Review
Food Science & Technology
Thao Minh Ho, Felix Abik, Kirsi S. Mikkonen
Summary: Nanoemulsion-based systems play a crucial role in protecting active ingredients in food industries. Visualizing interface morphology and measuring interfacial interaction forces of nanoemulsion droplets are essential for tailoring and designing intelligent nanoemulsion-based systems. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is becoming increasingly important for interface characterization, particularly in understanding the properties of nanoemulsion droplets.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Microscopy
Magdalena Giergiel, Katarzyna Ewa Malek-Zietek, Jerzy Konior, Marta Targosz-Korecka
Summary: This study compared different models used for quantitative analysis of EGLX and explored the degradation and partial restoration processes of glycocalyx through nanoindentation experiments.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Telmo O. Paiva, Albertus Viljoen, Yves F. Dufrene
Summary: Advancements in atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques and methodologies in microbiology have enhanced our understanding of microbial cell surfaces. Recent studies have shown that AFM imaging of cells and membranes at or near molecular resolution enables detailed visualization of membrane-drug interactions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
L. Angeloni, M. Ganjian, M. Nouri-Goushki, M. J. Mirzaali, C. W. Hagen, A. A. Zadpoor, L. E. Fratila-Apachitei, M. K. Ghatkesar
Summary: This study introduces two atomic force microscopy methods for determining the mechanical characteristics of individual micro- and nanopillars without the use of SEM. Case studies on nanopillars fabricated using additive manufacturing methods showed consistent results, confirming the efficacy of the proposed methods.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yaoping Hou, Chengfu Ma, Wenting Wang, Yuhang Chen
Summary: A plasmonic atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe was proposed, utilizing a part of the laser beam to monitor cantilever deflection as the excitation light source. By integrating photonic crystal cavities near the cantilever's free end, a confined hot-spot at the metal-coated tip apex can be induced via transmitted light excitation. Numerical simulations showed that the plasmonic probe can efficiently couple a tilted, linearly polarized beam and achieve a significant local electromagnetic enhancement, making it a powerful tool for simultaneous optical, mechanical, and electrical characterizations.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ye Chen, Hongjun Li, Wen Yu, Xinze Dong, Guofeng He, Tongda Wu
Summary: The surface micromorphology (SMM) of seven types of asphalt was observed using atomic force microscopy, and the surface roughness was quantitatively analyzed using the roughness theory. The effects of various factors on the SMM of matrix asphalt and modified asphalt were investigated. The results revealed that the surface roughness of KL-90 asphalt was significantly higher than that of KL-70 and KL-110 asphalt. The SMM of asphalt varied with different oil sources, and ZH-90 asphalt had higher surface roughness than SK-90 asphalt. SBS modification resulted in a smoother SMM of the asphalt, and aging initially increased and then decreased the surface roughness. Water immersion caused the roughening of the asphalt's SMM due to water-asphalt interfacial tension.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Abigail Burato Rosales, Nadege Durban-Benizio, Xuan Loc Nguyen, Vincent Bouvier, Clementine Lamo, Irem Demir-Yilmaz, Christel Causserand, Cecile Formosa-Dague, Clemence Coetsier
Summary: Controlling biofouling is crucial for improving water filtration membrane performance. In this study, the researchers developed anti-biofouling membranes by coating them with vanillin, a natural bioactive molecule known for its Quorum Sensing Inhibitor (QSI) properties. The modified membranes showed increased hydrophobicity and a 14% decrease in pure water flux. Multiscale characterization techniques confirmed the anti-fouling properties of the vanillin-coated membranes, which reduced bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kohei Ono, Ayumi Iwata, Takeshi Fukuma, Yoko Iwamoto, Koji Hamasaki, Atsushi Matsuki
Summary: This study evaluated the adhesion forces of marine spray aerosols enriched with organic matter and found that they exhibited higher adhesion compared to predominantly inorganic particles.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yeseong Choi, Su-Mi Kim, Youhee Heo, Gyudo Lee, Ji Yoon Kang, Dae Sung Yoon
Summary: The study found that with increasing concentrations of Aβ(42) oligomers, the surface charge of exosomes increased, indicating that exosomes contain more Aβ(42) and may serve as transport vesicles for Aβ(42).
