Stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan and polyethyleneglycol‐monosuccinate: Preparation and characterization

Stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) was prepared with polyethylene glycol‐monosuccinate (PEGMS), and chitosan (CS). A series of PEGMS were synthesized by a 1 : 1 mol ratio between PEG and succinic anhydride. Then, the novel PEC was prepared by a various mole reaction of the above synthesized PEGMS and CS. The physicochemical properties of the synthesized PEC was characterized by using elemental analysis, FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance, dissolution behavior, and phase transition phenomenon. Furthermore, some properties of the PEC obtained were analyzed by UV‐Visible spectrometry, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscope, and estimated solubility, and cell viability assay, respectively. It was found that the observed FTIR, ¹H, and ¹³C‐NMR data was in good agreement with the chemical structure of the prepared PEGMS and PEC. The dissolution behaviors of nonstoichiometric PEC were found to depend on the pH of the solution as well as on the PEGMS/CS composition. The study of MTT assay suggested that the viability of HepG2 human hepatoblastoma cell on PEC were increased significantly in accordance with mole ratio of CS. As the results, the obtained several product is a useful intermediate, which permits further chemical modification for the amino group of CS and may have potential applications in biocompatible or cosmetic systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Pervaporation separation of sodium alginate/chitosan polyelectrolyte complex composite membranes for the separation of water/alcohol mixtures: Characterization of the permeation behavior with molecular modeling techniques

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) membranes were prepared by the complexation of protonated chitosan with sodium alginate doped on a porous, polysulfone‐supporting membrane. The pervaporation characteristics of the membranes were investigated with various alcohol/water mixtures. The physicochemical properties of the permeant molecules and polyion complex membranes were determined with molecular modeling methods, and the data from these methods were used to explain the permeation of water and alcohol molecules through the PEC membranes. The experimental results showed that the prepared PEC membranes had an excellent pervaporation performance in most aqueous alcohol solutions and that the selectivity and permeability of the membranes depended on the molecular size, polarity, and hydrophilicity of the permeant alcohols. However, the aqueous methanol solutions showed a permeation behavior different from that of the other alcohol solutions. Methanol permeated the prepared PEC membranes more easily than water even though water molecules have stronger polarity and are smaller than methanol molecules. The experimental results are discussed from the point of view of the physical properties of the permeant molecules and the membranes in the permeation state. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2634–2641, 2007     

Effects of interactions between soy protein isolate and pectin on properties of soy protein-based films

Composite films in coacervation condition offer an alternative to change properties of protein-based films, and they present potential applications such as inclusion, stabilization, and release of bioactive compounds in foods. Maximum interactions between soy protein isolate (SPI) (5%) and high methoxyl pectin (PEC) (0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2%), by zeta potential analysis, are found at a pH of 3. The transparency of the SPI films is lost at this pH. When PEC is added to SPI films, the elasticity, solubility, and permeability to water vapor are not significantly altered, but the tensile strength increases. Permeabilities to oxygen are higher for low PEC contents, but as PEC is added, their values are typical of SPI films produced at a pH of 11. A homogeneous structure is found at the higher PEC concentrations. The interactions of PEC–SPI can be useful to tailor films and coatings for applications such as to carry and protect substances of interest. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 137, 48732.     

壳聚糖季铵盐及其衍生物的应用研究进展

壳聚糖是一种天然无毒多糖,可生物降解,具有生物相容性。在实际应用中壳聚糖水溶性差,只能在酸性介质中溶解。为了提高壳聚糖的溶解度并改善其理化及生物特性以扩大其应用范围,有必要对壳聚糖进行化学修饰。壳聚糖季铵盐是一种常见的壳聚糖修饰产物,属于水溶性壳聚糖衍生物,由于骨架上有强正电荷,因此其pH值溶解范围较宽。综述了壳聚糖季铵盐及其衍生物在抗菌活性、基因运载、给药系统、抗凝血材料、传感器等方面的应用进展,提出改进壳聚糖季铵盐及其衍生物的合成路线,可合成一系列生物学性能改良的壳聚糖季铵盐及其衍生物,有望将其应用于特殊领域。     

