Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dongchan Yi, Gwajeong Jeong, Ji-Hun Seo, Myong Jae Yoo, Hyunseung Yang
Summary: Carbon dots (CDs) with tailored surface wettability were investigated as Pickering emulsifiers. The surface-modified CDs showed strong adsorption at the oil-water interface, exhibiting high emulsification behavior. The density of hydrophobic hexyl isocyanates on the CDs affected the emulsification behavior. The application of the surface-modified CDs as emulsifiers in Pickering emulsion polymerization was demonstrated, and the resulting polystyrene particles showed adsorption performance for heavy metal ions and organic dyes, indicating potential for wastewater treatment.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xianchao Yao, Rihui Lin, Yushi Liang, Siyu Jiao, Lei Zhong
Summary: To improve the production efficiency of Pickering emulsion stabilizers prepared from starch, this study applied alcohol precipitation and surface modification. Spherical starch nanoparticles were prepared through nanoprecipitation and then surface-esterified to produce starch nanoparticle acetate. The results showed that the hydrophobicity of the starch nanoparticles was improved by acetylation, and the starch nanoparticle acetate exhibited better stability as an emulsifier.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Fatemeh Heidari, Seid Mahdi Jafari, Aman Mohammad Ziaiifar, Nicolas Anton
Summary: In this study, oil-in-water Pickering emulsions were prepared using modified silica nanoparticles and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. The effects of different conditions on the physicochemical properties and stability of the emulsions were investigated. Results showed that temperature plays the most important role in the treatment of silica nanoparticles and determining the optimal experimental conditions.
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Hao Lu, Yaoqi Tian
Summary: This review discusses the preparation, modification, and application of nanostarch as a food-grade Pickering emulsion stabilizer, emphasizing the importance of hydrophobic modification in enhancing its emulsifying ability. Future research directions include environmentally friendly preparation methods, control of hydrophobicity through modification, and investigation of the digestibility and storage stability of Pickering emulsions stabilized by nanostarch under different conditions.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shweta, Yogesh Kumar, D. C. Saxena
Summary: The research investigated the impact of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) concentration on the physicochemical, functional, pasting, rheological, and structural properties of starch isolated from unpopped fox nut. The modification significantly affected attributes such as water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, solubility, swelling power, and pasting properties. In addition, Pickering emulsions prepared using starch as a particle stabilizer exhibited stability and smaller droplet sizes, showing potential for use in food applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yao Huang, Yunfang Sun, Hui Liu
Summary: This study successfully prepared hydrophobic aerogels from Pickering emulsions stabilized by chitin nanofibers, showing great potential in removing hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) from water. The composite aerogels exhibited high stability, homogeneous hydrophobicity, and selective adsorption capacity for non-aqueous phase HOCs, with improved mechanical resilience and regeneration capabilities. Additionally, they also demonstrated the ability to remove dissolved HOCs from water, highlighting their promising application in HOCs-related water treatment.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Liang Zhang, Ting Xiong, Xian-Fen Wang, Dong-Ling Chen, Xu-Dong He, Chen Zhang, Chunsen Wu, Qian Li, Xiangli Ding, Jian-Ya Qian
Summary: Quinoa starch was developed as a new Pickering emulsifier through enzymatic modification, with studies conducted on its structural characteristics, hydrophilic properties, and emulsifying properties. It was found that the smallest particle size and closest angle to 90 degrees resulted in the best emulsifying performance of EM-9. Additionally, EM quinoa starch showed higher emulsifying capacity at a higher oil volume fraction, indicating potential use in products with higher oil content.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ting Zhang, Jiamin Xu, Jiahui Chen, Zhengquan Wang, Xichang Wang, Jian Zhong
Summary: Protein nanoparticles with different shapes are widely studied for their natural sources, non-toxicity, easy extraction, good surface activity, and emulsion stabilization abilities. The preparation methods can be classified into natural self-assembly, physical, chemical, and enzymatic methods, while the modification methods include physical mixing and chemical crosslinking at the oil/water interface. This research provides insight into the properties of protein nanoparticles and their potential in stabilizing Pickering emulsions.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Bojia Li, Xinyi Wang, Jin Gao, Hongshan Liang, Di Wu, Shang Chu, Xiangwei Zhu, Bin Zhou
Summary: This study compared the effects of simple complexation and assembly on interfacial behavior, using zein and tannic acid as representative protein and polyphenol modules for self-assembly. The results showed that TA-modified zein colloidal particles improved the emulsifying properties and extended the shelf life of Pickering emulsions. The study provides a reference for regulating the surface properties and interface behavior of zein colloidal particles and enriches understanding of colloidal interface assembly.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kuan Du, Beichen Yu, Yimin Xiong, Long Jiang, Jun Xu, Yi Wang, Sheng Su, Song Hu, Jun Xiang
Summary: Bio-oil emulsions were stabilized using solid emulsifiers such as coconut shell coke, modified amphiphilic graphene oxide, and hydrophobic nano-fumed silica. The stability of the emulsions was influenced by the particles used. The emulsion stabilized by Ni/SiO2 showed potential for catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil, inhibiting the polymerization reaction and promoting the conversion of phenolic compounds.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaiyun Wu, Ziyue Wei, Ren Liu, Guanqing Sun, Jing Luo
