Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Wei Fang, Enjie Dong, Yan Zhang, Lijie Yang, Ling Zhang, Hongyuan Zhang, Yinghe Wang, Guangbo Che, Geping Yin
Summary: LTO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite anodes with unique hierarchical structure show improved electronic conductivity, Li(+) diffusion kinetics, and lithium storage capacity. The composite exhibits high specific discharge capacity, excellent cycling life, and capacity retention at high-rate discharging.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Noora Al Balushi, Mitchell Boyd-Moss, Rasika M. Samarasinghe, Aaqil Rifai, Stephanie J. Franks, Kate Firipis, Benjamin M. Long, Ian A. Darby, David R. Nisbet, Dodie Pouniotis, Richard J. Williams
Summary: Metastatic tumors are complex ecosystems consisting of multiple cell types that exist within a specific microenvironment. The interactions between these cells and the signals in the microenvironment play a crucial role in determining tumor behavior. A novel functional model has been developed to mimic the biological, chemical, and contextual cues of a tumor in vivo, allowing for a better understanding of tumor progression and spread within the microenvironment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianfeng Li, Wei Cao, Jinjin Li, Ming Ma
Summary: The study revealed that fluorination of perfluorocarbon SAM enhances superlubricity performance, achieving significantly lower friction coefficient and greater load-bearing capacity between graphite in water.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiming Zhang, Yinghao Ding, Xinxin Li, Debin Zheng, Jie Gao, Zhimou Yang
Summary: Zwitterionic polymer materials have been extensively studied, but zwitterionic peptides supramolecular hydrogel materials are rarely studied. In this study, the preparation of two zwitterionic hydrogels using self-assembled peptides were reported. The differences in structure and function of the zwitterion peptide hydrogels caused by the two preparation methods were compared, with the enzyme induced self-assembly method showing better solubility and lower cytotoxicity.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guogao Zhang, Junsoo Kim, Sammy Hassan, Zhigang Suo
Summary: The high water content and load-bearing capacity of biological tissues are achieved through nanostructures. A process that self-assembles a nanocomposite using a hydrogel-forming polymer and a glass-forming polymer can achieve high water content and load-bearing capacity comparable to polyethylene. The potential applications of this nanocomposite include artificial tissues, high-pressure filters, low-friction coatings, and solid electrolytes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ziyu Xing, Haibao Lu, Dong-Wei Shu, Yong-Qing Fu
Summary: This study proposes a non-Euclidean geometry model to understand the chemo-mechanical coupling in self-assembled triblock polymers, based on the thermodynamics of microphase separation. The model characterizes the topologies of self-assembled and cross-linked networks using geometric parameters formulated from the non-Euclidean geometry equation. The effectiveness of the model is verified through finite-element analysis and experimental results. This study provides a new geometrical approach to understand the mechanochemistry and thermodynamics of self-assembled block polymers.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Leiqiang Qin, Jianxia Jiang, Lintao Hou, Fengling Zhang, Johanna Rosen
Summary: Supercapacitors based on two-dimensional MXene (Ti3C2Tz) exhibit excellent performance in ultrathin electrodes with low mass loading, but face limitations in high-rate performance and restacking of nanosheets. In this study, a vertically aligned MXene hydrogel composite was designed using thermal-assisted self-assembled gelation, providing enhanced electron transport and rapid ion transport. The resulting hydrogel electrode showed excellent performance in both aqueous and organic electrolytes, with high capacitance, stability, and high-rate capability for up to 300 μm thick electrodes, representing a significant step towards practical applications.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ji Ha Lee, Tomoyuki Tachibana, Keita Yamana, Riku Kawasaki, Akihiro Yabuki
Summary: In this study, a simple formation process of self-assembled hydrogels was developed to package anticancer drugs more easily and control their release rate and ratio through pH and temperature changes. The self-assembled hydrogels contained the desired amount of anticancer drugs and showed cytotoxicity against cancer cells.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ya Lu, Yiying Yue, Qinqin Ding, Changtong Mei, Xinwu Xu, Qinglin Wu, Huining Xiao, Jingquan Han