Solvent-resistant porous membranes using poly(ether−ether ketone): preparation and application

Poly(ether−ether ketone) (PEEK) is a linear aromatic macromolecule, which can form semi-crystalline aggregative status, allowing PEEK materials to have strong environment tolerance and excellent physicochemical properties. PEEK materials have become a promising alternative to fabricate particular membranes used in extreme conditions. In the past few decades, many researches and evolutions have emerged in membrane fabrication with PEEK materials and its applications for treating organic solvents and their mixtures; however, there are little systematic and comprehensive literature to summarize fabrication approaches, compile applications, and elaborate PEEK property-structure relationship. In this review, the main approaches to fabricate PEEK-based membranes are illustrated concretely, including conventional thermal-induced and non-solvent-induced phase separation, and novel chemical-induced crystallization; the representative applications in ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and membrane contactor containing organic solvents are demonstrated systematically. Meanwhile, the mechanism to tune PEEK solubility in solvents, which can be achieved by altering monomers in synthesis processes or changing membrane preparation routes, is deeply analyzed. Moreover, the existing problems and the future prospects are also discussed. This review provides positive guidance for designing and fabricating membranes using PEEK and its derivative materials for task-specific applications in harsh conditions.     

Superabsorbent,Breathable Graphene Oxide-Based Nanocomposite Hydrogel as a Dense Membrane for Use in Protective Clothing

This study examines the synthesis, fabrication and characterization of poly acrylamido methyl propane sulfonic acid (PAMPS)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites. PAMPS-GO nanocomposite hydrogel was synthesized by radical initiated polymerization and its swelling properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), and stress-strain behavior were evaluated. The swelling behavior of hydrogel nanocomposites were improved at the presence of 0.2 wt% GO, as confirmed by water uptake experiments. It should be noted that as GO loading increased, so did the WVP of the hydrogel. The stress-strain test also revealed that the incorporation of just 0.1% of GO raised the tensile strength and young modulus of the hydrogels by 42% and 37% respectively. These fabricated dense membranes can have applications in protective clothing and wound dressing.     

Preparation and Physiochemical Properties of Disodium Lauryl Glucoside Sulfosuccinate

A new synthetic route to a mild surfactant disodium lauryl glucoside sulfosuccinate (AG‐SS) containing two hydrophilic groups is described and its measured physicochemical properties reported. AG‐SS was synthesized from lauryl glucoside reacted with maleic acid anhydride, and then sulfonated with sodium sulfite. The structure and composition of the product were defined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The surface activity measurement showed that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and that the surface tension at CMC (γ_CMC) of AG‐SS were 2.59 × 10^?4 mol/L and 35.21 mN/m at 25 °C, respectively. AG‐SS exhibited excellent water solubility eliminating the disadvantage of lauryl glucoside; its foaming ability was also remarkable.     

Physicochemical and rheological properties of agarose/xylans composite hydrogel materials

Agarose (AG)/Xylans [beech (BX) and oat spelt (OSX)] composite hydrogels were prepared by effortless mixing method, using water as solvent. The gelling behavior of the composite hydrogels was investigated by a rheometer fitted with a temperature control facility. Improved gelling properties were observed as a result of incorporation of BX and OSX into the appropriate native aqueous agarose solution. A significant increase in the viscosity and elastic modulus of the parent AG was found with incorporation of xylans. The gelling and melting points of the mixtures resembled that of pure agarose gel, except for 90% xylan concentration. A significant increase in swelling ability of the parent AG was found with incorporation of xylans, while syneresis was reduced on addition of xylans. The physicochemical and rheological properties of seaweed polysaccharide agarose were modified significantly after blending with xylans, allowing their use in new applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:978–988, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Analysis of the influence of composition and processing parameters on the mechanical properties of biodegradable starch/pectin blends