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haruhiko Eki, Katsuhiko Abe, Hiroshi Sugiyama, Masayuki Endo
Summary: This study used atomic force microscopy to directly observe the formation and degradation of tensegrity triangle DNA crystals at a molecular level, visualizing the dynamic process and characterizing them with nanoscale resolution.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alexey Yu Aladyshkin, Anna S. Aladyshkina, Sergey Bozhko
Summary: This study experimentally investigates the local electronic properties of quasi-two-dimensional Pb(111) islands with different types of screw dislocations on their surfaces. The findings show that screw dislocations and hidden dislocation lines affect the local electronic properties by connecting or generating independent hidden lines, leading to non-quantized variation in the local thickness of the Pb terraces.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jiantao Feng, Quanmei Sun, Peipei Chen, Keli Ren, Yuanyuan Zhang, Yahong Shi, Songkun Gao, Zhiwei Song, Jigang Wang, Fulong Liao, Dong Han
Summary: Active deformation behavior is important for understanding cancer cell mechanics. A method using atomic force microscopy and deformation behavior cytometry is proposed to measure cancer cell deformation behavior. Aquaporins and the actin cytoskeleton play essential roles in promoting deformation behavior.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Vipada Dokmai, Kitiphat Sinthiptharakoon, Witchukorn Phuthong, Varong Pavarajarn
Summary: This study used atomic force microscopy force spectroscopy to investigate the interactions between talc particles and matrix materials. The results showed that hydrophilic talc particles obtained from different treatments exhibited better adhesion with the materials, but the anisotropy of talc surfaces persisted. Surface hydrophobization reduced talc's surface anisotropy but also decreased adhesion. The findings suggest that adhesion between talc and materials is influenced by van der Waals interactions and surface polarity, providing insights for modulating talc's adhesion, hydrophobicity, and surface uniformity.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Glivia Queiroz-Lima, Henrico Badaoui Strazzi-Sahyon, Ana Teresa Maluly-Proni, Ticiane Cestari Fagundes, Andre Luiz Fraga Briso, Wirley Goncalves Assuncao, Juliana Aparecida Delben, Paulo Henrique Dos Santos
Summary: This in vitro study evaluated the effects of different times and concentrations of hydrofluoric acid etching on the surface of indirect restorative materials obtained from CAD-CAM technology. The results showed that each material exhibited different characteristics after etching. Knowledge of the proper protocol for each material is crucial for improving the adhesion process and durability of indirect restorations.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vytautas Navikas, Samuel M. Leitao, Kristin S. Grussmayer, Adrien Descloux, Barney Drake, Klaus Yserentant, Philipp Werther, Dirk-Peter Herten, Richard Wombacher, Aleksandra Radenovic, Georg E. Fantner
Summary: The combination of scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) and live-cell super-resolution optical fluctuation imaging (SOFI) is introduced for non-invasive topographical imaging of soft biological samples, preserving high axial resolution. This method allows for the visualization of cellular structures in 3D with high resolution while maintaining the integrity of fragile membrane samples.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nithin Suryadevara, Asato Mizuno, Lea Spieker, Soma Salamon, Stephan Sleziona, Andre Maas, Erik Pollmann, Benoit Heinrich, Marika Schleberger, Heiko Wende, Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy, Mario Ruben
Summary: This study investigates the structural facets of bistable spin-crossover complexes and their role in inducing hysteresis. Through single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, it is found that molecular reorganizations and conformation switching contribute to the observed spin-state switching and hysteresis. These insights could potentially aid in the design of molecule-based switching and memory elements.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tom Philipp, Gregor Neusser, Ebrahim Abouzari-Lotf, Shirin Shakouri, Franziska D. H. Wilke, Maximilian Fichtner, Mario Ruben, Manuel Mundszinger, Johannes Biskupek, Ute Kaiser, Philipp Scheitenberger, Mika Linden, Christine Kranz
