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Micromachines
Special Issues
Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies
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Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "D：Materials and Processing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 19095

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Vikulina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Forensics, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
Interests: drug delivery; gene delivery; liposomes; nanoparticles; functional materials; molecular diffusion; mass and heat transport simulation; cell sygnalling; cell death
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Dmitry Volodkin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
Interests: polymer self-assembly; encapsulation and release of bioactive molecules; microfluidics; raman microscopy; hard and soft templating; polymer scaffolds; cell-surface engineering; 2D and 3D cell culture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The past decades have witnessed a significant rise of the interest to nanoscale and microstructured materials and systems that have rapidly found their applications in pharmacy and medicine (drug delivery, sensing, tissue engineering, scaffolds) as well as in industry (packaging, semiconductors, energy storage). This surge of research largely became possible due to recent advances in nano- and micro-fabrication technologies that allowed tailored engineering of novel materials with finely tuned structure, morphology and functionality. These technologies include but not limited to microfluidics, 3D printing, the layer-by-layer and the Langmuir–Blodgett deposition, surface patterning, hard and soft templating. These powerful methodologies have a common feature – they allow the assembly of molecules, molecular complexes and/or nanoparticles in a confined space forming 2D and 3D structures with a precisely controlled architecture. Although this space-constrained assembly has already shown its potential, the fundamental aspects of the assembly and the applications should be better understood and further bridged together to gain an impact from the fundamental research in the nearest future.

This Special Issue highlights contributions (research papers, short communications, review articles and perspectives) that focus on recent developments in design, nano- and micro-engineering and characterisation of polymer-based and hybrid structures that introduce new insights on fundamental understanding of the assembly phenomenon and/or open new avenues for challenging application. Particular attention will be given to:

  • Microfluidic-assisted assembly
  • Design of polymer-based and hybrid devices and films
  • Self-assembled structures
  • Mechanism of polymer/hybrid assembly
  • Colloidal particles, polymer gels and multilayers
  • Core–shell structures
  • Molecular crowding and cell mimics
  • Hybrid polymer assemblies with lipids and nanoparticles

Contributions related to new technologies and material aspects of the assembly in confined space in both 2D and 3D are very welcome.

Dr. Anna Vikulina
Prof. Dmitry Volodkin
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Micromachines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Hybrid materials;
  • Self-assembly;
  • Core–shell;
  • Templating;
  • Coating;
  • Polymers;
  • Lipids;
  • Nanoparticles

