Article
Polymer Science
Lu Han, Lingxiao Li, Rongsheng Gao, Xueyan Liu, Chengyou Kan
Summary: Researchers have prepared stable and uniform core/shell polymer particles using a simple method, and investigated their adsorption behavior towards heavy metal ions. The core/shell particles showed high selectivity and adsorption capacity, indicating promising applications in water treatment.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ryohei Morimoto, Toyoko Suzuki, Hideto Minami
Summary: This study investigates the influence of initiator type on the morphology of PP/PS composite particles. It was found that cationic initiator VA-044 led to the formation of multilayer structures in the composite particles, while the nonionic initiator VA-086 resulted in void structures with a PP shell encapsulating the PS phase. Anionic initiator V-501 led to PS primarily attaching to the outer surfaces of PP particles. These differences were due to electrostatic interaction between the initiator and PP particles of negative zeta potential.
Article
Polymer Science
Xin Guan, Jingjing Wei, Yufei Xia, To Ngai
Summary: In this study, a direct approach for the fabrication of noncovalent raspberry-shaped microgels was developed. This approach utilizes electrostatically driven heterocoagulation of binary microgels with complementary functional groups at the oil-water interface. The results show that the addition of hexanoic acid improves the hydrophobicity and interfacial activity of microgels, and raspberry-shaped microgels achieve high coverage on the droplet surface, resulting in an elastic interface and excellent stability of emulsions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaohui Meng, Zhenpeng Wang, Yan Qiao, Dong Qiu
Summary: A stoichiometric seeded growth strategy enables the massive production of mono disperse colloidal silica with excellent batch-to-batch reproducibility. The size of the colloidal silica can be precisely controlled by the precursor/seed ratios, and monodisperse colloidal silica can be obtained from polydisperse seed particles, reducing the cost.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luyao Wang, Qingbo Wang, Emil Rosqvist, Jan-Henrik Smatt, Qiwen Yong, Lippo Lassila, Jouko Peltonen, Thomas Rosenau, Martti Toivakka, Stefan Willfoer, Patrik Eklund, Chunlin Xu, Xiaoju Wang
Summary: Fabricating bio-latex colloids with core-shell nanostructure is an effective method for obtaining films with enhanced mechanical characteristics. Nano-sized lignin is rising as a class of sustainable nanomaterials that can be incorporated into latex colloids. The correlation between surface chemistry of lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) and integration efficiency in latex colloids and from it thermally processed latex films is explored.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun He, Ying Chen, Li Zhang, Jianbo Tan
Summary: In this study, stimulus-responsive vesicles are prepared by photoinitiated RAFT seeded emulsion polymerization. The obtained vesicles can transform into different shapes and be used for controlled release of cargos in the presence of reactive oxygen species.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Caroline Fiorio Grilo, Arthur Sant'Ana Cavichini, Marcos Tadeu D'Azeredo Orlando, Alex Cardoso Bastos, Kyssyanne Samihra Santos Oliveira, Livia Rodrigues Garcez, Mayara Bandeira, Adeildo Costa Junior, Anita Ruschi, Karen Fadini, Flavia Garonce, Rafael Carvalho Neves, Danielle Peron D'Agostini, Fabian Sa, Valeria da Silva Quaresma
Summary: After the Fundao iron ore mining dam rupture in November 2015, yellow/ocher emulsions were observed on the continental shelf adjacent to the Doce River, composed of nanoparticles of iron oxyhydroxide. Analysis revealed the presence of micelles made up of these nanoparticles enveloped by organic polymers, which may act as a self-assembly template seed after losing water. This study highlighted the distinct behavior of tailings material compared to clay minerals previously found in suspended particulate material before the dam rupture.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
Aniket Pradip Udepurkar, Wim Dermaut, Christian Clasen, Simon Kuhn
Summary: In this article, a new system combining an ultrasonic microreactor with a tubular reactor is introduced for the continuous production of polymer nanoparticles. The system demonstrates the continuous generation of cross-linked polymer nanoparticles using the monomer butyl methacrylate and the cross-linker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The article investigates the miniemulsion polymerization of a monomer-in-water miniemulsion in a batch system and then utilizes a coiled tubular reactor for the continuous polymerization. The study also examines the impact of monomer volume fraction and surfactant concentration on the synthesized nanoparticles. The system showcased in this research successfully synthesizes polymer particles ranging from 50 to 250 nm in size and achieves a high polymerization conversion.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shuaiqi Yang, Li Zhang, Ying Chen, Jianbo Tan
Summary: Multifunctional macro-RAFT agents with well-defined structures were synthesized by green light-activated photoiniferter RAFT polymerization for the synthesis of graft copolymers and assemblies. Comparison between linear block copolymers and graft copolymers in RAFT-PISA behaviors showed that graft copolymers facilitated the creation of polymer nanoparticles with higher-order morphologies.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaohui Meng, Dong Qiu
Summary: In addition to chemical composition, surface morphology can provide colloidal nanoparticles with special interfacial behaviors, which are highly desired in certain scenarios such as ultra-stable Pickering emulsion for pharmaceutical applications with limited chemical choices. This study demonstrates a kinetically-controlled seeded growth strategy for regulating the surface morphology of silica colloidal nanoparticles, using silica as a model system.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qichao Zhang, Ruiming Wang, Ying Chen, Li Zhang, Jianbo Tan
Summary: A method of aqueous seeded photoinitiated polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) for the precise preparation of block copolymer vesicles at room temperature has been reported. By changing the total degree of polymerization (DP) of the hydrophobic block, one can easily tune the membrane thickness of the vesicles, while also preparing vesicles with different compositions without compromising morphology and colloidal stability.
