Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dong Zhang, Yijing Tang, Jintao Yang, Yijing Gao, Chunxin Ma, Lingbin Che, Jianguo Wang, Jiang Wu, Jie Zheng
Summary: Zwitterionic materials and allochroic materials offer distinct properties and functions for different applications. The development of zwitterionic, allochroic materials remains challenging. In this study, water-soluble and allochroic polymers of pVPES were designed and synthesized, which can self-polymerize into different architectures or co-polymerize with other functional polymers to become different smart devices. The pVPES-based hydrogel patches not only accelerated wound healing but also distinguished different types of wounds through color changes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benjamin J. Hardy, Alvaro Martin Hermosilla, Dinesh K. Chinthapalli, Carol V. Robinson, J. L. Ross Anderson, Paul Curnow
Summary: In this study, a minimal diheme membrane cytochrome was computationally designed and produced in live bacteria. The synthetic construct mimics a four-helix bundle found in respiratory complexes and has no sequence homology to natural polypeptides. This artificial membrane metalloprotein has the potential to function as an electron transfer module in both synthetic protocells and living systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tianxiang Wei, Yinghao Zhang, Huafeng Wang, Huiming Li, Ting Fang, Zhaoyin Wang, Zhihui Dai
Summary: In order to meet the high demand for accurate and sensitive analysis of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) in complex environmental water, a self-assembled electroactive MOF-magnetic dispersible aptasensor has been developed for ultrasensitive MC-LR detection. The aptasensor utilizes the analyte-induced unwinding of a hairpin DNA on the surface of a Zr-MOF electrochemical tag, allowing easy detection by dispersible magnetic nanoparticles. A highly sensitive self-assembled dispersible aptasensor for MC-LR determination in environmental water samples without preconcentration was constructed, capable of detecting MC-LR from 0.005 to 100 ng mL-1. The aptasensor was successfully used for MC-LR quantification in water samples from Lake Taihu, demonstrating its great potential for pollutant monitoring.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Guto G. Rhys, Jessica A. Cross, William M. Dawson, Harry F. Thompson, Sooruban Shanmugaratnam, Nigel J. Savery, Mark P. Dodding, Birte Hoecker, Derek N. Woolfson
Summary: This article describes a de novo synthetic peptide system that can efficiently deliver into cells and has the ability of subcellular targeting.
NATURE CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chao Yan, Jianguo Xu, Lijun Yang, Bangben Yao, Guodong Liu, Wei Chen
Summary: A DG-TIS-based electrochemical biosensor was developed for the ultrasensitive detection of miRNA-21, showing wide linear response range, low detection limit, and excellent specificity. The biosensor could effectively interrogate the expression levels of miRNA-21 in cancer cells and spiked human serum, making it an ideal analytical tool for diagnostic applications.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Prabhakaran Thandapani, Radhamanohar Aepuru, Fanny Beron, Mangalaraja Ramalinga Viswanathan, Kokkarachedu Varaprasad, Fabio Luis Zabotto, Jose A. Jimenez, Juliano C. Denardin
Summary: In recent days, there is increasing interest in the development of multicaloric materials for cooling application, and multiferroic materials are being considered as suitable alternatives to conventional refrigerants. A study was conducted on the fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(vinylidenefluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PMMA/PVDF-HFP) blend and PMMA/PVDF-HFP/Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 flexible multiferroic nanocomposite films. The results showed that PMMA/PVDF-HFP/Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 nanocomposite films exhibited both magnetocaloric and magnetoelectric effects.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pinpinut Kabinsing, Pravanjan Malla, Chi-Hsien Liu, Wei-Chi Wu, Paiboon Sreearunothai
Summary: This study designed multifunctional nanosheets for the capture, detection, and quantification of miRNA 183-5p from prostate cancer cells using a disposable printed electrode and a portable potentiostat. Magnetic reduced graphene oxide (MrGO) was used as the starting nanocomposite to analyze miRNA. Two strategies were used for miRNA detection, and the intercalator method showed better performance. The detection limits of miRNA in human serum and urine were 3.73 and 0.86 aM, with a linear range from 0.1 nM to over 1 aM. The incorporation of MrGO, screen-printed carbon electrodes, and portable potentiostat simplified the analysis process and reduced time and cost.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Shi-Yu Liu, Huiling Wang, Xiaoting Zou, Gang Nie
Summary: Aminopeptidase N (APN) is an important metalloprotease that is widely expressed and plays a significant role in maintaining normal physiological functions and the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. This research proposes a new design strategy using an unnatural amino acid, 2-Aminobutyric acid (Abu), to construct a near-infrared fluorescent probe TMN-Abu for sensitive and specific detection of APN activity. The probe showed high sensitivity and binding affinity towards APN, and successfully monitored APN activity in living cells, tumor-bearing mice, diabetic model mice, and biological events such as starvation and EGF stimulation.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Binhan Yu, Channing C. Pletka, B. Montgomery Pettitt, Junji Iwahara
