Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiayao Li, Tianyong Guan, Datao Tu, Wei Lian, Peng Zhang, Siyuan Han, Fei Wen, Xueyuan Chen
Summary: Highly efficient luminescent AgInTe2:Zn/ZnS nanocrystals with a maximum NIR-II quantum yield of 25.2% have been designed by manipulating the structure to reduce internal and surface defects. These nanoprobes were used for sensitive homogeneous biodetection of xanthine oxidase with a limit of detection as low as 25 nU L-1.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linxiang Yang, Shuai Zhang, Bo Xu, Jiangyuan Jiang, Bo Cai, Xinyi Lv, Yousheng Zou, Zhiyong Fan, Heesun Yang, Haibo Zeng
Summary: This review summarizes the recent progress of I-III-VI quantum dots (QDs) and their application in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Firstly, the luminescence mechanism based on the electronic-band structural characteristics of I-III-VI QDs is illustrated. Secondly, the preparation mechanism, regulation of photophysical properties, and application progress, especially in LEDs, of I-III-VI QDs are summarized. Finally, perspectives on the current status, challenges, and performance improvement strategies in promoting the evolution of QDs and QLEDs are provided, indicating the future directions in this field.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fenghua Li, Yanhong Liu, Baodong Mao, Longhua Li, Hui Huang, Dongqi Zhang, Weixuan Dong, Zhenhui Kang, Weidong Shi
Summary: This study demonstrates the critical role of carbon dots (CDs) in enhancing the efficiency and stability of photocatalysts by modifying the hole transporting ligand and combining with quantum dots. The hydrogen production rate can be significantly improved, especially through synergistic electron/hole extraction.
APPLIED CATALYSIS B-ENVIRONMENTAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinxin Wei, Zhe Hu, Wenjie Zhou, Hanxu Lu, Wanlu Zhang, Ruiqian Guo
Summary: This article discusses the advantages, progress, and challenges of I-III-VI quantum dots as down-converters in the field of WLEDs, and explores the stability issues and future development prospects.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Adrien Khalili, Claire Abadie, Tung Huu Dang, Audrey Chu, Eva Izquierdo, Corentin Dabard, Charlie Greboval, Mariarosa Cavallo, Huichen Zhang, Stefano Pierini, Yoann Prado, Xiang Zhen Xu, Sandrine Ithurria, Gregory Vincent, Christophe Coinon, Ludovic Desplanque, Emmanuel Lhuillier
Summary: This study proposes a method to broaden the spectral range of InGaAs by using HgTe nanocrystals and alleviating lattice matching constraints in short wave infrared sensing. A diode structure is designed, where a p-type HgTe NC array and n-type InGaAs wires are used to extract minority carriers. This work opens up new possibilities for infrared detection using epitaxially grown and colloidally grown semiconductors.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Ting Chen, Yuanhong Chen, Youpeng Li, Mengbiao Liang, Wenkui Wu, Yude Wang
Summary: I-III-VI type quantum dots (QDs) possess unique optoelectronic properties and can be continuously tuned in the visible to near-infrared light region. They are promising candidates to replace traditional binary QDs in various applications due to their advantages of low toxicity and avoidance of heavy metals and toxic anions. However, the presence of multiple metal ions in the QDs leads to different reaction rates and results in defects and poor fluorescence properties. This can be improved through metal ion doping and surface coating techniques. This review introduces the luminous mechanism of I-III-VI type QDs, summarizes recent synthesis methods, improvement strategies, and primary applications in the field of optoelectronics, and discusses the challenges and future perspectives.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bambesiwe M. Maya, Olayemi J. Fakayode, Mokae F. Bambo, Ajay K. Mishra, Edward N. Nxumalo
Summary: This study presents the successful use of Gd-doped AgInS2 quantum dots with high Gd mole ratios for fluorescence detection and adsorption of Ag+ ions in water. The materials showed good fluorescence characteristics and adsorption properties under optimized conditions, and a combination of ion-exchange, electrostatic interaction, complexation, and diffusion processes was proposed as the adsorption mechanism.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Nilanjana Shasmal, Andrea Simone Stucchi de Camargo, Ana Candida Martins Rodrigues
Summary: This study investigated the effect of heat treatment on the spectroscopic properties of borosilicate glasses doped with ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) and co-doped with Er3+/ZnSe. TEM analysis revealed the gradual growth of ZnSe QDs during heat treatment. The emission intensity of ZnSe-doped glasses initially increased due to the formation and development of ZnSe QDs, but gradually decreased as non-radiative loss between enlarged particles became dominant. The co-doped glasses showed enhanced emission up to 20 hours of heat treatment, indicating energy transfer from QDs to Er3+ ions.
