Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gabriele Tullii, Federico Gobbo, Alex Costa, Maria Rosa Antognazza
Summary: The study introduced a novel photoactive biohybrid interface based on nanotechnology, which can deterministically regulate stomatal aperture of Arabidopsis thaliana by optical excitation of polymer beads. Additionally, the optical excitation of the bio-polymer hybrid interfaces was found to modulate cytosolic calcium ions concentration.
ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chamikara Karunasena, Shi Li, Michael C. Heifner, Sean M. Ryno, Chad Risko
Summary: This study investigates how variations in molecular design and processing chemistry influence the structure, dynamics, and aggregation tendencies of donor-acceptor oligomers in solution using quantum-chemical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. The results reveal preferential rotational isomer populations based on oligomer chemistry, solvent environment, and oligomer concentration. Questions are raised regarding the current emphasis on noncovalent intramolecular interactions in the design of OSC building blocks.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Gagandeep Ahluwalia, Jegadesan Subbiah, Valerie D. Mitchell, Nicolau Saker Neto, David J. Jones
Summary: This study demonstrates a strategy to synthesize fully conjugated amphiphilic diblock copolymers in a one-pot reaction by combining Suzuki and Stille pseudoliving polymerizations.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ting-Wei Chang, Yu-Ching Weng, Yi-Ting Tsai, Yuanwen Jiang, Naoji Matsuhisa, Chien-Chung Shih
Summary: The manipulation of the polymer backbone structure has a profound influence on the crystalline behavior and charge transport characteristics of polymers. This study proposes a universal strategy to boost the stretchability of polymers by incorporating a nonlinear conjugated linker (NCL) into the main chain. The introduction of the NCL disrupts the linearity and central symmetry of the conjugated polymer backbone, reshaping the polymer conformation and increasing its stretchability. This method is applicable to a wide range of donor-acceptor pair polymers and does not compromise the mobility of the polymer.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mei-Nung Chen, Chun-Yao Ke, Audithya Nyayachavadi, Haoyu Zhao, Michael U. Ocheje, Madison Mooney, Yen-Ting Li, Xiaodan Gu, Guey-Sheng Liou, Simon Rondeau-Gagne, Yu-Cheng Chiu
Summary: The optimization of field-effect mobility in polymer FETs is crucial for the development of organic electronics, but challenges remain in understanding the design and processing of semiconducting polymers. This study developed a facile solution processing approach using blends of PDPP-TVT and PTPA-3CN, resulting in a 3.5-fold increase in hole mobility with retained stability over 20 weeks. The improvements in mobility were attributed to the amorphous D-A conjugated structure and strong intramolecular polarity of PTPA-3CN. Composite analysis by XPS and DSC demonstrated uniform distribution and good mixing in the binary polymer systems. This blending methodology offers a new design strategy for organic transistor systems and holds great promise for practical applications of OFETs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Physics, Applied
Jiyoul Lee
Summary: This review summarizes the physical charge transport models of polymer semiconductors proposed so far and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each model. The process of analyzing experimental results by employing the appropriate physical charge transport model is investigated to facilitate the rational design of advanced semiconducting polymers as well as the fabrication of enhanced organic devices.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ricardo Javier Vazquez, Glenn Quek, Yan Jiang, Benjamin Yip Rui Peng, Samantha R. McCuskey, David Ohayon, Binu Kundukad, Xuehang Wang, Guillermo C. Bazan
Summary: In this study, a binder-free pseudocapacitive gel was created using a conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) in environmentally friendly electrolytes. The gel showed a scalable areal capacitance with its thickness and demonstrated high capacitance retention after 100,000 cycles. This research highlights the potential applications of self-doped CPE gels in designing high energy and power density electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Xiaomin Wu, Xiangyu Hao, Ping Deng, Huipeng Chen
Summary: A newly designed and synthesized polymerized small-molecule acceptor, NC-PY6, showed promising results in polymer solar cells with the polymer donor D18, demonstrating the potential of this molecular design strategy for high-performance all-polymer solar cells.
