Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yaxiong Cheng, Yuhua Dong, Qinggang Huang, Kejing Huang, Shuangbao Lyu, Yonghui Chen, Jinglai Duan, Dan Mo, Youmei Sun, Jie Liu, Yong Peng, Huijun Yao
Summary: A convenient method is reported to introduce ionic selective channels in micron-thick polycarbonate membranes through swift heavy ion irradiation, UV sensitization, and pulsed-electrical etching, tuning the characteristic dimensions of the channels for subnanoporous membranes with excellent ionic separation and sieving properties. The study found that the transmembrane conduction of multivalent ions was suppressed compared to monovalent ions until the size of the membrane channel matched the hydrated diameter of multivalent ions, showing high selectivity for various ions and channel diameters.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guanglin Fan, Shuwei Wang, Jinqiang Jiang, Zhaotie Liu, Zhongwen Liu, Guo Li
Summary: This research reports a new type of composite material with rubber-like shape memory properties. The composite material consists of a polymer matrix and molecular switches, which do not affect the stretchability of the matrix. The composite material exhibits thermal and photoresponsive shape recovery properties, and shape transformations can be achieved by controlling UV irradiation. Furthermore, the thermal responsive properties of the composite material can be adjusted by tailoring the chemical structure of the molecular switches, allowing for spatially tailorable shape recovery behaviors between different fragments.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bo Keun Park, Kyoung Ho Kim, Yong Gab Kwon, Jin Hyeok Yang, Yong Min Kim, Dae-Woong Nam, Ki Jae Kim
Summary: Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained attention as alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the abundance of sodium resources and similar electrochemical properties. However, current separators used in LIBs have poor compatibility with SIBs, necessitating the development of a separator with the advantages of a thin polyethylene (PE) separator and the open-pore structure and polar properties of a glass fiber (GF) separator. In this study, a custom-made separator, PAN-AlOOH separator, was proposed for SIBs, integrating highly polar boehmite (AlOOH) particles into a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) separator using electrospinning. The PAN-AlOOH separator exhibited excellent thermal stability, dimensional stability, wettability, and ionic conductivity, outperforming Na full cells employing a GF separator.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
C. Sathish, Gopalakrishnan Kothandam, Premkumar Selvarajan, Zhihao Lei, Jangmee Lee, Jiangtao Qu, Ala'a H. Al-Muhtaseb, Xiaojiang Yu, Mark B. H. Breese, Rongkun Zheng, Jiabao Yi, Ajayan Vinu
Summary: In this study, well-defined mesoporous boron carbon nitride (MBCN) with high specific surface area, tunable pores, and nitrogen contents was successfully prepared through chemical polymerization and nano-hard-templating approach. The optimized sample exhibited high specific capacitance, large specific capacity for sodium-ion battery, and excellent CO2 adsorption capacity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xin Yu, Yang Hu, Haoyuan Shi, Ziyang Sun, Jinghang Li, Haoran Liu, Hao Lyu, Jiujie Xia, Jingda Meng, Xingyu Lu, Jingjie Yeo, Qiyang Lu, Chengchen Guo
Summary: Protein-based soft ionic conductors have great potential in applications at the human-machine interfaces. A new method to fabricate silk-based soft ionic conductors using silk proteins and calcium chloride has been developed. The mechanism of ion transport and molecular interactions between calcium ions and silk proteins at different water contents has been investigated. The results show that the ionic conductivity increases as the distance between calcium ions and silk proteins increases with the increase of water content.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Yajing Liu, Jin Wu, Hao Zhang, Yizhen Wu, Chunbo Tang
Summary: The study introduced a phytic acid-magnesium (PA-Mg) layer to improve the surface properties of titanium material, and the results showed that the PA-Mg layer enhanced the osteogenic and antibacterial properties of titanium.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Yifei Lu, Libo Yuan, Qianqian Peng, Shuo Qi, Lei Wang, Jiaxin Chen, Yiting Wang, Li-Ping Lv, Weiwei Sun, Yong Wang, Shuangqiang Chen
Summary: In this study, cobalt-based coordination compounds with tunable morphologies were synthesized via a microwave-assisted solvothermal method. These compounds exhibited excellent performance in lithium-ion batteries, including cycle stability and rate performance, and demonstrated potential for practical application in full cells.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sheng Liu, Yulan Cheng, Bo Qin, Feng Xiang, Lianwen Deng, Heng Luo
