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Nkosi NC, Basson AK, Ntombela ZG, Dlamini NG, Pullabhotla RVSR. Green Synthesis, Characterization and Application of Silver Nanoparticles Using Bioflocculant: A Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:492. [PMID: 38790359 PMCID: PMC11117625 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11050492] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology has emerged as an effective means of removing contaminants from water. Traditional techniques for producing nanoparticles, such as physical methods (condensation and evaporation) and chemical methods (oxidation and reduction), have demonstrated high efficiency. However, these methods come with certain drawbacks, including the significant energy requirement and the use of costly and hazardous chemicals that may cause nanoparticles to adhere to surfaces. To address these limitations, researchers are actively developing alternative procedures that are cost-effective, environmentally safe, and user-friendly. One promising approach involves biological synthesis, which utilizes plants or microorganisms as reducing and capping agents. This review discusses various methods of nanoparticle synthesis, with a focus on biological synthesis using naturally occurring bioflocculants from microorganisms. Bioflocculants offer several advantages, including harmlessness, biodegradability, and minimal secondary pollution. Furthermore, the review covers the characterization of synthesized nanoparticles, their antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity. Additionally, it explores the utilization of these NPs in water purification and dye removal processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nkanyiso C. Nkosi
- Biochemistry and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering, P/Bag X1001, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa; (A.K.B.); (Z.G.N.); (N.G.D.)
| | - Albertus K. Basson
- Biochemistry and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering, P/Bag X1001, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa; (A.K.B.); (Z.G.N.); (N.G.D.)
| | - Zuzingcebo G. Ntombela
- Biochemistry and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering, P/Bag X1001, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa; (A.K.B.); (Z.G.N.); (N.G.D.)
| | - Nkosinathi G. Dlamini
- Biochemistry and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering, P/Bag X1001, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa; (A.K.B.); (Z.G.N.); (N.G.D.)
| | - Rajasekhar V. S. R. Pullabhotla
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Agriculture, and Engineering, P/Bag X1001, University of Zululand, KwaDlangezwa 3886, South Africa
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2
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Mulvey JT, Iyer KP, Ortega T, Merham JG, Pivak Y, Sun H, Hochbaum AI, Patterson JP. Correlating electrochemical stimulus to structural change in liquid electron microscopy videos using the structural dissimilarity metric. Ultramicroscopy 2024; 257:113894. [PMID: 38056395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2023.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
In-situ liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM) with electrical biasing capabilities has emerged as an invaluable tool for directly imaging electrode processes with high temporal and spatial resolution. However, accurately quantifying structural changes that occur on the electrode and subsequently correlating them to the applied stimulus remains challenging. Here, we present structural dissimilarity (DSSIM) analysis as segmentation-free video processing algorithm for locally detecting and quantifying structural change occurring in LCTEM videos. In this study, DSSIM analysis is applied to two in-situ LCTEM videos to demonstrate how to implement this algorithm and interpret the results. We show DSSIM analysis can be used as a visualization tool for qualitative data analysis by highlighting structural changes which are easily missed when viewing the raw data. Furthermore, we demonstrate how DSSIM analysis can serve as a quantitative metric and efficiently convert 3-dimensional microscopy videos to 1-dimenional plots which makes it easy to interpret and compare events occurring at different timepoints in a video. In the analyses presented here, DSSIM is used to directly correlate the magnitude and temporal scale of structural change to the features of the applied electrical bias. ImageJ, Python, and MATLAB programs, including a user-friendly interface and accompanying documentation, are published alongside this manuscript to make DSSIM analysis easily accessible to the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T Mulvey
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| | - Katen P Iyer
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Tomàs Ortega
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jovany G Merham
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Yevheniy Pivak
- DENSsolutions B.V., Informaticalaan 12, 2628 ZD Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Hongyu Sun
- DENSsolutions B.V., Informaticalaan 12, 2628 ZD Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Allon I Hochbaum
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of California, California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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3
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Sun Y, Zhang X, Huang R, Yang D, Kim J, Chen J, Ang EH, Li M, Li L, Song X. Revealing microscopic dynamics: in situ liquid-phase TEM for live observations of soft materials and quantitative analysis via deep learning. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:2945-2954. [PMID: 38236129 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr04480g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
In various domains spanning materials synthesis, chemical catalysis, life sciences, and energy materials, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods exert a profound influence. These methodologies enable the real-time observation and manipulation of gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions at the nanoscale, facilitating the exploration of pivotal reaction mechanisms. Fundamental research areas like crystal nucleation, growth, etching, and self-assembly have greatly benefited from these techniques. Additionally, their applications extend across diverse fields such as catalysis, batteries, bioimaging, and drug delivery kinetics. However, the intricate nature of 'soft matter' presents a challenge due to the unique molecular properties and dynamic behavior of these substances that remain insufficiently understood. Investigating soft matter within in situ liquid-phase TEM settings demands further exploration and advancement compared to other research domains. This research harnesses the potential of in situ liquid-phase TEM technology while integrating deep learning methodologies to comprehensively analyze the quantitative aspects of soft matter dynamics. This study centers on diverse phenomena, encompassing surfactant molecule nucleation, block copolymer behavior, confinement-driven self-assembly, and drying processes. Furthermore, deep learning techniques are employed to precisely analyze Ostwald ripening and digestive ripening dynamics. The outcomes of this study not only deepen the understanding of soft matter at its fundamental level but also serve as a pivotal foundation for developing innovative functional materials and cutting-edge devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Sun
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Mechanics, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China.
| | - Rui Huang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Anhui Province, 230009, China.
| | - Dahai Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Anhui Province, 230009, China.
| | - Juyeong Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Research Institute of Natural Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, South Korea
| | - Junhao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Anhui Province, 230009, China.
| | - Edison Huixiang Ang
- Natural Sciences and Science Education, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637616, Singapore
| | - Mufan Li
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, the College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Pecking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lin Li
- Beijing Shunce Technology Co., Ltd, Beijing, 102629, China
| | - Xiaohui Song
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Anhui Province, 230009, China.
