Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vu Q. Nguyen, Anand Ranjan, Sheng Liu, Xiaona Tang, Yick Hin Ling, Jan Wisniewski, Gaku Mizuguchi, Kai Yu Li, Vivian Jou, Qinsi Zheng, Luke D. Lavis, Timothee Lionnet, Carl Wu
Summary: The study reveals that transcription initiation by RNA Pol II at gene promoters requires formation of the PIC, with a key role played by the Mediator complex. On chromatin, TFIID/TBP, Mediator, and RNA Pol II efficiently assemble into a short-lived PIC within seconds. Nucleosome exclusion of PIC highlights the importance of chromatin remodeling in regulating promoter accessibility.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zhiwei Li, Qingsong Fan, Zuyang Ye, Chaolumen Wu, Zhongxiang Wang, Yadong Yin
Summary: Colloidal assembly into chiral superstructures can be achieved rapidly and with materials of any chemical compositions and sizes using magnetic assembly techniques. The chiral superstructures are controlled by the strength of the magnetic field and the orientation of the magnets. Moreover, the chirality can be transferred to achiral molecules by incorporating guest molecules into the magnetic nanostructures.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bo He, Yuan Ma, Fangfang Tian, Guang-Rong Zhao, Yi Wu, Ying-Jin Yuan
Summary: As an enabling technique of synthetic biology, the YLC-assembly method allows in vivo iterative assembly of large DNA through cell-cell transfer in the yeast life cycle. It exhibits a higher success rate and easier workflow compared to other methods, minimizing the need for in vitro operations. The YLC-assembly lowers the technical difficulty of assembling large DNA and has potential for large-scale genome engineering and synthetic genomics.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
I. Shimberg, O. Shriki, O. Shildkrot, N. Kleeorin, A. Levy, I. Rogachevskii
Summary: In this experimental study, the transport of nanoparticles in convective turbulence was investigated. It was found that the joint action of turbulent effects and large-scale circulations, as well as molecular effects, resulted in the accumulation of nanoparticles at the cold wall of the chamber. The mean number density of nanoparticles was observed to decrease exponentially over time. Numerical simulations provided further insights and were in agreement with experimental results.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fengyu Shen, Michael Reisert, Ruofan Wang, Prabhakar Singh, Michael C. Tucker
Summary: Coatings in metal-supported solid oxide electrolysis cells (MS-SOECs) can improve their performance and durability, particularly at high current densities. Three different protective coatings were explored in this study and were found to reduce the degradation rate of MS-SOECs, enhancing their long-term stability.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lulu Han, Jiaxin Ji, Chong Zhang, Bingjian Sun, Zhenhua Chao, Hua Zhu, Xiaorong Gao, Jun Ren, Fangling Ji, Liming Ma, Lingyun Jia
Summary: This study reports a one-step assembly strategy for constructing novel tannic acid (TA) coatings via a solvent evaporation method, using TA and polycyclodextrin (PCD) particles (TPP). The resulting TPP coating (TPC) has high adhesion properties and can be rapidly assembled on various substrates within 1 hour, with a high availability of feed TPP. TPC exhibits high-temperature steam sensitivity and pH-sensitivity, and can incorporate various metal ions and functional particles to enhance its antibacterial activity, stability, and conductivity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioannis Tsirkas, Daniel Dovrat, Manikandan Thangaraj, Ineke Brouwer, Amit Cohen, Zohar Paleiov, Michael M. Meijler, Tineke Lenstra, Amir Aharoni
Summary: The coexistence of DNA replication and transcription during S-phase requires tight coordination to prevent conflicts. This study developed a live-cell imaging approach to monitor the real-time progression of replisomes and transcription dynamics during a transcription-replication encounter. The findings showed a wave of partial transcriptional repression ahead of the moving replication fork, and revealed the negative impact of conflicts on both processes.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhengting Zhang, Guiyun Yi, Xiaodong Wang, Peng Li, Zhuoyan Wan, Yulong Zhang
Summary: A novel self-assembly technique called suspending self-assembly method (SSAM) was proposed for fabricating three-dimensional colloidal crystals. By manipulating electrostatic intersphere repulsive forces, a variety of polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystals with different diameters can be prepared. The major driving force for successful ordering process is found to be electrostatic repulsive forces between PS microspheres, rather than capillary forces. This work has the potential to revolutionize the current preparation techniques of colloidal crystals.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sara Vahaji, Ngoc-Hien Nguyen, Yidan Shang, Kiao Inthavong
Summary: A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the sedimentation effects of micron particles in 90 degrees circular pipe bends in laminar pipe flows, resulting in changes in particle deposition locations and upstream particle positions, with gravity being one of the influencing factors.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yijing Xing, Lei Liu, Zhuoqun Li, Yifan Li, Zhiyong Fu, Haibin Li
Summary: The study introduced a reinforced MEA prepared using reinforcement embedding technology and direct membrane deposition approach, showing higher performance and mechanical durability, especially under low-humidity operating conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Eva Undvall Anand, Cecilia Magnusson, Andreas Lenshof, Yvonne Ceder, Hans Lilja, Thomas Laurell
Summary: The study presents a novel two-step acoustophoresis method for isolating unfixed, viable cancer cells from whole blood, enabling functional analysis and in vitro culture. The method demonstrated extensive elimination of white blood cells while recovering viable cancer cells for downstream applications.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Octavio A. Castaneda-Uribe, Henry A. Mendez-Pinzon, Juan C. Salcedo-Reyes
Summary: This study investigates the quality of colloidal crystal films grown by the VCSA method when applying temperature ramps, finding that high-quality films can be achieved by positioning the meniscus into the uniform zone under temperature ramping. The quality of the elaborated CC films is evaluated by analyzing the resulting optical Bragg diffraction.
