Review
Polymer Science
Yue Shao, Zhenzhong Yang
Summary: Precise control of molecular hierarchical organization has led to unique functions in biological systems, inspiring efforts in synthesizing artificial mimics. Polymeric single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) with tunable microstructure and composition are considered ideal for biomimetic architectures. SCNPs can be constructed by intramolecular crosslinking of linear polymers with tailored composition and topology, and their microstructure can be adjusted from individual particles to tadpole-shaped and dimer structures. Functional composite hybrids with enriched composition and microstructure can be derived through selective growth of functional materials or post-modification. These hybrids exhibit synergistic effects by combining the functionalities of colloidal nanoparticles and characteristics of polymer chains. They are attractive for applications such as catalytic mimicking and interfacial engineering.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xi Chen, Zhangyan Chen, Li Ma, Zhengran Yi
Summary: Multi-stimuli-responsive Janus composite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized with the ability to transition between hydrophilic/amphiphilic/hydrophobic sides based on the external stimuli such as pH, temperature, and near-infrared irradiation. These nanoparticles can act as solid emulsifiers, allowing for easy control over the stability and microstructure of emulsions by adjusting external factors.
Article
Polymer Science
Wei Xu, Yilan Ye, Dayin Sun, Zhenzhong Yang
Summary: Single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) offer a confined space for synthesizing structured nanoparticles. We present a simple method for synthesizing SCNP colloidal initiators by loading reducing agents during SCNP formation, and their application in redox free radical polymerization to achieve composite nanoparticles with tunable compositions and microstructures. These initiators can be synthesized on a large-scale by electrostatic-mediated intramolecular crosslinking of polymers with protonated PVP at ambient temperature. Under facile conditions, catalytic polymerization occurs inwardly to fabricate composite nanoparticles with tunable microstructures, ranging from core-shell to tadpole shapes. This facile approach can be extended to derive functional composite nanoparticles by loading desired materials such as paramagnetic Fe3O4, catalytic Pt, and enzymes.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yanfang Wei, Wei Zhang, Chengyi Hou, Qinghong Zhang, Yaogang Li, Hongzhi Wang
Summary: The study utilized microfluidic spinning technology to fabricate eco-friendly coresheath Janus fibers with sensitivity to UV and IR, enabling textiles woven with these fibers to exhibit independent reversible color responses to dual-wavelength stimulation. The color gradient of the textiles changed significantly with varying UV intensity, demonstrating the potential of the fibers to be used as wearable energy-free real-time visual monitors of the UV index and IR radiation temperature.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandra Jimenez-Falcao, Daniel Torres, Paloma Martinez-Ruiz, Diana Vilela, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Reynaldo Villalonga
Summary: The study presents a cooperative system based on new nanomaterials, using sucrose as input to trigger enzymatic control for sequential release of two different cargoes. This system has the potential to have various applications in fields like nanomedicine.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hossein Eslami, Florian Mueller-Plathe
Summary: The self-assembly of triblock Janus particles and the relative stability of different lattices were simulated. The nucleation process consists of two steps: the formation of a compact and disordered liquid cluster, followed by the reorientation of particles to form crystalline nuclei. The nucleation barriers for pyrochlore and perovskite were similar to previously studied 2D kagome lattices, while the barrier for diamond was larger.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ting-Ting Li, Li Sun, Ying Zhang, Bing-Chiuan Shiu, Hai-Tao Ren, Hao-Kai Peng, Jia-Horng Lin, Ching-Wen Lou
Summary: A multifunctional Janus composite membrane was prepared using electrostatic spinning and electrostatic spraying techniques, which exhibited antibacterial and antioxidant properties, unidirectional fluid delivery, and monitoring of wound healing. The composite membrane showed excellent drug retardation and antibacterial activity, as well as the ability to act as a pH indicator in the wound healing process.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuzhe Sun, Edward W. Davis
Summary: A tubular-shaped Janus nanoparticle based on polydopamine that responds to near-infrared, magnetic, and pH stimuli is reported. The robust tubular polydopamine structure was obtained by optimizing the halloysite template-to-dopamine ratio during synthesis. The inner and outer surfaces of the tube were exposed at different steps of the template-sonication-etching process, enabling the differential surface modification of these surfaces. The resulting magnetic Janus nanoparticles responded to pH, temperature, and magnetic fields, and the release rates of adsorbed doxorubicin from the nanoparticles were influenced by these stimuli.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kai Mundsinger, Bryan T. Tuten, Lily Wang, Kira Neubauer, Christian Kropf, Megan L. O'Mara, Christopher Barner-Kowollik
Summary: We present a single-chain nanoparticle (SCNP) system that exhibits three times higher catalytic efficiency for the photooxidation of nonpolar alkenes compared to an equivalent concentration of small-molecule photosensitizer. The SCNP is constructed using poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and glycidyl methacrylate, compacted through multifunctional thiol-epoxide ligation, and functionalized with Rose Bengal (RB). The confined RB within the SCNP achieves enhanced photocatalysis for nonpolar alkenes due to spatial proximity in the hydrophobic region.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Saeid Dowlati, Rasoul Mokhtari, Lena Hohl, Reinhard Miller, Matthias Kraume
Summary: CO2-switchable surfactants have selective surface-activity that can be activated or deactivated by adding or removing CO2. They are mainly cationic and can be activated by the protonation of a nitrogen-containing group upon sparging CO2 gas. CO2-switchable superamphiphiles can be formed by non-covalent bonding between components at least one of which is CO2-switchable. So far, CO2-switchable surfactants have been used in various types of colloids such as spherical and wormlike micelles, vesicles, emulsions, foams, and Pickering emulsions.