Article
Polymer Science
Tingting He, Shanshan He, Arzugul Muslim
Summary: By using a concise and scalable method, polybenzidine based donor-acceptor conductive and conjugated polymers with narrow optical and electrochemical band gaps were synthesized successfully. The electrodes modified with these conjugated polymers and their carbon cloth (CC)-supported flexible electrodes demonstrated excellent capacitance characteristics. Introducing substituents to the donor unit improved its capacitance properties. All samples exhibited high specific discharge capacitance (>344.8 F.g(-1)) and minimal capacity decay after 2500 cycles. The introduction of methyl substitution in P2 resulted in a first discharge specific capacitance of 655.6 F.g(-1), an energy density of 52.0 Wh.kg(-1), and a power density of 1627.83 Wh.kg(-1), which were all relatively high. Despite the already large specific capacitance of P2, further significant increases in specific capacitance were observed after CC supporting with an increased power density of P2@CC, indicating great potential for flexible device applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Shiwei Ren, Yubing Ding, Wenqing Zhang, Zhuoer Wang, Sichun Wang, Zhengran Yi
Summary: Organic polymer semiconductor materials can be easily tuned by rational molecular structure design to modulate their material properties, which affects the device performance. By designing and synthesizing a series of terpolymer materials for organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) devices, we found that the structural difference of the materials leads to significantly different mobility behavior. This study provides a basis for designing semiconductor materials with higher carrier mobility.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dukhan Kim, Emily A. Mueller, Da Seul Yang, Danielle E. Fagnani, Jinsang Kim, Anne J. McNeil
Summary: This study demonstrates that a single copolymer containing a conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene) backbone and fullerene-functionalized side chains can serve as a general blend stabilizer, suppressing phase separation in multiple conjugated polymer/fullerene thin film blends as well as in a photovoltaic device.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Duygu Cevher, Sevki Can Cevher, Ali Cirpan
Summary: In this study, benzotriazole-based homopolymer (P-TBtz), copolymer (C-TBtzEdot), and bilayer composites (BTBtzEdot and B-EdotTBtz) were successfully prepared by electrochemical polymerization. The selected materials introduced multichromic property and improved charge storage capacity to the polymer films. Various electrochemical and optical characterizations were performed to evaluate the properties of the films. C-TBtzEdot exhibited the highest capacitance value among the films.
Article
Polymer Science
Filip Anies, Zhuoran Qiao, Mohamad Insan Nugraha, Aniruddha Basu, Thomas D. Anthopoulos, Nicola Gasparini, Martin Heeney
Summary: This study reports three novel n-type conjugated polymer semiconductors incorporating carborane in the polymer backbone and demonstrates their applicability in optoelectronic devices. The optoelectronic properties of para-, meta-, and ortho-carborane isomers were compared and similar energetic characteristics were found between the different polymers. The carborane unit in the polymer acts as a conjugation breaker, confining electron delocalisation to the conjugated moieties. Fabrication of all-polymer organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices and thin-film transistors (TFTs) showed differences in device performance, with the meta-carborane based polymer exhibiting superior performance in both OPV and TFT devices.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhijun Li, Yong Jin Jeong, Jisu Hong, Hyeok-jin Kwon, Heqing Ye, Rixuan Wang, Hyun Ho Choi, Hoyoul Kong, Hyeongjin Hwang, Se Hyun Kim, Xiaowu Tang
Summary: The pi-conjugated polymer semiconductor PBDTTTffPI is soluble in organic solvents and suitable for EHD jet printing technology. Printed PBDTTTffPI semiconductor layers in OFETs show better electrical characteristics than spin-coated films, with integrated devices such as inverters and NOR gates demonstrating good switching behaviors.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Dilber Esra Yildiz, Duygu Cevher, Mustafa Yasa, Ali Cirpan, Levent Toppare
Summary: The research on conjugated polymers has shown their potential in developing new energy storage devices, leading to an acceleration in supercapacitor studies. Selenophene-containing conjugated polymers synthesized through palladium-catalyzed Suzuki polymerization reaction were utilized to fabricate electrodes for supercapacitors. The electrochemical behavior of the polymer electrodes was evaluated using CV and EIS, with specific capacity measurements obtained for different electrode compositions.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Zinna, Lorenzo Arrico, Tiziana Funaioli, Lorenzo Di Bari, Mariacecilia Pasini, Chiara Botta, Umberto Giovanella
Summary: This study demonstrates that the independent choice of sensitizing and chirality inducing ligands allows europium(iii) complexes to meet multiple requirements for solution processed efficient CP electroluminescent devices.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesco Moccia, Sharon Negri, Pawan Faris, Carlotta Ronchi, Francesco Lodola
Summary: Therapeutic neovascularization is a promising strategy to restore vascular network and organ function in cardiovascular disorders. Endothelial colony forming cells are considered the most suitable tool for this. Optical stimulation using photosensitive organic semiconductors can offer a reliable strategy to stimulate neovascularization.
