Multifunctional Polyurethane Sponge for Polymerase Chain Reaction Enhancement

Abstract

Selective filtering of target biomaterials from impurities is an important task in DNA amplification through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) enhancement and gene identification to save endangered animals and marine species. Conventional gene extraction methods require complicated steps, skilled persons, and expensive chemicals and instruments to improve DNA amplification. Herein, we proposed an alternative method for overcoming such challenges by imparting secondary functionality using commercially available polyurethane (PU) sponges and cost-effective fabrication approaches through polydopamine and polysiloxane coatings. The porous, highly flexible, and chemically modified superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic PU sponges allow large surface areas and mechanically stable frames for effective extraction of genomic DNA through selective filtering of fish tissues and oils. Furthermore, these chemically modified PU sponges allow separation of genes and improvement of PCR for DNA amplification for the identification of fish species. The combination of a simple fabrication method and functionalized PU sponges could be a useful platform for PCR enhancement and gene-based identification of species for practical applications.

Graphene and Carbon Nanotube Auxetic Rubber Bionic Composites with Negative Variation of the Electrical Resistance and Comparison with Their Nonbionic Counterparts

“…Several attempts based on traditional/abiotic processes using 3D polymer templates provided a facile, low‐cost, and scalable method for creating nanomaterial‐based foams including organic nanomaterials, metal/metal‐oxide nanomaterials, and carbon‐based nanomaterials (e.g., carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene) . Between various carbon‐based nanomaterials, carbon nanotube products, including CNT fibers, CNT films, and CNT aerogels, have been recently developed for carbon‐based nanomaterials foams .…”

Fabrication of 3D honeycomb-like porous polyurethane-functionalized reduced graphene oxide for detection of dopamine

“…In the last few years, some porous polyurethane (PU) structures have been developed via synthetic routes Seok et al, 2015). For example, directional melt crystallization was used to prepare a porous PU, a process known as "ice templating" or "directional freezing" when water is used as a solvent (Nishihara et al, 2005;Zhang et al, 2005).…”

A three-dimensional magnetic carbon framework derived from Prussian blue and amylopectin impregnated polyurethane sponge for lead removal

“…Based on various modification procedures, PU sponge has been applied for oil-water separation [19][20][21], catalysis [18], enhancement of polymerase chain reaction [22] and wound healing [23]. It is noteworthy that the 3D framework derived from PU sponge with relatively large pores is more prone to a low removal efficiency of heavy metals in aqueous medium.…”