Article
Chemistry, Physical
Melody L. Kessler, Jennica E. Kelm, Hannah E. Starr, Emma N. Cook, Joshua D. Miller, Nelson A. Rivera, Heileen Hsu-Kim, Jillian L. Dempsey
Summary: This study reports three separate ligand-based reaction mechanisms between oleate-capped PbS nanocrystals and undec-10-ene-1-thiol (UDT), and reveals how these three pathways are intertwined. Experimental evidence shows different reaction pathways occur depending on the quantity of UDT added, including Z-type displacement, L-type binding, and X-type exchange mechanisms.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Youfusheng Wu, Enbo Xue, Bin Tian, Ke Zheng, Jing Liang, Wei Wu
Summary: This study successfully achieved liquid and powdered carbon dots with tunable color and decay time by utilizing the multicolor fluorescence and room-temperature phosphorescence properties of carbon dots. Multilevel security patterns were produced by combining the dual-mode luminescence and near-infrared upconversion fluorescence, enhancing the security performance and anti-counterfeiting ability. This research is of great importance for advanced information encryption.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Mohsen
Summary: Highly luminescent Zn1-xHoxSe (0 < x < 0.05) QDs were prepared by incorporating holmium atoms into the ZnSe nanocrystals. The introduction of holmium atoms increased the particle size, decreased the optical bandgap, and resulted in a redshift of the emission peaks and increased luminescence intensity. Furthermore, the bandwidth of the emitted light was reduced and the quantum yield increased.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huaqiang Ju, Haoke Zhang, Li Xin Hou, Min Zuo, Miao Du, Feihe Huang, Qiang Zheng, Zi Liang Wu
Summary: We propose a facile strategy to achieve room-temperature phosphorescence in conventional hydrogels by polymerization-induced crystallization of dopant molecules, leading to clusterization-induced phosphorescence. Crown ethers dissolved in a concentrated acrylamide aqueous solution crystallize during polymerization to form large spherulites in the hydrogel, resulting in carbonyl clusters and phosphorescence emission. This strategy is universally applicable to hydrogels with different polymeric matrices and dopant molecules. The development of hydrogels with mechanical and phosphorescent properties holds great potential in the biomedical and engineering fields.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Leon Biesterfeld, Lars F. Klepzig, Andre Niebur, Marina Rosebrock, Jannika Lauth
Summary: Treatment with metal halides can improve the emission brightness and optical properties of colloidal 2D PbSe nanoplatelets. Surface passivation leads to a significant increase in photoluminescence quantum yield and a decrease in full width at half-maximum. This has important implications for the application of 2D PbSe NPLs in fiber optics.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hongjun Lin, Qilin Wei, Bao Ke, Wenchao Lin, Hualin Zhao, Bingsuo Zou
Summary: By using a doping strategy, we have synthesized lead-free perovskite with tunable fluorescence. The material shows dynamically adjustable emission wavelength from yellow to near-infrared by varying UV excitation. This study provides guidance for designing high-efficiency and excitation-dependent perovskite phosphors.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Srijon Ghosh, Arnab Ghosh, Goutam Ghosh, Kritiman Marjit, Amitava Patra
Summary: The study revealed structural modifications and changes in ultrafast relaxation dynamics of red-emitting C-dots due to boron doping. Boron doping increased the percentage of pyrridinic nitrogen and formed an additional excited state level, slowing down the initial relaxation process and prolonging the overall lifetime of the C-dots.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Crystallography
Yinuo Ma, Fangchao Liu, Hao Jiang, Jialin Wu, Qiuhong Huo, Zhongchen Wu, Wei-Yan Cong, Ying-Bo Lu
Summary: This study investigates the use of Cu dopant to enhance the optoelectronic properties and stability of CsPbX3 perovskites for blue-light-emitting diode applications. The addition of Cu induces a shrinkage in the metal octahedron of orthorhombic CsPbBr3, relieving lattice strain and reducing energy from Jahn-Teller effects. Cu dopants contribute to a stronger framework and suppress intrinsic defects, resulting in improved photoluminescence performance. Furthermore, Cu-3d orbitals contribute to the valence band and lead to a blue shift in the luminescence of Cu-doped CsPbBr3.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Salvatore Cosseddu, Roberta Pascazio, Carlo Giansante, Liberato Manna, Ivan Infante
Summary: In this paper, classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to investigate the locations, binding modes and mobilities of carboxylate ligands on the different facets of CdSe nanocrystals. The results suggest that these features are influenced by the temperature of the system and the coordination number of the surface (Cd and Se) atoms. High ligand mobilities and structural rearrangements are observed with low coordination of Cd atoms, while undercoordinated Se atoms are found to form spontaneously on the nanosecond timescale, potentially playing a role in photoluminescence quenching.
