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Bezrukov A, Galeeva A, Krupin A, Galyametdinov Y. Molecular Orientation Behavior of Lyotropic Liquid Crystal-Carbon Dot Hybrids in Microfluidic Confinement. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5520. [PMID: 38791556 PMCID: PMC11122583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105520] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Lyotropic liquid crystals represent an important class of anisotropic colloid systems. Their integration with optically active nanoparticles can provide us with responsive luminescent media that offer new fundamental and applied solutions for biomedicine. This paper analyzes the molecular-level behavior of such composites represented by tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether and nanoscale carbon dots in microfluidic channels. Microfluidic confinement allows for simultaneously applying multiple factors, such as flow dynamics, wall effects, and temperature, for the precise control of the molecular arrangement in such composites and their resulting optical properties. The microfluidic behavior of composites was characterized by a set of analytical and modeling tools such as polarized and fluorescent microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and fluorescent spectroscopy, as well as image processing in Matlab. The composites were shown to form tunable anisotropic intermolecular structures in microchannels with several levels of molecular ordering. A predominant lamellar structure of the composites was found to undergo additional ordering with respect to the microchannel axis and walls. Such an alignment was controlled by applying shear and temperature factors to the microfluidic environment. The revealed molecular behavior of the composite may contribute to the synthesis of hybrid organized media capable of polarized luminescence for on-chip diagnostics and biomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Bezrukov
- Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Kazan National Research Technological University, 68 Karl Marx Str., 420015 Kazan, Russia; (A.G.); (A.K.); (Y.G.)
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2
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Wamsler K, Head LC, Shendruk TN. Lock-key microfluidics: simulating nematic colloid advection along wavy-walled channels. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:3954-3970. [PMID: 38682298 PMCID: PMC11095502 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01536j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline media mediate interactions between suspended particles and confining geometries, which not only has potential to guide patterning and bottom-up colloidal assembly, but can also control colloidal migration in microfluidic devices. However, simulating such dynamics is challenging because nemato-elasticity, diffusivity and hydrodynamic interactions must all be accounted for within complex boundaries. We model the advection of colloids dispersed in flowing and fluctuating nematic fluids confined within 2D wavy channels. A lock-key mechanism between homeotropic colloids and troughs is found to be stronger for planar anchoring on the wavy walls compared to homeotropic anchoring on the wavy walls due to the relative location of the colloid-associated defects. Sufficiently large amplitudes result in stick-slip trajectories and even permanent locking of colloids in place. These results demonstrate that wavy walls not only have potential to direct colloids to specific docking sites but also to control site-specific resting duration and intermittent elution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Wamsler
- School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK.
| | - Louise C Head
- School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK.
| | - Tyler N Shendruk
- School of Physics and Astronomy, The University of Edinburgh, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK.
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3
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Wang Q, Zhang Z, Wang C, Yang X, Fang Z, Shang L. Bioinspired Confined Assembly of Cellulosic Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Bubbles. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308442. [PMID: 38225706 PMCID: PMC10953211 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Construction of biomimetic models for structural color evolution not only gives new photonic phenomena but also provide cues for biological morphogenesis. Here, a novel confined self-assembly method is proposed for the generation of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)-based cholesteric liquid crystals (CLCs) microbubbles. The assembly process relies on the combination of droplet microfluidics, solvent extraction, and a volume confined environment. The as-prepared HPC structural color microbubbles have a transparent shell, an orderly arranged cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) middle layer, and an innermost bubble core. The size of the microbubble, shell thickness, and the color of the CLC layer can be adjusted by altering the microfluidic parameters. Intriguingly, benefited from the compartmentalization effect provided by droplet microfluidics, microbubbles with multiple cores of different color combinations are generated under precise control. The self-assembled CLCs microbubbles have bright structural color, suspending ability, and good temperature-sensitive characteristics, making them ideal underwater sensors. The present confined assembly approach will shed light on creating novel photonic structures and the HPC microbubble will find widespread applications in multifunctional sensing, optical display, and other related fields are believed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhuohao Zhang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Chong Wang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Xinyuan Yang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Zhonglin Fang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
| | - Luoran Shang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central HospitalZhongshan‐Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigeneticsthe International Co‐laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology)Institutes of Biomedical SciencesFudan UniversityShanghaiChina
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4
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Ma X, Han Y, Zhang YS, Geng Y, Majumdar A, Lagerwall JPF. Tunable templating of photonic microparticles via liquid crystal order-guided adsorption of amphiphilic polymers in emulsions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1404. [PMID: 38360960 PMCID: PMC10869789 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45674-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple emulsions are usually stabilized by amphiphilic molecules that combine the chemical characteristics of the different phases in contact. When one phase is a liquid crystal (LC), the choice of stabilizer also determines its configuration, but conventional wisdom assumes that the orientational order of the LC has no impact on the stabilizer. Here we show that, for the case of amphiphilic polymer stabilizers, this impact can be considerable. The mode of interaction between stabilizer and LC changes if the latter is heated close to its isotropic state, initiating a feedback loop that reverberates on the LC in form of a complete structural rearrangement. We utilize this phenomenon to dynamically tune the configuration of cholesteric LC shells from one with radial helix and spherically symmetric Bragg diffraction to a focal conic domain configuration with highly complex optics. Moreover, we template photonic microparticles from the LC shells by photopolymerizing them into solids, retaining any selected LC-derived structure. Our study places LC emulsions in a new light, calling for a reevaluation of the behavior of stabilizer molecules in contact with long-range ordered phases, while also enabling highly interesting photonic elements with application opportunities across vast fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Ma
- Experimental Soft Matter Physics group, Department of Physics & Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Yucen Han
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Yan-Song Zhang
- Experimental Soft Matter Physics group, Department of Physics & Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Yong Geng
- Experimental Soft Matter Physics group, Department of Physics & Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Apala Majumdar
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jan P F Lagerwall
- Experimental Soft Matter Physics group, Department of Physics & Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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5
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Zhang Y, Yang H, Chen Y, Yu H. Progress in Fabrication and Applications of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Microcapsules. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303198. [PMID: 37971158 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) are well known for inherent responsiveness to external stimuli, such as light, thermal, magnetic, and electric fields. Cholesteric LCs are among the most fascinating, since they possess distinctive optical properties due to the helical molecular orientation. However, the good flow, easy contamination, and poor stability of small-molecule LCs limit their further applications, and microencapsulation as one of the most effective tools can evade these disadvantages. Microencapsulation can offer shell-core structure with LCs in the core can strengthen their stability, avoiding interference with the environment while maintaining the stimuli-responsiveness and optical properties. Here, we report recent progress in the fabrication and applications of cholesteric LC microcapsules (CLCMCs). We summarize general properties and basic principles, fabrication methods including interfacial polymerization, in-situ polymerization, complex coacervation, solvent evaporation, microfluidic and polymerization of reactive mesogens, and then give a comprehensive overview of their applications in various popular domains, including smart fabrics, smart sensor, smart displays, anti-counterfeiting, information encryption, biomedicine and actuators. Finally, we discuss the currently facing challenges and the potential development directions in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100020, Beijing, China
