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Yang Y, Zhang W, Zhang L, Guo M, Xiang C, Ren M, Han Y, Shi J, Li H, Xu X. The development of multifunctional materials for water pollution remediation using pollen and sporopollenin. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 273:133051. [PMID: 38862057 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.133051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Pollen is a promising material for water treatment owing to its renewable nature, abundant sources, and vast reserves. The natural polymer sporopollenin, found within pollen exine, possesses a distinctive layered porous structure, mechanical strength, and stable chemical properties, which can be utilized to prepare sporopollenin exine capsules (SECs). Leveraging these attributes, pollen or SECs can be used to develop water pollution remediation materials. In this review, the structure of pollen is first introduced, followed by the categorization of various methods for extracting SECs. Then, the functional expansion of pollen adsorbents, with an emphasis on their recyclability, reusability, and visual sensing capabilities, as opposed to mere functional group modification, is discussed. Furthermore, the progress made in utilizing pollen as a biological template for synthesizing catalysts is summarized. Intriguingly, pollen can also be engineered into self-propelled micromotors, enhancing its potential application in adsorption and catalysis. Finally, the challenges associated with the application of pollen in water pollution treatment are discussed. These challenges include the selection of environmentally friendly, non-toxic reagents in synthesizing pollen water remediation products and the large-scale application after synthesis. Moreover, the multifunctional synthesis and application of different water remediation products are prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yang
- School of Quality and Technical Supervision, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; National&Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Metrology Instrument and System, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Energy Metering and Safety Testing Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Wenqi Zhang
- School of Quality and Technical Supervision, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; National&Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Metrology Instrument and System, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Energy Metering and Safety Testing Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- School of Quality and Technical Supervision, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; National&Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Metrology Instrument and System, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Energy Metering and Safety Testing Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Mengyao Guo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Chengwen Xiang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Mengyu Ren
- School of Quality and Technical Supervision, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; National&Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Metrology Instrument and System, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Energy Metering and Safety Testing Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Yue Han
- School of Quality and Technical Supervision, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; National&Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Metrology Instrument and System, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Energy Metering and Safety Testing Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Junling Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| | - Xiaoguang Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
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Ferrer Campos R, Bakenecker AC, Chen Y, Spadaro MC, Fraire J, Arbiol J, Sánchez S, Villa K. Boosting the Efficiency of Photoactive Rod-Shaped Nanomotors via Magnetic Field-Induced Charge Separation. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:30077-30087. [PMID: 38819932 PMCID: PMC11181276 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c03905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Photocatalytic nanomotors have attracted a lot of attention because of their unique capacity to simultaneously convert light and chemical energy into mechanical motion with a fast photoresponse. Recent discoveries demonstrate that the integration of optical and magnetic components within a single nanomotor platform offers novel advantages for precise motion control and enhanced photocatalytic performance. Despite these advancements, the impact of magnetic fields on energy transfer dynamics in photocatalytic nanomotors remains unexplored. Here, we introduce dual-responsive rod-like nanomotors, made of a TiO2/NiFe heterojunction, able to (i) self-propel upon irradiation, (ii) align with the direction of an external magnetic field, and (iii) exhibit enhanced photocatalytic performance. Consequently, when combining light irradiation with a homogeneous magnetic field, these nanomotors exhibit increased velocities attributed to their improved photoactivity. As a proof-of-concept, we investigated the ability of these nanomotors to generate phenol, a valuable chemical feedstock, from benzene under combined optical and magnetic fields. Remarkably, the application of an external magnetic field led to a 100% increase in the photocatalytic phenol generation in comparison with light activation alone. By using various state-of-the-art techniques such as photoelectrochemistry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and electron paramagnetic resonance, we characterized the charge transfer between the semiconductor and the alloy component, revealing that the magnetic field significantly improved charge pair separation and enhanced hydroxyl radical generation. Consequently, our work provides valuable insights into the role of magnetic fields in the mechanisms of light-driven photocatalytic nanomotors for designing more effective light-driven nanodevices for selective oxidations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Ferrer Campos
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona E-43007, Spain
- Departament
de Química Física i Inorgànica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Marcel. lí Domingo 1, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Anna C. Bakenecker
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 4-10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yufen Chen
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona E-43007, Spain
| | - Maria Chiara Spadaro
