Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Ana Marta Capaz, Nicolas Renier
Summary: Unlocking the secrets of the brain requires precise tools to capture neuronal activity. Neuroscientists now have unprecedented tools to record activity with speed, precision, and fidelity. A new sensor, created through redesigning the linker peptide of GCaMP proteins, bridges the gap between calcium imaging and electrophysiology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Huang, Shiyu Feng, Jie Liu, Baoshuai Liang, Ya Zhou, Mengya Yu, Jiayuan Liang, Jiaguo Huang, Xujie Lue, Weiguo Huang
Summary: Researchers have developed three phenanthridine-based fluorophores capable of monitoring various microenvironments, demonstrating their potential for versatile applications.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Pankaj Taneja, Sonali Sharma, Vimlendu Bhushan Sinha, Ajay Kumar Yadav
Summary: Nanotechnology is applied in biotechnology and medicine for diagnostic purposes and targeted drug delivery. Organic and inorganic nanoparticles combined with various biomolecules form nanoparticle-drug conjugates, enhancing targeted treatment and diagnosis capabilities.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samantha C. Nyer, Nils Volkenborn, Robert C. Aller, Molly Graffam, Qingzhi Zhu, Roy E. Price
Summary: Constructed wetlands have been widely used for domestic wastewater treatment, but the complex biogeochemical processes occurring within them, particularly regarding plant-soil (and nitrogen) interactions, are not well understood. This study used nitrogen porewater measurements and chemical imaging to investigate the impact of plants on soil redox dynamics and nitrogen biogeochemical cycling in constructed wetlands. The findings revealed that plant roots transported oxygen to anoxic sediments through radial oxygen loss, and the extent of oxic and anoxic areas strongly correlated with the removal of ammonium and nitrogen oxides. Additionally, microscale spatio-temporal redox heterogeneity within the rhizosphere promoted nitrogen removal by stimulating the coupling between nitrification and denitrification. This study highlights the significant role of plants in controlling soil conditions and nitrogen cycling in constructed wetland systems.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sandra D. Taylor, Jinhui Tao, Yongsoon Shin, Garry W. Buchko, Alice Dohnalkova, Jack Grimm, Barbara J. Tarasevich, Bojana Ginovska, Wendy J. Shaw, Arun Devaraj
Summary: Organic macromolecules play a significant role in the nucleation and growth of inorganic crystals, particularly during enamel formation where the protein amelogenin regulates the formation of hydroxyapatite (HAP). This study utilizes atom probe tomography techniques to characterize amelogenin-mineralized HAP particles and reveals unique organic-inorganic interfacial structures and processes at the nanoscale. These findings provide important insights into the fundamental processes and mechanisms influencing crystal growth and can be applied to understand the growth and evolution of various biominerals.
MATERIALS TODAY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongyang Li, Tianruo Shen, Xiaoqi Xue, Weijie Chen, Wenjun Tao, Weijie Chi, Sheng Hua Liu, Ying Tan, Xiaogang Liu, Jun Yin
Summary: In this study, highly sensitive near-infrared fluorescent probes for detecting subtle changes in cellular viscosity were developed. The probe showed extremely high viscosity sensitivity values and demonstrated excellent performance for detecting viscosity below 20 cP. It has been successfully deployed to monitor viscosity changes in various cellular compartments and processes.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Seungju Kang, Tae Woong Yoon, Gwan-Yeong Kim, Boseok Kang
Summary: This article provides an overview of the formation strategies and applications of conjugated polymer nanoparticles, along with their corresponding experimental methods. By converting them into nanoparticle dispersions in water or alcohols, the use of toxic solvents can be avoided and application utility can be enhanced.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sayantan Halder, Rishika Aggrawal, Srabanti Jana, Subit K. Saha
Summary: This study demonstrates the binding interactions of two cationic gemini surfactants with gold nanoparticles-conjugated bovine serum albumin, showing different binding effects of surfactants on BSA bioconjugates. The research investigates the influence of bioconjugation on the secondary/tertiary structures of BSA, and the roles of circular dichroism, fluorescence, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic measurements in this process.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philipp Grad, Katarina Edwards, Lars Gedda, Victor Agmo Hernandez
Summary: This study investigates the effects of polyethylene glycol-(PEG) modified lipids and gangliosides on the Ca2+ induced interaction between liposomes composed of palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) and palmitoyl-oleoyl phosphatidylserine (POPS) at physiological ionic strength. The results show that naked liposomes tend to adhere, rupture, and collapse on each other's surfaces upon addition of Ca2+, eventually resulting in the formation of large multilamellar aggregates and bilayer sheets. However, the presence of gangliosides or PEGylated lipids leads to the formation of small, long-lived bilayer fragments/disks. PEGylated lipids seem to be more effective than gangliosides at stabilizing these structures. The study suggests that direct liposome-liposome fusion is not the dominating process triggered by Ca2+ in the systems studied.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juliang Yang, Jing-Jing Hu, Jiaming Wei, Jun Dai, Rui Liu, Fan Xia, Xiaoding Lou
Summary: Cell membrane labeling is of great significance for exploring its function, but achieving precise and firm cell membrane labeling remains a challenge. In this study, a new method utilizing multiple weak interactions was reported to achieve accurate and stable imaging of the cell membrane.
