Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tina Tabrizizadeh, Jian Wang, Rahul Kumar, Sumit Chaurasia, Kevin Stamplecoskie, Guojun Liu
Summary: This study investigates the construction of efficient water-evaporation-induced generators by placing carbon nanofiber mats on fiberglass screens, analyzing the influence of structural parameters on the generated electricity. The optimized carbon nanofiber mats produce electricity at an areal power density of 83 nW/cm², almost 10 times higher than some existing devices, making them an attractive porous scaffold for WEIGs.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nazar Riswana Barveen, Tzyy-Jiann Wang, Yu-Hsu Chang
Summary: This study reports on a method for synthesizing gold nanostars (Au NSs) with clean surfaces using ethanol and a simple photoreduction process. The synthesized Au NSs are applied on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), showing superior detection performance and multiplex detection ability. The transparent and flexible nature of the Au NSs/PMMA SERS substrate allows for in-situ, real-time detection of multiple antibiotics, potentially improving the detection of antibiotics for global food safety issues.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuai Liu, Pingping Liang, Jie Liu, Jiayu Xin, Xinghua Li, Changlu Shao, Xiaowei Li, Yichun Liu
Summary: Constructing floating photocatalysts by anchoring BiOBrxI1-x on flexible PAN nanofiber mats results in tunable light absorption properties, with BiOBr0.5I0.5@PAN nanofibers showing enhanced photocatalytic performance. The balance between light absorption and redox capabilities, along with efficient separation of electron-hole pairs, contributes to the improved performance of these solid-solution-based floatable nanofiber photocatalysts for wastewater treatment applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cecilia Spedalieri, Gergo Peter Szekeres, Stephan Werner, Peter Guttmann, Janina Kneipp
Summary: Gold nanostars are important tools in biophotonics and theranostics due to their ability to enhance local optical fields in living cells. SERS spectra show that the vibrational signals of molecules are similar in strength over a wide range of concentrations, making them ideal for label-free characterization of cells. Different intracellular processing of nanostars is influenced by their morphological properties, particularly the extent of hydrophobic interactions at the gold surface.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Caterina Dallari, Claudia Capitini, Martino Calamai, Andrea Trabocchi, Francesco Saverio Pavone, Caterina Credi
Summary: Gold nanoparticles have unique physicochemical and optical functionalities that make them ideal for spectroscopy-based detection techniques, particularly for SERS. By conjugating different moieties to the nanoparticles, their plasmonic properties can be combined with the specific recognition capabilities of antibodies for analysis of biological fluids in clinical settings.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Li Zhang, Ximo Wang, Chen Chen, Ruiqiang Wang, Xuguang Qiao, Geoffrey I. N. Waterhouse, Zhixiang Xu
Summary: A simple and sensitive SERS sensor based on gold nano-stars@reduced graphene oxide (AuNS@rGO) was developed for the detection of benzo[a]pyrene in foods. Benzo[a]pyrene was adsorbed on reduced graphene oxide and detected using SERS, with the large electric fields generated by the gold nanostars greatly amplifying the Raman signals. The SERS sensor exhibited a wide linear detection range and a low limit of detection. Chicken samples spiked with benzo[a]pyrene were successfully assayed using the sensor.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Orlando Donoso-Gonzalez, Lucas Lodeiro, Alvaro E. Aliaga, Miguel A. Laguna-Bercero, Soledad Bollo, Marcelo J. Kogan, Nicolas Yutronic, Rodrigo Sierpe
Summary: Gold nanostars functionalized with cationic beta-cyclodextrin-based polymer (CCD/P) to load phenylethylamine and piperine were characterized and evaluated for potential biomedical applications. The system showed improved colloidal stability and high loading capacity, making it suitable for drug delivery and SERS-based detection.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alei Dang, Yuchen Wang, Huiqin Zhang, Weerapha Panatdasirisuk, Yu Xia, Zongyu Wang, Deep Jariwala, Tiehu Li, Shu Yang
Summary: This paper presents a new method for using nanofibers as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, which exhibit superior performance in terms of high sensitivity, good uniformity, and stability. The nanofiber substrates can be applied in various fields such as chemical and environmental monitoring, as well as food safety.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Prem Singh, Koustav Kundu, Sezer Seckin, Keshav Bhardwaj, Tobias A. F. Koenig, Amit Jaiswal
Summary: This paper reports a method for synthesizing gold Janus nanostars (NSs) that have a smooth pentagonal morphology with sharp tips and edges on one side and a crumbled morphology on the other. The synthesis method is different from other Janus nanoparticle preparation methods and does not involve template-assisted growth or masking techniques. The optical properties and size-dependent surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of the Janus NSs were investigated.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gagandeep Kaur, Swati Tanwar, Vishaldeep Kaur, Rathindranath Biswas, Sangeeta Saini, Krishna Kanta Haldar, Tapasi Sen
Summary: Chemical reactions mediated by localized surface plasmon resonance of metals under mild conditions have become a functional research field. In this study, bimetallic hybrid nanomaterials were designed at the interface and showed rapid conversion of para-aminothiophenol into 4,4'-dimercaptoazobenzene. These well-designed bimetallic nanostars have potential applications in surface enhanced spectroscopy, biosensing, and photoinduced surface catalysis.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuang Zhou, Zhong Wang, Chenyu Dong, Jie Bian, Weihua Zhang
Summary: This study investigated the wavelength-dependent laser-induced dynamic annealing of single plasmonic nano-antennas using in situ white light spectroscopy. The experiment revealed unexpected back-and-forth motions of rapidly melted single nano-antennas under excitation with a 532 nm laser, while gradual opening of nanogaps was observed with a 405 nm laser. Theoretical analyses suggested that the complex dynamics were caused by multiphysical processes at the nanoscale induced by the laser.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuzhou Fu, Mingyang Xin, Ju Chong, Ruoping Li, Mingju Huang
Summary: Formaldehyde is a strong-smelling, colorless, excitant gas that is carcinogenic to humans. This study utilizes a method of growing ZIF-8 shell layers on gold nanostars to achieve extremely high sensitivity of SERS-active substrates to formaldehyde molecules, with the lowest detection level almost at parts per billion (ppb).
