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Advances in Smart Polymer Materials
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Advances in Smart Polymer Materials

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (5 May 2023) | Viewed by 18713

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Lin Gu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
Interests: bioinspired intelligent protection; smart polymers; marine new materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue focuses on recent advances in smart polymer materials, which can be responsive to an external stimulus. In resect decades, significant progress in smart polymers has been demonstrated, and successful applications in coatings, chemosensors, actuators, shape-memory materials, textiles, hydrogels, self-healing materials, etc. have already been witnessed. This Special Issue, entitled “Advances in Smart Polymer Materials”, aims to provide a comprehensive collection of high-quality original research and review papers on smart polymer materials. This issue covers the synthesis, processing, manufacturing, and practical applications of smart polymer materials. 

Dr. Lin Gu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • smart coatings
  • smart hydrogels
  • smart textiles
  • stimulus-responsive polymers
  • shape memory polymers
  • self-healing polymers
  • bio-inspiration
  • functional polymers
  • smart materials

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 3933 KiB  
Article
Rapid Selective Detection and Quantification of β-Blockers Used in Doping Based on Molecularly Imprinted Nanoparticles (NanoMIPs)
by César Cáceres, Macarena del Pilar Garcia Morgado, Freddy Celis Bozo, Sergey Piletsky and Ewa Moczko
Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5420; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245420 - 11 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1818
Abstract
Human performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), frequently used in sport competitions, are strictly prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Biological samples collected from athletes and regular patients are continuously tested regarding the identification and/or quantification of the banned substances. Current work is focused [...] Read more.
Human performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), frequently used in sport competitions, are strictly prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Biological samples collected from athletes and regular patients are continuously tested regarding the identification and/or quantification of the banned substances. Current work is focused on the application of a new analytical method, molecularly imprinted nanoparticles (nanoMIPs), to detect and determine concentrations of certain prohibited drugs, such as β-blockers, in water and human urine samples. These medications are used in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions, negative effects of adrenaline (helping to relief stress), and hypertension (slowing down the pulse and softening the arteries). They can also significantly increase muscle relaxation and improve heart efficiency. The new method of the detection and quantification of β-blockers is based on synthesis, characterization, and implementation of nanoMIPs (so-called plastic antibodies). It offers numerous advantages over the traditional methods, including high binding capacity, affinity, and selectivity for target molecules. Additionally, the whole process is less complicated, cheaper, and better controlled. The size and shape of the nanoMIPs is evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The affinity and selectivity of the nanoparticles are investigated by competitive pseudo enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (pseudo-ELISA) similar to common immunoassays employing natural antibodies. To provide reliable results towards either doping detection or therapeutic monitoring using the minimal invasive method, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of these drugs is performed in water and human urine samples. It is demonstrated that the assay can detect β-blockers in water within the linear range 1 nmol·L−1–1 mmol·L−1 for atenolol with the detection limit 50.6 ng mL−1, and the linear range 1 mmol·L−1–10 mmol·L−1 for labetalol with the detection limit of 90.5 ng·mL−1. In human urine samples, the linear range is recorded in the concentration range 0.1 mmol·L−1–10 nmol·L−1 for atenolol and 1 mmol·L−1–10 nmol·L−1 for labetalol with a detection limit of 61.0 ng·mL−1 for atenolol and 99.4 ng·mL−1 for labetalol. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Smart Polymer Materials)
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14 pages, 10170 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Temperature-Responsive Antibody–Nanoparticles by RAFT-Mediated Grafting from Polymerization
by Erika Yoshihara, Ahmed Nabil, Shinichi Mochizuki, Michihiro Iijima and Mitsuhiro Ebara
Polymers 2022, 14(21), 4584; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14214584 - 28 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2316
Abstract
Herein, we report the preparation of temperature-responsive antibody–nanoparticles by the direct polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) from immunoglobulin G (IgG). To this end, a chain transfer agent (CTA) was introduced into IgG, followed by the precipitation polymerization of NIPAAm in an aqueous medium [...] Read more.
