POLYMERS　Vol.58　No.12

>> Japanese

>> English

>> Korean

>> Chinese

COVER STORY Skin and Polymers

Polymer Science and I: A Personal Account

My Research Life Supported by Various “Motivators”

Yoshiro KANEKO

<Abstract>My research life has been supported by various “motivators” such as the encounters with wonderful people and the discovery of interesting materials.

Top of the Page▲

Attraction of Product Development

Mariko WATANABE

<Abstract>In this essay, I will write down some experience how I got attracted to and impressed by some fields and problems in my academic and industrial research life.

Top of the Page▲

COVER STORY: Highlight Reviews

Artificial Skin

Yoshimitsu KUROYANAGI

<Abstract>Artificial skins are classified into two categories. One is the wound dressing composed of synthetic polymer. This is designed to serve as a physical barrier in order to prevent bacterial invasion. Another is the cultured skin substitute composed of biodegradable polymer combined with cells derived from skin. This is designed to promote accelerated wound healing with the aid of growth factors released from cells. Keywords: Biomaterial / Cell / Growth Factor / Wound Dressing / Cultured Skin Substitute / Wound Healing

Top of the Page▲

Polymer Porous Scaffolds for Skin Tissue Engineering

Guoping CHEN

<Abstract>Polymers have been extensively used as porous scaffolds to regenerate epidermal, dermal and epidermal/dermal composite skin tissues for treatment of skin defects. Some of them have been approved for clinical use and some are still in the laboratorial development. This review highlights the developments, challenges and future prospects of polymeric porous scaffolds for skin tissue engineering. Keywords: Biodegradable Polymer / Porous Scaffold / Tissue Engineering / Skin / Dermal / Epidermal

Top of the Page▲

Pressure Ulcer Prevention: Managing Tissue Loads

Junko SUGAMA

<Abstract> Pressure ulcer is defined as an area of localized irreversible damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by tissue loads, namely pressure, shear, friction and/or a combination of these effects. To manage tissue loads, numerous support surfaces consisting of polymers have been developed and many studies demonstrated the effectiveness of visco-elastic characteristics of these materials in the prevention of pressure ulcer. Keywords: Pressure Ulcer / Support Surface / Pressure Redistribution / Polyurethane Foam

Top of the Page▲

The Effect of Phthalocyanine-Dyed Fiber on Allergen Molecules

Hiroyuki YANO, Osamu KUSADA, and Shigeru KURODA

<Abstract>An increasing number of people are suffering from allergy accompanied by itchiness. Phthalocyanine (Pc)-dyed fiber effectively adsorbs major allergens from house dust, food and pollen, and releases these allergens again in the presence of a mild detergent. Thus, Pc-fiber preserves adsorptive capacity, and can be used repeatedly. In this review, we report the allergen-adsorption property of Pc-fiber in relation to its itchiness-alleviating effect. Keywords: Allergy / Itchiness / Phthalocyanine

Top of the Page▲

COVER STORY: Topics and Products

Modified Acrylic Fiber with High Moisture Absorption

Sonoko ISHIMARU

<Abstract>The modified acrylic fiber has a high moisture absorption capacity. Since the heat value from absorption is very high, wearing clothes made from the fiber brings us warmth in very cold ambient temperature. On the other hand, it makes us feel not so hot or sweaty, even when the weather is very humid. Keywords: Modified Acrylic Fiber / Hydrophilic Fiber / Heat of Absorption / Thermal Comfort

Top of the Page▲

Biocompatible Polymer

Kunio SHIMADA

<Abstract>The 2-Methacryloyloxyethylphosphoryl Choline (MPC) polymer is perfectly suitable for artificial organs due to its property to form a human cell membrane like surface structure. The effectiveness of the MPC polymer as a cosmetic additive is evaluated, and it shows an excellent damage prevention effect for skin. Keywords: MPC Polymer / Artificial Organs / Human Cell Membrane / Cosmetic Additives / Damage Prevention Effect

Top of the Page▲

Development of Astaxanthin Nano Emulsion

Tomoko TASHIRO

<Abstract>Astaxanthin, a natural carotenoid, is well known as a strong singlet oxygen scavenger. In order to avoid the promotion of its oxidation in the nano emulsion, a combination of stabilizers has been extensively investigated and optimized. Moreover, coalescence of nano emulsion droplets has been successfully inhibited by the proper choice of emulsifiers. Keywords: Astaxanthin / Anti-Oxidant / Nano Emulsion

Top of the Page▲

Function of a Novel Gemini-Type Peptide Amphiphile and its Application to Skin Damage

Masashi YAMAMOTO, Yukio YAMAWAKI, and Yoshinaga TAMURA

<Abstract>Gemini amphiphiles have become the subject of intense research in many laboratories. In our study, we developed a new type of Gemini amphiphile, sodium dilauramidoglutamide lysine (DLGL) consisting of two lauroylglutamates linked by lysine as a spacer. Here we report in particular its repair effects on damaged skin and other specific characteristics. Keywords: Gemini Amphiphile / Penetration / Liquid Crystal / Gelation / Surface Active

Top of the Page▲

Injectable Gels for Bonding Soft Tissues

Tetsushi TAGUCHI

<Abstract>Injectable gels have great potential to develop minimal invasive therapy. In this topic, we will introduce our recent results on two kinds of novel injectable gels which can bond the interface between soft tissues or cells. Keywords: Injectable Gel / Organic Acid / Amphiphilic Polymer

Top of the Page▲

Front-Line Polymer Science

UV/EB Curing

Masakazu WASHIO and Koji ARIMITSU

<Abstract>UV-Light/electron beam (UV/EB) processing technology utilizing chemical reactions induced by UV-light and EB irradiation has been widely used in a variety of industries. UV-Curing technology, which can be classified into three categories; UV-radical curing, UV-cation curing, and UV-anion curing, has mainly focused on surface finishing processes of various substrates such as plastics and metal using polymerization of monomers and oligomers. On the other hand, EB technology has dealt with cross-linking reactions as well as polymerization process to create novel functional materials. Both technologies have advantages in energy utilizing efficiency and green chemistry when compared to thermal processing and also have a high potential to grow in importance in the future. We describe here recent progress in UV-curing technology to improve mainly the inhibition of polymerization and in EB-curing technology advances concerning the practical application. Keywords: UV / EB Curing / UV-Light / Electron Beam / Polymerization / Cross-Linking / Surface Finishing

Top of the Page▲

Copyright(C) 2009 The Society of Polymer Science, Japan All Rights Reserved.