- Catalan
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), UAB Campus, Bellaterra, Barcelona E-08193, Spain
| | - Juan Fraire
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 4-10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Arbiol
- Catalan
Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), UAB Campus, Bellaterra, Barcelona E-08193, Spain
- Catalan
Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Samuel Sánchez
- Institute
for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri I Reixac 4-10, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan
Institute for Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Passeig Lluís Companys 23, E-08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Katherine Villa
- Institute
of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Av. Països Catalans, 16, Tarragona E-43007, Spain
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Preetam S. Nano revolution: pioneering the future of water reclamation with micro-/nano-robots. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2024; 6:2569-2581. [PMID: 38752135 PMCID: PMC11093266 DOI: 10.1039/d3na01106b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Earth's freshwater reserves are alarmingly limited, with less than 1% readily available. Factors such as industrialisation, population expansion, and climate change are compounding the scarcity of clean water. In this context, self-driven, programmable micro- and nano-scale synthetic robots offer a potential solution for enhancing water monitoring and remediation. With the aid of these innovative robots, diffusion-limited reactions can be overcome, allowing for active engagement with target pollutants, such as heavy metals, dyes, nano- and micro-plastics, oils, pathogenic microorganisms, and persistent organic pollutants. Herein, we introduced and reviewed recent influential and advanced studies on micro-/nano-robots (MNR) carried out over the past decade. Typical works are categorized by propulsion modes, analyzing their advantages and drawbacks in detail and looking at specific applications. Moreover, this review provides a concise overview of the contemporary advancements and applications of micro-/nano-robots in water-cleaning applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subham Preetam
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology Daegu-42988 South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Materials, IAAM Gammalkilsvägen 18 Ulrika 59053 Sweden
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Del Campo Fonseca A, Glück C, Droux J, Ferry Y, Frei C, Wegener S, Weber B, El Amki M, Ahmed D. Ultrasound trapping and navigation of microrobots in the mouse brain vasculature. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5889. [PMID: 37735158 PMCID: PMC10514062 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41557-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The intricate and delicate anatomy of the brain poses significant challenges for the treatment of cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, precise local drug delivery in hard-to-reach brain regions remains an urgent medical need. Microrobots offer potential solutions; however, their functionality in the brain remains restricted by limited imaging capabilities and complications within blood vessels, such as high blood flows, osmotic pressures, and cellular responses. Here, we introduce ultrasound-activated microrobots for in vivo navigation in brain vasculature. Our microrobots consist of lipid-shelled microbubbles that autonomously aggregate and propel under ultrasound irradiation. We investigate their capacities in vitro within microfluidic-based vasculatures and in vivo within vessels of a living mouse brain. These microrobots self-assemble and execute upstream motion in brain vasculature, achieving velocities up to 1.5 µm/s and moving against blood flows of ~10 mm/s. This work represents a substantial advance towards the therapeutic application of microrobots within the complex brain vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Del Campo Fonseca
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, ETH, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Chaim Glück
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jeanne Droux
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, and Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Yann Ferry
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, ETH, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Carole Frei
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, ETH, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rüschlikon, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Wegener
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, and Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Bruno Weber
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mohamad El Amki
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, and Zurich Neuroscience Center, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel Ahmed
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, Acoustic Robotics Systems Lab, ETH, Säumerstrasse 4, 8803, Rüschlikon, Switzerland.
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Smart micro- and nanorobots for water purification. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:236-251. [PMID: 37064655 PMCID: PMC9901418 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00025-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Less than 1% of Earth's freshwater reserves is accessible. Industrialization, population growth and climate change are further exacerbating clean water shortage. Current water-remediation treatments fail to remove most pollutants completely or release toxic by-products into the environment. The use of self-propelled programmable micro- and nanoscale synthetic robots is a promising alternative way to improve water monitoring and remediation by overcoming diffusion-limited reactions and promoting interactions with target pollutants, including nano- and microplastics, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, oils and pathogenic microorganisms. This Review introduces the evolution of passive micro- and nanomaterials through active micro- and nanomotors and into advanced intelligent micro- and nanorobots in terms of motion ability, multifunctionality, adaptive response, swarming and mutual communication. After describing removal and degradation strategies, we present the most relevant improvements in water treatment, highlighting the design aspects necessary to improve remediation efficiency for specific contaminants. Finally, open challenges and future directions are discussed for the real-world application of smart micro- and nanorobots.
