Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sachin N. Shah, Jonathan G. Heddle, David J. Evans, George P. Lomonossoff
Summary: We demonstrate a simple and low-energy method to template the synthesis of nanowires and particles consisting of gold, platinum, and palladium using tomato mosaic virus particles. Selective nanowire growth and deposition of alloy nanoparticles on the external surface of the rods were achieved by controlling the reaction conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuzhen Xue, Kai Liu, Mingyue Gao, Tiantian Zhang, Longgang Wang, Yanshuai Cui, Xianbing Ji, Guanglong Ma, Jie Hu
Summary: This study presents a rapid and reliable method for dopamine detection using vancomycin-stabilized platinum nanoparticles. The method exhibits good stability and sensitivity, with almost no cytotoxicity to cells. The significance of this research lies in the extension of the application of biosynthetic nanoparticles in the field of biosensing.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Weiwei Wu, Liang Huang, Xinyang Zhu, Jinxing Chen, Daiyong Chao, Minghua Li, Shuangli Wu, Shaojun Dong
Summary: This article investigates the inhibitory effect of nanozymes and the advantages of single-atom Fe-N-C nanozymes in mechanism research. The study finds that a common analgesic-antipyretic drug inhibits the oxidase-like activity of Fe-SANs in a reversible mixed-inhibition manner. Additionally, a calorimetric method for drug detection based on nanozyme inhibition is proposed.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Liyuan Fan, Xianbing Ji, Guoqing Lin, Kai Liu, Shengfu Chen, Guanglong Ma, Weili Xue, Xiaoyu Zhang, Longgang Wang
Summary: The platinum nanoclusters stabilized by LP exhibited high catalytic oxidation activity, enabling sensitive detection of glucose and glutathione concentrations.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Juliane Schuphan, Ulrich Commandeur
Summary: Plant virus nanoparticles can be utilized as promising platforms for enzyme immobilization, but the interference of carrier on substrate binding led researchers to explore the suitability of utilizing tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) instead of potato virus X (PVX). Despite TMV allowing more enzyme molecules to be immobilized, the rigid scaffold and helical spacing of TMV significantly affected enzyme activity.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Bon Ikwuagwu, Danielle Tullman-Ercek
Summary: Virus-like particles (VLPs) are promising self-assembling protein nanoparticles for drug delivery. They have defined surface chemistries, uniform sizes, and stability properties, making them attractive for drug delivery scaffolds. Recent advances in VLP platform engineering and cargo loading, activation, and release methods have further enhanced their potential for drug delivery. Successful applications of VLPs for drug delivery in model systems have also been highlighted.
CURRENT OPINION IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhe Cao, Xiaozhou Ma, Dashu Lv, Jing Wang, Yang Shen, Shiqi Peng, Shenggang Yang, Jin Huang, Xianchao Sun
Summary: In this study, a novel nanomaterial (ChNC@Zn) was prepared by using chitin nanocrystals loaded with Zn2+, which has the function of inducing disease resistance to plants and reducing virus activity. ChNC@Zn can improve the enzymes activities of peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in tobacco, and reduce the damage of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by TMV infection, thereby inducing resistance to TMV in tobacco. It can exhibit strong antiviral activity at low Zn2+ concentration and minimize the pollution of Zn2+ to the environment, which has high potential application value in the control of virus disease.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liang Sun, Zhinan Fu, Enguang Ma, Jiangtao Guo, Ziyu Zhang, Wenxin Li, Li Li, Zhiyong Liu, Xuhong Guo
Summary: SPB-stabilized ultrasmall Pt NPs exhibited outstanding peroxidase-like activity and were used to establish a colorimetric sensor for cysteine detection.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Liu Yang, Xiao-Yun Guo, Qiong-Hua Zheng, Yin Zhang, Ling Yao, Qiu-Xia Xu, Jin-Cheng Chen, Shao-Bin He, Wei Chen
Summary: In this study, platinum nanoparticles were constructed as a laccase-like nanozyme, which exhibited higher substrate affinity and catalytic effect compared to natural laccase. The nanozyme also demonstrated high stability at a wide range of pH and temperature. Additionally, it efficiently detected laccase-related phenolic compounds and showed potential applications in nanozyme research and environmental remediation.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinzhao Ou, Meng Zhu, Xiaoyan Ju, Dandan Xu, Guojun Lu, Kejia Li, Wei Jiang, Chenxiao Wan, Yuexia Zhao, Yongping Han, Ye Tian, Zhongwei Niu
Summary: The phenotype of tumor-associated macrophages is crucial in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), a rod-like plant virus, can polarize macrophages to an M1 phenotype and create a tumor-suppressive microenvironment.