The selection of the composition and processing conditions for carbohydrate-based blends is of fundamental importance for many applications and plays a role in determining the mechanical behavior of these biodegradable materials. In this study, starch/pectin (PEC) blends were obtained via melt technique and an investigation of the effects of composition and processing parameters on their mechanical properties was performed. The blends were prepared by adopting an experimental design and were characterized by uniaxial tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy, and phase imaging atomic force microscopy. The starch:PEC mass ratio showed the maximum influence on the tensile properties, which were independent on the processing parameters. It was suggested that as the degree of methyl esterification of PEC decreased, the modulus and tensile strength of the blends increased, and this effect was observed up to 50?wt% starch. AFM revealed the immiscibility between the polymers and this phenomenon was associated to the mechanical behavior of the blends.     

pH-sensitivity of the swelling of a chitosan-pectin polyelectrolyte complex

This paper deals with a novel polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) of two natural polyelectrolyte ligands, i.e. chitosan (CS) and pectin (PTn). The composition and its effect on the swelling properties of this CS-PTn PEC were studied. The results reveal that the swelling of the polyelectrolyte complex is connected with its composition and is also affected by the degree of deacetylation of CS and the methoxy degree of PTn.     

Production and characterization of starch-based films reinforced by ramie nanofibers (Boehmeria nivea)

In this study, the use of cellulose nanofibers from ramie, a plant species with important characteristics of reinforcement, was investigated in the production of bio-based polymer films. A central composite rotatable design was applied to produce the films, analyze the effects of cassava starch, glycerol, and nanofibers content on their properties, obtain mathematical models, response surface plots, and determine an optimum composition. The films produced were characterized by mechanical properties, water vapor permeability (WVP), solubility, and opacity. Microstructure and thermal behavior were also evaluated. The ramie nanofibers content had a positive effect on mechanical and barrier properties, as it increased tensile strength by 207.9%, and decreased WVP and solubility by 52.9 and 72.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the obtained films exhibited homogeneous and cohesive structures, which encourages the use of ramie nanofibers as a reinforcement material in the production of green plastics. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47919.     

Barrier and Mechanical Properties of Clay-Reinforced Polymeric Nanocomposites

In this work, clay-based nanocomposites films were prepared by addition of clay-Na⁺ natural montmorillonite in pectin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrices. Mechanical (tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation) and barrier (Water Vapor Permeability (WVP), and Oxygen permeability (O₂P)) properties were investigated. From results, it was observed that the WVP and O₂P decreased when nanoclay was included into the HPMC and pectin matrix films. Additionally, the incorporation of nanoclay in the films significantly improved the mechanical properties because the reinforcing effect of clay from its high aspect ratio and its enormous surface area. These results are very important in packaging area.     

Ceramic Supported PDMS and PEGDA Composite Membranes for CO2 Separation

Composite membranes have attracted increasing attentions owing to their potential applications for CO2 separation. In this work, ceramic supported polydimethylsiloxane （PDMS） and poly （ethylene glycol） diacrylate （PEGDA） composite membranes were prepared. The microstructure and physicochemical properties of the compos- ite membranes were characterized. Preparation conditions were systematically optimized. The gas separation performance of the as-prepared membranes was studied by pure gas and binary gas permeation measurement of CO〉 N2 and H〉 Experiments showed that PDMS, as silicone rubber, exhibited larger permeance and lower separation factors. Conversely, PEGDA composite membrane presented smaller gas permeance but higher ideal selectivity for CO2/N2. Compared to the performance of those membranes using polymeric supports or freestanding membranes, the two kinds of ceramic supported composite membranes exhibited higher gas permeance and acceptable selectivity. Therefore, the ceramic supported composite membrane can be expected as a candidate for CO2 separation from light gases.     