JOURNAL OF NON-CRYSTALLINE SOLIDS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Tsukasa Torimoto, Tatsuya Kameyama, Taro Uematsu, Susumu Kuwabata
Summary: I-III-VI multinary semiconductors, with low toxicity, are being studied as potential quantum dot materials to replace toxic Cd and Pb-based binary semiconductors. The flexibility in design and control of electronic and optical properties of multinary quantum dots has attracted significant attention. This review provides a historical overview of the synthesis of I-III-VI quantum dots and discusses strategies for better control of their optoelectronic properties. Applications in luminescent devices and light energy conversion systems are also discussed, highlighting the potential for improved performance by controlling the size and composition of the quantum dots. Understanding the unique features of I-III-VI quantum dots will enable the development of novel applications utilizing their complexity.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY C-PHOTOCHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Iurii Alekseevich Babkin, Aniket Pradip Udepurkar, Hannes Van Avermaet, Rodrigo de Oliveira-Silva, Dimitrios Sakellariou, Zeger Hens, Guy van den Mooter, Simon Kuhn, Christian Clasen
Summary: Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals used in optoelectronic applications. Most modern QDs are based on toxic metals and do not comply with EU regulations. However, there are promising developments in safer QD alternatives based on elements from the III-V group. This study focuses on encapsulating InP-based QDs in polymer microbeads for improved photostability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fei Huang, Jiajia Ning, Zonghui Duan, Aleksandr A. Sergeev, Arsenii Portniagin, Stephen Kershaw, Jianjun Tian, Andrey L. Rogach
Summary: The article discusses the phase transfer in heavy-metal-free ZnSe nanorods from hexagonal wurtzite to cubic zinc-blende phases mediated by Cu(I) ions under thermal heating, resulting in the synthesis of alloyed CuZnSe nanorods with a cubic zinc-blende phase. This strategy enables efficient full-spectrum solar energy harvesting by the nanostructures.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sam Masha, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: In this study, blue and green emitting carbon-based quantum dots were successfully synthesized with good photoluminescence and high quantum yield. Structural characterizations revealed small, spherical, and highly crystalline materials, showing concentration dependent biocompatibility against mouse colon carcinoma and mouse bladder carcinoma cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mengke Han, Samuel Evans, Sanam Mustafa, Steven Wiederman, Heike Ebendorff-Heidepriem
Summary: This article investigates the effective intracellular delivery of nanomaterials using microelectrophoresis in biological research. The study found that the amount of delivered nanomaterials, and specifically quantum dots (QDs), strongly correlates with cell viability, which can be controlled by adjusting the ejection duration. Furthermore, the research reveals that microelectrophoretically delivered QDs distribute homogeneously and exhibit pure Brownian diffusion inside the cytoplasm, showcasing great potential for studying dynamic intracellular events.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shubham Shishodia, Bilel Chouchene, Thomas Gries, Raphael Schneider
Summary: I-III-VI2 group quantum dots have become the mainstream light-harvesting material in QDSSCs due to their tunable electronic properties, ease of synthesis, and low toxicity. This review describes the methods developed to prepare and control the optoelectronic properties of I-III-VI2 QDs for integration into QDSSCs, and highlights the superior performance of heterostructures obtained with these QDs.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiajia Ning, Yuan Xiong, Stephen Kershaw, Andrey L. Rogach
Summary: The most efficient way to improve the stability and optical properties of nanocrystals is to grow shell around their cores. Different growth modes of the ZnS shell on ZnSe nanorods were observed depending on the crystal structure of the ZnSe core, leading to differences in photoluminescence quantum yield.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Gracia It Mwad Mbaz, Sundararajan Parani, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: A novel method using water-soluble AIS-ZnS QDs as coagulant material for instant removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution with efficiency up to 99.3% was reported. The method is simple and efficient, providing a new approach for addressing water contamination issues caused by dye and colourant industries.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jose Varghese Rajendran, Sundararajan Parani, Vasudevan Pillay R. Remya, Thabang C. Lebepe, Rodney Maluleke, Sabu Thomas, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: This study presents a facile fluorometric method for detecting Cu2+ ions using GSH capped CIS/ZnS QDs, which exhibit significant photoluminescence quenching in the presence of Cu2+ ions. The QDs show a linear response to Cu2+ ions over a wide concentration range.
