Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicolo Manfredini, Manuel Merigo, Juri Ilare, Mattia Sponchioni, Davide Moscatelli
Summary: In this work, stable limonene-in-water Pickering emulsions were successfully produced by synthesizing biodegradable nanoparticles through a combination of polymerization techniques. The size of the oil phase and wetting properties of limonene could be strictly controlled by tuning the physico-chemical properties of the nanoparticles. The adoption of thermo-responsive polymer chains within the emulsifiers allowed on-demand destabilization of the emulsions for selective dispensing of limonene by increasing the temperature.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Kojima, Michinari Kohri, Tatsuo Taniguchi, Keiki Kishikawa, Takashi Karatsu
Summary: Electro-optically responsive liquid crystal (LC) nanocapsules were prepared by miniemulsion polymerization of oil-in-water emulsion monomer droplets dissolving LC compounds. The choice of capsule wall-forming monomers played a crucial role in the formation of capsule structure, and copolymerization of fluorine-containing monomers effectively suppressed the interaction between LC compound and capsule wall, allowing LC molecules to repeatedly change their orientation in response to an external electric field.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenqian Zhang, Yongzhou Lin, Fang Liu
Summary: The hybrid nanocrystals of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) were successfully prepared in nanoreactors, showing excellent photocatalytic performance with superoxide ions and holes identified as the active species during the photocatalytic process.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Samira Sanjabi, Jaber Keyvan Rad, Hamid Salehi-Mobarakeh, Ali Reza Mahdavian
Summary: The fabrication of multi-level anti-counterfeiting inks with fast reversibility and enhanced responsivity is a challenging issue. Smart capsules with nanometric size were used to prepare thermo- and photo-switchable nanocapsules. These nanocapsules showed spherical morphology and contained the desired materials in high percentages. The encapsulation of SPOH beside STC moieties enhanced the thermochromic efficiency and enabled multiple responsivities under UV-visible illumination.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xuemei Hou, Huijing Zhao, Ke-Qin Zhang, Kai Meng
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for pH color-changing materials. This study explores the use of different pH indicators mixed with ethyl cellulose to create color-changing nanocapsules. The effects of various factors on the formation and properties of the nanocapsules were investigated. The color-changing nanocapsules were then embedded into sodium alginate hydrogel fibers, enabling pH monitoring of body fluids.
Review
Polymer Science
Guangran Shao, Yuan Liu, Rong Cao, Guang Han, Bing Yuan, Wangqing Zhang
Summary: Thermo-responsive block copolymers have attracted a lot of attention due to their mature synthesis technology, well-defined structure, controllable molecular weight, and easy implementation of their nano-assemblies in water through temperature regulation. Previous reviews have mainly focused on their biomedical applications, but these polymers also show promising potential in temperature-regulated adsorption and/or separation, nanoreactors for green organic synthesis, etc. This review summarizes the recent progress in thermo-responsive assembly in water and highlights the applications of five different thermo-responsive block copolymers beyond the biomedical field.
Article
Spectroscopy
Ruey-Shin Juang, Kuan-Syun Wang, Yu-Wei Cheng, Wei-En Wu, Yu-Hsuan Lin, Ru-Jong Jeng, Li-Ying Huang, Ming-Chien Yang, Shou-Hsuan Liu, Ting-Yu Liu
Summary: Thermo-responsive Raman-enhanced nanocapsules were successfully fabricated, utilizing the change from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity at different temperatures to enhance the sensitivity of surface-enhanced Raman scattering. By optimizing the ratio of AuNPs and F127, the SERS detection effect was significantly improved, enabling rapid detection of various biomolecules.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Juan Li, Zhenjie Lu, Zhengxing Chen, Cheng Li, Yan Du, Chen Chen, Li Wang, Peibin Yu
Summary: The study focused on utilizing wheat bran arabinoxylan to form pH-responsive microgels for oral protein drug delivery. The modified CMAX microgel showed high stability and pH sensitivity, while the controlled release effect in gastrointestinal tract simulation was explored using BSA as the embedding protein. This research provides a new approach for improving protein drug delivery systems.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Di Zhao, Qixuan Zhao, Zhifei Xu, Xiaodi Shi
Summary: Temperature-sensitive nanocapsules with controllable release properties were synthesized using miniemulsion free radical polymerization method. The nanocapsules had high encapsulation efficiency and small average diameter, and the controllable release properties could be achieved under different temperatures by varying the composition of the shell material.
