Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lu-Lu Chen, Liang Zhao, Zhi-Gang Wang, Shu-Lin Liu, Dai-Wen Pang
Summary: NIR-II imaging breakthrough imaging limitations in deep tissues, while NIR-II quantum dots exhibit excellent optical properties and have become promising fluorescent biomarkers in in vivo fluorescence imaging.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Lian, Datao Tu, Xukeng Weng, Kaiyu Yang, Fushan Li, Decai Huang, Haomiao Zhu, Zhi Xie, Xueyuan Chen
Summary: In this study, highly efficient near-infrared nanophosphors based on copper indium selenide quantum dots (CISe QDs) were developed for portable micro and mini converted light-emitting diodes (pc-LEDs). By adjusting the stoichiometry and doping, the peak wavelength of the QDs' photoluminescence can be controlled within a wide range from 750 to 1150 nm. The use of a ZnSe shell significantly improves the photoluminescence quantum yield. The resulting NIR pc-LEDs exhibit remarkable photostability and the highest radiant flux among lead and cadmium-free NIR pc-LEDs. Additionally, the QDs-based nanophosphors show excellent luminescence conversion properties for micro-LEDs with resolutions exceeding current commercial inkjet display pixels.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wasim J. Mir, Tariq Sheikh, Saidkhodzha Nematulloev, Partha Maity, Khursand E. Yorov, Abdul-Hamid Emwas, Mohamed Nejib Hedhili, Mudeha Shafat Khan, Mutalifu Abulikemu, Omar F. Mohammed, Osman M. Bakr
Summary: This study reports a method for synthesizing high-quality and size-tunable InSb CQDs using commercially available precursors and under standard colloidal synthesis conditions. By changing the surface ligands of the CQDs, an increase in excited-state lifetime, efficient carrier multiplication, and slower carrier annihilation are observed. This work overcomes a major challenge in synthesizing high-quality InSb CQDs and opens up new possibilities for Pb- and Hg-free CQDs in SWIR applications.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Priyanka Chaudhary, Ajeet Singh, Samiksha Sikarwar, B. C. Yadav
Summary: In this study, a facile, low-cost, and phosphine-free method was used to synthesize indium selenide quantum dots. The synthesized InSe QDs had small particle size and exhibited good optical properties, making them suitable for fabrication of LPG gas and humidity sensors.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Md Tanvir Hasan, Bong Han Lee, Ching-Wei Lin, Ainsley McDonald-Boyer, Roberto Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Satvik Vasireddy, Uyanga Tsedev, Jeffery Coffer, Angela M. Belcher, Anton Naumov
Summary: RGQDs, synthesized for the first time, are nanometer-sized graphene quantum dots derived from reduced graphene oxide, with NIR emission and high biocompatibility, suitable for bioimaging and therapeutic delivery. Through a high-yield synthetic process, RGQDs exhibit efficient internalization in cells and fluorescence tracking in live mice, presenting a new potential for NIR imaging in live animal models.
Article
Optics
Huiqi Zhang, Gang Wang, Zhiming Zhang, Josh Haipeng Lei, Tzu-Ming Liu, Guichuan Xing, Chu-Xia Deng, Zikang Tang, Songnan Qu
Summary: Efficient red emissive carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized using a one-step solvothermal treatment. The CDs exhibited high photoluminescence quantum yield and multi-photon fluorescence. Composing the CDs with BSA led to enhanced red fluorescence and particle size, enabling in vivo tumor imaging and two-photon fluorescence imaging.