| | - Haixiao Yang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, 100020, Beijing, China
| | - Yinjie Chen
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, 102600, Beijing, China
| | - Haifeng Yu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and, Physics of Ministry of Education, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China
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6
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Fallah-Darrehchi M, Zahedi P. Improvement of Intracellular Interactions through Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Scaffolds by the Alteration of Topology. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:46878-46891. [PMID: 38107894 PMCID: PMC10720303 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Preparation of inherently bioactive scaffolds has become a challenging issue owing to their complicated synthesis and nonrobust modified cell-actuating property. Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs), due to their combined specialties of liquid crystals and elastomers as well as their ability to respond to various kinds of stimuli, have reversibly led to the design of a new class of stimuli-responsive tissue-engineered scaffolds. In this line, in the first stage of this research work, synthesis and evaluation of acrylate-based LCE films (LCEfilm) encompassing mesogenic monomers are carried out. In the second step, the design of an affordable electrospinning technique for preparing LCE nanofibers (LCEfiber) as a problematic topic, thanks to the low molecular weight of the mesogenic chains of LCEs, is investigated. For this purpose, two approaches are considered, including (1) photo-cross-linking of electrospun LCEfiber and (2) blending LCE with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) to produce morphologically stable nanofibers (PCL-LCEfiber). In the following, thermal, mechanical, and morphological evaluations show the optimized crosslinker (mol)/aliphatic spacer (mol) molar ratio of 50:50 for LCEfilm samples. On the other hand, for LCEfiber samples, the appropriate amounts of excessive mesogenic monomer and PCL/LCE (v/v) to fabricate the uniform nanofibers are determined to be 20% and 1:2, respectively. Eventually, PC12 cell compatibility and the impact of the liquid crystalline phase on the PC12 cell dynamic behavior of the samples are examined. The obtained results reveal that PC12 cells cultured on electrospun PCL-LCEfiber nanofibers with an average diameter of ∼659 nm per sample are alive and the scaffold has susceptibility for cell proliferation and actuation because of the rapid increase in cell density and number of singularity points formed in time-lapse cell imaging. Moreover, the PCL-LCEfiber nanofibrous scaffold exhibits a high performance for cell differentiation according to detailed biological evaluations such as gene expression level measurements. The time-lapse evaluation of PC12 cell flow fields confirms the significant influence of the reprogrammable liquid crystalline phase in the PCL-LCEfiber nanofibrous scaffold on topographical cue induction compared to the biodegradable PCL nanofibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Fallah-Darrehchi
- Nano-Biopolymers Research
Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417613131, Iran
| | - Payam Zahedi
- Nano-Biopolymers Research
Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417613131, Iran
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7
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Park S, Lee SS, Yang S, Kim SH. Asymmetric Pairing of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Droplets for Programmable Photonic Cross-Communication. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2303728. [PMID: 37293688 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202303728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The photonic cross-communication between photonic droplets has provided complex color patterns through multiple reflections, potentially serving as novel optical codes. However, the cross-communication is mostly restricted to symmetric pairs of identical droplets. Here, a design rule is reported for the asymmetric pairing of two distinct droplets to provide bright color patterns through strong cross-communication and enrich a variety of optical codes. Cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) droplets with different stopband positions and sizes are paired. The brightness of corresponding color patterns is maximized when the pairs are selected to effectively guide light along the double reflection path by stopbands of two droplets. The experimental results are in good agreement with a geometric model where the blueshift of stopbands is better described by the angles of refraction rather than reflection. The model predicts the effectiveness of pairing quantitatively, which serves as a design rule for programming the asymmetric photonic cross-communication. Moreover, three distinct droplets can be paired in triangular arrays, where all three cross-communication paths yield bright color patterns when three droplets are selected to simultaneously satisfy the rule. It is believed that asymmetric pairing of distinct CLC droplets opens new opportunities for programmable optical encoding in security and anti-counterfeiting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihun Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 34141, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Sang Seok Lee
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Institute of Advanced Composite Materials, KIST, 55324, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
| | - Sehee Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 34141, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Shin-Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), 34141, Daejeon, South Korea
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8
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Concellón A. Liquid Crystal Emulsions: A Versatile Platform for Photonics, Sensing, and Active Matter. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023:e202308857. [PMID: 37694542 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202308857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of liquid crystals (LCs) is a fascinating method for controlling the organization of discrete molecules into nanostructured functional materials. Although LCs are traditionally processed in thin films, their confinement within micrometre-sized droplets has recently revealed new properties and functions, paving the way for next-generation soft responsive materials. These recent findings have unlocked a wealth of unprecedented applications in photonics (e.g. reflectors, lasing materials), sensing (e.g. biomolecule and pathogen detection), soft robotics (e.g. micropumps, artificial muscles), and beyond. This Minireview focuses on recent developments in LC emulsion designs and highlights a variety of novel potential applications. Perspectives on the opportunities and new directions for implementing LC emulsions in future innovative technologies are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Concellón
- Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain
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9
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Bezrukov A, Galyametdinov Y. Tuning Molecular Orientation Responses of Microfluidic Liquid Crystal Dispersions to Colloid and Polymer Flows. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13555. [PMID: 37686359 PMCID: PMC10488184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713555] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
An important approach to molecular diagnostics is integrating organized substances that provide complex molecular level responses to introduced chemical and biological agents with conditions that optimize and distinguish such responses. In this respect, liquid crystal dispersions are attractive components of molecular diagnostic tools. This paper analyzes a colloid system, containing a nematic liquid crystal as a dispersed phase, and aqueous surfactant and polymer solutions as the continuous phases. We applied a microfluidic approach for tuning orientation of liquid crystal molecules in picoliter droplets immobilized on microchannel walls. Introduction of surfactant to the aqueous phase was found to proportionally increase the order parameter of liquid crystal molecules in microdroplets. Infusion of polymer solutions into surfactant-mediated microfluidic liquid crystal dispersions increased the order parameter at much lower surfactant concentrations, while further infusion of surfactant solutions randomized the orientation of liquid crystal molecules. These effects were correlated with the adsorption of surfactant molecules on surfaces of microdroplets, stabilizing the effect of a polymer matrix on bound surfactant ions and the formation of insoluble polymer-colloid aggregates, respectively. The revealed molecular behavior of liquid crystal dispersions may contribute to optimized synthesis of responsive liquid crystal dispersions for in-flow molecular diagnostics of polymers and colloids, and the development of functional laboratory-on-chip prototypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Bezrukov
- Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Kazan National Research Technological University, 68 Karl Marx Str., Kazan 420015, Russia;
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10
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Wang Q, Niu W, Feng S, Liu J, Liu H, Zhu Q. Accelerating Cellulose Nanocrystal Assembly into Chiral Nanostructures. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37464327 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions self-assembled into chiral nematic liquid crystals. This property has enabled the development of versatile optical materials with fascinating properties. Nevertheless, the scale-up production and commercial success of chiral nematic CNC superstructures face significant challenges. Fabrication of chiral nematic CNC nanostructures suffers from a ubiquitous pernicious trade-off between uniform chiral nematic structure and rapid self-assembly. Specifically, the chiral nematic assembly of CNCs is a time-consuming, spontaneous process that involves the organization of particles into ordered nanostructures as the solvent evaporates. This review is driven by the interest in accelerating chiral nematic CNC assembly and promoting a long-range oriented chiral nematic CNC superstructure. To start this review, the chirality origins of CNC and CNC aggregates are analyzed. This is followed by a summary of the recent advances in stimuli-accelerated chiral nematic CNC self-assembly procedures, including evaporation-induced self-assembly, continuous coating, vacuum-assisted self-assembly, and shear-induced CNC assembly under confinement. In particular, stimuli-induced unwinding, alignment, and relaxation of chiral nematic structures were highlighted, offering a significant link between the accelerated assembly approaches and uniform chiral nematic nanostructures. Ultimately, future opportunities and challenges for rapid chiral nematic CNC assembly are discussed for more innovative and exciting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Wen Niu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shixuan Feng
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute of Quantum and Sustainable Technology (IQST), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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Aery S, Parry A, Araiza-Calahorra A, Evans SD, Gleeson HF, Dan A, Sarkar A. Ultra-stable liquid crystal droplets coated by sustainable plant-based materials for optical sensing of chemical and biological analytes. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. C 2023; 11:5831-5845. [PMID: 37153011 PMCID: PMC10158717 DOI: 10.1039/d3tc00598d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the synthesis of ultra-stable, spherical, nematic liquid crystal (LC) droplets of narrow size polydispersity coated by sustainable, biodegradable, plant-based materials that trigger a typical bipolar-to-radial configurational transition in dynamic response to chemical and biological analytes. Specifically, a highly soluble polymer, potato protein (PoP) and a physically-crosslinked potato protein microgel (PoPM) of ∼100 nm in diameter, prepared from the PoP, a byproduct of the starch industry, were compared for their ability to coat LC droplets. Although both PoP and PoPM were capable of reducing the interfacial tension between water and n-tetradecane <30 mN m-1, PoPM-coated LC droplets showed better stability than the PoP-coated droplets via a Pickering-like mechanism. Strikingly, the Pickering LC droplets outperformed PoP-stabilized droplets in terms of dynamic response with 5× lower detection limit to model chemical analytes (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) due to the difference in SDS-binding features between the protein and the microgel. To eliminate the effect of size polydispersity on the response, monodisperse Pickering LC droplets of diameter ∼16 μm were additionally obtained using microfluidics, which mirrored the response to chemical as well as biological analytes, i.e., primary bile acid, an important biomarker of liver diseases. We demonstrate that these eco-friendly microgels used for creating monodisperse, ultra-stable, LC complex colloids are powerful templates for fabricating next generation, sustainable optical sensors for early diagnosis in clinical settings and other sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Aery
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University Chandigarh 160014 India
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Adele Parry
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Andrea Araiza-Calahorra
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Helen F Gleeson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Abhijit Dan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University Chandigarh 160014 India
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Simhat Haringhata West Bengal 741249 India
| | - Anwesha Sarkar
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
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12
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Tone CM, Zizzari A, Spina L, Bianco M, De Santo MP, Arima V, Barberi RC, Ciuchi F. Sunset Yellow Confined in Curved Geometry: A Microfluidic Approach. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:6134-6141. [PMID: 37072936 PMCID: PMC10157883 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The behavior of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) in confined environments is an interesting research field that still awaits exploration, with multiple key variables to be uncovered and understood. Microfluidics is a highly versatile technique that allows us to confine LCLCs in micrometric spheres. As microscale networks offer distinct interplays between the surface effects, geometric confinement, and viscosity parameters, rich and unique interactions emerging at the LCLC-microfluidic channel interfaces are expected. Here, we report on the behavior of pure and chiral doped nematic Sunset Yellow (SSY) chromonic microdroplets produced through a microfluidic flow-focusing device. The continuous production of SSY microdroplets with controllable size gives the possibility to systematically study their topological textures as the function of their diameters. Indeed, doped SSY microdroplets produced via microfluidics, show topologies that are typical of common chiral thermotropic liquid crystals. Furthermore, few droplets exhibit a peculiar texture never observed for chiral chromonic liquid crystals. Finally, the achieved precise control of the produced LCLC microdroplets is a crucial step for technological applications in biosensing and anticounterfeiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Maria Tone
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zizzari
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lorenza Spina
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Monica Bianco
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Penelope De Santo
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Valentina Arima
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristoforo Barberi
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Federica Ciuchi
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
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13
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Bezrukov A, Galyametdinov Y. Dynamic Flow Control over Optical Properties of Liquid Crystal-Quantum Dot Hybrids in Microfluidic Devices. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:mi14050990. [PMID: 37241613 DOI: 10.3390/mi14050990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we report developing approaches to tuning the optical behavior of microfluidic devices by infusing smart hybrids of liquid crystal and quantum dots into microchannel confinement. We characterize the optical responses of liquid crystal-quantum dot composites to polarized and UV light in single-phase microflows. In the range of flow velocities up to 10 mm/s, the flow modes of microfluidic devices were found to correlate with the orientation of liquid crystals, dispersion of quantum dots in homogeneous microflows and the resulting luminescence response of these dynamic systems to UV excitation. We developed a Matlab algorithm and script to quantify this correlation by performing an automated analysis of microscopy images. Such systems may have application potential as optically responsive sensing microdevices with integrated smart nanostructural components, parts of lab-on-a-chip logic circuits, or diagnostic tools for biomedical instruments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Bezrukov
- Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Kazan National Research Technological University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
| | - Yury Galyametdinov
- Department of Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Kazan National Research Technological University, 420015 Kazan, Russia
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14
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Nette J, Montanarella F, Zhu C, Sekh TV, Boehme SC, Bodnarchuk MI, Rainò G, Howes PD, Kovalenko MV, deMello AJ. Microfluidic synthesis of monodisperse and size-tunable CsPbBr 3 supraparticles. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:3554-3557. [PMID: 36880408 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc00093a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
The highly controlled, microfluidic template-assisted self-assembly of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals into spherical supraparticles is presented, achieving precise control over average supraparticle size through the variation of nanocrystal concentration and droplet size; thus facilitating the synthesis of highly monodisperse, sub-micron supraparticles (with diameters between 280 and 700 nm).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Nette
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland.
