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Wang L, Lin H, Zhu Y, Ge X, Li M, Liu J, Chen F, Zhang M, Cheng JX. Overtone photothermal microscopy for high-resolution and high-sensitivity vibrational imaging. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5374. [PMID: 38918400 PMCID: PMC11199576 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49691-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Photothermal microscopy is a highly sensitive pump-probe method for mapping nanostructures and molecules through the detection of local thermal gradients. While visible photothermal microscopy and mid-infrared photothermal microscopy techniques have been developed, they possess inherent limitations. These techniques either lack chemical specificity or encounter significant light attenuation caused by water absorption. Here, we present an overtone photothermal (OPT) microscopy technique that offers high chemical specificity, detection sensitivity, and spatial resolution by employing a visible probe for local heat detection in the C-H overtone region. We demonstrate its capability for high-fidelity chemical imaging of polymer nanostructures, depth-resolved intracellular chemical mapping of cancer cells, and imaging of multicellular C. elegans organisms and highly scattering brain tissues. By bridging the gap between visible and mid-infrared photothermal microscopy, OPT establishes a new modality for high-resolution and high-sensitivity chemical imaging. This advancement complements large-scale shortwave infrared imaging approaches, facilitating multiscale structural and chemical investigations of materials and biological metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Haonan Lin
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Yifan Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Xiaowei Ge
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Mingsheng Li
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jianing Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Fukai Chen
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ji-Xin Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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2
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Liu D, Li L, Jiang N. Nanoscale Chemical Probing of Metal-Supported Ultrathin Ferrous Oxide via Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy and Scanning Tunneling Microscopy. CHEMICAL & BIOMEDICAL IMAGING 2024; 2:345-351. [PMID: 38817320 PMCID: PMC11134605 DOI: 10.1021/cbmi.4c00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Metal-supported ultrathin ferrous oxide (FeO) has attracted immense interest in academia and industry due to its widespread applications in heterogeneous catalysis. However, chemical insight into the local structural characteristics of FeO, despite its critical importance in elucidating structure-property relationships, remains elusive. In this work, we report the nanoscale chemical probing of gold (Au)-supported ultrathin FeO via ultrahigh-vacuum tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (UHV-TERS) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). For comparative analysis, single-crystal Au(111) and Au(100) substrates are used to tune the interfacial properties of FeO. Although STM images show distinctly different moiré superstructures on FeO nanoislands on Au(111) and Au(100), TERS demonstrates the same chemical nature of FeO by comparable vibrational features. In addition, combined TERS and STM measurements identify a unique wrinkled FeO structure on Au(100), which is correlated to the reassembly of the intrinsic Au(100) surface reconstruction due to FeO deposition. Beyond revealing the morphologies of ultrathin FeO on Au substrates, our study provides a thorough understanding of the local interfacial properties and interactions of FeO on Au, which could shed light on the rational design of metal-supported FeO catalysts. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the promising utility of combined TERS and STM in chemically probing the structural properties of metal-supported ultrathin oxides on the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dairong Liu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Linfei Li
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Nan Jiang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
- Department
of Physics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
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3
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Bienz S, Spaggiari G, Calestani D, Trevisi G, Bersani D, Zenobi R, Kumar N. Nanoscale Chemical Analysis of Thin Film Solar Cell Interfaces Using Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:14704-14711. [PMID: 38494603 PMCID: PMC10982994 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Interfacial regions play a key role in determining the overall power conversion efficiency of thin film solar cells. However, the nanoscale investigation of thin film interfaces using conventional analytical tools is challenging due to a lack of required sensitivity and spatial resolution. Here, we surmount these obstacles using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) and apply it to investigate the absorber (Sb2Se3) and buffer (CdS) layers interface in a Sb2Se3-based thin film solar cell. Hyperspectral TERS imaging with 10 nm spatial resolution reveals that the investigated interface between the absorber and buffer layers is far from uniform, as TERS analysis detects an intermixing of chemical compounds instead of a sharp demarcation between the CdS and Sb2Se3 layers. Intriguingly, this interface, comprising both Sb2Se3 and CdS compounds, exhibits an unexpectedly large thickness of 295 ± 70 nm attributable to the roughness of the Sb2Se3 layer. Furthermore, TERS measurements provide compelling evidence of CdS penetration into the Sb2Se3 layer, likely resulting from unwanted reactions on the absorber surface during chemical bath deposition. Notably, the coexistence of ZnO, which serves as the uppermost conducting layer, and CdS within the Sb2Se3-rich region has been experimentally confirmed for the first time. This study underscores TERS as a promising nanoscale technique to investigate thin film inorganic solar cell interfaces, offering novel insights into intricate interface structures and compound intermixing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siiri Bienz
