Article
Chemistry, Applied
Hao Li, Min Long, Huiyu Su, Lei Tan, Xiaowen Shi, Yumin Du, Yan Luo, Hongbing Deng
Summary: This study demonstrates a piezoelectric biosensor with CMCS as the immobilization matrix for rapid, label-free, and cost-effective quantification of IgY.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Vasiliy S. Chernyshev, Mikhail Skliar
Summary: This article introduces a method for quantifying extracellular vesicles (EVs) using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) as a biosensor. This method has the advantages of high sensitivity, small sample volume, and low cost, and is of great importance for research in cell-to-cell signaling, disease modeling, and drug development.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Daniel Melendrez, Piramon Hampitak, Thomas Jowitt, Maria Iliut, Aravind Vijayaraghavan
Summary: A low-cost integrated quartz crystal microbalance instrument was developed for monitoring biomolecular interactions, showing superior performance compared to commercial systems. This instrument has the potential to be a ubiquitous bioelectronic tool for point-of-care disease screening and rapid therapeutics development.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lidija S. Vrhovac, Sonja A. Selemetjev, Sasa Vatic, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Jelica R. Milosevic, Aleksandar D. Lolic, Andelo D. Beletic, Natalija D. Polovic
Summary: A method for measuring TgAb in human serum based on QCM technology was developed, showing good accuracy and reliability compared to traditional RIA methods. The developed method has advantages in terms of better linearity upper limit and precision.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Kaimin Wu, Feizhi Kong, Jingjing Zhang, Ying Tang, Yao Chen, Long Chao, Libo Nie, Zhao Huang
Summary: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common form of genetic variation in the human genome, and are closely related to individual differences. SNP detection with simple preparation and operational procedures, high affinity and specificity, and cost-effectiveness has been a challenge. This review provides an overview on improvements for SNP biosensing based on fluorescent and electrochemical methods, and presents the advantages, disadvantages, and challenges of each method.
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
P. J. Jandas, K. Prabakaran, Jingting Luo, M. G. Derry Holaday
Summary: The combination of novel sensitive materials with effective instrumentation technology has led to significant growth in fabrication methods of various practical biosensors. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) has become one of the most popular biosensing devices in the past 10-15 years, with well-crafted research. This article systematically reviews the recent developments in QCM research as a biosensing tool, and explains its application in biomolecule identification, estimation, and interfacial interaction analysis, as well as immunosensing characteristics against various microorganisms.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Roman Fernandez, Maria Calero, Yolanda Jimenez, Antonio Arnau
Summary: MQCM is a highly promising technology for biosensing applications, and the use of DWT can enhance its stability and mitigate the impact of interfering factors on sensor response.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wei Pan, Xianhe Huang, Qiao Chen
Summary: This study theoretically analyzes the impact of different sizes of dot ring and dot double-ring electrodes on the mass sensitivity distribution of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and proposes a dot triple-ring electrode to enhance uniformity. The research provides a new direction for improving the uniformization of QCM mass sensitivity distribution.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Optics
Mirit Hen, Leroy Dokhanian, Etai Grunwald, Matan Slook, Moshe Katzman, Maayan Priel, Olga Girshevitz, Avi Zadok
Summary: In this work, the analysis of elastic properties of thin layers deposited on surface acoustic wave-photonic devices is proposed and demonstrated. By measuring the changes in the group velocity of surface acoustic waves after deposition of thin layers, estimates for Young's modulus of these layers can be obtained.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dongzhi Zhang, Xiaoshuang Song, Zhao Wang, Haonan Chen
Summary: This study presents a solution for high-performance humidity sensors by coating PDA-GO nanocomposite films on quartz crystal microbalances. The sensors exhibit best dynamic response with specific ratio and spray amount, fast response/recovery time, stable repeatability, and excellent stability, showing potential in various applications.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengke Liu, Peng Li, Haitang Yang, Nan Jiang, Dingzhong Wang, Shihao Sun, Wei Wei
Summary: A simple method to detect the food contaminant HMF was developed using split-DNAzyme and AuNPssssDNA for signal amplification via Quartz crystal microbalance. The method involves forming DNAzyme in absence of HMF, preventing DNAzyme formation in presence of HMF, and detecting HMF based on frequency change of QCM biosensor. This biosensor is more sensitive than previous methods for analytical detection of HMF and other food contaminants.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Il Ryu Jang, Soon In Jung, Jeonhyeong Park, Chaehyun Ryu, Inyong Park, Sang Bok Kim, Hoe Joon Kim
