Determination of ovalbumin sensing response of protein-imprinted bilayered hydrogel strips via measurement of mechanically driven bending angles based on swelling-induced deformation.

Novel detection method has been developed to explore changes in mechanical bending angles on a bilayer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). For an ovalbumin (OVA)-imprinted hydrogel layer, functional monomers were employed to achieve sufficient binding effect in the polymer matrix. The OVA amount added in the MIP precursor solution and the dimensions of OVA-imprinted hydrogel (MIH) strips were controlled to maximize the change in bending angles as an OVA sensing response within a valid detection range. The sensing behaviors were determined by monitoring the difference in the bending angles via protein adsorption based on the swelling-induced deformation of the OVA-extracted hydrogel (E-MIH) strip. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of the E-MIH strip was calculated via the Bradford protein assay. The detection limit, quantification limit, and imprinting factor were calculated. To compare the selectivity coefficients, the adsorption behaviors of three proteins were investigated. Finally, the reusability of the E-MIH strip was explored via repeated adsorption and extraction. Based on the results, the E-MIH strips demonstrated a promising protein sensing platform monitoring mechanical bending angles affected by swelling deformation.

Correlation between the bending angle and protein sensing properties of molecularly imprinted hydrogel strips with a one-sided porous pattern.

A visual observation of the bending angle changes for the novel and easy detection of proteins is introduced in this study by fabricating bovine serum albumin (BSA) imprinted hydrogel strips with a one sided 3D porous structure using a combination of polystyrene colloidal crystal templating and the molecular imprinting approach using BSA as the template protein and several functional monomers.

High-Performing Biodegradable Waterborne Polyester/Functionalized Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as an Eco-Friendly Material.

The development of high-performing nanocomposites of homogeneously dispersed graphene oxide in a waterborne polyester matrix with controlled interfacial interactions is a daunting challenge owing to the presence of strong cohesive energy in both. Thus, in this study, graphene oxide was functionalized with toluene diisocyanate and butane diol through a simple method and incorporated into the waterborne polyester matrix through a facile in situ bulk polymerization technique without using any compatibilizing agent or organic solvent for the first time. The thermoset of the nanocomposite was formed by curing it with hyperbranched epoxy of glycerol and poly(amido amine). The resultant thermosetting nanocomposites with 0.1-1 wt % functionalized graphene oxide exhibited significant enhancement in mechanical properties such as elongation at break (245-360%), tensile strength (7.8-39.4 MPa), scratch hardness (4 to >10 kg), toughness (17.18-86.35 MJ/m3), Young's modulus (243-358 MPa), impact resistance (8.3 to >9.3 kJ/m), and thermostability. Further, the Halpin-Tsai model was used to predict the alignment of graphene oxide. The nanocomposite was also biodegradable against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial strain. Furthermore, this nanocomposite exhibited strong catalytic activity for the aza-Michael addition reaction. Thus, the nanocomposite can be utilized as a high-performing sustainable material in different potential applications including as heterogeneous catalysts.

Unprecedented Influence of Carbon Dot@TiO2 Nanohybrid on Multifaceted Attributes of Waterborne Hyperbranched Polyester Nanocomposite.

Herein, we wish to report fabrication of multifaceted environmentally friendly benign renewable resource-based waterborne hyperbranched polyester nanocomposites using three different doses of carbon dot@TiO2 nanohybrid through a facile in situ polymerization technique in the absence of solvent or additional catalyst. Carbon dot@TiO2 nanohybrid was prepared through a greener one-pot hydrothermal process from bio-based raw materials. The nanocomposites were characterized by different instrumental techniques. The thermosets of these nanocomposites are obtained by curing them with glycerol-based hyperbranched epoxy and fatty acid-based poly(amido amine). Enhancements of 6.67 folds tensile strength, 3.8 folds toughness, 1.7 folds Young's modulus, >2.5 units gloss, and 46 °C thermal stability were observed for the thermosets by the formation of nanocomposites. The nanocomposites also showed antifogging and anti-icing properties. More interestingly, they can also be used for efficient separation of crude oil and water from their mixture. Thus, these environmentally benign polymeric materials could find applications in different fields.