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
Biophysics
Insu Kim, Young Im Kim, Sang Won Lee, Hyo Gi Jung, Gyudo Lee, Dae Sung Yoon
Summary: The study found that the uric acid transporter 1 (URAT1) abundant in kidney cell membranes can be utilized to develop a biosensor capable of selectively detecting uric acid.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kaisong Yuan, Carmen Cuntin-Abal, Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: The Janus micromotor smartphone platform described in this study enables motion-based detection of glutathione, with a limit of detection of 0.90 μM. The speed decrease of micromotors in the presence of glutathione allows for naked-eye visualization and fast detection without the need for amplification strategies or sample preparation steps, showing excellent sensitivity and selectivity in the presence of interfering substances.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Umay Amara, Khalid Mahmood, Maria Hassan, Muhammad Hanif, Muhammad Khalid, Muhammad Usman, Zahid Shafiq, Usman Latif, Muhammad Mahboob Ahmed, Akhtar Hayat, Mian Hasnain Nawaz
Summary: In this study, lanthanum-doped sea sponge-shaped copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and wrapped with a unique compound to fabricate a graphite pencil electrode. The electrode exhibited excellent sensing performance for dopamine, with high selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. The electrode also had a low detection limit and improved sensitivity. Moreover, the developed sensing interface was successfully applied for dopamine analysis in tear samples with excellent recovery rates.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rui Yang, Wenxuan Dong, Yueran Ren, Yangyang Xue, Hua Cui
Summary: Novel luminol functionalized nanoparticles were synthesized and used for sensitive detection of glucose and uric acid. The method showed potential for application in biological detection fields.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kader Can, Ziya Can, Aysem Uzer, Resat Apak
Summary: A colorimetric assay was developed to quantify nitroguanidine (NQ) by utilizing uric acid-modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs@UA) that aggregate via intermolecular hydrogen bonding with NQ. The concentration-dependent color change of AuNPs@UA from red to purplish blue could be observed with the naked eye or measured using UV-vis spectrophotometry. The method exhibited a linear calibration curve in the range of 0.6-3.2 mg L-1 NQ, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9995. The detection limit of the assay was 0.063 mg L-1, surpassing previous noble metal aggregation methods. The proposed method was characterized using various techniques and optimized for key parameters. It demonstrated high selectivity for NQ, with negligible interference from common explosives, soil and groundwater ions, and potential interfering compounds. Furthermore, the developed spectrophotometric method was successfully applied to NQ-contaminated soil samples, yielding comparable results to liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaotao Wang, Yebin Yang, Chuang Liu, Huiling Guo, Zhuofan Chen, Junyong Xia, Yonggui Liao, Chak-Yin Tang, Wing-Cheung Law
Summary: This near infrared and pH dual-responsive nanocomposite exhibits controlled drug release capability, achieving efficient drug release under light and acidic conditions. By altering parameters such as light irradiation and pH levels, the release rate and extent of drug release can be modulated.
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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yiwen Feng, Xiaocong Chang, Hao Liu, Ying Hu, Tianlong Li, Longqiu Li
Summary: This study discusses the formation of the acid-base environment in the biological digestive system and the potential impact of ionic environments on the medical application of bubble-propelled micromotors. The Janus Mg-based micromotor serves as an ultrasonic contrast agent with the ability to be powered by a magnetic field and rapidly generate bubbles, providing new possibilities for medical imaging.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qiuzheng Du, Wenjun Guo, Yingying Shi, Ziwei Jing, Zhi Sun
Summary: Exploring highly sensitive fluorescent strategies for the determination of uric acid (UA) is crucial for early diagnosis of hyperuricemia. A simple and highly sensitive ratiometric fluorescence sensor based on boric acid-functionalized lanthanide metal-organic framework (BA-EuMOF) was constructed for UA determination in complex environments. The BA-EuMOF sensor displayed a wide linear range and low detection limit, exhibiting satisfactory photostability, sensitivity, and anti-interference capability. This sensor has been successfully applied to UA determination in urine, providing a reference for UA detection in complex clinical systems.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Tijana Maric, Sylvia Atladottir, Lasse Hojlund Eklund Thamdrup, Oleksii Ilchenko, Mahdi Ghavami, Anja Boisen
Summary: Oral administration of drugs is a comfortable and painless method that has gained significant attention. However, there are challenges such as enzymatic degradation, pH variations in the gastrointestinal tract, and continuous mucus secretion. This study utilized biocompatible and non-toxic micromotors as microdevices to achieve targeted drug release through their impressive motion capabilities.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fangyu Zhang, Rodolfo Mundaca-Uribe, Nelly Askarinam, Zhengxing Li, Weiwei Gao, Liangfang Zhang, Joseph Wang
