Article
Polymer Science
Chen-Chi Tang, Song-Hao Zhang, Thi Ha My Phan, Yu-Chao Tseng, Jeng-Shiung Jan
Summary: The hydrogelation ability, molecular assembly, and mechanical strength of PLL-b-PBLC could be tuned by manipulating the non-covalent interactions via varying polypeptide chain length and arm number, with the sheet-like PBCL segment being an excellent hydrogelator to trigger hydrogelation of these block copolypeptides.
Article
Polymer Science
Andrew Selkirk, Nadezda Prochukhan, Ross Lundy, Cian Cummins, Riley Gatensby, Rachel Kilbride, Andrew Parnell, Jhonattan Baez Vasquez, Michael Morris, Parvaneh Mokarian-Tabari
Summary: This study overcomes the kinetic challenges in the self-assembly of UHMW BCPs through precision solvent annealing, resulting in highly ordered large-period lamellar domains. The research reveals that film thickness and solvent concentration significantly affect the domain morphology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hao Liu, Jingxuan Wang, Mei Liu, Xia Zhang, Ying Liang, Jinshui Wang
Summary: Self-assembled fibrillation of wheat gluten is a common phenomenon in the production and processing of wheat flour products. The breakage of hydrogen bonds, strengthening of hydrophobic interactions, and SH-SS exchange reactions play important roles in fibrillation. Wheat gluten with higher degrees of hydrolysis show a greater propensity for worm-like aggregation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Runze Liu, Hejin Huang, Zehao Sun, Alfredo Alexander-Katz, Caroline A. Ross
Summary: This study presents a method of directed self-assembly using multiple mechanisms to generate well-aligned nanomesh structures, which is then extended to fabricate multi-component metallic structures with 2D/3D hybrid morphologies.
Article
Polymer Science
Chunhua Cai, Jiaping Lin
Summary: This article focuses on the recent advances in the solution self-assembly of polypeptides, including new driving forces for polypeptide self-assembly and novel preparation methods. The self-assembly behavior and diversity of structures are studied through liquid crystallization, conformation variation, supramolecular polymerization, substrate-mediated self-assembly, and polymerization-induced self-assembly. In conclusion, the trends in polypeptide solution self-assembly are discussed.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi Wang, Jun Chen, Chenhui Zhu, Baixu Zhu, Soojin Jeong, Yi Yi, Yang Liu, Joshua Fiadorwu, Peng He, Xingchen Ye
Summary: Polymer-inorganic nanocomposites based on polymer-grafted nanocrystals (PGNCs) are being used in technologically relevant applications due to their unique physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. This study demonstrates a kinetically controlled assembly of binary superstructures from a homogeneous disordered PGNC mixture using solvent vapor annealing (SVA), providing insight into the multistep crystallization pathway of PGNCs. By varying the solvent vapor pressure during SVA, exquisite control of the rate and extent of PGNC assembly is achieved, allowing for the synthesis of multicomponent PGNC superstructures with multifunctionalities and emergent properties.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hong Zhao, Le Wang, Yufei Wang, Wenyan Su, Dongxu Lin, Wanzhu Cai, Jian Qing, Zibang Zhang, Jingang Zhong, Lintao Hou
Summary: The simplified one-step spraying of OSCs can be achieved successfully with the assistance of solvent vapor annealing (SVA), making it attractive for future photovoltaic module manufacturing while maintaining high photovoltaic performance. The sprayed self-assembly interfacial molecules can enhance charge separation and transport capability, comparable to conventional two-step spraying OSCs.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kshitij Sharma, Aman Agrawal, Ali Masud, Sushil K. Satija, John F. Ankner, Jack F. Douglas, Alamgir Karim
Summary: The kinetics and morphology of block copolymer films are influenced by the processing pathway, which affects the enthalpic and entropic forces driving the ordering processes. Understanding the free energy landscape and how processing procedures can move the system through this landscape is important for controlling the variability of block copolymer morphology. The authors demonstrate a method where a target low-energy structure can be quickly achieved by subjecting as-cast films to initial solvent annealing followed by a short period of thermal annealing.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Calle Preger, Martin Josefsson, Rasmus Westerstrom, Maria E. Messing
