Plastic pollution from single-use products such as drinking straws has prompted a global shift toward sustainable, biodegradable alternatives. This study explores the potential of wheat-derived straws, produced from post-harvest agricultural residues in Central Macedonia, Greece, as eco-friendly substitutes for conventional plastic straws. Three wheat straw types (Staramaki K1, G1, and A1) were examined and compared with commercial straws made from reed, bamboo, paper, and bioplastics. Structural analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed high crystallinity in all wheat samples, with K1 exhibiting the highest value (77.1%), indicating a more organized cellulose matrix. Water absorption tests in water, orange juice, and coca-cola showed that K1 absorbed significantly less liquid than other wheat and paper straws, suggesting enhanced barrier performance. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to assess morphological changes before and after immersion. While all samples showed surface degradation, K1 retained its integrity better than others, both externally and internally. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that K1 also offered superior thermal stability, with delayed decomposition and reduced weight loss at elevated temperatures, confirming its suitability for hot beverage use. Additionally, impact resistance tests showed that the wheat-based straws, particularly the K1 variant, retained sufficient mechanical integrity under moderate loading, confirming their practical durability in real-use scenarios. Overall, the results confirm that Staramaki K1 straws, derived from agricultural waste, combine high crystallinity, low water uptake, and good thermal resistance, making them strong candidates for replacing synthetic and pulp-based straws. This study highlights the feasibility of converting local biowaste into high-performance, food-safe, and compostable materials, promoting circular economy principles and sustainable material design.

The development and industrial application of synthetic polymers has had a great impact on society as these materials are used virtually everywhere. Synthetic polymers in particular are widely used as biomaterials, but in recent decades, advanced bioapplications, which require subtle responses, need numerous innovative, increasingly diverse materials that promise high added value. In this context, the polymer architecture—one physical attribute that is central to polymer science—can be used for tuning the properties of next-generation functional biomaterials. Conjugated, electroconducting polymers (CPs), designed for electronic applications, are also endowed with a multitude of well-suited properties to function as intelligent, specialized biomaterials.

In this communication, it is demonstrated that by combining polythiophene—a typical CP—with the bioresourced, biocompatible, and biodegradable oligo-(D,L-lactide), in a “rod-g-coil”-type architecture, a multifunctional material can be obtained by polymerizing a thiophene-containing macromonomer. The study focuses on the investigation of the resultant copolymer enzymatic bioerosion (evaluated using different methods—FT-IR, GPC, and AFM)) and the manipulation of films' surface morphology and properties by changing the specificity of the solvents from which they are deposited on supports of different rigidity (glass or PLA sheets), of the dispersion concentrations, or viacopolymer doping with LiClO₄.

In addition, the undoped and doped films' surface interaction with BSA protein was followed by the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation (QCM-D) technique, which revealed that the protein binding process might be “switch on–off” by the doping state of the conjugated oligomer. Moreover, the good biocompatibility and non-cytotoxic effect of the copolymer over normal human gingival fibroblasts (NHGFs) were shown, highlighting its potential functionality as a suitable biointerfacing material for different related bioapplications.

Introduction

Gastroretentive drug delivery systems (GRDDSs) have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic performance of orally administered drugs such as amoxicillin (AMOX). In the present work, innovative GRDDSs were formulated through the synthesis of super-porous guar gum (GG)-based interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) [1].

Methods

IPNs were developed via simultaneous Diels–Alder (DA) crosslinking utilizing di- and tri-functional furfuryl monomers and a dimaleimide monomer [2], within a GG solution. This one-pot procedure incorporated porogenic agents, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or sucrose, as well as AMOX. The physicochemical properties of the resulting systems were subsequently characterized by rheological, morphological, swelling, and floating tests.

Results

The incorporation of porogens was effective in generating porous structures, increasing the swelling index to 2,000%, and enhancing both the storage modulus and the complex viscosity of the hydrogels. The resulting hydrogels exhibited mucoadhesive and floating properties, making them suitable for prolonged gastric retention. PEG-based IPN offered improved drug delivery performance, including sustained release of AMOX.