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH
Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Spaggiari
- Department
of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
- Institute
of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism, National Research Council, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Davide Calestani
- Institute
of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism, National Research Council, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanna Trevisi
- Institute
of Materials for Electronics and Magnetism, National Research Council, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Danilo Bersani
- Department
of Mathematical, Physical and Computer Sciences, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, I-43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH
Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department
of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH
Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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4
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Gao Y, Zhong M, Yu J, Zhao Z, Yu C, Yu Q, Yao F, Li J, Zhang H. Large-Scale Fabrication of Freestanding Polymer Ultrathin Porous Membranes for Transparent Transwell Coculture Systems. ACS NANO 2024; 18:8168-8179. [PMID: 38437515 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Advancements in cell coculture systems with porous membranes have facilitated the simulation of human-like in vitro microenvironments for diverse biomedical applications. However, conventional Transwell membranes face limitations in low porosity (ca. 6%) and optical opacity due to their large thickness (ca. 10 μm). In this study, we demonstrated a one-step, large-scale fabrication of freestanding polymer ultrathin porous (PUP) membranes with thicknesses of hundreds of nanometers. PUP membranes were produced by using a gap-controlled bar-coating process combined with polymer blend phase separation. They are 20 times thinner than Transwell membranes, possessing 3-fold higher porosity and exhibiting high transparency. These membranes demonstrate outstanding molecular permeability and significantly reduce the cell-cell distance, thereby facilitating efficient signal exchange pathways between cells. This research enables the establishment of a cutting-edge in vitro cell coculture system, enhancing optical transparency, and streamlining the large-scale manufacturing of porous membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Mengyao Zhong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jiajun Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Chaojie Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Qingyu Yu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin 300192, China
| | - Fanglian Yao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Junjie Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Synthetic Biology and Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
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5
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Ueno N, Sato H. Visualization of isothermal crystallization and phase separation in poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate]/poly(L-lactic acid) by low-frequency Raman imaging. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2024; 312:124052. [PMID: 38394883 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
The visualization of the variation of the inter/intra molecular interaction (C = O⋯CH3) between poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) in the PHB/PLLA miscible blend during phase separation and crystallization process was successfully investigated using Raman imaging. Images of the blend were developed using high- and low-frequency Raman spectra acquired during the isothermal crystallization of the blend, and both of them were compared. The low-frequency region allowed to observe the changes in the hydrogen bonds between the molecular chains in the blend during phase separation and crystallization via a band at 75 cm-1 derived from PHB. The imaging results obtained using the band at 75 cm-1 due to hydrogen bonding (C = O⋯CH3) between molecular chains were in good agreement with the results obtained using the C = O stretching band at 1720 cm-1. Herein, we demonstrated that the low-frequency region of the Raman spectrum is more sensitive to detecting the start of the phase separation and crystallization of PHB than the corresponding high-frequency region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Ueno
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Tsurukabuto, Nada-Ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan
| | - Harumi Sato
- Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Tsurukabuto, Nada-Ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan; Molecular Photoscience Research Center, Kobe University, Rokkoudai, Nada-Ku, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
