Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hangjun Ying, Pengfei Huang, Zhao Zhang, Shunlong Zhang, Qizhen Han, Zhihao Zhang, Jianli Wang, Wei-Qiang Han
Summary: In this study, a freestanding zinc-electrolyte interfacial layer composed of multicapsular carbon fibers was proposed to regulate the plating/stripping behavior of zinc anodes. The layer effectively uniformizes the electric field and ion flux and reduces deposition overpotentials, leading to improved battery performance.
NANO-MICRO LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Taylor C. Stimpson, Daniel A. Osorio, Emily D. Cranston, Jose M. Moran-Mirabal
Summary: In this study, three buckling-based methods were compared to determine the elastic moduli of supported thin films, showing that these methods are similarly effective for quantifying thin-film mechanical properties. Increasing the content of cellulose nanocrystals in the films increased the modulus, while increasing the content of polyethyleneimine did not lead to significant changes. Biaxial thermal shrinking was found to be a reliable method for determining the mechanical properties of thin films.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Xiaoming Liu, Tao Yue, Masaru Kojima, Qiang Huang, Tatsuo Arai
Summary: Blood vessels play a key role in maintaining homeostasis in the human body, and the engineering of microvessels is a challenging task. Modular tissue engineering using a bottom-up approach may be an effective way to overcome this challenge.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOPRINTING
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Weikun Zhou, Wenqiao Han, Yihao Yang, Liang Shu, Qinggui Luo, Yanjiang Ji, Cai Jin, Yingli Zhang, Jiahao Song, Mao Ye, Qi Liu, Songbai Hu, Lang Chen
Summary: This study demonstrates a method to synthesize freestanding perovskite oxide thin films using brownmillerite SrCoO2.5 as a sacrificial layer. Four representative films, including ferromagnetic SrRuO3, ferromagnetic SrRuO3, dielectric SrTiO3, and ferroelectric Pb(Zr0.2Ti0.8)O-3, were successfully produced by etching SrCoO2.5 in Fe(NO3)(3) weak acidic solution. These films can be easily integrated on other non-oxide substrates or layers.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haleh Dabbagh, Nikou Kheslat, Ainaz Alizadeh, Leila Roufegarinejad, Shahram Hanifian
Summary: This study developed and characterized gelatin and inulin nanobiocomposite films containing crystalline nanocellulose (CNC) and Malva sylvestris extract (MSE). The addition of inulin and CNC improved the thermal properties and crystalline structure of the films, compensating for the negative effects of inulin on mechanical parameters. The gelatin film sample with CNC, MSE, and 50% inulin showed the best water vapor permeability and water resistance. In addition, the MSE-containing gelatin-based films exhibited antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritis.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Soobin Park, Jinmyeong Seo, Jungjoon Park, Inseong Hwang, Han-Seung Lee, Hyunsung Jung, Bongyoung Yoo
Summary: The fabrication of freestanding bendable films without polymer substrates as capacitive humidity-sensing materials is demonstrated. The films, prepared through simple methods, exhibit remarkable sensing performance in a wide range of humidity and have been confirmed reliable through cyclic and long-term sensing tests.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Peng Wang, Cen Zhang, Yucheng Zou, Yang Li, Hui Zhang
Summary: The study demonstrated that electrospun cellulose acetate films prepared by layer-by-layer self-assembly technique could immobilize lysozyme and exhibit excellent antibacterial activity, showing promising applications in milk and dairy products.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Eduardo Jose Juca Mallmann, Francisco Afranio Cunha, Enzo Victorino Hernandez Agressott, Fernando Lima de Menezes, Rita de Cassia Carvalho Barbosa, Roxeane Teles Martins, Maria da Conceicao dos Santos Oliveira Cunha, Maria Veraci Oliveira Queiroz, Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho, John Eversong Lucena de Vasconcelos, Pierre Basilio Almeida Fechine
Summary: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using glucose as a reducing agent and incorporated into an agar matrix to form AgFilm. The AgNPs and AgFilm were characterized and showed high antifungal activity against C. albicans. AgFilm could be a promising option for treating superficial C. albicans infections.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jung-Min Cho, Hak-Joo Lee, Young-Jin Ko, Heon-Jin Choi, Young-Joon Baik, Gyu Weon Hwang, Jong-Keuk Park, Joon Young Kwak, Jaewook Kim, Jongkil Park, YeonJoo Jeong, Inho Kim, Kyeong-Seok Lee, Wook-Seong Lee
