Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ida Mattsson, Johanna Majoinen, Manu Lahtinen, Thomas Sandberg, Anna Fogde, Tiina Saloranta-Simell, Orlando J. Rojas, Olli Ikkala, Reko Leino
Summary: Conformational rigidity plays a crucial role in the self-assembly and liquid crystallinity of block molecules. The stereochemistry of carbohydrate-based assemblies is an important parameter to be considered in material design.
Article
Polymer Science
Ziyi Pan, Shuxi Gao, Yifang Zhao, Bing Liao, Yihua Cui, Jianwei Guo, Hao Pang
Summary: A series of ternary thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyesters were synthesized by a one-pot melt condensation method using 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (HNA), and 4-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid (4-HNA). The introduction of asymmetric 4-HNA blocks into the backbone provided a torsion axis to regulate the dense stacking between different main-chains, resulting in high glass transition temperature values and relatively low melting temperature values. The incorporation of 4-HNA also influenced the crystallinity and morphology of the copolyester fiber.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joselle M. McCracken, Brian R. Donovan, Kelsey M. Lynch, Timothy J. White
Summary: Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCE) are stimuli-responsive materials with a distinguished mechanical response. Recent studies have shown that preparing LCE using a liquid crystalline diacrylate with reduced mesogen-mesogen interaction enhances and sharpens the thermotropic actuation of these materials. Three common synthetic methods demonstrate robust composition-response correlations in LCE, and the enhanced thermotropic response of LCE prepared from this precursor increases the thermomechanical efficiency by sixfold, addressing important limitations in utilizing the thermal response of LCE in robotics, health care, and consumer goods.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bo Seok Song, Jun Young Lee, Sun Hwa Jang, Wan-Gyu Hahm
Summary: High-speed melt spinning can increase the tensile strength and modulus of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer fibers, but caution should be taken to avoid the characteristic skin-core structure formed at high draft and low spinning temperature to improve mechanical properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohamed Alaasar, Silvio Poppe
Summary: This study reports the design, synthesis, and molecular self-assembly of photosensitive hockey-stick polycatenars, and investigates their liquid crystalline behavior and photoinduced transformations.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Tianran Chen, Jier Y. Han, David A. Okonski, Dana Kazerooni, Lin Ju, Donald G. Baird
Summary: The study successfully incorporated varying concentrations of TLCP into a PA matrix using a dual extrusion process for the manufacture of filament for FFF. Rheological analyses were used to select processing conditions that minimized PA degradation. The optimal 3D-printing temperature was determined to yield components with the best mechanical properties.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peng Wei, Hejuan Lou, Wei Wang, Shaonan Geng, Yanping Wang, Yumin Xia, Yimin Wang, Mingli Jiao
Summary: Wholly aromatic phosphorus-containing thermotropic liquid crystal polymers were successfully synthesised via one pot melt polymerisation method in this study. The copolyesters showed high thermal stability, good liquid crystal behaviour, and excellent processing ability, making them promising for potential use in the safety protection field.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Won Jun Lee, Lee Ku Kwac, Hong Gun Kim, Jin-Hae Chang
Summary: The effects of heat treatment on TLCP fibers were investigated, showing that heat-treated fibers have improved thermo-mechanical properties and more developed fiber morphology.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vivek P. Chavda, Sathish Dyawanapelly, Shilpa Dawre, Ines Ferreira-Faria, Rajashri Bezbaruah, Niva Rani Gogoi, Praveen Kolimi, Divyang J. Dave, Ana Claudia Paiva-Santos, Lalitkumar K. Vora
Summary: Liquid crystal-based nanoformulations are efficient in delivering drugs and therapeutics to specific biological sites. Lyotropic liquid crystalline phases (LLCPs) have unique characteristics that make them promising drug delivery systems, offering improved drug loading, stability, and controlled release. Factors such as molecule shape, microsegregation, and chirality play important roles in the formation of these liquid crystalline phases. Additionally, due to their similarity to biological membranes, liquid crystals demonstrate higher bioadhesivity and biocompatibility, making them more effective for targeted drug delivery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fergal P. Byrne, Jamie M. Z. Assemat, Amy E. Stanford, Thomas J. Farmer, James W. Comerford, Alessandro Pellis
Summary: This study presents the enzymatic synthesis of linear polyesters as a greener alternative to non-degradable plastics, addressing environmental concerns. These synthesized polymers can effectively chelate metals in biphasic green solvent systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Enosha Harshani De Silva, Bruce M. Novak
Summary: Carbodiimide polymers with bulky branched aliphatic and octadecyl side chains were studied for their solid and solution properties. It was found that polycarbodiimides containing octadecyl and branched alkyl side chains exhibited different thermal events at around 30 degrees C, and increased branched alkyl side chains led to decreased thermal stability. Lyotropic liquid crystallinity was observed in branched copolymers with a combination of branched alkyl side chains and octadecyl functional groups in different ratios.
