1
|
Mei B, Moreno AJ, Schweizer KS. Unified Understanding of the Structure, Thermodynamics, and Diffusion of Single-Chain Nanoparticle Fluids. ACS NANO 2024; 18:15529-15544. [PMID: 38842208 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) are a fascinating class of soft nano-objects with promising properties and relevance to protein condensates, polymer nanocomposites, nanomedicine, bioimaging, catalysis, and drug delivery. We combine molecular dynamics simulations and equilibrium and time-dependent statistical mechanical theory to construct a unified understanding of how the internal conformational structure of SCNPs, of both a simple fractal globule-like form and more complex objects with multiple internal intermediate length scales, determines nm-scale intermolecular packing correlations, thermodynamic properties, and center-of-mass diffusion over a wide range of concentrations up to dense melts. The intermolecular pair correlations generically exhibit a distinctive deep correlation hole form due to SCNP internal connectivity structure and repulsive interparticle interactions associated with a globular-like conformation on the macromolecular scale, with concentration-dependent deviations at small separations. Unanticipated exponential-like dependences of the equation-of-state, osmotic compressibility, and center-of-mass diffusion constant on SCNP macromolecular packing fraction are theoretically predicted and confirmed via simulations. System-specific behaviors are found associated with SCNP internal structure, but overarching regularities are identified and understood based on a generalized effective globule conformation on macromolecular scales. Diffusivity slows down by 2-3 decades with increasing concentration and is understood as a consequence of a nonactivated excluded volume-driven weak-caging process associated with space-time correlated intermolecular forces experienced by the SCNP. Good agreement between the theory and simulations is established, testable predictions are made, and a quantitative comparison with viscosity measurements on a specific SCNP fluid is carried out. The basic theoretical approach can potentially be extended to treat the chemical and physical consequences of varying the structure of other classes of soft nanoparticles with distinctive internal nanoscale organization relevant in nanotechnology and nanomedicine, and the possible emergence of macromolecular kinetically arrested glasses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baicheng Mei
- Department of Materials Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Angel J Moreno
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, Donostia-San Sebastián E-20018, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, Donostia-San Sebastián E-20018, Spain
| | - Kenneth S Schweizer
- Department of Materials Science, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vo T. Theory and simulation of ligand functionalized nanoparticles - a pedagogical overview. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:3554-3576. [PMID: 38646950 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00177j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Synthesizing reconfigurable nanoscale synthons with predictive control over shape, size, and interparticle interactions is a holy grail of bottom-up self-assembly. Grand challenges in their rational design, however, lie in both the large space of experimental synthetic parameters and proper understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing their formation. As such, computational and theoretical tools for predicting and modeling building block interactions have grown to become integral in modern day self-assembly research. In this review, we provide an in-depth discussion of the current state-of-the-art strategies available for modeling ligand functionalized nanoparticles. We focus on the critical role of how ligand interactions and surface distributions impact the emergent, pre-programmed behaviors between neighboring particles. To help build insights into the underlying physics, we first define an "ideal" limit - the short ligand, "hard" sphere approximation - and discuss all experimental handles through the lens of perturbations about this reference point. Finally, we identify theories that are capable of bridging interparticle interactions to nanoscale self-assembly and conclude by discussing exciting new directions for this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thi Vo
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Parale VG, Kim T, Choi H, Phadtare VD, Dhavale RP, Kanamori K, Park HH. Mechanically Strengthened Aerogels through Multiscale, Multicompositional, and Multidimensional Approaches: A Review. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307772. [PMID: 37916304 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, aerogels have attracted tremendous attention in academia and industry as a class of lightweight and porous multifunctional nanomaterial. Despite their wide application range, the low mechanical durability hinders their processing and handling, particularly in applications requiring complex physical structures. "Mechanically strengthened aerogels" have emerged as a potential solution to address this drawback. Since the first report on aerogels in 1931, various modified synthesis processes have been introduced in the last few decades to enhance the aerogel mechanical strength, further advancing their multifunctional scope. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art developments of mechanically strengthened aerogels through multicompositional and multidimensional approaches. Furthermore, new trends and future directions for as prevailed commercialization of aerogels as plastic materials are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak G Parale
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Taehee Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Haryeong Choi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Varsha D Phadtare