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shaofei Wang, Jiaolai Jiang, Xuan He, Shanli Yang, Haoxi Wu, Zhen Qin, Mingfu Chu, Zhengjun Zhang, Junsheng Liao, Xiaolin Wang
Summary: There is a growing need for rapid and sensitive analysis of uranyl ions and compounds, which surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) can provide due to its single molecule detection capabilities. Recent studies focus on the fabrication of substrates, quantitative detection of uranyl ions, and structural analysis, as well as explanations for the Raman enhancement mechanisms. Future developments in on-site detection are also discussed to evaluate the practical applications of SERS.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Suchawadee Saisangtham, Chutiwat Likitaporn, Pornnapa Kasemsiri, Jiaqian Qin, Manunya Okhawilai, Pranut Potiyaraj, Hiroshi Uyama
Summary: This research focuses on fabricating a PAN/bio-based PU separator for Zn-ion batteries. By optimizing the fabrication conditions, the electrospun fiber mats exhibited excellent performance in terms of ionic conductivity and tensile strength. The incorporation of bio-based PU improved the dimensional stability of the fiber mats. The Zn-ion battery with the developed separator showed better electrochemical stability compared to the commercial separator.
EXPRESS POLYMER LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sandhiya Dayalan, Gangaraju Gedda, Ruei-Nian Li, Muhammad Zulfajri, Genin Gary Huang
Summary: In this paper, a sensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) biosensor was developed for the detection of food-borne pathogens using vancomycin as a specific targeting agent. The biosensor achieved specific and sensitive quantification of food pathogens through the use of vancomycin-functionalized gold nanostars (GNSs-4-MBA-van) as SERS tags. The detection limits for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 5.7 and 8.2 CFU/ml, respectively.
JOURNAL OF THE CHINESE CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mohammad Shohel, Kamal K. Ray, Alexei V. Tivanski, Neo E. B. McAdams, Alyssa M. Bancroft, Bradley D. Cramer, Tori Z. Forbes
Summary: Conodonts are primitive extinct jawless vertebrates that had mineralized feeding apparatuses, making them the earliest examples of such structures in vertebrates. Although the elements of conodonts were not homologous to vertebrate dentition, they shared similarities in mineralization, growth patterns, and function. However, our understanding of their functional performance is limited.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mikaela Mary F. Pyrch, Jennifer L. Bjorklund, James M. Williams, Maguire Kasperski, Sara E. Mason, Tori Z. Forbes
Summary: In this study, the impact of hydrogen bonding networks on the vibrational modes of the uranyl cation in hexavalent uranium materials was investigated. The synthesis and structural characterization of five novel compounds revealed that slight changes in crystalline packing and hydrogen bonding networks result in modifications of the vibrational modes, as observed by infrared and Raman spectroscopy.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Matthew T. Remy, Qiong Ding, Tadkamol Krongbaramee, Jue Hu, Andres V. Mora Mata, Amanda J. Haes, Brad A. Amendt, Hongli Sun, Marisa R. Buchakjian, Liu Hong
Summary: This study developed a nanoparticle-based delivery system to sustain the release of miRNAs and improve the restoration of craniofacial bone defects. The results demonstrated that CaCO3 nanoparticles enhance bone formation in a safe manner, indicating their potential application in restoring large bone defects.