Article
Polymer Science
Angel Romo-Uribe, A. Reyes-Mayer, M. Caliixto Rodriguez, E. Sarmiento-Bustos
Summary: The influence of thermal annealing on mechanical relaxations and microstructure of a high performance thermotropic copolyester was investigated. Thermal annealing resulted in molecular rearrangements, improved elastic modulus and mechanical failure temperature, induced phase transformation and increased crystallinity, and affected the correlation of repeat unit matching.
Article
Polymer Science
Massimo Marcioni, Jenny Alongi, Elisabetta Ranucci, Mario Malinconico, Paola Laurienzo, Paolo Ferruti, Amedea Manfredi
Summary: This paper discusses the synthesis and characterization of semi-crystalline hydrophobic PAAs, which have good solubility, thermal properties, water resistance, overall stability, and fire resistance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjie Bi, Zhiyuan Zheng, Yue Wang, Ziyang Shi, Kunlun Wang, Yingliang Liu, Shengang Xu, Shaokui Cao
Summary: This study successfully synthesized fluorinated triphenylene monomers and polymers with discotic liquid crystalline polymer structures, and investigated their structures and properties using various characterization methods. The polymers exhibited good thermal stability and showed different liquid crystalline phases. This research is important for structural modifications of discotic liquid crystalline polymers and has potential applications in organic optoelectronics.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junyao Shen, Xinyi Gao, Zhen Liu, Ling Zhao, Zhenhao Xi, Weikang Yuan
Summary: Density functional theory was used to investigate the catalytic polymerization mechanism of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer. The rate-limiting step was found to be the transesterification reaction, which can be significantly lowered by zinc carboxylate catalyst. The influence of the carboxylate group on catalytic efficiency was revealed, and zinc pivalate showed the highest activity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Deva D. Chan, Maleeha Mashiatulla, Jun Li, Ryan D. Ross, Meghana Pendyala, Amit Patwa, Mark W. Grinstaff, Anna Plaas, D. Rick Sumner
Summary: This study uses contrast-enhanced micro-computed tomography to track the spatiotemporal patterns of cartilage and bone degeneration in a mouse model of osteoarthritis. The findings provide important insights for the development of targeted therapies for osteoarthritis.
ANATOMICAL RECORD-ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE ANATOMY AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Aaron H. Colby, Jack Kirsch, Amit N. Patwa, Rong Liu, Beth Hollister, William McCulloch, Joanna E. Burdette, Cedric J. Pearce, Nicholas H. Oberliels, Yolonda L. Colson, Kebin Liu, Mark W. Grinstaff
Summary: The distribution of fluorescently labeled expansile nanoparticles (eNPs) in vivo is crucial for the success of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. Quantitative evaluation of eNPs' biodistribution in a murine model of intraperitoneal mesothelioma was conducted using synthesized 14C-labeled eNPs and liquid scintillation counting. The results showed a strong tumor specificity of eNPs, with an overall delivery efficiency of 30% to the tumor tissue, which is higher than other nanoparticle delivery systems. Administration routes had a significant impact on eNPs' targeting strategy, with intraperitoneal administration leading to tumor accumulation while intravenous administration resulted in rapid clearance and low tumor accumulation. These findings lay the foundation for targeting intraperitoneal tumors and exploring alternative delivery routes for nanoparticle therapies.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Lillian L. Tsai, Danielle M. Fitzgerald, Rong Liu, Jenny T. Korunes-Miller, Eliza Neal, Yin P. Hung, Samantha Bilton, Aaron Hata, Mark W. Grinstaff, Yolonda L. Colson
Summary: A PDX surgical resection model of non-small cell lung cancer was established in mice, and it was found that intraoperative placement of drug-loaded meshes significantly improved local disease treatment, suggesting a potential improvement in recurrence-free survival for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients.
