the parent homopolymer globule but not on the composition of H and P units.     

以分子器件为背景的仿生功能膜

本文以分子器件和生物传感器为应用背景,介绍了各种仿生功能膜的类型,如LB膜、脂质体、泡囊等。讨论了这些有序分子组合体的组装原理、组合体内的电子与能量传递等。     

2-Ketophenyl Assisted Biomimetic Synthesis of 3-Thio Substituted Glycals at Room Temperature

Herein we designed a strategy for the synthesis of regioselective and stereoselective displacement of C-3 acetate group in the presence of other C-4 and C-6 acetate of 2-ketophenyl-glycal by different aromatic and cyclic aliphatic thiol nucleophiles taking inspiration from cytosolic esterase mediated thiolation of glucosamine sugars into cellular glycan. Under a mild base condition at room temperature, the protocol generated a library of 3-arylthiosugars with excellent yields and high axial selectivity. This stereoselective approach tolerated well with different ester-protected glycals and thiophenols, aliphatic cyclic thiols, and mercaptans. A variety of control experiments were conducted to establish the mechanism and reason behind the stereoselectivity.     

A New Strong-Acid Free Route to Produce Xanthan Gum-PANI Composite Scaffold Supporting Bioelectricity

Conductive hybrid xanthan gum (XG)–polyaniline (PANI) biocomposites forming 3D structures able to mimic electrical biological functions are synthesized by a strong-acid free medium. In situ aniline oxidative chemical polymerizations are performed in XG water dispersions to produce stable XG–PANI pseudoplastic fluids. XG–PANI composites with 3D architectures are obtained by subsequent freeze-drying processes. The morphological investigation highlights the formation of porous structures; UV–vis and Raman spectroscopy characterizations assess the chemical structure of the produced composites. I–V measurements evidence electrical conductivity of the samples, while electrochemical analyses point out their capability to respond to electric stimuli with electron and ion exchanges in physiological-like environment. Trial tests on prostate cancer cells evaluate biocompatibility of the XG–PANI composite. Obtained results demonstrate that a strong acid-free route produces an electrically conductive and electrochemically active XG–PANI polymer composite. The investigation of charge transport and transfer, as well as of biocompatibility properties of composite materials produced in aqueous environments, brings new perspective for exploitation of such materials in biomedical applications. In particular, the developed strategy can be used to realize biomaterials working as scaffolds that require electrical stimulations for inducing cell growth and communication or for biosignals monitoring and analysis.     

Mimicking Non-Canonical Radical Cyclizations in the Synthesis of Dibenzocyclooctadiene Natural Products

Unique chemical structures that are often characteristic of biologically active natural products are often created by oxidative cyclizations. Many of these reactions are catalysed by ‘non-canonical’ or ‘thwarted’ iron oxygenases that appear to involve long-lived radicals. This perspective summarizes our group‘s efforts to mimic these biosynthetic transformations for the synthesis of highly oxidized dibenzocyclooctadiene lignan natural products using redox neutral photocatalysis. We describe the evolution of this research program, which hinges on the use of Okada's redox active ester, and show how multiple factors control the fate of the resulting radicals.     

Advances in 3D Bioprinting of Biomimetic and Engineered Meniscal Grafts

The meniscus plays a crucial role in loads distribution and protection of articular cartilage. Meniscal injury can result in cartilage degeneration, loss of mechanical stability in the knee joint and ultimately lead to arthritis. Surgical interventions provide only short-term pain relief but fail to repair or regenerate the injured meniscus. Emerging tissue engineering approaches based on 3D bioprinting provide alternatives to current surgical methods for meniscus repair. In this review, the current bioprinting techniques employed in developing engineered meniscus grafts are summarized and discuss the latest strategies for mimicking the gradient structure, composition, and viscoelastic properties of native meniscus. Recent progress is highlighted in gene-activated matrices for meniscus regeneration as well. Finally, a perspective is provided on the future development of 3D bioprinting for meniscus repair, emphasizing the potential of this technology to revolutionize meniscus regeneration and improve patient outcomes.