Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wendy Xueyi Wang, Travis R. Douglas, Haiwang Zhang, Afrin Bhattacharya, Meghan Rothenbroker, Wentian Tang, Yu Sun, Zhengping Jia, Julien Muffat, Yun Li, Leo Y. T. Chou
Summary: Signal amplification through hybridization chain reaction targets conserved regions of M13mp18 bacteriophage-based scaffold sequences for imaging of unlabelled DNA origami nanostructures. origamiFISH is a label-free and universal method for single-molecule fluorescence detection of DNA origami nanostructures in cells and tissues. It achieves 1,000-fold signal amplification by targeting pan-DN scaffold sequences with hybridization chain reaction probes.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ya-Tong Zhao, Chao Wu, Shuai Yan, Chuan Wang, Zhiliang Huang, Qiao-Guo Tan, Rong Ji, Liuyan Yang, Chenghua Sun, Gennadii A. Badun, Maria G. Chernysheva, Ping Wang, Ai-Jun Miao
Summary: Humic substances (HS), abundant natural organic matter, play important roles in global carbon and nitrogen cycling and transport of contaminants. This study demonstrates the direct effects of HS on different organisms and reveals the accumulation behavior of HS in the nucleus of cells and other specific regions. The findings provide new insights into the ecological behavior of HS and its potential impacts.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tun Cao, Zhongming Wang, Libang Mao
Summary: This study presents an optical sorting method for polystyrene particles using optofluidic nanophotonic paired waveguide (ONPW) composed of chalcogenide semiconductor Sb2Se3. The coupling length between hot spots in the ONPW can be modulated by changing the state of Sb2Se3, allowing for the trapping and sorting of particles with different shapes. This scheme may provide a new approach for shape-selective sieving of biomolecules and meet the requirements of new-generation lab-on-chip techniques.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ritwick Kali, Scott T. Milner
Summary: This study analyzed the stability of PAP[5] embedded in PB-PEO membranes and found that stability is significantly influenced by the length of the hydrophobic block, hydration level, and the number of counterions. The analysis provides insights into molecular-scale pore-membrane interactions and guidance for designing improved PAP[5] embedded PB-PEO membranes for desalination.
MOLECULAR SYSTEMS DESIGN & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Mechanics
Giuseppe A. Zampogna, P. G. Ledda, K. Wittkowski, F. Gallaire
Summary: Janus membranes, which have both chemical and geometrical asymmetry, have great potential in industrial separation processes. However, the relationship between the micro- and macro-scale behaviors of these membranes needs to be established. In this study, interface conditions were developed to describe the solvent-solute flow across Janus membranes within a homogenization-based framework. The homogenized model quantifies the macroscopic jump in solvent velocity and stresses, as well as solute concentration and fluxes through coefficients obtained at the micro-scale.
JOURNAL OF FLUID MECHANICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Baomei Xu, Jianhui Li, Shuai Zhang, Johar Zeb, Shunli Chen, Qunhui Yuan, Wei Gan
Summary: Subtle variations in lipid membrane structure and composition can greatly affect the transport of functional molecules and cell functions. This study compares the permeability of bilayers made of three lipids and reveals that the structural mismatch between saturated and unsaturated alkane chains leads to looser packing in lipid bilayers and better permeability. It also shows that surface curvature in certain vesicles disturbs the bilayer structure. This information provides clues for drug development and other medical and biological studies.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chi Cheng, Sathvik Ajay Iyengar, Rohit Karnik
Summary: This study investigates molecular transport in various organic liquids under subnanometre confinement using a chemically robust nanoporous graphene membrane. The results demonstrate that the nature of the solvent can modulate solute diffusion across graphene nanopores, leading to breakdown of continuum flow when pore size approaches the solvent's smallest molecular cross-section. The research highlights the potential of nanoporous graphene as a rich materials system for controlling subcontinuum flow and enabling new membranes for challenging separation needs.
NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Sabrina Giacometti, Mark R. MacRae, Kristen Dancel-Manning, Gira Bhabha, Damian C. Ekiert
Summary: Lipid movement within and between membranes is crucial for building and maintaining the bacterial cell envelope. Bacteria have evolved protein-mediated transport systems to facilitate the transport of lipids across membranes.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ziqi Lyu, Joseph C. Genereux
Summary: Most proteins are synthesized in the cytosol and need to be trafficked to various destinations such as membranes or subcellular compartments. Proper protein trafficking is essential for protein folding, quality control, and overall cellular health. Molecular and chemical technologies have been developed to study and characterize protein trafficking.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kamil Gorecki, Jesper S. Hansen, Ping Li, Niloofar Nayeri, Karin Lindkvist-Petersson, Pontus Gourdon
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic-derived approach was demonstrated for visualizing and measuring membranous copper flux. The method involved the use of giant unilamellar vesicles reconstituted with the membrane protein of interest and a quencher-sensor reporter system for copper detection. This novel approach overcomes common issues encountered in studying heavy metal-ion flux and provides a new platform for in vitro studies of metal homeostasis.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Joana N. Martins, Beatriz Raimundo, Alicia Rioboo, Yeray Folgar-Camean, Javier Montenegro, Nuno Basilio
Summary: In this study, photoswitchable calixarenes were introduced to activate the transport of cationic peptide cargos across lipid membranes. The calixarenes, equipped with a hydrophobic azobenzene arm, can recognize cationic peptide sequences at the nanomolar range. The activation of membrane peptide transport was confirmed in synthetic vesicles and living cells by using calixarene activators with the azobenzene arm in the E configuration. This method allows the modulation of transmembrane transport of peptide cargos through the Z-E photoisomerization of functionalized calixarenes using 500 nm visible light.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Yue Wu, Alicia Boymelgreen, Gilad Yossifon
Summary: This review highlights recent advances in label-free manipulation of cargo by microscale carriers, outlining primary mechanisms and comparing manipulation techniques in terms of selectivity, cargo size, material, and suspending medium. The existing challenges and future prospects are summarized in the conclusion.