Summary: The study presents a novel NMR-based method for validating electrostatic potentials around biomolecules, demonstrating good agreement with predictions from the Poisson-Boltzmann theory. However, certain weaknesses of the theory were also illuminated, such as discrepancies in the dependence on ionic strength and potential errors due to conformational flexibility or structural uncertainties. This NMR-based method has the potential to facilitate improvements in computational approaches for electrostatic potentials.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wirulda Pootakham, Chaiwat Naktang, Wasitthee Kongkachana, Chutima Sonthirod, Thippawan Yoocha, Duangjai Sangsrakru, Nukoon Jomchai, Sonicha U-Thoomporn, Kanokwan Romyanon, Theerayut Toojinda, Sithichoke Tangphatsornruang
Summary: Centella asiatica, a herbaceous perennial species with medicinal properties, had its genome assembly obtained using advanced technologies. This assembly serves as a valuable reference for future studies and breeding efforts in C. asiatica.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hongjie Wang, Yongqiang Wu, Yong He, Guoyu Li, Lichao Ma, Shuo Li, Jianwei Huang, Guofeng Yang
Summary: This study successfully generated a high-quality de novo assembly of the white clover genome at the chromosomal level using PacBio Hi-Fi sequencing. The annotated genome provides important resources for molecular breeding and evolution research of white clover and other forage crops.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Miriam Filippi, Francesca Garello, Oncay Yasa, Jesil Kasamkattil, Arnaud Scherberich, Robert K. Katzschmann
Summary: The article discusses the applications of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedicine and their combination with polymers to form magnetic nanocomposites. These composites have the potential to modulate various cellular functions and show promise in regenerative medicine and the development of biomedical robots.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Lan Bao, Yu Liu, Jinghan Peng, Yuan Wang, Jinhuan Dong, Xianxiu Xu
Summary: The catalyst-free chemoselective trimerization reaction of isocyanides leads to the formation of a wide range of 2-(indol-2-yl)-quinolines and 2-(indol-2-yl)-pyridines in moderate to excellent yields. The key step of this reaction is proposed to be the head to head heterodimerization of two isocyanides.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Boxuan Yu, Lei Zhang, Gang Ye, Qingzhi Liu, Jiongli Li, Xudong Wang, Jing Chen, Shengming Xu, Shengqian Ma
Summary: This study reports a novel de novo synthesis of bifunctional conjugated microporous polymers with coordination behavior to uranium. The introduction of ortho-substituted amino functionalities enhances the affinity to uranyl ions and increases the adsorption capacity by almost 70%. XPS analysis and DFT calculation suggest a dominant role of oxime ligands in coordination with uranyl ions and show the synergistic engagement of amino functionalities in promoting coordination with uranyl ions.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xinyi Zhang, Hongbo Li, Weihua Zhao, Jun Xu, Suqin Wang, Ruqin Yu
Summary: A separation platform mediated by magnetic beads and the CRISPR/Cas12a system has been developed for ultrasensitive and rapid detection of miRNA-21. The biosensor exhibited superior performance and excellent signal recovery in 1% human serum, with a detection limit of 12.12 fM.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lebao Mao, Hao Liu, Linli Yao, Wei Wen, Miao-Miao Chen, Xiuhua Zhang, Shengfu Wang
Summary: The study constructed a novel CuO/BiOCl composite which effectively broadened the photo-absorption region, enhanced light harvesting, and successfully fabricated a highly sensitive AFB1 detector. By combining with a specific aptamer, the composite material achieved ultra-sensitive detection and efficient degradation of AFB1, providing a potential pathway for monitoring and controlling AFB1 contamination in food security areas.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jizhan Wu, Peitang Wei, Huaiju Liu, Xiuhua Zhang, Zhiqiang He, Guanyu Deng
Summary: In this study, a strategy of combining pre-shot peening process and subsequent carburizing heat treatment was proposed to improve the efficiency of carburizing heat treatment of AISI 9310 gear steel. The relationship between effective hardening depth (EHD) and microstructure, plastic deformation, and surface roughness was explored. The results showed that the proposed strategy greatly enhanced the efficiency of carburization heat treatment with an increase in EHD and surface hardness (SH). The importance of shot peening intensity and coverage to EHD was also analyzed using the random forest (RF) algorithm.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinshui Zhang, Cong Wu, Yinjie Lv, Yue Zhang, Wei Liu
Summary: In this work, a flexible polymeric memristor using polyethylenimine incorporated with silver salt is reported, demonstrating superior performances and stability for the construction of flexible electronics.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xi Zhang, Junlun Zhu, Zhen Wu, Wei Wen, Xiuhua Zhang, Shengfu Wang
Summary: An electrochemical sensor based on gold nano-particles and COFs was developed for the detection of BPA, showing high sensitivity and satisfactory recovery in real water samples.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yao Xiao, Chengyi Xiong, Miao-Miao Chen, Shengfu Wang, Lei Fu, Xiuhua Zhang
Summary: With the development of two-dimensional materials, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become popular model materials for both fundamental sciences and practical applications. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure modulation of TMDs, including various modulated structures and their characteristics. It also summarizes the recent progress in modulating methods, mechanisms, properties, and applications of modulated TMD structures, as well as the challenges and prospects in this field.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenbo Li, Duoling Cao, Xiaorui Zhu, Zhiguang Guo, Li Wan, Xu Zhang, Xiuhua Zhang, Yuebin Li, Xiaoming Ren, Xianbao Wang, Dominik Eder, Shimin Wang
