Dynamics and Transport in Macromolecular Networks

Li-Tang Yan is a full professor with tenure at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He obtained his PhD in polymer physics and chemistry at Tsinghua University in 2007, and then went to Bayreuth University in Germany as a Humboldt Research Fellowship. In 2010, he joined Prof. Anna Balazs' group at University of Pittsburgh in USA as a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. He returned to Tsinghua University as a faculty in Department of Chemical Engineering from May 2011. In 2020, he obtained the "NSFC Award" for Outstanding Young Scientist. His research interests focus on computational and theoretical aspects of soft matter systems, including macromolecular networks, nanoparticle cellular interactions and nano-engineer materials that are self-assembling and self-regulating.

Preface

MODELLING (VISCO)ELASTICITY MACROMOLECULAR AND BIOMACROMOLECULAR NETWORKS
Permanent Macromolecular Networks
Permanent Biomacromolecular Networks
Transient Macromolecular/Biomacromolecular Networks
Outlooks

MODELING REACTIVE HYDROGELS: FOCUS ON CONTROLLED DEGRADATION
Introduction
Mesoscale modeling of reactive polymer networks
Continuum modeling of reactive hydrogels
Conclusions

DYNAMIC BONDS IN ASSOCIATING POLYMER NETWORKS
Introduction of Dynamic Bonds
Physical Insight of Dynamic Bonds
Properties and Applications
Conclusion

DIRECT OBSERVATION OF POLYMER REPTATION IN ENTANGLED SOLUTIONS AND JUNCTION FLUCTUATIONS IN CROSSLINKED NETWORKS
Introduction
Reptation in Entangled Solutions
Dynamic Fluctuations of Crosslinks
Conclusion

RECENT PROGRESS OF HYDROGELS IN FABRICATION OF MENISCUS SCAFFOLDS
Introduction
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Meniscus
Biomaterial Requirements for Constructing Meniscal Scaffolds
Hydrogel-Based Meniscus Scaffolds
Mimicking Microstructure: The Key to Constructing the Next Generation Meniscus Scaffolds
Conclusion

STRONG, TOUGH, AND FAST-RECOVERY HYDROGELS
Current Progress on Strong and Tough Hydrogels
Polymer-supramolecular Double-network Hydrogels
Hybrid Networks with Peptide-metal Complexes
Hydrogels Crosslinked with Hierarchically Assembled Peptide Structures
Outlook

DIUSIO-MECHANICAL THEORY OF POLYMER NETWORK SWELLING
Introduction
Swelling Model
Results
Perspective
Conclusion

THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL PERSPECTIVE ON HOPPING DIFFUSION OF NANOPARTICLES IN CROSS-LINKED POLYMER NETWORKS
Introduction
2010s? Theories of Nanoparticle Hopping Diffusion
Recent Computational and Theoretical Work
Open Questions and Future Research Directions
Concluding Remarks

MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS OF THE NETWORK STRAND DYNAMICS AND NANOPARTICLE DIFFUSION IN ELASTOMERS
Introduction
Structures and Dynamics of Model Elastomer Networks
Diffusion Dynamics of Nanoparticles in Elastomers: Melts and Networks
Conclusions

EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL STUDIES OF TRANSPORT OF NANOPARTICLES IN MUCOSAL TISSUES
Introduction
Enhancing Diffusivity of Deformable Particles to Overcome Mucus Barriers via Adjusting Their Rigidity
The Effect of the Shape on the Diffusivity of NPs in Mucus

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES OF NANOPARTICLE TRANSPORT IN MACROMOLECULAR NETWORKS: FLEXIBILITY, TOPOLOGY AND ENTROPY
Introduction
Effects of the Chain Flexibility of Strands
Effects of Network Topology
Summary and Outlook