Recent advances in hydrogels based on natural polymers: from synthesis to application and future prospects in the fields of biomedicine, microextraction and the environment analysis

per ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332026-041041326articleRecent advances in hydrogels based on natural polymers: from synthesis to application and future prospects in the fields of biomedicine, microextraction and the environment analysisBita Abediabedibita@gmail.com1Milad Ghanim.ghani@umz.ac.ir2Marziyeh Kavianmarzyk74@gmail.com3Department of ChemistryHydrogel is a network of hydrophilic polymer chains, sometimes found as a colloidal gel in which water is the dispersion phase. A hydrogel is a three-dimensional structure of hydrophilic polymer chains held together by crosslinks. Due to the presence of intrinsic crosslinks, the structural integrity of the hydrogel network does not degrade in water, and depending on the structure, type, and degree of crosslinking, the stability of the hydrogel in physiological environments is maintained. Hydrogels have attracted extensive attention in the fields of microextraction, analytical chemistry, biomedicine, and industry due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and remarkable versatility. Among the various types of hydrogels, examples based on natural polymers have gained a special place due to their intrinsic biocompatibility and environmental stability. This article reviews the leading innovations in the synthesis and application of hydrogels based on natural polymers. Natural polymers such as starch, chitosan, alginate, lignin, and carrageenan are reviewed for their unique structural features, gelation mechanisms, and the significant impact of crosslinking agents on their performance. The diverse applications of these hydrogels in areas such as tissue engineering, controlled drug release, wound healing, and environmental remediation are critically evaluated. By combining recent findings and emerging trends, this article attempts to paint a bright future vision and inspire further research and innovation to fully exploit the potential of these sustainable biomaterials.http://irdpt.ir/Article/52011Hydrogel natural polymer synthesis biomedicine and environmentper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332026-041041525articleRole of Triboelectric Nanogenerators in the Advancement of Polymer Wound Dressing TechnologyBahar Vaseghi MaghvanBaharvaseghiii@gmail.com1Sara Tarashis.tarashi@ut.ac.ir2Polymer Engineering Department, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranTriboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as one of the emerging technologies for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, possess remarkable potential for enhancing performance, improving efficiency, and enabling the smart functionality of polymer-based wound dressings. In this study, the working principles of TENGs, the various charge-generation mechanisms, and their advantages in producing stable electrical currents are examined. Furthermore, the role of biocompatible and flexible polymers in designing advanced wound dressings adaptable to biological environments is discussed. The integration of these nanogenerators into polymeric wound dressings enables localized low-voltage electrical stimulation, which can activate biological pathways involved in tissue repair, thereby accelerating essential processes such as cell migration and tissue regeneration. According to research, TENG-equipped wound dressings represent a novel approach to active wound therapy, capable of harnessing natural body movements or physiological changes to generate the electrical current required for cellular stimulation, without the need for an external power source. Despite progress, challenges such as reduced stability in humid environments, decreased mechanical strength, high costs, and the need for long-term biocompatibility assessment persist. Nevertheless, the development of self-powered wound dressings with integrated biosensing and intelligent responsiveness offers a promising outlook for translating this technology from the research stage to clinical applications.http://irdpt.ir/Article/52067Triboelectric Nanogenerator Polymer Wound Dressing Tissue Repairper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332026-041042738articleDevelopment of polymer composites based on molecularly imprinted polymers integrated with covalent organic frameworks and metal–organic frameworks for environmental, biomedical, and food safety applicationsZahra Salimi Boroujenizahrasalimi247@gmail.com1Seyedeh Bentolhoda Hosseinianhosseinian999@gmail.com2Milad Ghanim.ghani@umz.ac.ir3University of Mazandaranuniversity of MazandaranThe use of engineered sorbents with selective recognition capabilities, selective interactions with the target analytes and broad applicability represents an innovative and efficient approach in analytical methodologies, particularly for environmental applications. Sample preparation technologies based on molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) have the potential to meet many of the key requirements of an ideal sample preparation system. Nevertheless, due to several inherent limitations, uncertainties still remain regarding the efficiency and practical applicability of conventional molecularly imprinted polymers. Integrating molecularly imprinted polymers with advanced functional materials not only provides an effective solution to these challenges but also significantly expands the application range of these composites. This review discusses recent advancements in the synthesis strategies and analytical applications of composites based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in various sample preparation techniques. Additionally, the inherent features of MIPs are summarized, and the structural and functional properties of MOFs and COFs as advanced sorbents are examined. Furthermore, the most recent developments in the design and fabrication of MOF- and COF-based MIP composites, with an emphasis on their practical applications, are presented. Finally, the existing challenges and future perspectives for the development of analytical methodologies based on these materials are outlined.http://irdpt.ir/Article/52105Molecularly-templated membranes polymers metal-organic frameworks covalent organic structures composites and sample preparationper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332026-041043948article A review of cellulose membranes and their applications in separation, pharmaceutical and biomedical applicationsPegah GushehGusheh.Pegah@PPKR.ir1Lida AzimiAzimi.Lida@PPKR.ir2Tahoura