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4
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Liu H, Lu HH, Alp Y, Wu R, Thayumanavan S. Structural Determinants of Stimuli-Responsiveness in Amphiphilic Macromolecular Nano-assemblies. Prog Polym Sci 2024; 148:101765. [PMID: 38476148 PMCID: PMC10927256 DOI: 10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Stimuli-responsive nano-assemblies from amphiphilic macromolecules could undergo controlled structural transformations and generate diverse macroscopic phenomenon under stimuli. Due to the controllable responsiveness, they have been applied for broad material and biomedical applications, such as biologics delivery, sensing, imaging, and catalysis. Understanding the mechanisms of the assembly-disassembly processes and structural determinants behind the responsive properties is fundamentally important for designing the next generation of nano-assemblies with programmable responsiveness. In this review, we focus on structural determinants of assemblies from amphiphilic macromolecules and their macromolecular level alterations under stimuli, such as the disruption of hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB), depolymerization, decrosslinking, and changes of molecular packing in assemblies, which eventually lead to a series of macroscopic phenomenon for practical purposes. Applications of stimuli-responsive nano-assemblies in delivery, sensing and imaging were also summarized based on their structural features. We expect this review could provide readers an overview of the structural considerations in the design and applications of nanoassemblies and incentivize more explorations in stimuli-responsive soft matters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxu Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065 P. R. China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Hung-Hsun Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Yasin Alp
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Ruiling Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - S. Thayumanavan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Center for Bioactive Delivery, Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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5
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Korpanty J, Gianneschi NC. Exploration of Organic Nanomaterials with Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:2298-2312. [PMID: 37580021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
ConspectusOrganic, soft materials with solution-phase nanoscale structures, such as emulsions, hydrogels, and thermally responsive materials, are inherently difficult to directly image via dry state and cryogenic-transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Therefore, we lack a routine microscopy method with sufficient resolution that can, in tandem with scattering techniques, probe the morphology and dynamics of these and many related systems. These challenges motivate liquid cell (LC) TEM method development, aimed at making the technique generally available and routine. To date, the field has been and continues to be dominantly focused on analyzing solution-phase inorganic materials. These mostly metallic nanoparticles have been studied at electron fluxes that can allow for high-resolution imaging, in the range of hundreds to thousands of e- Å-2 s-1. Despite excellent contrast, in these cases, one often contends with knock-on damage, direct radiolysis, and sensitization of the solvent by virtue of enhanced secondary electron production by the impinging electron beam. With an interest in soft materials, we face both related and distinct challenges, especially in achieving a high-enough contrast within solvated liquid cells. Additionally, we must be aware of artifacts associated with high-flux imaging conditions in terms of direct radiolysis of the solvent and the sensitive materials themselves. Regardless, with care, it has become possible to gain real insight into both static and dynamic organic nanomaterials in solution. This is due, in large part, to key advances that have been made, including improved sample preparation protocols, image capture technologies, and image analysis, which have allowed LCTEM to have utility. To enable solvated soft matter characterization by LCTEM, a generalizable multimodal workflow was developed by leveraging both experimental and theoretical precedents from across the LCTEM field and adjacent works concerned with solution radiolysis and nanoparticle tracking analyses. This workflow consists of (1) modeling electron beam-solvent interactions, (2) studying electron beam-sample interactions via LCTEM coupled with post-mortem analysis, (3) the construction of "damage plots" displaying sample integrity under varied imaging and sample conditions, (4) optimized LCTEM imaging, (5) image processing, and (6) correlative analysis via X-ray or light scattering. In this Account, we present this outlook and the challenges we continue to overcome in the direct imaging of dynamic solvated nanoscale soft materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korpanty
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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6
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Korpanty J, Wang C, Gianneschi NC. Upper critical solution temperature polymer assemblies via variable temperature liquid phase transmission electron microscopy and liquid resonant soft X-ray scattering. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3441. [PMID: 37301949 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38781-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we study the upper critical solution temperature triggered phase transition of thermally responsive poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate-co-poly(ethylene glycol) phenyl ether acrylate-block-polystyrene nanoassemblies in isopropanol. To gain mechanistic insight into the organic solution-phase dynamics of the upper critical solution temperature polymer, we leverage variable temperature liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy correlated with variable temperature liquid resonant soft X-ray scattering. Heating above the upper critical solution temperature triggers a reduction in particle size and a morphological transition from a spherical core shell particle with a complex, multiphase core to a micelle with a uniform core and Gaussian polymer chains attached to the surface. These correlated solution phase methods, coupled with mass spectral validation and modeling, provide unique insight into these thermoresponsive materials. Moreover, we detail a generalizable workflow for studying complex, solution-phase nanomaterials via correlative methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korpanty
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Cheng Wang
- Advanced Light Source, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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7
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Fujii S. Polymeric core-crosslinked particles prepared via a nanoemulsion-mediated process: from particle design and structural characterization to in vivo behavior in chemotherapy. Polym J 2023; 55:1-13. [PMID: 37359987 PMCID: PMC10189226 DOI: 10.1038/s41428-023-00793-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Various polymeric nanoparticles have been used as drug carriers in drug delivery systems (DDSs). Most of them were constructed from dynamic self-assembly systems formed via hydrophobic interactions and from structures that are unstable in an in vivo environment owing to their relatively weak formation forces. As a solution to this issue, physically stabilized core-crosslinked particles (CP) with chemically crosslinked cores have received attention as alternatives to the dynamic nanoparticles. This focused review summarizes recent advances in the construction, structural characterization, and in vivo behavior of polymeric CPs. First, we introduce a nanoemulsion-mediated method to create polyethylene glycol (PEG)-bearing CPs and their structural characterization. The relationship between the PEG chain conformations in the particle shell and the in vivo fate of the CPs is also discussed. After that, the development and advantages of zwitterionic amino acid-based polymer (ZAP)-bearing CPs are presented to address the poor penetration and the internalization of PEG-based CPs into tumor tissues and cells, respectively. Finally, we conclude and discuss prospects for application of polymeric CPs in the DDS field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Fujii
- Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
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8
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Hung CJ, Panda AS, Lee YC, Liu SY, Lin JW, Wang HF, Avgeropoulos A, Tseng FG, Chen FR, Ho RM. Direct Visualization of the Self-Alignment Process for Nanostructured Block Copolymer Thin Films by Transmission Electron Microscopy. ACS Macro Lett 2023; 12:570-576. [PMID: 37053545 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Herein, this work aims to directly visualize the morphological evolution of the controlled self-assembly of star-block polystyrene-block-polydimethylsiloxane (PS-b-PDMS) thin films via in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. With an environmental chip, possessing a built-in metal wire-based microheater fabricated by the microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technique, in situ TEM observations can be conducted under low-dose conditions to investigate the development of film-spanning perpendicular cylinders in the block copolymer (BCP) thin films via a self-alignment process. Owing to the free-standing condition, a symmetric condition of the BCP thin films can be formed for thermal annealing under vacuum with neutral air surface, whereas an asymmetric condition can be formed by an air plasma treatment on one side of the thin film that creates an end-capped neutral layer. A systematic comparison of the time-resolved self-alignment process in the symmetric and asymmetric conditions can be carried out, giving comprehensive insights for the self-alignment process via the nucleation and growth mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Jung Hung
