Polymers News and Research

RSS

Research could pave way for injectable gels that release drugs over time

Gels are formed by mixing polymers into fluids to create gooey substances useful for everything from holding hair in place to enabling contact lenses to float over the eye.

4 Feb 2021

Researchers study nanoparticle-embedded polymers to extend shelf life of foods and beverages

Antimicrobial packaging is being developed to extend the shelf life and safety of foods and beverages. However, there is concern about the transfer of potentially harmful materials, such as silver nanoparticles, from these types of containers to consumables.

4 Feb 2021

MIT engineers design origami-inspired medical patch for minimally invasive tissue sealing

Many surgeries today are performed via minimally invasive procedures, in which a small incision is made and miniature cameras and surgical tools are threaded through the body to remove tumors and repair damaged tissues and organs.

2 Feb 2021

Researchers uncover the physics behind formation of branching microtubules during cell division

As any cook knows, some liquids mix well with each other, but others do not. For example, when a tablespoon of vinegar is poured into water, a brief stir suffices to thoroughly combine the two liquids.

30 Jan 2021

Researchers develop an easier way to deliver pancreatic cancer drugs

Researchers with the Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center and North Dakota State University have designed a new way to deliver pancreatic cancer drugs that could make fighting the disease much easier.

29 Jan 2021

Tiny brain implant can be wirelessly recharged to control brain circuits

A group of KAIST researchers and collaborators have engineered a tiny brain implant that can be wirelessly recharged from outside the body to control brain circuits for long periods of time without battery replacement.

28 Jan 2021

Researchers develop ultra-small nanomedicines to target intractable cancers

Ultra-small nanomedicines of approximately 18 nm were fabricated by dynamic ion-pairing between Y-shaped block copolymers and nucleic acid drugs, such as siRNA and antisense drugs.

19 Jan 2021

Carbon-based nanomaterials as potential COVID-19 treatments

An international team of researchers says that carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) could represent promising new approaches to treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia that is complicated by a secondary bacterial, viral or fungal infection.

19 Jan 2021

Researchers develop a technique to modify biological polymers with protein-based biochemical messages

Imagine going to a surgeon to have a diseased or injured organ switched out for a fully functional, laboratory-grown replacement. This remains science fiction and not reality because researchers today struggle to organize cells into the complex 3D arrangements that our bodies can master on their own.

18 Jan 2021

Jellagen launches JellaGel™, the first Collagen Type 0 Hydrogel taking on the market leading Extracellular Matrix

Jellagen® Limited, a biotechnology company manufacturing high-value Collagen Type 0 derived from jellyfish, announce the launch of their JellaGel™ Hydrogel.

From Jellagen 15 Jan 2021

Polymer patch provides controlled release of drugs for post-operative pain management

A Duke-led team of scientists has developed a bio-compatible surgical patch that releases non-opioid painkillers directly to the site of a wound for days and then dissolves away.

11 Jan 2021

Researchers create new polymer to deliver DNA and RNA-based therapies for diseases

University of Minnesota Twin Cities researchers in the Department of Chemistry have created a new polymer to deliver DNA and RNA-based therapies for diseases.

21 Dec 2020

Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound combined with microbubbles might enhance chemotherapy delivery

Application of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in combination with microbubbles might enhance the delivery of chemotherapy medication used for treating cancers.

17 Dec 2020

RUDN chemists discover previously unknown derivatives of chitin

Chemists from RUDN University discovered previously unknown derivatives of chitin, a biopolymer that forms the exoskeletons of insects and carapaces of crayfish and other arthropods.

14 Dec 2020

Custom Design and Manufacture of Specialist Microplates

Porvair Sciences provides a complete design and manufacturing service to help customers develop new and innovative custom microplates for specialist applications.

From Porvair Sciences Limited 14 Dec 2020

Plasma treatment decreases movement of plasticizers from blood bags

Medical products such as blood bags and tubing are often made from soft PVC, a plastic that contains phthalate plasticizers, which are suspected to be harmful to human health.

4 Dec 2020

Researchers develop nasal spray against COVID-19 virus

A nasal spray to provide protection against the COVID-19 virus has been formulated by researchers at the University of Birmingham, UK, using materials already cleared for use in humans.

20 Nov 2020

Carrageenan-based composite nasal spray may help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection

A team of researchers at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom formulated a spray that contains polysaccharides known for their mucoadhesive antiviral properties for prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

19 Nov 2020

New process helps preserve viral vaccines without refrigeration

Ever receive a vaccination that seemed to burn a lot while it was injected? The vaccine solution likely contained a lot of salt or sugar - natural preservatives that help keep it stable, in addition to the cold temperature at which it was kept.

12 Nov 2020

Smart actuating materials can transform biomedical technologies

Bio-compatible electrostrictive materials will play a leading role in the future generation of medical micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS).

5 Nov 2020