Supramolecular Chemistry in Polymer Networks

Theory of phantom networks - topology, structure, elasticity: New and open problems.- Structural properties of randomly crosslinked polymer networks.- The dynamics of tire tread compounds and their relationship to wek skid behavior.- Relaxation in permanent networks.- Do local motions influence rheological properties near the gelation threshold?.- On the dynamics of moderately and lightly crosslinked polymer networks.- A new approach to polymer networks including finite chain extensibility, topological constraints, and constraints of overall orientation.- Formation of networks - a lattice model for kinetic growth processes.- Gelation and 1,1-transition in three-dimensional condensation and chain polymerization.- Effect of thermal history on amylose gelation.- Rheological, potentiometric and 23Na NMR studies on pectin-calcium systems.- The formation of semiinterpenetrating polymer networks by photoinduced polymerization.- Observation of the curing process of epoxy resins by inverse gas chromatography.- Fluorescence probe studies during the curing of epoxy systems.- Conditions of formation and equilibrium swelling of polymer networks formed by protein macromolecules.- Cross-link fluctuations: NMR properties and rubber elasticity.- Segmental orientation in filled networks.- Field-cycling NMR relation spectroscopy of molten linear and cross-linked polymers Observation of a T 1 ? ?0.25 law for semi-global chain fluctuations.- Segmental orientation of long and short chains in strained bimodal PDMS networks: A 2H-NMR study.- Small chains in a deformed network. A probe of heterogeneous deformation?.- Aggregation of free chains within a deformed network: A SANS study.- Trapped entanglements in polymer networks and their influence on the stress-strain behavior up to large extensions.- Physical and chemical network effects in polyurethane elastomers.- Influence of the thermodynamical quality of the solvent on the properties of polydimethylsiloxane networks in swollen and dry states.- Triblock copolymers, mesogels and deformation behavior in poor solvents.- Microemulsion mediated polymer networks.- Theory of the mechanical and swelling properties of elastomers with chemical and physical networks.- The effect of free branches on the collapse of olyelectrolyte networks.- Local order and statistics of a polymer chain in an external electric field.- Charge photogeneration in carbazole-containing compounds and valency bands of oligomers.- The peculiarities and nature of large-scale motion of highly crosslinked polymers.- FTIR spectroscopy studies on epoxy networks.- Influence of imidazole on the structure of epoxy amine networks.- Epoxy polymer networks: Relaxation processes and crack resistance.- Fluorescence study of interpenetrating network morphology of polymer films.- Kinetic regularities of polymer network thermal degradation.- Interpenetrating polymer networks based on EVA copolymer and PMMA.- Fast segmental dynamics in poly(methyl metharcrylate)-polyurethane interpenetrating networks.- Thermally and mechanically activated degradation of polyesterurethane networks. Analysis of molecular weight distribution functions.- The solidification of bulk and solution cast segmented polyurethanes.

Tissue engineering technology has developed rapidly since its birth. In recent years, in the face of numerous challenges, scientists have developed many advanced technologies and applied them to the field of reconstructive surgery. However, most tissue engineering application technologies are still in the basic research or animal experiment stage, and there are relatively few clinical applications. This paper focuses on the development of tissue engineering technology in the fields of cardiac reconstruction, nerve regeneration and bone reconstruction. It focuses on the most promising technologies in the field discussing about their advantages, disadvantages and prospects.

*Note: Mol2Net conference is associated to different MDPI journals special issues guest edited by Mol2Net Conference Committee members. This is an strategy to increase the online post-publication visibility of papers and conference, promote post-publication brainstorming discussion, and increase authors feedback. This association implies that our conference perform post-publication indexing of selected papers already published in MDPI journals with the consent of the issue editors. We publish free-of-cost these post-publication summaries. They include a shortened title, corresponding author info, and paper cover pdf file. The cover pdf file contains paper first page with all authors, abstract, full reference , and link to original papers.Reference: This is a note for the paper published in the special issue Sustainable Materials and Technologies for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, Edited by: Dr. I.A. Neacsu and Dr. B.S. Vasile, Managing Editor: C. Zha, Visit the link to see original paper. Reference: Pharmaceutics 2022, 14(5), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14050941 Summary:The incidence of type I diabetes has been increasing worldwide at an annual rate of approximately 3%. One of the strategies to treat type I diabetes is islet transplantation, in which damaged β-cells are replaced with new islets. To improve β-cells’ expansion and pseudoislet formation, studies are focusing on using extracellular-matrix-resembling substrates. We evaluated the potential of salmon fibrinogen and chitosan electrospun scaffold as cell substrate for cultivating MIN-6 cells. The morphology of cells, insulin secretion and gene expression was evaluated and compared with other substrates (nanofibrous scaffold, microporous scaffold and tissue culture polystyrene). We found that all tested 3D conditions favored the pseudoislet formation of MIN-6 cells. The insulin secretion of MIN-6 cells after stimulation with high-glucose media shows approximately a 9-fold increase compared to the control group when a fibrinogen/chitosan-based electrospun scaffold was used for cultivation. The differences in insulin secretion were corroborated by differences in gene expression. The differences in insulin secretion could probably be attributed to the differences in the mechanical and/or chemical nature of the tested substrates.