Mohammadzadeh Novintahoora_novin@yahoo.com3Pakan Plastkar R&DPakan Plastkar R&D<audio id="translate-audio-element" style="position: absolute; left: -100%;"></audio> Among the natural polymers that have been the focus of extensive research for the development of permeable membranes, cellulose and its derivatives are of particular interest. Among the various properties of cellulosic materials, permeability is one of the most prominent. Cellulose ester derivatives are utilized in a variety of applications due to their advantageous properties, including low toxicity and tunable permeability. These derivatives are employed in critical industrial processes, such as gas separation, the fabrication of medical membranes (e.g., for dialysis), and drug delivery systems. Leading countries in the modern industrial sector have adopted this technology. The selective and permeable properties of these materials are derived from the distinctive structural and chemical characteristics of the material itself. Research has demonstrated that the regulation of the drug release rate is achievable through the application of cellulose ester coatings, with this regulation being facilitated by chemical modification, porosity control, and the judicious selection of suitable additives. Cellulose, due to its hydroxyl groups and strong hydrogen bonding, has high tensile strength; however, it exhibits anisotropic mechanical properties, meaning its mechanical behavior varies depending on the direction of the applied force. The primary concern with cellulose-based materials pertains to their propensity for water absorption, a property that can compromise their mechanical integrity. The permeation of water vapor and oxygen through cellulosic materials has been the subject of the most studies. The factors influencing permeability properties include the source and type of cellulose, the method of membrane preparation, and dissolution parameters.http://irdpt.ir/Article/52570Cellulose cellulose diacetate membrane cellulose acetate drug delivery permeabilityper ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332026-041044958articleAn Overview of Fluoroelastomer BlendsMahmoud Heydarimahmoud_i87@yahoo.com1Fluoroelastomers are of significant interest to both researchers and industrial practitioners due to their excellent high-temperature performance, resistance to corrosive chemicals, and stability in fuels and various oils. This article first discusses the classification of fluoroelastomers before reviewing the additives used in their compounding. Various curing systems—including amine, bisphenol, peroxide, and radiation curing—are examined, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each. Accompanying components of these systems, such as accelerators, acid absorbers, and suitable activators, are also addressed. Suitable reinforcements for fluoroelastomer compounds are then reviewed, covering carbon black, mineral reinforcements, and various carbo and non-carbon nanoparticles. Findings indicate that while nanoparticles like nanosilica significantly enhance mechanical properties, the use of functionalized nanoparticles—which create covalent bonds with fluoroelastomer chains—or hybrid nanoparticles (such as carbon nanotubes combined with graphene nanosheets) represents an effective strategy to further improve particle efficiency. The article also explores alloys of fluoroelastomers with other rubbers, such as silicone rubber, aimed at extending their low-temperature operational limits. A key challenge in this area is the development and selection of an appropriate compatibilizer between the two phases. Recent studies highlight the use of nanoparticles (e.g., nanosilica) and reactive compatibilizers as primary methods for enhancing phase compatibility. Subsequently, the plasticizers used in formulating these blends are outlined. Finally, the article examines key factors involved in both open closed mixing processes for these compounds.http://irdpt.ir/Article/52980Fluoroelastomer compounding curing system nanoparticles compatibilizer.per ipstsپژوهش و توسعه فناوری پلیمر ایران 2538-3345 2588-39332026-041045972article4D Printing in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine: A Transformative Approach to Intelligent BiofabricationAzizeh Rahmani Del Bakhshayeshrahmani.azizeh@gmail.com1Fariba Alizadeh Eghtedareghtedarfariba@yahoo.com2Mahdiyeh Rahmani Del Bakhshayeshmahdiyehr.2003@gmail.com3Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAl-Zahra Technical & Vocational College, Tabriz, Iran4D printing as an advanced generation of 3D printing has opened new horizons in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. By integrating additive manufacturing with stimulus-responsive smart materials, this technology introduces time as the fourth dimension, enabling the creation of dynamic and adaptive structures. While conventional 3D printing faces limitations in replicating complex biological architectures, 4D printing overcomes these constraints by utilizing materials responsive to stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, and moisture, allowing controlled shape or functional transformations after fabrication. In this approach, a 3D-printed scaffold undergoes controlled and programmable transformation when exposed to one or more external stimuli, transitioning into a new, distinct, and stable configuration. This capability allows for a more accurate simulation of the dynamic behavior of living tissues and enhances functional integration within biological environments. By addressing key limitations of traditional biofabrication methods, 4D printing provides unprecedented opportunities for recreating the structural and functional complexity of native tissues. Applications of 4D printing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are rapidly expanding, including the development of dynamic scaffolds and self-assembling structures, engineered vascular networks, shape-morphing implants, adaptive artificial organs, and intelligent drug delivery systems. The technology’s capacity to create responsive and programmable bio-constructs positions it as a promising platform for next-generation regenerative therapies and personalized medicine. This article reviews the fundamental principles, materials, fabrication strategies, biomedical applications, current challenges, and future perspectives of 4D printing in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, highlighting its transformative potential in advancing intelligent and functional biofabrication.http://irdpt.ir/Article/532104D Printing Tissue Engineering Regenerative Medicine Stimulus-responsive Materials Dynamic Scaffolds