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6
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Kato R, Maeda K, Yano TA, Tanaka K, Tanaka T. Label-free visualization of photosynthetic microbial biofilms using mid-infrared photothermal and autofluorescence imaging. Analyst 2023; 148:6241-6247. [PMID: 37947037 DOI: 10.1039/d3an01453c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The formation of photosynthetic microbial biofilms comprising multispecies biomolecules, such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), and microbial cells play pivotal roles in maintaining or stimulating their biological functions. Although there are numerous studies on photosynthetic microbial biofilms, the spatial distribution of EPS components that are vital for microbial biofilm formation, such as exopolysaccharides and proteins, is not well understood. Visualization of photosynthetic microbial biofilms requires label-free methods, because labelling EPSs results in structural changes or aggregation. Raman spectroscopy is useful for label-free visualization of biofilm constituents based on chemical contrast. However, interference resulting from the bright autofluorescence of photosynthetic molecules and the low detection efficiency of Raman scattering make visualization a challenge. Herein, we visualized photosynthetic microbial biofilms in a label-free manner using a super-resolution optical infrared absorption imaging technique, called mid-infrared photothermal (MIP) microscopy. By leveraging the advantages of MIP microscopy, such as its sub-micrometer spatial resolution, autofluorescence-free features, and high detection sensitivity, the distribution of cyanobacteria and their extracellular polysaccharides in the biofilm matrix were successfully visualized. This showed that cyanobacterial cells were aligned along acidic/sulfated polysaccharides in the extracellular environment. Furthermore, spectroscopic analyses elucidated that during formation of biofilms, sulfated polysaccharides initially form linear structures followed by entrapment of cyanobacterial cells. The present study provides the foundation for further studies on the formation, structure, and biological functions of microbial biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Kato
- Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minamijosanjima-cho, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-0856, Japan.
- Innovative Photon Manipulation Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Metamaterials Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kaisei Maeda
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan.
| | - Taka-Aki Yano
- Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minamijosanjima-cho, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-0856, Japan.
- Innovative Photon Manipulation Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Metamaterials Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kan Tanaka
- Laboratory for Chemistry and Life Science, Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Midori-Ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan.
| | - Takuo Tanaka
- Institute of Post-LED Photonics, Tokushima University, 2-1 Minamijosanjima-cho, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-0856, Japan.
- Innovative Photon Manipulation Research Team, RIKEN Center for Advanced Photonics, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Metamaterials Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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7
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Bhattacharya G, Lionadi I, Stevenson A, Ward J, Payam AF. Tailored Microcantilever Optimization for Multifrequency Force Microscopy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303476. [PMID: 37867232 PMCID: PMC10667852 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Microcantilevers are at the heart of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and play a significant role in AFM-based techniques. Recent advancements in multifrequency AFM require the simultaneous excitation and detection of multiple eigenfrequencies of microcantilevers to assess more data channels to quantify the material properties. However, to achieve higher spatiotemporal resolution there is a need to optimize the structure of microcantilevers. In this study, the architecture of the cantilever with gold nanoparticles using a dip-coating method is modified, aiming to tune the higher eigenmodes of the microcantilever as integer multiples of its fundamental frequency. Through the theoretical methodology and simulative model, that integer harmonics improve the coupling in multifrequency AFM measurements is demonstrated, leading to enhanced image quality and resolution. Furthermore, via the combined theoretical-experimental approach, the interplay between induced mass and stiffness change of the modified cantilever depending on the attached particle location, size, mass, and geometry is found. To validate the results of this predictive model, tapping-mode AFM is utilized and bimodal Amplitude Modulation AFM techniques to examine and quantify the impact of tuning higher-order eigenmodes on the imaging quality of a polystyrene-polymethylmethacrylate (PS-PMMA) block co-polymer assembly deposited on a glass slide and Highly Ordered Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gourav Bhattacharya
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of EngineeringUlster UniversityBelfastBT15 1APUK
| | - Indrianita Lionadi
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of EngineeringUlster UniversityBelfastBT15 1APUK
