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Forgham H, Zhu J, Huang X, Zhang C, Biggs H, Liu L, Wang YC, Fletcher N, Humphries J, Cowin G, Mardon K, Kavallaris M, Thurecht K, Davis TP, Qiao R. Multifunctional Fluoropolymer-Engineered Magnetic Nanoparticles to Facilitate Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration and Effective Gene Silencing in Medulloblastoma. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2401340. [PMID: 38647396 PMCID: PMC11220643 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Patients with brain cancers including medulloblastoma lack treatments that are effective long-term and without side effects. In this study, a multifunctional fluoropolymer-engineered iron oxide nanoparticle gene-therapeutic platform is presented to overcome these challenges. The fluoropolymers are designed and synthesized to incorporate various properties including robust anchoring moieties for efficient surface coating, cationic components to facilitate short interference RNA (siRNA) binding, and a fluorinated tail to ensure stability in serum. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) tailored system demonstrates enhanced BBB penetration, facilitates delivery of functionally active siRNA to medulloblastoma cells, and delivers a significant, almost complete block in protein expression within an in vitro extracellular acidic environment (pH 6.7) - as favored by most cancer cells. In vivo, it effectively crosses an intact BBB, provides contrast for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and delivers siRNA capable of slowing tumor growth without causing signs of toxicity - meaning it possesses a safe theranostic function. The pioneering methodology applied shows significant promise in the advancement of brain and tumor microenvironment-focused MRI-siRNA theranostics for the better treatment and diagnosis of medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Forgham
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Jiayuan Zhu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Xumin Huang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Heather Biggs
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Liwei Liu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Yi Cheng Wang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Nicholas Fletcher
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging TechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - James Humphries
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging TechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Gary Cowin
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Karine Mardon
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
- School of Clinical MedicineFaculty of Medicine & HealthUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
- UNSW Australian Centre for NanomedicineFaculty of EngineeringUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
- UNSW RNA InstituteFaculty of ScienceUNSW SydneyKensingtonNew South Wales2052Australia
| | - Kristofer Thurecht
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- National Imaging FacilityCentre for Advanced ImagingThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging TechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
| | - Ruirui Qiao
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueensland4072Australia
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2
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Huang T, Huang S, Liu D, Zhu W, Wu Q, Chen L, Zhang X, Liu M, Wei Y. Recent advances and progress on the design, fabrication and biomedical applications of Gallium liquid metals-based functional materials. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 238:113888. [PMID: 38599077 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113888] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Gallium (Ga) is a well-known liquid metals (LMs) that possesses the features, such as fluidity, low viscosity, high electrical and thermal conductivity, and relative low toxicity. Owing to the weak interactions between Ga atoms, Ga LMs can be adopted for fabrication of various Ga LMs-based functional materials via ultrasonic treatment and mechanical grinding. Moreover, many organic compounds/polymers can be coated on the surface of LMs-based materials through coordination between oxidized outlayers of Ga LMs and functional groups of organic components. Over the past decades, different strategies have been reported for synthesizing Ga LMs-based functional materials and their biomedical applications have been intensively investigated. Although some review articles have published over the past few years, a concise review is still needed to advance the latest developments in biomedical fields. The main context can be majorly divided into two parts. In the first section, various strategies for fabrication of Ga LMs-based functional materials via top-down strategies were introduced and discussed. Following that, biomedical applications of Ga LMs-based functional materials were summarized and design Ga LMs-based functional materials with enhanced performance for cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) and PTT combined therapy were highlighted. We trust this review article will be beneficial for scientists to comprehend this promising field and greatly advance future development for fabrication of other Ga LMs-based functional materials with better performance for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Shiyu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Weifeng Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Qinghua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Lihua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Nanchang University, 999 Xuefu Avenue, Nanchang 330031, China.
| | - Meiying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China.
