Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Munoz, Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: A general procedure for synthesizing multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles with chiral, magnetic, and fluorescent properties, as well as self-propulsion, is reported here. The researchers functionalized self-propelled Ni@Pt superparamagnetic microrockets with fluorescent CdS quantum dots, which carried a chiral host biomolecule. The on-the-fly chiral recognition potential of these nanoparticles was demonstrated by their ability to selectively accommodate different chiral biomolecules. The study opens up possibilities for designing intelligent cargo micromachines with built-in chiral supramolecular recognition capabilities.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Munoz, Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: A general procedure for synthesizing multifunctional magnetic microcontainers with chiral, magnetic, fluorescent, and self-propulsion properties is reported. These microcontainers can recognize different chiral biomolecules (such as amino acids) through their beta-cyclodextrin affinity. Tryptophan enantiomers have been successfully discriminated using optical and electrochemical dual-mode readout.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhihua Lin, Changyong Gao, Daolin Wang, Qiang He
Summary: This study presents a bubble-propelled Janus gallium/zinc (Ga/Zn) micromotor with good biocompatibility and biodegradability, which can actively target bacteria for treatment. The micromotors exhibit self-propulsion in simulated gastroenteric acid and enhanced antibacterial efficiency against H. pylori compared to passive Ga microparticles. The Ga/Zn micromotors combine self-propulsion, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and Ga-based antibacterial properties, showing promise for active treatment of bacterial infections.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cagatay M. Oral, Martina Ussia, Derya Kapusuz Yavuz, Martin Pumera
Summary: The study investigates the influence of surface properties and crystallite size on the propulsion mechanism of Pt/TiO2 chemical/light-driven hybrid microrobots, revealing that urchin-like microrobots exhibit on-the-fly optical brake behavior under UV irradiation, while smooth microrobots demonstrate accelerated motion under the same conditions. The results highlight the importance of high surface area and crystallite size in increasing the speed of microrobots.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mario Urso, Christian Iffelsberger, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study introduces a new concept of self-propelled microscale energy storage elements and demonstrates their pseudocapacitive nature through scanning electrochemical microscopy. The technology shows great potential for autonomously delivering energy storage units to electronic circuits.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ke Wang, Enhui Ma, Haohao Cui, Zhenqi Hu, Hong Wang
Summary: Self-propelled micromotors based on natural fibers are developed, which facilitate the migration of remediation reagents and achieve efficient degradation of organic pollutants in soil. The micromotors display enhanced horizontal and vertical migration in the subsurface environment and exhibit excellent catalytic performances toward the degradation of a wide spectrum of antibiotics and hydrocarbons.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchan Li, Yanhua Wu, Hong Wang
Summary: Self-propelled micromotors based on natural pyrolusite were developed for in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) in soil remediation. These micromotors improved the mass transport of remediation reagents by generating micro/nanobubbles. They showed high degradation efficiency and speed in catalytic degradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jyoti, Jose Munoz, Martin Pumera
Summary: Graphene quantum dot-based microrobots demonstrate potential for optical real-time monitoring of DNA, offering high sensitivity and selectivity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chengjie Qu, Meng Ren, Zhuangming Qiao, Xiaohua Ren, Weilin Guo
Summary: A novel microfluidic approach using microfiber confinement was developed to fabricate droplet-templated micromotors for water treatment. By adjusting flow rates and coating nanoparticles on the surface, precise control over the shape and size of resulting micromotors can be achieved, showing good bubble-propelled motion and effective pollutant degradation capacity.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Jancik-Prochazkova, Martin Pumera
Summary: Microrobots, made from phoretic Sb2S3 material, demonstrated swarming behavior under light illumination without the need for chemical fuel. These environmentally friendly microrobots were prepared by reacting precursors with bio-originated templates in an aqueous solution in a microwave reactor. The photocatalytic abilities of the microrobots were showcased by degrading industrially used dyes, quinoline yellow and tartrazine, in the on-the-fly mode. This proof-of-concept work highlights the suitability of Sb2S3 photoactive material for designing swarming microrobots for environmental remediation applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Marta Pacheco, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: In this study, Janus micromotors encapsulating transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) and modified with a rhodamine-labeled affinity peptide were successfully used for Salmonella enterica endotoxin detection. The OFF-ON strategy based on the specific binding of the peptide with the TMDs allowed for fluorescence quenching and subsequent recovery upon binding to the endotoxin. The developed method demonstrated high sensitivity, selectivity, and bacterial specificity, showing potential for multiplexed assays and portable detection devices.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tuana Demircioglu, Mehmet Kaplan, Emine Tezgin, Omer Kaan Koc, Selen Durmazel, Aysem Uzer, Resat Apak