Summary: The study demonstrates the tunability of electromagnetic properties in hexagonal ferrites through structural engineering via chemical dual-ion substitution. It was found that the dual-ion substitution enhances dielectric polarization, improves magnetic ordering, increases electromagnetic loss, and adjusts impedance matching in barium hexaferrites. Enhanced reflection loss in modified barium hexaferrite with broadened absorption bandwidth will have wide applications in electromagnetic compatibility or stealth fields.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danying Xu, Minxia Liang, Shuo Qi, Weiwei Sun, Li-Ping Lv, Fei-Hu Du, Baofeng Wang, Shuangqiang Chen, Yong Wang, Yan Yu
Summary: Organic materials are considered as promising electrodes for LIBs due to their advantages of light elements and flexibility, but they also face challenges such as capacity loss and side reactions. Many strategies have been proposed and inspiring results have been achieved to address these issues.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Lucia Guadalupe Arellano, Fernando Salazar, Alvaro Miranda, Alejandro Trejo, Luis Antonio Perez, Jun Nakamura, Miguel Cruz-Irisson
Summary: This study investigates the electronic properties of hydrogen passivated silicon nanowires with interstitial sodium atoms, finding that semiconducting nanowires become metallic with the insertion of sodium atoms. The reversible nature of the sodium insertion/extraction process is observed for concentrations between 1 and 8 sodium atoms, while concentrations of 10 to 12 sodium atoms result in a different atomic arrangement and a smaller band gap.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jian Xiong, Long Zhang, Lei Yu, Jun Dai, Qiying Lv
Summary: This study successfully fabricated Ag-loaded coatings with different structures that exhibit excellent osteogenic and antibacterial properties on the surface of implants, with minimal cytotoxicity. The results showed that the release rate of silver ions can be precisely controlled by adjusting the etching spacing and hydroxyapatite content.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yifan Wang, Liuchi Li, Douglas Hofmann, Jose E. Andrade, Chiara Daraio
Summary: The study presents a structured fabric with tunable bending modulus made up of three-dimensional particles arranged into layered chain mails. When pressure is applied at their boundaries, the particles interlock and jam the chain mails, resulting in a dramatic increase in bending resistance. This property is due to the high tensile resistance of the interlocking particles, providing potential for lightweight, tunable and adaptive fabrics for various applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nicholas Ng, Tyrel M. McQueen
Summary: This article reviews the naturally occurring heterostructures called misfits, which combine different van der Waals layers. It discusses their properties, synthesis methods, characterization tools, and future research directions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongmei Zhang, Chao Wang, Yinghui Yang, Rongzhang Guan, Dujiang Lu, Li Gao, Chenyi Sun, Xiufang Bian
Summary: CuO anode modified with intermetallic compounds, denoted as ZnSn/CuO, exhibits high reversible capacity and excellent cycling stability in lithium-ion batteries, thanks to the improved conductivity and buffered volume expansion.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Dexin Liu, Zehua Zhang, Lili Wang
Summary: A series of Y3Al5O12: Bi3+/Sm3+ microcrystals were prepared using a high-temperature solid-state method, showing the potential for applications in ultraviolet-excited white-light emitting diodes (WLEDs). The co-doping of Bi3+ and Sm3+ ions in Y3Al5O12 microcrystals can enhance the emission intensity and achieve tunable emissions, which is a promising development in the field of LED technology.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gloria Maria Pontes-Quero, Lorena Benito-Garzon, Juan Perez Cano, Maria Rosa Aguilar, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa
Summary: The study encapsulated three hydrophobic anti-inflammatory drugs into core-shell terpolymer nanoparticles, reducing drug cytotoxicity and improving biocompatibility, demonstrating potential for treating inflammatory processes associated with osteoarthritis.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Joaquin Yanes-Diaz, Raquel Palao-Suay, Maria Rosa Aguilar, Juan Ignacio Riestra-Ayora, Antonio Ferruelo-Alonso, Luis Rojo del Olmo, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa, Ricardo Sanz-Fernandez, Carolina Sanchez-Rodriguez
Summary: The study evaluated the antitumoral effect of PHT-427-loaded polymeric nanoparticles based on alpha-tocopheryl succinate in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The nanoparticles effectively suppressed AKT/PDK1 expression and induced apoptosis, showing promise for effective HNSCC treatment with this nanoformulation.
