Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shaoming Fu, Dongmei Fu, Dazhi Xie, Lu Liu, Bin Chen, Yicheng Ye, Daniela A. Wilson, Fei Peng
Summary: This study presents a highly controllable swarm of test-tube shaped gold-copper micromotors that can be driven and aggregated under near-infrared irradiation. The high temperature in the swarm center, generated by the photothermal properties, can be utilized for tumor phototherapy. This research not only provides a controllable platform for tumor treatment, but also sheds new light on the collective and cooperative behavior of micromotors.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
S. H. Chang
Summary: Since the mid-to-late-2000s, the emergence of micro/nanomotors (MNMs) has revolutionized nanotechnology research by providing distinctive autonomous motion and multifunctionality, particularly in the field of metal ion detection and removal from water. This review provides an overview of MNMs for metal ion detection and removal, covering their classification, materials, geometries, fabrication methods, propulsion mechanisms, and performance. The challenges and future prospects of using MNMs on a large scale for water quality monitoring and remediation are also discussed.
MATERIALS TODAY SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Albert Serra, Jose Garcia-Torres
Summary: Electrochemistry plays a crucial role in synthesizing nanomaterials and fabricating micro/nanomotors, which have multifunctional capabilities and can be used in various fields such as biomedicine and environmental remediation. The interdisciplinary contributions have enriched the understanding and application of micro/nanomotors, showing the potential for creating complex nanostructures with unique properties and functionalities.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yi Xing, Mengyun Zhou, Xiangmei Liu, Minghang Qiao, Liping Zhou, Tailin Xu, Xueji Zhang, Xin Du
Summary: Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), which catalyzes the production of highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS), has been widely used in tumor therapy. However, the effectiveness of CDT is often limited by the poor tumor penetration of current nanomaterials. In this study, bioinspired jellyfish-like carbon/manganese nanomotors (JCMNs) were designed to achieve dual-propulsion for enhanced CDT therapy. The JCMNs utilized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and NIR light to propel themselves and improve tumor penetration and ROS generation, leading to improved CDT efficiency.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chan Zheng, Xiaoyi Song, Qingbao Gan, Jian Lin
Summary: In this study, visible-light-driven heterogeneous micromotors were synthesized using a one-step hydrothermal method. These microdevices exhibit precise motion controlled by hydrogen peroxide and visible light. The velocity of the micromotors can be regulated by changing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide or the intensity of visible light. The photocatalytic propulsion of these micromotors can be conveniently switched on or off by adjusting the incident light. This approach has promising applications in environmental remediation, such as the degradation of Rhodamine B.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dong Wang, Chengtao Chen, Jun Sun, Hang Ao, Wencheng Xiao, Huangxian Ju, Jie Wu
Summary: In this study, a refillable fuel-loading micromotor is proposed, which uses catalase or platinum as the engine and relies on the growth and burst of an O2 bubble cap for enhanced diffusion motion. This design provides a model for an energy built-in micromotor.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Angus Unruh, Ethan J. Savage, Ayusman Sen
Summary: The design of functional nano/micro machines capable of carrying out complex tasks is a current area of interest. Precise control over the motion of these machines is essential, and this can be achieved by adding asymmetric nickel stripes to chemically powered gold-platinum disks and using magnetic fields. This study demonstrates the ability to initiate or stop particle motion on demand and direct their trajectories into specific patterns, such as orbital or rotational paths, while also allowing them to pick up and move heavier cargo particles.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kun Liu, Qiuyue Liu, Jiarong Yang, Chen Xie, Shuanghu Wang, Fei Tong, Junbin Gao, Lu Liu, Yicheng Ye, Bin Chen, Xiaoying Cai, Zhendong Liu, Zeqi Li, Fei Peng, Yingfeng Tu
Summary: A mini-tablet system based on self-propelled micromotors was successfully developed for oral colon administration of insulin. The system achieved controlled release of insulin through the degradation of esterified starch coating. The released micromotors, with autonomous movement, significantly enhanced colonic uptake and absorption of insulin, leading to long-term blood glucose control. This system not only expands the biomedical applications of self-propelled micromotors but also provides an appealing strategy for oral administration of biomacromolecular drugs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Taesoo Lee, Byong Jae Kim, Hyunkoo Lee, Donghyo Hahm, Wan Ki Bae, Jaehoon Lim, Jeonghun Kwak
