Article
Chemistry, Physical
E. Nakouzi, S. Kerisit, B. A. Legg, S. Yadav, D. Li, A. G. Stack, C. J. Mundy, J. Chun, G. K. Schenter, J. J. De Yoreo
Summary: Solid-liquid interfaces play a crucial role in various phenomena such as colloidal aggregation, crystallization, catalysis, nucleation, water desalination, and biomolecular assembly. This study investigates the influence of hydrophilic and hydrophobic probes on interfacial solution structure using three-dimensional atomic force microscopy (3D AFM). The results show that hydrophilic probes exhibit good agreement with molecular dynamics simulations, while hydrophobic probes detect vertical oscillatory features without matching the underlying lattice. It is also found that the repulsive hydration force between the probe and mica depends on the nature and concentration of ions in the solution. Based on these findings, a scheme for controlling particle aggregation and attachment outcomes by tuning hydration force is proposed.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shayna M. Rumrill, Vivek Agarwal, Kenneth K. S. Lau
Summary: By tuning reactor conditions, hydrophilic PHEMA was successfully deposited onto hydrophobic PTFE surfaces, transforming the water contact angle from approximately 110 degrees to 20 degrees.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Justin Engstler, Nicolas Giovambattista
Summary: Water-mediated interactions play important roles in aqueous solutions, affecting processes such as protein folding and nanoparticle aggregation. This study investigates the impact of temperature and pressure on different types of interactions between graphene-based surfaces. The results show that hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and hybrid interactions are all sensitive to pressure, while only hydrophobic interactions are significantly affected by temperature variations. The findings have implications for understanding protein denaturation and biomolecular interactions, as well as for the design of water models for molecular and nanoparticle systems under different thermodynamic conditions.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Mohammad Moulod, Saeed Moghaddam
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption mechanism of albumin on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces and finds that hydration significantly increases adsorption. The orientation of albumin depends on local charge effects, while different surface properties have a significant impact on adsorption.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR GRAPHICS & MODELLING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel R. Uhlig, Simone Benaglia, Ravindra Thakkar, Jeffrey Comer, Ricardo Garcia
Summary: Hydration layers form on hydrophilic and hydrophobic crystalline surfaces, but on hydrophobic surfaces, water molecules are expelled and replaced by hydrocarbon molecules near the surface, creating a new interfacial layer.
Article
Physics, Applied
Vivek Pachchigar, Umesh K. Gaur, T. Amrutha, K. P. Sooraj, Sukriti Hans, Sanjeev K. Srivastava, Mukesh Ranjan
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Ar plasma treatment on the surface properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It was found that a superhydrophobic surface could be achieved with specific treatment conditions, but prolonged treatment led to a hydrophilic surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of a yellowish layer on the surface, which was attributed to crosslinking, redeposition of fluorocarbon species, and iron impurities in the plasma system.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Hamid Reza Mohammadi, Hamed Taghvaei, Ataollah Rabiee
Summary: This study investigates the effect of surface modifications on critical heat flux (CHF) and other key parameters. Experimental results demonstrate that hydrophilic films deposited on surfaces significantly increase CHF and heat transfer coefficient (HTC), while hydrophobic films deposited on copper surfaces reduce the onset of nucleate boiling (ONB) by up to 53%.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shun Aoyama, Hiroki Nagasawa, Masakoto Kanezashi, Toshinori Tsuru
Summary: In this study, a novel atmospheric-pressure water vapor plasma modification method was developed to enhance the pervaporation performance of organosilica membranes. The plasma treatment significantly improved the surface hydrophilicity and molecular sieving properties of the membranes, leading to high selectivity and permeance in the dehydration of alcohol solutions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fabio Staniscia, Horacio Guzman, Matej Kanduc
Summary: This study investigates the adsorption behavior of short-chained alcohols to water-vapor interfaces and solid surfaces with different polarities using molecular dynamics simulations. The researchers derive an equation for the adsorption coefficient, which shows exponential dependence on both molecular surface area and surface wetting coefficient. The findings suggest that the influence of surfactants on sessile droplets is strongest on highly hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces, while moderately hydrophilic surfaces are less affected.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luis Humberto Robledo-Taboada, Javier Francisco Jimenez-Jarquin, Fernando Chinas-Castillo, Antonio Mendez-Blas, Santiago Camacho-Lopez, Laura Elvira Serrano-de La Rosa, Magdaleno Caballero-Caballero, Rafael Alavez-Ramirez, Martha Hilaria Bartolo-Aleman, Efren Normando Enriquez-Porras
Summary: This study investigated the effects of surface texturing on friction and wear using different current levels to anodize p-type silicon samples. The results showed that low currents generated mesoporous silicon surfaces with low friction, while high currents generated macroporous silicon surfaces with high friction. The study also revealed a direct correlation between pore size and wear volume, as well as scar diameter.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhenming Wang, Jin Zhao, Wanze Tang, Tongzhong He, Shang Wang, Xiaoqin He, Yang Chen, Dazhi Yang, Songlin Peng