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Aum Sagar Panda
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Liu
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Electron Microscopy Development and Application, Material and Chemical Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Jheng-Wei Lin
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Fang Wang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Apostolos Avgeropoulos
- Department of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Rong Chen
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, 518057, Hong Kong
| | - Rong-Ming Ho
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
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9
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Gupta S, Lodge TP. Effect of Changing Interfacial Tension on Fragmentation Kinetics of Block Copolymer Micelles. Macromolecules 2023. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States
| | - Timothy P. Lodge
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0431, United States
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10
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Venugopal A, Ruiz-Perez L, Swamynathan K, Kulkarni C, Calò A, Kumar M. Caught in Action: Visualizing Dynamic Nanostructures Within Supramolecular Systems Chemistry. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202208681. [PMID: 36469792 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202208681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular systems chemistry has been an area of active research to develop nanomaterials with life-like functions. Progress in systems chemistry relies on our ability to probe the nanostructure formation in solution. Often visualizing the dynamics of nanostructures which transform over time is a formidable challenge. This necessitates a paradigm shift from dry sample imaging towards solution-based techniques. We review the application of state-of-the-art techniques for real-time, in situ visualization of dynamic self-assembly processes. We present how solution-based techniques namely optical super-resolution microscopy, solution-state atomic force microscopy, liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy, molecular dynamics simulations and other emerging techniques are revolutionizing our understanding of active and adaptive nanomaterials with life-like functions. This Review provides the visualization toolbox and futuristic vision to tap the potential of dynamic nanomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akhil Venugopal
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Ruiz-Perez
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - K Swamynathan
- Soft Condensed Matter, Raman Research Institute, C. V. Raman Avenue, Sadashivanagar, Bangalore-560080, India.,Department of Chemistry, NITTE Meenakshi Institute of Technology, Yelahanka, Bengaluru 560064, India
| | - Chidambar Kulkarni
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai-400076, India
| | - Annalisa Calò
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona, Calle Marti i Fraquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mohit Kumar
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Calle Baldiri Reixac 10-12, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, Calle Marti i Fraquès 1-11, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Hurst PJ, Graham AA, Patterson JP. Gaining Structural Control by Modification of Polymerization Rate in Ring-Opening Polymerization-Induced Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly. ACS POLYMERS AU 2022; 2:501-509. [PMID: 36536891 PMCID: PMC9756957 DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.2c00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has become an important one pot method for the preparation of well-defined block copolymer nanoparticles. In PISA, morphology is typically controlled by changing molecular architecture and polymer concentration. However, several computational and experimental studies have suggested that changes in polymerization rate can lead to morphological differences. Here, we demonstrate that catalyst selection can be used to control morphology independent of polymer structure and concentration in ring-opening polymerization-induced crystallization-driven self-assembly (ROPI-CDSA). Slower rates of polymerization give rise to slower rates of self-assembly, resulting in denser lamellae and more 3D structures when compared to faster rates of polymerization. Our explanation for this is that the fast samples transiently exist in a nonequilibrium state as self-assembly starts at a higher solvophobic block length when compared to the slow polymerization. We expect that subsequent examples of rate variation in PISA will allow for greater control over morphological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Joshua Hurst
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Annissa A. Graham
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Joseph P. Patterson
- Department
of Chemistry, University of California,
Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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12
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Lodge TP, Seitzinger CL, Seeger SC, Yang S, Gupta S, Dorfman KD. Dynamics and Equilibration Mechanisms in Block Copolymer Particles. ACS POLYMERS AU 2022; 2:397-416. [PMID: 36536887 PMCID: PMC9756915 DOI: 10.1021/acspolymersau.2c00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of block copolymers into interesting and useful nanostructures, in both solution and bulk, is a vibrant research arena. While much attention has been paid to characterization and prediction of equilibrium phases, the associated dynamic processes are far from fully understood. Here, we explore what is known and not known about the equilibration of particle phases in the bulk, and spherical micelles in solution. The presumed primary equilibration mechanisms are chain exchange, fusion, and fragmentation. These processes have been extensively studied in surfactants and lipids, where they occur on subsecond time scales. In contrast, increased chain lengths in block copolymers create much larger barriers, and time scales can become prohibitively slow. In practice, equilibration of block copolymers is achievable only in proximity to the critical micelle temperature (in solution) or the order-disorder transition (in the bulk). Detailed theories for these processes in block copolymers are few. In the bulk, the rate of chain exchange can be quantified by tracer diffusion measurements. Often the rate of equilibration, in terms of number density and aggregation number of particles, is much slower than chain exchange, and consequently observed particle phases are often metastable. This is particularly true in regions of the phase diagram where Frank-Kasper phases occur. Chain exchange in solution has been explored quantitatively by time-resolved SANS, but the results are not well captured by theory. Computer simulations, particularly via dissipative particle dynamics, are beginning to shed light on the chain escape mechanism at the molecular level. The rate of fragmentation has been quantified in a few experimental systems, and TEM images support a mechanism akin to the anaphase stage of mitosis in cells, via a thin neck that pinches off to produce two smaller micelles. Direct measurements of micelle fusion are quite rare. Suggestions for future theoretical, computational, and experimental efforts are offered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy P. Lodge
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota 451 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Claire L. Seitzinger
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sarah C. Seeger
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota 451 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Sanghee Yang
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Supriya Gupta
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Minnesota 207 Pleasant St SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Kevin D. Dorfman
- Department
of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science, University of Minnesota 451 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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13
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Sun F, Zhao W, Shen H, Fan N, Zhang J, Liu Q, Xu C, Luo J, Zhao M, Chen Y, Lam KWK, Yang X, Kwok RTK, Lam JWY, Sun J, Zhang H, Tang BZ. Design of Smart Aggregates: Toward Rapid Clinical Diagnosis of Hyperlipidemia in Human Blood. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2207671. [PMID: 36134528 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Molecular aggregates with environmental responsive properties are desired for their wide practical applications such as bioprobes. Here, a series of smart near-infrared (NIR) luminogens for hyperlipidemia (HLP) diagnosis is reported. The aggregates of these molecules exhibit a twisted intramolecular charge-transfer effect in aqueous media, but aggregation-induced emission in highly viscous media due to the restriction of the intramolecular motion. These aggregates, which can autonomously respond to different environments via switching the aggregation state without changing their chemical structures are described, as "smart aggregates". Intriguingly, these luminogens demonstrate NIR-II and NIR-III luminescence with ultralarge Stokes shifts (>950 nm). Both in vitro detection and in vivo imaging of HLP can be realized in a mouse model. Linear relationships exist between the emission intensity and multiple pathological parameters in blood samples of HLP patients. Thus, the design of smart aggregate facilitates rapid and accurate detection of HLP and provides a promising attempt in aggregate science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyi Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, P. R. China