| | - Federico Montanarella
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Chenglian Zhu
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Taras V Sekh
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Simon C Boehme
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Maryna I Bodnarchuk
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Rainò
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Philip D Howes
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, London SE1 0AA, UK
| | - Maksym V Kovalenko
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland
- Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Dübendorf CH-8600, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J deMello
- Institute of Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8093, Switzerland.
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15
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Froyen AAF, Schenning APHJ. A multifunctional structural coloured electronic skin monitoring body motion and temperature. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:361-365. [PMID: 36625272 PMCID: PMC9846708 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01503j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Multifunctional e-skins provide information on physiological and environmental parameters. However, the development and fabrication of such devices is challenging. Here, structural coloured electronic skins are presented, which are prepared via scalable methods that can simultaneously monitor the skin temperature and body motion when patched onto the human skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne A F Froyen
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Albert P H J Schenning
- Stimuli-responsive Functional Materials and Devices, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands.
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Den Dolech 2, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
- SCNU-TUE Joint Laboratory of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM), South China Normal University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou 510006, China
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16
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Lim SI, Jang E, Yu D, Koo J, Kang DG, Lee KM, Godman NP, McConney ME, Kim DY, Jeong KU. When Chirophotonic Film Meets Wrinkles: Viewing Angle Independent Corrugated Photonic Crystal Paper. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2206764. [PMID: 36314392 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202206764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Light manipulation strategies of nature have fascinated humans for centuries. In particular, structural colors are of considerable interest due to their ability to control the interaction between light and matter. Here, wrinkled photonic crystal papers (PCPs) are fabricated to demonstrate the consistent reflection of colors regardless of viewing angles. The nanoscale molecular self-assembly of a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) with a microscale corrugated surface is combined. Fully polymerizable CLC paints are uniaxially coated onto a wrinkled interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) substrate. Photopolymerization of the helicoidal nanostructures results in a flexible and free-standing PCP. The facile method of fabricating the wrinkled PCPs provides a scalable route for the development of novel chirophotonic materials with precisely controlled helical pitch and curvature dimensions. The reflection notch position of the flat PCP shifts to a lower wavelength when the viewing angle increased, while the selective reflection wavelength of wrinkled PCP is remained consistent regardless of viewing angles. The optical reflection of the 1D stripe-wrinkled PCP is dependent on the wrinkle direction. PCPs with different corrugated directions can be patterned to reduce the angular-dependent optical reflection of wrinkles. Furthermore, 2D wavy-wrinkled PCP is successfully developed that exhibit directionally independent reflection of color.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-In Lim
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Jang
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongmin Yu
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Jahyeon Koo
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Gue Kang
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Wanju, 55324, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Lee
- US Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, 45433, USA
| | - Nicholas P Godman
- US Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, 45433, USA
| | - Michael E McConney
- US Air Force Research Laboratory Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, 45433, USA
| | - Dae-Yoon Kim
- Functional Composite Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Wanju, 55324, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Un Jeong
- Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology, Department of Nano Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, 54896, Republic of Korea
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17
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Rajendra D, Mandal J, Hatwalne Y, Maiti PK. Packing and emergence of the ordering of rods in a spherical monolayer. SOFT MATTER 2022; 19:137-146. [PMID: 36477473 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00799a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Spatially ordered systems confined to surfaces such as spheres exhibit interesting topological structures because of curvature induced frustration in orientational and translational order. The study of these structures is important for investigating the interplay between the geometry, topology, and elasticity, and for their potential applications in materials science, such as engineering directionally binding particles. In this work, we numerically simulate a spherical monolayer of soft repulsive spherocylinders (SRSs) and study the packing of rods and their ordering transition as a function of the packing fraction. In the model that we study, the centers of mass of the spherocylinders (situated at their geometric centers) are constrained to move on a spherical surface. The spherocylinders are free to rotate about any axis that passes through their respective centers of mass. We show that, up to moderate packing fractions, a two dimensional liquid crystalline phase is formed whose orientational ordering increases continuously with increasing density. This monolayer of orientationally ordered SRS particles at medium densities resembles a hedgehog-long axes of the SRS particles are aligned along the local normal to the sphere. At higher packing fractions, the system undergoes a transition to the solid phase, which is riddled with topological point defects (disclinations) and grain boundaries that divide the whole surface into several domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dharanish Rajendra
- Centre for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India.
| | - Jaydeep Mandal
- Centre for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India.
| | | | - Prabal K Maiti
- Centre for Condensed Matter Theory, Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560012, India.
