Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jia-Rui Wu, Zhi Cai, Gengxin Wu, Dihua Dai, Yu-Qing Liu, Ying-Wei Yang
Summary: This work explores the construction of highly ordered supramolecular architectures in the solid state using a bottom-up molecular assembly approach based on a newly designed molecule. By utilizing certain guest vapors to induce solid-state molecular motions, various ordered linker-containing solid-state molecular assemblies can be formed, leading to the construction of a thermodynamically favored linkerfree superstructure upon heating.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jacopo Andreo, Romy Ettlinger, Orysia Zaremba, Quim Pena, Ulrich Laechelt, Roberto Fernandez de Luis, Ralph Freund, Stefano Canossa, Evelyn Ploetz, Wei Zhu, Christian S. Diercks, Harald Groeger, Stefan Wuttke
Summary: The chemistry of metal-organic and covalent organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs) is highly diverse and inclusive. When blended with nanotechnology, it forms reticular nanoscience with immense potential in various technological fields. This article explores the possibilities of framework nanoparticles, their unique properties, and potential applications in medicine, catalysis, energy, and sensors. It also introduces the concept of augmented reticular chemistry, which aims to reach higher dimensions and complexity in materials.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang Yang, Meng Zhang, Lishan Sha, Peng Lu, Min Wu
Summary: Microgels assembled from bio-based nanomaterials, such as nanocellulose, showed promising foaming properties and stability as a soft stabilizer in Pickering systems. The unique dendritic microstructure of the microgels prepared at specific nisin concentrations contributed to their improved foaming ability and foam stability, preventing coalescence of bubbles. This novel nanocellulose microgel has the potential to expand the application of nanocellulose in functional interfacial design of Pickering foams.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stephan Hirschi, Thomas R. Ward, Wolfgang P. Meier, Daniel J. Mueller, Dimitrios Fotiadis
Summary: The bottom-up assembly of biological and chemical components offers opportunities to engineer artificial vesicles with new functionalities. Inspired by cellular organization, lipid or polymer vesicles are used as model systems to study signal transduction and solute transport.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oskar Staufer, Goesta Gantner, Ilia Platzman, Klaus Tanner, Imre Berger, Joachim P. Spatz
Summary: Synthetic biology is an engineering approach that aims to redesign or build biological organisms to enhance our understanding of life. This article summarizes current methods for synthetic engineering of viral replication cycles and discusses the potential risks associated with this bottom-up approach in infectious diseases.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ignacio Insua, Julian Bergueiro, Alejandro Mendez-Ardoy, Irene Lostale-Seijo, Javier Montenegro
Summary: This article discusses the current status and future prospects of two-dimensional supramolecular assemblies, focusing on challenges and development directions such as hierarchical multicomponent assembly, directional non-covalent growth, and internal structural control.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jochen Estebano Hernandez Buecher, Oskar Staufer, Lukas Ostertag, Ulrike Mersdorf, Ilia Platzman, Joachim Pius Spatz
Summary: This article describes a bottom-up approach for the controlled assembly of fully-synthetic immune-inspired cells using predefined molecular components, reducing the complexity of the immune system. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of these synthetic immune cells through structural and functional characterization, providing new learning-by-building approaches in synthetic immunology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kevin Jahnke, Vanessa Huth, Ulrike Mersdorf, Na Liu, Kerstin Goepfrich
Summary: In this study, artificial DNA-based cytoskeletons with programmed multifunctionality were assembled inside synthetic cells using light-controlled assembly and disassembly. By using molecular crowders, ordered bundling of DNA filaments and formation of ring-like cortical structures similar to actin rings during cell division were achieved. Additionally, DNA filaments were programmably linked to the compartment periphery using cholesterol-tagged DNA and were able to deform GUVs from within.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oskar Staufer, Franziska Dietrich, Rahul Rimal, Martin Schroeter, Sebastian Fabritz, Heike Boehm, Smriti Singh, Martin Moeller, Ilia Platzman, Joachim Pius Spatz