Article
Biophysics
Yosep Park, Pramod K. Gupta, Van-Khue Tran, Seong Eun Son, Won Hur, Han Been Lee, Ji Yeon Park, Seong Nyeon Kim, Gi Hun Seong
Summary: Nanozymes, particularly Pt-Ru nanostructures stabilized by PVP, exhibit intense peroxidase-like activity and are promising for glucose detection. The colorimetric and fluorometric assays showed excellent sensitivity, with the fluorometric assay having a lower detection limit. Furthermore, the PtRu nanozymes had high stability and recovery values in human serum and artificial urine, indicating their potential applications in various fields.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Boikanyo Motlhaedi, Joy Mokone, Melisew Tadele Alula
Summary: In this study, a cheap colorimetric method using gold nanoparticles loaded carbon covered magnetic nanoparticles was developed for the analysis of mercury. The method showed a linear detection range and was successfully tested in tap water. The results suggest that this method can be applied for analysis of mercury in various environmental samples.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemical Research Methods
Kok Zhi Lee, Vindula Basnayake Pussepitiyalage, Yu-Hsuan Lee, L. Sue Loesch-Fries, Michael T. Harris, Shohreh Hemmati, Kevin V. Solomon
Summary: Biomolecules such as the tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) are increasingly used as templates for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials, with applications in sensing, catalysis, and energy storage. Recent research efforts have focused on understanding and controlling self-assembly processes and extending the use of biomolecular templates. While control of VLP surface features is well-established, limited tools exist for controlling VLP self-assembly, which hinders efforts to control template uniformity and synthesis of certain nanomaterials.
BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Abdulaziz A. Al-Askar, Dalia G. Aseel, Hamada El-Gendi, Sherien Sobhy, Marwa A. Samy, Esraa Hamdy, Sarah El-Messeiry, Said I. Behiry, Toufic Elbeaino, Ahmed Abdelkhalek
Summary: The efficacy of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) mediated by Punica granatum biowaste peel extract in mitigating the negative impact of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection on tomato growth and oxidative stress was investigated. The results showed that the application of Ag-NPs on TMV-infected plants reduces virus accumulation, delays viral replication, and greatly enhances the expression of the CHS gene involved in flavonoid biosynthesis.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ying Liang, Hongchen Li, Liyuan Fan, Ruyu Li, Yanshuai Cui, Xianbing Ji, Haiyan Xiao, Jie Hu, Longgang Wang
Summary: Well-dispersed daptomycin-stabilized palladium nanoparticles (Dap-Pdn NPs) were synthesized as mimic enzymes, with excellent peroxidase-like activity for biological detection, especially in glucose concentration detection. This green and inexpensive synthesis method of palladium nanoparticles shows great application prospects in the future.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hao Zhang, Nan Tang, Xia Yu, Zhongkai Guo, Zhen Liu, Xiaoming Sun, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: This study presents a high-performance and multi-functional hydrogel prepared by simple and green methods, with anti-freezing and anti-drying properties. Additionally, a gradient silver nanoparticles layer can be constructed in situ on the hydrogel surface to enhance sensing performance, making it suitable for assembling sensors to detect human motion.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Baoyan Zhang, Xia Yu, Jiawei Li, Kailun Wei, Liang Gao, Jun Hu
Summary: In this work, a four-armed biobased AIE fluorescent gelator (TPE-4GL) was designed and synthesized by linking four glycyrrhizic acids to a tetraphenylethene (TPE) core. TPE-4GL exhibited stable gels in DMSO/water and 1,2-propanediol/water, with flower-like microstructures and regular nanospheres. The gelator demonstrated the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behavior, although the specific process differed in DMSO/water and 1,2-propanediol/water.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR STRUCTURE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Zhang, Ning Tang, Xia Yu, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: This paper presents a strategy to prepare strong and tough physical eutectogels using a solvent-replacement approach. By replacing water with deep eutectic solvents, the interactions between polymer chains can be restrengthened, resulting in eutectogels with high strength, toughness, and tear resistance, as well as excellent stretchability, repairability, and adhesive performance.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Feng Yin, Jinguo Liu, Jun Hu, Yong Ju
