Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
G. Papadakis, A. K. Pantazis, N. Fikas, S. Chatziioannidou, V Tsiakalou, K. Michaelidou, V Pogka, M. Megariti, M. Vardaki, K. Giarentis, J. Heaney, E. Nastouli, T. Karamitros, A. Mentis, A. Zafiropoulos, G. Sourvinos, S. Agelaki, E. Gizeli
Summary: A device for real-time colorimetric LAMP was developed, combining the accuracy of lab-based quantitative analysis with the simplicity of point-of-care testing, featuring rapid analysis, high quantification, crude sample-compatibility, low detection limit, smartphone operation, fast prototyping, and dye selection capabilities.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kerou Zhang, Alessandro Pinto, Lauren Yuxuan Cheng, Ping Song, Peng Dai, Michael Wang, Luis Rodriguez, Cailin Weller, David Yu Zhang
Summary: In this study, we developed an occlusion system that functions as an efficient fluorescence indicator in HiFi qPCR reactions, improving the detection sensitivity for early cancer diagnosis and drug-resistance mutation identification.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Indukumari M. Sarath, Noyal Mariya Joseph, Imola Jamir
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the clinical diagnosis of leprosy. The results showed that the sensitivity of quantitative real-time PCR for leprosy was 93.1%, and the specificity was 100%. Therefore, the use of real-time PCR as a diagnostic tool for leprosy is strongly recommended.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mei Xie, Tianlan Chen, Xiong Xin, Zongwei Cai, Cheng Dong, Bo Lei
Summary: A method using a digital microfluidic chip and loop-mediated isothermal amplification technology was developed for multiplex detection of foodborne pathogens. The method showed higher sensitivity, simpler operation, higher efficiency, and smaller size compared to the commercial benchtop LAMP method.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Hanyu Fu, Chunyun Zhang, Yuanyuan Wang, Guofu Chen
Summary: As the eutrophication of natural water bodies worsens, harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by harmful algae are becoming more frequent. HABs have become a global ecological problem that poses a serious threat to human health and food safety. It is crucial to establish methods for rapid detection of harmful algal species to provide early warning for HABs. Molecular biology techniques have provided new ideas for the detection of harmful algae and have become a research hotspot. However, current methods can only detect single harmful algal species at a time. Establishing methods for the simultaneous detection of multiple harmful algal species has become a new trend in molecular detection technology.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Chunrong Sun, Nan Jia, Xiaolan Huang, Fei Xiao, Juan Zhou, Yu Zhang, Jin Fu, Zheng Xu, Dong Qu, Xiaodai Cui, Yi Wang
Summary: A rapid detection method for H. influenzae based on MCDA and real-time fluorescence technique was developed, providing a new valuable diagnostic tool with high sensitivity and specificity.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tingyao Zhu, Xiefei Zhou, Wei Zhang, Yue Wu, Jingjing Yang, Liaoyi Xu, Ming Chen, Weiren Dong, Haisheng Xu
Summary: The study developed multiplex and real-time PCR techniques for detecting adulteration in donkey meat, providing high qualitative and quantitative accuracy, which can be applied for commercial foodstuff adulteration detection.
JOURNAL OF FOOD MEASUREMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION
(2021)
Article
Virology
Brigitte Sigrist, Jessica Geers, Sarah Albini, Dennis Rubbenstroth, Nina Wolfrum
Summary: Avian bornaviruses were first identified as causative agents of a disease in parrots in 2008. Currently, detection of these viruses is primarily done through RT-PCR, but existing methods have limitations in specificity and breadth of detection. A new multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay has been developed to overcome these limitations and simultaneously detect and differentiate avian bornaviruses.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Eun-Ji Shin, Soo-Jeong Lee, Hoon-Jae Jeong, Ju-Hoon Lee
Summary: A novel multiplex real-time PCR method was developed for rapid and accurate serogrouping of Escherichia coli O-serotypes, enabling identification in food environments.