| | - Andrew Stevenson
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of EngineeringUlster UniversityBelfastBT15 1APUK
| | - Joanna Ward
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of EngineeringUlster UniversityBelfastBT15 1APUK
| | - Amir Farokh Payam
- Nanotechnology and Integrated Bioengineering Centre (NIBEC), School of EngineeringUlster UniversityBelfastBT15 1APUK
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8
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Wang J, Wang M, Zhang X, Han Y, Wu Y, Wang D, Qin X, Lu Y, Zhang L. Quantification Characterization of Hierarchical Structure of Polyurethane by Advanced AFM and X-ray Techniques. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:45388-45398. [PMID: 37705159 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyurethane (PU) with microphase separation has garnered significant attention due to its highly designable molecular structure and a wide range of adjustable properties. However, there is currently a lack of systematic approaches for quantifying PU's microphase separation. To address this research gap, we utilized an atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanomechanical mapping technique along with Gaussian fitting to recolor and quantitatively analyze the evolution of PU's microphase separation. By varying the ratios of the chain extender to cross-linking agent, we observed the changes in the hydrogen bonding between the soft and hard segments. As the ratio of the chain extender to cross-linking agent decreases, the strength of the hydrogen bonding weakens, resulting in a reduction in the quantity and phase percentage of hard segment (HS) domains. Consequently, the degree of microphase separation between the soft and hard segments decreases, leading to specific alterations in the material's mechanical properties and dynamic viscoelasticity. To further investigate the hierarchical structure of PU, we employed various techniques, such as X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and AFM-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR). Our findings reveal a spherulite pattern composed of lamellae within the HS domains, with the cross-linking density gradually increasing from the center to the periphery. Overall, our comprehensive characterization of PU provides valuable insights into its hierarchical structure and establishes a quantitative framework to explore the intricate relationship between the structure and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiadong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing 100048, China
| | - Yang Han
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yingxue Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Dong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yonglai Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Liqun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
- Engineering Research Center of Elastomer Materials Energy Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100029, China
- Institute of Emergent Elastomers, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, Guangdong, China
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9
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Zhu X, Wang Z, Yang Y, Ma N, Zhang X. Bioinspired Formation of Anti-Ultraviolet Micro-Goose Bump PDMAEMA/PS Coatings. Chem Asian J 2023; 18:e202300479. [PMID: 37532630 DOI: 10.1002/asia.202300479] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, inspired by the human-giving goosebumps process, we demonstrated a rapid, versatile, and simple method to prepare anti-UV microstructures polymer blend films with good morphology based on phase separation. Through the results of characterizations, it is proved that the microstructures are formed by polymer phase separation. Then the formation possibility of microstructures is proved by thermodynamic analysis. Moreover, the phase-field model is used to simulate the formation of microstructures by the finite element method, which can illustrate the evolution process of the microstructures. Besides, the microstructures were prepared on different substrates through the simple phase separation method, which can verify the versatility of this method. In addition, the anti-UV performance of the micro-structure films was evaluated. This work proposed a simple and versatile route to prepare microstructures coating in different substrates, which exhibit well anti-UV performance, and this work has the application potential for preventing material aging caused by UV radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhu
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, Cambridge University, Lensfield Road, CB2 1EW, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yuyun Yang
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Ning Ma
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Xinyue Zhang
- Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
- College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao, 266000, China
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10