Summary: Extracellular vesicles play a crucial role in intercellular communication and cell physiology, but quantitative knowledge on their signaling mechanisms is lacking, hampering their therapeutic applications. By using a synthetic approach, researchers have shown that synthetic EVs have functionalities similar to natural EVs and can be used for therapeutic purposes in wound healing and neovascularization. Transcriptome profiling has enabled a systematic decoding of synergistic effects between individual EV constituents, leading to a better understanding of EV signaling.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xiaona Cui, Hongmin Zhang, Yuwei Liu, Nan Jiang, Aixin Song, Hong-Guo Liu
Summary: Nanostructures based on polymers have been extensively studied due to their diverse morphologies, unique properties, and potential applications in various fields. Helical nanostructures, in particular, have received significant research attention in recent years. In this study, composite non-helical and helical nanowire arrays were successfully fabricated using the liquid/liquid interfacial adsorption and self-assembly approach without the addition of chiral inducers. The formation of helical nanowires involved a series of steps including adsorption of polymer molecules and inorganic species at the interface, protonation of pyridine groups, straightening of polymer chains, aggregation due to hydrophobic interactions, and ordered organization through specific interactions. The different formation mechanisms observed in atactic poly(2-vinylpyridine) and block copolymers (polystyrene-block-poly(2-vinylpyridine)) highlighted the influence of molecular structure on polymer self-assembly. Additionally, the generated nanowires further organized into ordered arrays under increasing interfacial pressure. This study expands the knowledge on polymer self-assembly and demonstrates the application of liquid/liquid interfacial self-assembly techniques in obtaining highly ordered supramolecular nanostructures.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xue Li, Chen Chen, Qian Niu, Nian-Wu Li, Le Yu, Bao Wang
Summary: This review summarizes the self-assembly of nanoparticles at solid-liquid interface, including different driving forces, types of assembly, and applications in electrochemical capacitors.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Peifeng Li, Zhuo Kang, Feng Rao, Yang Lu, Yue Zhang
Summary: This article discusses the shift of nanomanufacturing modes from top-down to bottom-up as microelectronics continue to miniaturize, with nanowelding playing a key role in synthesizing and connecting various nanostructures and constructing nanodevices, with significant potential applications.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aref Abbasi Moud
Summary: Cellulose is the most common and abundant polymer in nature, but its processing requires a new approach. Cellulose aerogels, with high porosity, specific surface area, and low density, have various applications. Different qualities of nanocellulose-based aerogels can be produced by including other chemicals. Various techniques, such as rheology, 3-D printing, and surface modification, have been investigated to improve the adsorption properties of these aerogels.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Won Hyung Lee, Sun Geun Yoon, Huding Jin, Jeeyoung Yoo, Junghyup Han, Yong Hyun Cho, Youn Sang Kim
Summary: This study discusses the change in electrical properties of electrodes caused by ion adsorption at the solid-liquid interface, and demonstrates a sophisticated Hall measurement system for quantitative analysis of electron density change. An enhanced EIS-structured device is designed to monitor ion dynamics in liquid electrolyte media, confirming ion concentration dependence and specificity.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Saffron J. Bryant, Elly K. Bathke, Karen J. Edler
Summary: The study found that bottom-up synthesis of cubosomes can be successfully achieved using non-toxic diluents such as honey, glycerol, and lactic acid, eliminating the need for harmful organic solvents like ethanol. This new method offers a low-cost, low-toxicity synthesis option with great potential for drug delivery applications.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rory C. McNulty, Keir Penston, Sharad S. Amin, Sandro Stal, Jie Yie Lee, Mario Samperi, Lluisa Perez-Garcia, Jamie M. Cameron, Lee R. Johnson, David B. Amabilino, Graham N. Newton
Summary: The mixing of [V10O28](6-) decavanadate anions with a dicationic gemini surfactant leads to the self-assembly of nanostructured arrays of decavanadate clusters. Calcination of the material results in different crystalline structures and morphologies of V2O5, which significantly affect the cathode performance as lithium-ion intercalation electrodes. Larger crystallites and long-range microstructure deliver higher capacity retention, while smaller crystallite size and higher surface area allow faster lithium insertion and superior rate performance.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joshua Humphreys, Ferdinando Malagreca, Paul A. A. Hume, E. Stephen Davies, Stephen P. P. Argent, Tracey D. D. Bradshaw, David B. B. Amabilino
