Differential metal-binding properties of dynamic acylhydrazone polymers and their sensing applications

Application of Self-Healing Hydrogels in the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the leading causes of chronic pain and disability, and traditional treatment methods often struggle to restore its complex biomechanical properties. This article explores the innovative application of self-healing hydrogels in the treatment of IDD, offering new hope for disc repair due to their exceptional self-repair capabilities and adaptability. As a key support structure in the human body, intervertebral discs are often damaged by trauma or degenerative changes. Self-healing hydrogels not only mimic the mechanical properties of natural intervertebral discs but also self-repair when damaged, thereby maintaining stable functionality. This article reviews the self-healing mechanisms and design strategies of self-healing hydrogels and, for the first time, outlines their potential in the treatment of IDD. Furthermore, the article looks forward to future developments in the field, including intelligent material design, multifunctional integration, encapsulation and release of bioactive molecules, and innovative combinations with tissue engineering and stem cell therapy, offering new perspectives and strategies for IDD treatment.

Synthesis of Magnetite-Based Polymers as Mercury and Anion Sensors Using Single Electron Transfer-Living Radical Polymerization

In this work, hydrophilic polymers modified with iron oxide nanoparticles, such as iron oxide-poly(2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) [P(DMAEMA)] magnetite-based and iron oxide-poly(acrylamide) [P(AAm)] magnetite-based polymers, were prepared via a single electron transfer-living radical polymerization approach. Bile acid and 2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid were covalently attached onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, and these immobilized magnetite nanoparticles were used as an initiator for the polymerization. The binding capabilities of different ions, such as Hg2+, CN-, Cl-, F-, and NO3 -, were tested using these polymeric sensors monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. Magnetite-based P(DMAEMA) showed enhanced binding capability due to the presence of tertiary amine groups. In addition, it was possible to easily separate the bound ions from aqueous media using an external magnetic field.

Synthesis, crystal structures, and luminescent properties of Zn(ii), Cd(ii), Eu(iii) complexes and detection of Fe(iii) ions based on a diacylhydrazone Schiff base

Acylhydrazone Schiff bases are rich in N and O atoms to coordinate with metal ions to form multidentate complexes.

Functionalization of La0.33Ca0.67MnO3 with biologically active small ligand at room temperature

We report the structural, morphological and optical activities of a paramagnetic manganite (La_0.33Ca_0.67MnO₃) synthesized at 900 °C. A simple method of formation of complex was employed. A complex was formed between a pre-prepared manganite dissolved in HCl and reacted with an organic ligand (ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate). The optical and antimicrobial properties of a complex were determined. The Ultraviolet-visible and Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy were used in monitoring optical activities of the resulting product. It was observed to absorb in the visible region (205 nm and 256 nm). The peaks observed from the infra-red spectra indicated that the reaction occurred at the nitroso end of the ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate. The bacterial inhibitory property of the LCMO-ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate was determined against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albican, Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus auerus. It was observed to inhibit the growth of all the microbes with zone of inhibitions of 60 mm, 56 mm, 45 mm and 32 mm, for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albican, Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus auerus, respectively.

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The method used was simple and a complex was formed within 6 h without the use of complicated equipment.

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The method requires no heat treatment and can be prepared at room temperature.

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LCMO-ethyl 4-nitrobenzoate was biologically active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albican, Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus aureus.