Synthesis,characterization, and cytotoxicity of PCL–PEG–PCL diacrylate and agarose interpenetrating network hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering

Hydrogels are suitable biomaterials for cartilage tissue engineering due to the excellent ability to retain water to provide suitable environment for the tissue, however, the insufficient mechanical properties often prevent their wider applications. The objective of this study was to fabricate biocompatible hydrogels with good mechanical performance, high-water content, and porous microstructure for cartilage regeneration. Photocrosslinked hydrogels are one of the most widely used systems in tissue engineering due to the superior mechanical properties. In this study, block copolymer, poly(ε -caprolactone)-poly(ethylene)-poly(ε -caprolactone) diacrylate (PCL–PEG–PCL; PEC), was prepared by ring-opening polymerization, and PEC hydrogels were made through free radical crosslinking mechanism. Agarose network is chosen as another component of the hydrogels, because of the high-swelling behavior and cartilage-like microstructure, which is helpful for chondrocytes growth. Interpenetrating networks (IPN) were fabricated by diffusing PEC into agarose network followed by photo-crosslinking process. It was noted that incorporating PEC into the agarose network increased the elastic modulus and the compressive failure properties of individual component networks. In addition, high-swelling ratio and uniform porosity microstructures were found in the IPN hydrogels. IPN and PEC showed low cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility in elution test method. The results suggest promising characteristics of IPN hydrogels as a potential biomaterial for cartilage tissue engineering.     

Synergistic effect of graphene oxide‐silver nanofillers on engineering performances of polyelectrolyte complex nanofiber membranes

The poor mechanical and antibacterial performance has become a big hurdle for extending the application of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanofibers in various fields. In this study, chitosan/gelatin (CG) composite nanofiber system was used for portraying the synergistic enhancement of mechanical and antibacterial properties of PEC nanofiber membranes by inclusion of graphene oxide‐silver (GO‐Ag) nanofillers. In particular, the introduction of 1.5 wt % GO‐Ag has raised the elastic modulus and tensile strength of CG nanofiber membrane by 105% and 488%, respectively, which are partially attributed to the alleviated restacking of graphene sheets by the anchored AgNPs. Meanwhile, the diameters of inhibition zone against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on LB‐agar plates induced by GO‐Ag/CG nanofiber membranes are increased by 80.5% and 50.1%, respectively, compared to that by CG membrane. The synergistic improvement of antimicrobial performance of GO‐Ag/CG may be related to the accumulation of microorganisms induced by GO. In summary, the incorporation of GO‐Ag composite nanofillers has emerged as an effective strategy for engineering PEC nanofiber membranes for potential applications in nanomedicine and tissue engineering. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46238.     

Development and characteristics of biodegradable Aloe‐gel/egg white films

The use of synthetic nonbiodegradable polymers has led to environmental damage. This has encouraged the interest to the development of new renewable and biodegradable matrices. The potential of egg white (EW) protein for the development of bioplastic materials has been published. However, the mixture of EW with Aloe‐gel (AG) for film formation has not been documented. In this study, films with different EW and AG combinations are manufactured and their properties are analyzed. In general, the AG/EW films are homogeneous, smooth, with no pores and with cumulus of protein on the surface with better extensibility, plasticity, and low tensile strength. In addition, they are yellow colored, UV‐light blocker, with high solubility (2.2 times) and high Water Vapor Permeability (4.17 times) compared with the control (EW film). The AG/EW films showed higher percentage of soluble protein and antibacterial activity than the control. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 44067.     