ADVANCES IN COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jichuan Qiu, Zitao Chen, Miaofang Chi, Younan Xia
Summary: A versatile route to the fabrication of well-controlled Janus particles by breaking the symmetry of spherical particles with swelling is reported. Janus particles are comprised of two distinct components: one made of PS and the other comprised of a rigid shell and remaining PS. This solution-based route holds promise for scalable production of complex Janus particles with a variety of compositions and in large quantities.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sijia Liu, Jie Rong, Rui Liu, Jonathan S. Lindsey
Summary: A recent design successfully addressed the solubilization of hydrophobic fluorophores in aqueous solution by utilizing amphiphilic polymers to encapsulate the fluorophores. By adjusting the molecular design of the polymer and the attachment of the hydrophobic fluorophores, the formation of single-chain nanoparticles bearing single fluorophores in PBS solution was achieved with high fluorescence quantum yield. This molecular design is well-suited for aqueous solubilization of hydrophobic fluorophores in life science applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kodai Watanabe, Noya Kaizawa, Brian J. Ree, Takuya Yamamoto, Kenji Tajima, Takuya Isono, Toshifumi Satoh
Summary: Developing an efficient and versatile process to transform a single linear polymer chain into a shape-defined nanoobject is a major challenge in the fields of chemistry and nanotechnology. In this study, one-shot intrablock cross-linking of linear block copolymers was used to create single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) with two chemically compartmentalized domains (Janus-shaped SCNP). The Janus-shaped SCNP exhibited similar compactly folded conformation and compartmentalized block localization to natural proteins' self-folded tertiary structures, demonstrating the versatility of the one-shot intrablock cross-linking method.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Chen Chen, Linlin Zhang, Na Wang, Dayin Sun, Zhenzhong Yang
Summary: Janus composite particles (JPs) with compartmentalization and anisotropic shape have shown great potentials in various practical applications. Particularly, catalytic JPs are advantageous for multi-phase catalysis with easier separation and recycling. This review briefly surveys typical methods to synthesize JPs and summarizes recent progresses in emulsion interfacial catalysis. The article concludes by calling for more efforts in large-scale precision synthesis of catalytic JPs to meet practical application requirements.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maximilian Niehues, Sabrina Engel, Bart Jan Ravoo
Summary: Stimuli-responsive self-assembly of plasmonic magnetic dumbbell Janus nanoparticles (Au-Fe3O4) was demonstrated using the host-guest interaction of cyclodextrin and arylazopyrazole. Efficient ligand exchange procedures allowed the introduction of functional ligands to the gold or magnetite core of the dumbbell, leading to distinct nanoparticle superstructures in aqueous solutions. These superstructures could be modulated with light, showing reversible formation and fragmentation.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yijie Wang, Xiufeng Li, Ting Li, Yang Wang, Jie Jiang, Xuhui Zhang, Jing Huang, Bihua Xia, Ho Cheung Shum, Zhenzhong Yang, Weifu Dong
Summary: A chemical approach is used to fabricate particles by combining a water-insoluble plant protein and a hydrophilic polysaccharide, resulting in adjustable interfacial wettability and improved absorption kinetics for emulsions.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hongli Yun, Zidong Bu, Zhenzhong Yang, Lijun Wang, Baoliang Zhang
Summary: The hydrogen injection timing and ignition timing of the port injection hydrogen-fueled spark ignition (SI) engine modified from the Jialing JH600 gasoline engine were optimized using a combination of design of experiment (DOE) and multiple population genetic algorithm (MPGA) on AVL-FIRE software. The effects of hydrogen injection timing and ignition timing on the performance of the hydrogen engine were investigated, and their optimum intervals were determined. Regression functions were fitted for indicated power, indicated thermal efficiency, and emissions, and a comprehensive optimization model was constructed. MPGA showed faster convergence speed and higher convergence accuracy compared to standard genetic algorithm (SGA). The optimum hydrogen injection timing advanced and the rate of variation increased as the load increased, while the optimum ignition timing was delayed and the rate of variation decreased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Gao, Dayin Sun, Zheng Li, Zeying Zhang, Zhiyuan Qu, Yang Yun, Fanyi Min, Wenkun Lv, Mengmeng Guo, Yilan Ye, Zhenzhong Yang, Yali Qiao, Yanlin Song
