• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.36-40
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• 2005

Poly(amino acid) derivatives have been widely investigated as a drug carrier in drug delivery system. Particularly,polysuccinimide (PSI) is one of the most promising drug carriers since it possesses suitable physicochemical characteristics for development of macromolecular prodrugs, due to biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this study, we deal with the synthesis of polyaspartamide having various functional groups such as methoxy-poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) via ring closing of PSI. PSI was synthesized by polyonensation polymerization of spartic acid. The variety of average molecular weight was confirmed with reacion time and catalyst content to observe the optimum condition of synthesis. MPEG, hydrophilic chain, was bonded to fabricate polymeric micell composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer. All materials were characterized by 1H-NMR, FT-IR and GPC. In addition, the formation of nanoparticle micelle as drug carrier were also examined. Micelle size was measured by ELS and AFM. The functionalized polysparamide formed nanoparticle micelle whose size ranged from 90 to 130 nm. In conclusion, we prepared polyaspartamide functionalized with PEG examined the possibility as drug carriers.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.140-149
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• 2022

In this study, the conditions of low temperature and high pressure of biogas upgrading process using polysulfone membrane have been designed and tested to achieve the high recovery and efficiency corresponding to those of the highly selective polymeric materials. Polysulfone hollow fiber membrane with 4-component dope solution was spun via non-solvent induced phase separation. The hollow fiber membrane was mounted into a 1.5 inch housing. The effective area was 1.6 m², and its performance was examined in various operation temperatures and pressures. CO₂ and CH₄ permeances were 412 and 12.7 GPU at 20℃, and 280 and 3.6 GPU at -20℃, respectively, while the CO₂/CH₄ selectivity increased from 32.4 to 77.8. Single gas test was followed by the mixed gas experiments using single-stage and double stage where the membrane area ratio varied from 1:1 to 1:3. At the single-stage, CH₄ purity increased and the recovery decreased as the stage-cut increased. At the double stage, the area ratio of 1:3 showed the higher CH₄ recovery as decreasing the operation temperature at the same purity of CH₄ 97%. Finally, polysulfone hollow fiber membranes have yielded of both CH₄ purity and recovery of 97% at -20℃ and 16 barg.

• Membrane Journal
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.218-226
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• 2022

Hydrogen, a carrier of large-capacity chemical and clean energy, is an important industrial gas widely used in the petrochemical industry and fuel cells. In particular, hydrogen is mainly produced from fossil fuels through steam reforming and gasification, and carbon dioxide is generated as a by-product. Therefore, in order to obtain high-purity hydrogen, carbon dioxide should be removed. This review focused on free-standing polymeric membranes and mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) that separate hydrogen from carbon dioxide reported in units of Barrer [1 Barrer = 10^-10 cm³ (STP) × cm / (cm² × s × cmHg)]. By analyzing various recently reported papers, the structure, morphology, interaction, and preparation method of the membranes are discussed, and the structure-property relationship is understood to help find better membrane materials in the future. Robeson's upper bound limits for hydrogen/carbon dioxide separation were presented through reviewing the performance and characteristics of various separation membranes, and various MMMs that improve separation properties using technologies such as crosslinking, blending and heat treatment were discussed.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.175-183
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• 2024

Research into optical signal processing using photonic integrated circuits (PICs) has been actively pursued in various fields, including optical communication, optical sensors, and quantum optics. Among the materials used in PIC fabrication, polymers have attracted significant interest due to their unique characteristics. To fabricate polymer-based PICs, establishing an accurate manufacturing process for the cross-sectional structure of an optical waveguide is crucial. For stable device performance and high yield in mass production, a process with high reproducibility and a wide tolerance for variation is necessary. This study proposes an efficient method for fabricating polymer optical-waveguide devices by introducing the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. Compared to conventional photoresist or metal-film deposition methods, the ALD process enables more precise fabrication of the optical waveguide's core structure. Polyimide optical waveguides with a core size of 1.8 × 1.6 ㎛² are fabricated using the ALD process, and their propagation losses are measured. Additionally, a multimode interference (MMI) optical-waveguide power-splitter device is fabricated and characterized. Throughout the fabrication, no cracking issues are observed in the etching-mask layer, the vertical profiles of the waveguide patterns are excellent, and the propagation loss is below 1.5 dB/cm. These results confirm that the ALD process is a suitable method for the mass production of high-quality polymer photonic devices.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.669-683
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• 2017