Summary: Directed self-assembly of charged magnetic aerosolized nanoparticles with tunable size and composition has been demonstrated using combined electric and magnetic fields, resulting in a variety of nanostructures. The magnetization of nanoparticles and the orientation of external magnetic fields play key roles in governing the self-assembly process. These results highlight the potential of aerosol deposition in a combined electric and magnetic field for tailored bottom-up fabrication of nanostructures.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gayashani Ginige, Youngdong Song, Brian C. Olsen, Erik J. Luber, Cafer T. Yavuz, Jillian M. Buriak
Summary: Self-assembly of block copolymers promises high resolution and density multiplication with lower costs. However, the defectivity of resulting nanopatterns remains high due to small variations of processing parameters. A solvent vapor annealing (SVA) flow-controlled system combined with design of experiments (DOE) and machine learning (ML) approaches enables precise optimization of self-assembly conditions and characterization of defects, leading to a faster route toward low-defectivity BCP dot arrays for electronic microfabrication.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi Zhang, Aiyou Hao, Pengyao Xing
Summary: In this study, the impact of solvent migration on molecular folding and chirality during thermal annealing was investigated. It was found that solvent migration from organic solvents to aqueous media resulted in a chiroptical inversion. Furthermore, the migration of solvents from aggregates to bulky phases led to a rearrangement of molecular packing and luminescent changes. Overall, consecutive chiroptical inversion was achieved using solvent strategy and thermal annealing.
Article
Polymer Science
Thi Ha My Phan, Ching-Chia Huang, Yi-Jen Tsai, Jin-Jia Hu, Jeng-Shiung Jan
Summary: This study demonstrates that the polypeptide composition and topology play important roles in manipulating polypeptide hydrogelation, with PPhe, PLeu, and PVal segments being effective hydrogelators. The star-shaped topology facilitates hydrogelation, with 6-armed diblock copolypeptides showing better hydrogelation ability than 3-armed ones.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yi Lai, Fenglin Li, Zhifeng Zou, Madiha Saeed, Zhiai Xu, Haijun Yu
Summary: This article explores the development and applications of amyloid polypeptide-based nanostructures in biotechnological applications. It emphasizes the importance of thermodynamic and kinetic factors in self-assembly and summarizes cutting-edge advances and challenges in engineering amyloid peptide nanomaterials.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qian Zhang, Cuiling Lin, Chen Chen, Liqun Zhang, Feng Shi, Mengjiao Cheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the molecular-conformation-dependent macroscopic supramolecular self-assembly (MSA) driven by electrostatic interactions. Evidence from single molecular force spectroscopy shows that the modified polyelectrolytes on MSA component surfaces enable MSA with a loop conformation, while those with a flat conformation prevent assembly, due to distinct molecular mobility. This finding is believed to be applicable in fundamental phenomena such as surface adsorption and adhesion of polymers.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miaomiao Jin, Zhanxin Song, Wei Liu, Zilu Zhou, Guozhen Wang, Mo Xian
Summary: Peptide-assisted self-assembly enhances the stability of Al and CuO nanoparticles in aqueous solution, and the energy release of peptide-assembled Al/CuO nanothermite is 26% higher than that of physically mixed samples in phosphate buffer.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rohit Kumar, Piyush Kumar Gupta, Soumya Pandit, Niraj Kumar Jha, Janne Ruokolainen, Kavindra Kumar Kesari, Pravin P. Patil, S. Shankara Narayanan
Summary: A novel bimetallic-semi-aromatic polyester hybrid nanocomposite was synthesized and characterized, showing thermal stability, lack of chemical interactions, negative charge on the surface, and biocompatible and hemocompatible nature. It may pave the way for new avenues in various fields of biomedical science in the future.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Niraj Kumar Jha, Saniya Arfin, Saurabh Kumar Jha, Rohan Kar, Abhijit Dey, Rohit Gundamaraju, Ghulam Md Ashraf, Piyush Kumar Gupta, Sugapriya Dhanasekaran, Mosleh Mohammad Abomughaid, Sabya Sachi Das, Sachin Kumar Singh, Kamal Dua, Shubhadeep Roychoudhury, Dhruv Kumar, Janne Ruokolainen, Shreesh Ojha, Kavindra Kumar Kesari
Summary: Recent evidence has shown genetic heterogeneity within tumors, posing challenges for cancer treatment. Inflammation plays a vital role in tumor advancement and understanding its signaling pathways is crucial for effective cancer therapy. Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems offer potential in targeting inflammatory signaling pathways to combat cancer.