Summary: This study developed a dual-cross-linked conductive hydrogel sensor with excellent compressive and tensile strength, intrinsic self-recovery property, and antifatigue capacity, showing high strain sensitivity and pressure sensing ability for detecting human motions effectively. The performance of the TOCN-CNT/PAAM hydrogel-based sensor surpasses that of most gel-based sensors previously reported, indicating its potential applications in healthcare systems and human motion monitoring.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yao Wu, Zhaoyu Yang, Xuexuan Li, Teng Li, Jun Zheng, Mingrui Hu, Zhe Yu, Weikang Luo, Wei Zhang, Fei Zheng, Tao Tang, Yang Wang
Summary: This study successfully develops a self-assembled hydrogel that integrates easy absorption, satisfactory injectability, rapid self-healing property, and multiple therapeutic effects. The hydrogel exhibits good adhesion and easy peeling off from tissues, allowing for percutaneous absorption within a short time. It shows broad-spectrum antibacterial activities without cytotoxicity and promotes wound healing through various effects. Additionally, it can induce anti-inflammatory macrophages. This research provides an environmentally friendly and efficient design for complicated wound treatment.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jieling Li, Yan Xue, Anhe Wang, Shaonan Tian, Qi Li, Shuo Bai
Summary: In this study, conductive hydrogel was successfully fabricated by introducing a conductive polymer into peptide self-assembled hydrogel. The conductive hydrogel exhibited enhanced conductivity, mechanical property and stability compared to pure peptide-formed hydrogel. In addition, it showed good injectability and 3D bio-printability, and could support the viability of encapsulated cells sensitive to electrical signals.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pinku Krishnan, V Biju
Summary: This study presents a novel environmentally friendly supercapacitor with reduced graphite oxide as the active material and pure water as the electrolyte, demonstrating high specific capacitance, energy density, power density, good cycle stability, thermal self-charging capability, and a high thermoelectric coefficient of 4.07 mV degrees C-1.
PHYSICA E-LOW-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS & NANOSTRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cemile Kilic Bektas, Weibo Zhang, Yong Mao, Xiaohuan Wu, Joachim Kohn, Pamela C. Yelick
Summary: This study describes the creation of tooth-germ organoids using hydrogel microparticles derived from methacrylated gelatin (HMPs). The HMPs provide a scaffold for human dental pulp stem cells and porcine dental epithelial cells to attach and proliferate, resulting in self-assembled organoids. These organoids demonstrate the potential for tooth regeneration strategies.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li-Hua Yu, Zhen-Feng Cai, Lander Verstraete, Yuanzhi Xia, Yuan Fang, Louis Cuccia, Oleksandr Ivasenko, Steven De Feyter
Summary: This study investigates the impact of covalent modification on the self-assembly of a quinonoid zwitterion derivative. It is found that covalent modification can induce the formation of self-assembled structures at low concentrations, where no self-assembly behavior is observed on the bare surface. The size of the self-assembled domains decreases with increasing the density of grafted molecules, and the dynamics of domains, including growth, shrinkage, and orientation conversion, are captured with molecular resolution.
Review
Cell Biology
Anna C. Pham, Andrew J. Clulow, Ben J. Boyd
Summary: Lipids play a crucial role in regulating bodily functions and providing energy, primarily entering the body as triglycerides through diet. Certain lipids have been found to promote the formation of highly ordered colloidal structures during gastrointestinal digestion, impacting nutrient absorption. This process has implications for drug delivery, enabling the solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs in the gut for absorption.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sheron Tavares, Kesong Yang, Marc A. Meyers
Summary: Heusler alloys have emerged as exciting materials for various functional applications due to their ordered structure and unique properties. This review article discusses the discovery, magnetic and electronic properties, mechanical properties, and computational design of Heusler alloys. It also explores the challenges and future directions in this field.