| | - Hanchen Shen
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Ni Fan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jianyu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Liu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Changhuo Xu
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jiaming Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, P. R. China
| | - Mengying Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yuyang Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Kristy W K Lam
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xueqin Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Ryan T K Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jacky W Y Lam
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Jianwei Sun
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Hongfei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, P. R. China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Branch of Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory of Optoelectronic and Magnetic Functional Materials, Division of Life Science, and State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
- School of Science and Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Aggregate Science and Technology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, P. R. China
- Center of Aggregation-Induced Emission, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P. R. China
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14
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Wang H, Xu Z, Mao S, Granick S. Experimental Guidelines to Image Transient Single-Molecule Events Using Graphene Liquid Cell Electron Microscopy. ACS NANO 2022; 16:18526-18537. [PMID: 36256532 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c06766] [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
In quest of the holy grail to "see" how individual molecules interact in liquid environments, single-molecule imaging methods now include liquid-phase electron microscopy, whose resolution can be nanometers in space and several frames per second in time using an ordinary electron microscope that is routinely available to many researchers. However, with the current state of the art, protocols that sound similar to those described in the literature lead to outcomes that can differ. The key challenge is to achieve sample contrast under a safe electron dose within a frame rate adequate to capture the molecular process. Here, we present such examples from different systems─synthetic polymer, lipid assembly, DNA-enzyme─in which we have done this using graphene liquid cells. We describe detailed experimental procedures and share empirical experience for conducting successful experiments, starting from fabrication of a graphene liquid cell, to identification of high-quality liquid pockets from desirable shapes and sizes, to effective searching for target sample pockets under electron microscopy, and to discrimination of sample molecules and molecular processes of interest. These experimental tips can assist others who wish to make use of this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Spectroscopy, Beijing Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education, Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, National Biomedical Imaging Center, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhun Xu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Mao
- Department of Mechanics and Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, People's Republic of China
| | - Steve Granick
- Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science, Ulsan, Korea, 44919
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Korea 44919
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15
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Williams ER, van den Bergh W, Stefik M. High- χ, low- N micelles from partially perfluorinated block polymers. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:7917-7930. [PMID: 36017726 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00513a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Kinetically trapped ("persistent") micelles enable emerging applications requiring a constant core diameter. Preserving a χN barrier to chain exchange with low-N requires a commensurately higher χcore-solvent for micelle persistence. Low-N, high-χ micelles containing fluorophobic interactions were studied using poly(ethylene oxide-b-perfluorooctyl acrylate)s (O45FX, x = 8, 11) in methanolic solutions. DLS analysis of micelles revealed chain exchange only for O45F8 while SAXS analysis suggested elongated core block conformations commensurate with the contour lengths. Micelle chain exchange from solution perturbations were examined by characterizing their behavior as templates for inorganic materials via SAXS and SEM. In contrast to the F8 analog, the larger χN barrier for the O45F11 enabled persistent micelle behavior in both thin films and bulk samples despite the low Tg micelle core. Careful measures of micelle core diameters and pore sizes revealed that the nanoparticle distribution extended through the corona and 0.52 ± 0.15 nm into the core-corona interface, highlighting thermodynamics favoring both locations simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Williams
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Wessel van den Bergh
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Morgan Stefik
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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16
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Kumar L, Horechyy A, Paturej J, Nandan B, Kłos JS, Sommer JU, Fery A. Encapsulation of Nanoparticles into Preformed Block Copolymer Micelles Driven by Competitive Solvation: Experimental Studies and Molecular Dynamic Simulations. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Labeesh Kumar
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069Dresden, Germany
| | - Andriy Horechyy
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069Dresden, Germany
| | - Jarosław Paturej
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Physics, University of Silesia, Chorzów, 41-500, Poland
| | - Bhanu Nandan
- Department of Textile and Fibre Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi110016, India
| | - Jarosław S. Kłos
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Physics, A. Mickiewicz University, Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego 2, 61-614Poznań, Poland
| | - Jens-Uwe Sommer
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden01062, Germany
| | - Andreas Fery
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e. V., Hohe Straße 6, 01069Dresden, Germany
- Physical Chemistry of Polymer Materials, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden01062, Germany
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17
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Universal Markers Unveil Metastatic Cancerous Cross-Sections at Nanoscale. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153728. [PMID: 35954392 PMCID: PMC9367376 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary We propose the use of two universal morphometric indices whose synergetic potency leads to the classification of a cancerous tissue of a few nanometers in size as metastatic or non-metastatic. The method is label-free, operates on conventional histological cross-sections, recording surface height–height roughness by AFM, and detects nanoscale changes associated with the progress of carcinogenesis which are the output of combined statistical approaches, namely multifractal analysis and the generalized moments method. The benefit of this approach is at least two-fold. On the one hand, its application in the context of early diagnosis can increase the life expectancy of patients, and on the other hand, differentiation between metastatic and non-metastatic tissues at the singular cell level can lead to new methodologies to treat cancer biology and therapies. Abstract The characterization of cancer histological sections as metastatic, M, or not-metastatic, NM, at the cellular size level is important for early diagnosis and treatment. We present timely warning markers of metastasis, not identified by existing protocols and used methods. Digitized atomic force microscopy images of human histological cross-sections of M and NM colorectal cancer cells were analyzed by multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis and the generalized moments method analysis. Findings emphasize the multifractal character of all samples and accentuate room for the differentiation of M from NM cross-sections. Two universal markers emphatically achieve this goal performing very well: (a) the ratio of the singularity parameters (left/right), which are defined relative to weak/strong fluctuations in the multifractal spectrum, is always greater than 0.8 for NM tissues; and (b) the index of multifractality, used to classify universal multifractals, points to log-normal distribution for NM and to log-Cauchy for M tissues. An immediate large-scale screening of cancerous sections is doable based on these findings.