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Shah ZH, Wu B, Das S. Multistimuli-responsive microrobots: A comprehensive review. Front Robot AI 2022; 9:1027415. [PMID: 36420129 PMCID: PMC9676497 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2022.1027415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Untethered robots of the size of a few microns have attracted increasing attention for the potential to transform many aspects of manufacturing, medicine, health care, and bioengineering. Previously impenetrable environments have become available for high-resolution in situ and in vivo manipulations as the size of the untethered robots goes down to the microscale. Nevertheless, the independent navigation of several robots at the microscale is challenging as they cannot have onboard transducers, batteries, and control like other multi-agent systems, due to the size limitations. Therefore, various unconventional propulsion mechanisms have been explored to power motion at the nanoscale. Moreover, a variety of combinations of actuation methods has also been extensively studied to tackle different issues. In this survey, we present a thorough review of the recent developments of various dedicated ways to actuate and control multistimuli-enabled microrobots. We have also discussed existing challenges and evolving concepts associated with each technique.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sambeeta Das
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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Feng K, Gong J, Qu J, Niu R. Dual-Mode-Driven Micromotor Based on Foam-like Carbon Nitride and Fe 3O 4 with Improved Manipulation and Photocatalytic Performance. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:44271-44281. [PMID: 36150032 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c10590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nanomotors have emerged as a vibrant research topic in biomedical and environmental fields due to their attractive self-propulsion as well as small-scale functionalities. However, single actuated micro/nanomotors are not adaptive in facing intricate natural and industrial environments. Herein, we propose a new dual-mode-driven micromotor based on foam-like carbon nitride (f-C3N4) with precipitated Fe3O4 nanoparticles, namely, Fe3O4/f-C3N4, powered by chemical/magnetic stimuli for rapid reduction of organic pollutants. The Fe3O4/f-C3N4 motor composed of a three-dimensional (3D) porous "foam-like" structure and precipitated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (ca. 50 nm) not only exhibits efficient photocatalytic performance under visible light but also shows versatile and programmable motion behavior under the control of external magnetic fields. The aggregation of the micromotor under an external rotating magnetic field further enhances the catalytic activity by the increased local catalyst concentration. Furthermore, the magnetic property endows the micromotor with easy recyclability. This study provides a novel dual-mode-driven micromotor for antibiotics removal with magnetic field and light-enhanced performance in industrial wastewater treatment at a low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Feng
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jiang Gong
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Jinping Qu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering, Ministry of Education, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Technique and Equipment for Macromolecular Advanced Manufacturing, School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Ran Niu
- Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry for Energy Conversion and Storage, Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Material Chemistry and Service Failure, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials and Medical Protective Materials, Semiconductor Chemistry Center, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
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Ryabov A, Tasinkevych M. Diffusion coefficient and power spectrum of active particles with a microscopically reversible mechanism of self-propelling. J Chem Phys 2022; 157:104108. [DOI: 10.1063/5.0101520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Catalytically active macromolecules are envisioned as key building blocks in development of artificial nanomotors. However, theory and experiments report conflicting findings regarding their dynamics. The lack of consensus is mostly caused by a limited understanding of specifics of self-propulsion mechanisms at the nanoscale. Here, we study a generic model of a self-propelled nanoparticle that does not rely on a particular mechanism. Instead, its main assumption is the fundamental symmetry of microscopic dynamics of chemical reactions: the principle of microscopic reversibility. Significant consequences of this assumption arise if we subject the particle to an action of an external time-periodic force. The particle diffusion coefficient is then enhanced compared to the unbiased dynamics. The enhancement can be controlled by the force amplitude and frequency. We also derive the power spectrum of particle trajectories. Among new effects stemming from the microscopic reversibility are the enhancement of the spectrum at all frequencies and sigmoid-shaped transitions and a peak at characteristic frequencies of rotational diffusion and external forcing. The microscopic reversibility is a generic property of a broad class of chemical reactions, therefore we expect that the presented results will motivate new experimental studies aimed at testing of our predictions. This could provide new insights into dynamics of catalytic macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Ryabov
- Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Department of Macromolecular Physics, Charles University, Czech Republic
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