VASCULAR PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tersilla Virgili, Mariacecilia Pasini, Michele Guizzardi, Negar Tizro, Monica Bollani
Summary: Biodegradable and bio-derived plastics, such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and cellulose, are replacing conventional oil-derived polymers in food packaging applications due to their environmental suitability and lower cost. However, their high transparency to UV radiation limits their commercialization. This study focuses on depositing organic thin films on commercial PLA and cellulose to enhance their UV shielding performance using suitable deposition techniques and biocompatible materials.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Erika Kozma, Anita Eckstein Andicsova, Alena Opalkova Siskova, Gabriele Tullii, Francesco Galeotti
Summary: This paper describes a simple and green approach to fabricate composite membranes using self-assembled polydopamine thin films and two different biopolymers at the air/water interface. It is found that the polydopamine thin films have abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups which enable in situ decoration of gold nanoparticles on the membrane surface, providing plasmonic features. Additionally, surface patterning of polydopamine layers using self-assembled templating structures is demonstrated, offering new perspectives for biocompatible functional membranes with tunable optical and spectroscopic properties. Finally, it is demonstrated that the obtained functional surfaces are promising tools for fabricating SERS substrates.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tersilla Virgili, Lucia Ganzer, Chiara Botta, Benedetta Maria Squeo, Mariacecilia Pasini
Summary: In recent years, the development of organic compounds emitting in the near-infrared (NIR) region has attracted a lot of interest due to their applications in biosensing and light detection and ranging (LiDAR). This paper presents the ultrafast spectroscopy of an asymmetric AZA-BODIPY molecule, which shows relevant photophysical changes with increasing concentration. The results demonstrate the presence of a broad and long-living optical gain band in the NIR region for a very concentrated solution, paving the way for the development of a new organic laser system in the near-infrared spectral region.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Angela S. Maione, Pawan Faris, Lara Iengo, Valentina Catto, Luca Bisonni, Francesco Lodola, Sharon Negri, Michela Casella, Anna Guarino, Gianluca Polvani, Marina Cerrone, Claudio Tondo, Giulio Pompilio, Elena Sommariva, Francesco Moccia
Summary: This study reveals that cardiac mesenchymal stromal cells (C-MSC) from arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) patients exhibit altered intracellular calcium (Ca2+) oscillations and the Ca2+ toolkit, which are associated with specific ACM phenotypes of C-MSC. ACM C-MSC show enhanced spontaneous Ca2+ oscillations and increased activation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II. This is primarily due to constitutive activation of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) and increased release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. Targeting the Ca2+ handling machinery or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II activity demonstrates a causative link between Ca2+ oscillations and fibro-adipogenic differentiation of ACM C-MSC. Silencing the desmosomal gene PKP2 mimics the changes in Ca2+ signaling machinery in ACM C-MSC. The anti-arrhythmic drug flecainide inhibits intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and fibro-adipogenic differentiation by selectively targeting SOCE.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesco Galeotti, Lorenzo Scatena, Franco Trespidi, Mariacecilia Pasini
Summary: This study presents a new solar concentrator that uses a smart window to trap and convert sunlight into electricity. By utilizing the thermotropism of cellulose ethers, the researchers achieved self-tracking and optimized the properties of the thermotropic fluid.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesca Villafiorita-Monteleone, Mariacecilia Pasini, Chiara Botta
Summary: Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have been extensively studied as a practical solution to increase the efficiency of silicon-based photovoltaics (PVs). The use of natural and organic luminescent materials is desirable for sustainable and environmentally friendly devices. Organic host-guest systems based on FRET processes offer a low-cost technique for efficient energy downshift, and the presence of antioxidants can slow down photodegradation without interfering with energy transfer processes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vito Vurro, Beatrice Federici, Carlotta Ronchi, Chiara Florindi, Valentina Sesti, Silvia Crasto, Claudia Maniezzi, Camilla Galli, Maria Rosa Antognazza, Chiara Bertarelli, Elisa Di Pasquale, Guglielmo Lanzani, Francesco Lodola