Summary: Integrating advanced and functional materials onto conventional sensing platforms can improve device performances and explore new applications. The development of an efficient method for materials integration is crucial to ensure high-performance and reliable sensor operation. This study presents a direct and controlled integration of graphene oxide (GO) onto a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) for humidity sensing. The proposed method achieves high mass resolution and uniform coating, and can be applied to various nanomaterials.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ioannis Prattis, Ernestine Hui, Patrik Gubeljak, Gabriele S. Kaminski Schierle, Antonio Lombardo, Luigi G. Occhipinti
Summary: Graphene and graphene-related materials have unique properties that make them ideally suitable for ultrasensitive and selective point-of-care testing devices. Applications in diagnostics require readily accessible test results within a short timeframe. Scientific and technological advances, along with remaining challenges, will determine the widespread use of this technology in biomedical applications in the future.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Di Jiang, Xiaona Zhao, Yi-Nan Liu, Hai-Bo Chen, Wen-Li Lv, Chen Qian, Xian-Wei Liu
Summary: The study introduces a label-free optical imaging technology that can detect molecule binding kinetics by tracking charge-sensitive variations in the oscillation amplitude with sub-nanometer precision, allowing for the measurement of small molecules and metal ions binding to the surface as well as protein-protein binding kinetics. This capability offers a promising platform for screening small-molecule drugs, probing conformational changes in proteins, and detecting environmental pollutants.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jieun Son, Seulki Ji, Sungho Kim, Soyoung Kim, Seong K. Kim, Wooseok Song, Sun Sook Lee, Jongsun Lim, Ki-Seok An, Sung Myung
Summary: A highly facile method utilizing microcolumns integrated on a QCM gas-responsive system with enhanced chemical selectivity was reported for sensing and identifying volatile organic compound single gases. The addition of microcolumns on the QCM electrode increased the ability to accurately analyze frequency shifts upon sensing various single gas molecules. The system exhibited high detection response values above 50 ng/cm(2) for gases, with the microcolumn-equipped sensor showing improved gas identification ability based on distinct diverging behavior of time constants upon detection of different gases.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Cosimo Ligorio, Aravind Vijayaraghavan, Judith A. Hoyland, Alberto Saiani
Summary: This study investigated the effects of acidic and basic hydrogels on nucleus pulposus cells, with acidic hydrogels accelerating the production of degradative enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Andrea F. Verre, Alessandro Faroni, Maria Iliut, Claudio H. B. Silva, Cristopher Muryn, Adam J. Reid, Aravind Vijayaraghavan
Summary: Graphene scaffolds have been chemically functionalized to direct stem cell differentiation for potential therapeutic applications in peripheral nerve injuries. Functionalized GO substrates, particularly IKVAV, are more effective in guiding stem cell differentiation towards neuroglial phenotypes compared to standard glass, showing increased neuronal attachment and neurite growth.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yizhen Shao, Kaiwen Nie, Maria Iliut, Finn Box, Dai Luan, Yuan Shen, Weimiao Wang, William W. Sampson, Ingo Dierking, Aravind Vijayaraghavan
Summary: The vortex ring effect is used to generate three-dimensional assemblies of graphene oxide (GO) flakes in water, which leads to the formation of GO hydrogel and aerogel microparticles with complex shapes. By using electrohydrodynamic VR effect, the real-time self-assembly of GO core-shell hydrogel microparticles with spherical, donut and jellyfish shapes can be observed and controlled. The formation of different shapes is determined by dimensionless Weber and Ohnesorge numbers, and the microparticles can be used for efficient adsorption and removal of anionic contaminants in water with tuneable adsorption capacity.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Maxime Vassaux, Werner A. Muller, James L. Suter, Aravind Vijayaraghavan, Peter Coveney
Summary: The mechanical stability of the interface between polymer and graphene layers determines the durability and accuracy of nanocomposites. During high-frequency bending cycles, interface sliding causes membrane expansion and affects the accuracy of the devices.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Katherine Smith, Aidan Retallick, Daniel Melendrez, Aravind Vijayaraghavan, Matthias Heil
Summary: Ultra-thin graphene-based membranes are promising for high-performance NEMS devices. However, modeling these membranes is challenging due to their deflection behavior which does not satisfy pure bending or stretching assumptions. In this study, we propose a model based on FvK equations that considers both bending and stretching forces in graphene-polymer heterostructure NEMS membranes. The model is validated by comparing experimental and simulated membrane shapes, and it accurately predicts the capacitance change in deflected GPH membrane devices under varying pressures. This model serves as a powerful tool for designing and developing graphene-based NEMS devices.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
R. Kroll, Z. Henderson, B. F. Spencer, P. Kaya, V. Knoblauch, D. L. Engelberg
Summary: The Mott-Schottky approach was used to investigate the semiconduction behavior of native aluminium oxide films of pure aluminium (99.5 wt%) and Al-7075-T6 (Al-Zn-Mg-Cu) alloy, and the effect of acquisition parameters and surface treatment. Mott-Schottky cycling revealed higher defective donor states for Al-7075-T6. Applying step rates of 50-100 mV resulted in flat M-S plots, indicating the influence of the potential independent Helmholtz layer on the space charge capacitance. Chemical etching reduced the oxide thickness for both specimens, while higher defect donor densities were determined for pure Al.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patrick Hamilton, Kieran L. Blaikie, Stephen. A. Roberts, Matthew Gittins, Mallory. L. Downie, Sanjana Gupta, Catalin Voinescu, Durga Kanigicherla, Horia Stanescu, Robert Kleta, Paul Brenchley