ANNALS OF THORACIC SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy, Eufemio Moreno-Pineda, Aline M. Nonat, Benoit Heinrich, Lydia Karmazin, Loic J. Charbonniere, Mario Ruben
Summary: This study reports on the luminescent and/or single-molecule magnet characteristics of two new lanthanide complexes. These complexes have potential applications in molecule-based spintronics, memory, and quantum information processing.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benoit Heinrich, Patrick Kekicheff, Arnaud Hemmerle, Philippe Fontaine, David Martel
Summary: The aligned titanium oxide nanowires with anisotropic optical-electronic properties were studied using grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering measurements. The chemical composition was identified as H2Ti3O7 · nH(2)O with n approximately equal to 1, and the crystallographic data revealed a monoclinic cell with a lamellar substructure. Despite the doubling of the lattice in the layer plane, the cell parameters were similar to those of H2Ti3O7. Comparisons of the band gap energy values and electronic transition modes between the two polymorphs showed differences that could be attributed to the structural variation.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Veronica Conejo-Rodriguez, Bertrand Donnio, Benoit Heinrich, Roberto Termine, Attilio Golemme, Pablo Espinet
Summary: Rh-I complexes with different isocyanide ligands were synthesized and their self-assembly, aggregation, and nanostructure were studied. Alkoxy-functionalized triphenylene-arylisocyanides exhibited mesogenic behavior and showed high hole mobility in the columnar mesophases. These findings provide valuable insights into the design of supramolecular materials with improved electronic properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Danielle M. Fitzgerald, Yolonda L. Colson, Mark W. Grinstaff
Summary: Pressure-sensitive adhesives, commonly found in households, have various applications in everyday life. With advancements in material and polymer science, these adhesives are transitioning from commodity to specialty materials, leading to new clinical uses and improved patient care.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Janah Shaya, Jean-Charles Ribierre, Gabriel Correia, Yannick J. Dappe, Fabrice Mathevet, Loic Mager, Benoit Heinrich, Stephane Mery
Summary: By introducing short dimethylsiloxane chains, the crystalline state of CBP can be suppressed, leading to different types of organization, including a soft crystal, a fluid liquid crystal mesophase, and a liquid state. X-ray scattering analysis shows that all organizations exhibit a layered configuration with alternating CBP cores and siloxane. The different organizations of CBP primarily differ in their molecular packing regularity, which modifies the interactions between neighboring conjugated cores. Consequently, the thin film absorption and emission properties of the materials vary, correlating with their chemical architectures and molecular organizations.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhao Feng, Xuelong Liu, Kentaro Imaoka, Tomohiro Ishii, Ganbaatar Tumen-Ulzii, Xun Tang, George F. Harrington, Benoit Heinrich, Jean-Charles Ribierre, Lise-Marie Chamoreau, Lydia Sosa Vargas, David Kreher, Kenichi Goushi, Toshinori Matsushima, Guijiang Zhou, Fabrice Mathevet, Chihaya Adachi
Summary: A rare example of 2D organic-inorganic perovskite incorporating strong acceptors, such as naphthalene diimide (NDI), between inorganic sheets is presented. This hybrid architecture forms highly air-stable thin films and exhibits a rare type II heterojunction, allowing efficient exciton dissociation and easy confinement of holes and electrons in the inorganic and organic sublayers, respectively. The resulting p-n heterojunction shows significantly improved photoconduction properties compared to a similar 2D perovskite structure containing optically and electrically inert alkyl chains as organic components.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chloe Grazon, Elisabeth Garanger, Pierre Lalanne, Emmanuel Ibarboure, James E. Galagan, Mark W. Grinstaff, Sebastien Lecommandoux
Summary: Polymeric micelles based on natural diblocks, such as elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) and oligonucleotide (ON), have advantageous properties in terms of molecular recognition, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. This study reports a straightforward synthesis of ON-b-ELP diblock bioconjugates through copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The resulting micelles self-assemble above their critical micelle temperature (CMT) to form stable structures, and they retain their stability and temperature sensitivity when binding with proteins.