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18
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Kunnas P, Moradi MA, Sommerdijk N, de Jonge N. Strategy for optimizing experimental settings for studying low atomic number colloidal assemblies using liquid phase scanning transmission electron microscopy. Ultramicroscopy 2022; 240:113596. [PMID: 35908325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultramic.2022.113596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Observing processes of nanoscale materials of low atomic number is possible using liquid phase electron microscopy (LP-EM). However, the achievable spatial resolution (d) is limited by radiation damage. Here, we examine a strategy for optimizing LP-EM experiments based on an analytical model and experimental measurements, and develop a method for quantifying image quality at ultra low electron dose De using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). As experimental test case we study the formation of a colloidal binary system containing 30 nm diameter SiO2 nanoparticles (SiONPs), and 100 nm diameter polystyrene microspheres (PMs). We show that annular dark field (DF) STEM is preferred over bright field (BF) STEM for practical reasons. Precise knowledge of the material's density is crucial for the calculations in order to match experimental data. To calculate the detectability of nano-objects in an image, the Rose criterion for single pixels is expanded to a model of the signal to noise ratio obtained for multiple pixels spanning the image of an object. Using optimized settings, it is possible to visualize the radiation-sensitive, hierarchical low-Z binary structures, and identify both components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kunnas
- INM- Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany; Faculty of Physics, Quantum Imaging and Biophysics, University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Mohammad-Amin Moradi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Nico Sommerdijk
- Department of Biochemistry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Niels de Jonge
- INM- Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany; Department of Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken 66123, Germany.
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19
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Kelly DF, DiCecco LA, Jonaid GM, Dearnaley WJ, Spilman MS, Gray JL, Dressel-Dukes MJ. Liquid-EM goes viral - visualizing structure and dynamics. Curr Opin Struct Biol 2022; 75:102426. [PMID: 35868163 DOI: 10.1016/j.sbi.2022.102426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-electron microscopy (EM), the room temperature correlate to cryo-EM, is an exciting new technique delivering real-time data of dynamic reactions in solution. Here, we explain how liquid-EM gained popularity in recent years by examining key experiments conducted on viral assemblies and host-pathogen interactions. We describe developing workflows for specimen preparation, data collection, and computing processes that led to the first high-resolution virus structures in a liquid environment. Equally important, we review why liquid-electron tomography may become the next big thing in biomedical research due to its ability to monitor live viruses entering cells within seconds. Taken together, we pose the idea that liquid-EM can serve as a dynamic complement to current cryo-EM methods, inspiring the "real-time revolution" in nanoscale imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah F Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Liza-Anastasia DiCecco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L7, Canada. https://twitter.com/LizaDiCecco
| | - G M Jonaid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - William J Dearnaley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Center for Structural Oncology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. https://twitter.com/PennStateMRI
| | - Michael S Spilman
- Direct Electron, LP, San Diego, CA 92128, USA. https://twitter.com/DirectElectron
| | - Jennifer L Gray
- Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
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20
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Alam SB, Soligno G, Yang J, Bustillo KC, Ercius P, Zheng H, Whitelam S, Chan EM. Dynamics of Polymer Nanocapsule Buckling and Collapse Revealed by In Situ Liquid-Phase TEM. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:7168-7178. [PMID: 35621188 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Nanocapsules are hollow nanoscale shells that have applications in drug delivery, batteries, self-healing materials, and as model systems for naturally occurring shell geometries. In many applications, nanocapsules are designed to release their cargo as they buckle and collapse, but the details of this transient buckling process have not been directly observed. Here, we use in situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to record the electron-irradiation-induced buckling in spherical 60-187 nm polymer capsules with ∼3.5 nm walls. We observe in real time the release of aqueous cargo from these nanocapsules and their buckling into morphologies with single or multiple indentations. The in situ buckling of nanoscale capsules is compared to ex situ measurements of collapsed and micrometer-sized capsules and to Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. The shape and dynamics of the collapsing nanocapsules are consistent with MC simulations, which reveal that the excessive wrinkling of nanocapsules with ultrathin walls results from their large Föppl-von Kármán numbers around 105. Our experiments suggest design rules for nanocapsules with the desired buckling response based on parameters such as capsule radius, wall thickness, and collapse rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sardar B Alam
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Giuseppe Soligno
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584 CC, The Netherlands
| | - Jiwoong Yang
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Karen C Bustillo
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Peter Ercius
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Haimei Zheng
- Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Stephen Whitelam
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Emory M Chan
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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21
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Vratsanos MA, Gianneschi NC. Direct Observation of Emulsion Morphology, Dynamics, and Demulsification. ACS NANO 2022; 16:7783-7793. [PMID: 35302741 PMCID: PMC9836053 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c00199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we present the direct observation and quantification of a water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion, its destabilization, and the effect of additives on such processes at the nanoscale. This is achieved via liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM), wherein a small volume of emulsion is encapsulated against vacuum in its liquid state to allow observation of its initial morphology and its evolution over time at excellent spatial and temporal resolution. Emulsions of this class are useful for delivering payloads of materials insoluble in their delivery medium and are currently widely used across food science, pharmaceuticals, and environmental applications. However, their utility is inherently limited by their thermodynamic tendency to demulsify, eventually leading to bulk phase separation. This occurs via several degradation mechanisms, operating at times collectively, and which are difficult to differentiate via traditional ensemble methods (e.g., light scattering), obscuring mechanistic nuances. LPTEM as a characterization technique has the potential to augment our understanding of emulsion behavior and improve performance and formulations. In this work, we also emphasize the importance of the included videographic Supporting Information data in demonstrating the behavior of the studied materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Vratsanos
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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22
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Guernelli M, Bakalis E, Mavridi-Printezi A, Petropoulos V, Cerullo G, Zerbetto F, Montalti M. Photothermal motion: effect of low-intensity irradiation on the thermal motion of organic nanoparticles. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:7233-7241. [PMID: 35511223 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr01041k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The effect of local photo-triggered heat release on the motion of organic nanopartcles (NP), a process that is itself thermal, is largely unexplored under low-intensity irradiation. Here, we develop organic NP specifically tailored for this study and demonstrate, comparing three different irradiation intensity regimes, that indeed the NP undergo "acceleration" upon light absorption (Photothermal Motion). These NP have a well-defined chemical composition and extremely high molar absorbance coefficient, and upon excitation, they deactivate mostly non radiatively with localized heat dissipation. The residual fluorescence efficiency is high enough to allow the detection of their trajectory in a simple wide field fluorescence microscope under low-intensity irradiation, a typical condition for NP bio-applications. The NP were characterized in detail from the photophysical point of view using UV-VIS absorption, steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and ultra-fast transient absorption (UF-TA). A detailed analysis of the trajectories of the NP reveals a strong dependency of the diffusion coefficient on the irradiation intensity even in a low power regime. This behavior demonstrates the inhomogeneity of the environment surrounding the NP as a result of local heat generation. Upon irradiation, the effective temperature increase, that emerges from the analysis, is much larger than that expected for plasmonic NP. Anomalous diffusion object-motion analysis (ADOMA) revealed that, in the more intense irradiation regime, the motion of the NP is a fractional Brownian motion, which is a simple generalization of Brownian motion where the steps are not independent of each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moreno Guernelli
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, Bologna 40126, Italy.