Micro- and nanotechnologies for intelligent and responsive biomaterial-based medical systems

Chapter 2 - Modern Strategies in Supramolecular Catalysis

Polymerization and formation of crosslinked polymer networks are important processes in manufacturing, materials fabrication, and in the case of hydrated polymer networks, synthesis of biomedical materials, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. While considerable research has been devoted to the modeling of polymer networks to determine averaged, mean-field, global properties, there are fewer studies that specifically examine the variance of the composition across "micro-regions" (composed of a large, but finite, number of polymer network strands) within the larger polymer network.Here, we mathematically model the stochastic formation of polymer networks comprised of linear homobifunctional network strands that undergo an end-linking gelation process. We introduce a master equation that describes the evolution of the probabilities of possible network micro-region configurations as a function of time and extent of reaction. We specifically focus on the dynamics of network formation and the statistical variability of the gel micro-regions, particularly at intermediate extents of reaction. We also consider possible annealing effects and study how cooperative binding between the two end-groups on a single network-strand affects network formation. Our results allow for a more detailed and thorough understanding of polymer network dynamics and variability of network properties.

Regenerative medicine: Hydrogels and mesoporous silica nanoparticles

Core–shell nanofibers have diverse applications, including drug delivery, water purification, tissue engineering, and sensor technologies, highlighting their multifunctional potential in both biomedical and environmental fields.

Stimuli-responsive smart polymers have emerged as a transformative force in adaptive material science, offering unprecedented versatility and responsiveness to environmental changes. These polymers, capable of altering their properties in response to physical, chemical, or biological stimuli, have garnered significant attention across diverse fields, including medicine, engineering, and biotechnology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent innovations in stimuli-responsive polymers, highlighting their applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensing, and industrial technologies. Key advancements include the development of light-, temperature-, pH-, and enzyme-responsive polymers, each tailored for specific applications such as targeted drug delivery and smart coatings. The future of smart polymers lies in the design of multi-stimuli responsive materials, self-healing polymers, and bio-inspired systems. However, challenges such as scalability, biocompatibility, and toxicity must be addressed. The integration of AI and machine learning in polymer design and the development of sustainable materials are envisioned as critical future directions. Ultimately, stimuli-responsive smart polymers hold immense potential to revolutionize various sectors by providing adaptive solutions to complex challenges.

The focus of studies performed so far on the formation of surface-attached polymer networks by C,H insertion cross-linking (CHic) reaction has been largely on photochemical activation. This study describes the thermal activation of the formation of (surface-attached) polymer networks under comparably mild conditions. A novel cross-linker, based on a diazo phenyl ester group, is incorporated into various copolymers, which are subsequently deposited on solid substrates. Upon activation, the cross-linker moieties generate carbene intermediates, which lead to rapid, complete cross-linking of the whole film and simultaneous surface attachment to various organic materials via CHic. Although this system requires only comparably mild conditions (i.e., below 100 °C) to become activated, a long shelf life at room temperature is observed. The presented system might be useful in a wide range of applications, from coatings to rather complex geometries. We demonstrate the covalent binding of protein-repellent thin films to the inner surface of (rubber) tubes and the generation of patterned structures by a "branding iron" approach. For this a hot structure is pressed onto a diazo polymer coated surface, leading in the contact zone to fast cross-linking while in all other areas the polymer remains soluble and is washed off during subsequent extraction.

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Tissue engineering technology provides effective alternative treatments for tracheal reconstruction. The formation of a functional microvascular network is essential to support cell metabolism and ensure the long-term survival of grafts. Although several tracheal replacement therapy strategies have been developed in the past, the critical significance of the formation of microvascular networks in 3Dscaffolds has not attracted sufficient attention. Here, we review key technologies and related factors of microvascular network construction in tissue-engineered trachea and explore optimized preparation processes of vascularized functional tissues for clinical applications.