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Rushikesh P Dhavale
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| | - Kazuyoshi Kanamori
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8502, Japan
| | - Hyung-Ho Park
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ge L, Chen X, Wang G, Zhang G, Li J, Liu Y, Xiao L, Wen Y, Yuan W, Qu M, Bai M. Analysis of the Distribution Pattern of Remaining Oil and Development Potential after Weak Gel Flooding in the Offshore LD Oilfield. Gels 2024; 10:236. [PMID: 38667655 PMCID: PMC11048975 DOI: 10.3390/gels10040236] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The LD oilfield is one of the representative offshore oilfields. After weak gel flooding, the recovery rate is significantly improved. However, the oilfield is then in a medium- to high-water content stage, presenting a complex distribution of the remaining oil. The measures for further enhanced oil recovery (EOR) are uncertain. As a result, it is necessary to clarify the distribution pattern and development potential of the remaining oil during the high-water content period after weak gel flooding. In this study, an online nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) oil displacement experiment and microscopic oil displacement experiment were conducted, and the mechanisms of weak gel flooding and the distribution pattern of the remaining oil were clarified in the LD oilfield. Additionally, high-multiple water flooding and numerical simulation experiments were conducted to analyze the development potential after weak gel flooding. The results show that the effect of weak gel flooding was more significant in the core of 1500 mD, with an increase in oil recovery of 9% compared to 500 mD. At a permeability of 500 mD, the degree of crude oil mobilization in micropores and small pores caused by weak gel flooding was improved by 29.64% and 23.48%, respectively, compared with water flooding. At 1500 mD, the degree of crude oil mobilization in small pores caused by weak gel flooding was increased by 37.79% compared to water flooding. After weak gel flooding, the remaining oil was primarily distributed in medium and large pores. Microscopically, the remaining oil was dominated by cluster residual oil, accounting for 16.49%, followed by columnar, membranous, and blind-end residual oil. High multiple water flooding experiments demonstrated that weak gel flooding could significantly reduce development time. The ultimate oil recovery efficiency of 500 mD and 1500 mD reached 71.85% and 80.69%, respectively. Numerical simulation results show that the ultimate oil recovery efficiency increased from 62.04% to 71.3% after weak gel flooding. This indicated that the LD oilfield still had certain development potential after weak gel flooding. The subsequent direction for enhanced oil recovery focuses mainly on mobilizing oil in medium pores or clustered remaining oil. This will play a crucial role in further exploring methods for utilizing the remaining oil and increasing the recovery rate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lizhen Ge
- Tianjin Branch of CNOOC Ltd., Tianjin 300459, China
| | | | - Gang Wang
- Tianjin Branch of CNOOC Ltd., Tianjin 300459, China
| | - Guohao Zhang
- Tianjin Branch of CNOOC Ltd., Tianjin 300459, China
| | - Jinyi Li
- Tianjin Branch of CNOOC Ltd., Tianjin 300459, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Research Institute of Unconventional Petroleum Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
| | - Lixiao Xiao
- Research Institute of Unconventional Petroleum Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
| | - Yuchen Wen
- Research Institute of Unconventional Petroleum Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
| | - Weifeng Yuan
- Research Institute of Unconventional Petroleum Science and Technology, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing 102249, China
| | - Ming Qu
- SANYA Offshore Oil and Gas Research Institute, Northeast Petroleum University, Sanya 572025, China;
| | - Mingxing Bai
- College of Petroleum Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing 163318, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Revete A, Aparicio A, Cisterna BA, Revete J, Luis L, Ibarra E, Segura González EA, Molino J, Reginensi D. Advancements in the Use of Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine: Properties and Biomedical Applications. Int J Biomater 2022; 2022:3606765. [PMID: 36387956 PMCID: PMC9663251 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3606765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their particular water absorption capacity, hydrogels are the most widely used scaffolds in biomedical studies to regenerate damaged tissue. Hydrogels can be used in tissue engineering to design scaffolds for three-dimensional cell culture, providing a novel alternative to the traditional two-dimensional cell culture as hydrogels have a three-dimensional biomimetic structure. This material property is crucial in regenerative medicine, especially for the nervous system, since it is a highly complex and delicate structure. Hydrogels can move quickly within the human body without physically disturbing the environment and possess essential biocompatible properties, as well as the ability to form a mimetic scaffold in situ. Therefore, hydrogels are perfect candidates for biomedical applications. Hydrogels represent a potential alternative to regenerating tissue lost after removing a brain tumor and/or brain injuries. This reason presents them as an exciting alternative to highly complex human physiological problems, such as injuries to the central nervous system and neurodegenerative disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Revete
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Latina de Panama (ULATINA), Panama City, Panama
| | - Andrea Aparicio
