In-situ gelation regulating micro-electric fields to induced Li deposition in quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries

Quasi-solid-state lithium metal battery has great potential in next generation energy system for its high energy capacity and security. However, the system still suffers from incompatible interphases and limited cycling...

Cellulosic Paper-Based Membrane for Oil-Water Separation Enabled by Papermaking and in-Situ Gelation

While has obvious scientific significance, the oil-water separation membranes are argued at production and disuse, mainly ascribed to the complex processes and non-biodegradation. Papermaking has great potential in the field of oil/water separation. The pulp refining of papermaking can improve the properties of pulp to improve the properties of paper substrate, which play an important role in oil-water separation. Due to the separation process was conducted under water, the wet strength of paper-based membrane was improved by micro-dissolved and in-situ gelation. The strength, oil-water separation efficiency and flux of membranes were explored under different beating degrees and regenerated conditions. The separation for oil-water emulsion of membranes can keep more than 98.5%, and the flux can be adjusted by pulp refining and in-situ gelation. The membranes are expected to be a low-cost, high-efficient for oily wastewater purification. This work demonstrates a new idea for the development of oil-water separation and papermaking, which provides a feasible strategy for large scale production of fully biodegradable oil-water separation membrane.

Metabolism Balance, Pyroptosis Regulation and Microenvironmental Protection by Exosomes Functioned as an Injectable Extracellular Matrix Hydrogel for Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration

Exosome therapy is a promising therapeutic approach for intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) through regulating metabolic disorders, the microenvironment and cell homeostasis with the sustained release of microRNAs, proteins, and transcription factors. However, the rapid clearance and disruption of exosomes are the two major challenges for its application in IVDD. Herein, a thermosensitive acellular extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel coupled with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC) exosomes that inherited the superior properties of nucleus pulposus tissue and ADSCs was fabricated to ameliorate IVDD. This thermosensitive dECM@exo hydrogel system can not only provide in situ gelation to replenish ECM leakage in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) but also provide an environment for the growth of NPCs. In addition, sustained release of ADSC-derived exosomes from this system regulates matrix synthesis and degradation by regulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and inhibits pyroptosis by mitigating the inflammatory response in vitro. Animal results demonstrated that the dECM@Exo hydrogel system maintained early IVD microenvironment homeostasis and ameliorated IVDD. This functional system can serve as a powerful platform for IVD drug delivery and biotherapy and an alternative therapy for IVDD.

A Topological Stitching Strategy for Biocompatible Wet Adhesion Using Mussel-Inspired Polyurethane

The biomedical and surgical applications of hydrogels demand effective methods to adhere hydrogels to diverse substrates including living tissues. Here we present a mussel mimetic polyurethane as topological suture material for tough adhesion of hydrogels by introducing catechol moieties into polymer chains. Solution of the stitching polyurethane can be injected onto the surface of a hydrogel, followed by diffusing spontaneously into the hydrogel, then get triggered by oxidant for in situ gelation. Oxidative cross-linkage of catechol-modified polyurethane after penetration into hydrogels or living tissues could establish enough covalently entangled networks to afford desired adhesion strength. The mussel mimetic polyurethane demonstrates excellent adhesion strength of hydrogels to universal substrates including inorganics, polymers, and biomaterials, with no requirements for specific functional groups or chemical modification. The adhesion energy achieved by the topological stitching strategy can reach up to 350 J/m². Moreover, the stitching polymer shows good biocompatibility and the potential for debonding under the catalysis of elastase. This work will possibly become a promising strategy candidate for adhesion in wet environments.

A Topological Stitching Strategy for Biocompatible Wet Adhesion Using Mussel-Inspired Polyurethane

The biomedical and surgical applications of hydrogels demand effective methods to adhere hydrogels to diverse substrates including living tissues. Here we present a mussel mimetic polyurethane as topological suture material for tough adhesion of hydrogels by introducing catechol moieties into polymer chains. Solution of the stitching polyurethane can be injected onto the surface of a hydrogel, followed by diffusing spontaneously into the hydrogel, then get triggered by oxidant for in situ gelation. Oxidative cross-linkage of catechol-modified polyurethane after penetration into hydrogels or living tissues could establish enough covalently entangled networks to afford desired adhesion strength. The mussel mimetic polyurethane demonstrates excellent adhesion strength of hydrogels to universal substrates including inorganics, polymers, and biomaterials, with no requirements for specific functional groups or chemical modification. The adhesion energy achieved by the topological stitching strategy can reach up to 350 J/m². Moreover, the stitching polymer shows good biocompatibility and the potential for debonding under the catalysis of elastase. This work will possibly become a promising strategy candidate for adhesion in wet environments.