SEMINARS IN CANCER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Vibhore Kumar Rastogi, Philip N. Sturzenegger, Urs T. Gonzenbach, Marc Vetterli, Manoj Naikade, Kavindra Kumar Kesari, Janne Ruokolainen, Jakob Kuebler, Gurdial Blugan
Summary: In this study, single-use pulp-based molds were developed for ceramic slip-casting applications. These molds offer the advantage of controlled combustion and shape retention during wet casting, making them highly suitable for industrial-scale production of hollow ceramic spheres. Alumina-based spheres produced in these molds demonstrate exceptional stability under high pressures.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ville A. Vartiainen, Pekka Jousilahti, Tiina Laatikainen, Erkki Vartiainen
Summary: This study assessed the contribution of smoking to the prevalence of chronic bronchitis in Finland. The results showed a decline in smoking rates among both men and women, which correlated with a decrease in chronic bronchitis prevalence. However, the decrease in chronic bronchitis among male never-smokers still needs further explanation.
SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sourov Chandra, Alice Sciortino, Shruti Shandilya, Lincan Fang, Xi Chen, Nonappa, Hua Jiang, Leena-Sisko Johansson, Marco Cannas, Janne Ruokolainen, Robin H. A. Ras, Fabrizio Messina, Bo Peng, Olli Ikkala
Summary: This study presents a new strategy for in situ site-selective Ag-doping at the central core of AuNCs using sulphated colloidal surfaces as templates. This approach greatly improves the photoluminescence quantum efficiency of AuNCs by eliminating nonradiative losses.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Er-Xiong Ding, Peng Liu, Hoon Hahn Yoon, Faisal Ahmed, Mingde Du, Abde Mayeen Shafi, Naveed Mehmood, Esko I. Kauppinen, Zhipei Sun, Harri Lipsanen
Summary: Fabricating electronic and optoelectronic devices using a facile electrode fabrication process with SWCNT films leads to improved device performance. Dry-transferred SWCNT films as transparent electrodes in Schottky diodes for photodetector applications increase light absorption in photoactive MoS2 channels. The enhanced photodetection is attributed to FN tunneling and internal photoemission of charge carriers excited from indium tin oxide across the MoS2 layer.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amanda Eklund, Olli Ikkala, Hang Zhang
Summary: This article reports a channeled poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogel containing bio-inspired dopamine-comonomers, which undergoes temperature-controlled reversible switching of underwater adhesion on both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. The introduction of microscopic channels inside the hydrogel greatly facilitates water removal from the interface and promotes underwater adhesive strength. The channeling strategy provides implications for designing future underwater adhesive systems for soft robotics or biomedical applications.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Feng Zhang, Lili Zhang, Hua Jiang, Xin Li, Fengning Liu, Zhong-Hai Ji, Peng-Xiang Hou, Shuyu Guo, Hui-Ming Cheng, Esko I. Kauppinen, Chang Liu, Feng Ding
Summary: Structurally uniform single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with a narrow diameter distribution (1.35 +/- 0.25 nm) were successfully synthesized using a CoRu catalyst. By optimizing the catalyst composition and growth conditions, high-efficiency and structure-controlled growth of SWCNTs were achieved.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shanming Hu, Yuhuang Fang, Chen Liang, Matti Turunen, Olli Ikkala, Hang Zhang
Summary: Inspired by biological systems, this study demonstrates thermally trainable hydrogel systems consisting of two thermoresponsive polymers. The volumetric response of the system can be enhanced or decreased through a training process, achieving different network design effects.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sourov Chandra, Alice Sciortino, Susobhan Das, Faisal Ahmed, Arijit Jana, Jayoti Roy, Diao Li, Ville Liljestrom, Hua Jiang, Leena-Sisko Johansson, Xi Chen, Marco Nonappa, Marco Cannas, Thalappil Pradeep, Bo Peng, Robin H. A. Ras, Zhipei Sun, Olli Ikkala, Fabrizio Messina