Summary: In this study, FIB/SEM tomography combined with an optimized embedding procedure and osmium tetroxide staining was used to trace and visualize the self-conditioning step and degradation processes of CuDEPP composite electrodes. The results revealed the insertion of the electrolyte into the active material of the electrode and the formation of an interphase. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the degradation processes of the metalloporphyrin complex.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luca Muenzfeld, Xiaofei Sun, Soren Schlittenhardt, Christoph Schoo, Adrian Hauser, Sebastian Gillhuber, Florian Weigend, Mario Ruben, Peter W. Roesky
Summary: In this study, heteroleptic lanthanide complexes with a dianionic eta(5)-plumbole ligand were synthesized and characterized, showing single molecule magnet behavior in the erbium congener. The magnetic properties of the system were found to be modulated by manipulating the position of the lithium cation in the complex, providing insights into the magneto-structural correlation in the inner coordination sphere.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luca Muenzfeld, Milena Dahlen, Adrian Hauser, Nolwenn Mahieu, Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy, Jules Moutet, Maxime Tricoire, Ralf Koeppe, Leo La Droitte, Olivier Cador, Boris Le Guennic, Gregory Nocton, Eufemio Moreno-Pineda, Mario Ruben, Peter W. Roesky
Summary: The solvation of [(CNT)Ln(eta(8)-COT)] complexes with tetrahydrofuran (THF) can lead to neutral and ionic species in a solid-to-solid transformation. These species exhibit switchable luminophores and single-molecule magnet properties due to the distortion caused by solvation. The desolvation of the coordinated solvents can be achieved through a dynamic vacuum or temperature gradient stimulus. Raman spectroscopic investigations confirm the fast and reversible solvation and desolvation processes, and a Nd:YAG laser is found to induce a spatially resolved self-sufficient switching process for the Ce(III) analogue.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shirin Shakouri, Ebrahim Abouzari-Lotf, Jie Chen, Thomas Diemant, Svetlana Klyatskaya, Frank Dieter Pammer, Asato Mizuno, Maximilian Fichtner, Mario Ruben
Summary: Porphyrin derivatives are promising materials for sustainable electrochemical energy storage, but their structure-performance relationship is poorly understood. In this study, the role of metal ion in porphyrin molecules is investigated, and it is found that the choice of metal atom greatly influences the practical voltage window and discharge capacity. The findings suggest that the metal choice affects the planarity of porphyrin, as well as the solubility, packing, crystallinity, rate capability, and ion diffusion. These insights open up possibilities for the practical application of resource-friendly cathode materials for efficient electrical energy storage.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy, Eufemio Moreno-Pineda, Aline M. Nonat, Benoit Heinrich, Lydia Karmazin, Loic J. Charbonniere, Mario Ruben
Summary: This study reports on the luminescent and/or single-molecule magnet characteristics of two new lanthanide complexes. These complexes have potential applications in molecule-based spintronics, memory, and quantum information processing.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nicolas Montenegro-Pohlhammer, Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy, Gloria Cardenas-Jiron, Carmen J. Calzado, Mario Ruben
Summary: This study demonstrates that the conductance and spin filtering capabilities of molecular junctions are dependent on their molecular structures, and can be controlled by changing the position of the anchoring groups. The high-spin state of the iron(ii) coordination complexes shows higher conductivity than the low-spin state, and the spin state switching can be achieved during the transport. These findings are important for the synthesis of isomeric spin-crossover complexes with tunable spin and conductive properties.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nithin Suryadevara, Athanassios K. Boudalis, Jorge Enrique Olivares Pena, Eufemio Moreno-Pineda, Artem Fediai, Wolfgang Wenzel, Philippe Turek, Mario Ruben