| | - Yen Wei
- Department of Chemistry and the Tsinghua Center for Frontier Polymer Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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3
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Forgham H, Zhu J, Zhang T, Huang X, Li X, Shen A, Biggs H, Talbo G, Xu C, Davis TP, Qiao R. Fluorine-modified polymers reduce the adsorption of immune-reactive proteins to PEGylated gold nanoparticles. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2024; 19:995-1012. [PMID: 38593053 PMCID: PMC11221377 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0357] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the influence of fluorine in reducing the adsorption of immune-reactive proteins onto PEGylated gold nanoparticles. Methods: Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization, the Turkevich method and ligand exchange were used to prepare polymer-coated gold nanoparticles. Subsequent in vitro physicochemical and biological characterizations and proteomic analysis were performed. Results: Fluorine-modified polymers reduced the adsorption of complement and other immune-reactive proteins while potentially improving circulatory times and modulating liver toxicity by reducing apolipoprotein E adsorption. Fluorine actively discouraged phagocytosis while encouraging the adsorption of therapeutic targets, CD209 and signaling molecule calreticulin. Conclusion: This study suggests that the addition of fluorine in the surface coating of nanoparticles could lead to improved performance in nanomedicine designed for the intravenous delivery of cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Forgham
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Jiayuan Zhu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Taoran Zhang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Xumin Huang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Xiangke Li
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Ao Shen
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Heather Biggs
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Gert Talbo
- Metabolomics Australia (Queensland Node), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Chun Xu
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, 4006, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Ruirui Qiao
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
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4
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Zhang L, Huang X, Cole T, Lu H, Hang J, Li W, Tang SY, Boyer C, Davis TP, Qiao R. 3D-printed liquid metal polymer composites as NIR-responsive 4D printing soft robot. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7815. [PMID: 38016940 PMCID: PMC10684855 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43667-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
4D printing combines 3D printing with nanomaterials to create shape-morphing materials that exhibit stimuli-responsive functionalities. In this study, reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization agents grafted onto liquid metal nanoparticles are successfully employed in ultraviolet light-mediated stereolithographic 3D printing and near-infrared light-responsive 4D printing. Spherical liquid metal nanoparticles are directly prepared in 3D-printed resins via a one-pot approach, providing a simple and efficient strategy for fabricating liquid metal-polymer composites. Unlike rigid nanoparticles, the soft and liquid nature of nanoparticles reduces glass transition temperature, tensile stress, and modulus of 3D-printed materials. This approach enables the photothermal-induced 4D printing of composites, as demonstrated by the programmed shape memory of 3D-printed composites rapidly recovering to their original shape in 60 s under light irradiation. This work provides a perspective on the use of liquid metal-polymer composites in 4D printing, showcasing their potential for application in the field of soft robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Zhang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Xumin Huang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Tim Cole
- Department of Electronic, Electrical, and Systems Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hongda Lu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Jiangyu Hang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Weihua Li
- School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Shi-Yang Tang
- School of Electronics and Computer Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, UK.
| | - Cyrille Boyer
- Cluster for Advanced Macromolecular Design, School of Chemical Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas P Davis
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
| | - Ruirui Qiao
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering & Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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5
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Ryu G, Park I, Kim H. Liquid Metal Micro- and Nanodroplets: Characteristics, Fabrication Techniques, and Applications. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:15819-15830. [PMID: 37179631 PMCID: PMC10173329 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c01382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Gallium-based liquid metal micro- and nanodroplets are being extensively explored in innumerable emerging technologies. Although many of these systems involve the interfaces of liquid metal with a continuous phase liquid (e.g., microfluidic channels and emulsions), the static or dynamic phenomena at the interface have been scarcely discussed. In this study, we begin by introducing the interfacial phenomena and characteristics observed at the interface between a liquid metal and continuous-phase liquids. Based on these results, we can employ various methods to fabricate liquid metal droplets with tunable surface properties. Finally, we discuss how these techniques can be directly applied to a wide range of state-of-the-art technologies including microfluidics, soft electronics, catalysts, and biomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaabhin Ryu
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced
Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Inkyu Park
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced
Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
- Email
for I.P.:
| | - Hyoungsoo Kim
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Korea Advanced
Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
- Email for H.K.:
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6
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Ma J, Krisnadi F, Vong MH, Kong M, Awartani OM, Dickey MD. Shaping a Soft Future: Patterning Liquid Metals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2205196. [PMID: 36044678 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202205196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