FLAVOUR AND FRAGRANCE JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhenqian Zhang, Yongzhou Lin, Fang Liu
Summary: The preparation of Bi2WO6-CdS hybrid nanocrystals via different processes was studied for their size, distribution, and morphology, showing that dropping strategies, solvothermal conditions, and CdSO4/NaS concentration all have significant effects on their properties, with an increase in CdSO4/NaS concentration leading to gradual enlargement of grain size.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Daniela de Morais Zanata, Maria Isabel Felisberti
Summary: A series of thermo- and pH-responsive triblock copolymers were synthesized and their phase behavior was comprehensively studied. The copolymers exhibited self-assembly into different aggregates depending on pH and temperature conditions.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hongyan Chen, Heng Zhi, Boyuan Feng, Bo Cui, Xiang Zhao, Changjiao Sun, Yan Wang, Haixin Cui, Baohong Zhang, Zhanghua Zeng
Summary: Intelligent nanopesticides Av-Th@QACS can regulate the release of pesticides according to the ambient temperature changes, maximizing synergistic activity and improving utilization efficiency.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Theodore Sentoukas, Costas Demetzos, Stergios Pispas
Summary: The study aims to prepare stimuli-responsive chimeric liposomes containing functional copolymers and conduct aqueous solution studies to determine their self-assembly properties and potential as drug delivery carriers. This involved synthesizing copolymers, preparing chimeric liposomes, and loading drugs to investigate their properties in aqueous solutions.
JOURNAL OF LIPOSOME RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Jing-Yang Pu, Keith P. Johnston, Ping-Keng Wu, Muaaz Ahmad, Ming-Liang Luo, Na Zhang, Ju-Tao He
Summary: A novel synthesis method was proposed to obtain chromium chloride-loaded nanocapsules that can significantly delay the gelation of HPAM. The nanocapsules exhibited tunable size, Cr loading, and Cr entrapment efficiency, and could delay the release of Cr(III) and prolong the gelation time of HPAM.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongrui Hou, Chengdeng Chi, Tianxing Wang, Ying He, Ling Chen, Xiaoxi Li
Summary: Colon-targeting delivery of insulin is of great interest. Insulin-loaded starch-based nanocapsules with different deposition layers of starches were developed and their release properties were studied. Increasing the deposition layers of starches resulted in increased structural compactness and delayed insulin release. Spherical nanocapsules with at least five layers of starches showed high efficiency in delivering insulin to the colon. The mechanism of insulin colon-targeting release is attributed to the changes in the compactness of the nanocapsules and the interactions between deposited starches in response to pH, time, and enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. The interaction between starches can regulate the structures of the nanocapsules for colon-targeting delivery system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenxin Wei, Francesca Mazzotta, Ingo Lieberwirth, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson, Kai A. I. Zhang
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Julian Heuer, Thomas Kuckhoff, Rong Li, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson
Summary: The production of photocatalytic self-assembled amphiphilic polymers enables selective control over reactions based on the substrate's physical properties. By polymerizing benzothiadiazole-based photocatalysts into hydrophilic or hydrophobic compartments, we achieved stark differences in reactivity for polar substrates but similar performance for hydrophobic substrates. Additionally, the use of secondary swelling solvents led to a significant increase in conversion for a radical carbon-carbon coupling reaction.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cyrine Ayed, Jie Yin, Katharina Landfester, Kai A. I. Zhang
Summary: Using photocatalytic oxidation to convert basic chemicals into high value compounds in environmentally benign reaction media is a current focus in catalytic research. The challenge of gaining controllability over product formation selectivity was addressed by designing covalent triazine frameworks as recyclable photocatalysts. Controlled selectivity was achieved by activating or deactivating specific photogenerated oxygen species. This study demonstrates a promising approach for achieving switchable product formation selectivity for challenging oxidation reactions in pure water.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shoupeng Cao, Tsvetomir Ivanov, Marina de Souza Melchiors, Katharina Landfester, Lucas Caire da Silva
Summary: The article discusses the importance of polymersome-based biomimetic nanoreactors (PBNs) in nanomedicine and cell mimicry. It highlights the state of the art in functional polymersomes as biomimetic nanoreactors with membrane-controlled transport.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rong Li, Julian Heuer, Thomas Kuckhoff, Katharina Landfester, Calum T. J. Ferguson
Summary: Pseudo-homogeneous polymeric photocatalysts are efficient and tunable materials with easily accessible catalytic centers. Creating highly efficient photocatalytic materials that can be separated and recovered quickly is a critical challenge. This study presents pH-responsive photocatalytic nanoparticles that are active and well-dispersed under acidic conditions but aggregate upon pH elevation, allowing easy recovery. These responsive photocatalytic polymers can be used in various transformations and can accelerate the reaction rate of anionic substrates.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Susanne Sihler, Markus Kraemer, Felicitas Schmitt, Patrizia Favella, Laura Muetzel, Jennifer Baatz, Frank Rosenau, Ulrich Ziener
Summary: BSA nanogels are efficiently prepared from inverse nanoemulsions using a reproducible process. The nanoreactors in the nanoemulsions allow high protein concentrations in the system. The nanogels can be loaded with various cargos and used as carriers for staining and transfection of cells.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lutong Zhao, Xinlei Wu, Xiangkai Hu, Sijia Zheng, Zhihai Cao
