There is a growing shift toward a circular economy, aiming to maximize recycling, minimize waste streams, and favor renewable over fossil-based materials. In this context, the composites industry—particularly in sectors such as automotive, marine, and aeronautics, where composition control is critical to mechanical performance and structural integrity—relies on semi-products with tightly controlled material properties.

Most thermoset-based prepregs used in these sectors show minimal variation in resin content. However, some commercial prepregs exhibit significant resin bleed during curing under heat and pressure (e.g., in an autoclave or hot press).

This work explores the manufacture of a hybrid jute/glass-fiber laminate using a commercial glass-fiber prepreg and plain-weave jute fabric, with no additional resin, thereby maximizing resin utilization and minimizing waste. By leveraging resin bleed and strategic lamina placement, the goal is to achieve effective impregnation of the jute layers.

The resulting laminate's composition was evaluated using a modified calcination method. Physical and mechanical properties—including density, tensile, and flexural behavior—were estimated via micromechanics and classical laminate theory and compared with experimental results.

Further characterization included Charpy impact strength and Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness via double-cantilever beam (DCB) testing. These results establish baseline values for comparison in future developments of this research.

Fibrous nanocomposites have become key enablers for advanced separation technologies due to their tunable structure, high surface area, and ability to integrate multiple functions. I highlight our work on electrospun fibrous nanocomposite membranes, developed through Pickering emulsion templating and bio-inspired design strategies, for efficient oil/water separation and pollutant remediation. Using a Pickering emulsion approach, silica nanoparticles were uniformly distributed within electrospun fibers, creating hierarchical porosity and tailored wettability. The silica nanoparticles acted as a Pickering stabilizer as well as surface modifier. The resulting nanocomposite membranes exhibited superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic behavior, achieving oil/water separation with excellent fluxes and rejection efficiency over 99%. The templated nanocomposite structure also enhanced mechanical stability and anti-fouling performance, ensuring reusability across multiple cycles.

In parallel, inspired by fish-gill morphology, we fabricated multifunctional nanofibrous membranes capable of both demulsification of stable oil-in-water emulsions and sorption of dissolved pollutants. This dual functionality was achieved through careful control of the fiber architecture and surface chemistry, enabling membranes to address complex separation challenges in a single platform. Together, these studies demonstrate the transformative potential of combining nanocomposites with rational structural design in fibrous membranes. By bridging Pickering emulsion templating with bio-inspired architectures, we provide versatile pathways for developing next-generation, sustainable membranes for oil/water separation and broader water purification applications.

Introduction

Vaginal infections remain a prevalent global health concern among women, often resulting in symptoms such as pain, itchiness, and dysuria (1). Despite available treatments, recurrence and persistence of infections are common. This study explores a novel therapeutic approach using bioactive films composed of curcumin and Myrtus communis to manage recurrent vaginal infections. Importantly, the goal is to identify a natural solution that avoids the use of antibiotics, addressing concerns related to antibiotic resistance and the side effects associated with conventional treatments.

Methodology

Films were formulated using 2% sodium alginate and 10% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), embedded separately with either pure curcumin or Myrtus communis extract to assess their individual contributions to the film's performance. The swelling behavior of each film type was assessed using standardized 1×1 cm samples, providing a reliable measure of their capacity to absorb moisture, which is critical for their functionality in a vaginal environment.

Preliminary Results

Both types of circular film samples exhibited swelling behavior. Notably, the curcumin-based films demonstrated superior swelling capacity compared to the Myrtus communis films; this difference might enhance the retention of moisture, which is beneficial for maintaining prolonged contact with the mucosal surface.

Conclusion and Future Work

The curcumin-based films showed promising swelling characteristics, suggesting potential for improved mucosal adherence and drug delivery in the vaginal environment. Further research is underway to enhance the swelling properties of the Myrtus communis films and evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of both formulations.