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Wang L, Cheng JX. Nanoscale bond-selective imaging by computational fusion of atomic force microscopy and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy. Analyst 2023; 148:2975-2982. [PMID: 37305950 PMCID: PMC10349369 DOI: 10.1039/d3an00662j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Vibrational microscopy based on coherent Raman scattering is a powerful tool for high-speed chemical imaging, but its lateral resolution is bound to the optical diffraction limit. On the other hand, atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides nano-scale spatial resolution, yet with lower chemical specificity. In this study, we leverage a computational approach called pan-sharpening to merge AFM topography images and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) images. The hybrid system combines the advantages of both modalities, providing informative chemical mapping with ∼20 nm spatial resolution. CARS and AFM images were sequentially acquired on a single multimodal platform, which facilitates image co-localization. Our image fusion approach allowed for discerning merged neighboring features previously invisible due to the diffraction limit and identifying subtle unobservable structures with the input from AFM images. Compared to tip-enhanced CARS measurement, sequential acquisition of CARS and AFM images enables higher laser power to be used and avoids any tip damage caused by the incident laser beams, resulting in a significantly improved CARS image quality. Together, our work suggests a new direction for achieving super-resolution coherent Raman scattering imaging of materials through a computational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| | - Ji-Xin Cheng
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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11
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de Heer Kloots MHP, Schoustra SK, Dijksman JA, Smulders MMJ. Phase separation in supramolecular and covalent adaptable networks. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:2857-2877. [PMID: 37060135 PMCID: PMC10131172 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00047h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Phase separation phenomena have been studied widely in the field of polymer science, and were recently also reported for dynamic polymer networks (DPNs). The mechanisms of phase separation in dynamic polymer networks are of particular interest as the reversible nature of the network can participate in the structuring of the micro- and macroscale domains. In this review, we highlight the underlying mechanisms of phase separation in dynamic polymer networks, distinguishing between supramolecular polymer networks and covalent adaptable networks (CANs). Also, we address the synergistic effects between phase separation and reversible bond exchange. We furthermore discuss the effects of phase separation on the material properties, and how this knowledge can be used to enhance and tune material properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn H P de Heer Kloots
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sybren K Schoustra
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Joshua A Dijksman
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute, Institute of Physics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten M J Smulders
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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12
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Mrđenović D, Tang ZX, Pandey Y, Su W, Zhang Y, Kumar N, Zenobi R. Regioselective Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy of Lipid Membranes with Sub-Nanometer Axial Resolution. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:3939-3946. [PMID: 37096805 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive and label-free analysis of cell membranes at the nanoscale is essential to comprehend vital cellular processes. However, conventional analytical tools generally fail to meet this challenge due to the lack of required sensitivity and/or spatial resolution. Herein, we demonstrate that tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a powerful nanoanalytical tool to analyze dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) bilayers and human cell membranes with submolecular resolution in the vertical direction. Unlike the far-field Raman measurements, TERS spectra of the DPPC bilayers reproducibly exhibited a uniquely shaped C-H band. These unique spectral features were also reproducibly observed in the TERS spectrum of human pancreatic cancer cells. Spectral deconvolution and DFT simulations confirmed that the TERS signal primarily originated from vibrations of the CH3 groups in the choline headgroup of the lipids. The reproducible TERS results obtained in this study unequivocally demonstrate the ultrahigh sensitivity of TERS for nanoanalysis of lipid membranes under ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Mrđenović
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zi-Xi Tang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Synergetic Innovation Center of Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Yashashwa Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Weitao Su
- School of Sciences, Hangzhou Dianzi University, 310018 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Synergetic Innovation Center of Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, 96 Jinzhai Road, 230026 Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Mrđenović D, Cai ZF, Pandey Y, Bartolomeo GL, Zenobi R, Kumar N. Nanoscale chemical analysis of 2D molecular materials using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:963-974. [PMID: 36541047 PMCID: PMC9851175 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr05127c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) molecular materials have attracted immense attention due to their unique properties, promising a wide range of exciting applications. To understand the structure-property relationship of these low-dimensional materials, sensitive analytical tools capable of providing structural and chemical characterisation at the nanoscale are required. However, most