Summary: This study demonstrates a facile approach of optimizing the SnO2-ETL and CsPbI3 film to construct efficient carbon CE-based CsPbI3 solar cells, resulting in a relatively high power conversion efficiency of 12.85%.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaoxue Xi, Zhen Wu, Xiuhua Zhang, Yuebin Li, Yuandi Zhao, Wei Wen, Shengfu Wang
Summary: The development of a tumorspecific nanosensor with an endogenous protease-activatable manner remains a challenge in the in situ detection of low-content cancer biomarkers. This study proposes an endogenous protease-activatable nanosensor that combines electrochemical detection with optical imaging to achieve AND-gated and dual-model sensing of miRNA-21 in living tumor cells. The nanosensor can only be activated by dual keys simultaneously, improving the tumor-to-healthy cells ratio and providing new opportunities for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer at the single-cell level.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lebao Mao, Yao Xiao, Hao Liu, Xiuhua Zhang, Shengfu Wang, Wei-Hua Huang, Miao-Miao Chen
Summary: Hydrolysis-resistant CsPbBr3/reduced graphene oxide nanoscrolls (CsPbBr3/rGO NSs) with excellent optical properties and stability were obtained through a solvent-assisted self-rolling process. The CsPbBr3 QDs embedded in rGO nanosheets prevent water infiltration and maintain superb optical properties. The CsPbBr3/rGO NSs exhibit enhanced anode photocurrent response and demonstrate high sensitivity and anti-interference ability in molecular imprinted PEC sensors for mycotoxin detection.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Qian Wang, Chengyi Xiong, Jingwen Li, Qianchun Deng, Xiuhua Zhang, Shengfu Wang, Miao-Miao Chen
Summary: In this study, methylamine perovskite quantum dots (MP QDs) encapsulated by ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks (MP QDs@ZIF-8) were prepared for the detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The constructed electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor showed good selectivity and ultra-sensitivity, with a wide linear range for AFB1 quantification. The satisfactory recoveries in corn samples demonstrated the reliable practicability of the proposed sensor for AFB1 assay. This work provided a novel pathway for designing high-performance ECL sensing platforms in food safety.
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Huan Yan, Peitang Wei, Lihong Su, Huaiju Liu, Dong Wei, Xiuhua Zhang, Guanyu Deng
Summary: In this study, the rolling-sliding contact fatigue (RSCF) failures of AISI 9310 gear steel were thoroughly analyzed. The fatigue life, microstructure and crystallographic orientation evolution, and microhardness and residual stress distributions were characterized. The RSCF life of AISI 9310 steel roller decreased with increasing maximum contact pressure, but could be improved by shot peening due to enhanced microhardness and compressive residual stress. Main fatigue damage near the roller surface included inclined cracks, micro-pitting, spallation, and plastic deformation. The RSCF process also resulted in preferred crystallographic orientations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FATIGUE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiuhua Zhang, He Ke, Mingxin Chi, Ruochen Wang
Summary: In this study, the impact of paper straw board (PSB) on the seismic performance of cold-formed thin-walled steel composite walls (CFSCWs) was investigated, and the experimental results of CFSCW with PSB cladding were compared with those of CFSCW with other wall panel cladding. The findings suggest that PSB can effectively enhance the shear bearing capacity of the composite wall, and its lightweight nature makes CFSCW with PSB cladding easy to construct. Finite element analysis was conducted using ANSYS software to simulate CFSCW with one-sided PSB cladding and analyze the relevant parameters affecting seismic performance. The results indicate that reducing stud spacing, peripheral self-tapping screw spacing, increasing wall panel and steel skeleton edge stud section thickness can effectively improve shear bearing capacity and lateral stiffness within a certain range. Additionally, decreasing the wall height-to-width ratio improves lateral stiffness but decreases unit width shear bearing capacity.
JOURNAL OF THE CHINESE INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Weijian Wang, Gang Yu, Lebao Mao, Sanam Attique, Zhiwei Si, Qing Yang, Yongqiang Zhang, Guiqiu Huang, Haiyan Zhang, Ximing Yan, Shengfu Wang, Xiuhua Zhang
Summary: Researchers have designed perovskite solar cells with mesoporous antireflection coatings, which significantly improve the photocurrent density of the cells. The study offers a fresh approach to the development of highly efficient perovskite and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.
ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinrong Liu, Yongzhong Jiang, Wei Wen, Xiuhua Zhang, Zhen Wu, Shengfu Wang
Summary: A novel and universal single-particle collision electrochemistry (SPCE) biosensor based on the collision and oxidation of single silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) was proposed for sensitive detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The biosensor showed enhanced detection sensitivity and practicability of SPCE in biosensing by increasing the collision frequency of Ag NPs on polysulfide-functionalized gold ultra-microelectrodes (Ps-Au UMEs). Additionally, the biosensor achieved successful detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples, demonstrating its potential for clinically relevant diagnosis.