PHYSICA E-LOW-DIMENSIONAL SYSTEMS & NANOSTRUCTURES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Olufunto T. Fanoro, Sundararajan Parani, Rodney Maluleke, Thabang C. Lebepe, Rajendran J. Varghese, Nande Mgedle, Vuyo Mavumengwana, Oluwatobi S. Oluwafemi
Summary: Nanobiotechnology shows promise in developing green antibiotics to combat the rising trend of antibiotic resistance. Plant-mediated synthesis of platinum nanoparticles has been proven to be effective in providing nano-antibiotics with strong antibacterial activities.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nozikumbuzo Anati Vitshima, Bongiwe Silwana, Ncediwe Tsolekile, Mangaka C. Matoetoe
Summary: Ternary I-III-VI quantum dots have attracted attention in various fields due to their lower toxicities, greener synthetic methods, and tunable optoelectronic properties. Water-soluble AgInS core QDs and AgInS/ZnS core/shell QDs were synthesized using an eco-friendly hydrothermal method in this study. The electrochemical properties of the QDs were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nkosingiphile Zikalala, Sundararajan Parani, Oluwatobi S. Oluwafemi
Summary: In this study, ZIS/ZnSe core/shell quantum dots with enhanced fluorescence and stability were successfully synthesized for the first time, showing excellent biocompatibility and potential for biological applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gracia It Mwad Mbaz, Sundararajan Parani, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted significant attention due to their outstanding properties, but obtaining QDs with excellent performance from aqueous synthesis remains a challenge. This study successfully synthesized AgInS and AgInS-ZnS core-shell QDs, achieving a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 90% under optimized conditions.
JOURNAL OF FLUORESCENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jose Varghese Rajendran, Sundararajan Parani, Vasudevan Pillay R. Remya, Thabang C. Lebepe, Rodney Maluleke, Olanrewaju A. Aladesuyi, Sabu Thomas, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of gelatin-stabilized mesoporous silica encapsulated CuInS2/ZnS quantum dots composites, which exhibit improved quantum yield and high photostability. The long-term stability of the composite is greatly enhanced after gelatin modification. The cytotoxicity assay demonstrates good viability against A549 cell line and dose-dependent viability against Hela cell line.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ncediwe Tsolekile, Sundararajan Parani, Erenilda Ferreira de Macedo, Thabang Calvin Lebepe, Rodney Maluleke, Vuyelwa Ncapayi, Mangaka Clara Matoetoe, Sandile Phinda Songca, Katia Conceicao, Dayane Batista Tada, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: The conjugation of ZCIS/ZnS quantum dots with mTHPP has shown promising results in enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic therapy, especially in reducing cell viability and exhibiting antibacterial effects. This suggests that the conjugate is a potential material for anti-cancer and antimicrobial PDT applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nomfundo Ruth Lushaba, Sundararajan Parani, Rodney Maluleke, Gracia It Mwad Mbaz, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: In this study, a novel nanocomposite consisting of glutathione (GSH)-capped AgInS2-ZnS (AIS-ZnS) core-shell quantum dots (QDs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) was developed for efficient photocatalytic treatment of methylene blue (MB). The results showed that the AIS-ZnS QD/TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited better photodegradation performance compared to AIS-ZnS QDs and TiO2.
Article
Optics
Vuyelwa Ncapayi, Neethu Ninan, Thabang C. Lebepe, Sundararajan Parani, Aswathy Ravindran Girija, Richard Bright, Rodney Maluleke, Olanrewaju A. Aladesuyi, Tetsuya Kodama, Krasimir Vasilev, Oluwatobi S. Oluwafemi
Summary: In this study, NIR emitting colloidal Mn-doped CuInSe/ZnS QDs were synthesized via the hydrothermal method and showed good photostability. The QDs exhibited selective imaging of Gram-positive bacteria and prostate cancer cells, making them potential candidates for cancer-bacteria dual-imaging in biomedicine.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Vasudevan Pillay Remya, Sundararajan Parani, El Hadji Mamour Sakho, Jose Varghese Rajendran, Rodney Maluleke, Thabang Calvin Lebepe, Sam Masha, Nishar Hameed, Sabu Thomas, Oluwatobi Samuel Oluwafemi
Summary: We have developed a method to prepare a novel self-assembled nanostructured material with high toughness and impact strength using a blend of DGEBA and eSBS(55). The blends exhibit nanostructured morphological characteristics, as observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope. Compared to previous studies, our research achieved the highest fracture toughness, with a K-IC value of 2.54 MPa m(1/2) in epoxy/block copolymer blends. The impact strength also increased by 116% compared to neat epoxy, making this material a promising candidate for coating applications in various industries.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yi Zhang, Jae-In Yoo, Hyo-Bin Kim, Kang-hoon Kim, Sung-Cheon Kang, Eun-young Choi, Sundararajan Parani, Jang-Kun Song
Summary: In this study, a novel method to enhance the photoluminescence (PL) of quantum dot (QDs)-polymer nanocomposite films was developed. This was achieved by incorporating CO2 micropores and scattering particles, which increased the photon absorbance and improved the PL intensity. The results showed that the PL of the QD-hybrid-foamed polymer film increased by 4.2 times compared to an ordinary QD-polymer film.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thabang C. Lebepe, Sundararajan Parani, Rodney Maluleke, Vuyelwa Ncapayi, Olanrewaju A. Aladesuyi, Atsuki Komiya, Tetsuya Kodama, Oluwatobi S. Oluwafemi
Summary: In this study, the colloidal stability, photothermal profile, thermal stability, cytotoxicity, and photo-cytotoxicity of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) coupled with gold nanorods (AuNRs) and graphene oxide (GO)-coated AuNRs were investigated. The results showed that AuNRs/GQDs had higher stability and better photothermal stability compared to AuNRs/GO. Both composites demonstrated biocompatibility with cancer cell lines and improved cell death when exposed to laser irradiation. However, AuNRs/GO exhibited higher photo-toxicity than AuNRs/GQDs. This study highlights the potential of using AuNRs/GQDs and AuNRs/GO composites in photothermal applications.
NANOTECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Z. Wonci, N. Tsolekile, M. C. Matoetoe
Summary: Ternary I-III-VI quantum dots (QDs) have the potential for biomedical and bio-imagining applications due to the presence of less toxic elements compared to traditional QDs. Coating QDs with polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), can improve their stability, reduce toxicity, and introduce chemical functionalities on their surface. In this study, Cu-In-S QDs were successfully synthesized and coated with PVP, resulting in improved optical properties and stability.
MATERIALS TODAY-PROCEEDINGS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadreza Kasravi, Alireza Yaghoobi, Tahereh Tayebi, Mahsa Hojabri, Abdolkarim Talebi Taheri, Fatemeh Shirzad, Bahram Jambar Nooshin, Radman Mazloomnejad, Armin Ahmadi, Fatemeh A. Tehrani, Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Mohammad Hadi Farjoo, Hassan Niknejad
Summary: As a promising approach in translational medicine, the decellularization of discarded livers to produce bioscaffolds that support recellularization has potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional liver transplantation. In this study, the researchers investigated the use of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition to preserve the extracellular matrix (ECM) during liver decellularization. The results demonstrated that the application of an MMP inhibitor significantly improved the preservation of ECM components and mechanical properties of the bioscaffolds, which supported cell viability and function in vitro. The study also confirmed that the MMP inhibition led to the inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9, providing a novel method to enhance ECM preservation during liver decellularization.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadsadegh Nadimifar, Weiguang Jin, Clara Coll-Satue, Gizem Bor, Paul Joseph Kempen, Ali Akbar Moosavi-Movahedi, Leticia Hosta-Rigau
Summary: This study presents a metal-phenolic self-assembly approach that can prepare nanoparticles fully made of hemoglobin. The nanoparticles exhibit good oxygen binding and releasing capabilities.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jyoti Kumari, Roel Hammink, Jochem Baaij, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: Fibrosis is the formation of fibrous connective tissue in response to injury, leading to organ dysfunction. A novel hybrid hydrogel combining synthetic polyisocyanide with hyaluronic acid has been developed, showing strong antifibrotic properties.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Letter
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Melissa Machado Rodrigues, Cristian Padilha Fontoura, Charlene Silvestrin Celi Garcia, Sandro Tomaz Martins, Joao Antonio Pegas Henriques, Carlos Alejandro Figueroa, Mariana Roesch Ely, Cesar Aguzzoli
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jessica Polak, David Sachs, Nino Scherrer, Adrian Suess, Huan Liu, Mitchell Levesque, Sabine Werner, Edoardo Mazza, Gaetana Restivo, Mirko Meboldt, Costanza Giampietro
Summary: Human skin equivalents (HSEs) play a crucial role in tissue engineering. This study introduces a 3D-printed culture insert to apply a static radial constraint on HSEs and examines its effects on tissue characteristics. The results show that the diameter of the culture insert significantly influences tissue contraction, fibroblast and matrix organization, keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal stratification, and basement membrane formation. This study provides important insights for the design of skin tissue engineering.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shiliang Chen, Tianming Du, Hanbing Zhang, Jing Qi, Yanping Zhang, Yongliang Mu, Aike Qiao
Summary: This paper reviewed the primary methods for improving the overall properties of biodegradable zinc stents. It discussed the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of various improvement strategies. Alloying was found to be the most common, simple, and effective method for improving mechanical properties. Deformation processing and surface modification further improved the mechanical properties and biological activity of zinc alloys. Meanwhile, structural design could endow stents with special properties. Manufacturing zinc alloys with excellent properties and exploring their interaction mechanism with the human body are areas for future research.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