Summary: In this study, a bubble-driven instant quasi-1D interfacial strategy was proposed for the oriented assembly of Janus nanoparticle (JNP) chains. The rapid formation of templated bubbles promoted the interfacial orientation of JNPs kinetically, while the confined quasi-1D interface in the curved liquid bridge constrained the disordered rotation of particles, resulting in well-oriented JNP chains. By regulating the amphiphilicity of JNPs, heteraxial and coaxial JNP assemblies were obtained, which exhibited different polarization dependences on light scattering and demonstrated colorimetric logic behaviors. This work demonstrates the potential of patterned interfacial assembly and the prospect of asymmetric JNP assembly in constructing novel optoelectronic devices.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Huang Fujun, Xiao Huihui, Guo Shuman, Wang Lijun, Yang Zhenzhong, Kong Wenjun
Summary: In this experimental study, the effect of disturbances on a methane-fueled free-piston engine generator (FPEG) was investigated. Four disturbance sources were identified and applied, including step change of external load, mixture flow rate fluctuation, random misfire of a cylinder, and elastic collision. The results showed that the FPEG achieved steady-state operation with load, but experienced frequency and fluctuation changes when the external load was instantaneously disconnected or connected, indicating a greater disturbance impact on operation stability during load connection. However, the FPEG demonstrated good anti-disturbance ability and continued to operate even when facing disturbances such as changes in external load, mixture flow rate, random misfire, and minor collisions.
Rating: 8/1
JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zian Tang, Kairu Qu, Zhendong Wen, Yilan Ye, Dayin Sun, Zhenzhong Yang
Summary: We propose a method to create nanofibers or composite nanofibers with functional nanoparticles using an oil-water emulsion droplet stabilized with copolymers. The nanofibers are formed by wrapping a monolayer of copolymers, and their length can be adjusted by changing the copolymer concentration and water/oil ratio of the emulsion.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ling-Zi Li, Zhou-Geng Xu, Tian-Gen Chang, Long Wang, Heng Kang, Dong Zhai, Lu-Yi Zhang, Peng Zhang, Hongtao Liu, Xin-Guang Zhu, Jia-Wei Wang
Summary: Understanding the origin and adaptation of weeds is critical for their management. In this study, the authors use genome assembly, population genomics, and QTL mapping to establish Cardamine occulta as a model for studying weed ruderality, and identify FLC and CRY2 as genetic drivers for the establishment of a short life cycle.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Long Wang, Mu-Chun Wan, Ren-Yu Liao, Jie Xu, Zhou-Geng Xu, Hao-Chen Xue, Yan-Xia Mai, Jia-Wei Wang
Summary: Using time-resolved single-cell RNA sequencing, the cellular taxonomy of Marchantia polymorpha during asexual reproduction phases is defined. Two maturation and aging trajectories of the main plant body are identified: gradual maturation of tissues and organs along the tip-to-base axis of the midvein and progressive decline of meristem activities in the tip along the chronological axis. The observed aging trajectory is temporally correlated with the formation of clonal propagules, suggesting an ancient strategy to optimize resource allocation for producing offspring.
DEVELOPMENTAL CELL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiao-Yuan Tao, Xue-Ying Guan, Gao-Jie Hong, Yu-Qing He, Su-Juan Li, Shou-Li Feng, Jian Wang, Guang Chen, Fei Xu, Jia-Wei Wang, Sheng-Chun Xu
Summary: In contrast to CUT & Tag approaches for profiling bulk histone modifications, current CUT & Tag methods for analysing specific transcription factor (TF)-DNA interactions remain technically challenging due to TFs having relatively low abundance. Moreover, an efficient CUT & Tag strategy for plant TFs is not yet available. Here, we first applied biotinylated Tn5 transposase-mediated CUT & Tag (B-CUT & Tag) to produce high-quality libraries for interrogating TF-DNA interactions.
Our study provides a convenient and highly efficient CUT & Tag strategy called B-CUT & Tag for profiling TF-chromatin interactions that is widely applicable to the annotation of cis-regulatory elements for crop improvement. Furthermore, we demonstrate the functions of AtSPL9 in modulating growth-defence trade-offs and successfully validated the binding of SPL9 in Arabidopsis and PHR2 in rice using the B-CUT & Tag-qPCR method.
PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong-Bo Tang, Juan Wang, Long Wang, Guan-Dong Shang, Zhou-Geng Xu, Yan-Xia Mai, Ye-Tong Liu, Tian-Qi Zhang, Jia-Wei Wang
Summary: The coordination between longitudinal cell expansion and a prolonged cell proliferation phase at the base of the leaf blade determines adult leaf shape in Arabidopsis. The establishment of adult leaf shape is tightly associated with the longitudinal cell expansion of giant cells, accompanied by a prolonged cell proliferation phase in their vicinity. Our results provide a plausible cellular mechanism for heteroblasty in Arabidopsis and contribute to our understanding of anisotropic growth in plants.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinfa Chang, Guanzhi Wang, Xiaoxia Chang, Zhenzhong Yang, Han Wang, Boyang Li, Wei Zhang, Libor Kovarik, Yingge Du, Nina Orlovskaya, Bingjun Xu, Guofeng Wang, Yang Yang
Summary: This article investigates the development of high-activity and durable catalysts for direct ethanol fuel cells. The authors propose a Pd/Co@N-C catalyst that can prevent catalyst structural degradation and enhance electron transfer and activity/durability. This study provides a strategy for innovative catalyst structural design and promotes the development of fuel cells and other sustainable energy-related technologies.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hong-Wei Zhang, Kun Huang, Zhan-Xi Gu, Xiao-Xian Wu, Jia-Wei Wang, Yu Zhang
Summary: This study reports the mechanism of de novo DNA methylation in plants. The authors analyze the structure of Pol V and KTF1, revealing the structural motifs in Pol V responsible for its inferior RNA-extension ability, as well as the structural features preventing Pol V from interacting with Pol II and Pol IV transcription factors. The study also finds that the KOW5 domain of KTF1 recruits Argonaute proteins to initiate the assembly of the DNA methylation machinery. This research is important for understanding the transcription elongation process of Pol V and the role of KTF1 in DNA methylation.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jingjing Jia, Jianwen Deng, Haiqiang Jin, Jie Yang, Ding Nan, Zemou Yu, Weiwei Yu, Zhiyuan Shen, Yuxuan Lu, Ran Liu, Zhaoxia Wang, Xiaozhong Qu, Dong Qiu, Zhenzhong Yang, Yining Huang
Summary: This study used a chemical proteomics approach to identify cytochrome C oxidase 7c (Cox7c) as a key interacting target of dl-3-n-Butylphthalide (NBP). The findings suggest that NBP inhibits mitochondrial apoptosis and ROS release, increases ATP production, improves mitochondrial respiratory capacity, upregulates the HIF-1 alpha/VEGF pathway, and promotes angiogenesis. These mechanisms contribute to the neuroprotective effects of NBP and highlight the critical role of Cox7c in protecting mitochondrial function.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Ren-Yu Liao, Jia-Wei Wang
Summary: The rapid development of high-throughput single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies presents exciting opportunities for discovering new and rare cell types, uncovering hidden cell states, and understanding continuous developmental trajectories. This review demonstrates how scRNA-seq can distinguish different plant cell populations, delineate cell cycle continuums, and infer differentiation trajectories with unprecedented resolution. It also highlights the power of scRNA-seq in studying cell heterogeneity during tissue regeneration and revealing the cellular mechanisms of cell reprogramming and stem cell commitment. The review concludes by discussing unresolved questions in the field.
CURRENT OPINION IN PLANT BIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Plant Sciences
Ling-Zi Li, Tian-Gen Chang, Heng Kang, Xin-Guang Zhu, Jia-Wei Wang
Summary: A dominant mutation in a blue light receptor gene allows ruderal weeds to overcome human disturbance by depositing their seeds early into the soil seed bank.
Article
Physics, Applied
Ranjan Kumar Patel, Ramesh Naidu Jenjeti, Rajat Kumar, Nandana Bhattacharya, Siddharth Kumar, Shashank Kumar Ojha, Zhan Zhang, Hua Zhou, Ke Qu, Zhen Wang, Zhenzhong Yang, Christoph Klewe, Padraic Shafer, S. Sampath, Srimanta Middey
Summary: This study investigates the OER activity of (La0.2Pr0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2)NiO3 single-crystalline thin films grown on NdGaO3 substrates as a function of film thickness in 0.1 M KOH electrolyte. The OER activity increases with the thickness of the film due to enhanced Ni d-O p covalency and reduced charge transfer energy. However, excessive leaching occurs in thicker films, and a film thickness of 75 unit cells is found to have optimal OER activity.
APPLIED PHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