Summary: This study demonstrates bright and stable QLEDs on a Si substrate, achieving high brightness, efficiency, and stability through tailored interface and optimized device structure, pushing the development and application of QLEDs.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dalei Wang, Xiaoxia Han, Bin Dong, Feng Shi
Summary: In the past decade, there have been significant advances in the field of micromotors, especially in the development of stimuli-responsive polymer based micromotors. These micromotors show unprecedented properties and have potential applications in various fields.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meihuan Liu, Jiamiao Jiang, Haixin Tan, Bin Chen, Juanfeng Ou, Hong Wang, Jia Sun, Lu Liu, Fei Wang, Junbin Gao, Chang Liu, Fei Peng, Yun Liu, Yingfeng Tu
Summary: The abuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic residues in aquatic environments, causing environmental pollution. In this study, a light-driven nanomotor system was developed that efficiently degrades antibiotics. The nanomotors removed a significant amount of antibiotics in a short period of time and displayed stable catalytic activity.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Sankha Shuvra Das, Shahar Erez, Emil Karshalev, Yue Wu, Joseph Wang, Gilad Yossifon
Summary: Researchers propose a triple-engine hybrid micromotor based on electric and magnetic fields for driving Mg-based micromotors. Electric fields can dynamically tune the micromotor mobility and be used for cell trapping, transport, and drug delivery. Magnetic rolling is used for self-propulsion and steering, as electric propulsion requires low conductivity mediums while Mg dissolution requires a low pH environment.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Denglin Zhao, Yueting Zheng, Tingtao Meng, Yangbin Zhu, Jipeng Jing, Xiang Chen, Hongjin Gao, Chaomin Mao, Wenchen Zheng, Hailong Hu, Tailiang Guo, Fushan Li
Summary: This study demonstrated the fabrication of a highly ordered QD monolayer with the LB technique, which significantly improved the performance and lifetime of QLEDs. The LB-HL strategy showed promising scalability for large-area QD monolayers.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingyuan Xie, Jie Guo, Xiaoyu Zhang, Chenghao Bi, Lin Zhang, Zema Chu, Weitao Zheng, Jingbi You, Jianjun Tian
Summary: This study presents a solution to achieve high-efficiency pure-red perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) by stabilizing the structure of quantum dots and reducing adverse effects. The use of composite ligands helped stabilize the strong-confined quantum dots and suppress Auger recombination in the devices. Additionally, adjustments in the valence band of the quantum dots improved charge injection balance in the PeLEDs.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Fengying Qin, Juanyan Wu, Dongmei Fu, Ye Feng, Chao Gao, Dazhi Xie, Shaoming Fu, Suyi Liu, Daniela A. Wilson, Fei Peng
Summary: The study proposes a DNA detection system based on a magnetic helical hydrogel micromotor, which can detect tumor DNA in a non-invasive, quick, and simple manner, exhibiting excellent moving performance and high efficiency response.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jose Grau, Maria Moreno-Guzman, Luis Arruza, Miguel angel Lopez, Alberto Escarpa, Alberto Chisvert
Summary: Miniaturized magnetic-based pipette tip microextraction is a sample preparation approach for microsamples. It involves dispersing a small amount of magnetic sorbent material in a low-volume sample to trap the target analytes, followed by using a pipette tip with a neodymium magnet inside to retrieve the sorbent. The method was successfully applied to determine free cortisol in serum and urine samples from low birth weight preterm newborns.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Analytical
Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Biographical-Item
Chemistry, Analytical
Alberto Escarpa
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Silvia Dortez, Agustin G. Crevillen, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: In this study, a colorimetric microfluidic paper-based analytical device combined with a smartphone readout was developed for the determination of serum iron levels. The method showed a good linear correlation, low detection limit, and high accuracy and inter-device reproducibility. Moreover, the method offered advantages such as affordability, portability, ease of use, sensitivity, and specificity, making it suitable for point-of-care testing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Victor de la Asuncion-Nadal, Daniel Rojas, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: In this study, we describe the light-triggered photophoretic motion of WS2 micromotors. These micromotors were prepared using liquid-phase exfoliation of pristine WS2 in water, resulting in a layered material with high photoconversion capability. Under electromagnetic irradiation, the micromotors exhibit positive photophoretic motion and swarming-like behavior. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to characterize the photophoretic propulsion mechanism of the micromotors. These novel micromotors can perform collective motion without the need for surfactants or fuels, reaching velocities of up to 6000 μm/s, making them the fastest light-driven micromotor platform to date with potential for cutting-edge applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Gordon, Luis Arruza, Maria Dolores Ibanez, Maria Moreno-Guzman, Miguel Angel Lopez, Alberto Escarpa
