ARTICLES

  • Relying on the growth factor's ability to bind heparin, a naturally occurring complex sugar found on the surface of our cells, a research team synthesized a polymer that mimics the structure of heparin. When attached to bFGF, the new polymer makes the protein stable to the many stresses that normally inactivate it, rendering it a more suitable candidate for medical applications. The ability to stabilize bFGF means that it can be potentially stored, shipped and made available for use any time and anywhere. This stable bFGF polymer conjugate may also be useful in diseases other than wound healing, cardiac repair and bone regeneration. Read more in New therapeutics from synthesized polymer that could accelerate wound healing
  • A new type of vaccine-delivery film that holds promise for improving the effectiveness of DNA vaccines has been developed. Once under the skin, the films degrade as they come in contact with water, releasing the vaccine over days or weeks. If such vaccines could be successfully delivered to humans, they could overcome not only the safety risks, but they would also be more stable, as well as eliminate the need to inject vaccines by syringe. Read more in Polymer patches could replace needles and enable more effective DNA vaccines
  • Antibacterial agents such as triclosan and silver ions are commonly used in sportswear and shoes to remove unpleasant odors from bacteria formation. But such biocides leak into the environment when the treated garments or surfaces are washed, raising the risk that bacteria will gradually become resistant to their effect. A new discovery could be an important breakthrough in the search for environmentally-friendly ways to control bacteria while preventing antibiotic resistance and resistant bacteria. Read more in New antibacterial polymer developed for sportswear, diapers, bandages
  • A technology development could usher a new era in the field of gesture-controlled smart phones, tablets and televisions. It could offer gesture-control in video games without using cameras and motion-tracking devices. The researchers say the new image sensor could eventually find its way into devices like digital cameras and medical scanners. Read more in New transparent, flat, flexible image sensor offers potential for gesture control displays
  • A user-friendly, cost-effective way of waste-water treatment has been developed with the help a polymer that could filter hazardous metallic ions like mercury, arsenic, copper, nickel, cobalt and chromium. The cost effective polymer matrix system also incorporates some naturally available additives from plants. The product also offers an additional benefit. Read more in Polymer based product filters out heavy, toxic metals; can separate fine gold particles from industrial effluents
  • Bioplastic products are generally expensive because the production of the material tends to involve energy intensive and complex science, significant investment in research & development and manufacturing facilities. A price-competitive bioplastic that is a co product of the red meat industry has been developed, with a simple manufacturing process and low capital costs. These bio-polymers can be safely disposed of in landfills and thus have reduced impact on the environment. Read more in Converting meat byproducts into bioplastic
  • To make solar electricity affordable on a large scale, scientists and engineers have long been trying to develop a low-cost solar cell, which is both highly efficient and easy to manufacture with high throughput. A research team has achieved a new record efficiency for flexible solar cells that now even exceeds the record value of 20.3% for CIGS solar cells on glass substrates and equals the highest efficiencies for polycrystalline silicon wafer-based solar cells. Another team has set a new world efficiency record for thin film silicon solar cells, reaching an impressive 10.7%. Read more in Thin film solar cells on flexible polymer foils with new record efficiency for converting sunlight into electricity
  • Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a high performance polymer with advantages over metallic biomaterials for application in spinal implants. Since PEEK does not bond well with bone or other tissues in the body, using it can result in medical complications. A bioactive coating that would allow the polymer implants to bond with surrounding tissues has been developed. Read more in Polymer implants coated with bioactive film improve success rate of such implants