Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Claudia Gusenbauer, Karolina Peter, Etienne Cabane, Johannes Konnerth
Summary: Chemical force microscopy allows visualization of chemical nano-properties of materials and analysis of their surface behavior, making it valuable for studying natural substrates like wood. By studying adhesion forces and pK(a) values, this method provides insights into the complex chemical surface properties of materials.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mingyan Gao, Jing Hu, Jianfei Wang, Mengnan Liu, Xiaona Zhu, Sadaf Saeed, Cuihua Hu, Zhengxun Song, Hongmei Xu, Zuobin Wang
Summary: In this study, the effects of DNA concentration, magnetic field intensity and direction, and modification of mica surface on DNA self-assembly were investigated using atomic force microscopy. The results showed that these factors play important roles in DNA self-assembly.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Karolina Kocourkova, Lenka Musilova, Petr Smolka, Ales Mracek, Martin Humenik, Antonin Minarik
Summary: The study examined the network-forming and aggregation properties of hyaluronan on the mica surface, showing that factors such as molecular weight, concentration, dissolution conditions, and storage time all influence the morphology and size of the aggregates. Understanding the conformational variability of hyaluronan is crucial for its physiological functions, processability, and usability in pharmacological and biomaterial applications.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alessandra Scelsi, Brigida Bochicchio, Andrew M. Smith, Antonio Laezza, Alberto Saiani, Antonietta Pepe
Summary: The assembly of gelating peptides with elastin-inspired peptide or dipeptide was investigated, revealing different nanotopologies and mechanical properties that could be utilized for fabricating materials with desired properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jolien Bertouille, Sandor Kasas, Charlotte Martin, Ulrich Hennecke, Steven Ballet, Ronnie G. G. Willaert
Summary: Peptide-based hydrogels have potential applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. The physical properties of these materials depend on their gel network morphology, but the self-assembly mechanism of peptides leading to different network shapes is still debated.
Article
Polymer Science
Iulia Babutan, Otto Todor-Boer, Leonard Ionut Atanase, Adriana Vulpoi, Ioan Botiz
Summary: In this study, we utilized solvent vapor annealing as a polymer processing method to condense a large amount of solvent vapors onto thin films of block copolymers, promoting their self-assembly into ordered nanostructures. Atomic force microscopy revealed the successful generation of a periodic lamellar morphology of poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-polybutadiene and an ordered morphology comprised of hexagonally-packed structures made of poly(2-vinylpyridine)-b-poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate) on solid substrates.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shichen Zhu, Xiaoyue Yu, Juan You, Tao Yin, Yuanli Lin, Wenxin Chen, Linrui Dao, Hongying Du, Ru Liu, Shanbai Xiong, Yang Hu
Summary: The emphasis on the mechanism of collagen self-assembly has significance for developing collagen-based materials with targeted attributes. Through ITC dilution experiments, CD, and FTIR measurements, it was found that ASC exhibited higher thermodynamic preference and energetically favorable characteristics compared to PSC in driving the self-assembly process through hydrophobic interactions under different temperatures.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shams T. A. Islam, Jie Zhang, Fabio Tonin, Renske Hinderks, Yanthi N. Deurloo, Vlada B. Urlacher, Peter-Leon Hagedoorn
Summary: Lignin valorization through laccase catalysis can release aromatic products, but different enzymes exhibit significant variations in conversion efficiency and rate. Trametes versicolor laccase follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics in converting Kraft lignin, with specific thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, making it a promising tool for guiding enzymatic lignin valorization strategies.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pablo F. Garrido, Margarida Bastos, Adrian Velazquez-Campoy, Alfredo Amigo, Philippe Dumas, Angel Pineiro
Summary: The injection of air into an isothermal titration calorimeter's sample cell allows for accurate determination of the surface tension of the target liquid, despite the periodic contribution from bubbles. The new algorithm successfully identifies and analyzes these contributions, improving the analysis of calorimetric signals.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kyriaki Sambani, Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris, Dido Yova
Summary: Elastin is a protein that provides elasticity to organs and can self-assemble into elastic fibers. The self-assembling process of elastin fiber structure was investigated under different experimental parameters, and it was found that altering these parameters can affect the formation of elastin nanostructured mesh.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Iago Dillion Lima Cavalcanti, Francisco Humberto Xavier Junior, Nereide Stela Santos Magalhaes, Mariane Cajuba de Britto Lira Nogueira
Summary: Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a technique for evaluating the thermodynamic profiles of connection between two molecules, allowing the experimental design of nanoparticles systems with drugs and/or biological molecules. In the field of pharmaceutical nanotechnology, ITC has been increasingly used to understand the interaction mechanisms in the formation of nanoparticles and the behavior of nanocarriers in in vivo studies. This technique provides quick and easy results to optimize the formulation process of nano-systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tzu-Yi Tai, Fanrui Sha, Xiaoliang Wang, Xingjie Wang, Kaikai Ma, Kent O. Kirlikovali, Shengyi Su, Timur Islamoglu, Satoshi Kato, Omar K. Farha