| | - Evangelos Bakalis
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, Bologna 40126, Italy.
| | | | - Vasilis Petropoulos
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Giulio Cerullo
- Department of Physics, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza L. da Vinci 32, Milano 20133, Italy
| | - Francesco Zerbetto
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, Bologna 40126, Italy.
| | - Marco Montalti
- Department of Chemistry "Giacomo Ciamician", University of Bologna, Via Selmi 2, Bologna 40126, Italy.
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23
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Supramolecular systems chemistry through advanced analytical techniques. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:5105-5119. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-021-03824-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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24
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Rizvi A, Mulvey JT, Patterson JP. Observation of Liquid-Liquid-Phase Separation and Vesicle Spreading during Supported Bilayer Formation via Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:10325-10332. [PMID: 34890211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LP-TEM) enables the real-time visualization of nanoscale dynamics in solution. This technique has been used to study the formation and transformation mechanisms of organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Here, we study the formation of block-copolymer-supported bilayers using LP-TEM. We observe two formation pathways that involve either liquid droplets or vesicles as intermediates toward supported bilayers. Quantitative image analysis methods are used to characterize vesicle spread rates and show the origin of defect formation in supported bilayers. Our results suggest that bilayer assembly methods that proceed via liquid droplet intermediates should be beneficial for forming pristine supported bilayers. Furthermore, supported bilayers inside the liquid cells may be used to image membrane interactions with proteins and nanoparticles in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoon Rizvi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Justin T Mulvey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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25
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Andrews J, Blaisten-Barojas E. Distinctive Formation of PEG-Lipid Nanopatches onto Solid Polymer Surfaces Interfacing Solvents from Atomistic Simulation. J Phys Chem B 2021; 126:1598-1608. [PMID: 34933557 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c07490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The interface between solid poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid), PLGA, and solvents is described by large-scale atomistic simulations for water, ethyl acetate, and the mixture of them at ambient conditions. Interactions at the interface are dominated by Coulomb forces for water and become overwhelmingly dispersive for the other two solvents. This effect drives a neat liquid-phase separation of the mixed solvent, with ethyl acetate covering the PLGA surface and water being segregated away from it. We explore with all-atom Molecular Dynamics the formation of macromolecular assemblies on the surface of the PLGA-solvent interface when DSPE-PEG, 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-(polyethylene glycol)n amine, is added to the solvent. By following in time the deposition of the DSPE-PEG macromolecules onto the PLGA surface, the mechanism of how nanopatches remain adsorbed to the surface despite the presence of the solvent is probed. These patches have a droplet-like aspect when formed at the PLGA-water interface that flatten in the PLGA-ethyl acetate interface case. Dispersive forces are dominant for the nanopatch adhesion to the surface, while electrostatic forces are dominant for keeping the solvent around the new formations. Considering the droplet-like patches as wetting the PLGA surface, we predict an effective wetting behavior at the water interface that fades significantly at the ethyl acetate interface. The predicted mechanism of PEG-lipid nanopatch formation may be generally applicable for tailoring the synthesis of asymmetric PLGA nanoparticles for specific drug delivery conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Andrews
- Center for Simulation and Modeling (formerly, Computational Materials Science Center) and Department of Computational and Data Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
| | - Estela Blaisten-Barojas
- Center for Simulation and Modeling (formerly, Computational Materials Science Center) and Department of Computational and Data Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia 22030, United States
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26
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Wang Q, Qin Q, Chen Y, Yang T, Xu Q, Mu H, Han J, Cao K, Jiao M, Liu M, Zhang S, Yang C. STED microscopy reveals in-situ photoluminescence properties of single nanostructures in densely perovskite thin films. OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 29:40051-40060. [PMID: 34809355 DOI: 10.1364/oe.442345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
All-inorganic perovskite nanomaterials have attracted much attention recently due to their prominent optical performance and potential application for optoelectronic devices. The carriers dynamics of all-inorganic perovskites has been the research focus because the understanding of carriers dynamics process is of critical importance for improving the fluorescence conversion efficiency. While photophysical properties of excited carrier are usually measured at the macroscopic scale, it is necessary to probe the in-situ dynamics process at the nanometer scale and gain deep insights into the photophysical mechanisms and their localized dependence on the thin-film nanostructures. Stimulated emission depletion (STED) nanoscopy with super-resolution beyond the diffraction limit can directly provide explicit information at a single particle level or nanometer scale. Through this unique technique, we firstly study the in-situ dynamics process of single CsPbBr3 nanocrystals(NCs) and nanostructures embedded inside high-dense samples. Our findings reveal the different physical mechanisms of PL blinking and antibunching for single CsPbBr3 NCs and nanostructures that correlate with thin-film nanostructural features (e.g. defects, grain boundaries and carrier mobility). The insights gained into such nanostructure-localized physical mechanisms are critically important for further improving the material quality and its corresponding device performance.
