Pollen Sponges
Colloid-based 3D Architectures
By using pollen microgel particles as colloidal building blocks, we have been able to create 3D scaffolds with porous architectures composed exclusively of pollen grains. The smooth pore walls stand out in comparison to the typical scaffolds formed from fibril-like natural materials.
Macrostructuring microgels
Inexpensive and environmentally friendly fabrication with easily tunable physical properties make pollen sponges a truly sustainable alternative to current 3D scaffolds. Inexpensive and environmentally friendly fabrication with easily tunable physical properties make pollen sponges a truly sustainable alternative to current 3D scaffolds.
Tunable porosity, surface and alignment via simple alteration of microgel incubation, freezing conditions or orientation
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Hwang & Ibrahim et al., "Colloid‐mediated fabrication of a 3D pollen sponge for oil remediation applications." Advanced Functional Materials 31.24 (2021): 2101091.
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Kim et al. "Directional, Silanized Plant‐Based Sponge for Oil Collection." Advanced Functional Materials (2024): 2313808.
Tunable mechanical properties to adopt to any applications
by modulation of duration of microgel incubation
Hwang & Ibrahim et al., "Colloid‐mediated fabrication of a 3D pollen sponge for oil remediation applications." Advanced Functional Materials 31.24 (2021): 2101091.
Controlled post-fabrication heat treatment for increased rigidity
Hwang & Ibrahim et al., "Colloid‐mediated fabrication of a 3D pollen sponge for oil remediation applications." Advanced Functional Materials 31.24 (2021): 2101091
Post fabrication coating for modulation of hydrophobicity
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Hwang & Ibrahim et al., "Colloid‐mediated fabrication of a 3D pollen sponge for oil remediation applications." Advanced Functional Materials 31.24 (2021): 2101091.
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Kim et al. "Directional, Silanized Plant‐Based Sponge for Oil Collection." Advanced Functional Materials (2024): 2313808.
Properties : Reusable and Recyclable
Repeated performance with minimal loss of capability
What are the applications of Sponges?
Due to their biocompatibility, renewability, and environmental stability, pollen sponges can be used for water purification, oil absorption, biomedical applications such as wound dressings and hemostats, and soft actuators. Their ability to swell and contract in response to external stimuli may make them useful for stimuli-responsive materials and controlled-release systems. These porous pollen sponges can also be applied as scaffolds for tissue engineering, and as solid supports for drug delivery systems.
Research into pollen sponges is expanding, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic absorbent materials.
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"Colloid-Mediated Fabrication of a Three-Dimensional Pollen Sponge for Oil Remediation Applications.“ Advanced Functional Materials 2021, 2101091.
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Directional, Silanized Plant Based Sponge for Oil Collection Kim J, Deng J, Cho NJ*, Han SM*Adv. Funct. Mater.2024, 2313808
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Plant-Based Shape Memory Cryogel for Hemorrhage Control Deng J, Zhao Z, Yeo XY, Yang C, Yang J, Ferhan AR, Jin B, Oh C, Jung S*, Suresh S*, Cho NJ* Adv. Mater. 2024, 2311684