IntroductionRegenerative medicine involves restoring natural function by replacing or regenerating human cells, tissues, or organs. Despite projections of significant market growth, venture capital (VC) investment in tissue and organ engineering has recently declined.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study using structured surveys and qualitative interviews. VC investors with experience in healthcare sectors (biotechnology, tissue engineering, and medical technology) were invited to complete a survey and participate in interviews.ResultsWe received 22 survey responses and conducted 9 interviews (April–May 2025). Prior exposure to regenerative medicine was significantly associated with future investment likelihood (p = 0.0464). Investment potential strongly correlated with assets under management (ρ = 0.67) and investment stage (ρ = 0.66). Among 20 respondents, clinical validation (n = 8) and adoption (n = 8) were most often cited as major investment drivers, followed by reimbursement and regulatory challenges. Interviews emphasized four factors shaping VC interest in tissue and organ engineering: prior investment experience, time horizon misalignment, clinical risk expectations, and market readiness.DiscussionStartups can improve appeal by targeting long-horizon investors, outlining clinical and regulatory pathways, and generating robust, comparative evidence to support value-based reimbursement.

Extensive dental and periodontal defects are frequent and with a limited regenerative potential. Tissue engineering could be a promising tool to obtain personalized oral grafts. However, current research shows a lack of in vitro engineered oral tissues. This is explained by the difficulty to engineer blood vessel systems, impairing the connection to the host tissue and the graft success. Various strategies were used to engineer vascularized tissues and reported successful results, thus needing a clear analysis of the current state of art in oral tissue engineering. This systematic review aimed at studying the critical factors and techniques used to engineer a prevascularized oral tissue graft. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS databases were searched over the last 5 years following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Out of 638 screened studies, 24 were included in the systematic review according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and focusing on higher connection to the host vasculature. Animal models were all rodents, and subcutaneous implantation was the most used intervention. Studies presented low-to-unclear risk of bias according to the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tool. Endothelial cells were mainly human umbilical vein endothelial cells, while stromal cells were most of the time oral or mesenchymal stem cells. Coculture of both types of cells at a 1:1 ratio was the most common technique used to obtain vascular networks, and some studies precultured grafts up to 3 weeks to enable network formation before implantation. Prevascularized grafts were produced by various tissue engineering technologies, including cell seeding and/or embedding, cell sheets, and spheroids. All studies reported a statistically significant faster and higher connection to host of prevascularized constructs compared to controls. Vessel networks were indeed denser, with a higher portion of lumen containing erythrocytes and blood flow increased. By assessing the relevant studies on the subject, this systematic review showed that engineered prevascularization proved to be an interesting approach to improve graft connection to the host vasculature and respective specific cell and scaffold criteria. Further studies on enhanced scaffolds and larger animals seem necessary to confirm these promising results with more voluminous grafts and get closer to native human tissues and applications. Impact statement Autologous oral grafts display limitations in terms of revascularization and morbidity of donor sites, despite being the gold standard. This systematic review aimed at clarifying existing data regarding techniques to engineer prevascularized oral grafts. Tissue engineering techniques, using cocultures of endothelial and oral stromal cells, proved to be an efficient way to enhance and accelerate the connection of the graft to the host vasculature. Engineered prevascularization appears to be a promising way to improve the connection to the host and the vascularization of grafts, especially when voluminous. Large animal and human studies are necessary to allow clinical translation.

Tissue engineering (TE) is a modern approach to improve or restore tissues that has been diseased or damaged by combining the factors in growth signaling and appropriate cells to form compatible biomaterial scaffold. Bone repair has been a major global health challenge in recent decades. Bone transplantation is widely used as an effective clinical treatment for this purpose. However, there are several serious issues with transplantation, including a shortage of autologous bone, immune rejection, the risk of virus transmission with allogeneic bone, and postoperative complications. In recent years, scaffolds for bone tissue engineering have emerged as a promising alternative for bone repair. These scaffolds have porous structures that mimic the extracellular matrix, which can enhance the migration, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts. This process accelerates the repair of bone defects.The usage of bioactive materials has become important tool in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine application as they are to mimic tissues mechanically, chemically, and physically. Polymeric scaffold provides numerous advantageous for tissue engineering since the physicochemical properties such as porosity, pore size, solubility and biocompatibility can be controlled. Therefore, research works were carried out to explore the potential of various materials in producing bone scaffolds in tissue engineering technology. As for both newcomers and experts, this review paper will help them to find information on various types of biomaterials in imparting or enhancing their biological properties such as biocompatibility, bacterial inhibition, tissue regeneration and cell growth, bio inertness, bioactive and resorbability for bone scaffold tissue engineering application.