Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryo Matsumoto, Koji Hasegawa
Summary: The study focuses on the dynamics of self-propelled droplets on a heated pool, investigating the effects of pool temperature and droplet thermophysical properties. Through experimental results, the study validates a simple model prediction for self-propelled Leidenfrost droplets. These findings provide a deeper physical insight into the dynamics of Leidenfrost droplets on a heated pool for contactless and contamination-free sample manipulation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ruiyuan Zhang, Liang Yu, Hongjun You, Rui Hao, Jixiang Fang
Summary: A robust and practical molecular enrichment strategy has been developed, which effectively confines analyte molecules and gold nanoparticles in a small-sized sensitive region on a needle tip. This strategy utilizes the Leidenfrost phenomenon and capillary force, enabling high sensitivity and specificity in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Daeseong Jo
Summary: Leidenfrost droplet experiments were conducted to investigate the movement of droplets on a ratchet under different temperature regimes. The results showed that the terminal velocity of the droplets increased with temperature until reaching its highest value, and then gradually decreased. The regimes were identified based on the droplet velocity, shape, and motion. In the high-temperature regime, there was a complete vapor film underneath the droplets, causing them to levitate from the ratchet. However, in the low-temperature regime, there was direct contact between the droplets and ratchet, resulting in drastic nucleate boiling and stronger rotational motion.
JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Takuya Hirosawa, Munetoshi Sakai, Ken Yamamoto, Masahiro Motosuke, Toshihiro Isobe, Sachiko Matsushita, Akira Nakajima
Summary: Zinc oxide nanorods were prepared on Zn plates by hydrothermal processing, and the Leidenfrost phenomenon was evaluated after coating with fluoroalkyl silane. The modification decreased the Leidenfrost temperature and affected the self-propulsion of droplets on the plates, lowering both the temperature and velocity of self-propelled droplets. When ZnO-NR was formed on every other ratchet, the self-propelled droplet velocity increased with lowered temperatures for self-propulsion, exceeding the terminal velocity of Zn plates without ZnO-NR at 160 degrees C.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Risa Fujita, Muneyuki Matsuo, Satoshi Nakata
Summary: This study explores the design and characteristics of self-propelled objects based on nonlinear science, demonstrating that nonlinearity can enhance the autonomy of multidimensional motion in self-propelled objects.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cong Liu, Chenguang Lu, Zichao Yuan, Cunjing Lv, Yahua Liu
Summary: The authors report a steerable drop transport technology at high temperature by controlling the drop boiling states and microgroove structures, achieving directed drop transport.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Gudlavalleti V. V. S. Vara Prasad, Purbarun Dhar, Devranjan Samanta
Summary: In this article, a novel method of increasing the dynamic Leidenfrost temperature (T-DL) by adding surfactants to water droplets was proposed and experimentally studied. The effects of Weber number (We), Ohnesorge number (Oh), and surfactant concentration on T-DL were examined, and a scaling relationship was proposed. The findings have significant implications for thermal management systems operating at high temperatures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jyoti, Jose Munoz, Martin Pumera
Summary: Graphene quantum dot-based microrobots demonstrate potential for optical real-time monitoring of DNA, offering high sensitivity and selectivity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Victor Julio Leon, Kripa K. Varanasi
Summary: The self-propulsion of boiling droplets is achieved by coupling short and long timescale phenomena, resulting from microsecond fluctuations induced by boiling events at the droplet-oil interface. This interplay leads to continuous asymmetric vapor release and momentum transfer, allowing for high droplet velocities.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiao Yu, Baihai Su, Weifeng Zhao, Changsheng Zhao
Summary: A self-propelled chitosan-based hydrogel with CaCO3 was developed for efficient hemostasis, using the release of Ca2+ to accelerate clot formation and achieve excellent hemostatic efficiency.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Prateek Dwivedi, Dipin Pillai, Rahul Mangal
Summary: Self-propelled droplets are active matter systems composed of one fluid dispersed in another immiscible fluid, achieving self-propulsion through spontaneous symmetry-breaking. These droplet systems are simple to operate, suitable for studying biological swimmer behavior, and have potential for use as smart materials in executing tasks in microscopic domains.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xing Han, Wei Li, Haibo Zhao, Jiaqian Li, Xin Tang, Liqiu Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates that by adding a small amount of lubricant to impacting droplets, the rebound speed can be reduced without affecting the droplets' motion state, enabling control over the droplet impact process and preventing splashing upon contact with surfaces.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Zhengchuang Zhao, Xiaobin Huang, Haoqiang Sheng, Zhijia Chen, Hong Liu
Summary: A scalable strategy has been developed to inhibit the Leidenfrost effect of alcohol fuels through self-propagating oxidation heat release and in-situ active radical generation, achieving reliable ignition and stable combustion in a wide temperature range.
