Article
Polymer Science
Lu Qian, Kai Zhang, Xin Guo, Junyu Zhou, Miao Yu
Summary: The study found that there was almost no difference in the single-chain elasticity of gelatin in nonane and DI water. When a single gelatin chain is pulled into loose nonane, dehydration does not occur due to strong binding water interactions. Gelatin chains can only interact with water molecules at high temperatures.
Article
Polymer Science
Song Lu, Wanhao Cai, Song Zhang, Shuxun Cui
Summary: The single-chain mechanics of three kinds of polymers (polydimethylsiloxane, polyoxymethylene, and poly(methyl methacrylate)) were studied from room temperature to 153K using atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy and a theoretical model. The isolated chain showed a gradual change in its mechanics with temperature, which could be described using an elastic model. Analysis revealed that the single bonds in the backbone of an isolated chain could freely rotate within the timescale of single-molecule manipulation. This study is the first experimental investigation of single-chain mechanics at cryogenic temperatures and supports the theoretical prediction of a much lower transition temperature for isolated chains compared to bulk polymer materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Herbert Wakefield, Ilia Kevlishvili, Kelsie E. Wentz, Yunxin Yao, Tatiana B. Kouznetsova, Sophia J. Melvin, Em G. Ambrosius, Abraham Herzog-Arbeitman, Maxime A. Siegler, Jeremiah A. Johnson, Stephen L. Craig, Heather J. Kulik, Rebekka S. Klausen
Summary: The cis- and trans-isomers of a silacycloheptene were selectively synthesized using a silyl dianion, providing a novel method for studying strained cycloalkenes. Quantum chemical calculations and crystallographic signatures confirmed that the trans-isomer is more strained than the cis isomer. The trans-isomer also exhibited unique reactivity in ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) and showed increased molecular compliance compared to carbon-based analogues.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Song Lu, Wanhao Cai, Song Zhang, Shuxun Cui
Summary: The single-chain mechanics of three polymers (polydimethylsiloxane, polyoxymethylene, and poly(methyl methacrylate)) were studied at cryogenic temperatures using atomic force microscopy and a theoretical model. The isolated chain exhibited gradual changes in single-chain mechanics, which could be well described by an elastic model. The study also revealed that the single bonds in the backbone of the chain could freely rotate with thermal fluctuations.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. P. Kovalets, E. P. Kozhina, I. V. Razumovskaya, S. A. Bedin, A. A. Piryazev, Yu. V. Grigoriev, A. V. Naumov
Summary: This study investigates the hyperenhancement effect of Raman scattering (RS) appearing on microcracks of metal deposition (silver and gold) on uniaxially stretched polymer track-etched membranes. The deformation of membranes with high surface density and small pore diameter leads to the development of many microcracks in the metal coating. The efficiency of surface enhancement RS (SERS) is investigated using malachite green as an example, and the ability to recognize extremely low concentrations of the substance is demonstrated. The study finds that the SERS signal increases with the deformation of the samples and shows even greater enhancement after unloading and relaxation. Tensile strain experiments and changes in electrical conductivity confirm the hypothesis that SERS appears on microcrack edges with a relatively small distance between their boundaries. SERS technique is proposed for analyzing the formation of micro- and nanocracks on metal coatings.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Nanpu Cao, Yuehua Zhao, Hongbo Chen, Jinying Huang, Miao Yu, Yu Bao, Dapeng Wang, Shuxun Cui
Summary: Research has found that by capturing hydronium ions, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) can transform from a neutral polymer to a supra-polyelectrolyte. This finding sheds light on the relationship between the simple structure and fantastic functions of PEG.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyun-Kyu Choi, Hyun Gyu Kim, Min Ju Shon, Tae-Young Yoon
Summary: Single-molecule magnetic tweezers provide magnetic force and torque to single target molecules, allowing the study of dynamic changes in biomolecular structures and interactions. Using smaller magnetic beads and shorter tethers improves dynamic response times and measurement precision. High-resolution single-molecule magnetic tweezers can track nanometer changes in target molecules on a millisecond time scale.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu Qian, Kai Zhang, Xin Guo, Miao Yu
