Article
Physics, Fluids & Plasmas
G. De Matteis, L. Martina, C. Naya, V Turco
Summary: In this study, we analyzed the interaction between nematic liquid crystals and uniform external fields using a generalized free energy proposed by Virga. We reviewed some interesting solutions, such as uniform heliconical structures corresponding to the twist-bend nematic phase, and studied the transition between this phase and the standard uniform nematic phase. We also found liquid crystal configurations that closely resemble experimentally detected Skyrmion tubes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jun Zhang, Ying Xiang, Xiaoyu Ding, Luguo Hao, Supreet Kaur, Golam Mohiuddin, Santanu Kumar Pal, Peter Salamon, Nandor Eber, Agnes Buka
Summary: The study explores the response of a newly synthesized hockey-stick nematic 8-F-OH to applied electric field, revealing unusual pattern forming scenarios that vary with frequency, temperature, and initial director alignment. The behavior is compared with calamitic and bent-core nematics, highlighting the crucial role of elastically deformed layers in pattern formation, especially in the presence of polar smectic clusters.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu-Qiang Guo, Fan Chu, Bing-Xiang Li, Yu-Xian Zhang, Tian-Zi Shen, Wei Duan, Chao Liu, Yu-Bao Sun, Qiong-Hua Wang
Summary: In this study, a liquid crystal cell was designed to achieve unidirectional manipulation of micrometer-sized silica spheres. By adjusting the field parameters, the transport velocity of the microspheres can be controlled, and their motion behavior during collisions can be adjusted. This research is of great significance for achieving high-throughput microparticle transport.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Runa Koizumi, Dmitry Golovaty, Ali Alqarni, Bing-Xiang Li, Peter J. Sternberg, Oleg D. Lavrentovich
Summary: The morphogenesis of living systems involves unusual topological shape transformations. In this study, a droplet of a nematic liquid crystal changes its equilibrium shape from a simply connected tactoid to a torus. This topological transformation is caused by the interplay of nematic elastic constants, facilitating splay and bend of molecular orientations in tactoids but hindering splay in toroids. This elastic anisotropy mechanism provides insights into topology transformations in morphogenesis and opens possibilities for controlling and transforming the shapes of liquid crystal droplets and related soft materials.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jinghua Jiang, Kamal Ranabhat, Xinyu Wang, Hailey Rich, Rui Zhang, Chenhui Peng
Summary: This study demonstrates that programmable transformations of topological structures in active matter can be triggered by light irradiation, opening opportunities for designing smart active materials.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Juan Chen, Oluwafemi Isaac Akomolafe, Netra Prasad Dhakal, Mahesh Pujyam, Omar Skalli, Jinghua Jiang, Chenhui Peng
Summary: This study proposes a method to fabricate complex nanofiber structures using a spatially varying ordered liquid crystal host. By controlling the projection shape and polarizer rotation, various configurations of nanofiber organization can be created. The nanofiber arrays can guide neurite outgrowth and have potential applications in neural tissue organization.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yongrui Li, Yang Chen, Jingxing Zhang, Yao Wang, Hao Li, Guofu Zhou
Summary: In the environmentally friendly society, smart windows are considered attractive energy-saving technologies for green buildings. However, anisotropy and compatibility limitations hinder their practical applications. By using hollow heterocharged halloysite nanotubes as a doping agent, a LC composite with excellent electro-optical properties was developed. This composite showed outstanding electrochromic performances, including high contrast, rapid response time, low driving threshold, wide viewing angle, and smooth running. The addition of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles further improved magnetic modulation and light tuning, making it a promising technology for high-performance smart windows.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
L. O. Palomares, J. Adrian Reyes, G. Reyes
Summary: We introduce a joint Lagrangian to describe the interaction between a non-magnetic chiral or twisted nematic phase and an electromagnetic wave. By applying the Oseen transformation, the Lagrangian is rewritten to decouple the electric components from the director angle of the liquid crystal, resulting in a nonlinear dynamical equation that governs the electromagnetic fields within the liquid crystal phase. We propose a trial solution to obtain an approximate solution for the fields, allowing us to analyze an intensity dependent band structure.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Milosz S. Chychlowski, Marta Kajkowska, Bartlomiej Jankiewicz, Bartosz Bartosewicz, Tomasz R. Wolinski, Piotr Lesiak
Summary: This paper presents two types of polymer-stabilized periodic structures formed by photopolymerization of a nematic liquid crystal in a cylindrical structure. Both structures were induced by a nematic-isotropic phase transition in liquid crystal doped with gold nanoparticles. The first structure was achieved by stabilizing periodic phase separation at the nematic-isotropic phase transition temperature, resulting in a periodic structure with two distinct molecular orientations. The second structure was created due to an induced periodic density change of gold nanoparticles in the sample volume. The stability of both structures at room temperature was confirmed, thus demonstrating the feasibility of photopolymerization for stabilizing 1D photonic structures.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ziga Kos, Joern Dunkel
