We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Deconvoluting the Optical Response of Biocompatible Photonic Pigments
AI summary Read the abstract
This materials science study demonstrates how an inverse photonic glass architecture can enable biocompatible bottlebrush block copolymers to function as photonic pigments, potentially replacing conventional microplastic-generating pigments. The work addresses environmental concerns about synthetic polymer pigments.
To unlock the widespread use of block copolymers as photonic pigments, there is an urgent need to consider their environmental impact (cf. microplastic pollution). Here we show how an inverse photonic glass architecture can enable the use of biocompatible bottlebrush block copolymers (BBCPs), which otherwise lack the refractive index contrast needed for a strong photonic response. A library of photonic pigments is produced from poly(norbornene-graft-polycaprolactone)-block-poly(norbornene-graft-polyethylene glycol), with the color tuned via either the BBCP molecular weight or the processing temperature upon microparticle fabrication. The structure-optic relationship between the 3D porous morphology of the microparticles and their complex optical response is revealed by both an analytical scattering model and 3D finite-difference time domain (FDTD) simulations. Combined, this allows for strategies to enhance the color purity to be proposed and realized with our biocompatible BBCP system.
More Papers Like This
Deconvoluting the Optical Response of Biocompatible Photonic Pigments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed biocompatible photonic pigments from bottlebrush block copolymers using an inverse photonic glass architecture, demonstrating that this design overcomes refractive index limitations to produce strong structural color, while offering a more environmentally responsible alternative to conventional microplastic-based pigments.
Uncovering Hidden Dynamics of Natural Photonic Structures Using Holographic Imaging
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers used holography and optics to reveal hidden nanoscale dynamics in natural photonic structures — biological surfaces that manipulate light through intricate nano-architectures. These optical techniques could be adapted for characterizing the fine structure of microplastic particles.
Integration of Water-Mediated H-Bonds-Domestication and Optical Skin-Transparency Strategy for Microplastics-Free Bio-based Materials Revolution
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a transparent bio-based plastic substitute derived from natural animal skin through hydrogen-bond domestication and collagen fiber alignment, producing a material that is biodegradable, mechanically robust, and capable of adsorbing and removing microplastics throughout its lifecycle. Replacing conventional petroleum-based plastics with materials that do not shed microplastic particles addresses pollution at the source, and this material's MP-adsorption capacity offers an additional remediation benefit.
In-vivo measurement of ingested microplastics using spectroscopic and polarization-based full-Stokes microscopy
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers measured the optical property called birefringence in five types of plastic particles (polystyrene, PET, LDPE, PMMA, and polypropylene) using a specialized polarization camera. Each plastic type showed a distinct birefringence signature, suggesting this technique could be used to identify and count different types of microplastics in biological tissue samples.
Design and Structural Modification of Advanced Biomaterials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Micro‐ and Nano‐Plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers designed advanced biomaterials engineered to harness sunlight for breaking down micro- and nanoplastics through photocatalysis, combining nanotechnology and materials science to create eco-friendly, biodegradable particles capable of capturing and degrading plastic pollutants across diverse environmental conditions.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.