Article
Polymer Science
Amrish Kumar Padmakumar, Nikhil K. Singha, Muthupandian Ashokkumar, Frank A. Leibfarth, Greg G. Qiao
Summary: Advances in nanomolecular engineering have led to the development of technology using ultrasonic irradiation to initiate polymerization. In this study, ultrasound-assisted reversible addition chain-transfer (Sono-RAFT) polymerization was used to compare batch and continuous flow polymerization methods on monomer conversion, polymer molar mass, and dispersity using different monomer substrates. Results showed that continuous flow polymerization had higher monomer conversion compared to batch reactions under the same conditions. Continuous flow reactors with stainless-steel microreactors provided higher cavitation intensity and lower oxygen contamination, making Sono-RAFT possible at higher monomer concentrations. These findings have implications for mechanochemistry and the practical and sustainable implementation of sonochemically regulated polymerization.
Article
Polymer Science
Svitlana Railian, Yasemin Fadil, Vipul Agarwal, Tanja Junkers, Per B. Zetterlund
Summary: The modification of graphene oxide (GO) sheets and their application in emulsion polymerization were explored in this study, showing that stable latexes and nanocomposite films can be successfully obtained using GO and GO-COOH, while encountering colloidal instability when synthesizing GO-PMMA and GO-PDEGA.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Likui Wang, Florian Ion Tiberiu Petrescu, Jing Liu, Hongping Li, Gang Shi
Summary: Dimpled particles with different morphologies can be synthesized through the polymerization of swelled seed particles. These particles can be used in the fabrication of superhydrophobic coatings.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yupaporn Niyom, Daniel Crespy, Adrian E. Flood
Summary: Encapsulation of poorly soluble drugs in polymer nanoparticles using the miniemulsion-solvent evaporation technique is a common strategy to increase drug bioavailability. The importance of drug solubility and miscibility in the polymer phase for selecting the optimal polymer matrix is investigated, with calculations of interaction parameters and solubility parameter differences used to determine feasibility of drug encapsulation.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marius Schoettle, Tobias Lauster, Lukas J. Roemling, Nicolas Vogel, Markus Retsch
Summary: Researchers have developed a general synthetic approach to creating continuous size gradient colloidal ensembles. By synthesizing a dispersion with a specifically designed gradual particle size distribution and then allowing self-assembly, they obtained a photonic colloidal glass with a continuous size gradient. Characterization methods demonstrated the potential of this mesostructure, including vivid structural colors and superior light scattering across the gradient.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(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.