Summary: This article introduces a new type of color changeable shape memory hydrogel, which is achieved by simply incorporating polyvinyl alcohol and copper acetate into a polyacrylamide network. Copper ions serve as reversible crosslinks after heating, showing excellent shape memory effect, color shifting, and self-healing ability, and have potential applications in various fields.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kailun Wei, Kefei Zhao, Yuxia Gao, Hao Zhang, Xia Yu, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: In this study, a near-infrared responsive poly-sulfide carrier (SOCT) was prepared using industrial waste sulfur, bio-based soybean oil, and agricultural waste biochar. The carrier exhibited good photothermal property and stable release behavior, allowing for controlled release of the pesticide. It also showed excellent fungicidal activities and high biosafety for plants and fish. The carrier material can be completely degraded in specific conditions, making it sustainable and multi-functional. This research provides an effective approach for developing pesticide formulations with improved performance.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Hao Zhang, Jianqiao Wu, Junbo Guo, Jun Hu
Summary: With the concept of sustainable development becoming increasingly prominent, the world is shifting from a fossil fuel-driven energy economy to one that relies more on renewable and sustainable materials. Terpenoids, a category of natural products found in plants, microorganisms, and marine animals, have numerous modification sites and diverse functions. They can be used to create sustainable materials with simplified synthesis processes, distinctive stereoscopic configurations, superior bioactivity, and biocompatibility, enabling greater applications in various fields. This review focuses on the recent advances in the preparation, properties, and development directions of sustainable and multifunctional materials derived from terpenoids, including terpenoid-derived thermoplastics, cross-linked polymers, and supramolecular materials. It aims to raise awareness of natural terpenoids, promote their exploitation and utilization, and provide more alternatives for the advancement of sustainable functional materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huangjie Lu, Hailong Huang, Junpu Yang, Zhaofa Zheng, Xue Dong, Lianjie Zhao, Chao Xu, Jun Hu, Hongtao Liu, Yuan Qian, Jian-Qiang Wang, Jian Lin
Summary: Developing UV radiation sensors with high sensitivity, easy operation, and rapid readout is desired in various fields. Enhancing the sensitivity of UV detection, particularly for photochromic materials, has been a challenge. In this study, a viologen derivative incorporated with a hydrogel-based UV sensor was formulated, which exhibited a reversible photoelectrochromic response and improved UV sensitivity by two orders of magnitude. The proposed strategy of constructing photoelectrochromic hybrids could potentially enhance the UV sensitivity of other photochromic materials as well.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lianjie Zhao, Hao Zhang, Ning Tang, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: Phytic acid-assisted PANi/PVA hydrogel with self-reinforcing features is developed, showing enhanced mechanical performance. Phytic acid plays a crucial role in salinizing aniline and forming hydrogen bonds with PVA, resulting in conductive PANi and structure orientation. The hydrogel exhibits improved fracture strength, Young’s modulus, and toughness after repetitive stretching, attributed to the anisotropic structures fixed by hydrogen bonds. The PVA/PA/PANi hydrogel shows good mechanical durability and reusability, making it a reliable strain sensor.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhiran Zheng, Jiawei Li, Kailun Wei, Ning Tang, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: This study develops an integrated auxetic elastomer (IAE) that can exhibit transverse expansion while being axially stretched. By using high-modulus cross-linked poly(urethane-urea) as a skeleton and low-modulus non-cross-linked poly(urethane-urea) as a complementary-shape matrix, along with the dual dynamic interfacial healing promoted by disulfide bonds and hydrogen bonds, the resulting IAE possesses flat, void-free, and sharp soft-to-hard interface-free characteristics. Moreover, the fracture strength and elongation at the break of the IAE are significantly improved compared to those of the corrugated re-entrant skeleton alone, while maintaining the negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) within a certain strain range. Finite element analysis further confirms the advantageous mechanical and auxetic properties of this elastomer.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Baoyan Zhang, Tiantian Cui, Xuewei Jiao, Yaning Ma, Liang Gao, Jun Hu
