Dynamic Covalent Cross-Linked Nanogel-Stabilized Pickering Emulsion for Responsive Microstructures.

Designing new dynamic matrices in combination with a highly diverse material formation approach as Pickering emulsions provides the tools to engineer innovative dynamic porous microstructures in a highly controllable fashion. Here, nanogels (nGels) are used, which exhibit dynamic covalent cross-linking capabilities, as surface stabilizing agents in view of their highly controllable physiochemical properties. The method provides the successful formation of dynamic covalent cross-linked hydrogel microstructures based on ketone and amine-functionalized nGels using Pickering emulsions. In this system, a pH-triggerable responsive behavior is incorporated. The physiochemical properties of the resulting microstructure can be further tailored by modifying the intramolecular interactions at the interface, making these systems interesting for a wide range of applications.

Minimally designed thermo-magnetic dual responsive soft robots for complex applications.

The fabrication of thermo-magnetic dual-responsive soft robots often requires intricate designs to implement complex locomotion patterns and utilize the implemented responsive behaviors. This work demonstrates a minimally designed soft robot based on poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAM) and ferromagnetic particles, showcasing excellent control over both thermo- and magnetic responses. Free radical polymerization enables the magnetic particles to be entrapped homogeneously within the polymeric network. The integration of magnetic shape programming and temperature response allows the robot to perform various tasks including shaping, locomotion, pick-and-place, and release maneuvers of objects using independent triggers. The robot can be immobilized in a gripping state through magnetic actuation, and a subsequent increase in temperature transitions the robot from a swollen to a collapsed state. The temperature switch enables the robot to maintain a secured configuration while executing other movements via magnetic actuation. This approach offers a straightforward yet effective solution for achieving full control over both stimuli in dual-responsive soft robotics.

Sono-processes: Emerging systems and their applicability within the (bio-)medical field.

Sonochemistry, although established in various fields, is still an emerging field finding new effects of ultrasound on chemical systems and are of particular interest for the biomedical field. This interdisciplinary area of research explores the use of acoustic waves with frequencies ranging from 20 kHz to 1 MHz to induce physical and chemical changes. By subjecting liquids to ultrasonic waves, sonochemistry has demonstrated the ability to accelerate reaction rates, alter chemical reaction pathways, and change physical properties of the system while operating under mild reaction conditions. It has found its way into diverse industries including food processing, pharmaceuticals, material science, and environmental remediation. This review provides an overview of the principles, advancements, and applications of sonochemistry with a particular focus on the domain of (bio-)medicine. Despite the numerous benefits sonochemistry has to offer, most of the research in the (bio-)medical field remains in the laboratory stage. Translation of these systems into clinical practice is complex as parameters used for medical ultrasound are limited and toxic side effects must be minimized in order to meet regulatory approval. However, directing attention towards the applicability of the system in clinical practice from the early stages of research holds significant potential to further amplify the role of sonochemistry in clinical applications.