Article
Agronomy
Xiya Wang, Jilong Lv, Ping He, Ignacio Antonio Ciampitti, Shaojun Qiu, Xinpeng Xu, Shicheng Zhao
Summary: Based on a large dataset from field experiments in China, it was found that peanut pod yield and harvest index increased with increasing pod yield, while the nitrogen and potassium requirements decreased with increasing pod yield, and the phosphorus requirement increased with yield.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Cunjin Wang, Min Yang, Huanxian Shi, Zhuoru Yao, Enzhou Liu, Xiaoyun Hu, Pengqi Guo, Weiming Xue, Jun Fan
Summary: In this study, the effect of reaction conditions on the preparation of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) by pyrolysis was investigated. Two types of CQDs with different fluorescence characteristics were successfully prepared and the mechanism behind the difference in their optical properties was studied. Moreover, CQDs-2 showed potential applications in high sensitivity and high selectivity detection of cephalosporin antibiotics based on the inner-filter effect (IFE).
Article
Chemistry, Physical
K. Trejgis, K. Ledwa, A. Bednarkiewicz, L. Marciniak
Summary: Luminescence thermometry (LT) is a remote temperature monitoring technique that uses the single-band ratiometric (SBR) approach for temperature readout. The study investigates the thermometric properties of a single-band ratiometric thermometer based on nanosized NaYF4 and NaGdF4 fluorides doped with Eu3+ ions and reveals a high relative temperature sensitivity in the higher temperature range.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Optics
Anastasiia Kharcheva, Zinaida A. Charyshnikova, Nataliya E. Borisova, Tsagana B. Sumyanova, Oleg K. Farat, Dmitriy A. Kharitonov, Svetlana Patsaeva
Summary: The luminescence characteristics of a new water-soluble europium complex were studied, revealing the existence of different species of the complex in different pH environments. This finding has significant implications for the development of a multimodal pH sensor for aqueous environments.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2022)
Article
Optics
O. Ovchinnikov, A. S. Perepelitsa, M. S. Smirnov, S. Aslanov
Summary: This paper investigates the shallow non-radiative trap states in colloidal Ag2S QDs and Ag2S/SiO2 core/shell QDs, passivated with 2-mercaptopropionic acid in ethylene glycol using the thermally stimulated luminescence technique. The depth of the detected trap states were estimated using a kinetic model, showing that the observed thermoluminescence bands are due to the presence of shallow holes trap states in Ag2S QDs.
JOURNAL OF LUMINESCENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kiem Giap Nguyen, Ioan-Alexandru Baragau, Radka Gromicova, Adela Nicolaev, Stuart A. J. Thomson, Alistair Rennie, Nicholas P. Power, Muhammad Tariq Sajjad, Suela Kellici
Summary: This study developed efficient nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) through an environmentally friendly continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis process. The optimized N-CQDs exhibited enhanced fluorescence emission properties and served as a sensitive nano-sensor for highly toxic chromium (VI).
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jose Pedro Silva, Patricia Gonzalez-Berdullas, Mariana Pereira, Diana Duarte, Jose E. Rodriguez-Borges, Nuno Vale, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Luis Pinto da Silva
Summary: Chemiluminescence is a fascinating process that allows light emission without the need for photoexcitation. In this study, a halogenated Coelenterazine analog was synthesized, and its potential anticancer activity and chemiluminescence were characterized. The results showed that this analog exhibited enhanced emission in aqueous solution when triggered by superoxide anions and was compatible with human cell lines. The analysis also provided insights into the cytotoxicity and structural properties of brominated Coelenterazines, which have selective anticancer activity. Furthermore, the combination approach with a known chemotherapeutic agent improved its profile. These findings are valuable for future optimizations of halogenated Coelenterazine analogs.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY A-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Marcos Diaz-Fernandez, Saturnino Calvo-Losada, J. -Joaquin Quirante, Francisco Sarabia, Manuel Algarra, M. -Soledad Pino-Gonzalez
Summary: This review summarizes synthetic advances in the formation of pyrimidine and related heterocyclic compounds from 2010 to mid-2022. It focuses on different types of cycloadditions that lead to the formation of the pyrimidine ring, considering the number of components involved. A separate review on the Biginelli reaction and related reactions will be conducted in the future.
Article
Oncology
Amina El Mihyaoui, Saoulajan Charfi, El Hadi Erbiai, Mariana Pereira, Diana Duarte, Nuno Vale, Maria Emilia Candela Castillo, Alain Badoc, Ahmed Lamarti, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Marino B. Arnao
Summary: Cancer is a major health concern worldwide, and phytochemicals are considered interesting molecules for the development of anticancer drugs. This study investigated the effects of extracts from the plant Cladanthus mixtus on human tumor cells. The extracts showed significant antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines and a non-tumoral cell line. The aim was to identify bioactive compounds and evaluate the anticancer activity of the extracts.