LIGHT-SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Yaoyao Yang, Xiao Min, Mengzhu Hu, Bingfa Liu, Yuheng Wu, Yuansheng Wu, Lixin Yu
Summary: In this study, dual photoluminescence carbon quantum dots were obtained using phenylenediamines and phosphorus acid with a one-step hydrothermal method. Tunable optical properties of CQDs can be achieved by changing the reaction temperature, carbon sources, and the surrounding pH value.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan Zhao, Xuemei Liu, Rui Zhang, Xianju Huang, Xincai Xiao
Summary: This study reports the preparation of multifunctional blue-emitting protamine sulfate-derived carbon dots with excellent water solubility, low cell toxicity, and blood compatibility, showing strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The potential applications of these PS-CDs in the biomedical field are highlighted, demonstrating both bactericidal activity and biological imaging capabilities.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jing Yang, Hao Liu, Yan Huang, Li Li, Xiaoli Zhu, Yaping Ding
Summary: In this paper, near-infrared carbon quantum dots (NIR-CQDs) were prepared and applied for fluorescence sensing of cortisol. NIR-CQDs-Apt can adsorb on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) and exhibit an inner filter effect (IFE). The presence of cortisol disrupts the IFE process, resulting in the recovery of NIR-CQDs-Apt fluorescence. This sensor shows excellent selectivity and a low detection limit, making it suitable for intracellular cortisol detection.
Correction
Chemistry, Physical
Shichuan Zhong, Changchang Xing, An Cao, Tao Zhang, Xuejiao Li, Jie Yu, Weiping Cai, Yue Li
Summary: The study discusses a rapid synthesis method for water-soluble MoO3-x quantum dots with controlled oxygen vacancies for detecting H2O2.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Chanchal Das, Mika Sillanpaa, Shabi Abbas Zaidi, Moonis Ali Khan, Goutam Biswas
Summary: Urbanization and population growth have led to a significant increase in solid waste generation, projected to reach 3.40 billion tons by 2050. Carbon-based quantum dots (Cb-QDs) derived from solid wastes have attracted research interest due to their wide range of applications. This review focuses on the conversion of solid wastes into useful materials for pollution reduction, specifically investigating sustainable synthesis routes of carbon quantum dots (CQDs), graphene quantum dots (GQDs), and graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs). The applications of these quantum dots in various fields are also discussed, along with the challenges in implementing existing synthesis methods and future research directions.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
T. A. Nirmal Peiris, Hasitha C. Weerasinghe, Manoj Sharma, Jueng-Eun Kim, Monika Michalska, Naresh Chandrasekaran, Dimuthu C. Senevirathna, Hanchen Li, Anthony S. R. Chesman, Doojin Vak, Jacek J. Jasieniak
Summary: This study presents a facile and scalable method for synthesizing SnO2 nanoparticles to be used as electron transport layer in roll-to-roll printing technology. The results demonstrate that the developed SnO2 ink can achieve high photo-conversion efficiency in optoelectronic devices.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Yiqi Gao, Zuhai Lei
Summary: In this review, the recent progress of xanthenoid fluorophores with NIR-II emission for in vivo applications is discussed, with a focus on the strategies used for longer wavelength and fluorescence regulation to construct OFF-ON or ratiometric NIR-II fluorescent probes.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shu-Lan Li, Peng Jiang, Siyu Hua, Feng-Lei Jiang, Yi Liu
Summary: This study reported a simple one-step synthesis method for ultrasmall Zn-doped Cu2S QDs with high CDT activity and fluorescence imaging capability. The QDs were able to specifically inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis via a Fenton-like reaction, showing potential as multi-functional theranostic agents.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Somayeh Marouzi, Majid Darroudi, Azadeh Hekmat, Kayvan Sadri, Reza Kazemi Oskuee
Summary: This study investigated the formation of nutrient Chia plant as a carbon source for the production of CQDs through a hydrothermal strategy, as well as analyzing their biological distribution and cytotoxicity. The obtained CQDs showed satisfactory fluorescence and quantum yield under optimal conditions, while confirming their non-toxicity and colloidal stability in various physiological conditions. Additionally, the biological distribution of CQDs was tested through in vivo experiments in rats, demonstrating their cost-effectiveness, biocompatibility, and bioavailability for potential medical imaging applications.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jiahui Su, Luyu Zhang, Caichao Wan, Zhijie Deng, Song Wei, Ken-Tye Yong, Yiqiang Wu