Summary: In this study, polymer microcapsules based on UV-curable prepolymers were prepared using an emulsion template and photopolymerization. By using UV-curable prepolymers with different chemical structures and functionalities, the shell structure of the microcapsules could be controlled, and the relationship between the shell structure and microcapsule properties was investigated. It was found that adjusting the composition and cross-linking density of the shell could effectively regulate the properties of the microcapsules. Epoxy acrylate-based microcapsules showed superior impermeability, solvent resistance, and barrier and mechanical properties compared to polyurethane acrylate and polyester acrylate-based microcapsules. Using UV-curable prepolymers with high functionality as a shell-forming material could enhance the properties of the microcapsules. The dispersion of microcapsules in the coating matrix was also influenced by the similarity in structure between the microcapsule shell and coating.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Xueying Li, Penghui Sun, Jie Zheng, Shiyi Ou, Caihuan Huang, Juanying Ou, Hua Zhou, Danyue Zhao, Tao Yang, Fu Liu, Liang Fu
Summary: This study introduces a simple and safe method for surface modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) using a food protein lactoferrin (LF). The modified CNCs show improved emulsification performance and modulation of in vitro emulsion lipid digestion.
FOOD STRUCTURE-NETHERLANDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Avinash Singh Patel, SuriyaPrakaash Lakshmibalasubramaniam, Balunkeswar Nayak, Mary Ellen Camire
Summary: The study investigates the modification of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) by adsorbing lauric acid for producing a stable betacarotene O/W Pickering emulsion for nutraceutical beverages. The results showed that the modified CNC above 1.5% (w/v) significantly retained the stability of the emulsion under different dilutions, demonstrating its efficacy as a stabilizer.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Avijit Das, Sarajit Naskar, Manideepa Dhar, Uttam Manna
Summary: PSOGs synthesized from vanillin using a catalyst-free, single-step process showed high purity and excellent load-bearing capacity; the integration of VDOG with a biodegradable polyurethane sponge resulted in an oil-selective absorbent with enhanced water repellency and superior oil-absorption capacity; the synthesized VDOG was successfully extended to efficiently separate surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Junjie Tao, Kaiyun Wu, Yaxin Chen, Wei Li, Yao Gu, Ren Liu, Jing Luo
Summary: In this study, porous polymeric microspheres were prepared using a one-pot strategy involving photopolymerization and organic solvents as porogens. The oil phase, containing organic solvents and photopolymerizable materials, was stabilized in water to form a stable emulsion. Upon UV irradiation, the photopolymerizable materials underwent polymerization to form microspheres, and the subsequent removal of organic solvents resulted in the generation of porous polymeric microspheres. The effects of organic solvents, as well as the chemical structure and concentration of photopolymerizable materials, on the microsphere structure were systematically explored. This strategy allows for the scalable and facile preparation of porous microspheres in a time-saving and energy-saving manner.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zachary Blanchette, Jing Zhang, Sadegh Yazdi, Michael B. Griffin, Daniel K. Schwartz, J. Will Medlin
Summary: Modification of supported metal catalysts with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) can improve site accessibility and reactivity. SAM-first catalysts show higher rates and similar TOF and selectivity compared to metal-first catalysts. Reduced site blocking and smaller particle sizes contribute to the improved activity of SAM-first catalysts.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Laura Paz Herrera, Lucas Freitas de Lima e Freitas, Jiyun Hong, Adam S. Hoffman, Simon R. Bare, Eranda Nikolla, J. Will Medlin
Summary: In this study, the synergistic interactions in encapsulated catalytic structures between the metal core and oxide shell were investigated. The encapsulated catalytic systems displayed higher activity than the supported structures, and the composition and crystallinity of the oxide shell played major roles in catalyst activity.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaixuan Lyu, Hongbo Chen, Jing Gao, Jing Jin, Hengchong Shi, Daniel K. Schwartz, Dapeng Wang
Summary: Using different timescales for single-molecule tracking, we discovered that the kinetics of protein desorption is more complex than previously thought. We observed a transition in the surface residence time distribution of adsorbed proteins from power law to exponential behavior over a large range of timescales. These findings provide new insights into the complexities of protein adsorption and desorption.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Benjamin Greydanus, J. Will Medlin, Daniel K. Schwartz
Summary: The adsorption strengths of organic compounds on metal surfaces are crucial for catalytic reactions, but they can be altered by the presence of solvent in liquid-phase reactions. This study investigates the effect of metal composition on binding strengths in a liquid environment by using the motion of active particles in water to probe the adsorption energies of an organic adsorbate on a range of metal surfaces.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nathanael C. Ramos, J. Will Medlin, Adam Holewinski
Summary: The stable electrochemical potential window of thiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au, Pt, and Cu electrodes is studied systematically in aqueous electrolyte systems. The reductive stability is found to depend on the binding strength of sulfur and competitive adsorption of hydrogen, while the oxidative stability is related to each surface's propensity toward surface oxide formation. The stability of SAMs is also influenced by factors such as SAM defects, intermolecular interactions, SAM thickness, and the ability to directly oxidize or reduce the non-sulfur part of the SAM molecule.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zachary Blanchette, Daniel K. Schwartz, J. Will Medlin
Summary: Controlling reactant adsorption on catalyst surfaces is crucial for reaction activity and selectivity. This study used thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to control activity and selectivity via steric effects. The successful deposition of homogeneous low-density SAMs on the metal surface was demonstrated, and the SAM density significantly influenced reaction activity and selectivity. The low-density SAMs improved reaction rates and showed potential for size-selective reaction control.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Evan A. Bisirri, Thaiesha A. Wright, Daniel K. Schwartz, Joel L. Kaar
Summary: Protein-polymer conjugation is a useful approach to improve protein stability and performance, but polymer-polymer interactions can also affect the properties of polymer-modified proteins. This study demonstrates that by adjusting the ratio of polymers, the productivity of lipase can be optimized, although this may lead to a trade-off between activity and stability.