Article
Mechanics
Xiaojing Ma, Chaoqiang Wang, Jinliang Xu
Summary: Inspired by the light-diverging effect of convex mirrors, a novel droplet actuator was proposed to enhance mixing/reaction in this study. The actuator utilizes a rectangle formed by an open tunnel and two convex surfaces. When a droplet contacts a convex surface, contact-induced explosive boiling generates a large thrust force, resulting in self-sustained droplet oscillation. The convex surface enhances droplet motion in the width direction. The study also introduces a thermal insulation technique to achieve hotter convex surfaces and a colder tunnel. The collision frequency and droplet velocity were found to be significantly enhanced when using the convex side surface. Additionally, the range of reflection angles becomes larger, which is the key mechanism for enhancing motion and forming fold line trajectories.
Article
Mechanics
Jiapeng Zhu, Maolin Liao, Yang Zheng, Shikun Qi, Zhi Li, Zijin Zeng
Summary: This paper focuses on the stability of a self-propelled capsule moving in the digestive tract and proposes a multi-objective optimization method. By adjusting the optimization parameters, the capsule achieves bi-directional motion and improves the reliability of energy consumption and impact force through reliability optimization. The research findings are of great significance for improving the self-propelled capsule system and its application in wireless endoscopy.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Zhang, Yufei Ma, Yijie Wang, Lin Niu, Rui Zou, Min Zhang, Hao Liu, Guy M. Genin, Ang Li, Feng Xu
Summary: This article reviews the soft-hard tissue interfaces found in the body and their application in bioinspired engineering materials. It also describes a range of manufacturing technologies related to interfacial tissue engineering, hydrogel bioadhesion, and healthcare and medical devices.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yuxiang Zhao, Yabei Li, Shuake Kuermanbayi, Yulin Liu, Junjie Zhang, Zhaoyang Ye, Hui Guo, Kai Qu, Feng Xu, Fei Li
Summary: Ferroptosis, a promising therapeutic strategy for cancers, has attracted great interest. Monitoring the dynamic changes in key parameters during the early course of ferroptosis can provide insights for understanding the underlying mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jinbin Qiu, Guorui Jin, Guoyou Huang, Haishui Huang, Feng Xu
Summary: In this study, an in vitro astrocyte culture system capable of precisely controlling culture temperature was developed to investigate the effects of clinically-relevant hyperthermic temperatures on astrocyte viability, morphology, and functions. It was found that high hyperthermia caused irreversible and permanent damages to astrocytes, while mild hyperthermia induced astrocyte activation and cytokine secretion without significant decreases in cell viability. This study provides new insights into fever-related symptoms and opens up possibilities for astrocyte-targeted therapy to treat brain diseases via hyperthermia.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yan Hu, Yuanbo Jia, Siwei Wang, Yufei Ma, Guoyou Huang, Tan Ding, Dayun Feng, Guy M. Genin, Zhao Wei, Feng Xu
Summary: Injectable hydrogels have the potential to promote healing of brain lesions, but current challenges arise from the mismatch between the hydrogel and the brain tissue. This study develops a self-healing hydrogel that mimics the composition, stiffness, and viscoelasticity of native brain tissue, and shows promising results in an in vivo mouse model of brain lesions.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhaoyang Ye, Yabei Li, Yuxiang Zhao, Junjie Zhang, Tong Zhu, Feng Xu, Fei Li
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zhaoyang Ye, Yabei Li, Yuxiang Zhao, Junjie Zhang, Tong Zhu, Feng Xu, Fei Li
Summary: This study constructed an in vitro cardiac tissue model and established a thermal-electric coupled theoretical model to simulate the electric field and temperature distributions around the cardiac tissue. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) was used to in situ and quantitatively monitor the dynamic changes in the key parameters of the cardiac tissue function after electric field stimulations. The results showed that the oxygen consumption, cell membrane permeability coefficient, and contraction frequency of the cardiac tissue were strongly dependent on electrical energy, especially when the electrical energy was higher than 0.001 J.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuanbo Jia, Jiahui Hu, Keli An, Qiang Zhao, Yang Dang, Hao Liu, Zhao Wei, Songmei Geng, Feng Xu
Summary: In this study, enhanced phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was found to be associated with scratch-exacerbated atopic dermatitis (AD). The researchers developed a multifunctional hydrogel dressing that integrates oxidative stress modulation with FAK inhibition to synergistically treat AD. The results showed that the hydrogel can scavenge reactive oxygen species, reduce intercellular junction deficiency, and alleviate inflammation in mouse AD models with controlled scratching.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shanshan Zhu, Tian Zhang, Huan Gao, Guorui Jin, Jin Yang, Xiaocong He, Hui Guo, Feng Xu