The objective of this study is to propose a modification of the previously proposed drainage system for catching the partial leakage of underground concrete structures. Two techniques were proposed for applying the drainage system only to the leaking parts. One was for conveying leaking groundwater to the collection point in the drainage system and the other was for conveying the collected groundwater to the primary drainage system of the underground concrete structure. Four waterproofing materials for conveying leaking groundwater to the catchment point of the drainage system, Durkflex made of porous rubber material, KE-45 silicone adhesive with super strong adhesion, Hotty-gel made of polymeric materials and general silicone adhesive were evaluated for waterproofing performance. Hotty-gel only showed perfect waterproof performance and the other three waterproof materials leaked. The modified drainage system with Hotty-gel and drainage pipe with fixed saddle to convey the leaking groundwater from the catchment point to the primary drainage system were tested on the concrete retaining wall. The waterproof performance and the drainage performance were evaluated by injecting 1,000 ml of water in the back of the modified drainage system at the 7-day, 14-day, 21-day, 28-day, 2-month and 3-month. There was no problem in waterproof performance and drainage performance of the modified drainage system during 3 months. In order to evaluate the construction period and construction cost of the modified drainage system, it was compared with the existing leaching repair method in surface cleaning stage, leakage treatment stage, and protective barrier stage. Total construction period and construction cost were compared in considering the contents of work, repair material, construction equipment, working time, and total number of workers. As a result of comparing and analyzing in each construction stage, it was concluded that the modified drainage system could save construction period and construction cost compared to the existing leaching repair method.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.684-689
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• 2012

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) microspheres is one of the widely-used polymeric materials for the bio-field application and the electric materials. For the synthesis of PAA microspheres, the polymerization technique using surfactants is applied. After the synthesis, the purification and separation processes are required for the removal of surfactant. When general organic solvents were used, many problems, such as huge amount of waste solvent, additional separation processes, and the possibility of residual media, were occurred. Thus, High-pressure Soxhlet extraction using liquid $CO_2$ was developed to solve these problems. In this study, High-pressure Soxhlet extraction of the synthesized PAA microspheres using liquid $CO_2$ was conducted for the removal of Monasil PCA which is used for the dispersion polymerization of acrylic acid in compressed liquid Dimethyl ether (DME). The morphology of the extracted PAA particles was checked by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and the residual concentration of Monasil PCA was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma - Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). For studying the effect of the solvent effect, Soxhlet extraction was conducted using n-hexane, liquid DME, and liquid $CO_2$. In case of n-hexane, some extracted PAA microspheres were produced. However, deformation was also occurred due to the high thermal energy of n-hexane vapor. Liquid DME could not remove Monasil PCA. When using liquid $CO_2$, the extracted PAA microspheres which were free for the residual solvent were produced without deformation. For finding the optimum operating condition, high-pressure Soxhlet extraction was conducted for 8 hours with changing the temperature of reboiler and condenser. When the extractor temperature is $19.6{\pm}0.2^{\circ}C$ and the pressure is $51.5{\pm}0.5$ bar, the best removal efficiency was obtained.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.461-469
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• 2001

The combinatorial approach has been applied to discover and optimize the composition of the novel or enhanced materials. In this study, we screened the optimum composition of the system SrO-Gd$_2$O$_3$-Al$_2$O$_3$ doped with $Tb^{3+}$ by a polymerized-complex combinatorial chemistry method. Mixtures with compositions of Sr, Gd and Al component that is in the range from 0 to 1 in about 0.05 increments could be tested. The sample powders were synthesized by a polymerized complex method. To prepare appropriately polymeric precursors, we used the metallic nitrates, citric acid and ethylene glycol. The luminescence properties of the synthesized powders are investigated using the UV and VUV (Vacuum-UV: 147 nm) photoluminescence spectrometer. In addition, the crystallinity and morphology of powder were monitored by X-ray diffraction spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy. In result of VUV PL works, there are good luminescent samples with the composition of 0.595 < x < 0.733 and 0.016 < y < 0.017 in Gd1-x-yAlxTbyO$\delta$ and 0.049 < x < 0.064 and 0.02 < y < 0.039 in $Sr_xAl_{1-x-y}Tb_yO_$\delta$$, their materials can be applicable to plasma display panels as the green phosphor.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 2001