Summary: Cell membrane-functionalized micromotors have attracted considerable interest for biomedical applications due to their biofunctional, versatile, and adaptive capabilities. This new class of micromotors demonstrates enhanced performance in complex biological environments, showing potential in advancing micromotor research.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Pedro Mena-Giraldo, Jahir Orozco
Summary: Immobilizing enzymes in photosensitive Janus micromotors can protect their activity and accelerate substrate degradation through light-driven magnetic/catalytic motion, thus enhancing the efficiency of enzymatic processes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Beatriz Jurado-Sanchez, Susana Campuzano, Jose M. Pingarron, Alberto Escarpa
Summary: Janus particles combine two different functionalities to enhance analytical properties, such as fluid mixing and sensitivity. Recent advancements in the use of Janus microparticles and micromotors in (bio)-sensing have shown potential for future biosensing applications. However, current challenges and future perspectives still need to be addressed for further development in this field.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Masfer Alkahtani, Hussam Qasem, Sultan M. Alenzi, Najla Alsofyani, Anfal Alfahd, Abdulaziz Aljuwayr, Philip R. Hemmer
Summary: A high-quality UC thin film was electrodeposited on FTO glass for fabricating a UC-PSC device, which showed higher conversion efficiency, additional photocurrent, and better fill factor compared to the pristine PSC device. The UC-PSC device also demonstrated reliable photovoltaic performance under concentrated sunlight without the need for a cooling system.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chang Zhou, Changyong Gao, Yingjie Wu, Tieyan Si, Mingcheng Yang, Qiang He
Summary: We directly observed the torque-driven active reorientation of glucose-fueled flasklike colloidal motors to a glucose gradient with positive chemotaxis. The study examined the dynamic glucose-gradient-induced alignment and orientation-dependent motility during positive chemotaxis. The motors generate a glucose acid gradient and a glucose gradient through enzymatic reactions, which create phoretic torques at the bottom and the opening, continuously steering the motors towards the glucose gradient. These glucose-fueled flasklike colloidal motors, with chemotactic capability similar to living organisms, hold significant potential for engineering active delivery vehicles in response to specific chemical signals.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei Wang, Zhiguang Wu, Ling Yang, Tieyan Si, Qiang He
Summary: In this study, bio-inspired polyelectrolyte multilayer conical nanoswimmers with gold-nanoshell functionalization on different segments were designed using bottom-up controllable molecular assembly. The presence of gold nanoshells on the big openings of the nanoswimmers not only provided efficient directional propulsion but also minimized the impact from the external flow. The experiment demonstrated that the nanoswimmers with gold nanoshells could achieve acoustically powered propulsion against a flow velocity of up to 2.00 mm/s, which is higher than the blood velocity in capillaries, thus proving the concept of upstream nanoswimmers.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shurui Yuan, Xiankun Lin, Qiang He
Summary: The study focuses on the reconfigurable assembly of colloidal motors, which is driven and modulated by chemical reactions and external fields. It discusses the adaptive reconfiguration behaviors and mechanisms, aiming to develop interactive soft matter materials and systems with adaptation and interactive functions comparable to natural systems in the future.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chang Zhou, Ling Yang, Yingjie Wu, Mingcheng Yang, Qiang He
Summary: Chemotactic colloidal motors have promising applications in the biomedical field, requiring submicrometer scale, strong chemotactic ability, and clear chemotactic mechanism.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jie Lin, Dinghu Zhang, Jian Yu, Ting Pan, Xiaoxia Wu, Tianxiang Chen, Changyong Gao, Chao Chen, Xiaotian Wang, Aiguo Wu
Summary: The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique relies on the intensity difference of the Raman signal to identify tumor cells. In order to enhance the reliability and accuracy of SERS signal, it is crucial to explore novel SERS nanostructures that possess excellent spectral stability, high enhancement factor (EF), and good biocompatibility. The development of novel amorphous nitrogen-doped carbon (NDC) nanocages (NCs) with a high SERS EF (5.52 x 106) has addressed these requirements, offering unique advantages in distinguishing tumor cells and enabling the quantitative recognition of triple-negative breast cancer cells based on SERS detection mode.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Qihan Zhang, Yuwei Yan, Jun Liu, Yingjie Wu, Qiang He
Summary: This feature article introduces the controllable self-assembly technology of supramolecular colloidal motors and their research progress in the fields of biomedicine and environment. The research provides new opportunities for precise fabrication of colloidal motors and explores the relationship between structure and propulsion.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Johannes Frueh, Sven Rutkowski, Tieyan Si, Meiyu Gai, Changyong Gao, Sergei Tverdokhlebov, Guangyu Qiu, Jean Schmitt, Qiang He, Yu-Xuan Ren, Jing Wang
Summary: This study presents a precise force measurement method and detailed analysis of the propulsion mechanisms of colloidal Janus micromotors. The findings reveal that thermophoretic and steam bubble forces are the key factors driving the propulsion of Janus micromotors, while the bubble force in the direction of light counteracts photophoretic force.
