Phantomlike elastomer simulations do not always deform globally affinely in the way that classical theory predicts. Assuming that each crosslink will deform affinely with its topological neighbors gives much better results, and creates a way to isolate crosslinks with unpredictable deformation properties. The correlation of non-affinities and network properties depends on the constitutive model...

Combining simulations and theory I study the interplay between bundle elastic degrees of freedom and crosslink binding propensity. By slowly driving bundles into a deformed configuration, and depending on the mechanical stiffness of the crosslinking agent, the binding affinity is shown to display a sudden and discontinuous drop. This indicates a cooperative unbinding process that involves the c...

Shaham et al. (1) reported that the white blood cells (WBC*) of 12 anatomists and pathologists exposed to formaldehyde (FA) in a laboratory had significantly higher average levels of DNA—protein cross-links (DPC) than those of eight subjects 'who had never been exposed to FA'. Means and coefficients of variation (CV) (%SD) for DPC/total DNA were 0.288 (19%) for the exposed group and 0.227 (30%)...

The thermal Huisgen cycloaddition reaction is a new and efficient process to crosslink electro-optic polymers, since it leads to an effective increase of the thermal alignment stability of the NLO chromophores.

The cytoskeleton is a network of crosslinked, semiflexible filaments, and it has been suggested that it has properties of a glassy state. Here we employ optical-trap-based microrheology to apply forces to a model cytoskeleton and measure the high-bandwidth response at an anterior point. Simulating the highly nonlinear and anisotropic stress-strain propagation assuming affinity, we found that th...

A set of recombinant artificial proteins that can be cross-linked, by either covalent bonds or association of helical domains or both, is described. The designed proteins can be used to construct molecular networks in which the mechanism of crosslinking determines the time-dependent responses to mechanical deformation.

We describe, for the first time, the design, production and evaluation of large microneedle patches. Such systems, based on 16 individual microneedle arrays (needle height 600μm), were prepared from aqueous blends of 15% w/w Gantrez® S97 and 7.5% w/w poly(ethyleneglycol) 10,000Da. Ester-based crosslinking was confirmed by FTIR and mechanical strength was good. Insertion depths in a validated sk...

BACKGROUND Since the late 1990s corneal crosslinking (CXL) has been proposed as a new treatment option which can stop progression of keratoconus with promising results in adults. OBJECTIVE Keratoconus presents a higher rate and faster progression in paediatric patients and for this reason prompt and effective treatment is essential. Due to its success in adult keratoconus patients, CXL has be...