Summary: In this study, the concept of nematic bits (nbits) is introduced in liquid crystals, and it is demonstrated through theory and simulations how single-bit operations can be implemented using electric fields and how universal classical logic gates and generalized logical functions can be realized using nematoelastic interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kelum Perera, Rony Saha, Pawan Nepal, Rohan Dharmarathna, Md Sakhawat Hossain, Md Mostafa, Alex Adaka, Ronan Waroquet, Robert J. Twieg, Antal Jakli
Summary: The experimental results and theoretical considerations of novel electromechanical effects of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal droplets coexisting with the isotropic melt are presented in this study. It is found that the droplets have flat pancake-like shapes thinner than the sample thickness. A wing-shaped defect with low birefringence is present in the center of the droplets, moving perpendicular to a weak electric field, and dividing into two at higher fields. The entire droplet drifts along the electric field with a speed independent of droplet size and proportional to the electric field amplitude.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Per Rudquist
Summary: The recent discovery of spontaneously polar nematic liquid crystals, known as ferroelectric nematics, has attracted significant interest. So far, experimental verification of this phase has been challenging. A direct method for experimental verification has been proposed, utilizing a single sample cell and observing the orientation of disclination lines to reveal the ferroelectric nematic phase.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yu-Tung Hsiao, Inge Nys, Kristiaan Neyts
Summary: This study demonstrates that the permanent polarization in the ferroelectric nematic phase of RM734 is opposite to the rubbing direction in cells with small thicknesses. At low voltages, the permanent polarization can rotate parallel to the substrate plane, while at higher voltages it aligns perpendicularly to the substrates. The research provides insights into the complex mechanisms involved in the switching of ferroelectric nematic liquid crystals.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Tomohiro Tsuji, Shigeomi Chono
Summary: Liquid crystal micromotors based on the backflow effect were developed, with the rotation speed of the inner cylinder controlled by the frequency and voltage of the applied electric field. The maximum rotation speed achieved was 20rpm, and the motor performance can be adjusted by changing the voltage and gap size.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tianyi Yao, Ziga Kos, Qi Xing Zhang, Yimin Luo, Edward B. Steager, Miha Ravnik, Kathleen J. Stebe
Summary: Topological defects on rotating colloids in nematic liquid crystals form far-from-equilibrium structures that perform complex swim strokes, generating translation from rotation. The swimmer's speed and direction are determined by the topological defect's polarity and extent of elongation. Control over particle trajectories can be achieved by manipulating the elongation of defects using a rotating external magnetic field. The anisotropic viscosities associated with the defect elongation, lubrication forces, and line tensions between the colloid and the bounding surfaces contribute to the swimmers' translational motion and interaction.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jyoti Kumari, Tirza Wubs, Arjan P. M. van Caam, Daphne N. Dorst, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: This study describes an in vitro 3D culture system using biocompatible polyisocyanide hydrogel and systemic sclerosis patient-derived fibroblasts. The system maintains the native phenotype and functionality of the primary cells and can be used to study fibrosis process.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Vladislav Bilyk, Kirill Grishunin, Paul Tinnemans, Theo Rasing, Andrey Kirilyuk, Olga Sergeeva, Natalia Sherstyuk, Elena Mishina, Sergey Lavrov, Alexander Sigov
Summary: This study demonstrates the effect of optical rectification (OR) in the terahertz range (THz rectification, TR). By applying pulsed radiation with specific frequencies and electric field strengths, a direct current voltage is generated on the surfaces of a ferroelectric triglycine sulfate (TGS) single crystal. The TR effect allows for the direct determination of the nonlinear susceptibilities of media, even under strong absorption conditions, without reference or optical channel calibration, and without the need for Fourier transform.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hongbo Yuan, Kaizheng Liu, Mar Condor, Jorge Barrasa-Fano, Boris Louis, Johannes Vandaele, Paula de Almeida, Quinten Coucke, Wen Chen, Egbert Oosterwijk, Chengfen Xing, Hans Van Oosterwyck, Paul H. J. Kouwer, Susana Rocha
Summary: Cells sense external forces from the extracellular matrix (ECM) and generate contractile forces to stiffen and remodel the matrix. However, the underlying mechanisms of this bidirectional mechanical exchange are still poorly understood. This study uses a synthetic hydrogel based on polyisocyanide (PIC) polymers to investigate cell-matrix interactions and demonstrates the potential of PIC gels in studying mechanobiology and designing materials.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Melissa J. J. van Velthoven, Aksel N. Gudde, Frederique Struijs, Egbert Oosterwijk, Jan-Paul Roovers, Zeliha Guler, Carlijn R. Hooijmans, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: Growth factors, especially basic fibroblast growth factor, promote vaginal wound healing in vitro, but the effects are less prominent in vivo. More research is needed to improve surgical outcomes for pelvic organ prolapse, including improved preclinical models.
