1
|
Feng P, Liu J, Bao LJ, Zeng EY, Ma C, Wang L, Zhang G, Gong X. Adaptive Escape of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by Application of Low-Amplitude Electric Pulses. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024; 40:14281-14290. [PMID: 38967331 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.4c00753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Marine antibiofouling using low-amplitude electric pulses (EP) is an energy-efficient and eco-friendly approach, but potential mechanisms for preventing biofouling remain unclear. In the present study, the 3D adhesion dynamics of a model microorganism─Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1)─under low-amplitude cathodic EP were examined as a function of applying voltage and its duration (td). The results demonstrated that adhered bacteria escaped from the electrode surface even when EP was removed. The escaped bacteria ratio, induction period of escape, and duration of the detachment were influenced profoundly by EP amplitude but slightly by td when td ≥ 5 min. The acceleration of escaped PAO1 from the surface indicated that their flagellar motor was powered by EP. Particularly, EP enabled swimming bacteria to have adaptive motions that were sustainable and regulated by the gene rsmA. As a result, they had less accumulation near the surface. The propulsion of adhered bacteria and adaptive escape of swimming bacteria were enhanced in response to low-amplitude EP. Hence, low-amplitude and short-duration EP is promising for sustainable antibiofouling applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pu Feng
- School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Lian-Jun Bao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Chunfeng Ma
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology Southern China, Institute of Micrology, Academy of Sciences, Guangdong 510070, China
| | - Guangzhao Zhang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Xiangjun Gong
- Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
You Y, Golestani YM, Broer DJ, Yang T, Zhou G, Selinger RLB, Yuan D, Liu D. Transforming patterned defects into dynamic poly-regional topographies in liquid crystal oligomers. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:3178-3186. [PMID: 38666445 PMCID: PMC11216033 DOI: 10.1039/d4mh00131a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
We create high-aspect-ratio dynamic poly-regional surface topographies in a coating of a main-chain liquid crystal oligomer network (LCON). The topographies form at the topological defects in the director pattern organized in an array which are controlled by photopatterning of the alignment layer. The defect regions are activated by heat and/or light irradiation to form reversible topographic structures. Intrinsically, the LCON is rubbery and sensitive to temperature changes, resulting in shape transformations. We further advanced such system to make it light-responsive by incorporating azobenzene moieties. Actuation reduces the molecular order of the LCON coating that remains firmly adhered to the substrate which gives directional shear stresses around the topological defects. The stresses relax by deforming the surfaces by forming elevations or indents, depending on the type of defects. The formed topographies exhibit various features, including two types of protrusions, ridges and valleys. These poly-regional structures exhibit a large modulation amplitude of close to 60%, which is 6 times larger than the ones formed in liquid crystal networks (LCNs). After cooling or by blue light irradiation, the topographies are erased to the initial flat surface. A finite element method (FEM) model is adopted to simulate structures of surface topographies. These dynamic surface topographies with multilevel textures and large amplitude expand the application range, from haptics, controlled cell growth, to intelligent surfaces with adjustable adhesion and tribology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin You
- Joint Research Lab of Devices Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
- Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands
| | - Youssef M Golestani
- Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J Broer
- Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands
| | - Tinghong Yang
- Joint Research Lab of Devices Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Guofu Zhou
- Joint Research Lab of Devices Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Robin L B Selinger
- Department of Physics, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Dong Yuan
- Joint Research Lab of Devices Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Danqing Liu
- Human Interactive Materials (HIM), Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 3, Eindhoven 5612AE, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mao Y, Liang X, Zhao J, Jiang L, Liang Q, Ngai T, Gong X, Wu M. 3D monitoring of the microphase separations inside the intraocular lens. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:178-188. [PMID: 38307480 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.01.035] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Glistenings often occur after implanting the intraocular lens (IOL) due to the formation of numerous microvacuoles (MVs) and may lead to deterioration of vision quality. Previous studies showed the formation of MVs was associated with the hydrophobicity of IOL materials. Yet, the mechanism remains an open question due to the complexity of IOL polymer networks. In this study, two commercialized IOLs with similar hydrophobicity are found distinct in the formation of MVs. The 3D growth kinetics of MVs during cooling processes are captured for the first time by digital holographic microscopy (DHM) and the components of MVs are measured by DHM and Raman spectroscopy. The results reveal that the growth of MVs stems from the microphase separation of water and surrounding IOL polymers. A polymer swelling model is thus proposed to describe the microphase separation process which is found dependent on the elasticity of IOL polymer networks. The total volume of MVs is determined by the IOL hydrophobicity, while the elastic force of IOL polymer networks determines the number density and size of MVs. This study demonstrates an approach for characterizing the phase separation of crosslinked polymeric materials in biosystems and sheds lights on the refinement of IOL materials. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Glistenings due to the formation of numerous microvacuoles (MVs) in intraocular lens (IOL) can occur after IOL implantation, which may induce poor quality of vision. However, the underlying mechanism of MVs formation is still an open question. This study establishes an in-situ 3D imaging platform to monitor growth kinetics of the MVs in IOLs, which allows to uncover the mechanism of glistenings formation resulting from the microphase separation. The findings imply the material hydrophobicity influences the total volume of MVs, while the local elasticity of IOL polymer networks determines the number density and the size of MVs. This study offers a new approach for characterizing phase separation in crosslinking biosystems and sheds lights on the refinement of IOL materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, PR China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Junpeng Zhao
- Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Lingxiang Jiang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology (AISMST), School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Qingyou Liang
- Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; Analytical and Testing Center, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - To Ngai
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, PR China
| | - Xiangjun Gong
- Faculty of Material Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, PR China.