Summary: The study reports the synthesis, spectroelectrochemical, and structural characteristics of highly electron-accepting diketopyrrrolopyrrole (DPP) molecules with adjoining pyridinium rings, as well as their low toxicity assessment. The compounds exhibit reversible electrochemistry and a significant increase in molar extinction coefficient upon electrochemical reduction in one subfamily.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Anne-Charlotte Nellissen, Roelof Steeno, Jonathan B. F. Vandenwijngaerden, Steven De Feyter, Stijn F. L. Mertens, Mark Van der Auweraer
Summary: The adsorption and self-assembly behavior of several thiacarbocyanine dyes on hBN were investigated. The results showed differences in density and adsorption mode among different dyes, and the adsorbed dye molecules could form aggregates. The arrangement of the adsorbed dye molecules was influenced by the interaction between the adsorbed dye and hBN, which was different from the cases in solution or on other surfaces.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tamara Rinkovec, Demian Kalebic, Mark Van der Auweraer, Wim Dehaen, Jeremy N. Harvey, Steven De Feyter
Summary: In this study, the effect of concentration on the self-assembled molecular network formation process was investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy. Isophthalic acids were chosen as a model system, and the adsorption behavior was evaluated at the nanoscale. The results showed the existence of a critical concentration for self-assembly, with the molecular structure having a significant impact on this threshold value. Furthermore, highly cooperative behavior was observed at the liquid/solid interface, providing a rare example of quantitative measurement of cooperative phenomena.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaun M. Smith, Thais F. Abelha, David Limon, Mario Samperi, Bunty Sharma, Kristjan Plaetzer, Fabienne Dumoulin, David B. Amabilino, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: Investigating the ROS-generating abilities of photosensitizers is crucial for the study of photodynamic therapy in clinical settings. The water-soluble photosensitizer ZnPcTS can generate ROS as singlet oxygen under specific irradiation. Incorporating ZnPcTS into a hydrogel material greatly enhances its SO generation rate.
JOURNAL OF PORPHYRINS AND PHTHALOCYANINES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yuan Fang, Oleksandr Ivasenko, Ana Sanz-Matias, Kunal S. Mali, Kazukuni Tahara, Yoshito Tobe, Steven De Feyter
Summary: Self-assembled molecular networks (SAMNs) are spontaneously formed through the assembly of molecules on surfaces. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) can track their growth dynamics on conductive atomically flat surfaces and at the liquid-solid interface. Desorption and adsorption dynamics are challenging to investigate through the liquid-solid interface. Porous molecular networks have attracted particular interest as they can act as platforms for sensing and host-guest chemistry. However, their stability in a liquid environment is still poorly understood. In this study, the authors investigated the desorption/adsorption dynamics of supramolecular porous monolayers at the interface between highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and 1-phenyloctane, and revealed the time scales, temperature dependence, and the role of STM tip in inducing dynamics.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Min Tu, Flip de Jong, Cristina Martin, Helge Reinsch, Sabina Rodriguez-Hermida, Arne Meulemans, Eduard Fron, Daniel Escudero, Mark Van der Auweraer, Johan Hofkens, Rob Ameloot
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are used to confine guest molecules and control their emissions. This study explores the encapsulation of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the MOF ZIF-8, which allows for tunable luminescence color and excellent thermal stability. The variations in luminescence are attributed to guest arrangements and host-guest interactions within the nanocompartments.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Joshua Humphreys, C. Elizabeth Killalea, Flavia Pop, E. Stephen Davies, Giuliano Siligardi, David B. Amabilino
