Polymers and soft materials news, October 2020

Growing new cartilage with a magnetic liquid and hydrogels

Using a magnetic liquid and hydrogels, researchers have demonstrated a new way to rebuild complex body tissues such as cartilage.

Yield-stress gel supports printing of 3D biological tissues

By placing tiny aggregates of cells inside yield-stress gels, researchers have shown they can print biological tissue in complex 3D shapes.

Improved heat management of electronic devices

Dissipating heat in electronic devices with graphite films

Celebrating 100 years of polymer science

New current collector makes batteries lighter, safer and more efficient

A novel current collector for lithium-ion batteries, comprising a copper-coated polymer, weighs 80% less and can also help prevent battery fires.

Magnetic scaffolds trigger tendon regeneration

polymer scaffolds embedded with magnetic nanoparticles trigger stem cell differentiation and tendon regeneration

Bacteria biofilms offer insight into the mechanobiology of infections

Bacterial biofilms can mechanically disrupt tissue means they could damage their host without using toxins

BBA Cover Image Competition

BBA Rising Stars in Biochemistry and Biophysics

Novel method for spraying plant-based wires onto 3D objects

Engineers have developed a method for spraying nanowires made of a plant-based material called methylcellulose onto 3D objects.

Conducting membranes roll up into electronic blood vessels

Researchers have developed electronic blood vessels that are flexible and biodegradable by simply rolling up metal-polymer conductor membranes.

Light-activated CaproGlu brings tissue together

light-activated bioadhesive bonds tissue together in wet or dry conditions

Elastomers bind metal ions for tissue repair

By using chelating ligands to incorporate metal ions into elastomers, researchers have created novel materials for repairing biological tissue.

Julie Cairney - 2021 Acta Materialia Silver Medal Recipient

Katalin Balázsi - 2021 Acta Materialia Mary Fortune Global Diversity Medal Recipient

Qingjie Zhang - 2021 Acta Materialia Hollomon Award Recipient

Tatiana Segura - 2021 Acta Biomaterialia Silver Medal Recipient

Xingdong Zhang - 2021 Acta Biomaterialia Gold Medal Recipient

Günter Gottstein - 2021 Acta Materialia Gold Medal Recipient

Back to nature for future devices

The natural world is proving a useful resource for building biocompatible and environmentally friendly bio-based devices

Future's bright for sparkling colloidal diamonds

For the first time, researchers have devised a process for the self-assembly of colloids in a diamond formation, which could be used for filtering light.

Machine learning replicates the secrets of composites

3D printing of composite parts makes counterfeiting easier