Summary: In this paper, we present a template-free approach for synthesizing a porous diamond layer using hot-filament chemical vapor deposition (HF-CVD). The key enabling factors were found to be the seeding of the substrate with detonation nanodiamond (DND) and the relatively low substrate temperature. The resulting porous layer consisted of quasi-spherical nanodiamond particles. We also demonstrated a preliminary application of the porous diamond layer as a waveguide in an attenuated-total-reflection (ATR)-type waveguide mode resonance sensor.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takayuki Ban, Seiya Hirose, Karin Konishi, Takuya Nakagawa, Chika Takai-Yamashita, Yutaka Ohya
Summary: A bottom-up synthesis of titanate nanoflakes with euhedral shapes was achieved through an aqueous solution process by adding organic ligands and controlling reaction conditions. The addition of lactic acid and triethanolamine helped to inhibit the formation of insoluble amorphous phases, while the combination of triethanolamine and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide facilitated the stabilization and further crystal growth of preformed titanate nanoflakes, resulting in the formation of euhedral shapes.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pol Salles, Pamela Machado, Pengmei Yu, Mariona Coll
Summary: Oxides possess unique physical and chemical properties that drive rapid advances in materials chemistry and find widespread applications in various devices. Chemical deposition methods allow for the development of complex oxide thin films and nanostructures through the selection of suitable chemical precursors and the design of precise and cost-effective thermal treatment.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shigemi Terakawa, Shinichiro Hatta, Hiroshi Okuyama, Tetsuya Aruga
Summary: We report on the formation of triple-atomic-layer metal films on Si(111) by depositing Mg onto In double-layer films. The (In, Mg) triple-layer phase exhibits a unique electronic structure, characterized by a circular Fermi surface composed of two circles with different radii.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Luis Francisco Villalobos, Cedric Van Goethem, Kuang-Jung Hsu, Shaoxian Li, Mina Moradi, Kangning Zhao, Mostapha Dakhchoune, Shiqi Huang, Yueqing Shen, Emad Oveisi, Victor Boureau, Kumar Varoon Agrawal
Summary: The study achieved a high density of molecular-sieving nanopores in the graphene lattice through controlled synthesis of nanocrystalline graphene. The porous nanocrystalline graphene films improve mechanical robustness while allowing large gas transport, with gas permeance and gas pair selectivity comparable to nanoporous SLG membranes prepared by state-of-the-art postsynthetic lattice etching.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenjun Zhang, Lishuai Huang, Hongling Guan, Wenwen Zheng, Zhe Li, Hongsen Cui, Shun Zhou, Jiwei Liang, Guang Li, Ti Wang, Pingli Qin, Weijun Ke, Guojia Fang
Summary: Mixed lead and tin (Pb-Sn) halide perovskite solar cells were modified using glycine hydrochloride (GlyCl) as a passivation agent, resulting in improved device performance. The introduction of GlyCl passivated defects, improved carrier transport, and suppressed Sn2+ oxidation. The modified cells achieved a high PCE of 22.07% and enabled efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells with a maximum PCE of 27.07%.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Reut Yemini, Shira Frank, Michal Natan, Gila Jacobi, Hagit Aviv, Melina Zysler, Ehud Banin, Malachi Noked
Summary: The study demonstrates the preparation of coated nanoscale thick laminated films using atomic layer deposition, which effectively reduces bacteria on catheters, even against multidrug-resistant strains. Among the various oxide layers, a triple-layer film obtained the best performance in reducing the amount of E. coli and S. aureus on a coated silicone catheter.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivana Vukoje, Vesna Lazic, Dusan Sredojevic, Margarida M. Fernandes, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, S. Phillip Ahrenkiel, Jovan M. Nedeljkovic