Summary: Non-genetic photostimulation is a growing multidisciplinary field that aims to induce light-sensitivity in living systems using exogeneous phototransducers. In this study, an intramembrane photoswitch (Ziapin2) was proposed for optical pacing of hiPSC-CMs. The effects of light-mediated stimulation on cell properties were investigated, including changes in membrane capacitance, membrane potential (V-m), intracellular Ca2+ dynamics, and cell contractility. The results demonstrate that Ziapin2 can modulate electrical activity and contractility in hiPSC-CMs, offering potential for future cardiac physiology development.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Benedetto Ardini, Cristian Manzoni, Benedetta Squeo, Francesca Villafiorita-Monteleone, Paolo Grassi, Mariacecilia Pasini, Monica Bollani, Tersilla Virgili
Summary: Nowadays, there is a growing demand for alternative non-plastic packaging in the food industry. This study focuses on enhancing the UV absorption properties of popular biodegradable films, cellulose and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), by coating them with thin layers of carbon dots (CDs) dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The results show a significant increase in UV light-absorbing capacity and provide a novel technique for characterizing large surface areas using simultaneous detection of PL spectra.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Miryam Criado-Gonzalez, Luca Bondi, Camilla Marzuoli, Edgar Gutierrez-Fernandez, Gabriele Tullii, Carlotta Ronchi, Elena Gabirondo, Haritz Sardon, Stefania Rapino, Marco Malferrari, Tobias Cramer, Maria Rosa Antognazza, David Mecerreyes
Summary: Researchers searched for the design of soft and nanometer-scale photoelectrodes to stimulate and promote ROS concentration in cells for redox medicine applications. They synthesized semiconducting polymer porous thin films, which showed an enhanced photoelectrochemical generation of ROS in HUVECs. The porous P3HT thin films exhibited enhanced photofaradaic behavior and higher ROS concentration compared to non-porous P3HT films. This work provides an important advancement in the development of tools for precise modulation of intracellular ROS and has potential applications in various cell models.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
S. Spaziani, G. Quero, S. Manago, G. Zito, D. Terracciano, P. E. Macchia, F. Galeotti, M. Pisco, A. C. De Luca, A. Cusano
Summary: We developed an immunoassay platform for the detection of human Thyroglobulin (Tg) in thyroid cancer patients with lymph node metastases. The platform utilizes a self-assembled surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate and functionalized gold nanoparticles to enhance molecular specificity and signal amplification. The platform has a low detection limit of 7 pg/mL and has been successfully applied to washout fluids from fine needle aspiration biopsies in cancer patients, demonstrating its high specificity in complex biological matrices.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Francesco Moccia, Alessandra Fiorio Pla, Dmitry Lim, Francesco Lodola, Andrea Gerbino
Summary: Cytosolic Ca2+ signals play a vital role in regulating cellular functions, and they are controlled by a complex interplay of various molecular mechanisms. Recent research has uncovered unexpected roles of Ca2+ signaling in kidney water reabsorption, Alzheimer's disease-related astroglial dysfunction, cancer hallmarks, and cardiovascular system function. These findings have expanded our understanding of Ca2+ signaling and its implications in health and disease.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Biophysics
Francesco Lodola, Claudia Maniezzi, Marem Eskandr, Chiara Florindi, Rudolf A. de Boer, Herman Sillje, Antonio Zaza
BIOPHYSICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gabriele Tullii, Edgar Gutierrez-Fernandez, Carlotta Ronchi, Christian Bellacanzone, Luca Bondi, Miryam Criado-Gonzalez, Paola Lagonegro, Francesco Moccia, Tobias Cramer, David Mecerreyes, Jaime Martin, Maria Rosa Antognazza
Summary: Angiogenesis is a critical process in biology, but conventional treatments for pathological angiogenesis have limitations. This study explores the use of nano-sized materials and optical or electrical stimuli to overcome these limitations. The use of conjugated polymer-based nanoparticles as photo-actuators shows promise in enhancing or reducing the angiogenic capability of endothelial cells. These findings provide valuable evidence for a potential paradigm shift in therapeutic angiogenesis.