Article
Orthopedics
Heta Orava, Petri Paakkari, Jiri Jantti, Miitu K. M. Honkanen, Juuso T. J. Honkanen, Tuomas Viren, Anisha Joenathan, Petri Tanska, Rami K. Korhonen, Mark W. Grinstaff, Juha Toyras, Janne T. A. Makela
Summary: In this study, a triple contrast agent was used to image and segment cadaveric knee joints in CT. The results showed that large BiNPs do not diffuse into cartilage, facilitating straightforward segmentation. The concentration of CA4+ was significantly higher in femoral cartilage than in tibial cartilage, corresponding to the biomechanical differences observed. This suggests that triple contrast agent CT has potential for assessing cartilage morphology and condition in a clinical setting.
JOURNAL OF ORTHOPAEDIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xuelong Liu, Narayanaswamy Kamatham, Zhangsheng Shi, Shidong Yu, Qing Ren, Kentaro Imaoka, Chin-Yiu Chan, Benoit Heinrich, Robin Troiville-Cazilhac, Lise-Marie Chamoreau, Lydia Sosa Vargas, David Kreher, Youichi Tsuchiya, Toshinori Matsushima, Xiankai Chen, Fabrice Mathevet, Chihaya Adachi
Summary: Type II heterostructures formed by organic semiconducting ligands and inorganic layers in 2D hybrid perovskites can provide separate paths for electron and hole transport. This study investigates a new lead-based 2D Dion-Jacobson perovskite structure with terphenyl diammonium salts as organic spacers, and finds that it exhibits type II heterostructure behavior, enabling electron and hole transport within the inorganic and organic sublayers, respectively. The charge transport properties of this unique type II 2D perovskite heterostructure are successfully studied for the first time, showing electron and hole mobilities of 0.3 cm(2) V-1 s(-1) and 7.0 x 10(-4) cm(2) V-1 s(-1), respectively. This work provides valuable insights into the charge transport mechanisms of type II heterostructures and opens up potential applications in optoelectronic devices for Dion-Jacobson-type 2D perovskites.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Sue Zhang, Kathryn Regan, Julian Najera, Mark W. Grinstaff, Meenal Datta, Hadi T. Nia
Summary: Cancer initiation and progression lead to significant changes in the microenvironment at the interface between healthy and malignant tissue, known as the peritumor. The peritumor is characterized by unique physical and immune attributes, which contribute to tumor progression through interconnected mechanical signaling and immune activity. Understanding and targeting the biomarkers and therapeutic targets in the peritumor is crucial for future cancer research and clinical advancements, particularly in overcoming resistance to immunotherapy.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fabien Ceugniet, Amina Labiod, Denis Jacquemin, Benoit Heinrich, Fanny Richard, Patrick Leveque, Gilles Ulrich, Nicolas Leclerc
Summary: Thanks to the rise of efficient push-pull non-fullerene acceptors (NFAs), the power conversion efficiency of bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells has reached over 18% for binary active layers. In this study, a new series of NFAs called BTTs were designed and synthesized, utilizing the uncommon BODIPY unit as the central electron accepting unit. These BTT molecules exhibited low optical bandgaps, high extinction coefficients, and suitable energy levels for efficient electron-donor molecules. Despite the unfavorable orientation, the most efficient derivative achieved a PCE of around 6%, one of the best results for a BODIPY-based NFA.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kosuke Kaneko, Atsuhiko Mandai, Benoit Heinrich, Bertrand Donnio, Tomonori Hanasaki
Summary: Novel hybrid silsesquioxane-based liquid crystalline derivatives with varied lengths of spacers and tails have been synthesized and their thermal behavior and liquid crystal phase structures have been investigated. The results showed that the choice of side-on attachments plays a crucial role in the formation of liquid crystal phases.