This review highlights the unique techniques for patterning liquid metals containing gallium (e.g., eutectic gallium indium, EGaIn). These techniques are enabled by two unique attributes of these liquids relative to solid metals: 1) The fluidity of the metal allows it to be injected, sprayed, and generally dispensed. 2) The solid native oxide shell allows the metal to adhere to surfaces and be shaped in ways that would normally be prohibited due to surface tension. The ability to shape liquid metals into non-spherical structures such as wires, antennas, and electrodes can enable fluidic metallic conductors for stretchable electronics, soft robotics, e-skins, and wearables. The key properties of these metals with a focus on methods to pattern liquid metals into soft or stretchable devices are summari.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Ma
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Febby Krisnadi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Man Hou Vong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Minsik Kong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Omar M Awartani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut, 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Michael D Dickey
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
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Allioux FM, Merhebi S, Liu L, Centurion F, Abbasi R, Zhang C, Ireland J, Biazik JM, Mayyas M, Yang J, Mousavi M, Ghasemian MB, Tang J, Xie W, Rahim MA, Kalantar-Zadeh K. A liquid metal-polydopamine composite for cell culture and electro-stimulation. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:3941-3950. [PMID: 37067358 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02079c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Gallium (Ga) is a low melting point metal in the liquid state in the biological environment which presents a unique combination of fluidity, softness, and metallic electrical and thermal properties. In this work, liquid Ga is proposed as a biocompatible electrode material for cell culture by electro-stimulation since the cytotoxicity of Ga is generally considered low and some Ga compounds have been reported to exhibit anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. Complementarily, polydopamine (PDA) was coated on liquid Ga to increase the attachment capability of cells on the liquid Ga electrode and provide enhanced biocompatibility. The liquid Ga layer could be readily painted at room temperature on a solid inert substrate, followed by the formation of a nanoscale PDA coating layer resulting in a conformable and biocompatible composite electrode. The PDA layer was shown to coordinate with Ga3+, which is sourced from liquid Ga, providing electrical conductivity in the cell culture medium. The PDA-Ga3+ composite acted as a conductive substrate for advanced electro-stimulation for cell culture methods of representative animal fibroblasts. The cell proliferation was observed to increase by ∼143% as compared to a standard glass coverslip at a low potential of 0.1 V of direct coupling stimulation. This novel PDA-Ga3+ composite has potential applications in cell culture and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois-Marie Allioux
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Salma Merhebi
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Li Liu
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Franco Centurion
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Roozbeh Abbasi
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Chengchen Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jake Ireland
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Joanna M Biazik
- Electron Microscope Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mohannad Mayyas
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jiong Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Maedehsadat Mousavi
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mohammad B Ghasemian
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Jianbo Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Wanjie Xie
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, K. L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Md Arifur Rahim
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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8
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Cai S, Ghasemian MB, Rahim MA, Baharfar M, Yang J, Tang J, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Allioux FM. Formation of inorganic liquid gallium particle-manganese oxide composites. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:4291-4300. [PMID: 36745406 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr06384k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Gallium (Ga) is a low melting point post-transition metal that, under mild mechanical agitation, can form micron and submicron-sized particles with combined fluid-like and metallic properties. In this work, an inorganic network of Ga liquid metal particles was synthesised via spontaneous formation of manganese (Mn) oxide species on their liquid metallic surfaces forming an all-inorganic composite. The micron-sized Ga particles formed by sonication were connected together by Mn oxide nanostructures spontaneously established from the reduction of a Mn salt in aqueous solution slightly above the melting point of Ga. The formed Mn oxide nanostructures were found to coalesce from the surface of the Ga particles into a continuous inorganic network. The morphology of the composites could be altered by varying the Mn salt concentration and by performing post-treatment annealing. The composites presented a shell of various Mn oxide nanostructures including wrinkled sheets, rods and nanoneedles, around spherical liquid Ga particles, and a liquid metal core. The photoelectric and optical properties of the composites were thoroughly characterised, which revealed decreasing bandgaps and valence band edge characteristics as a function of increased Mn oxide coverage. The photoluminescence properties of the composites could be also engineered by increasing the Mn oxide coverage. The all-inorganic liquid Ga composite could be formed via a straightforward reduction reaction of a Mn-rich salt at the surface of liquid Ga particles with tunable surface properties for future optoelectronic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengxiang Cai
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mohammad B Ghasemian
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Md Arifur Rahim
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Mahroo Baharfar
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jiong Yang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Jianbo Tang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Kourosh Kalantar-Zadeh
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
| | - Francois-Marie Allioux
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia.