OPTICAL MATERIALS EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kun Wang, Samuel Leville, Behrouz Behdani, Carlos A. Silvera Batista
Summary: This study demonstrates the advantageous use of Faradaic processes under AC fields for long-range transport, focusing and assembly of charged colloids. By adjusting the voltage and frequency, the position and order of the levitating crystalline sheet can be easily controlled.
Article
Biology
Shuangying Jiang, Yuanwei Tang, Liang Xiang, Xinlu Zhu, Zelin Cai, Ling Li, Yingxi Chen, Peishuang Chen, Yuge Feng, Xin Lin, Guoqiang Li, Jafar Sharif, Junbiao Dai
Summary: Synthetic genomics has opened new avenues for the functional study of viral and microbial genomes, as well as providing a method for constructing larger genomes of higher organisms. The study introduces an efficient pipeline for constructing large DNA fragments and describes a scar-free engineering method for assembling sequences. This method offers a standard framework for producing long DNA molecules crucial for synthetic genomics and metabolic engineering.
SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biology
Jong Il Ahn, Liang Zhang, Harsha Ravishankar, Lixin Fan, Klara Kirsch, Yan Zeng, Lingjun Meng, Jung-Eun Park, Hye-Yeoung Yun, Rodolfo Ghirlando, Buyong Ma, David Ball, Bonsu Ku, Ruth Nussinov, Jeremy D. Schmit, William F. Heinz, Seung Jun Kim, Tatiana Karpova, Yun-Xing Wang, Kyung S. Lee
Summary: Structural, biophysical, and imaging data demonstrate that self-assembly of the pericentrosomal proteins Cep63 and Cep152 is a stepwise and concentration-dependent process. Defects in this process disrupt proper centriole duplication mediated by Plk4. This study provides insights into the organization and function of pericentriolar materials (PCM) and offers a potential model for studying PCM-related diseases in other species.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yosra Kotb, Alain Cagnard, Katelyn R. Houston, Saad A. Khan, Lilian C. Hsiao, Orlin D. Velev
Summary: The wetting characteristics of epoxy and phenolic resins on metals are influenced by the molecular interactions between the functional groups of the resins and the metal surface. Theoretical adhesion energies can reveal the microscopic adhesion mechanisms of epoxy-phenolic coatings on metals. Experimental results show that epoxy resins have superior adhesion compared to phenolic resins, with epoxy resins containing a higher content of epoxide-to-hydroxyl groups showing improved adhesion. Additionally, the adhesion of coatings on tin-free steel is found to be higher than on tinplated steel due to increased formation of hydrogen bonds.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eleanor J. Ewins, Koohee Han, Bhuvnesh Bharti, Tom Robinson, Orlin D. Velev, Rumiana Dimova
Summary: The interaction between Janus particles and model cell membrane systems offers a controllable model system to study adhesion and encapsulation, mediated by electrostatic charge and iron patches. The ferromagnetic particle coatings enable manipulation and transport of vesicles by magnetic fields.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Preeti Tyagi, Sachin Agate, Orlin D. Velev, Lucian Lucia, Lokendra Pal
Summary: This review explores biobased polymers for industrial applications, their end fate, and most importantly, origin and key aspects enabling soil biodegradation. The physicochemical properties of biobased synthetic and natural polymers and the primary factors governing degradation are explored. Factors impacting ultraviolet (UV) stability of biopolymers have been described including methods to enhance photoresistance and impact on biodegradation. It discusses end-fate of biopolymers in soil and impact of residues on soil health. A limited number of studies examine side effects (e.g., microbial toxicity) from soil biodegradation of composites and biopolymers. Currently available standards for biodegradation and composting have been described with limitations and scope for improvements. Finally, design considerations and implications for sustainable polymers used, under consideration, and to be considered within the context of a rational biodegradable strategy are elaborated.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Nidhi M. Diwakar, Golak Kunti, Touvia Miloh, Gilad Yossifon, Orlin D. Velev
Summary: This review provides an overview of the recent progress in the development of active particles driven by alternating-current (AC) electrokinetic effects. The article discusses the different electrohydrodynamic mechanisms triggered by AC fields, their effects on particle-particle interactions and collective behavior, as well as the challenges and limitations faced by AC-field driven engineered particles.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hyung-ju Kim, Marcel Sperling, Orlin D. Velev, Michael Gradzielski
Summary: A novel type of mm-sized silica-based self-propelling supraparticles, powered by the decomposition of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, exhibit homogenous vertical oscillatory motion driven by buoyancy. Experimental investigations and theoretical analyses reveal the mechanism behind this motion, indicating a correlation between the oscillation period and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. These self-propelling particles could find potential applications in mixing and catalysis due to their highly regular periodic movement.
PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Brittany S. Mertens, Matthew D. Moore, Lee-Ann Jaykus, Orlin D. Velev
Summary: The study shows that monovalent copper ions can damage the capsid protein of human norovirus and prevent it from binding to cell receptors, resulting in a reduction in infectivity. Stabilized Cu(I) ion solutions exhibit a significant antinoroviral disinfectant effect and can inactivate the virus at low concentrations.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Salvatore Luiso, Michael J. Petrecca, Austin H. Williams, Jerush Christopher, Orlin D. Velev, Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Peter S. Fedkiw
Summary: Lithium-ion battery separators are important for battery performance. This study investigates the effect of pore size and pore size distribution on the electrochemical properties of nonwoven membranes made from poly(vinylidene fluoride) using different fabrication techniques. The results show that smaller pore size and wider pore size distribution improve the electrolyte uptake, ionic conductivity, and in-use discharge capacity of Li/LiCoO2 cells.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tamoghna Saha, Tanner Songkakul, Charles T. Knisely, Murat A. Yokus, Michael A. Daniele, Michael D. Dickey, Alper Bozkurt, Orlin D. Velev
Summary: This article presents a wearable system for continuous monitoring of sweat lactate. The system combines a hydrogel for sweat extraction, a paper microfluidic channel for sweat transport, a screen-printed electrochemical lactate sensor, and a custom-built wireless wearable potentiostat system. The system allows for long-term continuous analysis of sweat lactate trends during rest and exercise.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Rachel S. Bang, Michael Bergman, Tianyu Li, Fiona Mukherjee, Abdulelah S. Alshehri, Nicholas L. Abbott, Nathan C. Crook, Orlin D. Velev, Carol K. Hall, Fengqi You
Summary: This article proposes an integrated chemical engineering approach to improve our understanding of microplastics (MPs). Through artificial intelligence, theoretical methods, and experimental techniques, existing data can be integrated into models of MPs, unknown features of MPs can be investigated, and future research areas can be identified.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yosra Kotb, Christopher M. M. Serfass, Alain Cagnard, Katelyn R. R. Houston, Saad A. A. Khan, Lilian C. C. Hsiao, Orlin D. D. Velev
Summary: This study aims to reveal the corrosion protection mechanisms of intact thermosetting epoxy coatings on metal substrates. The structure-property relationships and the effect of metal surface passivation on the coatings are investigated. The results show that the corrosion resistance of the coatings is mainly determined by the density of the crosslinked molecular network, and the densely crosslinked network also provides higher toughness to withstand pressure from underlying corrosion products.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Marie Pierre Krafft, Orlin D. Velev, Nicholas Lawrence Abbott
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sachin Agate, Austin Williams, Joseph Dougherty, Orlin D. Velev, Lokendra Pal
Summary: Predictive measurement of colors in transparent polymers and plastics is challenging due to the forms of pellets or granules used in the processing. This article discusses the factors affecting perceptive colors, as well as the methods used for color characterization and minimizing measuring artifacts, such as surface texture and particle sizes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matthew A. Dorsey, Orlin D. Velev, Carol K. Hall
Summary: In this paper, the self-assembling characteristics of a new class of microscopic cube-shaped colloids with a magnetic dipole were investigated. Simulation results showed that these particles tend to form either single- or double-stranded assemblies with unique structures and phase diagrams in the temperature-density plane. These findings have important implications for the development of materials with controllable properties.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Abhirup Basu, Lilian B. B. Okello, Natasha Castellanos, Sangchul Roh, Orlin D. D. Velev
Summary: This review article discusses the long-ranged interactions induced by magnetic fields and capillary forces in multiphasic fluid-particle systems, which facilitate the assembly of various colloidal structures and materials. The use of magnetic fields is an efficient means of assembling and manipulating paramagnetic particles, while capillary forces serve as means of reconfigurable binding in soft matter systems. The article also explores the combined use of magnetic and capillary forces in assembling particles at fluid interfaces or in the bulk, and presents examples of their applications in magnetically responsive foams, gels, and pastes for 3D printing.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Stuart J. Williams, Sabina Islam, Orlin D. Velev
Summary: This report uses light scattering techniques to quantitatively characterize the formation of colloids in bourbon whiskeys, finding that higher water dilution reduces the size of colloidal particulates and increases stability. Additionally, aged whiskeys have a higher concentration of colloids.
JOURNAL OF THE INSTITUTE OF BREWING
(2022)