Summary: Chiral diketopyrrolopyrroles functionalized with enantiomeric ethyl lactate via ether linkage to the aryl backbone were successfully synthesized using the Mitsunobu reaction. These molecules exhibit good solubility and excellent optical properties, including high molar absorption coefficients and fluorescence quantum yields. They form helical aggregates with circular dichroism in solution and thin films, and also display circularly polarized luminescence (g(lum) approx. +/- 0.1). The molecules can self-assemble into monolayers on graphite and form supramolecular twisted tapes hundreds of microns long upon precipitation from solution.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jordan C. Potts, Akhil Jain, David B. Amabilino, Frankie J. Rawson, Lluisa Perez-Garcia
Summary: Multifunctional gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have vast potential in various fields including sensing, imaging, delivery, and medicine. However, accurately quantifying surface conjugated molecules on multifunctional AuNPs has been challenging. In this study, a new method based on UV-visible absorption spectrum analysis was developed to calculate the precise concentration and number of specific molecules bound to each AuNP. This method provides valuable information for applications in drug delivery and biosensors.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anne-Charlotte Nellissen, Eduard Fron, Jonathan B. F. Vandenwijngaerden, Steven De Feyter, Stijn F. L. Mertens, Mark van der Auweraer
Summary: This study investigates the physisorption of dyes on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and analyzes their decay characteristics. The results show that different dyes exhibit different decay behaviors in the adsorption environment, and increasing adsorption leads to increased energy transfer.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nick Goossens, Konstantina Lambrinou, Bensu Tunca, Vrushali Kotasthane, Miriam C. Rodriguez Gonzalez, Anastasiia Basylevska, Per O. A. Persson, Steven De Feyter, Miladin Radovic, Francisco Molina-Lopez, Jozef Vleugels
Summary: This work proposes a next-generation MILD (NGMILD) synthesis protocol for phase-pure, colloidally stable MXenes that can withstand long periods of dry storage. NGMILD incorporates the synergistic effects of a secondary salt, a richer lithium (Li) environment, and iterative alcohol-based washing to achieve high-purity MXenes, while improving etching efficiency, intercalation, and shelf life. The NGMILD-produced MXenes clays showed minimal degradation after being dry-stored for six months and retained excellent redispersibility.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sasikumar Rahul, Miriam C. Rodriguez C. Gonzalez, Shingo Hirose, Hiromasa Kaneko, Kazukuni Tahara, Kunal S. Mali, Steven De Feyter
Summary: Chemical patterning surfaces have significant value in various fields such as electronics, catalysis, sensing, and photonics. We propose a new strategy for chemical patterning of graphite using a combination of covalent and non-covalent methods. By modifying the design of the template alkane and using alkane with alkoxy terminal groups, better pattern transfer fidelity can be achieved. We also introduce the use of chronoamperometry (CA) instead of cyclic voltammetry (CV) for functionalization, enabling the formation of patterns at different length scales.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thi Mien Trung Huynh, Kazukuni Tahara, Steven De Feyter, Thanh Hai Phan
Summary: Multilayered growth is commonly seen when aryl diazonium derivatives are electrografted onto graphitic substrates. The mechanism of this growth has been studied through various methods, including measuring layer thickness, charge transfer, and simulations. However, spectroscopy and microscopy approaches have been underrepresented. This study presents a comparative characterization of multilayer growth using cyclic voltammetry, atomic force microscopy, and scanning tunneling microscopy, showing the influence of functional groups on the growth mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tamara Rinkovec, Demian Kalebic, Mark Van der Auweraer, Wim Dehaen, Jeremy N. Harvey, Steven De Feyter
Summary: This study investigates the effect of concentration on the self-assembly process of molecular networks using scanning tunneling microscopy. The research aims to improve the understanding of 2D supramolecular chemistry by obtaining quantitative data. The results show highly cooperative behavior and the significant impact of molecular structure on the critical concentration.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhongnan Duan, Joseph Phillips, Letizia Liiro-Peluso, Simon Woodward, Oleg Makarovsky, Michael P. Weir, H. Jessica Pereira, David B. Amabilino
Summary: The preparation and properties of conducting polymers comprising poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and carrageenan are described. The aim is to provide alternative and sustainable materials that can complement existing conducting polymers. The materials were prepared using chemical oxidation and show good conductivity and thermoelectric properties.