Herein, we report the preparation of temperature-responsive antibody–nanoparticles by the direct polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) from immunoglobulin G (IgG). To this end, a chain transfer agent (CTA) was introduced into IgG, followed by the precipitation polymerization of NIPAAm in an aqueous medium via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Consequently, antibody–polymer particles with diameters of approximately 100–200 nm were formed. Owing to the entanglement of the grafted polymers via partial chemical crosslinking, the antibody–nanoparticles maintained their stability even at temperatures below the LCST. Further, the dispersed nanoparticles could be collected by thermal precipitation above the LCST. Additionally, the antibody–nanoparticles formulation could maintain its binding constant and exhibited a good resistance against enzymatic treatment. Thus, the proposed antibody–nanoparticles can be useful for maximizing the therapeutic potential of antibody–drug conjugates or efficacies of immunoassays and antibody recovery and recycling. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Smart Polymer Materials)
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17 pages, 4893 KiB  
Article
Effect of Water Uptake, Adhesion and Anti-Corrosion Performance for Silicone-Epoxy Coatings Treated with GLYMO on 2024 Al-Alloy
by Xin Yuan, Yilin Du, Zhihai Lin, Zhiqiang Liu and Lin Gu
Polymers 2022, 14(15), 3076; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153076 - 29 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Water uptake, adhesion and corrosion performance of silicone-epoxy coating on 2024 Al-alloy treated with different GLYMO were systematically studied by gravimetry, electrochemical measurements, DSC, pull-off adhesion and salt spray tests. The results showed that GLYMO not only enhanced the cross-linking of the silicon-epoxy [...] Read more.
Water uptake, adhesion and corrosion performance of silicone-epoxy coating on 2024 Al-alloy treated with different GLYMO were systematically studied by gravimetry, electrochemical measurements, DSC, pull-off adhesion and salt spray tests. The results showed that GLYMO not only enhanced the cross-linking of the silicon-epoxy coating but also enhanced the bonding between the coating and the Al-alloy interface. This gives the coating better wet adhesion, less water absorption and improves the corrosion resistance of the coating. The micro-nano silane layer, preferentially between the coating and Al-alloy oxide layer, was validated by the model of the water concentration jump. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Smart Polymer Materials)
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10 pages, 1548 KiB  
Article
Cadmium-Rich Plant Powder/PAN/PU Foams with Low Thermal Conductivity
by Wenying Tang, Jin Sun, Jie Tang, Zheng Chen, Yidong Shi, Ruifang Zhao, Yuanzhang Jiang and Lin Tan
Polymers 2022, 14(14), 2893; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14142893 - 16 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1454
Abstract
Treating and utilizing heavy metal enriched plants have become growing problems. In this work, a series of composite foams were made from the powder of Cadmium-rich plant, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyurethane (PU). Test results indicated that the addition of plant powder can not [...] Read more.
Treating and utilizing heavy metal enriched plants have become growing problems. In this work, a series of composite foams were made from the powder of Cadmium-rich plant, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyurethane (PU). Test results indicated that the addition of plant powder can not only increase the specific surface area, but also improve the apparent density and thermal stability of the foams. Besides, compared with the foam without plant powder, the powder-added foams exhibited a decreasing trend for thermal conductivity, and the minimum was 0.048 w/(m·k), which indicated that the addition of plant powder can help to enhance the thermal insulation of composite foam. More importantly, the results of leaching experiment showed that the leaching rate of heavy metal cadmium in the composite foam with 50% plant powder content was as low as 0.14% after being immersed in the acidic (pH = 3) solution for 5 days, which implies that the foam materials are very safe. This study provides a new way to realize high value-added resource utilization of heavy metal-enriched plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Smart Polymer Materials)
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17 pages, 2197 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Chitosan-Based Gold Nanoparticles: Antimicrobial and Wound-Healing Activities
by Amr H. Hashem, Amr M. Shehabeldine, Omar M. Ali and Salem S. Salem
Polymers 2022, 14(11), 2293; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14112293 - 5 Jun 2022
Cited by 66 | Viewed by 4746
Abstract
The global spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a significant hazard to public health, and more effective antibacterial agents are required. Therefore, this study describes the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of gold nanoparticles modified with chitosan (Chi/AuNPs) as a reducing and stabilizing agent [...] Read more.