Article
Immunology
Di Wang, Xinya Jiao, Haijiang Jia, Shumei Cheng, Xi Jin, Youhua Wang, Yunhua Gao, Xiaofeng Su
Summary: This study developed a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for accurate and sensitive detection and quantification of Verticillium dahliae and V. longisporum, showing that ddPCR is more sensitive and accurate than qPCR for quantifying trace amounts of these pathogens in field samples.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Nikol Reslova, Lucie Skorpikova, Iveta Angela Kyrianova, Jaroslav Vadlejch, Johan Hoglund, Philip Skuce, Martin Kasny
Summary: The study developed two multiplex real-time PCR assays for rapid and accurate identification of gastrointestinal nematode species in ruminants, as well as semi-quantitative estimation of egg numbers. This approach showed higher sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods, improving diagnostic accuracy and allowing for more precise evaluation of anthelmintic efficacy.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chang-Hun Choi, Eiseul Kim, Seung-Min Yang, Da-Som Kim, Seung-Man Suh, Ga-Young Lee, Hae-Yeong Kim
Summary: This study evaluated the applicability of a ddPCR assay for detecting lactic acid bacteria and compared its performance characteristics to those of a qPCR. The results showed that ddPCR is more sensitive than qPCR, but it has limitations in quantifying high bacterial concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheryl S. Y. Yeap, Thanyarat Chaibun, Su Yin Lee, Bin Zhao, Yuan Jan, Chan La-o-vorakiat, Werasak Surareungchai, Shiping Song, Benchaporn Lertanantawong
Summary: The study presents a highly sensitive and selective multiplex assay utilizing an electrochemical DNA sensor and isothermal rolling circle amplification to detect and discriminate three common entero-pathogens in a single reaction. The assay has femtomolar sensitivity and is particularly useful for field- or resource-limited settings.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Sae Rom Hong, Kyoung-Jin Shin
Summary: This study introduces a multiplex quantitative real-time PCR system named BisQuE, which can simultaneously analyze three key features of BS conversion, including efficiency, recovery, and degradation levels. Six BS conversion kits were tested, with NEBNext kit showing the lowest conversion efficiency but also the lowest degradation level among them.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Carlos Aguirre, Evelyn Sanchez, Natalia Olivares, Patricio Hinrichsen
Summary: This study successfully developed a fast and sensitive detection protocol for Naupactus cervinus and Naupactus xanthographus, achieving 100% accuracy in a panel of 480 test samples. The protocol is based on multiplex TaqMan Real-time polymerase chain reaction and allows for species-specific detection with high sensitivity.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Wei Zhao, Laurens T. de Haan, Dirk J. Broer, Yang Zhang, Pengrong Lv, Guofu Zhou
Summary: The article summarizes the development of stratification as a tool for controlling structure formation in LC/polymer materials and the applications of fabricated devices. It focuses on the use of light as a clean and effective trigger to initiate photopolymerization and induce stratification, as well as discusses future challenges and opportunities in this exciting area.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yi Zhang, Xiulan Yang, Yuanyuan Zhan, Yang Zhang, Jialin He, Pengrong Lv, Dong Yuan, Xiaowen Hu, Danqing Liu, Dirk Jan Broer, Guofu Zhou, Wei Zhao
Summary: Doping liquid crystals with zwitterions can result in uniform high-quality textures and a rich variety of electroconvection patterns. Factors such as applied voltage, frequency, and initial alignment influence pattern formation, with the dynamic scattering mode (DSM) being suitable for privacy-protecting smart windows.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fabian L. L. Visschers, Jack Massaad, Paul L. M. J. Neer, Martin D. Verweij, Danqing Liu, Dirk J. Broer
Summary: This study presents a method to create coatings with high-frequency surface dynamics controlled by alternating electric fields. By combining an elastic poly(dimethyl siloxane) network and SU-8 microstructures, the authors achieved resonance effects at frequencies up to 230 kHz, enabling the coatings to produce and detect ultrasound waves underwater. This research demonstrates the potential of these coatings for future ultrasound transducers.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hirotoshi Sakaino, Dirk J. Broer, Stefan C. J. Meskers, E. W. Meijer, Ghislaine Vantomme
Summary: Control over molecular motion is achieved by fabricating cholesteric liquid-crystal networks using circularly polarized light, without the need for chiral dopant or plasticizer. The resulting materials exhibit excellent thermal stability, reversible light-induced memory features, and the ability to fabricate photo-patterned films of liquid-crystal networks with opposite helical senses.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yang Zhang, Weiping Yang, Minzhao Gu, Qunmei Wei, Pengrong Lv, Ming Li, Danqing Liu, Wei Zhao, Dirk J. Broer, Guofu Zhou
Summary: Alignment layers are essential for liquid crystal-based devices, and a simple one-step method using silanes to form an effective homeotropic alignment layer on a glass substrate has been proposed in the study. This method allows for the automatic alignment of LCs and the introduction of additional functional groups for adjusting interface properties, showing promise for the development of flexible LC devices.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaxin Hou, Guiying Long, Wei Zhao, Guofu Zhou, Danqing Liu, Dirk J. Broer, Ben L. Feringa, Jiawen Chen