Summary: A mixed-ligand phthalocyanine/porphyrin yttrium(III) radical double-decker complex (DD) was synthesized using a custom-made 5,10,15-tris(4-methoxyphenyl)-20-(4-((trimethylsilyl)ethynyl)phenyl)porphyrin. Rigid tethers were used to couple two such complexes into biradicals through the trimethylsilyl functionality. The magnetic properties of DD were found to be similar to those of the parent [Y(pc)2]center dot complex in both the solid state and frozen glasses.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Adrian Hauser, Luca Muenzfeld, Soeren Schlittenhardt, Ralf Koeppe, Cedric Uhlmann, Ulf-Christian Rauska, Mario Ruben, Peter W. Roesky
Summary: This study presents the synthesis of new organo-lanthanide polyphosphides containing an aromatic cyclo-[P-4](2-) moiety and a cyclo-[P-3](3-) moiety. The reduction of white phosphorus using Ln(II)-complexes and Ln(III)-complexes as precursors resulted in the formation of organo-lanthanide polyphosphides with a cyclo-[P-4](2-) Zintl anion and molecular polyphosphides with a cyclo-[P-3](3-) moiety, respectively. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of a dinuclear Dy-III-complex with a bridging cyclo-[P-3](3-) moiety were investigated.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Senthil Kumar Kuppusamy, Evgenij Vasilenko, Weizhe Li, Jannis Hessenauer, Christina Ioannou, Olaf Fuhr, David Hunger, Mario Ruben
Summary: Rare-earth ion (REI)-containing systems with narrow f-f transitions are key elements for coherent light-matter interfaces. This study reports on the properties of a Eu3+ complex, including a homogeneous linewidth of 2.8MHz and an optical coherence lifetime of 114ns for the D-5(0) → F-7(0) transition, as well as long nuclear spin lifetimes of up to 460s. These results highlight the potential for coherent light-matter interfaces based on molecular Eu3+ complexes.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gheorghe Taran, Eufemio Moreno-Pineda, Michael Schulze, Edgar Bonet, Mario Ruben, Wolfgang Wernsdorfer
Summary: The development of quantum technologies requires a thorough understanding of systems possessing quantum effects that can ultimately be manipulated. In the field of molecular magnetism, one of the main challenges is to measure high-order ligand field parameters, which play an essential role in the relaxation properties of SMMs. We have developed an experimental technique that combines EPR spectroscopy and mu SQUID magnetometry to extract these parameters and test theoretical predictions.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Bier, Zhenyou Li, Svetlana Klyatskaya, Najoua Sbei, Ananyo Roy, Sibylle Riedel, Maximilian Fichtner, Mario Ruben, Zhirong Zhao-Karger
Summary: In this study, 1,5-poly(anthraquinonylsulfide) (PAQS) was investigated as a cathode material for calcium-ion batteries. When paired with calcium tetrakis(hexafluoroisopropyloxy)borate Ca[B(hfip)(4)](2) electrolytes, PAQS showed cost-effective synthesis and environmentally friendly processing. By replacing the calcium metal anode with a calcium-tin (Ca-Sn) alloy anode, the cycling performance and rate capability of the PAQS cathodes were significantly improved.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nan Cao, Jonas Bjoerk, Eduardo Corral-Rascon, Zhi Chen, Mario Ruben, Mathias O. Senge, Johannes V. Barth, Alexander Riss
Summary: This study investigates how aromaticity affects the reactivity of alkyne-substituted porphyrin molecules on a Au(111) surface. The experiments show that carbon atoms stabilized by aromaticity display lower reactivity, which is consistent with density functional theory calculations.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patrick Lawes, Mauro Boero, Rabei Barhoumi, Svetlana Klyatskaya, Mario Ruben, Jean-Pierre Bucher
Summary: Nanostructures, created by precisely positioning molecular building blocks, are perfect for studying quantum effects at the atomic scale. The conformation of TbPc2 molecules within a lattice has been questioned based on STM data from self-assembled TbPc2 single-molecule magnets on different substrates. Molecular dynamics simulations of a 2D assembly of TbPc2 molecules were conducted to address this issue. The simulations agree well with experimental results, improving our understanding of the self-assembly process and providing valuable insights for interpreting STM images of molecular complexes.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Mamo Gebrezgiabher, Soren Schlittenhardt, Cyril Rajnak, Assefa Sergawie, Mario Ruben, Madhu Thomas, Roman Boca
Summary: A tetranuclear dysprosium Schiff base complex was synthesized and characterized. The complex showed weak antiferromagnetic exchange coupling and exhibited slow relaxation of magnetization in the absence of an external magnetic field.