Summary: Water and soil pollution, especially caused by explosive residues, is a global environmental problem. This study developed a gold nanoparticles-based colorimetric probe for the detection of nitro-explosives TNT and tetryl. The probe showed high selectivity and sensitivity, and was not interfered by common soil ions and explosive mixtures.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Aysu Arman, Sener Saglam, Aysem Uzer, Resat Apak
Summary: The study presented a sensitive detection method for nitroaromatic explosives using a GC/MWCNTs/PEI electrode coated with gold nanoparticles. The method successfully detected TNT, DNT, 2,4-DNP, PA, and tetryl in a linear range, with detection limits ranging from 15 μg L-1 to 135 μg L-1. This method was also validated against the reference LC-MS method for analyzing explosives in soil samples.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
David Suescum-Morales, Miguel Bravo, Rui Vasco Silva, Jose Ramon Jimenez, Jose Maria Fernandez-Rodriguez, Jorge de Brito
Summary: This study investigated the effect of replacing fly ash with reactive magnesium oxide (MgO) in alkali-activated fly ash mortars under two different environments. The results showed that the substitution of fly ash with MgO led to a decline in compressive and flexural strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and dynamic Young's modulus. However, CO2 curing improved the physicomechanical properties of the samples.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yuting Shao, Yue Wang, Hongchen Wang, Guo-Hua Liu, Lu Qi, Xianglong Xu, Jingbing Zhang, Shuai Liu, Wenzhuo Sun
Summary: This study investigated the capture efficiency, mechanism, and microbial characteristics of the USSAS system under different temperature conditions. The results showed that temperature had little effect on carbon capture efficiency but a considerable impact on phosphorus capture efficiency. Higher temperatures decreased biological phosphorus removal effect while increasing adsorptive phosphorus removal effect.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ben Wang, Stephan Handschuh-Wang, Jie Shen, Xuechang Zhou, Zhiguang Guo, Weimin Liu, Martin Pumera, Li Zhang
Summary: Small-scale robots (SSRs) have emerged as promising and versatile tools in various applications, thanks to their ability to perform tasks at small length scales. The viscous and surface forces, such as adhesive forces and surface tension, have become dominant as robots are miniaturized, significantly impacting motion efficiency. Surface engineering with hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications provides a new pathway to overcome motion resistance and enhance the ability of SSRs to target and regulate robots for various tasks.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fengtong Ji, Yilin Wu, Martin Pumera, Li Zhang
Summary: Analyzing and designing collective behaviors in microorganisms is crucial for developing and advancing microswarm towards practical or clinical applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: Sustainable decentralized energy generation and storage in cities are crucial for a sustainable future. This study presents a smart energy storage device based on thermal insulation and MXene, which can be integrated into walls to store electricity while maintaining the temperature. The device exhibits high specific capacitance, outstanding rate capability, and cyclic stability, making it suitable for extreme temperature conditions. Furthermore, it can be integrated into house insulation materials to power emergency devices during disasters.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siowwoon Ng, Martin Pumera
Summary: Germanene, as a germanium analog of graphene, has shown great potential as a two-dimensional layered material with customizable properties and new functionalities. This review comprehensively covers the preparation, functionalization, and properties of germananes, as well as their applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, sensors, and biomedical areas.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ziyi Guo, Tianyi Liu, Wanli Gao, Christian Iffelsberger, Biao Kong, Martin Pumera