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 1599 KiB  
Article
Molecular Dynamics Insight into the Lipid II Recognition by Type A Lantibiotics: Nisin, Epidermin, and Gallidermin
by Irina Panina, Amir Taldaev, Roman Efremov and Anton Chugunov
Micromachines 2021, 12(10), 1169; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12101169 - 28 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2006
Abstract
Lanthionine-containing peptides (lantibiotics) have been considered as pharmaceutical candidates for decades, although their clinical application has been restricted. Most lantibiotics kill bacteria via targeting and segregating of the cell wall precursor—membrane-inserted lipid II molecule—in some cases accompanied by pores formation. Nisin-like lantibiotics specifically [...] Read more.
Lanthionine-containing peptides (lantibiotics) have been considered as pharmaceutical candidates for decades, although their clinical application has been restricted. Most lantibiotics kill bacteria via targeting and segregating of the cell wall precursor—membrane-inserted lipid II molecule—in some cases accompanied by pores formation. Nisin-like lantibiotics specifically bind to pyrophosphate (PPi) moiety of lipid II with their structurally similar N-terminal thioether rings A and B. Although possessing higher pore-forming capability, nisin, in some cases, is 10-fold less efficient in vivo as compared to related epidermin and gallidermin peptides, differing just in a few amino acid residues within their target-binding regions. Here, using molecular dynamics simulations, we investigated atomistic details of intermolecular interactions between the truncated analogues of these peptides (residues 1–12) and lipid II mimic (dimethyl pyrophosphate, DMPPi). The peptides adopt similar conformation upon DMPPi binding with backbone amide protons orienting into a single center capturing PPi moiety via simultaneous formation of up to seven hydrogen bonds. Epidermin and gallidermin adopt the complex-forming conformation twice as frequent as nisin does, enhancing the binding by the lysine 4 side chain. Introduction of the similar residue to nisin in silico improves the binding, providing ideas for further design of prototypic antibiotics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies)
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17 pages, 7247 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Pyridine-Grafted Copolymers of Acrylic Acid–Styrene Derivatives for Antimicrobial and Fluorescence Applications
by Periyan Durairaju, Chinnasamy Umarani, Jothi Ramalingam Rajabather, Amer M. Alanazi, Govindasami Periyasami and Lee D. Wilson
Micromachines 2021, 12(6), 672; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12060672 - 08 Jun 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2296
Abstract
The goal of the present study was to copolymerize 3-(4-acetylphenylcarbamoyl) acrylic acid and styrene using azo-bis-isobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a catalyst. The resulting copolymers exhibited number average molecular weights (Mn) of 3.73–5.23 × 104 g/mol with a variable polydispersity (PDI = [...] Read more.
The goal of the present study was to copolymerize 3-(4-acetylphenylcarbamoyl) acrylic acid and styrene using azo-bis-isobutyronitrile (AIBN) as a catalyst. The resulting copolymers exhibited number average molecular weights (Mn) of 3.73–5.23 × 104 g/mol with a variable polydispersity (PDI = 2.3–3.8). The amide group of the PMA/PSA polymer was used for grafting poly (-styrene-maleic acid substituted aromatic 2-aminopyridine) by the Hantzsch reaction using a substituted aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, and ammonium acetate. The polymer can emit strong blue fluorescence (λ = 510 nm) and its thermal stability and solubility were enhanced by polymer grafting. Moreover, the polymer showed the fluorescence spectra of the copolymer had a strong, broad emission band between 300 to 550 nm (maximum wavelength 538 nm) under excitation at 293 nm. The Hantzsch reaction yields an interesting class of nitrogen-based heterocycles that combine with a synthetic strategy for synthesis of grafted co-polymer pyridine-styrene derivatives. The as-prepared pyridine-based polymer compounds were screened against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, where a maximum inhibition zone toward all four types of bacteria was observed, including specific antifungal activity. Herein, a series of pyridine compounds were synthesized that showed enhanced fluorescent properties and antimicrobial properties due to their unique structure and ability to form polymer assemblies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies)
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13 pages, 3064 KiB  
Article
Binary Pectin-Chitosan Composites for the Uptake of Lanthanum and Yttrium Species in Aqueous Media 
by Dexu Kong, Eny Kusrini and Lee D. Wilson
Micromachines 2021, 12(5), 478; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12050478 - 22 Apr 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2135
Abstract
Rare-earth elements such as lanthanum and yttrium have wide utility in high-tech applications such as permanent magnets and batteries. The use of biopolymers and their composites as adsorbents for La (III) and Y (III) ions were investigated as a means to increase the [...] Read more.
Rare-earth elements such as lanthanum and yttrium have wide utility in high-tech applications such as permanent magnets and batteries. The use of biopolymers and their composites as adsorbents for La (III) and Y (III) ions were investigated as a means to increase the uptake capacity. Previous work has revealed that composite materials with covalent frameworks that contain biopolymers such as pectin and chitosan have secondary adsorption sites for enhanced adsorption. Herein, the maximum adsorption capacity of a 5:1 Pectin-Chitosan composite with La (III) and Y (III) was 22 mg/g and 23 mg/g, respectively. Pectin-Chitosan composites of variable composition were characterized by complementary methods: spectroscopy (FTIR, 13C solids NMR), TGA, and zeta potential. This work contributes to the design of covalent Pectin-Chitosan biopolymer frameworks for the controlled removal of La (III) and Y (III) from aqueous media. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies)
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Review