Chitosan is biodegradable natural polymer that has been demonstrated its ability to improve wound healing, and calcium metaphosphate(CMP) is a unique class of phosphate minerals having a polymeric structure. In this study, chitosan/CMP and platelet derived growth factor(PDGF-BB) loaded chitosan/CMP sponges were developed, and the effect of the sponges on bone regeneration and their possibility as scaffolds for bone formation by three-dimensional osteoblast culture were examined. PDGF-BB loaded chitosan/CMP sponges were prepared by freeze-drying of a mixture of chitosan solution and CMP powder, and soaking in a PDGF-BB solution. Fabricated sponge retained its 3-dimensional porous structure with $100-200\;{\mu}m$ pores. The release kinetics of PDGF-BB loaded onto the sponge were measured in vitro with $^{125}I-labeled$ PDGF-BB. In order to examine their possibility as scaffolds for bone formation, fetal rat calvarial osteoblastic cells were isolated, cultured, and seeded into the sponges. The cell-sponge constructs were cultured for 28 days. Cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity were measured at 1, 7, 14 and 28 days, and histologic examination was performed. In order to examine the effect on the healing of bone defect, the sponges were implanted into rat calvarial defects. Rats were sacrificed 2 and 4 weeks after implantation and histologic and histomorphometrical examination were performed. An effective therapeutic concentration of PDGF-BB following a high initial burst release was maintained throughout the examination period. PDGF-BB loaded chitosan/CMP sponges supported the proliferation of seeded osteoblastic cells as well as their differentiation as indicated by high alkaline phosphatase activities. Histologic findings indicated that seeded osteoblastic cells well attached to sponge matrices and proliferated in a multi-layer fashion. In the experiments of implantation in rat calvarial defects, histologic and histomorphometric examination revealed that chitosan/CMP sponge promoted osseous healing as compared to controls. PDGF-BB loaded chitosan/CMP sponge further echanced bone regeneration. These results suggested that PDGF-BB loaded chitosan/CMP sponge was a feasable scaffolding material to grow osteoblast in a three-dimentional structure for transplantation into a site for bone regeneration.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.625-639
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• 2019

Microplastics are one of the substances threatening the marine ecosystem. Here, we summarize the status of research on the effect of microplastics on marine life and suggest future research directions. Microplastics are synthetic polymeric compounds smaller than 5 mm and these materials released into the environment are not only physically small but do not decompose over time. Thus, they accumulate extensively on land, from the coast to the sea, and from the surface to the deep sea. Microplastic can be ingested and accumulated in marine life. Furthermore, the elution of chemicals added to plastic represents another risk. Microplastics accumulated in the ocean affect the growth, development, behavior, reproduction, and death of marine life. However, the properties of microplastics vary widely in size, material, shape, and other aspects and toxicity tests conducted on several properties of microplastics cannot represent the hazards of all other microplastics. It is necessary to evaluate the risks according to the types of microplastic, but due to their variety and the lack of uniformity in research results, it is difficult to compare and analyze the results of previous studies. Therefore, it is necessary to derive a standard test method to estimate the biological risk from different types of microplastics. In addition, while most of the previous studies were conducted mostly on spheres for the convenience of the experiments, they do not properly reflect the reality that fibers and fragments are the main forms of microplastics in the marine environment and in fish and shellfish. Furthermore, studies have been conducted on additives and POPs (persistent organic pollutants) in plastics, but little is known about their toxic effects on the body. The effects of microplastics on the marine ecosystems and humans could be identified in more detail if standard testing methods are developed, microplastics in the form of fibers and fragments rather than spheres are tested, and additives and POPs are analyzed. These investigations will allow us to identify the impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems and humans in more detail.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.149-160
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• 2024

Dextran is a glucose homo-polysaccharide with a predominantly α-1,6 glycosidic linkage of microbial source and is known to be produced primarily by lactic acid bacteria. However, it can also be obtained through the dextran dextrinase of acetic acid bacteria (Gluconobacter oxydans). The dextrin-based dextran was obtained from rice starch using G. oxydans fermentation of rice hydrolysate, and its properties were studied. Both dextrin- and rice hydrolysate-added media maintained the OD value of 6 after 20 h of incubation with acetic acid bacteria, and the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis of the supernatant after 72 h of incubation confirmed that a polymeric material with DP of 480 and 405, which was different from the composition of the substrate in the medium, was produced. The glucose linkage pattern of the polysaccharide was confirmed using the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) and the increased α-1,4:α-1,6 bond ratio from 0.23 and 0.13 to 1:2.37 and 1:4.4, respectively, indicating that the main bonds were converted to α-1,6 bonds. The treatment of dextrin with a rat-derived alpha-glucosidase digestive enzyme resulted in a slow release of glucose, suggesting that rice hydrolysate can be converted to dextran using acetic acid bacteria with glycosyltransferase activity to produce high-value bio-materials with slowly digestible properties.