Introduction

Polysulfone is a high-performance polymer used in the biomedical field due to its thermal, mechanical, and chemical stability and biocompatibility [1]. Its performance is significantly enhanced through quaternization, which imparts antimicrobial activity, hemocompatibility, and hydrophilicity [2]. The present study aims to obtain and characterize coatings based on quaternized polysulfone (QPSF) for medical instruments with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity by incorporating an antifungal agent, amphotericin B (AmB), and/or an antibiotic, norfloxacin (NFX), into the material’s structure.

Methods

Drug-containing coatings were prepared by mixing QPSF, AmB, and/or NFX in different mass ratios, casting the polymer–drug solutions, and drying at 70 °C for 48 h. The obtained materials were characterized from a structural, supramolecular, and morphological point of view and their surface properties, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, were also investigated.

Results

¹H-NMR and FTIR spectra of the coatings highlighted the successful incorporation of the drugs into the QPSF matrix, as well as strong physical interactions between the components.

The absence of a specific drug’s reflection in the formulations’ XRD diffractograms suggested their uniform dispersion within the material’s structure, and the polarized optical microscopy images revealed an interface-coupled ordering, attributed to the electrostatic interactions between the positively charged amino groups of the polymer and the electron-rich groups of the drugs.

The surface of the coatings presented a smooth morphology and moderate wettability, with contact angle values ​​ranging from 72 to 93º.

The incorporation of the two drugs into the material structure had a beneficial effect on antioxidant activity, increasing the capacity to inhibit free radicals up to 67 %, improving antibacterial activity, and conferring antifungal activity to the materials.

Conclusion

All these data indicate the application potential of these materials as antimicrobial coatings for surgical instruments.

[1] E.R. Radu, S.I. Voicu, Polymers, 1130, 2022.

[2] O. Dumbrava, A. Filimon, L. Marin, Eur. Polym. J., 112316, 2023.

Polylactide (PLA), a biobased polymer, has gained significant attention due to its favorable mechanical properties, processability, and applicability in both Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing and conventional manufacturing techniques such as injection molding. However, PLA exhibits pronounced brittleness, necessitating the development of effective property-enhancing modifiers. The incorporation of hybrid inorganic–organic functionalized octaspherosilicates represents a promising strategy to overcome this limitation. Polyhedral oligospherosilicates (RSiMe2O)8Si8O12, analogs of polyhedral oligosilsesquioxanes R8Si8O12, possess a well-defined cubic Si–O–Si core with organosilyl subunits forming a functional crown, enabling modification of polymer properties. Variation in peripheral functional groups (R = H or organic moieties) allows for fine-tuning of material behavior. This study investigates the impact of multifunctional octaspherosilicates on PLA-based materials and their suitability for FDM 3D printing and injection molding.

Organosilicon additives were synthesized via catalytic hydrosilylation and incorporated into molten PLA. A 15% masterbatch was prepared, ground, and subsequently used to produce samples with lower additive concentrations (1 wt% and 2.5 wt%). The modified PLA was processed via two routes: (i) extrusion into filaments followed by 3D printing of test specimens, and (ii) direct fabrication by injection molding. Samples were characterized for their mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties (DSC).

Incorporation of multifunctional octaspherosilicates markedly enhanced the impact resistance of injection-molded samples, reflecting increased ductility. By contrast, 3D-printed specimens exhibited limited improvement in impact strength due to their anisotropic internal structure. Tensile and flexural strengths of 3D-printed samples were only slightly lower than those of injection-molded specimens, demonstrating the efficacy of the modifiers across both processing routes. Rheological measurements and SEM-EDS analysis confirmed good phase homogeneity and strong interfacial compatibility. Organosilicon additives functioned as lubricating agents, promoting polymer chain disentanglement and increasing free volume in the melt, thereby contributing to the observed enhancements in material properties.