MATERIALS ADVANCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan He, Yawen Li, Fuwen Zhao, Yuze Lin
Summary: High trap density in organic solar cells leads to localized charge carriers and reduced carrier lifetime, limiting device efficiency. This feature article summarizes the recent advances of trap suppression by material design and device engineering.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Monfort, Arshitha Madhusudhan, Martin Motola
Summary: This article presents the advantages of coupling photocatalysis and Fenton-based processes for environmental remediation and discusses their synergy. It critically examines the simultaneous triggering of these two processes and provides insights into research approaches. The study aims to enhance understanding of this complex process and highlight the potential integration of new catalysts in current wastewater treatment technology.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manideepa Dhar, Chittaranjan Mishra, Avijit Das, Uttam Manna
Summary: An approach of 'polymerization of monomers in its aggregated form' has been introduced to tailor the water wettability of fibrous and porous substrates, achieving hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity transition, as well as patterned wettability. This facile chemical method provides a durable coating with adjustable and patterned wettability for various potential applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saswat Ranjan Bhoi, Chhanda Debnath, Shikha Gandhi
Summary: In this article, a novel catalytic reaction using Pd(0) and Bronsted acid is reported for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles through redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes. This atom-economical method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and eliminates the need for leaving groups or oxidizing agents commonly used in traditional allylation reactions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longkun Chen, Mingshuai Zhang, Meichen Liu, Zhuoyuan Liu, Yuetong Qiu, Zhilai Zhang, Fuchao Yu, Jiuzhong Huang
Summary: In this study, an efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed selective mono- and dual-C-H bond functionalization/cyclization with iodonium ylide as the sole coupling partner was demonstrated. Fused benzodiazepine skeletons were obtained in excellent yields, providing an improved approach to dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Kennett, Sven Epple, Gabriella van der Valk, Irene Georgiou, Evelyne Gout, Romain R. Vives, Angela J. Russell
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S), which showed potent inhibition of Sulf-2. The results suggest that IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of Sulfs, and a trisulfated disaccharide is identified as the minimal fragment size of heparan sulfate for effective endosulfatase inhibition.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Garbini, Andrea Brunetti, Riccardo Pedrazzani, Magda Monari, Massimo Marcaccio, Giulio Bertuzzi, Marco Bandini
Summary: The self-adaptability of galvanostatic electrolysis was found to be helpful in a multistage chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. Through a series of reductive events, densely functionalized cyclopentanes with five contiguous stereocenters were obtained (25 examples, yields up to 95%, dr values up to >20:1). Further experimental and electrochemical investigations indicated the crucial role of dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate in the reaction mechanism.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dhananjay S. Nipate, Neha Meena, Prakash N. Swami, Krishnan Rangan, Anil Kumar
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of functionalized benzo[a]phenazines and indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines was achieved through Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines and 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with allyl alcohols. The method showed a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, good to high yields of annulated products, and the capability for scaled-up synthesis. A tentative mechanism of the annulation reaction was proposed based on a preliminary mechanistic investigation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Zhang, Abudukadi Tudi, Xia Yang, Xuping Wang, Zhihua Yang, Shujuan Han, Shilie Pan
Summary: A new lead tellurium borate material with a unique fundamental building block [B4O10] was synthesized and found to exhibit high birefringence. The structure-property relationship was discussed using first-principles calculations.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amresh Kumar Singh, Baishali Thakurta, Anupam Giri, Monalisa Pal
Summary: This study introduces three key concepts for the quick synthesis of large-scale high-quality 2D materials films and their utilization in device fabrication.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Hagiwara, Shun Nishimura, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: A copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system has been developed to improve electron transfer and enhance photoinduced H2 generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