ADVANCED PHOTONICS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Hongyue Zhang, Zesheng Li, Qiang He
Summary: Researchers have developed swimming hybrid cell-based robots composed of living cells to address the issue of immune clearance and fouling in synthetic swimming nanorobots. These swimming cellbots inherit biological functions from natural cells and can achieve various modes of locomotion through their synthetic parts. Dual-responsive neutrobots, as a representative example, have been utilized to cross the blood-brain barrier and target glioblastoma with high drug delivery efficiency. Swimming cellbots show potential in biomedical fields by loading different types of drugs and navigating through natural chemotaxis and external physical fields.
ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Hongyue Zhang, Liting Wang, Zesheng Li, Yuxing Ji, Zhiguang Wu, Qiang He
Summary: The toxicity effects of PTX-loaded magnetic neutrophil-hybrid swimming microrobots (neutrobots) were evaluated in mice after intravenous administration. Minimal immunotoxicity and liver and kidney toxicity were observed in mice 72 hours after receiving a dose of 3 x 10(6) PTX-loaded neutrobots. The low toxicity of drug-loaded neutrobots shows great promise for biomedical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haichao Li, Yue Li, Jun Liu, Qiang He, Yingjie Wu
Summary: This review summarizes the recent progress in synthesized Janus colloidal motors (JCMs), focusing on their fabrication method, propulsion strategy, and biomedical applications. The common propulsion mechanisms of JCMs are reviewed, as well as the approaches to control their motion under complex microscopic conditions based on symmetry-breaking strategies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zesheng Li, Jie Xu, Zhiguang Wu, Bin Guo, Qiang He
Summary: Liquid metal gallium-based materials have potential promises in various fields such as bioengineering and smart medicine, with particular focus on the development of flexible robots. Swimming nanorobots, designed to convert energy into kinetic energy at the micro/nanoscale, show potential in in vivo applications. However, challenges remain in terms of biocompatibility and navigation at smaller scales.
ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Izabela Stupka, Artur P. Biela, Bernard Piette, Agnieszka Kowalczyk, Karolina Majsterkiewicz, Kinga Borzecka-Solarz, Antonina Naskalska, Jonathan G. Heddle
Summary: Artificial protein cages, such as TRAP-cages, have potential applications in vaccines and drug delivery. TRAP-cages have the ability to control the disassembly conditions by modifying the interface between their building blocks. By using TRAP rings with different numbers of monomers, it is possible to predict the formation of other cages.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guo Zhang, Yu Wang, Hua Qiu, Lei Lu
Summary: This study presents a one-pot synthesis method for flower-like AMPs@EAMP particles by combining antimicrobial peptides with ellagic acid, offering enlarged surface area, excellent biocompatibility, and broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. In vivo studies indicate their potential for tissue repair and immune barrier reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jiamei Zhang, Lingshuang Wang, Cheng Xu, Yingui Cao, Shengsheng Liu, Rui L. Reis, Subhas C. Kundu, Xiao Yang, Bo Xiao, Lian Duan
Summary: Pluronic F127 modified silk fibroin film with different types of antibacterial agents could accelerate wound recovery by promoting fibroblast adhesion, eradicating bacteria, and facilitating angiogenesis and re-epithelialization.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Yinsheng Liu, Mingyue Wang, Yinfei Hui, Lei Sun, Yanrui Hao, Henlong Ren, Hao Guo, Wu Yang
Summary: In this study, a rare-earth hybrid luminescent material was developed for the detection of a biomarker for anthrax. The material showed excellent selectivity and high sensitivity, allowing for the determination of the biomarker in saliva and urine. Additionally, a convenient point-of-care testing method using fluorescent test paper and a smartphone was established for the initial diagnosis of anthrax.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Wenshuai Yang, Jingsi Chen, Ziqian Zhao, Meng Wu, Lu Gong, Yimei Sun, Charley Huang, Bin Yan, Hongbo Zeng
Summary: Injectable hydrogels with shear-thinning and/or in situ formation properties offer distinct advantages in bioengineering applications, as they can be directly delivered to target sites, possess self-healing abilities, and simplify the implantation process.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2024)