With the rise of wearable electronics, the need for sustainable, portable power is increasing. To overcome battery limitations, energy harvesters converting solar, thermal, and mechanical energy into electricity have been developed. Mechanical energy, abundant but underused, can be captured via piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators (PENGs and TENGs). TENGs offer high output and low-cost fabrication, with performance influenced by material properties and surface treatments. Halide perovskites (HPs) show strong potential for energy harvesting and storage due to their dielectric and piezoelectric properties. A recent MA₂SnCl₆-based self-charging unit combines a PENG with a lithium-ion battery. Lead-free, efficient HPs are vital for self-powered wearable devices.

Herein, we present the utilization of air-stable, 2D-layered, lead-free MA₃Bi₂I₉ for stretchable MA₃Bi₂I₉-SEBS (Styrene Ethylene Butylene Styrene) composite-based hybrid nanogenerators and as an electrode material in LIBs. Initially, high-performance, stretchable hybrid nanogenerators based on MA₃Bi₂I₉ (MBI; MA = CH₃NH₃) perovskite were developed by compositing with SEBS polymer to harvest mechanical energy in both PENG and TENG modes, achieving the highest output at 12 wt% film loading. Specifically, the 12 wt% TENG demonstrated an output voltage of 537 V and a power density of 3.04 mW/cm². Furthermore, the electrochemical performance of MA₃Bi₂I₉ as a cathode material was investigated, revealing high specific capacity and long-term cycling stability. Finally, we demonstrate the practical application of the developed hybrid nanogenerator by using it to charge the MA₃Bi₂I₉-based LIB. The charged LIB, powered by the TENG, is capable of operating small-scale electronic devices, including a smartwatch and a calculator.

MXenes are a class of two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured materials with the general formula M_n+1X_nT_x, where M is a transition metal, X is a carbon and/or nitrogen atom, and T is a functional group, such as O, F, OH, or Cl. MXenes have the capacity to be mixed with a variety of polymers, thereby imparting certain properties to the polymer. For instance, MXenes can enhance the barrier properties of plastics, suggesting a potential application as gas barrier films. Additionally, MXenes can improve flexibility, toughness, and tensile and compressive strengths. Furthermore, MXenes have been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti-fogging properties. These properties render them promising materials for use in food packaging.

The present study is focused on patent retrieval information regarding MXenes/polymer composites employed in the domain of food packaging.

A patent search was conducted on Espacenet, the EPO's free patent database, using precise keywords in the title, abstract, and claims search fields, as well as a set of classification codes, such as C08K 3/14 (use of carbides as compounding ingredients), C01B 32/921 (titanium carbide), and C08K 2201/011 (nanostructured additives).

After reading the full text of the patents/patent applications, we narrowed our initial 43 results down to 38.

Approximately 80% of patent priority filings were submitted in 2022. China is the most prolific country, with 34 results, but only one Chinese application was extended at the international level as a PCT application. The other four PCT applications derived from two EP applications, one U.S. provisional, and one application from the Czech Republic.

In most cases, Ti₃C₂T_x is claimed. However, in one patent application (CN115651245A), Ta₄C₃T_x is mixed with chitosan and N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide to create a chitosan-based film coating solution.

The most frequently used film matrixes are cellulose, chitosan, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyurethane.

Supercapacitors, also commonly known as 'ultracapacitors', represent a promising alternative for meeting the escalating power demands of energy storage systems, particularly within the realm of portable electronic devices and batteries in the automotive sector. Their capacity to store and release energy at notably elevated rates, exceeding the capabilities of conventional batteries, stems from the fundamental charge-separation mechanism similar to that observed in traditional capacitors. In this scenario, the present study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly nanocomposites based on Poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene): polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and Exfoliated Graphene (ExG) to produce electrodes for supercapacitor applications. The ExG-PEDOT:PSS nanocomposites were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman analysis, revealing a uniform dispersion of ExG within the PEDOT:PSS matrix and providing evidence of electronic interactions between the two materials.