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9
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Kim M, Lim H, Ko SH. Liquid Metal Patterning and Unique Properties for Next-Generation Soft Electronics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205795. [PMID: 36642850 PMCID: PMC9951389 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Room-temperature liquid metal (LM)-based electronics is expected to bring advancements in future soft electronics owing to its conductivity, conformability, stretchability, and biocompatibility. However, various difficulties arise when patterning LM because of its rheological features such as fluidity and surface tension. Numerous attempts are made to overcome these difficulties, resulting in various LM-patterning methods. An appropriate choice of patterning method based on comprehensive understanding is necessary to fully utilize the unique properties. Therefore, the authors aim to provide thorough knowledge about patterning methods and unique properties for LM-based future soft electronics. First, essential considerations for LM-patterning are investigated. Then, LM-patterning methods-serial-patterning, parallel-patterning, intermetallic bond-assisted patterning, and molding/microfluidic injection-are categorized and investigated. Finally, perspectives on LM-based soft electronics with unique properties are provided. They include outstanding features of LM such as conformability, biocompatibility, permeability, restorability, and recyclability. Also, they include perspectives on future LM-based soft electronics in various areas such as radio frequency electronics, soft robots, and heterogeneous catalyst. LM-based soft devices are expected to permeate the daily lives if patterning methods and the aforementioned features are analyzed and utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minwoo Kim
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
| | - Hyungjun Lim
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringPohang University of Science and Technology77 Chungam‐ro, Nam‐guPohang37673South Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Ko
- Applied Nano and Thermal Science LabDepartment of Mechanical EngineeringSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machinery and Design/Institute of Engineering ResearchSeoul National University1 Gwanak‐ro, Gwanak‐guSeoul08826South Korea
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10
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Chen B, Wu M, Fang S, Cao Y, Pei L, Zhong H, Sun C, Lin X, Li X, Shen J, Ye M. Liquid Metal-Tailored PEDOT:PSS for Noncontact Flexible Electronics with High Spatial Resolution. ACS NANO 2022; 16:19305-19318. [PMID: 36331379 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c08760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Electric field-based noncontact flexible electronics (EF-NFEs) allow people to communicate with intelligent devices through noncontact human-machine interactions, but current EF-NFEs with limited detections (usually <20 cm) distance often lack a high spatial resolution. Here, we report a versatile material for preparing EF-NFE devices with a high spatial resolution to realize everyday human activity detection. Eutectic gallium-indium alloy (EGaIn) was introduced into poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) chains to fabricate this material, named Ga-PP. The introduction of EGaIn successfully regulates the intra- and interchain interactions of PEDOT chains and thus increases the π-electron accumulation on Ga-PP chains, which facilitates improvement of the electron storage of Ga-PP and its noncontact sensing ability. The water solubility of the obtained Ga-PP can reach approximately 15 mg/mL, comparable to that of commercial PEDOT:PSS, thus making Ga-PP suitable for various design strategies to prepare EF-NFE devices. We demonstrate that a conductive textile with a noncontact sensing ability can be achieved by immersing a commercial silk fabric into a Ga-PP solution for 5 min. With a detection distance exceeding 1 m, the prepared Ga-PP-based conductive textile (Ga-PP-CT) possesses outstanding noncontact sensing sensitivity, showing advantages in tracing the locations of signal sources and distinguishing motion states. Surprisingly, even when placed in water, Ga-PP-CT can be used to monitor the movement signals of athletes in different sporting events and output specific noncontact response signals for different sports. Intriguingly, the Ga-PP solution itself can be used to construct noncontact sensing conductive circuits, displaying the potential to be incorporated into smart electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Chen
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Minying Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Shenwen Fang
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, P. R. China
| | - Yudong Cao
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Liyuan Pei
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Haibin Zhong
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Chang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Xianglong Lin
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Xuanyang Li
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Shen
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
| | - Mingxin Ye
- Institute of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai200433, P. R. China
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Lim T, Ring TA, Zhang H. Chemical Analysis of the Gallium Surface in a Physiologic Buffer. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:6817-6825. [PMID: 35620858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Gallium and its alloys have been regarded as one of the promising materials for flexible bioelectronics due to their liquid-like mechanical properties, excellent electrical property, and low toxicity. Although many studies have fabricated bioelectronics from gallium-based liquid metals, gallium surface chemistry in physiologic conditions is rarely investigated. Here, we investigated the chemical change of the gallium surface in a physiologic buffer at 37 °C over 45 days. The gallium ion concentration and pH measurement indicated that the oxidation and corrosion progressed more rapidly in the physiological buffer than in air. Also, the release of gallium ions and protons followed a square root of time growth. Various spectroscopic techniques were used to measure the chemical composition change on the gallium surface. The FT-IR study indicated that the GaOOH-rich gallium surface produced Ga3+ and OH- ions. The XPS study indicated the oxide layer formation within 5 days, and then the contamination layer was deposited over time, which includes different ions and organic materials derived from the physiologic buffer. This study provides a detailed chemical analysis of the gallium surface in a physiological buffer. These fundamental studies would be a cornerstone for understanding the complex interaction between the gallium surface and the biological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taehwan Lim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
- Advanced Textile R&D Department, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), Ansan, Gyeonggi-do 15588, South Korea
| | - Terry A Ring
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Huanan Zhang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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