| | - Mingxing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ni Z, Zhang D, Zhen S, Liang X, Gong X, Zhao Z, Ding D, Feng G, Tang BZ. NIR light-driven pure organic Janus-like nanoparticles for thermophoresis-enhanced photothermal therapy. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122261. [PMID: 37531775 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122261] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Photothermal therapy (PTT) represents a promising noninvasive tumor therapeutic modality, but the current strategies for enhancing photothermal effect have been mainly based on promoting thermal relaxation or suppressing radiative dissipation process of excited energy, leaving little room for further improvement in photothermal effect. Herein, as a proof of concept, we report the thermophoresis-enhanced photothermal effect with pure organic Janus-like nanoparticles (Janus-like NPs) for PTT. The Janus-like NPs are eccentrically loaded with compactly J-aggregated photothermal molecules (DMA-BDTO), which show red-shifted absorption wavelength and inhibited radiative decay as compared to individual molecules. Under NIR irradiation, the asymmetric heat generation at particle surface endows Janus-like NPs the active thermophoresis, which further increases collisions and converts kinetic energy into thermal energy, and Janus-like NPs exhibit significantly elevated temperature as compared to conventional NPs with homogenously distributed DMA-BDTO. Both in vitro and in vivo results confirm such thermophoresis-enhanced photothermal effect for improved PTT. Our new strategy of thermophoresis-enhanced photothermal effect shall open new insights for improving photothermal-related tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Di Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Shijie Zhen
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Electrochemical and Magneto-chemical Functional Materials, College of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Guilin University of Technology, Guilin, 541006, China
| | - Xiao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xiangjun Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Zujin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Dan Ding
- Frontiers Science Center for Cell Responses, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, and College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Guangxue Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, China.
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 2001 Longxiang Boulevard, Longgang District, Shenzhen City, Guangdong, 518172, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
What is the importance of sperm subpopulations? Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106844. [PMID: 34538510 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106844] [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: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The study of sperm subpopulations spans three decades. The origin, meaning, and practical significance, however, are less clear. Current technology for assessing sperm morphology (CASA-Morph) and motility (CASA-Mot) has enabled the accurate evaluation of these features, and there are many options for data classification. Subpopulations could occur as a result of the stage of development of each spermatozoon in the subpopulation. Spermatogenesis might contribute to the production of these subpopulations. Insights from evolutionary biology and recent molecular research are indicative of the diversity among male gametes that could occur from unequal sharing of transcripts and other elements through cytoplasmic bridges between spermatids. Sperm cohorts exiting the gonads would contain different RNA and protein contents, affecting the spermatozoon physiology and associations with the surrounding environmental milieu. Subsequently, these differences could affect how spermatozoa interact with the environmental milieu (maturation, mixing with seminal plasma, and interacting with the environmental milieu, or female genital tract and female gamete). The emergence of sperm subpopulations as an outcome of evolution, related to the reproductive strategies of the species, genital tract structures, and copulatory and fertilization processes. This kind of approach in determining the importance of sperm subpopulations in fertilization capacity should have a practical impact for conducting reproductive technologies, inspiring and enabling new ways for the more efficient use of spermatozoa in the medical, animal breeding, and conservation fields. This manuscript is a contribution to the Special Issue in memory of Dr. Duane Garner.
Collapse
|