Summary: This study presents the first systematic investigation on the thermodynamics of protein immobilization in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). It demonstrates that MOFs provide a hydrophobic stabilizing microenvironment for proteins, leading to an entropically driven encapsulation process. Among a series of Zr-MOFs, pyrene-based NU-1000 exhibits the most favorable encapsulation process for insulin.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Ziga Medos, Isidora Cobanov, Marija Bester-Rogac, Bojan Sarac
Summary: This research paper examines the issues associated with power compensation isothermal titration calorimetry, highlighting the possibility of obtaining different enthalpy values with different instruments and setting parameters. It emphasizes that modern calorimeters' dynamic power compensation mode may lead to overcompensation of heat effects, resulting in experimental results heavily reliant on chosen parameters. To avoid these problems, the paper suggests checking raw signals and conducting experiments with low or disabled power compensation when observing switching effects.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keivan Asadi, Junghoon Yeom, Hanna Cho
Summary: Investigating internal resonance (IR) mechanisms in micro/nanoresonators reveals that intermodal coupling between second and third flexural modes in asymmetric structures provides an optimal condition for strong IR, with high energy transfer to the resonated mode. This study introduces design strategies that can be easily integrated into typical micro/nanoelectromechanical systems, offering potential for paradigm-shifting applications in micro/nanosystems.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Keitel Cervantes-Salguero, Yair Augusto Gutierrez Fosado, William Megone, Julien E. E. Gautrot, Matteo Palma
Summary: DNA can self-assemble into superstructures at nanometer to micrometer scales. In this study, we demonstrate the assembly of DNA nanosheets using a flexible DNA unit that is designed to have a shape resembling a Feynman diagram. The nanosheets can be assembled at solid/liquid and liquid/liquid interfaces and exhibit different properties based on their thickness and coverage. This research paves the way for the controlled assembly of reconfigurable/responsive nanosheets and membranes that can be potentially used in studying biomechanical processes and materials transport.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Mohammad Asad, Abdullah M. Asiri, Naved Azum, Susanna Monti, Zoheb Karim
Summary: To design efficient and sustainable polymeric water filters, we have chosen a robust microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as a functional material. Through enzymatic catalysis, we have selectively tuned the MFC, resulting in improved antifouling properties.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aswin Gopakumar, Peng Ren, Jianhong Chen, Bruno Vinicius Manzolli Rodrigues, H. Y. Vincent Ching, Aleksander Jaworski, Sabine Van Doorslaer, Anna Rokicinska, Piotr Kustrowski, Giovanni Barcaro, Susanna Monti, Adam Slabon, Shoubhik Das
Summary: The development of smart and sustainable photocatalysts is crucial for the synthesis of H2O2 due to the increasing global demand. Traditional methods of H2O2 synthesis generate chemical waste and require high energy input, making the direct synthesis of H2O2 from seawater using photocatalysts significant.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lasse K. Sorensen, Daniil E. Khrennikov, Valeriy S. Gerasimov, Alexander E. Ershov, Maxim A. Vysotin, Susanna Monti, Vadim Zakomirnyi, Sergey P. Polyutov, Hans Agren, Sergey Karpov
Summary: This study investigates the dependence of plasmon resonance excitations in ultrafine gold nanoparticles on heating and melting using an integrated approach. It reveals that the suppression of plasmon resonance is associated with an increase in atom mobility in the lattice and electron-phonon scattering.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Zoheb Karim, Dimitrios Georgouvelas, Anna Svedberg, Susanna Monti, Aji P. Mathew
Summary: This study evaluates the potential of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) composite membranes in removing charged pollutants from water. The results show that the assembly of the MFC membranes directly influences the pollutant removal efficiency, with the layered architecture being more efficient. The scalability and tunability of the produced MFC-based membranes are confirmed, along with their high adsorption capacity, flexibility, hydrolytic stability, and mechanical robustness.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sehmus Ozden, Susanna Monti, Valentina Tozzini, Nikita S. Dutta, Stefania Gili, Nick Caggiano, A. James Link, Nicola M. Pugno, John Higgins, Rodney D. Priestley, Craig B. Arnold
Summary: The integration of 2D graphitic carbon with 1D carbon nanofiber allows for the development of an ultralightweight G-CF aerogel with a hierarchical structure, which exhibits low density and high surface area and shows excellent water purification performance.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anthea Villano, Giovanni Barcaro, Susanna Monti, Niccoletta Barbani, Antonio Rizzo, Daniela Rossin, Raffaella Rastaldo, Claudia Giachino, Caterina Cristallini
