Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maaike M. van der Sluijs, Jara F. Vliem, Jur W. de Wit, Jeppe J. Rietveld, Johannes D. Meeldijk, Daniel A. M. Vanmaekelbergh
Summary: Cation exchange has been used to transform highly anisotropic, ultrathin, and planar PbS nanosheets into CdS nanosheets of the same dimensions. The exchange process initially results in defects, but these defects are repaired spontaneously in later stages of the exchange.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maaike M. van der Sluijs, Jara F. Vliem, Jur W. de Wit, Jeppe J. Rietveld, Johannes D. Meeldijk, Daniel A. M. Vanmaekelbergh
Summary: This study reports on the efficient cation exchange of PbS nanosheets into CdS nanosheets, with evolution and repair occurring during the process. The resulting CdS nanosheets exhibit broad sub-band gap luminescence.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Shuanghu Wang, Jia Xu, Quan Zhou, Peiwu Geng, Bo Wang, Yunfang Zhou, Kun Liu, Fei Peng, Yingfeng Tu
Summary: This review summarizes recent progress in the biodegradability of micro/nanomotors (MNMs) and their potential applications, including different biodegradable materials and fabrication strategies. Current challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yujin Kim, Seonghoon Lee
Summary: By investigating the role of Zn precursor based on hard and soft acids and bases theory, it was found that Zn precursor acts as a reaction suppressant, a size regulator, and a dopant in the synthesis of III-V cores with Mn and Ca precursors. The primary role played by Zn precursor at different concentrations was also revealed in the study.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Meng-Yao Su, Xin-Yuan Li, Jia-Tao Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the synthesis strategies of colloidal telluride semiconductor nanocrystals (CT-SNCs), including the cation exchange reaction (CER) method, and the resulting CT-SNCs with well-controlling size, shape, composition, crystallization and hetero-interfaces. It also covers the recent progress of their applications in the field of photoelectric detection, catalysis, batteries and biology, as well as the enhanced properties of new hybrid CT-SNCs nanostructures.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenxin Xu, Hanfeng Qin, Hao Tian, Lu Liu, Junbin Gao, Fei Peng, Yingfeng Tu
Summary: This article reviews the recent progress in biohybrid micro/nanomotors, with a special focus on their biomedical applications. Biohybrid micro/nanomotors show enormous potential due to their remarkable biocompatibility, higher efficiency of energy conversion, and other special characteristics. However, there are still many difficulties and challenges ahead for biohybrid motors.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lei Jin, Jiabin Liu, Xin Liu, Daniele Benetti, Gurpreet Singh Selopal, Xin Tong, Ehsan Hamzehpoor, Faying Li, Dmytro F. Perepichka, Zhiming M. Wang, Federico Rosei
Summary: Thick-shell colloidal quantum dots (QDs) with size/composition/shape-tunable properties are promising for solar technologies. However, the commonly used toxic metal elements and wide bandgap of the shell limit their performance. This study develops eco-friendly AgInSe2/AgInS2 core/shell QDs, which are optically active in the NIR region and suitable for solar energy conversion. By using a template-assisted cation exchange method, gradient AgInSeS shell layers are incorporated, resulting in improved charge transfer and higher current density in the photoelectrochemical cells.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arshdeep Kaur, Tanmay Goswami, Sachin R. Rondiya, Yogesh A. Jadhav, K. Justice Babu, Ayushi Shukla, Dharmendra Kumar Yadav, Hirendra N. Ghosh
Summary: The study reported the synthesis of a SnSe/CdSe heterostructure using controlled cation exchange reaction, confirmed the interface formation between SnSe and CdSe, and revealed key characteristics of charge transfer and carrier delocalization, which are crucial for the fabrication of cost-effective photovoltaic devices based on SnSe heterostructures.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xavier Arque, Tania Patino, Samuel Sanchez
Summary: Enzyme-powered micro- and nanomotors, inspired by nature, have shown great potential as biomedical tools and in various applications. However, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding on how to rationally design and control their motion. This study provides a thorough bibliographic investigation on the key parameters that govern the propulsion of enzyme-powered devices and highlights the importance of intelligent selection and design based on specific applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiangzhi Zi, Yueqi Zhong, Zhao Li, Fan Wu, WeiWei Yang, Zichao Lian