Summary: This study explores the biological and environmental determinants of MN, a rare disease, using the UK Biobank. It reveals the associations between MN incidence and sociodemographic factors, environmental exposures, and high-risk SNPs.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dawei Zhao, Tom A. Flavell, Fahad Aljuaid, Stephen Edmondson, Ben F. Spencer, Alex S. Walton, Andrew G. Thomas, Wendy R. Flavell
Summary: Since the discovery of organometal halide perovskite (OMP) solar cells, there has been increasing interest in incorporating polymer additives into the perovskite precursor to improve device performance and stability. This study focuses on the role of poly-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) in enhancing the stability of methylammonium lead iodide (MAPI) and investigating the self-healing mechanism of the perovskite-polymer composite. The introduction of pHEMA results in high-quality MAPI films with larger grain size, reduced PbI(2) concentration, and improved conversion efficiency.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Weichen Xiao, Yi Li, Amr Elgendy, Ercin C. Duran, Mark A. Buckingham, Ben F. Spencer, Bing Han, Firoz Alam, Xiangli Zhong, Sarah H. Cartmell, Robert J. Cernik, Alexander S. Eggeman, Robert A. W. Dryfe, David J. Lewis
Summary: High entropy metal chalcogenides are disordered sublattice materials that use high configurational entropy to stabilize crystal structures. They have recently attracted significant interest in renewable energy applications. In this study, bulk particulate high entropy zinc sulfide analogues containing four, five, and seven metals were synthesized using a molecular precursor cocktail approach. The materials were characterized and the (CuAgZnCoMnInGa)S material was found to be an excellent electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction when combined with conducting carbon black.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexander T. Sargent, Zoe Henderson, Alex S. Walton, Ben F. Spencer, Luke Sweeney, Wendy R. Flavell, Paul A. Anderson, Emma Kendrick, Peter R. Slater, Phoebe K. Allan
Summary: This study investigated the separation of electric vehicle anode materials containing PVDF binder using water, and confirmed that the delamination process is driven by the reaction of remnant lithiated graphite with water forming H2 which creates localised areas of heat and pressure. Annealing the recovered graphite material can remove solid electrolyte interface layer and PVDF contamination, regenerating the material with a performance comparable to commercial graphite. These results suggest that optimised reclamation and regeneration procedures can provide a source for high performing electrochemical graphite and alleviate concerns over future accumulation of battery waste.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mark A. Buckingham, Weichen Xiao, Brendan Ward-O'Brien, Kathryn Yearsley, Usama Zulfiqar, Ben F. Spencer, Allan Matthews, David J. Lewis
Summary: In this study, Cu2O nanocubes were synthesized by electrodeposition from different copper salts in varying solution environments. The effect of electrolyte concentration on nanocube growth was investigated, along with the influence of electrode distance on low electrolyte concentration conditions. The deposition method allowed for control over nanocube size formation. Mixed anion and mono-anion environments were also explored. The physiochemical and electrochemical properties of each solution were measured, and thin films of copper oxide nanomaterials were deposited and characterized for electrical and optical properties.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muhamad Z. Mokhtar, Amal Altujjar, Bing Wang, Qian Chen, Jack Chun-Ren Ke, Rongsheng Cai, Nourdine Zibouche, Ben F. Spencer, Janet Jacobs, Andrew G. Thomas, David Hall, Sarah J. Haigh, David J. Lewis, Richard Curry, M. Saiful Islam, Brian R. Saunders
Summary: The contamination of water with lead from damaged perovskite solar cells can be addressed by using spherical hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to absorb lead and maintain lead concentration in water below safe drinking limits.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Suresh Maniyarasu, Ben F. Spencer, Hongbo Mo, Alex S. Walton, Andrew G. Thomas, Wendy R. Flavell
Summary: In recent times, the stability of mixed-cation metal halide perovskites has been significantly improved by incorporating ionic liquid additives into the perovskite precursor. The study shows that a small amount of 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid prevents the out-diffusion of organic ions from the lattice, leading to improved stability. Furthermore, the device fabricated with the ionic liquid additive demonstrates higher power conversion efficiency.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Cosimo Ligorio, Aravind Vijayaraghavan, Judith Hoyland, Alberto Saiani
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
B. F. Spencer, S. A. Church, P. Thompson, D. J. H. Cant, S. Maniyarasu, A. Theodosiou, A. N. Jones, M. J. Kappers, D. J. Binks, R. A. Oliver, J. Higgins, A. G. Thomas, T. Thomson, A. G. Shard, W. R. Flavell
Summary: This article presents measurements on buried interfaces using high energy X-rays and electron energy analyzers. The technique allows for quantitative analysis of buried layers by calculating relative sensitivity factors. It has applications in various fields such as memory and energy materials, semiconductor heterostructures, etc.
FARADAY DISCUSSIONS
(2022)