Conclusion

In contrast to non-crosslinked control samples, all IPNs achieved uniform and mechanically resilient hydrogels. Rheological and swelling studies demonstrated that both the nature and concentration of the porogenic agents significantly influenced the structural and functional properties of the hydrogels.

These results underscore the promise of one-pot IPN biocompatible preparation, coupled with porogen modulation, as a viable strategy for the development of GRDDS, enabling sustained drug release.

References

1. Grosso, R.; Benito, E.; Carbajo-Gordillo, A.I.; García-Martín, M.G.; Perez-Puyana, V.; Sánchez-Cid, P.; de-Paz, M.V. Int J Mol Sci 2023, 24, doi:10.3390/ijms24032281.

2. Galbis, E.; de Paz, M. V; McGuinness, K.L.; Angulo, M.; Valencia, C.; Galbis, J.A. Polym Chem 2014, 5, 5391–5402, doi:10.1039/C4PY00580E.

Despite the extensive research focused on the immunomodulatory properties of beta-glucans, alpha-glucans have received comparatively less attention. These molecules exhibit reduced immunogenicity compared to beta-glucans, a characteristic that could present valuable advantages in specific therapeutic contexts. This study evaluates the potential of three distinct extracted fractions (S_B, S_C, and R_D) obtained through different extraction methodologies from Coriolus versicolor, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Hericium erinaceus to enhance skin repair by promoting cellular proliferation, migration, and modulating immune responses. These fractions were previously characterized using several chemical and structural characterization methods that revealed significant content in bioactive molecules, particularly alpha glucans, exceeding 80% of total polysaccharide content. Cell viability was assessed using PrestoBlue and MTT assays in the HaCat cell line, revealing the non-toxicity of the compounds at the tested concentrations. Furthermore, proliferation assays (BrdU incorporation) and migration assays (scratch assay) in HaCaT cells were conducted at optimized concentrations (0.6 and 0.3 mg/mL). C. versicolor extracts (S_C and R_D) promoted the highest wound closure of the injured monolayer by 95% after 48 h (at 0.6 mg/mL) compared to 66% in the non-treated control, although BrdU incorporation revealed no significant changes in proliferation. In contrast, H. erinaceus extracts promoted increased cellular proliferation (>120% for S_B extracts at 0.6 mg/mL) with less impact in cell migration, suggesting selective enhancement of proliferation pathways. These differences may be attributed to variations in alpha-glucan structure and receptor interactions among the three species, leading to diverging effects on proliferation and migration. Additionally, immunomodulatory effects are being assessed by measuring key pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL1β, IL-8, and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL 10) to elucidate how these polysaccharides regulate inflammation during healing and skin repair. These findings highlight the potential of alpha-glucans as multifunctional agents in dermatological applications, supporting their role in developing innovative, natural based therapies for skin regeneration.

To improve the hydrolysis ability of poly(hexamethylene furandicarboxylate) (PHF), novel biobased poly(hexamethylene-co-diethylene glycol furandicarboxylate) (PHDEGF) copolyesters were successfully synthesized by a two-step melt polycondensation method. The chemical structure and composition of the copolyesters were characterized using ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR, revealing that the PHDEGF copolyesters were random. The intrinsic viscosity of all polyesters ranged from 0.76 to 0.87 dL/g, indicative of relatively high and close molecular weights. The thermal properties and crystallinity of the copolyesters were investigated with DSC, TGA, and WAXD. With the increase in diethylene glycol 2,5-furandicarboxylate (DEGF) unit content, both the thermal stability and the glass transition temperature of the copolyesters were improved. The crystallinity and melting point of the copolyesters gradually decreased when the DEGF unit was 21.2 mol% and below, while the copolyesters were amorphous when the DEGF unit was 41.6 mol% and above. In addition, the hydrolysis and mechanical properties of the polyester were further investigated. As the DEGF segment content increased, the water contact angle (WCA) value of the copolyesters gradually decreased; consequently, the hydrolysis rate accordingly increased. After 9 d of degradation at pH=14 and 37 ^oC, the remaining mass decreased from 92.9% for PHF to 7.1% for poly(diglycol furandicarboxylate). The mechanical properties of PHDEGF were increased by introducing a small amount of DEGF units. In particular, the elongation at break of PHDEGF30 (DEGF unit = 21.2 mol%) was comparable to that of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT); moreover, its modulus exceeded that of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Therefore, PHDEGF30 has the potential to replace PBAT and PBS as a promising packaging material.