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART B-REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
A. Dolgikh, T. B. Shapaeva, K. T. Yamada, M. V. Logunov, T. H. Rasing, A. V. Kimel
Summary: In this study, we demonstrate time-resolved measurements of domain pattern movements with nanometer spatial and femtosecond temporal resolution using diffraction of femtosecond laser pulses of visible light. Our results show that visible light signals can detect a 6 nm domain wall displacement with high signal-to-noise ratio.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Melissa J. J. van Velthoven, Aksel N. Gudde, Evert Arendsen, Jan-Paul Roovers, Zeliha Guler, Egbert Oosterwijk, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: With its involvement in cell proliferation, migration and differentiation, bFGF has potential for tissue engineering purposes. However, clinical translation of soluble bFGF-based therapies is unsuccessful due to high doses and adverse effects. Growth factor immobilization, such as in PIC-bFGF hydrogel, can enhance bioactivity. This study demonstrates the potential of simple biological conjugation procedures to induce additional bioactivity in synthetic cell culture matrices.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
D. Khusyainov, T. Gareev, V. Radovskaia, K. Sampathkumar, S. Acharya, M. Siskins, S. Manas-Valero, B. A. Ivanov, E. Coronado, Th. Rasing, A. V. Kimel, D. Afanasiev
Summary: Using a time-resolved magneto-optical pump-probe technique, the ultrafast laser-induced dynamics of mutually correlated spins and lattice in CoPS3 were experimentally studied. It was found that the femtosecond laser pulse acted as an ultrafast heater and melted the antiferromagnetic order. The resonant pumping of the T-4(1g) ? T-4(2g) electronic transition in Co2+ ions effectively changed their orbital momentum and generated a coherent B-g phonon mode.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Aksel N. Gudde, Melissa J. J. van Velthoven, Betul Turkel, Paul H. J. Kouwer, Jan-Paul W. R. Roovers, Zeliha Guler
Summary: This study investigates the effect of substrate stiffness on vaginal fibroblast functions related to connective tissue healing in prolapse repair. The findings show that increasing stiffness promotes collagen deposition and inhibits gel contraction, suggesting a direct influence of matrix stiffness on vaginal fibroblast functionality. This study encourages future research in the use of PIC gels as a supplement in prolapse surgery, considering the hydrogel stiffness.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Melissa J. J. van Velthoven, Aksel N. Gudde, Hilde Enting, Roel Hammink, Jan-Paul Roovers, Zeliha Guler, Egbert Oosterwijk, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: This study investigated a method of covalently conjugating β-estradiol to a polyisocyanide-based hydrogel and found that it could upregulate extracellular matrix genes in adipose-derived stem cells. Additionally, compared to other E2-releasing biomaterials, this method required a lower dosage and may potentially improve the outcomes of pelvic organ prolapse surgery in the future.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Urban Mur, Miha Ravnik
Summary: Photonic crystals can control the propagation of light in unique ways, and this work introduces the concept of pixelated 2D photonic crystals to enable reconfigurable optical materials. By replacing the cross sections of cylindrical pillars with pixelated circles, as few as 5x5 switchable pixels can approximate the original cylindrical design while maintaining the photonic band structure. The proposed experimental realization is based on liquid crystal display technology.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
K. Mishra, T. G. H. Blank, C. S. Davies, L. Aviles-Felix, D. Salomoni, L. D. Buda-Prejbeanu, R. C. Sousa, I. L. Prejbeanu, B. Koopmans, Th. Rasing, A. V. Kimel, A. Kirilyuk
Summary: Recent works have demonstrated the all-optical switching of magnetization in Tb/Co multilayers using ultrashort laser pulses, while the same process is not achievable in TbCo alloys. In this study, we provide a plausible explanation for this difference based on the angular momenta treatment and gyromagnetic ratio of rare-earth-based ferrimagnets. Furthermore, we investigate the composition-dependent dynamic behavior of the switching process in Tb/Co multilayers through single-shot time-resolved pump-probe experiments, revealing it deviates from the accepted framework applicable to Gd-based systems and Mn-containing Heusler alloys.