PROGRESS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan He, Lei Jing, Lanxiang Feng, Sifan Yang, Jiarui Yang, Xuewei Fu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: In this study, a high-performance sol-binder based on propylene carbonate and poly(vinylidene fluoride) is designed to fabricate uniform slurry and optimize binder distribution, resulting in a robust and healthy active material microenvironment (ME@AM). The sol-to-gel transition of the sol-binder during high-temperature drying prevents component aggregation/separation and improves overall electrode performance.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zhao Xu, Yong-Bo Liu, Dun-Wen Wei, Rui-Ying Bao, Yu Wang, Kai Ke, Wei Yang
Summary: Researchers have developed shape memory polymers (SMPs) with high force storage capacity by co-cross-linking polyolefin elastomer (POE) and paraffin wax (PW) using dynamic boronic ester bonds. The materials can achieve one-way force storage by programming at a low temperature (25 degrees C) with solid PW, and reversible force storage by programming at a high temperature (75 degrees C) with liquid PW. These SMPs show promising applications in soft robotic actuators.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Xing Zhao, Li-Ya Wang, Chun-Yan Tang, Kai Li, Yan-Hao Huang, Yan-Ran Duan, Shu-Ting Zhang, Kai Ke, Bai-Hai Su, Wei Yang
Summary: A wireless localized stimulator composed of a piezo implant with high piezoelectric output has been developed as an anti-infective therapy patch to modulate the electro-microenvironment of biofilm around GI wounds for effective inhibition of bacterial infection when combined with ultrasound treatment. The piezo implant generates pulsed charges in response to ultrasound stimulation, which destroys the macromolecular components of bacterial biofilms and inhibits bacterial proliferation. The combination of the piezo implant and ultrasound stimulation also exhibits successful in vivo anti-infection efficacy in a rat model.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tao Gong, Jin Jia, Xiao-Rong Sun, Wu -Di Li, Kai Ke, Rui-Ying Bao, Wei Yang
Summary: A simple and scalable morphology-engineering strategy was reported to fabricate isotropic 3D continuous porous composite strain sensors by selectively locating carbon black (CB) in polyoxyethylene (PEO)/ethylene-alpha-octene random copolymer (ORC) blends via phase separation. The fabricated strain sensors showed distinguishable detection of both compressive and tensile strains with opposite resistance changes and exhibited linear response with high sensitivity and fast response/recovery time. These strain sensors allow for full-range body motion monitoring and Morse code communication.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lanxiang Feng, Zhiwei Zhu, Rui Yan, Xuewei Fu, Xuewei He, Dichen Wu, Hua Li, Zaiping Guo, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: By utilizing the frictional heating and dispersion capability of the nanostorm technology, sulfur-rich active particles can be coated with shell nanomaterials in seconds. This technology enables customizable nano-shell production in a super-efficient and solvent-free way.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ya-Jun Fu, Yi-Feng Shi, Li-Ya Wang, Yi-Fan Zhao, Rao-Kaijuan Wang, Kai Li, Shu-Ting Zhang, Xiang-Jun Zha, Wei Wang, Xing Zhao, Wei Yang
Summary: Macrophages in diabetic wounds can be divided into pro-inflammatory M1 and anti-inflammatory M2 types. Hydrogel dressings with the ability to regulate macrophage heterogeneity show potential in promoting diabetic wound healing. An all-natural hydrogel has been developed, which can convert M1 macrophages into M2 macrophages without additional ingredients or external intervention, providing a simple and safe approach for accelerating wound healing.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tianlong Du, Ganghong Zhang, Ruiying Bao, Jun Chen, Zhengying Liu, Wei Yang
Summary: This study focuses on the structure design of high-temperature electrothermal composites, using two types of high-density polyethylene-based composites filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes as examples. The relationship between the molecular weight of the matrix and the electrothermal properties of the composites is investigated through the changes in microstructure and conductive network during heating-cooling cycles. The high molecular weight component in the composites contributes to improved electrothermal stability and repeatability, making them suitable for high-temperature electrical heating applications.