Summary: Different stability of coated silver nanoparticles can be achieved by using different carbohydrates as reducing and stabilizing agents. Carbohydrate-coated silver nanoparticles show a broader range of non-toxic behavior towards cells compared to bare silver nanoparticles, with differences in toxicity mechanism attributed to the presence or absence of Ag+ ions in the dispersion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pedro Costa, Rita Policia, Nikola Perinka, Yolanda Alesanco, Ana Vinuales, Estela O. Carvalho, Nelson Pereira, Margarida M. Fernandes, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: In this study, a highly antimicrobial and sensorial material for high traffic surface coatings was developed. The material consists of polyvinylidene fluoride and copper core-shell nanowires, which exhibit strong antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis while maintaining biocompatibility with mammalian cells. The addition of copper core-shell nanowires provides antimicrobial activity and suitable mechanical and electrical characteristics for the development of an antimicrobial capacitive touch sensing matrix for interactive surfaces.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javier Hoyo, Arnau Bassegoda, Guillem Ferreres, Dolores Hinojosa-Caballero, Manuel Gutierrez-Capitan, Antoni Baldi, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: Current procedures for assessing chronic wound infection are time-consuming and require complex instruments and trained personnel. This study developed a foldable paper-based device for detecting the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) in wound fluids, which is a suitable biomarker for wound infection diagnosis. The device showed efficient analytic performance in ex vivo experiments and correlated strongly with a spectrophotometric assay.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristina Ivanova, Aleksandra Ivanova, Javier Hoyo, Silvia Perez-Rafael, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: The emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria and the shortage of efficient antibacterials are serious issues in modern medicine. This study explores the use of a nano-hybridization technique to enhance the antimicrobial efficiency of the antibiotic gentamicin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The nano-hybrids showed improved bactericidal activity, attenuated the production of virulence factors, and inhibited biofilm formation, all at lower concentrations than the stand-alone gentamicin. These nano-antibacterials also maintained their effectiveness in protein-enriched conditions, making them a potential treatment for P. aeruginosa biofilm infections at reduced antibiotic dosages.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aleksandra Ivanova, Kristina Ivanova, Luisa Fiandra, Paride Mantecca, Tiziano Catelani, Michal Natan, Ehud Banin, Gila Jacobi, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: This study successfully loaded the natural bactericide farnesol onto novel nanoparticles, which improved its antibacterial properties. The nanoparticles were able to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus and inhibit the formation of drug-resistant biofilms. Furthermore, the nanoparticles exhibited strong antiviral properties and did not cause skin irritation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lizeth Bermeo, Kristina Ivanova, Leonardo Martin Perez, Eva Fores, Silvia Perez-Rafael, Juan C. Casas-Zapata, Jordi Morato, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: Providing clean drinking water is a global challenge, particularly for low-income countries with limited access to safe water. In recent years, the use of antimicrobial nanoparticles for water treatment systems has gained significant attention in biotechnological research. In this study, antimicrobial lignin capped silver nanoparticles were embedded on residual cork pieces to create a biofunctionalized nanomaterial. The resulting material showed high efficiency in reducing viable Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in liquid medium. The coated cork was further used as a filter bed in a water disinfection device, effectively reducing the number of E. coli and Bacillus cereus spores at various residence times.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Guillem Ferreres, Kristina Ivanova, Ivan Ivanov, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: Biofilms are a major global health concern, responsible for the majority of nosocomial infections and leading to prolonged hospitalization and increased healthcare costs. They are organized assemblages of cells held together by a self-produced extracellular matrix, providing enhanced resistance to antibiotics and promoting the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. Novel antibiotic-free approaches, such as quorum-quenching, EPM degradation, and bactericides, are being developed to combat biofilm infections. Nanoformulations offer advantages in terms of improved penetration and antibacterial efficacy, and they can be used as colloid suspensions or coatings on medical devices to reduce the incidence of biofilm-related infections.