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Roberto Maria-Hormigos, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: This research develops a soft hydrogel-based microrobot with magnetic actuation and photodegradation functionalities for efficient degradation of organic pollutants. The microrobots demonstrate high degradation efficiency in multiple cycles, providing a simple and effective solution for water purification applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Roberto Maria-Hormigos, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Tomas Kincl, Martin Pumera
Summary: The brewing industry is projected to generate a revenue exceeding 500 billion euros in 2022, with an expected annual growth. This study demonstrates the use of magneto/catalytic nanostructured BioBots, encapsulating yeast cells, for enhanced beer fermentation. The encapsulated yeast cells retain their biological activity and the catalytic fermentation process produces oscillatory motion of the BioBots, improving the fermentation compared to static yeast cells. Magnetic actuation is then utilized to retrieve the BioBots from the beer samples, eliminating the need for additional filtration steps.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jose M. Gordon Pidal, Luis Arruza, Maria Moreno-Guzman, Miguel Angel Lopez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: A fast and reliable OFF-ON micromotors (MM)-based aptassay was proposed for rapid, sensitive, and accurate determination of procalcitonin (PCT) in infants' serum samples. The method allowed for highly selective and sensitive PCT detection in just 5 minutes using a small volume of sample.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hassan Nasrollahpour, Beatriz Jurado Sanchez, Mika Sillanpaa, Rasoul Moradi
Summary: Nanoclusters, consisting of few tens of atoms, have attracted significant attention in various fields due to their unique properties and applications. Compared to larger nanoparticles, nanoclusters exhibit distinct chemical, optical, and electrical properties. They can be used as signaling and/or reaction-accelerating materials in various sensing assays, showing enhanced properties. Nanoclusters also show great promise in terms of luminescence, with high quantum yield and better biocompatibility. They have opened new horizons in designing high-performance sensing and biosensing devices, offering excellent functionality and environmentally friendly properties.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Javier Bujalance-Fernandez, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: Micromotors (MMs) are small devices that can convert energy into independent motion. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials with unique properties such as high porosity and biocompatibility, and they have been used as active materials or building blocks for MMs. This article highlights the recent development of MOF-based MMs, focusing on propulsion mechanisms, designs, and challenges. The discussed advantages and challenges provide valuable guidance for designing next-generation MOF MMs for real-world applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victor de la Asuncion-nadal, Javier Bujalance-Fernandez, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: A fuel-free method using WS2 and MoS2 photophoretic microflakes is effective in eradicating Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. The microflakes, prepared through liquid-phase exfoliation of the materials, exhibit fast collective behavior and generate reactive oxygen species under electromagnetic irradiation. The motion of microflakes disrupts the biofilm and enhances the contact of radical oxygen species with bacteria, resulting in high removal rates for biofilm mass. Compared to free antibiotics, the use of these new moving microflakes shows higher efficiency in deactivating biofilms, making them promising for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Victor de la Asuncion-Nadal, Juan Victor Perales-Rondon, Alvaro Colina, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: Photophoretic Au@MoS2 micromotors are utilized as smart mobile substrates for dynamic surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensing. These micromotors possess photophoretic capabilities and swarming-like propulsion, allowing for increased density of SERS-active gold nanoparticles and preconcentration of target analyte. The strategy offers enhanced detection sensitivity without the need for additional external propulsion sources and simplifies the experimental setup.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Bettina Glahn-Martinez, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Elena Benito-Pena, Alberto Escarpa, Maria C. Moreno-Bondi
Summary: This study developed a novel bioassay for monitoring FK506 using magnetic Janus micromotors and a recombinant chimera receptor. The bioassay utilized a fluorescence competitive method between the drug and the micromotors to achieve a one-step assay without washing steps. The method exhibited a high limit of detection and dynamic range, and was able to operate in raw samples.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2024)