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
| | - Bruno A. Cisterna
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Javier Revete
- Experimentia S.A, Development of Innovative Strategies in Biomedicine and Sustainable Development, Panama, Panama
| | - Luis Luis
- Experimentia S.A, Development of Innovative Strategies in Biomedicine and Sustainable Development, Panama, Panama
| | - Ernesto Ibarra
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Latina de Panama (ULATINA), Panama City, Panama
| | | | - Jay Molino
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
| | - Diego Reginensi
- Biological Engineering, Faculty of Biosciences and Public Health, Universidad Especializada de las Americas (UDELAS), Panama City, Panama
- Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Health Sciences and Engineering, Universidad Latina de Panama (ULATINA), Panama City, Panama
- Integrative Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Universidad de Panama (UP), Panama, Panama
- Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, INDICASAT-AIP, City of Knowledge, Panama, Panama
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rovigatti L, Sciortino F. Designing Enhanced Entropy Binding in Single-Chain Nanoparticles. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:047801. [PMID: 35939033 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.047801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) are a new class of bio- and soft-matter polymeric objects in which a fraction of the monomers are able to form equivalently intra- or interpolymer bonds. Here we numerically show that a fully entropic gas-liquid phase separation can take place in SCNP systems. Control over the discontinuous (first-order) change-from a phase of independent diluted (fully-bonded) polymers to a phase in which polymers entropically bind to each other to form a (fully-bonded) polymer network-can be achieved by a judicious design of the patterns of reactive monomers along the polymer chain. Such a sensitivity arises from a delicate balance between the distinct entropic contributions controlling the binding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Rovigatti
- Department of Physics, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, IT-00185 Roma, Italy and CNR-ISC Uos Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro 2, IT-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Francesco Sciortino
- Department of Physics, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale A. Moro 2, IT-00185 Roma, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Paciolla M, Likos CN, Moreno AJ. Validity of Effective Potentials in Crowded Solutions of Linear and Ring Polymers with Reversible Bonds. Macromolecules 2022; 55:2659-2674. [PMID: 35444345 PMCID: PMC9011144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
![]()
We perform simulations
to compute the effective potential between
the centers-of-mass of two polymers with reversible bonds. We investigate
the influence of the topology on the potential by employing linear
and ring backbones for the precursor (unbonded) polymer, finding that
it leads to qualitatively different effective potentials. In the linear
and ring cases the potentials can be described by Gaussians and generalized
exponentials, respectively. The interactions are more repulsive for
the ring topology, in analogy with known results in the absence of
bonding. We also investigate the effect of the specific sequence of
the reactive groups along the backbone (periodic or with different
degrees of randomness), establishing that it has a significant impact
on the effective potentials. When the reactive sites of both polymers
are chemically orthogonal so that only intramolecular bonds are possible,
the interactions become more repulsive the closer to periodic the
sequence is. The opposite effect is found if both polymers have the
same types of reactive sites and intermolecular bonds can be formed.
We test the validity of the effective potentials in solution, in a
broad range of concentrations from high dilution to far above the
overlap concentration. For this purpose, we compare simulations of
the effective fluid and test particle route calculations with simulations
of the real all-monomer system. Very good agreement is found for the
reversible linear polymers, indicating that unlike in their nonbonding
counterparts many-body effects are minor even far above the overlap
concentration. The agreement for the reversible rings is less satisfactory,
and at high concentration the real system does not show the clustering
behavior predicted by the effective potential. Results similar to
the former ones are found for the partial self-correlations in ring/linear
mixtures. Finally, we investigate the possibility of creating, at
high concentrations, a gel of two interpenetrated reversible networks.
For this purpose we simulate a 50/50 two-component mixture of reversible
polymers with orthogonal chemistry for the reactive sites, so that
intermolecular bonds are only formed between polymers of the same
component. As predicted by both the theoretical phase diagram and
the simulations of the effective fluid, the two networks in the all-monomer
mixture do not interpenetrate, and phase separation (demixing) is
observed instead.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariarita Paciolla
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Christos N. Likos
- Faculty of Physics, University of Vienna, Boltzmanngasse 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Angel J. Moreno
- Centro de Física de Materiales (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Materials Physics Center MPC, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 5, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
- Donostia International Physics Center, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 4, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
| |
Collapse
|