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Related Concept Videos

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:12

Adaptability of Cytoskeletal Filaments

The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic structure performing varied functions based on cellular requirements. The adaptability of the individual filaments in the cytoskeleton determines their ability to perform various functions within the cell. It can undergo rapid reorganization during processes like cell division or remain stable for several hours as in the interphase. The adaptability of these filaments depends on stringent regulatory mechanisms. The microfilament and microtubules of the...
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments01:18

Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments

Cytoskeletal filaments are polymeric forms of smaller protein subunits. However, individual cytoskeletal filaments may easily disassemble or associate with other similar filaments to form rigid structures. Microfilaments, made of actin monomers, rely on actin-binding proteins to form bundles and create networks of individual actin filaments. Microtubules rely on microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) to form sturdy cylindrical structures. However, the proteins involved in forming complex...
Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments01:14

Generation of Straight or Branched Actin Filaments

The straight or branched structure formation of actin filaments is controlled by nucleating proteins such as the formins and Arp2/3 complex. Formin-mediated assembly results in straight filaments, whereas Arp2/3 protein complex-mediated assembly results in branched actin filaments.
Arp2/3 Complex
Arp2/3 complex is a seven-subunit complex consisting of two proteins similar to actin- Arp2 and Arp3, and five other subunits that help keep Arp2 and Arp3 inactive. When required, the complex is...
Formation of Intermediate Filaments00:57

Formation of Intermediate Filaments

Intermediate filaments are cytoskeletal proteins with higher tensile strength and flexibility than microfilaments and microtubules. Unlike the other two cytoskeletal proteins, intermediate filament formation lacks the enzymatic activity to hydrolyze nucleotides like ATP and GTP to generate energy for polymerization. Therefore, the formation of intermediate filaments is multistep self-assembly. The involvement of any accessory proteins in intermediate filament formation has not yet been reported.
Mechanism of Filopodia Formation01:39

Mechanism of Filopodia Formation

Filopodia are thin, actin-rich cellular protrusions that play an important role in many fundamental cellular functions. They vary in their occurrence, length, and positioning in different cell types, suggesting their diverse roles.
Their main function is to guide migrating cells during normal tissue morphogenesis or cancer metastasis by recognizing and making initial contacts with the extracellular matrix. However, they can also act as stationary cell anchors or help to establish communication...
Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments01:35

Disassembly of Intermediate Filaments

Intermediate filaments (IFs) do not undergo spontaneous disassembly. Enzymes, kinases, and phosphatases add and remove phosphates from specific sites to regulate their disassembly. The IF concentration in the cytoplasm also regulates the disassembly. If the concentration crosses a threshold, it activates the protein kinases in the vicinity, allowing the phosphorylation of IFs.
Keratin proteins, found at the cell periphery near cell junctions, undergo a cycle of assembly and disassembly. In Type...

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Functional Filaments: Creating and Degrading pH-Indicating PLA Filaments for 3D Printing.

Shelbie A Legett1, John R Stockdale1, Xavier Torres1

  • 1Los Alamos National Laboratory, Bikini Atoll Road, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.

Polymers
|January 21, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Researchers developed new 3D printing filaments by blending poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with pH indicators. These novel filaments act as environmental sensors, changing properties based on pH and demonstrating tunable biodegradability for advanced additive manufacturing applications.

Keywords:
FFFPLAPLA agingadditive manufacturingbiodegradationfused filament fabricationpH indicatorspolylactic acidpolymer composites

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Additive Manufacturing

Background:

  • Advancements in additive manufacturing, particularly fused filament fabrication (FFF), necessitate the development of functionalized feedstocks beyond basic part creation.
  • Current FFF filaments primarily serve structural purposes, lacking integrated functionalities for environmental monitoring or adaptive properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer novel FFF filaments with inherent environmental sensing capabilities by incorporating pH indicators into a poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) matrix.
  • To investigate the impact of different pH indicators (bromothymol blue, phenolphthalein, thymol blue) on the crystallinity, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biodegradability of the resulting PLA-PEG-indicator filaments.

Main Methods:

  • Melt-blending of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and selected pH indicator powders to create composite filaments.
  • Characterization of filament properties including crystallinity (via X-ray diffraction), thermal stability (thermogravimetric analysis), mechanical performance (tensile testing), and pH sensing capabilities.
  • Evaluation of biodegradability through aging in soil and soil slurry, followed by analysis of physical deterioration and crystallinity changes.

Main Results:

  • The novel PLA-PEG-indicator filaments exhibited increased crystallinity (33-41%) compared to pure PLA (19%).
  • Filaments with bromothymol blue and thymol blue showed enhanced thermal stability and tensile strength but reduced ductility, while phenolphthalein-containing filaments were less stable, weaker, and more ductile.
  • All indicator filaments successfully functioned as pH sensors, with bromothymol blue being effective in basic conditions. Biodegradability varied, with bromothymol blue degrading faster than pure PLA, while phenolphthalein and thymol blue showed reduced degradation rates.

Conclusions:

  • The successful creation of PLA-PEG-indicator filaments demonstrates a viable pathway for developing functionalized 3D printing materials with integrated sensing capabilities.
  • The incorporation of pH indicators significantly alters the material properties, offering tunable characteristics for specific applications.
  • These functional filaments hold potential for advanced additive manufacturing, enabling the creation of parts with built-in environmental responsiveness and modified degradation profiles.