Summary: Hollow metal-phenolic network (MPN)-based microrobots are synthesized and can be driven by multi-wavelength irradiation without fuel. The velocity of the microrobots can be altered by the thickness of the asymmetric capping, and their motion can be remotely controlled by switching the NIR or UV irradiation on and off. This proposed microrobot system provides a synthesis strategy to develop asymmetric light-navigated microrobots with tunable structure, multi-wavelength light-responsive mobility, and great reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) scavenging capacity for future medical treatment.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Jose Munoz, Jorge Oliver-De La Cruz, Giancarlo Forte, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study examines the suitability of graphene-based 3D-printed nanocomposite bioelectronics to monitor breast cancer cell adhesion and the chemosensitivity of anti-cancer drugs. Through covalent biofunctionalization of 3D-printed nanocomposite graphene electrodes with fibronectin, the developed electrochemical system displays specificity and selectivity in monitoring breast cancer cell adhesion. The 3D-printed bioelectronic system shows excellent accuracy in rapidly screening anti-cancer drugs, comparable to the standard optical method but with the advantage of a label-free approach. This proof-of-concept work connects electronics to biological systems within 3D printing technology, providing the foundation for sustainable and cost-effective manufacturing of graphene-based 3D-printed nanocomposite bioelectronics for in vivo microenvironment simulation.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Dawid Kasprzak, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: In recent years, there has been a growing demand for advanced wearable electronic gadgets. This review focuses on the research attempts to shift energy storage materials towards sustainable and flexible components. The use of noncellulosic polysaccharides as constituents in composite materials for batteries and supercapacitors is introduced, providing sustainable and flexible substrates for portable power sources.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michela Sanna, Katarina A. A. Novcic, Siowwoon Ng, Miroslav Cerny, Martin Pumera
Summary: MAX phases are layered ternary compounds with physical properties that have been widely studied, including their use in the synthesis of MXenes. Recently, their unexpected photoactivity under visible light has been reported. Through theoretical calculations and experimental characterisation, it was found that MAX phases have photoabsorption capabilities attributed to the presence of photoactive oxide impurities on their surface. These impurities naturally form from contact with air and solvents. This study highlights the potential use of MAX phases in other photoelectrochemical processes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Dawid Kasprzak, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Osamah Alduhaish, Martin Pumera
Summary: Biopolymer-based materials are promising components for wearable energy-storage devices due to their attractive properties. In this study, a wearable and flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor is developed using chitin as a biocompatible scaffold. The device exhibits impressive electrochemical performance and desired features for wearable devices. Moreover, it is applied to power an electronic gadget, representing an important step toward power-efficient, wearable, and sustainable energy-storage devices.
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
Sanjay Gopal Ullattil, Martin Pumera
Summary: This research demonstrates the fabrication of TiO2 superstructured microrobots to trap and degrade microplastics using light. The microrobots transform their surface morphology into porous flower-like networks that trap and degrade microplastics during photocatalysis. This reconfigurable microrobotic technology represents a significant advancement in the degradation of microplastics.
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: Wearable sensors have made significant progress in sensing physiological and biochemical markers for telehealth, providing enormous potential for early disease detection. Recent advancements in 2D materials-based wearable sensors have introduced a new approach to remote and real-time health monitoring.
NPJ FLEXIBLE ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Akshay Kumar K. Padinjareveetil, Juan V. Perales-Rondon, Dagmar Zaoralova, Michal Otyepka, Osamah Alduhaish, Martin Pumera
Summary: Electrochemical reduction of nitrate into ammonia is a promising solution to address the challenges of growing global energy demand. Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based catalysts are being investigated for their enhanced structural and compositional integrity, making them effective in catalytic reduction reactions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sujit Deshmukh, Kalyan Ghosh, Martin Pykal, Michal Otyepka, Martin Pumera
Summary: Microsupercapacitors with mechanical flexibility offer potential applications in portable biomonitoring devices. Researchers have developed high-energy-density micro-SCs integrated with a force sensing device using picosecond pulsed laser technology, and demonstrated their effectiveness in monitoring human body's radial artery pulses.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xia Peng, Mario Urso, Martina Kolackova, Dalibor Huska, Martin Pumera
Summary: This study investigates the use of magnetic biohybrid microrobots for the dynamic removal of micro/nanoplastics from aquatic environments. The microrobots, modified with Fe3O4 nanoparticles, show efficient capture and removal of micro/nanoplastics through magnetic actuation and electrostatic interactions. The microrobots also prove to be reusable and have hormesis stimulation effects on algae growth. This eco-friendly and low-cost strategy offers a promising solution for addressing micro/nanoplastics pollution.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