Summary: A nature-inspired strategy is developed to create dual-network hydrogels with high self-healing ability and high gauge factor. The hydrogels also have the potential for wastewater purification.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yihang Jiang, Wei Zhu, Zhourui Xu, Zhijun Zhang, Shuo Tang, Miaozhuang Fan, Zhengzheng Li, Jianyu Zhang, Chengbin Yang, Wing-Cheung Law, Ken-Tye Yong, Dong Wang, Gaixia Xu, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: This study proposes a mitochondrion-targeting two-photon photodynamic therapy (TP-PDT) strategy based on a new type of photosensitizer with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. It achieves efficient anti-tumor treatment in hypoxic-tolerant tumors.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Arman Ahnood, Andre Chambers, Amy Gelmi, Ken-Tye Yong, Omid Kavehei
Summary: The advent of electronic technology for neural interfacing in the past 50 years has transformed medicine and biology. Devices like deep brain stimulators and cochlear implants have revolutionized the treatment of previously untreatable conditions. Semiconducting electrodes have advanced neural interfacing technologies, enabling high precision sensing and stimulation in electrical, biochemical, and optical domains. This emerging class of electrodes offers new opportunities for research and treatment.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yue Zhang, Jiahui Zhou, Heli Deng, Ying Fang, Na Qiao, Meng Ren, Yufan Zhang, Desuo Zhang, Hong Lin, Yuyue Chen, Ken Tye Yong, Jiaqing Xiong
Summary: Researchers have developed a fiber-based membrane with Janus wettability using alternating electrospinning-electrospraying technology, which can resist air pollution and inhibit bacteria proliferation. The membrane consists of silk fibroin nanofibers-substrate, polyurethane nanospheres-top layer, and in-situ grown silver nanoparticles middle layer, providing a self-cleaning physical barrier and a bio-barrier for sterilization. The membrane also has a high PM2.5 filtration efficiency of approximately 98.1%.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuo Li, Weiyao Han, Quan-Fu An, Ken-Tye Yong, Ming-Jie Yin
Summary: Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have great potential for membrane-based gas separation applications due to their unique properties. Defect engineering of MOFs has opened up new possibilities for enhancing membrane separation but more research is needed to fully understand its effects. This summary discusses recent developments in defect engineering of MOF-based membranes and outlines the challenges and future prospects in this field.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xiaotao Wang, Yebin Yang, Gaowen Zhang, Chak-Yin Tang, Wing-Cheung Law, Cong Yu, Xuanqi Wu, Shuai Li, Yonggui Liao
Summary: Responsive drug release and low toxicity of drug carriers are crucial for controlled release systems. In this study, poly o-nitrobenzyl@UCNP nanocapsules were synthesized using a double functional diffractive o-nitrobenzyl as a crosslinker and methacrylic acid (MAA) as a monomer. These nanocapsules exhibited near-infrared (NIR) light-/pH-responsive properties, allowing efficient drug release upon NIR irradiation. The research also included the study of photodegradation kinetics and the loading of the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX). Cytotoxicity studies demonstrated that the release of DOX could be triggered by NIR to effectively kill cancer cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yan Guo, Xianglong Su, Kaihua Wu, Ken-Tye Yong
Summary: In this study, a biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique and nanodisk array was developed to enhance the sensitivity of virus detection. Through systematic optimization of all parameters, four optimal sensing configurations were achieved, leading to improved sensor performance and a smaller detection limit compared to bare gold-based sensors. The optimized sensors can clearly distinguish multi-jump resonance angle curves at tiny refractive index, which is important for accurate detection of trace substances.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tian-Run Lv, Wen-Hai Zhang, Ya-Qiong Yang, Jia-Chen Zhang, Ming-Jie Yin, Zhigang Yin, Ken-Tye Yong, Quan-Fu An
Summary: With increasing demands for flexible organic electronic devices, conductive polymers have shown significant breakthroughs in the past decade due to their outstanding conductivity, solution-processing ability, and tailorability. However, commercialization of these devices still lags behind due to performance limitations and limited manufacturing techniques. This review comprehensively summarizes the state-of-the-art technologies for developing organic devices using conductive polymers, including synthesis methods, film fabrication techniques, nanostructure and microstructure tailoring, device applications, and future directions.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Miaozhuang Fan, Gang Feng, Lu Xia, Yibin Zhang, Maixian Liu, Zhengzheng Li, Yihang Jiang, Chengbin Yang, Wing-Cheung Law, Ken-Tye Yong, Yuanyuan Shen, Zhourui Xu, Gaixia Xu