Article
Polymer Science
Camille Bakkali-Hassani, Jordan P. Hooker, Pieter-Jan Voorter, Maarten Rubens, Neil R. Cameron, Tanja Junkers
Summary: In this study, a method for targeted synthesis of biodegradable polymer precursors via continuous flow reactions was reported. The obtained precursors exhibited well-defined structures and properties, and could be used as precursors for networks and emulsion preparation in materials synthesis. This research is of great significance for the targeted and tunable access to biodegradable polymers.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Simon Paredis, Tom Cardeynaels, Jasper Deckers, Andrew Danos, Dirk Vanderzande, Andrew P. Monkman, Benoit Champagne, Wouter Maes
Summary: This study investigates the influence of a more extended conjugated system or the presence of a sulfur-containing heteroaromatic spacer on the emissive properties by replacing the bridging phenyl group in a fluorescent phenoxazine-benzothiazole donor-acceptor dyad with a naphthalene or a thiophene moiety. The results show that these seemingly small structural alterations strongly affect the relative positions of the excited states, the fluorescence intensity, and the emission mechanism. Notably, the incorporation of the thiophene group promotes both room temperature phosphorescence and singlet oxygen generation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Svitlana Railian, Yasemin Fadil, Vipul Agarwal, Tanja Junkers, Per B. Zetterlund
Summary: The modification of graphene oxide (GO) sheets and their application in emulsion polymerization were explored in this study, showing that stable latexes and nanocomposite films can be successfully obtained using GO and GO-COOH, while encountering colloidal instability when synthesizing GO-PMMA and GO-PDEGA.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Paul-Henry Denis, Martijn Mertens, Wouter T. M. Van Gompel, Arthur Maufort, Sigurd Mertens, Zimu Wei, Melissa Van Landeghem, Sam Gielen, Bart Ruttens, Davy Deduytsche, Christophe Detarvernier, Laurence Lutsen, Ferdinand Grozema, Koen Vandewal, Dirk Vanderzande
Summary: 3D hybrid perovskites have shown excellent performance in optoelectronic materials, but suffer from environmental instability. This study successfully stabilized the desired black phase and improved material stability and optoelectronic performance by adjusting the organic cation.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jordan P. Hooker, Bradyn Parker, Elise Wright, Tanja Junkers, Neil R. Cameron
Summary: The functionalization of emulsion-templated porous polymers (polyHIPEs) using tetrazole photo click chemistry is demonstrated, allowing for efficient and spatially controlled functionalization. The polyHIPEs possess well-defined open-cell morphologies and can be synthesized from various monomer systems and polymerization chemistries. The reaction has broad applicability and can be further developed for specific applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Femke Mussen, Jana Van Broeckhoven, Niels Hellings, Melissa Schepers, Tim Vanmierlo
Summary: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by severe neuroinflammation and hampered neuroregeneration. Current therapies have limited effectiveness, so new strategies targeting the initial inflammatory reactions and promoting endogenous repair are crucial. Adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) regulates these processes and inhibiting its hydrolyzing enzyme phosphodiesterase (PDE) has shown promise in modulating inflammation and promoting regeneration. This review focuses on the immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative role of cAMP-specific PDE inhibition in SCI.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Chris Vanheusden, Jan Vanminsel, Naveen Reddy, Pieter Samyn, Jan D'Haen, Roos Peeters, Anitha Ethirajan, Mieke Buntinx
Summary: Biobased and biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are gaining popularity. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) polymer has a processing window suitable for packaging, agricultural, and fishery applications. Centrifugal fiber spinning (CFS) is a promising technique to produce PHBHHx fibers with tunable morphology and properties. CFS can create beads and continuous fibers based on the polymer concentration, and thermal post-processing can further enhance the fibers' mechanical properties.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nelly D. D. Saenen, Margo S. S. Witters, Inneke Hantoro, Ines Tejeda, Anitha Ethirajan, Frank Van Belleghem, Karen Smeets