Summary: The novel underwater adhesive designed in this study, based on dynamic hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, exhibits strong adhesion strength and debonding energy. It can be reversibly switched under alternating temperatures, showing versatile functions especially in clinical applications like tissue sealants and hemostatic dressing. This general and efficient strategy has the potential to develop next generation underwater adhesives for various technological and medical applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhibing Zhu, Xuan Zhang, Yugang Zhao, Xiaoyang Huang, Chun Yang
Summary: The freezing characteristics of deposited water droplets on aluminum surfaces were investigated experimentally and theoretically compared with those of sessile droplets. The results showed differences in freezing behavior and frozen shapes between deposited and sessile droplets, depending on surface temperature and wettability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tae Won Go, Hyunsoo Lee, Hyunhwa Lee, Hee Chan Song, Jeong Young Park
Summary: The study found that nanoscale friction behavior is influenced by water layer lubrication under different relative humidity conditions, and the friction produced by the probe on hydrophilic surfaces exhibits superlubricating behavior due to the presence of abundant water molecules, which is of great significance for understanding nanoscale friction phenomena.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Freshteh Sotoudeh, Reza Kamali, Seyed Mahmood Mousavi, Nader Karimi, Bok Jik Lee, Danial Khojasteh
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics of droplets impacting hybrid surfaces with varying wettabilities using a two-phase finite volume method. It is found that the maximum spreading factor for both Newtonian and non-Newtonian droplets is larger on surfaces with linear wettabilities, but minimal on stepwise wetting surfaces. The residence time of Newtonian droplets is longest on surfaces with a linear wettability distribution from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic, while for non-Newtonian droplets, it is longest on stepwise hydrophilic to superhydrophobic surfaces.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jose A. Martinez-Gonzalez, Niall J. English, Aoife A. Gowen
Summary: The molecular dynamics simulations of liquid water adsorbed onto planar silicon surfaces showed that the water density perpendicular to both surfaces was heavily dependent on the degree of hydrophobicity. The position and width of the solvation layers closest to the surfaces also depended on the hydrophobicity. The IR spectra of the first monolayer of adsorbed water displayed similarities to confined-water dynamical behavior but without transitioning into an ice-like structure.
MOLECULAR SIMULATION
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Adriana Pereira, Maria Joao Ramalho, Renata Silva, Vera Silva, Rita Marques-Oliveira, Ana Catarina Silva, Maria Carmo Pereira, Joana A. Loureiro
Summary: The study developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for encapsulating lipophilic natural compounds to delay skin aging. The loaded-SLNs showed stability and maintained their physicochemical characteristics for 30 days. The formulations exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies and loading capacities, as well as high intracellular antioxidant activity. Encapsulating antioxidants in SLNs seems to be a suitable strategy for delivering them to the skin and improving their bioavailability.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jakob B. Wolf, Tomasz M. Stawski, Glen J. Smales, Andreas F. Thuenemann, Franziska Emmerling
Summary: Metal nanoparticles have significant impact in various scientific fields. Silver nanoparticles are particularly interesting due to their antibacterial properties and applications in sensing and catalysis. This study presents an automated approach for synthesizing adjustable nanoparticles using the polyol route, which yields reproducible and tunable colloids.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lidia Cunha, Silvia Castro Coelho, Maria do Carmo Pereira, Manuel A. N. Coelho
Summary: Gold nanoparticles were used to enhance the antioxidant efficacy of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in cancer treatment. The conjugation of EGCG with gold nanoparticles showed better inhibition of cell growth and enhanced apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Luis Moreira, Nuno M. Guimara, Sara Pereira, Rita S. Santos, Joana A. . Loureiro, Maria C. Pereira, Nuno F. Azevedo
Summary: This study evaluates the possibility of using liposomes loaded with fluorescently labeled nucleic acid mimics (LipoNAMs) to image Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. It shows that lipid concentration plays a significant role in the efficiency of liposome fusion and that liposomes increase the permeability of the bacterial cell envelope. The study suggests selecting an appropriate lipid concentration to maximize bacteria detection while maintaining the integrity of bacterial cellular structure.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Stephanie Andrade, Joana A. Loureiro, Santiago Ramirez, Celso S. G. Catumbela, Claudio Soto, Rodrigo Morales, Maria Carmo Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the toxicity of prolonged administration of liposomes composed of neutral or cationic phospholipids. The results showed that cationic liposomes were toxic, leading to higher mortality and negative effects on motor function and inflammation, whereas neutral liposomes did not exhibit toxicity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines David Torres, Joana Angelica Loureiro, Manuel A. N. Coelho, Maria Carmo Pereira, Maria Joao Ramalho
Summary: To overcome the resistance mechanism in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), novel drug delivery systems (DDS) have been developed to improve drug accumulation in brain tumor tissue and minimize systemic toxicity. This review article discusses the current progress in DDS development and the potential risks of using MGMT inhibitors for GBM treatment.