Summary: Chitin and chitosan are derived from each other, with chitosan having better solubility than chitin. The specific mechanism of this conversion is still unclear. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) was used to investigate the mechanical properties of chitin and chitosan. The results suggest that the state of hydrogen bonds, influenced by the solvent, determines the degree of water binding (solubility) of polysaccharides. The binding water energy of a single chitosan chain is 6 times higher than that of chitin in water. It is proposed that hydrogen bonding is the key to solubility enhancement and can be used to modulate the solubility properties of chitosan. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the structural and functional properties of chitin and chitosan at the single molecule level.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Subhasis Adhikari, Michel Orrit
Summary: This article reviews the progress of single-molecule optical experiments in the past 20 years and proposes some perspectives for the future. The article particularly focuses on methodological advances in fluorescence, super-resolution, photothermal contrast, and interferometric scattering and briefly discusses a few applications. These advances have allowed for the exploration of new emitters and quantum optics, the study of chemistry and biology in complex heterogeneous systems, nanoparticles, and plasmonics, and the detection and investigation of non-fluorescing and non-absorbing nano-objects. The article concludes by proposing ideas for future experiments, aiming for more and better signals and a deeper understanding of the nanoscale world of single (bio-)molecules, nanoparticles, and their nano-environments.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emily K. Searles, Eric Gomez, Stephen Lee, Behnaz Ostovar, Stephan Link, Christy F. Landes
Summary: Single-particle spectroelectrochemistry is a valuable tool for understanding physical and chemical changes at the nanoscale. This study focuses on the less explored changes in the photoluminescence of plasmonic nanoparticles under electrochemical charging, using correlated single-particle photoluminescence and dark-field scattering. The results show that changes in the emission of a single gold nanorod during charge density tuning can be attributed to variations in the Purcell factor and absorption cross section. Additionally, modulation of interband photoluminescence provides a potential dual channel sensing approach in spectroelectrochemical measurements.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Takanori Harashima, Shintaro Fujii, Yuki Jono, Tsuyoshi Terakawa, Noriyuki Kurita, Satoshi Kaneko, Manabu Kiguchi, Tomoaki Nishino
Summary: The electrical properties of DNA in the field of molecular electronics have been extensively studied, with a focus on the higher-order structures and design changes associated with single-molecule electronic devices. Researchers have developed a DNA zipper configuration to form a single-molecule junction, which exhibits high conductivity and an attractive self-restoring capability. This strategy provides a basis for novel designs of single-molecule junctions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaoye Zhang, Dandan Li, Yu Song, Wenke Zhang
Summary: In this study, the mechanical stability and melting pathway of highly stereoregular syndiotactic polypropylene (s-PP) were investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based single molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). It was found that crystal thickness and structure have significant impacts on mechanical stability and melting pathway.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hongliang Chen, Chuancheng Jia, Xin Zhu, Chen Yang, Xuefeng Guo, J. Fraser Stoddart
Summary: Developing new materials is a long-standing goal in various fields, and understanding single-molecule reactions can deepen our understanding of chemical reactions and provide new frameworks in materials science. This review focuses on state-of-the-art chemical reactions in single-molecule junctions and highlights the advantages of real-time testbeds for studying reaction dynamics, intermediates, transition states, and solvent effects. The behavior of single-molecule reactions is compared with reactions in ensemble states, and the potential of leveraging single-molecule catalysis for large-scale materials production is explored.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jiseong Park, Yongdeok Ahn, Wonhee John Lee, Siwoo Jin, Sejoo Jeong, Jaeyong Kim, Young-Sam Lee, Jong-Chan Lee, Daeha Seo
