SPECT/CT Imaging of Pluronic Nanocarriers with Varying Poly(ethylene oxide) Block Length and Aggregation State

Optimal biodistribution and prolonged circulation of nanocarriers improve diagnostic and therapeutic effects of enhanced permeability and retention-based nanomedicines. Despite extensive use of Pluronics in polymer-based pharmaceuticals, the influence of different poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block length and aggregation state on the...

Hydrogel based occlusion systems

A hydrogel based occlusion system, a method for occluding vessels, appendages or aneurysms, and a method for hydrogel synthesis are disclosed. The hydrogel based occlusion system includes a hydrogel having a shrunken and a swollen state and a delivery tool configured to deliver the hydrogel to a target occlusion location. The hydrogel is...

Microfibres and hydrogels to promote autogenous healing in cementitious materials

Cementitious materials are sensitive to crack formation and it would be beneficial if the material could stop the crack propagation, repair the damage and reach again the original liquid-tightness and/or strength. Therefore, a cementitious material with synthetic microfibres and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) is proposed. Upon crack formation,...

Hydrogel encapsulated bacterial spores for self-healing concrete: Proof of concept

Self-healing concrete is regarded as a promising solution to reduce the high maintenance and repair cost of concrete infrastructure. Due to the limited autogenous healing capacity of concrete as such, additives are needed to enhance its self-healing properties. Among various strategies, microbial-based self-healing has gained increasing...