Article
Microbiology
Alexandra Noites, Iara Borges, Bruno Araujo, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Natalia M. de Oliveira, Jorge Machado, Eugenia Pinto
Summary: This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial activity of different parts and essential oils (EOs) of Chinese goldthread (Coptis chinensis), neem (Azadirachta indica), and manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) against prevalent microorganisms responsible for superficial infections. The results showed that C. chinensis EO and manuka EO exhibited some antifungal activity and had an effect against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Neem EO showed activity against dermatophytes and P. acnes. Manuka EO demonstrated the broadest antimicrobial spectrum, showing activity against bacteria, yeasts, and dermatophytes, with greater activity against P. acnes and S. aureus.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan Soto, Daniel Pelaez, Manuel Algarra
Summary: In this study, the photodissociation of protonated derivatives of N-nitrosodimethylamine was investigated using the CASPT2 method. It was found that only one of the possible protonated species, N-nitrosoammonium ion, absorbed in the visible region and dissociated to produce aminium radical cation and nitric oxide. The intramolecular proton migration reaction was found to be inaccessible in both the ground and excited state. In acidic solutions of aprotic solvents, only the formation of [(CH3)(2)NH-NO](+) was observed.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amina El Mihyaoui, El Hadi Erbiai, Saoulajan Charfi, Eugenia Pinto, Maria Emilia Candela Castillo, Josefa Hernandez-Ruiz, Antonio Cano, Alain Badoc, Ahmed Lamarti, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Marino B. B. Arnao
Summary: The study investigated the chemical composition and bioactivity of methanolic extracts from Cladanthus mixtus in northern Morocco for the first time. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined and the composition of the extracts was analyzed by GC-MS. The extracts showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with higher phenolic and flavonoid contents in flower extracts. The extracts were most effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton rubrum.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carla M. Magalhaes, Tanja Ducic, Renato B. Pereira, Patricia Gonzalez-Berdullas, Jose E. Rodriguez-Borges, David M. Pereira, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da da Silva, Manuel Algarra, Luis Pinto da Silva
Summary: The mode of action of brominated Coelenteramine towards gastric cancer cells was investigated using synchrotron radiation-based FTIR spectroscopy. This method revealed that the anticancer activity of the compound is closely related to cellular lipids, impacting their organization and composition. Increased oxidative stress led to changes in membrane polarity, lipid chain packing, and lipid composition, which were not observed in noncancer cells, explaining its selectivity profile. Therefore, synchrotron radiation-based FTIR proved to be a powerful technique for studying the mechanism of anticancer drugs.
ARCHIVES OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOPHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gabriela Rodriguez-Carballo, Ramon Moreno-Tost, Sonia Fernandes, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Luis Pinto da Silva, Eulogio Castro Galiano, Manuel Algarra
Summary: The effectiveness of different transition metal phosphate-based acid catalysts in the hydrothermal synthesis of carbon dots was evaluated. The existence of nanoparticles was confirmed regardless of the carbohydrate source. N-doped CDs with increased fluorescence were also synthesized and their photocatalytic activity was investigated. A Life Cycle Assessment revealed that the nature of the carbon precursor plays a decisive role in the environmental impact of the synthesis process.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Tanja Ducic, Alicia Sanchez-Mata, Jesus Castillo-Sanchez, Manuel Algarra, Elena Gonzalez-Munoz
Summary: This study investigates the molecular changes occurring in somatic cells during reprogramming with different combinations of reprogramming factors using synchrotron-radiation Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the different reprogramming combinations and stages affect the conformation and representation of biological macromolecules. The study reveals the acquisition trajectories of pluripotency during reprogramming, providing valuable information for advanced biomedical applications.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gabriela Rodriguez-Carballo, Cristina Garcia-Sancho, Manuel Algarra, Eulogio Castro, Ramon Moreno-Tost
Summary: Carbon dots (CDs) are carbon nanomaterials with great photoluminescent features, low cytotoxicity, and excellent water stability and solubility. In this study, the catalytic performance of VOPO4 in the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) was evaluated. The N-CDs obtained showed high photoluminescence due to the presence of oxidized groups on their surfaces, making them potentially useful in photocatalytic degradation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhishek Kumar, Diana M. A. Crista, Ara Nunez-Montenegro, Joaquim C. G. Esteves da Silva, Santosh Kumar Verma
Summary: In this study, Eu2+/Dy3+ ions doped/co-doped into SrAl2O4 microparticles were synthesized through solid-state synthesis and ball milling. These particles exhibited a broad and long-persistent afterglow at the wavelength of 528 nm under broad excitation at around 400 nm. The luminescence intensity was optimized by selecting different annealing temperatures. Various characterization techniques were used to evaluate the preparation and application potential of these particles in latent fingermark detection. The persistence and stability of the particles were measured using a digital lux meter.
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)