Introduction

Agarose, a marine-derived polysaccharide, is a widely used biomedicine due to its biocompatibility, gel-forming capacity, and inert nature^[1]. However, its poor biodegradability and mechanical limitations restrict further clinical use^[2]. To address this, we propose the synthesis of a novel biodegradable semi-IPN combining agarose with methacrylate-based polymers (DMAEMA, HEMA, OEGMA). The degradation of these networks will be enhanced by incorporating monomers like FMA and VMA, which can establish labile cross-linking points, thereby preventing the formation of microplastics.

Methods

Copolymers were synthesized via living polymerizations —RAFT and ATRP— with reaction parameters systematically optimized. Following dialysis purification, cross-linking of copolymers was performed using Diels–Alder chemistry, thiol–ene reactions, or ionic interactions, either individually or within an agarose matrix. The resulting materials were characterized by NMR, SEC, SEM, and rheological analyses.

Results and Discussion

Both polymerization techniques successfully yielded copolymers with the targeted monomer ratios, although RAFT provided narrower dispersity. Among the monomers tested, HEMA produced the strongest hydrogels under identical cross-linking conditions, while thiol–ene cross-linking became the most effective strategy, offering superior rheological properties—even outperforming dual-cross-linked systems (Diels–Alder + ionic). Diels–Alder cross-linked networks did not exhibit retro-Diels–Alder behavior upon heating unless equilibrium was deliberately shifted. Incorporation of agarose to form semi-IPN enhanced the rheological performance of all systems compared to blanks, with the OEGMA-based, Diels–Alder cross-linked network performing best. SEM analysis revealed well-defined microporous architectures, supporting the potential of these semi-IPNs for biomedical applications.

Conclusions

Novel agarose-based biomaterials with enhanced mechanical strength and porous microstructures were developed for biomedical applications. RAFT and ATRP effectively yielded copolymers from HEMA, OEGMA, DMAEMA, FMA, and VMA with targeted monomer ratios. Gelation was achieved via covalent and ionic cross-linking, with Diels–Alder yielding the most robust semi-IPN.

References

[1] Molecules. 2023, doi: 10.3390/molecules21111577

[2] Pharmaceutics. 2023, doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102514

The blending of thermosetting polymers (TS) with high performance thermoplastics (HTP) is an effective pathway to design new advanced materials that meet the requirements of demanding sectors such as aerospace, electronics, or high performance structural applications requiring durability under thermal and mechanical stress. Although offering high mechanical properties, thermal stability and chemical resistance, TS resins often suffer from brittleness, that can be improved with the addition of a tougher HTP material, such as polyetherimides, polysulfones or polyetherketones. This study will firstly provide an overview of recent developments in the formulation, processing, and characterization of TS/HTPs blends. It highlights the fundamental challenges induced by the chemical and physical differences between TS and HTPs systems, especially their low miscibility and limited interfacial adhesion, which often lead to unstable morphologies and poor mechanical synergy. Various processing methods such as melt blending, solution casting, in situ polymerization or co-curing are analyzed, with particular focus on their impact on phase morphology and distribution. Compatibilization strategies, including the use of reactive copolymers, functional additives, or chemical modifications, have proven effective in improving interfacial interactions and promoting the formation of stable microstructures. Thereafter, special attention is given to systems displaying co-continuous morphologies or forming interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs), as they often offer an optimal balance between stiffness, toughness, and long-term thermal resistance. Despite promising pioneering reports, the relationships between processing conditions, interfacial phenomena, and final material properties remain complex and not yet fully understood. Therefore advances in interfacial engineering, molecular-level modeling, and specific characterization techniques of these hybrid systems are necessary to unlock their full potential and enable their broader implementation in high-performance applications.

Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is a stimuli-sensitive (pH- and temperature-sensitive) polymer. Its macromolecules readily change hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance in response to external stimuli (temperature, pH, solvent composition). This feature makes PDMAEMA adaptive to surfaces of different nature and very promising for their functionalization. In particular, its tertiary amino groups, when protonated, enable the non-destructive binding of (bio)molecules bearing the opposite charge. Hence, PDMAEMA can be exploited for the surface modification and further electrostatic immobilization of (bio)molecules, thereby paving a way towards (bio)sensor coatings, which are in demand in medicine, biotechnology, ecology and related fields.

In this work, the formation and properties of polymer and polymer–enzyme coatings on model conductive surfaces (gold, graphite) were examined by means of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PDMAEMA was proven to form nano-sized, stable and rigid films if adsorbed in a non-charged state (pH 10). After being brought to a charged state (pH 7), PDMAEMA films were shown to bind significant amounts of glucose oxidase (GOx). The efficiency of surface modification and amount of the immobilized enzyme were demonstrated to increase with the temperature of the polymer adsorption, changing from 25 up to 40°C.

Next, an electrochemical polymer-enzyme biosensor system was fabricated via subsequent adsorption of PDMAEMA and GOx on screen-printed graphite-based electrodes (SPE). An amperometric assay of the obtained biosensor constructs exhibited remarkable performance (i.e., a submicromolar limit of detection, a wide linear range of 3 orders of magnitude) toward glucose quantification as well as a good operational stability of enzymatic responses.

The experimental results (QCM-D and AFM) were obtained with the use of the equipment purchased within the M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University Program of Development.

This study addresses the increasing market demand for natural and environmentally friendly cosmetic formulations. Current trends favor responsible excipients derived from biosourced raw materials with eco-responsible exploitation and low-energy processing. A significant challenge exists in developing bio-based rheology modifiers with performance comparable to synthetic polymers like polyacrylates or polyacrylamides. While natural polymers such as hydrocolloids, polysaccharides, and proteins possess thickening and stabilizing properties, they often exhibit lower thickening power and formulation difficulties compared to petroleum-based polymers [1].

To bridge this gap, strategies are explored to improve the properties of natural polymers by modifying their chemical structure and therefore their properties in cosmetic formulations. Various academic studies deal with the chemical functionalization of natural polymers (cross-linking, grafting of different chemical moieties on the backbone) in order to improve some of their properties according to the final application.

The present work investigates the cross-linking of polysaccharides using environmentally friendly reactants and processes. A novel method of chemical cross-linking that enables the isolation of the functionalized biopolymer in a highly concentrated powder form (exceeding 90%) is presented, thereby enhancing its applicability for cosmetic formulations. Furthermore, the functionalized biopolymer presents good thickening properties and is readily biodegradable.

The impact of various process parameters on the final product properties is examined.

The growing demand for sustainable materials is driving both academia and industry to replace conventional oil-based polymers with biodegradable alternatives. Blending biopolymers is an effective strategy for tailoring and improving the mechanical, thermal, and processing properties of these systems. However, differences in the nature of the components can make it challenging to develop polymer blends with good morphology and thermal stability, potentially affecting their overall performance. In this study, two biodegradable polymers commonly used in packaging—polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT)—were blended, and their morphological, rheological, and structural evolution during extrusion was analyzed. An experimental prototype extruder enabled in-line monitoring of the blends throughout the extrusion process. The results showed that screw speed and feed rate significantly influence material properties. Specifically, low screw speeds and feed rates promote thermo-mechanical degradation, leading to a reduction in molecular weight, without excluding possible branching or cross-linking phenomena due to the presence of PBAT. After the experimental tests, Ludovic^®, a simulation software for extrusion processes, was used to better understand how processing parameters affected the blends. The simulation also helped identify strategies to reduce degradation and optimize the extrusion process for future applications. This combined approach offers useful insights to enhance biodegradable blend performance in industry.