Article
Electrochemistry
Francisco W. S. Lucas, Nathanael C. Ramos, Daniel K. Schwartz, J. Will Medlin, Adam Holewinski
Summary: Thiolate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are commonly used to modify surface properties, including catalytic activity. It is shown that irreversible changes to the metal surface, caused by the formation and removal of thiolate SAMs, can lead to significant changes in catalytic properties, regardless of specific interactions with reactants.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander H. Jenkins, Erin E. Dunphy, Michael F. Toney, Charles B. Musgrave, J. Will Medlin
Summary: This study investigates the effects of modifying single-atom Rh-1/TiO2 catalysts with functionalized phosphonic acid monolayers on CO2 hydrogenation. The deposition of specific amine-functionalized ligands significantly enhances the catalytic activity and stability of the catalysts. The proximity of the amine functional group to the surface, controlled by adjusting the length of the phosphonic acid tail, plays a crucial role in the reactivity. The modification also improves the selectivity of the catalyst towards CO.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jing Zhang, Chithra Asokan, Gregory Zakem, Phillip Christopher, J. Will Medlin
Summary: This study presents a new approach to prevent sintering of atomically dispersed metals in a reducing atmosphere. By using organophosphonate self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) to modify the properties of oxide supports and weaken the interactions between the metal and reducing gases, the diffusion of metal atoms on oxide supports can be discouraged.
GREEN ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bingjie Jenny Xu, Yunan Wu, Pengxiao Hao, Marc Vermeulen, Alicia McGeachy, Kate Smith, Katherine Eremin, Georgina Rayner, Giovanni Verri, Florian Willomitzer, Matthias Alfeld, Jack Tumblin, Aggelos Katsaggelos, Marc Walton
Summary: X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) plays an important role in elemental analysis, especially in cultural heritage. Conventional pigment identification methods are time-consuming, and recent studies have applied machine learning techniques to automate the process. However, challenges such as pigment mixtures and high noise levels remain. In this study, a deep-learning based framework was developed for automatic pigment identification, which achieved comparable results to conventional analysis methods.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacob K. Kenny, David G. Brandner, Sasha R. Neefe, William E. Michener, Yuriy Roman-Leshkov, Gregg T. Beckham, J. Will Medlin
Summary: Hydrogen-free reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) is a promising method to extract and depolymerize lignin from native biomass. Pt/C and Pd/C achieve comparable monomer yields regardless of hydrogen pressure, while Ru/C and Ni/C show lower yields under H-2-free conditions. Pt/C and Pd/C can form ethyl and propanol products through dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions. Adding water increases the selectivity of propyl products. Similar trends in yield and selectivity are observed for poplar RCF and reactions with coniferyl alcohol, indicating the importance of stabilization rate of reactive monomer intermediates in H-2-free RCF.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Ohad Vilk, Erez Aghion, Tal Avgar, Carsten Beta, Oliver Nagel, Adal Sabri, Raphael Sarfati, Daniel K. Schwartz, Matthias Weiss, Diego Krapf, Ran Nathan, Ralf Metzler, Michael Assaf
Summary: Anomalous diffusion or transport, characterized by the nonlinear relationship between mean-squared displacement and measurement time, is widely observed in nature. Using data from various empirical systems, a method is employed to detect the individual origins of anomalous diffusion and transport. The method identifies three primary effects: long-range correlations, fat-tailed probability density of increments, and nonstationarity. The decomposition of real-life data allows for nontrivial behavioral predictions and resolves open questions in single-particle tracking and movement ecology.
PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH
(2022)
