Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of electro-conductive chitosan–gelatin–agar (Cs-Gel-Agar) based PEDOT: PSS hydrogels for tissue engineering. Cs-Gel-Agar porous hydrogels with 0–2.0% (v/v) PEDOT: PSS were fabricated using a thermal reverse casting method where low melting agarose served as the pore template. Sample characterizations were performed by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Our results showed enhanced electrical conductivity of the cs-gel-agar hydrogels when mixed with DMSO-doped PEDOT: PSS wherein the optimum mixing ratio was observed at 1% (v/v) with a conductivity value of 3.35 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹. However, increasing the PEDOT: PSS content up to 1.5 % (v/v) resulted in reduced conductivity to 3.28 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹. We conducted in vitro stability tests on the porous hydrogels using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution and investigated the hydrogels’ performances through physical observations and ATR–FTIR characterization. The present study provides promising preliminary data on the potential use of Cs-Gel-Agar-based PEDOT: PSS hydrogel for tissue engineering, and these, hence, warrant further investigation to assess their capability as biocompatible scaffolds.

During the last few years, there has been an increase in public awareness of antimicrobial fabrics, as well as an increase in commercial opportunities for their use in pharmaceutical and medical settings. The present study reports on the optimized fabrication of protonated polyaniline (PANI)-integrated polyester (PES) fabric. Para-toluene sulfonic acid (pTSA) was used to protonate the PANI fabric and thus grant it antibacterial performance. The results of a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay showed high antioxidant activity of protonated PANI fabric at a scavenging efficiency of 84.83%. Moreover, the findings revealed remarkably sensitive antibacterial performance of PANI-integrated fabric against the following Gram-positive bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), S. epidermidis, and S. aureus; and also against the following Gram-negative bacteria: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. typhi. Attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy and energy dispersive X–ray fluorescence (EDXRF) were used to determine the changes in the structural and elemental compositions of PANI fabric upon treatment with bacterial strains. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that the electrical conductivity value of protonated PANI fabric decreased by one (1) order of magnitude against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, from 3.35 ± 7.81 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ to 6.11 ± 7.81 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ and 4.63 ± 7.81 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the disruption of bacterial membranes and their structures when exposed to protonated PANI fabric; meanwhile, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the fabric retained its thermal stability characteristics. These findings open up potential for the use of antimicrobial fabrics in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors.

This study addressed the limited antibacterial durability of textile materials, which has suppressed their applications in preventing infectious disease transmission. A class of highly durable antibacterial textiles was developed by incorporating protonated polyaniline (PANI) textile with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as the functional binder via cross-linking polymerization. The resulting PAA-PANI textile exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity, reaching 8.33 ± 0.04 × 10^-3 S/cm when cross-linked with 30% PAA. Remarkably, this textile maintains its electrical stability at 10^-3 S/cm even after 50 washing cycles, demonstrating unparalleled durability. Furthermore, the PANI-PAA textile showcases remarkable antibacterial efficacy, with 95.48% efficiency against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 92.35% efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, even after 50 washing cycles. Comparatively, the PAA-PANI textile outperforms its PANI counterpart by achieving an astounding 80% scavenging activity rate, whereas the latter only displayed a rate of 3.22%. This result suggests a solid integration of PAA-PANI into the textile, leading to sustainable antioxidant release. The successful cross-linking of PAA-PANI in textiles holds significant implications for various industries, offering a foundation for the development of wearable textiles with unprecedented antibacterial durability and electrical stability. This breakthrough opens new avenues for combating infectious diseases and enhancing the performance of wearable technologies.

Silver (Ag) particles have sparked considerable interest in industry and academia, particularly for health and medical applications. Here, we present the “green” and simple synthesis of an Ag particle-based silicone (Si) thin film for medical device applications. Drop-casting and peel-off techniques were used to create an Si thin film containing 10–50% (v/v) of Ag particles. Electro impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and tensile tests were used to demonstrate the electrical conductivity, crystallinity, morphology-elemental, and mechanical properties, respectively. The oriented crystalline structure and excellent electronic migration explained the highest conductivity value (1.40 × 10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹) of the 50% Ag–Si thin film. The findings regarding the evolution of the conductive network were supported by the diameter and distribution of Ag particles in the Si film. However, the larger size of the Ag particles in the Si film resulted in a lower tensile stress of 68.23% and an elongation rate of 68.25% compared to the pristine Si film. The antibacterial activity of the Ag–Si film against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) was investigated. These findings support Si–Ag thin films’ ability to avoid infection in any medical device application.

The demand for lithium (Li) resources is soaring due to the widespread production (or consumption) of electronic products such as mobile and electronic devices, (or laptops, tablets, and home-appliances goods in accommodating current global lifestyle). The other lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) applications include electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and electric toys. The increasing demand for Li, while driving the economic progress of the industry, is putting a strain on the resource reserves. Therefore, the production industry is promptly searching for an efficient spent LiBs recycling process to counterbalance the highly sought-after element. Current Li recycling systems, in which extraction and recovery are typically accomplished by hydrometallurgical processes, have a significant impact on the environment, are energy-intensive, and necessitate vast operational capacities. Recently, electrochemical methods are seen as sustainable and green approaches to Li production. The use of membrane materials for Li recovery together with electrochemical processes provides a means to reduce energy consumption and scale up the spent LiBs recycling. In this overview, Li recovery technologies through pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy and green electrochemical extraction are explored along with their benefits and drawbacks. Recent advances in membrane materials selection that lead to significant improvement in Li production are also discussed.