Summary: Phase change microcapsules (PCMCs) with paraffin as the core material were synthesized through in situ polymerization. The melamine-formaldehyde (MF) polymer shell of PCMCs was modified with boron nitride/graphene oxide composite sheets (BN/GO CSs) to enhance the thermal conductivity. The optimized CPCMCs exhibited a significantly increased thermal conductivity of about 190% compared to pure paraffin. The incorporation of BN/GO CSs had no significant influence on the encapsulation process and allowed for high encapsulation rate (>93%) and high phase change enthalpy (approximately 200 J center dot g-1). This research provides valuable insights into incorporating multiple fillers in PCMCs and demonstrates the synergistic effect of BN/GO CSs in improving thermal conductivity without compromising heat storage capacity.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tsvetomir Ivanov, Shoupeng Cao, Nitin Bohra, Marina de Souza Melchiors, Lucas Caire da Silva, Katharina Landfester
Summary: We have developed a fully polymeric microreactor with a coacervate-in-vesicle architecture that exhibits an adaptive response to pH. The microreactor allows for the dynamic modulation of internal subcompartments, resulting in the sequestration and localization of enzymes and reaction products driven by environmental cues.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sijia Zheng, Haiyan Xue, Jun Yao, Yang Chen, Michael A. Brook, Muhammad Ebad Noman, Zhihai Cao
Summary: The development of high-performance thermally conductive interface materials is crucial for addressing the heat dispersion problem in modern microelectronics. However, existing methods have limitations in terms of physical traits and processability. In this study, we propose a novel approach using malleable silicone matrices based on α-lipoic acid cross-linker to create highly efficient thermal conductive composites. These composites have a 3D interconnecting, thermally conductive network and show great potential in advanced electronics, as demonstrated by applications in LEDs and CPUs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ran Wang, Yingjie Yu, Meiyu Gai, Ana Mateos-Maroto, Svenja Morsbach, Xiang Xia, Maomao He, Jiangli Fan, Xiaojun Peng, Katharina Landfester, Shuai Jiang, Wen Sun
Summary: Enzymatic reactions can effectively inhibit tumor growth by consuming tumor nutrients and producing cytotoxic species. Liposomal nanoreactors that perform enzymatic cascade reactions have been developed, increasing the overall efficiency of the reaction. This biomimetic approach provides a promising direction for developing catalytic nanomedicines in antitumor therapy.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Felix D. Goll, Andreas Schelhorn, Dziugas Litvinas, Francisco Tenopala-Carmona, Lev Kazak, Fedor Jelezko, Christoph Lambert, Malte C. Gather, Alexander J. C. Kuehne, Ulrich Ziener
Summary: This study presents a new carbazole-substituted bisterpyridine with pronounced delayed fluorescence. Various photophysical characterizations, OLED characteristics, temperature-dependent NMR spectroscopy, and DFT calculations suggest that the delayed emission is caused by rotational vibrational modes, rather than triplet states. These results have general applicability in the field of organic light emitting materials.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jenny Schunke, Volker Mailaender, Katharina Landfester, Michael Fichter
Summary: Finding a long-term cure for tumor patients remains challenging. Immunotherapies show promise by activating the immune system against tumors and modulating the tumor microenvironment. However, current methods often fail to sufficiently activate the immune system and have limitations such as drug degradation and non-specific uptake. Encapsulating immunomodulatory molecules into nanocarriers offers a solution by protecting cargo and targeting uptake by antigen-presenting cells. This approach allows for versatile immune system stimulation and improved anti-tumor responses with reduced toxicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mareike F. S. Deuker, Volker Mailaender, Svenja Morsbach, Katharina Landfester
Summary: Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is commonly used to reduce unspecific protein adsorption and prolong nanocarrier circulation time, but the presence of anti-PEG antibodies in the bloodstream can counteract its stealth effect. This study found a high concentration and prevalence of anti-PEG antibodies in the German population, which led to higher uptake in macrophages and accelerated blood clearance of PEGylated nanocarriers.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Laura Dietz, Jennifer Oberlaender, Ana Mateos-Maroto, Jenny Schunke, Michael Fichter, Eva-Maria Kraemer-Albers, Katharina Landfester, Volker Mailaender
Summary: This study analyzed the protein composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the protein corona around EVs in human blood plasma using a proteomic approach. The influence of the protein corona on the uptake of EVs by human monocytes was then compared with the uptake of engineered liposomes. The results showed that the presence of a protein corona increased the uptake of EVs in human monocytes, indicating a clear difference between EVs and liposomes as nanocarriers.
JOURNAL OF EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tsvetomir Ivanov, Shoupeng Cao, Thao P. Doan-Nguyen, Heloisa Bremm Madalosso, Lucas Caire da Silva, Katharina Landfester
Summary: There is an increasing interest in multi-compartment systems that mimic the structure and function of biological cells. Droplet-based microfluidics (DBM) has emerged as a powerful technique for creating cell-like systems with multi-compartment architectures and biomimetic functionality. DBM has proven to be a reliable method for generating populations of cell-mimics with a compartment-in-compartment structure, some of which have adaptable properties that resemble the dynamic properties of natural cells. This review highlights the progress made in the construction of hierarchical cell-mimics using DBM methods.