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dan Li, Zhiwei Zhu, Ziyu Zhao, Yuan Ji, Xuewei Fu, Zunfeng Liu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: Helix-fiber composites (HFCs) are used in intelligent stretchable materials or devices by wrapping a flexible core. The mechanical coupling between the core and wrapping plays a critical role in controlling the structure and mechanical properties of HFCs. The results show that the mechanical properties of HFCs can be programmed by adjusting the mechanical coupling strength, and they also exhibit unique pseudo-elastic behavior. Additionally, HFCs can function as an elastic conductor, sensor, and elastic mold for structure transplantation by decoupling the elastomer core from the helix fiber.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jin Jia, Yan Peng, Xiang-Jun Zha, Kai Ke, Rui-Ying Bao, Zheng-Ying Liu, Wei Yang
Summary: This article introduces a method for manufacturing highly conductive, porous, and stretchable composites. By seeding hydrophilic carbon nanotubes, a dual heterogeneous structure is formed in the elastomer film, which can maintain high electrical conductivity under large strains. The manufactured porous composites sustain high and stable electrical conductivity under various mechanical deformations.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiang-Jun Zha, Jian-Bo Li, Guo-Peng Liang, Jun-Hong Pu, Zhong-Wei Zhang, Bo Wang, Ji-Gang Huang, Jin Jia, Xin Zhao, Kai-Qi Pan, Mei-Ling Dong, Kai Ke, Yan Kang, Wei Yang
Summary: The development of a one-step thermal stretching strategy to fabricate an anti-fatigue ionic gel sensor enables long-term and stable monitoring of respiratory abnormality. This sensor, integrated with a multimodal wearable respiratory monitoring system, allows continuous evaluation of respiratory status and compliance, making it suitable for both daily home care and clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zi-Yang Fan, Ze-Zhi Shi, Ling Ma, Pengjian Gong, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: The insufficient molecular weight of PBAT limits its application as foam materials. In this study, by grafting biobased itaconic anhydride onto the PBAT backbone and adding epoxidized soybean oil, a dynamic cross-linked network was achieved. The PBAT vitrimers exhibited fluidity and elasticity during processing and could be foamed by supercritical carbon dioxide. The foams showed enhanced elasticity, compressive strength, and damping properties.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Yonghan Zhou, Zhongfeng Ji, Wenrui Cai, Xuewei He, Ruiying Bao, Xuewei Fu, Wei Yang, Yu Wang
Summary: By learning from the pencil-writing process, a solid-ink rubbing technology (SIR-tech) has been invented to develop durable metallic coatings on diverse substrates. The composite metallic skin by SIR-tech outperforms pure liquid-metal coating and shows great potential for various applications.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY CHEMISTRY
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shuang-Zhu Li, Yi-Cun Zhou, Lu-Ning Wang, Shuai-Peng Wang, Lu Bai, Chang-Ping Feng, Rui-Ying Bao, Jie Yang, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: Thermal management technologies are important for maintaining stable working temperature for electronics. Organic solid-liquid phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used due to their high energy storage capacity and stable properties. However, achieving good flexibility, high thermal conductivity and complete leakage resistance simultaneously is still a challenge for organic PCMs. This study introduces boron nitride (BN) pre-attached to the surface of paraffin wax microcapsules (MCPW) and compounded with natural rubber (NR) to form flexible composite PCMs with thermally conductive pathways constructed by BN. The obtained flexible composite PCMs exhibit impressive balance in shape stability, energy storage density, mechanical flexibility, and thermal conductivity, showing great potential for thermal management of electronics.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong-Bo Liu, Zhao Xu, Zheng-Min Zhang, Rui-Ying Bao, Ming-Bo Yang, Wei Yang
Summary: To overcome the limitations of polylactide (PLA) in terms of melt strength, processability, and brittleness, researchers have developed PLA covalent adaptive networks (CANs) with biobased epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) as dynamic crosslinks. By incorporating maleic anhydride (MA) and using Zn2+-catalyzed transesterification exchange, PLA CANs with enhanced melt strength and toughness were successfully produced. The resulting PLA CAN films show promising properties, including high elongation at break and lower environmental impacts compared to petroleum-based plastic films.