Summary: A catalyst-free covalent adaptable network with high mechanical and thermal properties is developed for carbon fiber-reinforced composites. The material possesses rapid transesterification reactions, allowing for reprocessing, repairing, and degradation. Moreover, the composite exhibits good welding ability and can be efficiently and non-destructively recycled.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Junbo Guo, Hao Zhang, Tiantian Cui, Jiawei Li, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: In this study, a viewable in situ programmed humidity-driven monolayer actuator was reported, which consisted of hydrophilic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), and tannic acid (TA). The inclusion of TA as a physical cross-linker allowed for precise control of modulus distribution, while also providing fluorescence in the solid state. The resulting film exhibited high optical transparency, good mechanical properties, bright fluorescence, and reversible fast humidity-response. This viewable and programmable approach will greatly aid in the design of humidity-driven actuators for various applications.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xia Yu, Jiawei Li, Hao Zhang, Min-Hui Li, Jun Hu
Summary: Using natural glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) with good self-assembly ability and hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) with thermoresponsive capacity, we synthesized amphiphilic trans-/cis-TPE-GA-PEG isomers with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. The trans isomers formed nanospheres with typical AIE features, while the cis isomers displayed a fluorescence-enhanced property and generated nanovesicles. Both isomers underwent reversible phase transitions in tetrahydrofuran/water solution, with the cis isomers having a lower phase transition temperature compared to the trans-TPE-GA-PEG. The morphologies of the isomers transformed into helical fibers and irregular aggregates, respectively, due to the disruption of interactions between PEG chains and water molecules.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhongkai Guo, Xuewei Jiao, Kailun Wei, Jianqiao Wu, Jun Hu
Summary: In this study, a series of itaconic acid-based vitrimers with dual-dynamic networks were prepared by one-pot inverse vulcanization, which resolved the challenges of competitive raw materials and tedious preparation process for application of sustainable polymers. These vitrimers exhibited good solvent resistance and thermal stability, and could be physically recycled, repaired, welded, and chemically degraded at a mild temperature.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ning Tang, Yujia Jiang, Kailun Wei, Zhiran Zheng, Hao Zhang, Jun Hu
Summary: A stepwise-enhanced strategy is presented to fabricate ultrarobust eutectogels. The strategy involves complementary annealing and solvent exchange processes to optimize polymer networks and enhance mechanical properties. The resultant eutectogel exhibits exceptional mechanical performance and can be programmed through photolithography.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hao Zhang, Junbo Guo, Jun Hu, Ming Zhou
Summary: With the advancement of supramolecular chemistry, the focus is shifting towards the development of multifunctional supramolecular materials. Natural small molecules are preferred over synthetic molecules due to their lower toxicity, better biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. Terpenoids, with their wide range of supply sources, numerous modification sites, and abundant functions, have become a promising platform for constructing supramolecular materials. Many terpenoid-based supramolecular materials have been successfully developed, playing important roles in various fields such as tissue engineering, biomedicine, food science, and flexible electronics.
SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)