Summary: Recent developments in artificial molecular machines have allowed for precise control of molecular motion at the nanoscale. However, amplifying this motion to induce macroscopic motion remains a challenge. In this study, we successfully integrated synthetic molecular machines into liquid crystal networks, resulting in complex motion such as bending, wave-like motion, and synchronized helical motion. This research paves the way for the future design of responsive materials with enhanced complex functions.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Roel J. H. van Raak, Dirk J. Broer
Summary: This review discusses the progress that has been made in mimicking natural cilia and flagella using liquid crystal polymers, focusing on techniques such as fibre drawing, additive manufacturing, and replica moulding. Additional emphasis is placed on the emergence of asymmetrical and out-of-plane motions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Roel J. H. Raak, Simon J. A. Houben, Albertus P. H. J. Schenning, Dirk J. Broer
Summary: This study presents a versatile platform for fabricating artificial micrometer-sized cilia with tunable size and high homogeneity. The cilia can bend towards a predetermined side when exposed to heat or UV light, with the response speed and magnitude being adjustable.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuanyuan Zhan, Serena Calierno, Jacques Peixoto, Lars Mitzer, Dirk J. Broer, Danqing Liu
Summary: We demonstrate three-dimensionally steered dynamic liquid mobility on nanoporous liquid crystal polymer coatings. By triggering light and/or electric fields, we can control the liquid motion and collection on the coating surfaces. Additionally, we discover a UV-gated liquid-release effect.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qunmei Wei, Pengrong Lv, Yang Zhang, Jiwen Zhang, Zhuofan Qin, Laurens T. de Haan, Jiawen Chen, Ding Wang, Ben Bin Xu, Dirk J. Broer, Guofu Zhou, Liming Ding, Wei Zhao
Summary: This paper introduces a novel method for helix engineering in chiral cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) using photopolymerization-enforced stratification (PES). The PES-based strategy successfully creates a CLC bilayer structure that reflects both left- and right-handed circularly polarized light (CPL). The engineered hyper-reflective CLCs offer advantages such as the ability to program the center wavelength of hyper-reflection, patterning, and stimuli-responsiveness.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuanyuan Zhan, Dirk J. J. Broer, Danqing Liu
Summary: An innovative strategy is reported to dynamically switch the polarity of a porous membrane, enabling the exchange between apolar and polar liquids. By incorporating a benzoic acid derivative into the original apolar polymer network, the polarity of the membrane can be changed through the formation and breaking of hydrogen bonds. This approach allows for the ejection and reabsorption of polar liquids using UV illumination and visible light, or spontaneous absorption in the dark.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ievgen Kurylo, Joost van der Tol, Nicholas Colonnese, Dirk J. Broer, Danqing Liu
Summary: This study successfully addressed the challenges of high-quality haptic feedback devices by applying dynamic coatings based on photo-responsive liquid crystal network material. The material adapts and changes its elastic properties upon an external stimulus, demonstrating localized change of adaptive modulus with very high resolution.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongyu Zhang, Jacques Peixoto, Yuanyuan Zhan, Mert O. Astam, Tom Bus, Joost J. B. van der Tol, Dirk J. Broer, Danqing Liu
Summary: This paper recreates the unique human ability of extensive perspiration and controlled friction in self-assembled cholesteric liquid crystals. It achieves this by inducing porosity in liquid-bearing material through the controlled-polymerization phase-separation process, and emulating the topography of human fingerprints. The biomimetic fingertip exhibits a controllable anti-sliding property comparable to human fingertips and has potential applications in biomedical instruments and soft robotic devices.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuanyuan Zhan, Dirk J. Broer, Junyu Li, Jiuzhi Xue, Danqing Liu
Summary: Most temperature indicators are designed to monitor temperature rise, but there is a lack of indicators for monitoring temperature decrease. In this study, we develop a new material and system that can monitor temperature decrease from ambient temperature to freezing point or even ultra-low temperature. A dynamic membrane made of a gold-liquid crystal elastomer (Au-LCE) bilayer structure is created, which can open and close during temperature cycles.
MATERIALS HORIZONS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Roel J. H. van Raak, Johan Lub, Albertus P. H. J. Schenning, Dirk J. Broer
Summary: Crosslinked Liquid Crystal Elastomers (CrLCEs) play a crucial role in the development of optoelectronics and photonics, with a wide range of applications including polarisation optics and photoresponsive mechanics. The position of the chiral component in relation to the elastomer network has been found to affect the alignment of the cholesteric material. This study aims to contribute to the versatile platform of CrLCEs by considering the impact of the dopant position on the optical properties.
EMERGING LIQUID CRYSTAL TECHNOLOGIES XVII
(2022)
