We explored the feasibility of Tetra-PEG gel, a controllable hydrogel, as a new biomaterial to develop a coating agent for post-ESD ulcers. We examined the optimal conditions for hydrogel application and developed a specialized catheter, then investigated its properties. Ultimately, we successfully used the optimized hydrogel and device to cover post-ESD ulcers in the porcine stomach. Further optimization of the hydrogel and ongoing research through animal experiments are expected to deepen our understanding of the material’s effects on ulcer healing and contribute to its clinical applications.

Triptycene-containing polymers featuring a rigid propeller-shaped structure have attracted attention for a wide range of potential applications including guest recognition, material transports, separations, catalysis, and organic electronics. Herein, with a thorough literature survey, we present the synthesis of the various types of triptycenes that provide components for functional polymers. We particularly focus on triptycene-containing polymers and two-dimensional assemblies based on the space-filling design that uses nested packing. Future perspectives on the functionalities brought about by the design of triptycene-containing polymers and molecular assemblies are also discussed.

The effects of an organic monoglyceride (OMG) plasticizer on the crystallization of the PLLA/PDLA (50/50) blend were investigated by examining the isothermal crystallization of the blend with different contents of OMG (1–5 wt%) using POM, DSC, and time-resolved WAXD. It was found that the increase of the OMG content promoted the exclusive formation of stereocomplex crystallites and enhanced its crystallinity while suppressing the formation of homocrystals.

The thiol-Michael polyaddition of three dialkynyl monomers with several dithiols proceeded using triethylamine as the catalyst to give unsaturated poly(ester-thioether)s with the expected structures (M_n, 2.4 × 10³ to 22.6 × 10³; molecular dispersity index [M_w/M_n], 1.26–2.00). All of the poly(ester-thioester)s had single glass-transition temperature values between −27 and 49 °C. While the rigid main chains improved the glass transition temperature, all of the poly(ester-thioester)s showed apparent enzymatic hydrolysis by lipase but low biodegradability in biodegradation tests using activated sludge.

The Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction of BrC₆H₄-SiRR’-C₆H₄Br 1 with phenylboronic acid 3 in the presence of ^tBu₃PPd precatalyst 4 and CsF/18-crown-6 produced a phenyl-disubstituted product, indicating that the Pd catalyst underwent catalyst transfer on the silylene group. The polycondensation of 1 and phenylenediboronic acid 2 yielded cyclic polymers even when excess 1 was used. The obtained cyclic polymers containing the silylene group showed stronger fluorescence in solution than did the methylene counterpart.

Three cyclic oxoester-thioester hybrid monomers were studied for anionic and cationic ring-opening polymerizations. Anionic polymerizations using thiol with 2,6-lutidine were successful for the chemoselective cleavage of the thioester with the thiol propagating end, exhibiting the living character to some extent. The polymerization in 2,6-lutidine without an initiator produced macrocyclic polymers. The cationic polymerizations occurred with the aid of CF₃SO₃H and benzyl alcohol but involved side reactions with low chemoselective ring cleavage. The thioester unit caused the polymers to exhibit a lower T_g with greater thermal and photo degradability.

Doping lanthanides into lamellar crystals of diacetylene derivatives with terminal carboxylic acids reorganized the lamellar structure and dramatically changed the crystal morphology. Detailed investigation of the crystal growth process revealed that the complexes of lanthanide and diacetylene derivatives, which are slightly formed in the solution phase during lanthanide doping, may act as a pseudonuclear agent and change the morphology of the lamellar crystals. Furthermore, the morphology changes of the lamellar crystal films significantly altered surface properties such as film appearance and water repellency.

Simple control of the thermoresponsive properties of polymers in water over a broad range is achieved by using a designed urethane-containing acrylamide monomer in combination with a hydroxy-containing precursor monomer, which forms a statistical sequence due to its similar backbone. The copolymers exhibited a lower critical solution temperature-type responsive behavior in water, and the effects of structural factors such as composition, molecular weight, end groups and side-chain structure in urethane monomers were systematically evaluated.

Schematic illustrations of the alignment behavior induced by SWaP. Photopolymerization was conducted with a scanned UV slit light. Uniaxial molecular alignment was induced when the polymer concentration in the exposure area was high, while it was random when the polymer concentration was low.