Polymer brushes and their possible applications in artificial cilia research (Review)

Mol Med Rep. 2017 Jun;15(6):3936-3942. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6533. Epub 2017 Apr 28.

Abstract

The review aimed to assess the current research status of polymer brushes and artificial cilia, based on the analysis of polymer brush properties and the structure and function of natural cilia. The application of polymer brushes to develop artificial cilia has attracted increasing research interest, with rheological analysis often employed as an entry point for polymer mechanics. The present review assessed whether combing polymer brushes with artificial cilia, along with appropriate designing of high‑polymer materials and use of suitable equipment, may to the development of a polymer net‑structured material to imitate the morphology and functionality of a natural cilium system.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Artificial Cells* / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / administration & dosage
  • Cilia* / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Polymers* / chemistry
  • Research*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Polymers