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24 pages, 15735 KiB  
Review
Modification of Surfaces with Vaterite CaCO3 Particles
by Bushra Zafar, Jack Campbell, Jake Cooke, Andre G. Skirtach and Dmitry Volodkin
Micromachines 2022, 13(3), 473; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi13030473 - 19 Mar 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3209
Abstract
Former studies have demonstrated a strong interest toward the crystallization of CaCO3 polymorphs in solution. Nowadays, CaCO3 crystallization on solid surfaces is extensively being studied using biomolecules as substrates for the control of the growth aiming at various applications of CaCO [...] Read more.
Former studies have demonstrated a strong interest toward the crystallization of CaCO3 polymorphs in solution. Nowadays, CaCO3 crystallization on solid surfaces is extensively being studied using biomolecules as substrates for the control of the growth aiming at various applications of CaCO3. Calcium carbonate exists in an amorphous state, as three anhydrous polymorphs (aragonite, calcite and vaterite), and as two hydrated polymorphs (monohydrocalcite and ikaite). The vaterite polymorph is considered as one of the most attractive forms due to its large surface area, biocompatibility, mesoporous nature, and other features. Based on physical or chemical immobilization approaches, vaterite can be grown directly on solid surfaces using various (bio)molecules, including synthetic polymers, biomacromolecules such as proteins and peptides, carbohydrates, fibers, extracellular matrix components, and even biological cells such as bacteria. Herein, the progress on the modification of solid surfaces by vaterite CaCO3 crystals is reviewed, focusing on main findings and the mechanism of vaterite growth initiated by various substances mentioned above, as well as the discussion of the applications of such modified surfaces. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies)
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17 pages, 1748 KiB  
Review
Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis and Application as Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents
by Artem Rozhin, Svetlana Batasheva, Marina Kruychkova, Yuliya Cherednichenko, Elvira Rozhina and Rawil Fakhrullin
Micromachines 2021, 12(12), 1480; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12121480 - 29 Nov 2021
Cited by 48 | Viewed by 4684
Abstract
The importance and need for eco-oriented technologies has increased worldwide, which leads to an enhanced development of methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles using biological agents. This review de-scribes the current approaches to the preparation of biogenic silver nanoparticles, using plant extracts and [...] Read more.
The importance and need for eco-oriented technologies has increased worldwide, which leads to an enhanced development of methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles using biological agents. This review de-scribes the current approaches to the preparation of biogenic silver nanoparticles, using plant extracts and filtrates of fungi and microorganisms. The peculiarities of the synthesis of particles depending on the source of biocomponents are considered as well as physico-morphological, antibacterial and antifungal properties of the resulting nanoparticles which are compared with such properties of silver nanoparticles obtained by chemical synthesis. Special attention is paid to the process of self-assembly of biogenic silver nanoparticles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies)
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32 pages, 6790 KiB  
Review
Polyelectrolyte Multilayer Capsule (PEMC)-Based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
by Georgia Kastania, Jack Campbell, Jacob Mitford and Dmitry Volodkin
Micromachines 2020, 11(9), 797; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi11090797 - 22 Aug 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3918
Abstract
Tissue engineering (TE) is a highly multidisciplinary field that focuses on novel regenerative treatments and seeks to tackle problems relating to tissue growth both in vitro and in vivo. These issues currently involve the replacement and regeneration of defective tissues, as well as [...] Read more.
Tissue engineering (TE) is a highly multidisciplinary field that focuses on novel regenerative treatments and seeks to tackle problems relating to tissue growth both in vitro and in vivo. These issues currently involve the replacement and regeneration of defective tissues, as well as drug testing and other related bioapplications. The key approach in TE is to employ artificial structures (scaffolds) to support tissue development; these constructs should be capable of hosting, protecting and releasing bioactives that guide cellular behaviour. A straightforward approach to integrating bioactives into the scaffolds is discussed utilising polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules (PEMCs). Herein, this review illustrates the recent progress in the use of CaCO3 vaterite-templated PEMCs for the fabrication of functional scaffolds for TE applications, including bone TE as one of the main targets of PEMCs. Approaches for PEMC integration into scaffolds is addressed, taking into account the formulation, advantages, and disadvantages of such PEMCs, together with future perspectives of such architectures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hybrid and Polymer Assemblies)
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