Summary: Aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have gained significant attention in the research community as a new class of optical probes for two-photon imaging (2PI). However, their non-radiative energy dissipation affects their performance in 2PI. To address this, an organic doping method using TPE-Br and MeOTTMN is proposed, resulting in enhanced brightness but increased production of reactive oxygen species. The heavily organic-doped AIEgen (ODA) nanoparticles (NPs) enable ultradeep imaging depth of 1000 μm in a mouse brain, surpassing MeOTTMN NPs' imaging depth of 156 μm. The safety of ODA NPs is evaluated through toxicity assessment, providing a promising approach to control energy relaxation of AIEgen NPs in 2PI.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yibin Zhang, Miaozhuang Fan, Zhourui Xu, Yihang Jiang, Huijun Ding, Zhengzheng Li, Kaixin Shu, Mingyan Zhao, Gang Feng, Ken-Tye Yong, Biqin Dong, Wei Zhu, Gaixia Xu
Summary: In this study, machine learning techniques were used to screen AIEgens with desired excitation and emission wavelength for biomedical fluorescence imaging. A database of various AIEgens was established and ML models were trained to predict molecular absorption and emission wavelength peaks. Three newly predicted AIEgens were successfully synthesized and applied for cellular fluorescence imaging and deep penetration imaging, demonstrating the great potential of ML in screening AIEgens with suitable wavelengths for novel organic fluorescent materials.
JOURNAL OF NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chi Ho Wong, Yan Ming Yeung, Xin Zhao, Wing Cheung Law, Chak Yin Tang, Chee Leung Mak, Chi Wah Leung, Lei Shi, Rolf Lortz
Summary: Transistors made of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have better current-voltage characteristics than some high-grade silicon-based transistors. To improve the robustness of CNT-based transistors, it is desired to have a continuously tunable energy barrier across the semiconductor interfaces. However, the size of the carbyne inside CNTs cannot be easily controlled. To address this issue, a Monte Carlo model was developed to predict the optimal chain length of carbyne in different molecular environments, encapsulated by a CNT at finite temperatures. The simulation results provide valuable insights for optimizing the carbyne length and synthesizing strained carbyne@(6,5)CNT for CNT-based transistors.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yuqing Dong, Ka-Wai Yeung, Chak-Yin Tang, Chi Ho Wong, Wing-Cheung Law, Chi-Pong Tsui Gary, Xiaolin Xie
Summary: Transparent polymer electrolytes are crucial for making transparent ionic electroactive polymers. Ionic liquids, particularly those with long alkyl chains, have been commonly used as the ionic source for polymer electrolytes due to their wide electrochemical window and non-volatility. However, the strong ionic interaction in long-chain ILs can impede ion migration and affect the electromechanical deformation of polymer/IL electrolytes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hossein Moeinzadeh, Poogitha Jegakumaran, Ken-Tye Yong, Anusha Withana
Summary: Water quality is primarily assessed based on its visual acceptability, and this study proposes a deep learning-based approach to reconstruct seven heavy metal parameters from four parameters in order to estimate the water quality index. The proposed model effectively reconstructs these parameters with high accuracy and reliability, offering a cost-effective solution for understanding water quality.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Zhou, Geraldine W. N. Chia, Ken-Tye Yong
Summary: By mimicking the structure of lipid bilayers, membrane-intercalating conjugated oligoelectrolytes (MICOEs) have the ability to spontaneously insert themselves into both synthetic lipid bilayers and biological membranes. The modular design of MICOEs allows for a wide range of applications in bioproduction, biocatalysis, biosensing, and therapeutics. This review provides insights into the structural evolution and molecular design principles of MICOEs, as well as discussing their potential as unconventional and value-added materials for biological systems.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lixing Kang, Yan Zhang, Qian Gong, Chandreyee Manas Das, Huilin Shao, Daniel Puiu Poenar, Philippe Coquet, Ken-Tye Yong
Summary: This study presents the fabrication, testing, and performance of a plasmonic sensor using a gold nanohole array chip coated with WS2 for protein-protein interaction detection. The monoatomic layer deposition of WS2 and its functionalization significantly improved the sensor's performance, enhancing the limit of detection.