conventional analytical techniques fail to meet this challenge, especially in a label-free and non-destructive manner under ambient conditions. In the last two decades, tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) has emerged as a powerful analytical technique for nanoscale chemical characterisation by combining the high spatial resolution of scanning probe microscopy and the chemical sensitivity and specificity of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In this review article, we provide an overview of the application of TERS for nanoscale chemical analysis of 2D molecular materials, including 2D polymers, biomimetic lipid membranes, biological cell membranes, and 2D reactive systems. The progress in the structural and chemical characterisation of these 2D materials is demonstrated with key examples from our as well as other laboratories. We highlight the unique information that TERS can provide as well as point out the common pitfalls in experimental work and data interpretation and the possible ways of averting them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Mrđenović
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Zhen-Feng Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Yashashwa Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Mrđenović D, Ge W, Kumar N, Zenobi R. Nanoscale Chemical Imaging of Human Cell Membranes Using Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202210288. [PMID: 36057139 PMCID: PMC9826433 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202210288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Lack of appropriate tools for visualizing cell membrane molecules at the nanoscale in a non-invasive and label-free fashion limits our understanding of many vital cellular processes. Here, we use tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to visualize the molecular distribution in pancreatic cancer cell (BxPC-3) membranes in ambient conditions without labelling, with a spatial resolution down to ca. 2.5 nm. TERS imaging reveals segregation of phenylalanine-, histidine-, phosphatidylcholine-, protein-, and cholesterol-rich BxPC-3 cell membrane domains at the nm length-scale. TERS imaging also showed a cell membrane region where cholesterol is mixed with protein. Interestingly, the higher resolution TERS imaging revealed that the molecular domains observed on the BxPC-3 cell membrane are not chemically "pure" but also contain other biomolecules. These results demonstrate the potential of TERS for non-destructive and label-free imaging of cell membranes with nanoscale resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Mrđenović
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZürichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 1–5/108093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Wenjie Ge
- Department of BiologyETH ZurichOtto-Stern-Weg 78093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZürichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 1–5/108093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied BiosciencesETH ZürichVladimir-Prelog-Weg 1–5/108093ZürichSwitzerland
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Nanoscale chemical imaging of human cell membrane using Tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202210288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Bienz S, van Vreeswijk SH, Pandey Y, Bartolomeo GL, Weckhuysen BM, Zenobi R, Kumar N. Probing coke formation during the methanol-to-hydrocarbon reaction on zeolite ZSM-5 catalyst at the nanoscale using tip-enhanced fluorescence microscopy. Catal Sci Technol 2022; 12:5795-5801. [PMID: 36324827 PMCID: PMC9528927 DOI: 10.1039/d2cy01348g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The deactivation mechanism of the widely used zeolite ZSM-5 catalysts remains unclear to date due to the lack of analytical techniques with sufficient sensitivity and/or spatial resolution. Herein, a combination of hyperspectral confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) and tip-enhanced fluorescence (TEFL) microscopy is used to study the formation of different coke (precursor) species involved in the deactivation of zeolite ZSM-5 during the methanol-to-hydrocarbon (MTH) reaction. CFM submicron-scale imaging shows a preferential formation of graphite-like coke species at the edges of zeolite ZSM-5 crystals within 10 min of the MTH reaction (i.e., working catalyst), whilst the amount of graphite-like coke species uniformly increased over the entire zeolite ZSM-5 surface after 90 min (i.e., deactivated catalyst). Furthermore, TEFL nanoscale imaging with ∼35 nm spatial resolution revealed that formation of coke species on the zeolite ZSM-5 surface is non-uniform and a relatively larger amount of coke is formed at the crystal steps, indicating a higher initial catalytic activity. Inhomogeneities in coke formation during methanol-to-hydrocarbon reaction on the zeolite ZSM-5 catalyst are imaged with ∼35 nm spatial resolution using tip-enhanced fluorescence microscopy.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Siiri Bienz
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sophie H. van Vreeswijk
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Yashashwa Pandey
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Luca Bartolomeo
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bert M. Weckhuysen
- Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis group, Department of Chemistry, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Renato Zenobi
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Naresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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