Summary: Chemotherapy for breast cancer treatment is commonly used in clinics but has limited efficacy due to poor specificity and tumor microenvironment-induced diffusion barrier. A combination therapy strategy based on an extracellular matrix modulator and tumor microenvironment-responsive drug is developed, demonstrating outstanding therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo. This mechanochemical approach provides a promising approach for breast cancer therapy.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jinbin Qiu, Zhijie Li, Keli An, Lele Niu, Haishui Huang, Feng Xu
Summary: This study constructed 3D culture models to investigate the thermal response of glioma cells under different hyperthermic temperatures. It was found that the high energy level of cells in 3D glioma spheres enables them to maintain cellular viability and respond promptly to thermal stimulation. Additionally, 3D glioma spheres exhibit strong drug resistance to thermo-chemical combination therapy.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jicheng Niu, Wenjing Liu, Jasmine Xinze Li, Xianglong Pang, Yulin Liu, Chao Zhang, Keyang Yue, Yulin Zhou, Feng Xu, Xiaoguang Li, Fei Li
Summary: The authors report a strategy for laser cutting machining of nanoparticle encased water pancakes with sub-millimeter depth. They verified and elucidated the process of nanoparticle-encased water pancake laser cutting and the parameters that affect cutting accuracy through theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental studies. Laser-fabricated water patterns with diverse properties were demonstrated and their applications in various fields were conceptually demonstrated.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Bin Li, Wei Zhang, Hong Fu, Hao Liu, Feng Xu
Summary: This article proposes an end-to-end multi-level constrained spatiotemporal representation structure for facial video-based blood volume pulse (BVP) signal measurement. The structure strengthens the generation of BVP-related features and enhances BVP signal period pattern learning through global-local association. Experimental results show that the proposed structure outperforms state-of-the-art methods in BVP signal measurement with significant reductions in mean absolute error and root mean squared error. This structure has potential applications in telemedical and non-contact heart health monitoring.
IEEE JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Songbai Zhang, Yuanbo Jia, Jingyi Liu, Fan Feng, Zhao Wei, Min Zhang, Feng Xu
Summary: Periodontitis can lead to irreversible defects in the periodontal ligament (PDL), hindering its regeneration and hampering the treatment of the disease. A promising approach for promoting PDL regeneration is the use of hydrogels that release anti-inflammatory drugs. However, current hydrogel systems do not mimic the viscoelastic features of native periodontium, which play an important role in tissue regeneration. This study developed a bi-crosslinking viscoelastic hydrogel (Alg-PBA/Spd) that integrates phenylboronic acid-modified alginate with an anti-inflammatory agent (spermidine) through crosslinking bonds, showing potential for promoting periodontal regeneration through mechanobiological synergy.
REGENERATIVE BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yulin Liu, Junjie Zhang, Yabei Li, Yuxiang Zhao, Shuake Kuermanbayi, Jian Zhuang, Hua Zhang, Feng Xu, Fei Li
Summary: This study constructed an in vitro mechanical-inflammatory coupled microenvironment model for microglia and demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide treatment induced activation of microglia on a stiff matrix, leading to disruption of redox balance and increased susceptibility to ROS production. The respiratory activity and migration behavior of microglia were closely associated with their activation process, with the most pronounced changes observed in stiff matrix-LPS-induced microglia. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammatory processes in the CNS.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Huiqing Zhang, Xin Ding, Xiongwen Zhang, Feng Xu
Summary: This paper presents a smart ball sensor for personalized grip strength monitoring. The sensor is made of laser-cut graphene, with electronic components embedded in a transparent pill shell at the center of the ball. The influence of contact area between hand and ball on grip strength was evaluated using finite-element analysis, and the grip strength data can be wirelessly read by a mobile phone. The smart ball sensor demonstrated high performance and is suitable for specific populations and individuals with small grip strength.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Rongyan He, Hao Liu, Yan Niu, Huiqing Zhang, Guy M. Genin, Feng Xu
Summary: Physiological monitoring technology has the potential to provide detailed information about health conditions and is essential for personalized healthcare. Flexible miniaturized sensors have been widely used for long-term monitoring of human wellness, but there are still challenges and promising prospects.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2022)