Synthesis of Janus polyaniline–polyelectrolyte complex membrane via in situ confined polymerization

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) membranes prepared from poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) were modified by crossflow polymerization of aniline (ANI). The PEC membranes were used as separators in a two-compartment setup where ANI monomer and ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidant diffused through the membranes to form polyaniline (PANI). APS and ANI having different distributions throughout the membranes, the reaction led to the asymmetric polymerization of PANI on one face of each PEC membrane thus producing Janus membranes. Due to the excess PANI content, the membrane displayed distinct asymmetric electrical conductivities on each face. Interestingly, very different ANI polymerizations were obtained when nonstoichiometric PEC membranes having different molar ratio of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes (P⁺:P^? represents PDADMAC:PSS) were used and transport of APS was fastest through the 2:1 PEC when compared to the 1:2 PEC. In all experiments, the polymerization was most intense on the ANI side of the membranes. Also, the influence of NaCl both during PEC fabrication and during polymerization was studied and found to have some effect on the solute permeability. Results showed that a higher content of PANI was formed on PEC membranes having excess P⁺ and with no NaCl added during PEC fabrication. Although X-ray diffraction confirmed the presence of PANI on both sides of each membrane, scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that both sides of each membrane had different PANI content deposited. Electrical conductivity measurements using a four-point probe setup also showed that the PEC–PANI exhibits asymmetric electrical property on different sides. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.     

壳聚糖/果胶聚电解质配合物的制备及其性能研究

用天然多糖壳聚糖和果胶合成壳聚糖 /果胶聚电解质配合物 ( PEC) ,探讨了 PEC合成过程反应机理 ,考察 PEC薄膜在水溶液中的溶胀行为、对 p H刺激响应性和做药物释放载体的可能性。关键词 :壳聚糖 ;果胶 ;聚电解质配合物用天然多糖壳聚糖和果胶合成壳聚糖 /果胶聚电解质配合物 ( PEC) ,探讨了 PEC合成过程反应机理 ,考察 PEC薄膜在水溶液中的溶胀行为、对 p H刺激响应性和做药物释放载体的可能性     

Preparation and pervaporation performance of chitosan‐poly(methacrylic acid) polyelectrolyte complex membranes for dehydration of 1,4‐dioxane

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) membranes composed of chitosan (CS) and poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) were prepared by mixing the polymer solutions in different ratios. The chemical interaction and crystallinity of the resulting PEC membranes were respectively analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to characterize the thermal properties of the membranes. The membranes thus obtained were subjected to pervaporation (PV) separation of water‐dioxane mixtures. Among the PEC membranes, membrane containing 30 wt% ratio of PMAA (M‐3) exhibited the highest separation selectivity of 840 with a flux of 12.07 × 10^?2 kg/m²h at 30°C at 15 wt% of water in the feed. By the incorporation of NaY zeolite into PEC up to 5 wt%, we have been able to overcome the trade‐off phenomenon existing between flux and selectivity in PV process. From the temperature dependent diffusion and permeation values, the Arrhenius activation parameters were estimated. The resulting activation energy values obtained for water permeation (E_pw) are much lower than those of dioxane permeation (E_po), suggesting that the developed membranes have higher separation efficiency for water‐dioxane system. Based on the heat of sorption (ΔH_s) values, the mode of sorption was discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 56:715–724, 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene carbonate)/poly(lactic acid) blends

Poly(ethylene carbonate)/poly(lactic acid) blends were successfully prepared by means of a solution film-casting method, and their physicochemical properties were investigated. PEC/PLA blends exhibit partial miscibility and are characterized by the interaction of the ester and carbonic ester groups. One such interaction is between partial charges in –C–O– in –O–C=O of PLA and the carbonyl –C=O of PEC. Another is between –C–O– in –O–C=O of PLA and –C–O– in –CH₂–O– of PEC. The value of T_g varies by more than 10 °C across the blends. PEC does not significantly influence the melting temperature of neat PLA, but non-spherical spherulites are formed in PEC-rich blends, whereas the spherulites are spherical with an average size of 30 μm in PLA-rich blends. Crystallization of PLA is influenced by the addition of flexible PEC and by the proportion of PLA in the blends. Interestingly, addition of at least 10 wt% PLA increased T_g, with a crystallinity, X_c of 47% and better thermal degradation properties, with the temperature at 5 wt% weight loss (T_d5) more than 30 °C higher than for neat PEC.