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27
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Korpanty J, Parent LR, Hampu N, Weigand S, Gianneschi NC. Thermoresponsive polymer assemblies via variable temperature liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6568. [PMID: 34772926 PMCID: PMC8589985 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, phase transitions of a class of thermally-responsive polymers, namely a homopolymer, diblock, and triblock copolymer, were studied to gain mechanistic insight into nanoscale assembly dynamics via variable temperature liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (VT-LCTEM) correlated with variable temperature small angle X-ray scattering (VT-SAXS). We study thermoresponsive poly(diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (PDEGMA)-based block copolymers and mitigate sample damage by screening electron flux and solvent conditions during LCTEM and by evaluating polymer survival via post-mortem matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). Our multimodal approach, utilizing VT-LCTEM with MS validation and VT-SAXS, is generalizable across polymeric systems and can be used to directly image solvated nanoscale structures and thermally-induced transitions. Our strategy of correlating VT-SAXS with VT-LCTEM provided direct insight into transient nanoscale intermediates formed during the thermally-triggered morphological transformation of a PDEGMA-based triblock. Notably, we observed the temperature-triggered formation and slow relaxation of core-shell particles with complex microphase separation in the core by both VT-SAXS and VT-LCTEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korpanty
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Lucas R Parent
- Innovation Partnership Building, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Nicholas Hampu
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Steven Weigand
- DuPont-Northwestern-Dow Collaborative Access Team (DND-CAT) Synchrotron Research Center, Northwestern University, Argonne, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.
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28
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Subramanian V, Martin DC. In Situ Observations of Nanofibril Nucleation and Growth during the Electrochemical Polymerization of Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) Using Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:9077-9084. [PMID: 34672611 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The electrochemical deposition of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) has been carried out previously in the presence of a variety of counterions. Previous studies have shown that elongated nanofibrillar structures of PEDOT would form reproducibly when certain counterions such as poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) were added to the reaction mixture. However, details of the nanofibril nucleation and growth stages were not yet clear. Here, we describe the structural evolution of PEDOT nanofibrils using liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM). We measured the growth velocities of nanofibrils in different directions at various stages of the process and their intensity profiles, and we have estimated the number of EDOT monomers involved. We observed that fibrils initially grew anisotropically in a direction nominally perpendicular to the local edge of the electrodes, with rates that were faster along their lengths as compared those along to their widths and thicknesses. These real-time observations have helped us elucidate the nucleation and growth of PEDOT nanofibrils during electrochemical deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Subramanian
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - David C Martin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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29
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Gnanasekaran K, Korpanty J, Berger O, Hampu N, Halperin-Sternfeld M, Cohen-Gerassi D, Adler-Abramovich L, Gianneschi NC. Dipeptide Nanostructure Assembly and Dynamics via in Situ Liquid-Phase Electron Microscopy. ACS NANO 2021; 15:16542-16551. [PMID: 34623126 PMCID: PMC9836046 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c06130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we report the in situ growth of FF nanotubes examined via liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM). This direct, high spatial, and temporal resolution imaging approach allowed us to observe the growth of peptide-based nanofibrillar structures through directional elongation. Furthermore, the radial growth profile of FF nanotubes through the addition of monomers perpendicular to the tube axis has been observed in real-time with sufficient resolution to directly observe the increase in diameter. Our study demonstrates that the kinetics, dynamics, structure formation, and assembly mechanism of these supramolecular assemblies can be directly monitored using LCTEM. The performance of the peptides and the assemblies they form can be verified and evaluated using post-mortem techniques including time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthikeyan Gnanasekaran
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Joanna Korpanty
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Or Berger
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Nicholas Hampu
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Michal Halperin-Sternfeld
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Dana Cohen-Gerassi
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Lihi Adler-Abramovich
- Department of Oral Biology, The Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Simpson Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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30
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Bakalis E, Gavriil V, Cefalas AC, Kollia Z, Zerbetto F, Sarantopoulou E. Viscoelasticity and Noise Properties Reveal the Formation of Biomemory in Cells. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:10883-10892. [PMID: 34546052 PMCID: PMC8503882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c01752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Living cells are
neither perfectly elastic nor liquid and return
a viscoelastic response to external stimuli. Nanoindentation provides
force–distance curves, allowing the investigation of cell mechanical
properties, and yet, these curves can differ from point to point on
the cell surface, revealing its inhomogeneous character. In the present
work, we propose a mathematical method to estimate both viscoelastic
and noise properties of cells as these are depicted on the values
of the scaling exponents of relaxation function and power spectral
density, respectively. The method uses as input the time derivative
of the response force in a nanoindentation experiment. Generalized
moments method and/or rescaled range analysis is used to study the
resulting time series depending on their nonstationary or stationary
nature. We conducted experiments in living Ulocladium
chartarum spores. We found that spores in the approaching
phase present a viscoelastic behavior with the corresponding scaling
exponent in the range 0.25–0.52 and in the retracting phase
present a liquid-like behavior with exponents in the range 0.67–0.85.