CURRENT OPINION IN COLLOID & INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Thakshila Liyanage, Meimei Lai, Gymama Slaughter
Summary: We have developed a novel label-free ultrasensitive tapered optical fiber plasmonic biosensor that can successfully detect a panel of microRNAs with good selectivity. The biosensor showed high refractive index sensitivity and achieved a limit of detection between 103 aM and 261 aM for the microRNA panel. It also demonstrated successful detection of clinically relevant concentrations of microRNAs in human serum with a LOD between 1.097 fM and 1.220 fM. This approach could potentially broaden the applications of biosensors for detecting and quantifying large arrays of microRNAs.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Samira Ebrahimi, Guillermo Moreno-Pescador, Staffan Persson, Liselotte Jauffred, Poul Martin Bendix
Summary: Fluorescence microscopy has been a crucial tool in scientific discoveries over the last century. Despite its limitations, label-free interferometric methods have been developed to overcome obstacles such as measurement time and photobleaching. These methods, including biospeckle imaging, optical coherence tomography, and digital holography, provide quantitative information about cell morphology and dynamic intracellular measurements. Interferometric techniques have shown potential in seed viability and germination, plant diseases, plant growth and cell texture, intracellular activity, and cytoplasmic transport. Further developments of label-free approaches will enable high-resolution, dynamic imaging of plants and their organelles.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Flavio Esposito, Anubhav Srivastava, Lucia Sansone, Michele Giordano, Stefania Campopiano, Agostino Iadicicco
Summary: This paper presents a comprehensive review of the design, development, and testing of label-free biosensors based on in-fiber long period gratings. It focuses on optical transducers and methodologies that enhance sensitivity, as well as coating nanomaterials, bio-functionalization strategies, and recognition elements for selectivity. The aim is to provide an overview of the current state of LPG-based label-free biosensors and highlight future research trends.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Georgi A. Georgiev, Mohammad Sharifian Gh, Jeff Romano, Karina L. Dias Teixeira, Craig Struble, Denise S. Ryan, Rose K. Sia, Jay P. Kitt, Joel M. Harris, Ku-Lung Hsu, Adam Libby, Marc G. Odrich, Tatiana Suarez, Robert L. McKown, Gordon W. Laurie
Summary: Complex lipids enriched with proteins at air/liquid interfaces reduce surface tension, maintaining the stability of the tear film on the eyes. Dry eye disease, affecting 7 to 10% of individuals globally, may be caused by alterations in specific proteome and lipidome, leading to incomplete processing of the protein lacritin's C-terminus and subsequent loss of tear stability. The turnover of lacritin proteoforms in tears can restore stability and prevent collapse of the tear film, demonstrating a natural slow release mechanism for maintaining epithelial homeostasis.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Thomas J. Rockey, Michael J. Wilhelm, Hai-Lung Dai
Summary: The research used Temperature-programmed desorption to investigate the surface binding and intermolecular interactions of pentacene on Ag(111) surface, revealing three distinct phases at different coverages representing adsorption on step and terrace sites. The analysis of interface dipoles suggested a partial charge transfer of electrons from pentacene molecules to the Ag substrate.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Fang, Jianqiang Ma, Michael J. Wilhelm, Brendan G. DeLacy, Hai-Lung Dai
Summary: The choice of solvent for dye-sensitized solar cells significantly impacts the efficiency of the device, with high polarity aprotic solvents like acetonitrile leading to more efficient results. Protic solvents, on the other hand, hinder direct dye adsorption on the semiconductor surface due to hydrogen bonding and competitive binding. The study emphasizes the importance of solvent selection for maximizing the performance of solar cells.
PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Fang, Michael J. Wilhelm, Jianqiang Ma, Yi Rao, Danielle L. Kuhn, Zachary Zander, Brendan G. DeLacy, Hai-Lung Dai
Summary: The lifetime of hot electrons injected from Ag nanoplatelets to TiO2 nanorods was found to be 13.1 ± 1.5 fs, comparable to smaller spherical Ag nanoparticles. The larger surface to bulk ratio and larger surface area for direct contact with the semiconductor on Ag nanoplatelets explain the decrease in injection rate with increasing particle size. Ag nanoplatelets exhibit stronger coupling with TiO2 and higher efficiency as photosensitizers for photocatalysis due to their fast injection rate and stronger optical absorption compared to Au and dye molecules.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mostafa Dadashi Firouzjaei, Mehdi Pejman, Mohammad Sharifian Gh, Sadegh Aghapour Aktij, Ehsan Zolghadr, Ahmad Rahimpour, Mohtada Sadrzadeh, Ahmad Arabi Shamsabadi, Alberto Tiraferri, Mark Elliott
Summary: A novel method of decorating polyamide forward osmosis membranes with silver-based metal azolate frameworks has been proposed to improve fouling and transport performance. By adding minimal additives, biofouling can be effectively suppressed while maintaining high selectivity and transport properties, with minimal generation of waste products.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hui Fang, Michael J. Wilhelm, Jianqiang Ma, Danielle L. Kuhn, Zachary Zander, Hai-Lung Dai
Summary: Photosensitized semiconducting nanomaterials have attracted attention for their applications in photocatalytic and photoelectronic devices. The size of the semiconductor nanoparticles can influence the diffusion and lifetime of photoexcited electrons. A physical model that includes all known electron dynamic processes provides quantitative explanations for the observed multiexponential decays. This universally applicable model can be used to analyze data from different laboratories.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tong Wu, Michael J. Wilhelm, Yujie Li, Jianqiang Ma, Hai-Lung Dai
Summary: Indole signaling in bacteria plays an important role in antibiotic resistance, persistence, and tolerance. Exogenous indole can increase bacterial uptake of antimicrobials through interaction with the Mtr permease.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tong Wu, Michael J. Wilhelm, Jianqiang Ma, Yujie Li, Yuhao Wu, Hai-Lung Dai
Summary: Phase transitions of lipid bilayer membranes affect the passive transport of molecules. This study measured the transport rate of a molecular cation across E. coli liposomes using second harmonic light scattering and found dramatic jumps in transport rate at the known phase transition points.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Review
Ophthalmology
Karina Luiza Dias-Teixeira, Gh. Mohammad Sharifian, Jeff Romano, Fatemeh Norouzi, Gordon W. Laurie
Summary: The cornea and tear film play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and refraction of light in the eye. The avascular cornea serves as a model for studying the role of autophagy in homeostasis regulation. Mutations and inflammation can disrupt autophagic flux and lead to dystrophies or worsen inflammation. Novel topical therapies can be developed based on this model to restore homeostasis.
EXPERIMENTAL EYE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Optics
Tracy J. Baker, Russell G. Tonkyn, Christopher J. Thompson, Megan K. Dunlap, Paul G. Koster van Groos, Nikita A. Thakur, Michael J. Wilhelm, Tanya L. Myers, Timothy J. Johnson
Summary: This article presents the construction of a database of quantitative infrared spectra for volatile fluorocarbon gases, aiming to assist in understanding treatment processes and improving quantification. The spectra in the database are obtained through weighted averaging of multiple measurements, covering a wide range of infrared signatures. An application of the database is demonstrated for identifying and quantifying thermal decomposition products.
JOURNAL OF QUANTITATIVE SPECTROSCOPY & RADIATIVE TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Michael J. J. Wilhelm, Timothy J. J. Johnson, Tanya L. L. Myers
Summary: In this study, a method was developed to simulate the convoluted rotational contours in the gas-phase spectra of C-1 molecules by combining existing ab initio calculations with Colin Western's PGOPHER program. The simulated contours showed good agreement with the measured spectra from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory infrared gas-phase database.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hui Fang, Michael J. Wilhelm, Danielle L. Kuhn, Zachary Zander, Hai-Lung Dai, George A. Petersson
Summary: The electronic and vibrational spectra of TSPP were computationally studied, showing good agreement with experimental measurements. In addition, an infrared absorption feature in the excited states was discovered and used to investigate the vibrational dynamics of the excited state.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jonathan M. Smith, Matthew Nikow, Michael J. Wilhelm, Hai-Lung Dai
Summary: In this study, the energy transfer mechanism of highly vibrationally excited acetylene during collisional relaxation is investigated using time-resolved Fourier transform infrared emission spectroscopy. The results show different energy transfer efficiencies of acetylene in different vibrational energy ranges.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tong Wu, Michael J. Wilhelm, Yujie Li, Jianqiang Ma, Hai-Lung Dai
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tanya L. Myers, Bruce E. Bernacki, Michael J. Wilhelm, Karissa L. Jensen, Timothy J. Johnson, Oliva M. Primera-Pedrozo, Russell G. Tonkyn, Steven C. Smith, Sarah D. Burton, Ashley M. Bradley
Summary: This paper investigates the accuracy of deriving the composite optical constants of binary mixtures and validates the results experimentally. The findings suggest that in miscible liquids where the average geometry of the cross-interactions can be considered isotropic, the refractive indices of the mixtures can be modeled using composite refractive indices derived from volume fractions.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)