Article
Polymer Science
Gerardo Asensio, Lorena Benito-Garzon, Rosa Ana Ramirez-Jimenez, Yasmina Guadilla, Julian Gonzalez-Rubio, Cristina Abradelo, Juan Parra, Maria Rocio Martin-Lopez, Maria Rosa Aguilar, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa, Luis Rojo
Summary: Regenerative therapies based on tissue engineering have great potential for the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the regeneration of full-thickness articular osteochondral defects that replicate the complexity of native cartilage and osteochondral interface is still challenging. In this study, we present a biomimetic scaffold that mimics the spatial organization and composition of cartilage and osteochondral interface. The scaffold shows desirable physical and chemical characteristics, sustained release of bioactive compounds, and promotes guided cell colonization and proliferation. In vivo experiments demonstrate the ability of the biomimetic scaffold to promote the regeneration of cartilage-like tissue and neoformation of osteochondral tissue.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria I. Falguera Uceda, Silvia Sanchez-Casanova, Clara Escudero-Duch, Nuria Vilaboa
Summary: This review provides an overview of current developments in cell-based strategies for enhancing the surgical armamentarium to regenerate cranial vault defects. The review focuses on cell-based approaches, delivery strategies for extracellular matrix, conditioned media, and extracellular vesicles, as well as recent advances in 3D printing and bioprinting techniques for cranial reconstruction. It also discusses cell-based gene therapy approaches with regulated and unregulated gene switches.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
M. A. Moreno-Mateos, M. L. Lopez-Donaire, M. Hossain, D. Garcia-Gonzalez
Summary: Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) can change their mechanical properties and shape in response to external magnetic stimuli. Recent studies have shown the potential of MREs with a soft matrix and soft-magnetic particles for significant mechanical stiffening. This paper presents an alternative solution using hard-magnetic MREs to achieve sustained stiffening responses without the need for a constant external magnetic field.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Miguel Angel Moreno-Mateos, Jorge Gonzalez-Rico, Emanuel Nunez-Sardinha, Clara Gomez-Cruz, Maria Luisa Lopez-Donaire, Sergio Lucarini, Angel Arias, Arrate Munoz-Barrutia, Diego Velasco, Daniel Garcia-Gonzalez
Summary: Biological cells and tissues are influenced by mechanical stress and strain from their surrounding substrate. A new experimental system using soft magneto-active polymers allows for controlled deformation of substrates, enabling the study of mechanobiological processes. The system has shown versatility in reproducing complex mechanical scenarios and transmitting physiologically relevant forces.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Cristina Quilez, Enrique Cerdeira, Jorge Gonzalez-Rico, Gonzalo de Aranda, Maria Luisa Lopez-Donaire, Jose Luis Jorcano, Diego Velasco
Summary: Cell spheroids are an effective tool for recapitulating native microenvironments in vitro, and have broad applications in regenerative medicine, cancer research, disease modeling, and drug screening. This study compares different methods for generating spheroids and introduces 3D bioprinting for standardized and scalable production. The use of U-shape LA-plates combined with 3D bioprinting technology significantly increased formation efficiency. However, sedimentation effects and reduced spheroid size were observed during the printing process. The addition of hyaluronic acid as a viscosity enhancer improved cell viability and spheroid formation, with HA 0.4% (w/v) 60 kDa showing the best results.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Carmen Velasco-Salgado, Gloria Maria Pontes-Quero, Luis Garcia-Fernandez, Maria Rosa Aguilar, Kyra de Wit, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa, Luis Rojo, Cristina Abradelo