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18
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Norouzi S, Zhang R, Munguia-Fernández JG, de Pablo L, Zhou Y, Taheri-Qazvini N, Shapiro H, Morin S, Martinez-Gonzalez JA, Sadati M, de Pablo JJ. Director Distortion and Phase Modulation in Deformable Nematic and Smectic Liquid Crystal Spheroids. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:15272-15281. [PMID: 36454950 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The growing interest in integrating liquid crystals (LCs) into flexible and miniaturized technologies brings about the need to understand the interplay between spatially curved geometry, surface anchoring, and the order associated with these materials. Here, we integrate experimental methods and computational simulations to explore the competition between surface-induced orientation and the effects of deformable curved boundaries in uniaxially and biaxially stretched nematic and smectic microdroplets. We find that the director field of the nematic LCs upon uniaxial strain reorients and forms a larger twisted defect ring to adjust to the new deformed geometry of the stretched droplet. Upon biaxial extension, the director field initially twists in the now oblate geometry and subsequently transitions into a uniform vertical orientation at high strains. In smectic microdroplets, on the other hand, LC alignment transforms from a radial smectic layering to a quasi-flat layering in a compromise between interfacial and dilatation forces. Upon removing the mechanical strain, the smectic LC recovers its initial radial configuration; however, the oblate geometry traps the nematic LC in the metastable vertical state. These findings offer a basis for the rational design of LC-based flexible devices, including wearable sensors, flexible displays, and smart windows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Norouzi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Rui Zhang
- Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong
| | - Juan G Munguia-Fernández
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Parque Chapultepec 1580, San Luis Potosí 78295, México
| | - Luis de Pablo
- University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, 1362 E 59th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Ye Zhou
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Nader Taheri-Qazvini
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Harrison Shapiro
- University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, 1362 E 59th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Samuel Morin
- University of Chicago Laboratory Schools, 1362 E 59th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Jose A Martinez-Gonzalez
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, Av. Parque Chapultepec 1580, San Luis Potosí 78295, México
| | - Monirosadat Sadati
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina 29208, United States
| | - Juan J de Pablo
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
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19
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Kulabhusan PK, Ray R, Ramachandra SG, Srinivasulu M, Hariharan A, Balaji K, Mani NK. Coalescing aptamers and liquid-crystals for sensing applications. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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20
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Agha H, Geng Y, Ma X, Avşar DI, Kizhakidathazhath R, Zhang YS, Tourani A, Bavle H, Sanchez-Lopez JL, Voos H, Schwartz M, Lagerwall JPF. Unclonable human-invisible machine vision markers leveraging the omnidirectional chiral Bragg diffraction of cholesteric spherical reflectors. LIGHT, SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS 2022; 11:309. [PMID: 36284089 PMCID: PMC9592545 DOI: 10.1038/s41377-022-01002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The seemingly simple step of molding a cholesteric liquid crystal into spherical shape, yielding a Cholesteric Spherical Reflector (CSR), has profound optical consequences that open a range of opportunities for potentially transformative technologies. The chiral Bragg diffraction resulting from the helical self-assembly of cholesterics becomes omnidirectional in CSRs. This turns them into selective retroreflectors that are exceptionally easy to distinguish-regardless of background-by simple and low-cost machine vision, while at the same time they can be made largely imperceptible to human vision. This allows them to be distributed in human-populated environments, laid out in the form of QR-code-like markers that help robots and Augmented Reality (AR) devices to operate reliably, and to identify items in their surroundings. At the scale of individual CSRs, unpredictable features within each marker turn them into Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs), of great value for secure authentication. Via the machines reading them, CSR markers can thus act as trustworthy yet unobtrusive links between the physical world (buildings, vehicles, packaging,…) and its digital twin computer representation. This opens opportunities to address pressing challenges in logistics and supply chain management, recycling and the circular economy, sustainable construction of the built environment, and many other fields of individual, societal and commercial importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakam Agha
- University of Luxembourg, Department of Physics & Materials Science, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Yong Geng
- University of Luxembourg, Department of Physics & Materials Science, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Xu Ma
- University of Luxembourg, Department of Physics & Materials Science, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Deniz Işınsu Avşar
- University of Luxembourg, Department of Physics & Materials Science, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | | | - Yan-Song Zhang
- University of Luxembourg, Department of Physics & Materials Science, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ali Tourani
- University of Luxembourg, Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), 1855, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Hriday Bavle
- University of Luxembourg, Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), 1855, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Jose-Luis Sanchez-Lopez
- University of Luxembourg, Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), 1855, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Holger Voos
- University of Luxembourg, Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), 1855, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- University of Luxembourg,University of Luxembourg, Department of Engineering, L-1359, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Mathew Schwartz
- New Jersey Institute of Technology, College of Architecture and Design, University Heights, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Jan P F Lagerwall
- University of Luxembourg, Department of Physics & Materials Science, 1511, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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21
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Greff da Silveira L, Livotto PR, Padula D, Vilhena JG, Prampolini G. Accurate Quantum-Mechanically Derived Force-Fields through a Fragment-Based Approach: Balancing Specificity and Transferability in the Prediction of Self-Assembly in Soft Matter. J Chem Theory Comput 2022; 18:6905-6919. [PMID: 36260420 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jctc.2c00747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The wide range of time/length scales covered by self-assembly in soft matter makes molecular dynamics (MD) the ideal candidate for simulating such a supramolecular phenomenon at an atomistic level. However, the reliability of MD outcomes heavily relies on the accuracy of the adopted force-field (FF). The spontaneous re-ordering in liquid crystalline materials stands as a clear example of such collective self-assembling processes, driven by a subtle and delicate balance between supramolecular interactions and single-molecule flexibility. General-purpose transferable FFs often dramatically fail to reproduce such complex phenomena, for example, the error on the transition temperatures being larger than 100 K. Conversely, quantum-mechanically derived force-fields (QMD-FFs), specifically tailored for the target system, were recently shown (J. Phys. Chem. Lett.2022,13, 243) to allow for the required accuracy as they not only well reproduced transition temperatures but also yielded a quantitative agreement with the experiment on a wealth of structural, dynamic, and thermodynamic properties. The main drawback of this strategy stands in the computational burden connected to the numerous quantum mechanical (QM) calculations usually required for a target-specific parameterization, which has undoubtedly hampered the routine application of QMD-FFs. In this work, we propose a fragment-based strategy to extend the applicability of QMD-FFs, in which the amount of QM calculations is significantly reduced, being a single-molecule-optimized geometry and its Hessian matrix the only QM information required. To validate this route, a new FF is assembled for a large mesogen, exploiting the parameters obtained for two smaller liquid crystalline molecules, in this and previous work. Lengthy MD simulations are carried out with the new transferred QMD-FF, observing again a spontaneous re-orientation in the correct range of temperatures, with good agreement with the available experimental measures. The present results strongly suggest that a partial transfer of QMD-FF parameters can be invoked without a significant loss of accuracy, thus paving the way to exploit the method's intrinsic predictive capabilities in the simulation of novel soft materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Greff da Silveira