Article
Polymer Science
Madeline G. Jensen, Patrick T. O'Shaughnessy, Marlee Shaffer, Sooyoun Yu, Yun Young Choi, Megan Christiansen, Charles O. Stanier, Michael Hartley, Joey Huddle, Jed Johnson, Kyle Bibby, Nosang V. Myung, David M. Cwiertny
Summary: During the global spread of COVID-19, the high demand and limited availability of melt-blown filtration material led to a manufacturing backlog of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). An alternative filter material, consisting of electrospun polystyrene (PS) microfibers, showed favorable performance in terms of filtration efficiency and antibacterial activity, potentially making it a suitable option for use in N95 FFRs.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lindsey C. Applegate, Vidumini S. Samarasiri, Johna Leddy, Tori Z. Forbes
Summary: The confinement-dependent properties of solvents, particularly water, within nanoporous spaces have unique physical and chemical behavior compared to those of the bulk. This study confirms a two-step process for water uptake in nanoporous materials and expands the existing kinetic model for water diffusion. Vapor sorption experiments and analysis support the initial hypothesis and show that water uptake is dependent on relative humidity rather than vapor pressure.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ahmad Alkhazaleh, Sundes Elfagih, Leela Raghava Jaidev Chakka, Steven R. Armstrong, Carissa L. Comnick, Fang Qian, Aliasger K. Salem, C. Allan Guymon, Amanda J. Haes, Cristina M. P. Vidal
Summary: This study investigated the use of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for dental tissue biomodification. The incorporation of MSNs loaded with proanthocyanidin (PAC) improved the mechanical properties and bonding performance of dental restorative materials.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Monica E. McFadden, Keith P. Reber, John D. Sivey, David M. Cwiertny, Gregory H. LeFevre
Summary: Microbial biotransformation of benoxacor and dichlormid primarily occurs via cometabolism, leading to the formation of novel products including monochlorinated species, glutathione conjugates, and sulfur-containing species. Dechlorination followed by conjugation with glutathione is proposed as the main transformation pathway.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Derek Simonsen, Jacob Heffelfinger, David M. Cwiertny, Hans-Joachim Lehmler
Summary: This study investigates the enantioselective metabolism of benoxacor in human subcellular fractions. The results demonstrate that microsomal cytochrome P450 enzymes, microsomal carboxylesterases, and cytosolic glutathione S-transferases metabolize benoxacor. These findings highlight the importance of considering the enantioselective metabolism of benoxacor when studying human exposures and toxicities.
EMERGING CONTAMINANTS
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Ramteja Sajja, Yusuf Sermet, David Cwiertny, Ibrahim Demir
Summary: Miscommunication between instructors and students is a significant obstacle to post-secondary learning. To address this issue, an AI-augmented intelligent educational assistance framework was developed, utilizing GPT-3 to generate course-specific intelligent assistants. The virtual teaching assistant system can provide students with easy access to relevant information, improving engagement and reducing barriers to learning.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Matthew Nagorzanski, Jiajie Qian, Andres Martinez, David M. Cwiertny
Summary: In this study, various electrospun nanofiber mats (ENMs) were fabricated and tested for their ability to sorb neonicotinoid insecticides. The inclusion of carbon nanotubes and cationic surfactants increased the sorption capacity, and carbonization temperature further enhanced the uptake. The optimal ENM exhibited fast uptake and comparable capacity to other carbonaceous sorbents.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James Kacer, Ralph Altmaier, Drew Latta, Patrick T. O'Shaughnessy, David M. Cwiertny
Summary: This study compared the mass of selected metals in the PM10 size fraction of fugitive dust from roads where slag was applied to metals in fugitive dust where slag was not applied. Manganese was found to be an important metal in the PM10 fraction on slag-covered roads, but the increase was not significant. Other HAPs were also detected in both slag-covered and non-slag-covered roads.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Michael J. Nalbandian, Sewoon Kim, Humberto E. Gonzalez-Ribot, Nosang Myung, David M. Cwiertny
Summary: In this review, the focus is on electrospun nanofibers as a promising material alternative for decentralized water treatment systems. The review analyzes the strengths and research opportunities of prior work and identifies emerging applications for nanofiber-based devices in decentralized water treatment. Research demonstrates promising material performance towards relevant targets for point-of-use/point-of-entry applications.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Nabil Shaikh, Jiajie Qian, Sewoon Kim, Hoa Phan, Juan S. Lezama-Pacheco, Abdul-Mehdi S. Ali, David M. Cwiertny, Tori Z. Forbes, Amanda J. Haes, Jose M. Cerrato
Summary: Phosphonate functionalized electrospun nanofibers have been found to effectively uptake U(VI), especially when functionalized with longer-chain phosphonate surfactants. The interaction between U(VI) and environmentally relevant ions was investigated, and it was observed that the presence of bicarbonate ions may increase the solubility of uranium. The study also revealed that U is bound to phosphonate groups as a monodentate inner sphere surface complex. This study provides valuable insights for the development of technologies for the detection and treatment of U in water.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dmytro Kravchuk, Tori Z. Forbes
Summary: Based on powder X-ray diffraction analysis, solid- and solution-phase vibrational spectroscopy, this study reveals that mechanothermal impact can induce oxidation of U(iv)O-2 and result in the formation of alkali U(vi) triperoxide phases during liquid-assisted grinding.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)