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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Moritz Scholl, Nicolas Vogel, Steffen Lang
Summary: This article presents a novel strategy for manufacturing the main insulation of high-voltage rotating machines using electrostatic powder coating equipment. The process is fully automated, allowing for precise and reproducible application of homogeneous powder coating layers. The strategy improves powder adhesion and minimizes defect density, surpassing the state-of-the-art process in terms of partial discharge activity.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eric S. A. Goerlitzer, Meichen Zhan, Sukyung Choi, Nicolas Vogel
Summary: Colloidal lithography is a simple and convenient method for fabricating complex nanostructures using self-assembled particle monolayers as lithographic masks. However, imperfections in the process can impair the optical quality of arrayed nanostructures. This study emphasizes the importance of detailed structure-property relationships and reveals the individual role of packing order, organic impurities, and solid polymer bridges on the optical properties of nanohole arrays.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lukas J. Roemling, Gudrun Bleyer, Eric S. A. Goerlitzer, Georgy Onishchukov, Nicolas Vogel
Summary: Colloidal crystals are ideal models for studying self-assembly and structural coloration due to their periodic nature aligning with visible light wavelengths. This study compares two assembly methods for colloidal crystals and examines the influence of imperfections on structural coloration. The findings demonstrate the robustness of structural coloration in the presence of defects and irregularities.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Eric Sidney Aaron Goerlitzer, Mario Zapata-Herrera, Ekaterina Ponomareva, Deborah Feller, Aitzol Garcia-Etxarri, Matthias Karg, Javier Aizpurua, Nicolas Vogel
Summary: Molecular chirality is transferred to plasmonic lattice modes, providing a effective and tunable means to control chirality. Non-close packed, periodic arrays of achiral gold nanoparticles embedded in a polymer film are used to demonstrate this chirality transfer. The surface lattice resonances become optically active in the presence of chiral molecules, showing handedness-dependent excitation. Numerical simulations and a semi-analytical model rationalize this chirality transfer.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Loris Busch, Anna Maria Hanuschik, Yuri Avlasevich, Katrin Darm, Elisa F. F. Hochheiser, Christian Kohler, Evgeny A. A. Idelevich, Karsten Becker, Peter Rotsch, Katharina Landfester, Maxim E. E. Darvin, Martina C. C. Meinke, Cornelia M. M. Keck, Axel Kramer, Paula Zwicker
Summary: Hair follicles are important drug delivery targets for skin antisepsis due to their high concentration of skin microbiome. Nanoparticles can penetrate deeply into hair follicles and can be triggered to release drugs through various mechanisms. The study introduces UV-responsive nanocapsules containing hydroxyethyl starch, which demonstrated efficient release of ethanol and a strong reduction in microbial load on porcine ear skin. The findings suggest the potential for advanced skin antisepsis using UVA-responsive nanocapsules.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Atsushi Fujiwara, Junwei Wang, Shotaro Hiraide, Alexander Goetz, Minoru T. Miyahara, Martin Hartmann, Benjamin Apeleo Zubiri, Erdmann Spiecker, Nicolas Vogel, Satoshi Watanabe
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are microporous adsorbents with unique adsorption characteristics for high-throughput gas separation. However, compacting these particles into macroscopic pellets can lead to mass-transport limitations. This study addresses this issue by forming materials with structural hierarchy using a supraparticle-based approach. The results demonstrate that pellets packed with supraparticles exhibit a significantly faster adsorption rate compared to unstructured pellets, highlighting the importance of controlling structural hierarchy for maximizing material performance.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Salvatore Chiera, Melissa Ghetina, Thomas Zimmermann, Susanne Wintzheimer, Claudia Stauch, Peer Loebmann, Karl Mandel, Nicolas Vogel
Summary: Liquid-infused surfaces with remarkable repellency properties have wide applications in maintaining clean and high-performing surfaces. The use of polydopamine (PDA) as a base layer offers the advantage of adhering to any substrate and being chemically modified. Strategies to improve the mechanical stability of these coatings have been explored, including incorporating imidazole during film formation and forming a composite with a siliceous porous coating. These strategies exhibit improved resistance to shearing and dynamic impact, and the enhanced mechanical properties are successfully transferred to liquid-infused surfaces.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Julius Marhenke, Tobias Dirnecker, Nicolas Vogel, Mathias Rommel
Summary: This study focuses on the challenges and issues encountered with PDMS material in microfluidic deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) devices, particularly the pressure-induced effects related to particle separation. The study found that PDMS deformation can be solved by thermal annealing, leading to improved separation performance in the devices. However, increased stiffness also constrains the maximum applicable throughput. The study derives an iterative model for calculating pressure distribution and deformation using measurements and numerical simulations, explaining the observed separation characteristics and throughput constraints.
MICROFLUIDICS AND NANOFLUIDICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
M. Christhy V. V. Ruiz, Markus Terlinden, Matthias Engelhardt, Giulia Magnabosco, Georg Papastavrou, Nicolas Vogel, Matthias Thommes, Julien Bachmann
Summary: A geometrically tunable nanoporous system with enhanced active surface area is fabricated by stacking spheres in cylindrical pores. Straight, constricted pores are obtained through anodization of metallic aluminum. Polystyrene spheres are assembled inside the pores and serve as a filter. The system's geometry is determined by mechanical stacking rather than surface chemical interactions.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(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.