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Margarida M. Fernandes, Estela O. Carvalho, Daniela M. Correia, Jose M. S. S. Esperanca, Jorge Padrao, Kristina Ivanova, Javier Hoyo, Tzanko Tzanov, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: The study identified that cations with long alkyl chains can induce bacterial cell lysis by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane, and certain ILs can exhibit high antimicrobial activity against E. coli while being harmless to mammalian cells. These findings provide insights for the design of safer and more effective ILs with antimicrobial properties.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Acoustics
Silvia Perez-Rafael, Guillem Ferreres, Rudolf W. Kessler, Waltraud Kessler, Jeniffer Blair, Garima Rathee, Angela Gala Morena, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: As the most abundant renewable aromatic polymer on the planet, lignin is gaining growing interest in replacing petroleum-based chemicals and products. However, only <5% of industrial lignin waste is revalorized in its macromolecular form as additives, stabilizing agents or dispersant and surfactants. In this study, an environmentally-friendly continuous sonochemical nanotransformation process was implemented to obtain highly concentrated lignin nanoparticles (LigNPs) dispersions for added-value material applications.
ULTRASONICS SONOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giulia Crivello, Giuliana Orlandini, Angela Gala Morena, Alessandro Torchio, Clara Mattu, Monica Boffito, Tzanko Tzanov, Gianluca Ciardelli
Summary: A promising system for treating chronic wounds was developed, which consists of cobalt-lignin nanoparticles embedded in a supramolecular hydrogel. The nanoparticles demonstrated antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and the hydrogel showed injectability, self-healing properties, and linear release of loaded cargo. This multifunctional supramolecular material holds potential for the management of chronic wounds.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kristina Ivanova, Eva Ramon, Aleksandra Ivanova, Susana Sanchez-Gomez, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: Acne is a chronic skin condition that has serious physical and psychosocial consequences. Current treatments using antibiotics to target the responsible bacteria have limitations and raise concerns about antimicrobial resistance. This study developed environmentally friendly and cost-effective nanocapsules loaded with essential oil that showed superior antioxidant and bactericidal activity against the bacteria and could prevent damage to human skin cells caused by reactive oxidative species. The nanoformulated essential oil also had the potential to penetrate through the epidermis for the treatment of skin diseases like acne.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carlos M. Costa, Vanessa F. Cardoso, Pedro Martins, Daniela M. Correia, Renato Goncalves, Pedro Costa, Vitor Correia, Clarisse Ribeiro, Margarida M. Fernandes, Pedro M. Martins, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez
Summary: This article reviews the latest advances and applications of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its derivatives, highlighting the characteristics of PVDF materials, especially their outstanding electroactive properties, and their application in areas such as sensors and energy harvesting.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Guillem Ferreres, Kristina Ivanova, Juan Torrent-Burgues, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: Novel multimodal nanocomposites consisting of silver nanoparticles, chitosan, and acylase I showed excellent antimicrobial efficacy against severe bacteria and multidrug resistant mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Guillem Ferreres, Silvia Perez-Rafael, Angela Gala Morena, Tzanko Tzanov, Liudmyla Gryshchuk
Summary: Biomass fillers are able to modify the mechanical properties and morphology of composite foams, leading to increased cost-effectiveness and reduced carbon footprint. In this study, bio-based PU and epoxy foams filled with hemp protein particles were prepared and evaluated. The fillers showed significant impact on the density, mechanical properties, and cell morphology of the foams.