Summary: Researchers have developed a method called lipid-MAP that uses nanoparticles, single-molecule localization microscopy, and a hidden Markov model algorithm to analyze the phase heterogeneity of lipid membranes. They were able to detect and characterize small and transient lipid domains in live cells.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Song Zhang, Miao Yu, Guoqiang Zhang, Guanmei He, Yunxu Ji, Juan Dong, Huayan Zheng, Lu Qian
Summary: The pH-responsive behavior of chitin molecules is essential for brewing and the design of chitin materials. Single-molecule studies have shown that chitin molecules exhibit different mechanical and conformational behaviors under different pH values.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Xing, Qiuyu Gong, Ruifen Zou, Junlie Yao, Lingchao Xiang, Aiguo Wu
Summary: Despite the rapid development of fluorescence detection modalities for disease diagnosis, there is still immense pressure for novel fluorescent molecules and probes to transform before their clinic application. Remarkably, fluorescent probes based on traditional fluorescent dyes are expected to expedite this transformation process. In this study, methylene blue is utilized to intricately design the GSH responsive probe MB-SS-CPT. The synthesized MB-SS-CPT provides significant optical advantages for GSH detection in vitro, cell fluorescence imaging, in vivo imaging, and antitumor therapy.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linzi Chen, Zhenqi Jiang, Lifei Yang, Ye Fang, Shuwei Lu, Ozioma U. U. Akakuru, Shuaishuai Huang, Juan Li, Suya Ma, Aiguo Wu
Summary: HPDA/Zn is a novel ultrasound contrast agent that can stabilize plaques by reducing CREB protein expression and decreasing inflammatory factor secretion.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yufeng Sun, Shengwen Wang, Fangfang Wang, Hao Zhang, Weiya Huang, Aiguo Wu, Yujie Zhang
Summary: Silver nanoparticles modified with crown ether were used to develop a rapid colorimetric method for detecting urinary potassium. The method showed fast response, good selectivity, and interference immunity. It can be used for quantitative analysis of potassium ions in urine samples.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jie Lin, Dinghu Zhang, Jian Yu, Ting Pan, Xiaoxia Wu, Tianxiang Chen, Changyong Gao, Chao Chen, Xiaotian Wang, Aiguo Wu
Summary: The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique relies on the intensity difference of the Raman signal to identify tumor cells. In order to enhance the reliability and accuracy of SERS signal, it is crucial to explore novel SERS nanostructures that possess excellent spectral stability, high enhancement factor (EF), and good biocompatibility. The development of novel amorphous nitrogen-doped carbon (NDC) nanocages (NCs) with a high SERS EF (5.52 x 106) has addressed these requirements, offering unique advantages in distinguishing tumor cells and enabling the quantitative recognition of triple-negative breast cancer cells based on SERS detection mode.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuenan Zhang, Yujie Zhang, Aiguo Wu
Summary: This study investigates the remediation effect and mechanism of cadmium (Cd) in weakly alkaline soil using zeolite, diatomite, and sodium bentonite as the main components, supplemented by calcium dihydrogen phosphate and fulvic acid. The results show that the concentration of Cd in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soil decreases, and there is a reduction in Cd concentration in wheat grains.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Haiwei Zhang, Aiguo Wu
Summary: This article comments on a published paper by Zhang and Wu (2019) on the topic of common-mode noise reduction by parasitic capacitance cancellation in a three-phase inverter. The paper demonstrates how a three-terminal electromagnetic interference (EMI) filter can effectively reduce EMI noise on the output side. The concept of parasitic capacitance cancellation is not new, and previous works by Wang and Lee (2007, 2010), Neugebauer and Perreault (2006), and Piboonwattanakit and Khan-Ngern (2008) should be cited.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Chenyang Yao, Fang Yang, Jiaji Zhang, Junlie Yao, Yi Cao, Hao Peng, Stefan G. Stanciu, Costas A. Charitidis, Aiguo Wu
Summary: Recent advancements in magneto-mechanical therapies have shown promising potential in enhancing or replacing conventional therapeutic strategies. This study focuses on deciphering the dependence between cell death pathways and the geometry of magnetic nanocomposites under a rotating magnetic field. The findings demonstrate that different geometries of magnetic nanocomposites result in distinct magneto-mechanical effects and cell death mechanisms, with magnetic nanospheres inducing apoptosis and magnetic nanochains leading to necrosis. This study enhances the current understanding of the relationship between magneto-mechanical therapeutic effects and cell death pathways, paving the way for improved biomedical tools and treatment approaches.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Editorial Material