Summary: We investigated how the size and shape of microplastics (MPs) affect cellular health using a human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (Caco-2). We found that both spherical and fibre-/fragment-shaped MPs were taken up by the cells in a size-dependent manner. The uptake of 2 μm spheres led to differential expressions of redox-related genes and changes in mitochondrial parameters. Overall, all PS-MPs induced defensive responses in Caco-2 cells, with the 200 nm spheres having the most profound effects.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ibrahim Hamad, Jana Van Broeckhoven, Alessio Cardilli, Niels Hellings, Till Strowig, Stefanie Lemmens, Sven Hendrix, Markus Kleinewietfeld
Summary: This study investigated the changes in gut microbiota composition after hemisection injury and the effects of systemic recombinant IL-13 treatment on the gut microbiome and functional recovery in mice. The results showed that rIL-13 treatment promoted changes in gut microbial communities and improved functional recovery.
Article
Polymer Science
Emma van de Reydt, Noam Marom, James Saunderson, Mario Boley, Tanja Junkers
Summary: Using ridge regression, the propagation rate coefficients for radical polymerization are correlated with basic molecular properties, such as molecular weights, boiling points, and dipole moments. This model is applicable to various monomers, including acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, and acrylonitrile. It allows for accurate description of absolute rate coefficients and Arrhenius activation parameters, making it possible to predict monomers without experimental data.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Suqi Zhang, Tanja Junkers, Simon Kuhn
Summary: Continuous-flow simplified electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (seATRP) was achieved without supporting electrolytes using a novel sonicated tubular microreactor. The reaction demonstrated fast conversion rate, good molecular weight evolution and maintained narrow molecular weight distribution. The reaction rate could be manipulated by tuning the applied current.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jasper Deckers, Tom Cardeynaels, Sandra Doria, Nikolay Tumanov, Andrea Lapini, Anitha Ethirajan, Marcel Ameloot, Johan Wouters, Mariangela Di Donato, Benoit Champagne, Wouter Maes
Summary: In this study, a series of strongly absorbing, heavy-atom-free, distyryl-BODIPY donor-acceptor dyads operating within the phototherapeutic window were reported. The diphenylamine and carbazole donors led to strong fluorescence, while dimethylacridine, phenoxazine, and phenothiazine units afford a decent fluorescence combined with the efficient formation of singlet oxygen. The excited state dynamics responsible for the differences within the BODIPY series were elucidated through photophysical analysis and quantum-chemical calculations.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Axel-Laurenz Buckinx, Maarten Rubens, Neil R. Cameron, Camille Bakkali-Hassani, Anna Sokolova, Tanja Junkers
Summary: The influence of dispersity in the molecular weight distributions in the core forming block for block copolymer self-assembly is analyzed. It is found that higher polymer dispersities can decrease the overall dispersity of the nanoparticles, revealing the important role of molecular weight distribution shape in polymer self-assembly.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tom Cardeynaels, Marc K. Etherington, Simon Paredis, Andrei S. Batsanov, Jasper Deckers, Kleitos Stavrou, Dirk Vanderzande, Andrew P. Monkman, Benoit Champagne, Wouter Maes
Summary: The color purity and stability in multi-donor TADF emitters are crucial for OLED design. In this study, an alternative donor unit was introduced to improve color stability, but it resulted in a low photoluminescence quantum yield, rendering it unsuitable for device applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Axel-Laurenz Buckinx, Ashley M. Rozario, Toby D. M. Bell, Jasper J. Michels, Tanja Junkers
Summary: This study presents a novel method for synthesizing semi-conducting polymer nanoparticles (SPN) and demonstrates their potential as versatile theragnostic platforms for drug delivery and near infrared (NIR) imaging.