- Instituto de Química (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, CEP 91501-970Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paolo Roberto Livotto
- Instituto de Química (Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul), Avenida Bento Gonçalves 9500, CEP 91501-970Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Daniele Padula
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia (Università di Siena), via Aldo Moro 2, 53100Siena, SI, Italy
| | - J G Vilhena
- Departamento de Física Teórica de la Materia Condensada (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), E-28049Madrid, Spain.,Condensed Matter Physics Center (IFIMAC) (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), E-28049Madrid, Spain
| | - Giacomo Prampolini
- Istituto di Chimica dei Composti OrganoMetallici (ICCOM-CNR), Area della Ricerca, via G. Moruzzi 1, I-56124Pisa, Italy
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22
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Molecular Dynamics Simulations on the Flow Behavior of 5CB Liquid Crystal Sandwiched Between Iron Walls. ADVANCED THEORY AND SIMULATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adts.202200346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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23
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Bezrukov AN, Osipova VV, Galyametdinov YG. Orientational behavior of a nematic liquid crystal and its composite with quantum dots in a microfluidic channel. Russ Chem Bull 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11172-022-3631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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24
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Abbasi Moud A. Advanced cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) aerogels: Bottom-up assembly perspective for production of adsorbents. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:1-29. [PMID: 36156339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The most common and abundant polymer in nature is the linear polysaccharide cellulose, but processing it requires a new approach since cellulose degrades before melting and does not dissolve in ordinary organic solvents. Cellulose aerogels are exceptionally porous (>90 %), have a high specific surface area, and have low bulk density (0.0085 mg/cm3), making them suitable for a variety of sophisticated applications including but not limited to adsorbents. The production of materials with different qualities from the nanocellulose based aerogels is possible thanks to the ease with which other chemicals may be included into the structure of nanocellulose based aerogels; despite processing challenges, cellulose can nevertheless be formed into useful, value-added products using a variety of traditional and cutting-edge techniques. To improve the adsorption of these aerogels, rheology, 3-D printing, surface modification, employment of metal organic frameworks, freezing temperature, and freeze casting techniques were all investigated and included. In addition to exploring venues for creation of aerogels, their integration with CNC liquid crystal formation were also explored and examined to pursue "smart adsorbent aerogels". The objective of this endeavour is to provide a concise and in-depth evaluation of recent findings about the conception and understanding of nanocellulose aerogel employing a variety of technologies and examination of intricacies involved in enhancing adsorption properties of these aerogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aref Abbasi Moud
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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25
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Abbasi Moud A. Chiral Liquid Crystalline Properties of Cellulose Nanocrystals: Fundamentals and Applications. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:30673-30699. [PMID: 36092570 PMCID: PMC9453985 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c03311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
By using an independent self-assembly process that is occasionally controlled by evaporation, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) may create films (pure or in conjunction with other materials) that have iridescent structural colors. The self-forming chiral nematic structures and environmental safety of a new class of photonic liquid crystals (LCs), referred to as CNCs and CNC-embedded materials, make them simple to make and treat. The structure of the matrix interacts with light to give structural coloring, as opposed to other dye pigments, which interact with light by adsorption and reflection. Understanding how CNC self-assembly constructs structures is vital in several fields, including physics, science, and engineering. To constructure this review, the colloidal characteristics of CNC particles and their behavior during the formation of liquid crystals and gelling were studied. Then, some of the recognized applications for these naturally occurring nanoparticles were summarized. Different factors were considered, including the CNC aspect ratio, surface chemistry, concentration, the amount of time needed to produce an anisotropic phase, and the addition of additional substances to the suspension medium. The effects of alignment and the drying process conditions on structural changes are also covered. The focus of this study however is on the optical properties of the films as well as the impact of the aforementioned factors on the final transparency, iridescent colors, and versus the overall response of these bioinspired photonic materials. Control of the examined factors was found to be necessary to produce reliable materials for optoelectronics, intelligent inks and papers, transparent flexible support for electronics, and decorative coatings and films.
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26
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Kim YG, Park S, Kim SH. Designing photonic microparticles with droplet microfluidics. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:10303-10328. [PMID: 36043863 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc03629k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Photonic materials with a periodic change of refractive index show unique optical properties through wavelength-selective diffraction and modulation of the optical density of state, which is promising for various optical applications. In particular, photonic structures have been produced in the format of microparticles using emulsion templates to achieve advanced properties and applications beyond those of a conventional film format. Photonic microparticles can be used as a building block to construct macroscopic photonic materials, and the individual microparticles can serve as miniaturized photonic devices. Droplet microfluidics enables the production of emulsion drops with a controlled size, composition, and configuration that serve as the optimal confining geometry for designing photonic microparticles. This feature article reviews the recent progress and current state of the art in the field of photonic microparticles, covering all aspects of microfluidic production methods, microparticle geometries, optical properties, and applications. Two distinct bottom-up approaches based on colloidal assembly and liquid crystals are, respectively, discussed and compared.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Geon Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sihun Park
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
| | - Shin-Hyun Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Uchida J, Soberats B, Gupta M, Kato T. Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109063. [PMID: 35034382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid-crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic-based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid-crystalline materials, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, 07122, Spain
| | - Monika Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
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28
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Unprecedently large 37Cl/ 35Cl equilibrium isotopic fractionation on nano-confinement of chloride anion. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1768. [PMID: 35110604 PMCID: PMC8811032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05629-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Confinement can result in unusual properties leading to new, exciting discoveries in the nano-realm. One such consequence of confinement at the nanoscale is extremally large isotopic fractionation, especially at sub-van der Waals distances. Herein, on the example of chlorine isotope effects, we show that at conditions of nanoencapsulation these effects may reach values by far larger than observed for the bulk environment, which in the case of nanotubes can lead to practical applications (e.g., in isotopic enrichment) and needs to be considered in analytical procedures that employ nanomaterials.