PHYSICAL REVIEW RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Physics, Condensed Matter
K. H. Prabhakara, T. B. Shapaeva, V. V. Yurlov, K. A. Zvezdin, A. K. Zvezdin, C. S. Davies, A. Tsukamoto, A. I. Kirilyuk, Th. Rasing, A. V. Kimel
Summary: Using double high-speed photography, it has been demonstrated that an external magnetic field can induce the movement of a GdFeCo domain wall at velocities of up to 1.2 km/s. The velocity of the domain wall increases and levels off as the amplitude of the driving magnetic field pulse increases. Unlike previous experiments on iron ferrites, no impact of femtosecond laser pulses on the dynamics of the domain wall has been observed, even when the pump pulse energy is sufficient for magnetic reversal.
PHYSICS OF THE SOLID STATE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jyoti Kumari, Roel Hammink, Jochem Baaij, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: Fibrosis is the formation of fibrous connective tissue in response to injury, leading to organ dysfunction. A novel hybrid hydrogel combining synthetic polyisocyanide with hyaluronic acid has been developed, showing strong antifibrotic properties.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Aksel Nils Gudde, Melissa Jacoba Johanna Van Velthoven, Paul Herco Jaroslav Kouwer, Jan Paul Waltherus Rudolphus Roovers, Zeliha Guler
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Melissa J. J. van Velthoven, Malou van Loon, Lissy Rasing, Aksel N. Gudde, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Jan Paul Roovers, Zeliha Guler, Paul H. J. Kouwer
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yiping Yin, Zhe Wang, Hua Zou
Summary: This study presents a novel method for preparing dimpled polymer-silica nanocomposite particles using interfacial swelling-based seeded polymerization. The optimized conditions allow for a relatively high percentage of dimpled particles to be achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brenden D. Hoehn, Elizabeth A. Kellstedt, Marc A. Hillmyer
Summary: Porous materials with nanometer-scale pores have important applications as nanoporous membranes. In this study, ABA triblock copolymers were used as precursors to produce nanoporous polymeric membranes (NPMs) in thin film form by degrading the end blocks. Polycyclooctene (PCOE) NPMs with tunable pore sizes were successfully prepared using solvent casting technique. Oxygen plasma etching was employed to improve the surface porosity and hydrophilicity of the membranes. This study provides a straightforward method to produce tough NPMs with high porosity and hydrophilic surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vladislav S. Petrovskii, Stepan I. Zholudev, Igor I. Potemkin
Summary: This article investigates the behavior of linear and ring polypeptide chains in aqueous solution and explores the properties of the complexes formed by these chains with oppositely charged surfactants. The results demonstrate that the complexes of linear supercharged unfolded polypeptides and the corresponding surfactants exhibit impressive adhesive properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Merve Cevik, Serkan Dikici
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of death globally, and vascular grafts are a promising treatment option. This study focuses on tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) using decellularized parsley stems as a potential biomaterial. The decellularized parsley stems showed suitable properties for TEVGs, providing a suitable environment for human endothelial cells to form a pseudo endothelium. This study showcases the potential of using parsley stems for TEVGs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gustavo A. Vasquez-Montoya, Tadej Emersic, Noe Atzin, Antonio Tavera-Vazquez, Ali Mozaffari, Rui Zhang, Orlando Guzman, Alexey Snezhko, Paul F. Nealey, Juan J. de Pablo
Summary: The optical properties of liquid crystals are typically controlled by electric fields. In this study, we investigate the effects of microfluidic flows and acoustic fields on the molecular orientation and optical response of nematic liquid crystals. We identify several previously unknown structures and explain them through calculations and simulations. These findings hold promise for the development of new systems combining sound, flow, and confinement.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xinjun Wu, Xin Guan, Shushu Chen, Jiangpeng Jia, Chongyi Chen, Jiawei Zhang, Chuanzhuang Zhao
Summary: This research presents a novel shape memory hydrogel with a remodelable permanent shape and programmable cold-induced shape recovery behavior. The hydrogel is prepared using specific treatment methods to achieve shape fixation by heating and shape recovery by cooling. Additionally, deformable devices can be obtained by assembling hydrogel blocks with different concentrations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rebecca Hengsbach, Gerhard Fink, Ulrich Simon
Summary: This study examines the properties of DNA functionalized pNipmam microgels and pure pNipmam microgels at different concentrations of sodium chloride and in PBS solutions using temperature dependent H-1-NMR measurements. The results show that DNA modification affects the volume phase transition temperature and the addition of salt and PBS further enhances this effect.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ningyi Li, Junhong Li, Lijingting Qing, Shicheng Ma, Yao Li, Baohui Li
Summary: This paper investigates the self-assembly behavior of colloids with competing interactions under spherical confinement and finds that different ordered structures can be formed under different sized spherical confinements. Moreover, more perforated structures are formed in smaller spheres.