Automation & Control Systems
Ai-Guo Wu, Zheng-Guang Wu, Victor Sreeram, Xiaofeng Wang
IET CONTROL THEORY AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junlie Yao, Zihou Li, Zhouhua Li, Xiaoxia Wu, Chunshu Pan, Jie Xing, Aoran Zhang, Bo Jiang, Fang Yang, Aiguo Wu
Summary: A novel ultrasmall iron-manganese nanomedicine was designed to disrupt the metabolic and redox homeostasis of breast cancer and bone metastases sites by using ATP, hydrogen peroxide, and NADPH reactivities. Additionally, this nanomedicine provided dual-mode T1/T2 magnetic resonance imaging for tumor detection.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xuelu He, Yuan Luo, Yanying Li, Yuanbo Pan, Ryan T. K. Kwok, Lulu He, Xiaolin Duan, Pengfei Zhang, Aiguo Wu, Ben Zhong Tang, Juan Li
Summary: In this study, a multifunctional near-infrared (NIR)-driven theranostic agent was developed by combining aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizers TIND with rare-earth doping nanoparticles (RENPs) NaGdF4:Nd/Yb/Tm for up/down conversion luminescence. This theranostic agent was further modified with D-type neuropeptide (NPY)-N-D for blood-brain barrier crossing and glioma targeting. Under 808-nm light irradiation, the down-conversion NIR-II luminescence enabled the localization of glioma, while the upconversion NIR-I luminescence activated the AIE photosensitizers to inhibit orthotopic glioma tumor growth in situ. These findings suggest that the integration of D-type neuropeptide, AIE photosensitizers, and RENPs could be a promising approach for in vivo NIR-II fluorescence image-guided through-skull photodynamic therapy of brain tumors.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mihaela Asaftei, Massimiliano Lucidi, Cristina Cirtoaje, Alina-Maria Holban, Costas A. A. Charitidis, Fang Yang, Aiguo Wu, George A. A. Stanciu, Ozge Saglam, Veronica Lazar, Paolo Visca, Stefan G. G. Stanciu
Summary: The fast and global spread of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has led to an urgent need for alternative antibacterial agents. Recent studies have shown that nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs), have the potential to be used as antimicrobial agents. This mini-review surveys recent progress on the antibacterial effects of CNTs and examines the proposed mechanisms of action, with a focus on their activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qianqian Gao, Xuelu He, Lulu He, Jie Lin, Le Wang, Yujiao Xie, Aiguo Wu, Juan Li
Summary: This study investigates the morphological effect of Cu2-xSe nanoparticles on chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Hollow octahedral Cu2-xSe nanoparticles showed better photothermal and chemodynamic performance in the NIR-II window. Additionally, a therapeutic platform (Cu2-xSe@CQ@NPY) was developed, which holds great potential for achieving synergistic enhancement of CDT/PTT in breast cancer treatment.
Review
Biophysics
Stefan G. Stanciu, Karsten Koenig, Young Min Song, Lior Wolf, Costas A. Charitidis, Paolo Bianchini, Martin Goetz
Summary: According to the World Health Organization, the percentage of the world's elderly population will double by 2050, leading to an increase in age-related diseases and putting tremendous pressure on global healthcare systems. Therefore, finding efficient ways to address age-related cancers is crucial. This article discusses endoscopic approaches for gastric cancer diagnostics and reviews progress in emerging technologies that can enhance gastrointestinal cancer diagnostics. The challenges and a possible configuration of a system capable of biomimetic endoscopic vision, label-free tissue characterization, and intelligently automated cancer diagnostics are also discussed.
BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yufeng Sun, Minjie Peng, Aiguo Wu, Yujie Zhang
Summary: A rapid colorimetric detection method using iodide-responsive copper-gold nanoparticles was established for detecting dopamine in urine and serum. The method provides a rapid response, excellent selectivity, and interference immunity.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yufeng Sun, Minjie Peng, Aiguo Wu, Yujie Zhang
Summary: In this study, a rapid colorimetric detection method was developed for dopamine in urine and serum samples. The method showed fast response and color variability, with good stability, high selectivity, and resistance to interference. By utilizing copper-gold nanoparticles, a multicolor colorimetric detection of dopamine was achieved.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