Summary: The recent advances in nanotechnology have revolutionized the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. This study utilizes molecularly imprinting polymers (MIPs) to restore the balance of MMPs and TIMPs in the failing human left ventricular myocardium. The research explores the potential of this technique through various methods and successfully synthesizes MIPs with high selectivity towards MMP9.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jose Gonzalez-Rivera, Beatrice Campanella, Elena Pulidori, Emilia Bramanti, Maria Rosaria Tine, Luca Bernazzani, Massimo Onor, Paolo Barberi, Celia Duce, Carlo Ferrari
Summary: Novel green extraction method (US-IMWAE) using simultaneous ultrasound and microwave irradiation allows for full exploitation of aromatic herbs while minimizing energy consumption and extraction cost. This method has successfully yielded essential oils with appealing composition profiles for cosmetic and medical industries, as well as valuable solid residues for alternative fuel production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Elena Pulidori, Simone Micalizzi, Nikos Koutsomarkos, Emilia Bramanti, Maria Rosaria Tine, Giovanni Vozzi, Carmelo De Maria, Maria Chatzinikolaidou, Celia Duce
Summary: This study investigates the structure and correlations between structure, mechanical, and biological properties of gelatin-based materials. Gelatin electro-spun materials have higher content of ordered structure compared to gelatin casted films, which may be attributed to the random coil - alpha-helix transition during electrospinning. The presence of cross linker (GPTMS) decreases the ordered structures in gelatin casted films, while it does not affect the percentage of ordered structure in electrospun samples. The presence of keratin in gelatin/keratin electrospun biomaterials decreases alpha-helix content and promotes the conversion from antiparallel to parallel beta-sheet.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ophelie Ranquet, Celia Duce, Emilia Bramanti, Patrick Dietemann, Ilaria Bonaduce, Norbert Willenbacher
Summary: The authors use a combination of egg yolk and two pigments to investigate how different distribution of proteinaceous binder can control the flow behavior, drying kinetics, and chemistry of oil paints. This study demonstrates that adjusting the distribution of proteinaceous binder can enhance the stiffening effect and prevent undesired absorption of humidity, improving the brushability and preserving invaluable artworks.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chiara Pelosi, Jose Gonzalez-Rivera, Maria Rosaria Tine, Gianluca Ciancaleoni, Luca Bernazzani, Celia Duce
Summary: This article presents a physicochemical characterization of type-II DESs/water mixtures using various techniques to analyze and evaluate the samples from both structural and application perspectives.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheherazade Trouki, Giovanni Barcaro, Susanna Monti
Summary: In this study, we investigated the assembly and drug release behavior of a drug delivery nanocarrier using reactive molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that the assembled nanotool composed of ZnO nanoparticles, oleic acid chains, and a drug called carfilzomib is stable in ethanol. However, when immersed in water, the size of the assembly increases, causing the lipids to swell and potentially release the drug cargo.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zheng Chen, Jianhong Chen, Giovanni Barcaro, Tetyana M. Budnyak, Anna Rokicinska, Richard Dronskowski, Serhiy Budnyk, Piotr Kustrowski, Susanna Monti, Adam Slabon
Summary: This study investigates the role of defects in cellulose-derived nitrogen-doped carbon materials on their electrocatalytic activity for nitrate reduction. By synthesizing materials at different temperatures and using structural analyses and theoretical calculations, the researchers found that NDC-800 exhibited the highest reduction efficiency and selectivity.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Luis Valencia, Rishab Handa, Susanna Monti, Alma Berenice Jasso-Salcedo, Dimitrios Georgouvelas, Ilse Magana, Ramon Diaz de Leon, Krassimir P. Velikov, Aji P. Mathew, Sugam Kumar
Summary: Nanocellulose-based materials are a new class of bio-based building materials that offer high performance and sustainability. However, they have drawbacks such as interaction with bacteria and proteins, low conductivity, poor thermal stability, and high water absorption. Mineralization by growing inorganic subcomponents in situ can improve these issues and introduce new functionalities.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Silvia Pizzimenti, Luca Bernazzani, Maria Rosaria Tine, Celia Duce, Ilaria Bonaduce
Summary: This study investigated the effect of amorphous carbon black on the mechanism and speed of autoxidation of a polyunsaturated oil, as well as the effect of the addition of aluminium stearate and zinc stearate. The results showed that amorphous carbon black has an antioxidant effect and the addition of aluminium and zinc stearates accelerates the formation of peroxides.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Elena Pulidori, Anna Lluveras-Tenorio, Rita Carosi, Luca Bernazzani, Celia Duce, Stefano Pagnotta, Marco Lezzerini, Germana Barone, Paolo Mazzoleni, Maria Rosaria Tine
Summary: This study conducted thermal analysis and structural characterization of a set of geomaterials for the synthesis of geopolymers designed for the conservation of Cultural Heritage buildings, especially in seismic hazard zones. Statistical treatment of the data highlighted the direct relation between thermal data and material composition, aiding in the selection of optimal materials.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