EXPERT OPINION ON DRUG DELIVERY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stephanie Andrade, Joana A. Loureiro, Maria C. Pereira
Summary: This study prepared stealth liposomes for the delivery of gallic acid (GA) to the brain for Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. The liposomes were stable and efficiently released GA, and showed strong interaction with amyloid beta (A beta), slowing down its aggregation and disaggregating preformed fibrils.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Joao Ramalho, Stephanie Andrade, Joana Angelica Loureiro, Maria Carmo Pereira
Summary: Bortezomib, a proteasome inhibitor used for the treatment of multiple myeloma, has limitations in its effectiveness due to its high toxicity and resistance to therapy. This study investigated the interactions between Bortezomib and cell membranes, and found that Bortezomib has a high affinity for membranes and can alter membrane fluidity.
Article
Polymer Science
Jana Hildebrandt, Andreas F. Thuenemann
Summary: Microplastics and nanoplastics are causing pollution in natural environment across the globe, but the exact extent of their hazards remains unclear. While research on microplastics is well advanced, little has been done on nanoplastics due to difficulties in detection. The development of nanoplastics reference materials can help identify and quantify nanoplastics in nature. This study successfully synthesized stable aqueous dispersions of polypropylene nanoparticles without the need for surfactants.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Stephanie Andrade, Debora Nunes, Meghna Dabur, Maria J. Ramalho, Maria C. Pereira, Joana A. Loureiro
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable and current medicines only alleviate symptoms. Natural compounds are gaining popularity as alternatives to synthetic drugs for neurodegenerative disease treatment. This article provides a systematic review of clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of natural compounds for the five most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Stephanie Andrade, Maria J. Ramalho, Silvio B. Santos, Luis D. R. Melo, Rita S. Santos, Nuno Guimaraes, Nuno F. Azevedo, Joana A. Loureiro, Maria C. Pereira
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global health, with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) being a major concern. Nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as a promising approach for treating MRSA infections, acting as antibacterial agents or drug delivery systems. The targeted delivery of NPs to the infection site is crucial for effective treatment, allowing for high concentrations of therapeutics while minimizing toxicity to healthy cells and reducing AMR emergence and disruption of the healthy microbiota.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sarah-Luise Abram, Paul Mrkwitschka, Andreas F. Thuenemann, Joerg Radnik, Ines Haeusler, Harald Bresch, Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba, Ute Resch-Genger
Summary: The rational design and increasing industrial use of nanomaterials require accurate characterization of their properties. Therefore, nanoscale reference materials (nanoRMs) are needed to validate characterization methods. This study developed a small iron oxide nanocube nanoRM to complement existing spherical nanoRMs. The nanoRM was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The certified size parameters, determined with high precision, can be used for quality control of nanomaterial sizing methods. The production of this new iron oxide nanocube RM is an important achievement for the nanomaterial community, manufacturers, and regulators.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jana Hildebrandt, Andreas Taubert, Andreas F. Thuenemann
Summary: We report on the synthesis and characterization of long-term stable gold clusters consisting of approximately 62 gold atoms and with a diameter of 1.15 +/- 0.10 nm. The clusters were successfully synthesized by mixing tetrachloroauric acid with an ionic liquid at specific temperatures. Characterization was performed using various analytical techniques, and a three-stage model was proposed to explain the growth process of the clusters.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suvrat Chowdhary, Robert Franz Schmidt, Anil Kumar Sahoo, Tiemo Tom Dieck, Thomas Hohmann, Boris Schade, Kerstin Brademann-Jock, Andreas F. Thuenemann, Roland R. Netz, Michael Gradzielski, Beate Koksch
Summary: Advanced peptide-based nanomaterials have great potential in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Introducing fluorine into peptides allows for control of their biophysical properties and intermolecular interactions. This study systematically investigates the impact of fluorination on peptide structure and self-assembly by designing amphipathic peptides with different degrees of fluorination. The results demonstrate that fluorination plays a crucial role in peptide fibrillation and hydrogel formation. Molecular simulations provide insights into the role of electrostatically driven intra-chain and inter-chain interactions modulated by side chain fluorination in the self-organization of peptides.