Summary: Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone thickening, and synovitis. Regenerative medicine strategies that aim to promote cartilage regeneration have become important in managing osteoarthritis. This review summarizes the latest research on the use of polymeric biomaterials for osteoarthritis management, which focus on restoring the viscoelastic properties of cartilage and reducing symptoms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Fernandez-Villa, Rosa Ana Ramirez-Jimenez, Inmaculada Aranaz, Niuris Acosta, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa, Luis Rojo
Summary: This study synthesized a series of MTX complexes and characterized their physicochemical properties. The complexes showed new bioactive properties, such as increased deposition of GAGs and alternative anti-inflammatory capacities. Furthermore, the complexes were successfully loaded into spray-dried chitosan microparticles, enabling their encapsulation and localized delivery to rheumatoid arthritis-affected joints.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Orthopedics
E. Garcia-Rey, A. Cruz-Pardos, L. Saldana
Summary: The use of Durasul highly cross-linked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty (THA) results in significant reduction in wear and osteolysis, leading to lower revision rates.
BONE & JOINT JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco J. Caro-Leon, Maria Luisa Lopez-Donaire, Roberto Vazquez, Miguel Huerta-Madronal, Jaime Lizardi-Mendoza, Waldo Manuel Arguelles-Monal, Daniel Fernandez-Quiroz, Luis Garcia-Fernandez, Julio San Roman, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa, Pedro Garcia, Maria Rosa Aguilar
Summary: This study synthesized water-soluble chitosan derivatives (Cs-DC) by conjugating diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) and catechol groups onto the chitosan backbone to obtain a Cs derivative with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The incorporation of DEAE and catechol groups increased the solubility of the polymer without affecting its antimicrobial activity. Moreover, the catecholic derivatives showed increased radical scavenging activity. Cs-DC also exhibited low cytotoxicity and the ability to reduce reactive oxygen species activity. Polymeric nanoparticles of Cs derivatives were obtained by ionotropic gelation and coated with hyaluronic acid, providing higher stability and a narrower size distribution.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Garcia-Gonzalez, Tigran Ter-Yesayants, Miguel Angel Moreno-Mateos, Maria Luisa Lopez-Donaire
Summary: This study proposes a new concept of self-healing soft material that can heal after rupture without external actuation. By filling a sticky and soft elastomeric matrix with hard-magnetic particles, the material can close cracks when the ruptured parts are approached to each other. Experimental results show that the proposed soft materials can sustain mechanical loading beyond 20% strains after several fracture cycles without compromising the structural integrity.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria Luisa Lopez-Donaire, Gonzalo de Aranda-Izuzquiza, Sara Garzon-Hernandez, Javier Crespo-Miguel, Miguel Fernandez-de la Torre, Diego Velasco, Daniel Garcia-Gonzalez
Summary: Soft multifunctional materials with mechanical sensing or actuation in response to physical stimuli are important for bioengineering and soft electronics applications. However, manufacturing complex shapes with inks that change properties during printing remains a challenge. To address this, a hybrid theoretical-experimental framework using ink writing technology is proposed to optimize printability of time-dependent viscosity inks. The method eliminates the need for additives and is validated by printing magnetorheological elastomers and conductive soft materials.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Ana Mora-Boza, Saron G. Ghebrezadik, Johannes E. Leisen, Andres J. Garcia
Summary: This study presents a fabrication strategy for 4-arm amide-linked PEG-NB (PEG-4aNB) microgels using flow-focusing microfluidics for cell encapsulation. The PEG-4aNB microgels exhibit in vitro degradability and excellent viability and metabolic activity of encapsulated cells.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Hematology
Gunnar Thompson, Aidan Gilchrist, Alison Nunes, Ana Mora-Boza, Vincent Lam, Andres Garcia, Brendan Harley
EXPERIMENTAL HEMATOLOGY
(2023)