Summary: Photoinduced carrier transfer pathways play a role in the optical and electronic properties of nanomaterials for photocatalytic H-2 evolution, while defects in semiconductor nanocrystals can enhance our understanding of photocatalytic mechanisms. CdSe/ZnS HNPLs with anomalous type-I hole transfer exhibit advantages in efficient charge separation and photocatalytic H-2 evolution, compared to type-II CdSe/ZnSe HNPLs and pristine CdSe NPLs. These results elucidate the role of defect-mediated carrier transfer in visible-light-driven photocatalytic H-2 evolution.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Connor R. McCormick, Raymond E. Schaak
Summary: High entropy materials with random distribution of elements have unique properties, but are difficult to synthesize. Researchers have discovered a new low-temperature pathway for the synthesis of high entropy material nanoparticles using simultaneous multication exchange.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jianting Zhang, Zhoujiang Chen, Ranjith Kumar Kankala, Shi-Bin Wang, Ai-Zheng Chen
Summary: Self-propelling micro-/nano-motors (MNMs) show enormous potential in various applications, such as drug delivery, by overcoming the challenge of low permeation of biological barriers. Research progress and application of these innovative motor designs are expected to play a crucial role in future clinical practice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yong Liu, Pengfei Tan, Lu Yang, Hongwei Liu, Jun Pan
Summary: A CsPbBr3-CdS solid-solution photocatalyst was synthesized and found to exhibit efficient CO2 photoreduction under visible light. The addition of CdS enhanced the photogenerated carrier separation ability and stability of the CsPbBr3-CdS solid-solution. This research inspires the development of solid-solution architectures to improve the performance of halide perovskites in CO2 photoreduction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xavier Arque, Marcelo D. T. Torres, Tania Patino, Andreia Boaro, Samuel Sanchez, Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
Summary: The increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a major global public health threat. Current antibiotic treatments are hindered by poor delivery to the infection site, leading to off-target effects and drug resistance. This study presents micro- and nanomotors that autonomously deliver antibiotics to specific areas, showing effective bactericidal activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria in vitro by rapidly depolarizing their membrane. This technology provides a much-needed tool to direct therapeutics to infection sites and combat drug-resistant infections.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoyu Yang, Li Ma, Lei Li, Mi Luo, Xing Wang, Qihuang Gong, Changjun Lu, Rui Zhu
Summary: The miniaturization of conventional LEDs is becoming more popular for emerging virtual and augmented reality and ultrahigh-resolution display applications. However, there are challenges in downscaling and integrating group III-V LED chips, such as efficiency droop and inhomogeneous emissions. Perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs) provide a promising alternative due to their narrowband emission and wide colour gamut. Solution-processed perovskite emitting layers can be arranged into microscale pixels using different patterning techniques, showing potential for micro-PeLED devices.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Marta Pacheco, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jitka Viktorova, Tomas Ruml, Alberto Escarpa, Martin Pumera
Summary: The field of micro/nanorobots is at the forefront of nanotechnology research. Magnetically propelled micro/nanorobots with a biodegradable polymer and layer containing an incorporated anticancer drug concept is introduced in this article. These microrobots are chemically programmed to degrade in pancreatic cancer cells, releasing the anticancer drug and killing the cancer cells. This technology shows great potential for programmable drug release in biomedical applications.
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, 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
Education & Educational Research
Ana Maria Diez-Pascual, Pilar Garcia-Diaz, Rafael Pena-Capilla, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez
Summary: This article describes the process of adapting from in site to online teaching in a Spanish University during COVID-19. It comprehensively explains the advantages, drawbacks, and the process adopted for virtual teaching, including an inquiry-based learning methodology. The outcomes of the teaching-learning process were evaluated through online tests and rubrics, and the impact of online adaptation was assessed by comparing marks and feedback from students.
RESEARCH IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION
(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)