Subsequently, a morphological investigation combining XRD and TEM led to a comprehensive understanding of the structure of the inks. It was revealed that the materials combine perfectly into a homogenous mix with the polymer coating the graphene nanosheets. The interplay of the two materials leads to a boost of the performance when used in a capacitor. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed an enhancement in thermal stability upon the incorporation of ExG, as evidenced by a higher residual mass for the ExG-PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite compared to pristine PEDOT:PSS. Moreover, scan rate-dependent cyclic voltammetry measurements were performed in phosphate buffer (PB) electrolyte; the incorporation of a small amount of ExG (1.4% wt/V) led to a 20 % increase in specific capacitance compared to pure PEDOT:PSS. Additionally, by repeating the CV tests for 1000 cycles under the same conditions, a higher capacitance retained ratio (96%) was observed for the ExG(1.4%)-PEDOT:PSS nanocomposite relative to pure PEDOT:PSS (90%). This advancement highlights the promising capabilities of these nanocomposites in developing electrodes for supercapacitors.

Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has attracted substantial scientific attention since its inception in industrial production owing to its exceptional properties, such as high tensile strength, superior wear resistance, chemical inertness, and a low coefficient of friction. Of particular importance are the rheological characteristics of this material, as well as the processing conditions.

This study examines two industrial grades of UHMWPE that had been previously investigated in [1], where the potential for plastic deformation development within the processing temperature range was demonstrated. The rheological and thermal properties of the materials were analyzed. Additionally, blends of two UHMWPE grades with linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) were prepared across a wide concentration range (0 to 50 wt.%). The rheological and physico-mechanical properties of the resulting samples were investigated.

Plasticity, a key parameter for processing high-molecular-weight materials, is largely determined by the breadth of the molecular weight distribution rather than the absolute molecular weight values. Experimental results demonstrate that blending UHMWPE with LLDPE significantly improves plasticity and processability without substantially degrading the material’s physico-mechanical properties.

The findings indicate the feasibility of using UHMWPE/LLDPE blends in conventional processing methods, such as injection molding. It was established that the UHMWPE content in such blends can reach up to 50 wt.%, though an optimal concentration of 30 wt.% ensures a balance between processability and retention of physico-mechanical properties. These results open new prospects for developing advanced UHMWPE-based composite materials with enhanced processing characteristics.

This work was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (Grant No. 23-69-10001).

References

[1] Malkin, A.Y.; Ladygina, T.A.; Gusarov, S.S.; Dudka, D.V.; Mityukov, A.V. Characterization and Rheological Properties of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes. Polymers 2024, 16, 3501. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16243501

Microneedle-based systems are gaining significant attention in cancer therapeutics as a promising alternative to conventional drug delivery methods, primarily due to their capacity for localized, minimally invasive target drug delivery, effectively bypassing metabolism and reducing systemic toxicity. Among these, hydrogel microneedles demonstrate more notable advantages, including biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, and tunable drug release profiles. In this study, a fully biocompatible microneedle patch was developed using a Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid/Graphene Oxide (CS/HA/GO) composite hydrogel, which was double-crosslinked via thiol-ene "click" chemistry and physical interactions to enhance mechanical strength and control drug delivery. A custom-designed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) negative mold was fabricated using a 3D-printed positive resin mold to ensure structural precision. The resulting dual-crosslinked hydrogel, CSOAL-GOSH/HA, was thoroughly characterized using Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Additional evaluations included water sorption analysis, drug loading efficiency, and in vitro release of curcumin—a hydrophobic anticancer agent. Characterization results confirmed successful chemical crosslinking, as indicated by a characteristic FTIR peak at 1646 cm⁻¹. XRD analysis revealed that the polymeric matrix enhanced the bioavailability of curcumin. The CSOAL-GOSH/HA microneedles exhibited favorable swelling behavior (300% at 45 minutes) and a high curcumin loading efficiency (96%). Notably, the incorporation of GO imparted near-infrared (NIR) responsiveness and tunable hydrogel swelling, enabling controlled and on-demand drug release, reaching 76% within 5 hours. This work presents a promising and advanced platform for transdermal drug delivery, offering precise spatiotemporal control and structural consistency.