Smart Polymer Surfaces with Complex Wrinkled Patterns: Reversible, Non-Planar, Gradient, and Hierarchical Structures

"All-in-One Functionalization and Synergic Ordering" Strategy Enables Multimode Anti-Counterfeiting Patterns

Conventional multimode anticounterfeiting systems usually suffer high cost, complicated structures, and different optical channel interferences. In this study, we demonstrate a simple strategy named "all-in-one functionalization and synergic ordering" to prepare quadruple mode patterns on a photoresponsive alternating copolymer P(DPA-alt-BP) film. Herein, a 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) nonanoate unit serves as the multipurpose moiety with photoresponse and fluorescence, performing photodimerization upon 365 nm UV irradiation. The liquid crystal mesogen biphenyl (BP) caproate units can orderly align along strain for polarized sight and improve the microphase separation. Upon UV irradiation through a photomask followed by solvent annealing, the P(DPA-alt-BP) film is first gradient-cross-linked and then undergoes stress relief and microphase separation, giving rise to a synergic ordering effect that enables fabrication of an anticounterfeiting pattern with quadruple modes, i.e., wrinkled pattern, substructure on a wrinkled surface, distinguishable fluorescent emission, and polarized sight on the film. This strategy is promising for high-level anticounterfeiting applications and provides helpful inspiration to the development of innovative photoresponsive materials.

Isolation of Biomolecules Using MXenes

Biomolecule isolation is a crucial process in diverse biomedical and biochemical applications, including diagnostics, therapeutics, research, and manufacturing. Recently, MXenes, a novel class of two-dimensional nanomaterials, have emerged as promising adsorbents for this purpose due to their unique physicochemical properties. These biocompatible and antibacterial nanomaterials feature a high aspect ratio, excellent conductivity, and versatile surface chemistry. This timely review explores the potential of MXenes for isolating a wide range of biomolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules, while highlighting key future research trends and innovative applications poised to transform the field. This review provides an in-depth discussion of various synthesis methods and functionalization techniques that enhance the specificity and efficiency of MXenes in biomolecule isolation. In addition, the mechanisms by which MXenes interact with biomolecules are elucidated, offering insights into their selective adsorption and customized separation capabilities. This review also addresses recent advancements, identifies existing challenges, and examines emerging trends that may drive the next wave of innovation in this rapidly evolving area.

Development of Soft Wrinkled Micropatterns on the Surface of 3D-Printed Hydrogel-Based Scaffolds via High-Resolution Digital Light Processing

The preparation of sophisticated hierarchically structured and cytocompatible hydrogel scaffolds is presented. For this purpose, a photosensitive resin was developed, printability was evaluated, and the optimal conditions for 3D printing were investigated. The design and fabrication by additive manufacturing of tailor-made porous scaffolds were combined with the formation of surface wrinkled micropatterns. This enabled the combination of micrometer-sized channels (100-200 microns) with microstructured wrinkled surfaces (1-3 μm wavelength). The internal pore structure was found to play a critical role in the mechanical properties. More precisely, the TPMS structure with a zero local curvature appears to be an excellent candidate for maintaining its mechanical resistance to compression stress, thus retaining its structural integrity upon large uniaxial deformations up to 70%. Finally, the washing conditions selected enabled us to produce noncytotoxic materials, as evidenced by experiments using AlamarBlue to follow the metabolic activity of the cells.

Recent Advances in Micro- and Nano-Drug Delivery Systems Based on Natural and Synthetic Biomaterials

Polymeric drug delivery technology, which allows for medicinal ingredients to enter a cell more easily, has advanced considerably in recent decades. Innovative medication delivery strategies use biodegradable and bio-reducible polymers, and progress in the field has been accelerated by future possible research applications. Natural polymers utilized in polymeric drug delivery systems include arginine, chitosan, dextrin, polysaccharides, poly(glycolic acid), poly(lactic acid), and hyaluronic acid. Additionally, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate), poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide), poly(ethylenimine), dendritic polymers, biodegradable polymers, and bioabsorbable polymers as well as biomimetic and bio-related polymeric systems and drug-free macromolecular therapies have been employed in polymeric drug delivery. Different synthetic and natural biomaterials are in the clinical phase to mitigate different diseases. Drug delivery methods using natural and synthetic polymers are becoming increasingly common in the pharmaceutical industry, with biocompatible and bio-related copolymers and dendrimers having helped cure cancer as drug delivery systems. This review discusses all the above components and how, by combining synthetic and biological approaches, micro- and nano-drug delivery systems can result in revolutionary polymeric drug and gene delivery devices.