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29
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Abstract
Smart soft materials are envisioned to be the building blocks of the next generation of advanced devices and digitally augmented technologies. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs) owing to their responsive and adaptive attributes could serve as promising smart soft materials. LCs played a critical role in revolutionizing the information display industry in the 20th century. However, in the turn of the 21st century, numerous beyond-display applications of LCs have been demonstrated, which elegantly exploit their controllable stimuli-responsive and adaptive characteristics. For these applications, new LC materials have been rationally designed and developed. In this Review, we present the recent developments in light driven chiral LCs, i.e., cholesteric and blue phases, LC based smart windows that control the entrance of heat and light from outdoor to the interior of buildings and built environments depending on the weather conditions, LC elastomers for bioinspired, biological, and actuator applications, LC based biosensors for detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, LC based porous membranes for the separation of ions, molecules, and microbes, living LCs, and LCs under macro- and nanoscopic confinement. The Review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for LCs as smart soft materials. This Review is anticipated to stimulate eclectic ideas toward the implementation of the nature's delicate phase of matter in future generations of smart and augmented devices and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States.,Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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30
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Ho K, Kim KS, de Beer S, Walker GC. Chemical Composition and Strain at Interfaces between Different Morphologies in Block Copolymer Thin Films. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:12723-12731. [PMID: 34693716 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c02169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Transitional composition between two thin-film morphologies of the block copolymer, polystyrene-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PS-b-PtBuA), was investigated using near-field infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy mechanical measurements. These techniques allowed block identification with nanoscale spatial resolution and elucidated the material's sub-surface composition. PS was found to form coronae around the PtBuA block in spherical valleys on flat areas of the film, and coronae of PtBuA surrounding the PS lamellae were observed at the edge of the polymer film, where parallel lamellae are formed. Furthermore, we found that the peak position and width varied by location, which may be a result of block composition, chain tension, or substrate interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Ho
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Kris S Kim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sissi de Beer
- Sustainable Polymer Chemistry, Department of Molecules & Materials, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands
| | - Gilbert C Walker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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31
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Synthesis, characterization and self-assembly of new cholesteryl-substitued sym-tetrazine: Fluorescence, gelation and mesogenic properties. J Mol Liq 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.117543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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32
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Yang C, Chen L, Zhang R, Chen D, Arriaga LR, Weitz DA. Local high-density distributions of phospholipids induced by the nucleation and growth of smectic liquid crystals at the interface. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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33
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Liu X, Debije MG, Heuts JPA, Schenning APHJ. Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Particles Prepared by Classical Polymerization Techniques. Chemistry 2021; 27:14168-14178. [PMID: 34320258 PMCID: PMC8596811 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-crystalline polymer particles prepared by classical polymerization techniques are receiving increased attention as promising candidates for use in a variety of applications including micro-actuators, structurally colored objects, and absorbents. These particles have anisotropic molecular order and liquid-crystalline phases that distinguish them from conventional polymer particles. In this minireview, the preparation of liquid-crystalline polymer particles from classical suspension, (mini-)emulsion, dispersion, and precipitation polymerization reactions are discussed. The particle sizes, molecular orientations, and liquid-crystalline phases produced by each technique are summarized and compared. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges and prospects of the preparation of liquid-crystalline polymer particles by classical polymerization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Johan P. A. Heuts
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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34
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Uchida Y, Sakaguchi T, Oki S, Shimono S, Park J, Sugiyama M, Sato S, Zaytseva E, Mazhukin DG, Tamura R. Magnetically Manipulable Ionic Liquid Crystals Incorporating Neutral Radical Moiety. Chempluschem 2021; 87:e202100352. [PMID: 34636499 DOI: 10.1002/cplu.202100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
With a view to fabricating a new remote input-output system by applying functional ionic liquid crystalline (ILC) materials, we have developed novel ILC compounds containing a nitroxide radical unit in the organic cations, which show an enantiotropic smectic A (SmA) phase. We have implemented the magnetic manipulation of a droplet of one of the ILC compounds on the basis of the intermolecular magnetic interactions between radical moieties. This ILC monoradical compound shows a 55 % larger increase in paramagnetic susceptibility at the solid-to-LC melting point in the first heating process than the non-ionic LC monoradical compounds. It is most likely owing to the nanosegregation of strongly bonded ionic and non-ionic moieties. The increased molar magnetic susceptibility is preserved not only in the SmA phase but also in the isotropic liquid and solid phases during the first cooling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiaki Uchida
- Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Sakaguchi
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Oki
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Shimono
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Jayeong Park
- Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Shimane University, 1060 Nishikawatsu-cho, Matsue, Shimane, 690-8504, Japan
| | - Masahito Sugiyama
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Shuichi Sato
- Osaka Dental University, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-114, Japan
| | - Elena Zaytseva
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.,Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 3 Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitrii G Mazhukin
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 9 Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogova St., Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Rui Tamura
- Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
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35
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Applications of Microfluidics in Liquid Crystal-Based Biosensors. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11100385. [PMID: 34677341 PMCID: PMC8534167 DOI: 10.3390/bios11100385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) with stimuli-responsive configuration transition and optical anisotropic properties have attracted enormous interest in the development of simple and label-free biosensors. The combination of microfluidics and the LCs offers great advantages over traditional LC-based biosensors including small sample consumption, fast analysis and low cost. Moreover, microfluidic techniques provide a promising tool to fabricate uniform and reproducible LC-based sensing platforms. In this review, we emphasize the recent development of microfluidics in the fabrication and integration of LC-based biosensors, including LC planar sensing platforms and LC droplets. Fabrication and integration of LC-based planar platforms with microfluidics for biosensing applications are first introduced. The generation and entrapment of monodisperse LC droplets with different microfluidic structures, as well as their applications in the detection of chemical and biological species, are then summarized. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of the development of LC-based microfluidic biosensors are proposed. This review will promote the understanding of microfluidic techniques in LC-based biosensors and facilitate the development of LC-based microfluidic biosensing devices with high performance.