Summary: A study reports on an atomically precise ultrasmall Au(I)(6) nanocluster with unique properties, including efficient third harmonic generation, intense photoluminescence, ultrafast quantum coherence, and electron accepting properties. The nanoclusters were formed through a sequential reduction protocol using ascorbic acid, and showed strong third harmonic generation response and excellent stability. The results suggest potential applications in multifunctional devices, fast photoswitches, and quantum colloidal devices.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shaochen Zhou, Lotta Gustavsson, Gregory Beaune, Sourov Chandra, Jukka Niskanen, Janne Ruokolainen, Jaakko V. I. Timonen, Olli Ikkala, Bo Peng, Robin H. A. Ras
Summary: This work presents a general and efficient method to synthesize pH-responsive near-infrared (NIR) emitting gold nanoclusters by introducing aliphatic tertiary amine (TA) groups as ligands. The pH-responsive NIR emission is achieved through the protonation and deprotonation of TA groups, which induce electronic structure changes. The pH-responsive gold nanoclusters can serve as specific and sensitive probes for lysosomes in cells, offering non-invasive emissions without interference from intracellular autofluorescence.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ziyue Miao, Hongwei Tan, Lotta Gustavsson, Yang Zhou, Quan Xu, Olli Ikkala, Bo Peng
Summary: This study constructs bioinspired stimulus-responsive hydrogels to recognize model salty/sour or sweet tastes based on electrical and volumetric responsivities. Different compositions of co-polymerized zwitter-ionic sulfobetainic N-(3-sulfopropyl)-N-(methacryloxyethyl)-N,N-dimethylammonium betaine (DMAPS) and nonionic 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) are explored for gelation. The hydrogel responses to model tastant molecules are investigated using electrical and visual de-swelling observations. The combination of electrical and volumetric responses are then used as inputs for machine learning algorithms, resulting in a dual response approach for taste identification.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Maria Heilala, Arttu Lehtonen, Ossi Arasalo, Aino Peura, Juho Pokki, Olli Ikkala, Nonappa, Juha Klefstrom, Pauliina M. Munne
Summary: Mechanically tunable 3D fibrin hydrogels are used to model the phenotypic plasticity of circulating tumor cells (CTCs)-like breast cancer cells. Cells in fibrin hydrogels show unique gene expression signatures compared to standard 3D culture conditions. The mechanical properties of the matrix regulate the cell phenotype, with stiff fibrin inducing dynamic cellular protrusions resembling prometastatic structures.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lotta Gustavsson, Zhong-Peng Lv, Tomy Cherian, Wille Seppala, Ville Liljestrom, Bo Peng, Simo Huotari, Patrice Rannou, Olli Ikkala
Summary: Researchers have discovered a model compound that exhibits complex thermally switchable hierarchical self-assembly in the absence of solvents. It combines colloidal and molecular self-assemblies and displays unique properties at high temperatures. The addition of plasticizing ionic liquids can alter its self-assembled structure.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ida Mattsson, Johanna Majoinen, Manu Lahtinen, Thomas Sandberg, Anna Fogde, Tiina Saloranta-Simell, Orlando J. Rojas, Olli Ikkala, Reko Leino
Summary: Conformational rigidity plays a crucial role in the self-assembly and liquid crystallinity of block molecules. The stereochemistry of carbohydrate-based assemblies is an important parameter to be considered in material design.