The global spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a significant hazard to public health, and more effective antibacterial agents are required. Therefore, this study describes the preparation, characterization, and evaluation of gold nanoparticles modified with chitosan (Chi/AuNPs) as a reducing and stabilizing agent with efficient antimicrobial effects. In recent years, the development of an efficient and ecofriendly method for synthesizing metal nanoparticles has attracted a lot of interest in the field of nanotechnology. Colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were prepared by the chemical reduction of gold ions in the presence of chitosan (Chi), giving Chi/AuNPs. The characterization of Chi/AuNPs was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Chi/AuNPs appeared spherical and monodispersed, with a diameter ranging between 20 to 120 nm. The synergistic effects of AuNPs and Chi led to the disruption of bacterial membranes. The maximum inhibitory impact was seen against P. aeruginosa at 500 µg/mL, with a zone of inhibition diameter of 26 ± 1.8 mm, whereas the least inhibitory effect was reported for S. aureus, with a zone of inhibition diameter of 16 ± 2.1 mm at the highest dose tested. Moreover, Chi/AuNPs exhibited antifungal activity toward Candida albicans when the MIC was 62.5 µg/mL. Cell viability and proliferation of the developed nanocomposite were evaluated using a sulphorhodamine B (SRB) assay with a half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 111.1 µg/mL. Moreover, the in vitro wound-healing model revealed that the Chi/AuNP dressing provides a relatively rapid and efficacious wound-healing ability, making the obtained nanocomposite a promising candidate for the development of improved bandage materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Smart Polymer Materials)
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12 pages, 2468 KiB  
Article
β-Cyclodextrin-Based Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) Fibers for Sustained Release of Fragrances
by Chengyuan Xing, Xia Xu, Lei Song, Xiaoling Wang, Bangjing Li and Kun Guo
Polymers 2022, 14(10), 2002; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14102002 - 13 May 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2144
Abstract
Poly (vinyl alcohol)/β-cyclodextrin (PVA/CD) composite fibers are prepared by wet spinning followed by hot stretching. XRD results show that β-CDs are in an amorphous state in fiber, and β-CD can help maintain the fibrous crystal that exists in the composite fiber. The DSC [...] Read more.
Poly (vinyl alcohol)/β-cyclodextrin (PVA/CD) composite fibers are prepared by wet spinning followed by hot stretching. XRD results show that β-CDs are in an amorphous state in fiber, and β-CD can help maintain the fibrous crystal that exists in the composite fiber. The DSC results show that the total crystalline ratio of the composite fibers decreased with the increase of β-CD. The as-prepared composite fibers were further crosslinked with glutaraldehyde (GA) to improve their usability. The crosslinked structure, together with amorphous β-CD, contributes to the loading and sustained release of fragrance molecules that were studied. The fragrance retention ratio of PVA/CD/GA is 55.63% and 48.25% for cis-jasmone and citronella, even after 25 days. The inclusion complexes of β-CD and fragrance molecules are confirmed by 2D-FTIR, which is responsible for the sustained release of fragrance. This study may contribute to the mass production of wearable long-term scented fabrics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Smart Polymer Materials)
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9 pages, 1627 KiB  
Communication
Effect of Crystallization on Shape Memory Effect of Poly(lactic Acid)
by Danli Nie, Xianze Yin, Ziqing Cai and Jintao Wang
Polymers 2022, 14(8), 1569; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14081569 - 12 Apr 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2861
Abstract
The opportunity for the preparation of high-performance shape memory materials was brought about by the excellent mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). As the effect of crystallization on shape memory was still unclear, this brings constraints to the high-performance design of PLA. The [...] Read more.
The opportunity for the preparation of high-performance shape memory materials was brought about by the excellent mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). As the effect of crystallization on shape memory was still unclear, this brings constraints to the high-performance design of PLA. The PLA plates with different aggregation structure were prepared by three kinds of molding methods in this paper. The PLA plates were pre-stretched with a series of different strains above glass transition temperature (i.e., 70 °C). The recovery stress and ratio of the material were measured above stretching temperature (i.e., 80 °C). Prolonging of annealing time resulted in more perfect crystal structure and higher crystallinity. The crystal region acted as network nodes in shape memory PLA, and crystal region structure determined the shape memory performance. Based on the experimental results, the structural evolution of network nodes in shape memory PLA was established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Smart Polymer Materials)
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