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36
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Shah S, Marandi P, Neelakandan PP. Advances in the Supramolecular Chemistry of Tetracoordinate Boron-Containing Organic Molecules into Organogels and Mesogens. Front Chem 2021; 9:708854. [PMID: 34557473 PMCID: PMC8452935 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.708854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Boron-containing organic compounds are well accepted as a class of compounds having excellent photophysical properties. In addition to the unique photophysical properties, the ease of synthesis and structural robustness make tetracoordinate boron complexes ideal for a variety of applications. While significant light has been thrown on their luminescence properties, there is no collective attention to their supramolecular chemistry. In this mini review, we discuss the progress made in the supramolecular chemistry of these compounds which includes their utility as building blocks for liquid crystalline materials and gels largely driven by various non-covalent interactions like H-bonding, CH-π interactions, BF-π interactions and Van der Waals forces. The organoboron compounds presented here are prepared from easy-to-synthesize chelating units such as imines, diiminates, ketoiminates and diketonates. Moreover, the presence of heteroatoms such as nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, and the presence of aromatic rings facilitate non-covalent interactions which not only favor their formation but also helps to stabilize the self-assembled structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanchita Shah
- Energy and Environment Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - Parvati Marandi
- Energy and Environment Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
| | - P P Neelakandan
- Energy and Environment Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, India
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37
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Sun J, Zhang L, Li Z, Tang Q, Chen J, Huang Y, Hu C, Guo H, Peng Y, Wang ZL. A Mobile and Self-Powered Micro-Flow Pump Based on Triboelectricity Driven Electroosmosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2102765. [PMID: 34270820 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202102765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Electroosmotic pumps have been widely used in microfluidic systems. However, traditional high-voltage (HV)-sources are bulky in size and induce numerous accessional reactions, which largely reduce the system's portability and efficiency. Herein, a motion-controlled, highly efficient micro-flow pump based on triboelectricity driven electroosmosis is reported. Utilizing the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), a strong electric field can be formed between two electrodes in the microfluidic channel with an electric double layer, thus driving the controllable electroosmotic flow by biomechanical movements. The performance and operation mechanism of this triboelectric electroosmotic pump (TEOP) is systematically studied and analyzed using a basic free-standing mode TENG. The TEOP produces ≈600 nL min-1 micro-flow with a Joule heat down to 1.76 J cm-3 nL-1 compared with ≈50 nL min-1 and 8.12 J cm-3 nL-1 for an HV-source. The advantages of economy, efficiency, portability, and safety render the TEOP a more conducive option to achieve wider applications in motion-activated micro/nanofluidic transportation and manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Sun
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Lingjun Zhang
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Qian Tang
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- College of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China
| | - YingZhou Huang
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Chenguo Hu
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Hengyu Guo
- Department of Applied Physics, State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yan Peng
- School of Artificial Intelligence, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Zhong Lin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, P. R. China
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
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38
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Concellón A, Fong D, Swager TM. Complex Liquid Crystal Emulsions for Biosensing. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:9177-9182. [PMID: 34110131 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c04115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Herein we describe a highly responsive optical biosensor based on dynamic complex liquid crystal (LC) emulsions. These emulsions are simple to prepare and consist of immiscible chiral nematic liquid crystals (N*) and fluorocarbon oils. In this work, we exploit the N* selective reflection to build a new sensing paradigm. Our detection strategy is based on changes in the LC/water interfacial activity of boronic acid polymeric surfactants caused by reversible interactions with IgG antibodies at the LC interface. Such biomolecular recognition events can vary the pitch length of the N* organization due to the presence of binaphthyl units in the polymeric structure, which are known to be powerful chiral dopants. We demonstrate that these interface-triggered reflection changes can be used as an effective optical read-out for the detection of the foodborne pathogen Salmonella.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Concellón
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Darryl Fong
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Timothy M Swager
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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39
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Oki O, Kulkarni C, Yamagishi H, Meskers SCJ, Lin ZH, Huang JS, Meijer EW, Yamamoto Y. Robust Angular Anisotropy of Circularly Polarized Luminescence from a Single Twisted-Bipolar Polymeric Microsphere. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:8772-8779. [PMID: 34085826 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It has long been surmised that the circular polarization of luminescence (CPL) emitted by a chiral molecule or a molecular assembly should vary with the direction in which the photon is emitted. Despite its potential utility, this anisotropic CPL has not yet been demonstrated at the level of single molecules or supramolecular assemblies. Here we show that conjugated polymers bearing chiral side chains self-assemble into solid microspheres with a twisted bipolar interior, which are formed via liquid-liquid phase separation and subsequent condensation into a cholesteric lyotropic liquid crystalline mesophase. The resultant microspheres, when dispersed in methanol, exhibit CPL with a glum value as high as 0.23. The microspheres are mechanically robust enough to be handled with a microneedle under ambient conditions, allowing comprehensive examination of the angular anisotropy of CPL. The single microsphere is found to exhibit distinct angularly anisotropic birefringence and CPL with glum up to ∼0.5 in the equatorial plane, which is 2.5-fold greater than that along the polar axis. Such optically anisotropic solid materials are important for the application to next-generation microlight-emitting and visualizing devices as well as for fundamental optics studies of chiral light-matter interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Oki
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, and Tsukuba Research Center for Energy Materials Science (TREMS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Chidambar Kulkarni
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Hiroshi Yamagishi
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, and Tsukuba Research Center for Energy Materials Science (TREMS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Stefan C J Meskers
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Zhan-Hong Lin
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jer-Shing Huang
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Albert-Einstein Straße 9, 07745 Jena, Germany.,Institute of Physical Chemistry and Abbe Center of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Helmholtzweg 4, D-07743 Jena, Germany.,Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, 128 Sec. 2, Academia Road, Nankang District, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.,Department of Electrophysics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - E W Meijer
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Yohei Yamamoto
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, and Tsukuba Research Center for Energy Materials Science (TREMS), University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
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