This substantial difference of the scaling exponents in the two phases
suggests the formation of biomemory as a response of the spores to
the indenting AFM mechanical stimulus. The retracting phase may be
described as a process driven by bluish noises, while the approaching
one is driven by persistent noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Bakalis
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Universita di Bologna, V. F. Selmi 2, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Vassilios Gavriil
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Alkiviadis-Constantinos Cefalas
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Zoe Kollia
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
| | - Francesco Zerbetto
- Dipartimento di Chimica "G. Ciamician", Universita di Bologna, V. F. Selmi 2, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Evangelia Sarantopoulou
- Theoretical and Physical Chemistry Institute, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, Athens 11635, Greece
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31
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Harmat AL, Javan Nikkhah S, Sammalkorpi M. Dissipative particle dynamics simulations of H-shaped diblock copolymer self-assembly in solvent. POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2021.124198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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32
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Rizvi A, Mulvey JT, Carpenter BP, Talosig R, Patterson JP. A Close Look at Molecular Self-Assembly with the Transmission Electron Microscope. Chem Rev 2021; 121:14232-14280. [PMID: 34329552 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Molecular self-assembly is pervasive in the formation of living and synthetic materials. Knowledge gained from research into the principles of molecular self-assembly drives innovation in the biological, chemical, and materials sciences. Self-assembly processes span a wide range of temporal and spatial domains and are often unintuitive and complex. Studying such complex processes requires an arsenal of analytical and computational tools. Within this arsenal, the transmission electron microscope stands out for its unique ability to visualize and quantify self-assembly structures and processes. This review describes the contribution that the transmission electron microscope has made to the field of molecular self-assembly. An emphasis is placed on which TEM methods are applicable to different structures and processes and how TEM can be used in combination with other experimental or computational methods. Finally, we provide an outlook on the current challenges to, and opportunities for, increasing the impact that the transmission electron microscope can have on molecular self-assembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoon Rizvi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Justin T Mulvey
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Brooke P Carpenter
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Rain Talosig
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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33
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Robertson M, Zhou Q, Ye C, Qiang Z. Developing Anisotropy in Self-Assembled Block Copolymers: Methods, Properties, and Applications. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100300. [PMID: 34272778 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assembly has continually attracted interest as a means to provide bottom-up control over nanostructures. While various methods have been demonstrated for efficiently ordering BCP nanodomains, most of them do not generically afford control of nanostructural orientation. For many applications of BCPs, such as energy storage, microelectronics, and separation membranes, alignment of nanodomains is a key requirement for enabling their practical use or enhancing materials performance. This review focuses on summarizing research progress on the development of anisotropy in BCP systems, covering a variety of topics from established aligning techniques, resultant material properties, and the associated applications. Specifically, the significance of aligning nanostructures and the anisotropic properties of BCPs is discussed and highlighted by demonstrating a few promising applications. Finally, the challenges and outlook are presented to further implement aligned BCPs into practical nanotechnological applications, where exciting opportunities exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Robertson
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA
| | - Qingya Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Changhuai Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhe Qiang
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406, USA
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34
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Abstract
Bottlebrush polymers (BBPs), composed of relatively short polymeric side chains densely grafted on a polymer backbone, exhibit many unique characteristics and hold promise for a variety of applications. This Perspective focuses on environmentally induced shape-changing behavior of BBPs at interface and in solution, particularly worm/star-globule shape transitions. While BBPs with a single type of homopolymer or random copolymer side chains have been shown to undergo pronounced worm-to-globule shape changes in response to external stimuli, the collapsed brushes are unstable and prone to aggregation. By introducing a second, solvophilic polymer into the side chains, either as a distinct type of side chain or as the outer block of block copolymer side chains, the collapsed brushes not only are stabilized but also create unimolecular micellar nanostructures, which can be used for, e.g., encapsulation and delivery of substances. The current challenges in the design, synthesis, and characterization of stimuli-responsive shape-changing BBPs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996, United States
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35
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Wu H, Li T, Maddala SP, Khalil ZJ, Joosten RRM, Mezari B, Hensen EJM, de With G, Friedrich H, van Bokhoven JA, Patterson JP. Studying Reaction Mechanisms in Solution Using a Distributed Electron Microscopy Method. ACS NANO 2021; 15:10296-10308. [PMID: 34077193 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c02461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Electron microscopy (EM) of materials undergoing chemical reactions provides knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. However, the mechanisms are often complex and cannot be fully resolved using a single method. Here, we present a distributed electron microscopy method for studying complex reactions. The method combines information from multiple stages of the reaction and from multiple EM methods, including liquid phase EM (LP-EM), cryogenic EM (cryo-EM), and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). We demonstrate this method by studying the desilication mechanism of zeolite crystals. Collectively, our data reveal that the reaction proceeds via a two-step anisotropic etching process and that the defects in curved surfaces and between the subunits in the crystal control the desilication kinetics by directing mass transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanglong Wu
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sai P Maddala
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Zafeiris J Khalil
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rick R M Joosten
- Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Brahim Mezari
- Inorganic Materials & Catalysis Group, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Emiel J M Hensen
- Inorganic Materials & Catalysis Group, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Gijsbertus de With
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Heiner Friedrich
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, Department of Chemical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen A van Bokhoven
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Bioscience, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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36
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Early JT, Block A, Yager KG, Lodge TP. Molecular Weight Dependence of Block Copolymer Micelle Fragmentation Kinetics. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:7748-7758. [PMID: 33988984 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c02147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The effect of molecular weight (M) on the fragmentation kinetics of micelles formed by 1,2-polybutadiene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PB-PEO) copolymers was studied in the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. A series of six samples, with total M ranging from 104 to 105 g mol-1 and nearly constant composition (fPEO ≈ 0.4), were examined; all six formed spherical micelles with PEO coronas. Nonequilibrium PB-PEO micelles were prepared by direct dissolution, a process that systematically produces nanoparticles with mean aggregation numbers more than twice the equilibrium values. When subjected to high temperature annealing (170 °C), the average micelle radius was found to decrease substantially, as determined by temperature-jump dynamic light scattering (T-jump DLS) and time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (TR-SAXS). The characteristic fragmentation times (τ) were found to increase strongly with increasing degree of polymerization N, as τ ∼ N1.8. This result compares favorably with the prediction of a previously untested model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kevin G Yager
- Center for Functional Nanomaterials, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York 11973-5000, United States
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37
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Gibson W, Patterson JP. Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy Provides Opportunities in Polymer Synthesis and Manufacturing. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wyeth Gibson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
| | - Joseph P. Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-2025, United States
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38
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Kubota R, Tanaka W, Hamachi I. Microscopic Imaging Techniques for Molecular Assemblies: Electron, Atomic Force, and Confocal Microscopies. Chem Rev 2021; 121:14281-14347. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ryou Kubota
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Wataru Tanaka
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Itaru Hamachi
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
- JST-ERATO, Hamachi Innovative Molecular Technology for Neuroscience, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
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39
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Banerjee SL, Saha P, Ganguly R, Bhattacharya K, Kalita U, Pich A, Singha NK. A dual thermoresponsive and antifouling zwitterionic microgel with pH triggered fluorescent “on-off” core. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 589:110-126. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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40
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Devaux F, Li X, Sluysmans D, Maurizot V, Bakalis E, Zerbetto F, Huc I, Duwez AS. Single-molecule mechanics of synthetic aromatic amide helices: Ultrafast and robust non-dissipative winding. Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chempr.2021.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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41
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Barbee MH, Wright ZM, Allen BP, Taylor HF, Patteson EF, Knight AS. Protein-Mimetic Self-Assembly with Synthetic Macromolecules. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith H. Barbee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Zoe M. Wright
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Benjamin P. Allen
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Hailey F. Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Emily F. Patteson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Abigail S. Knight
- Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Vena MP, de Moor D, Ianiro A, Tuinier R, Patterson JP. Kinetic state diagrams for a highly asymmetric block copolymer assembled in solution. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:1084-1090. [PMID: 33289775 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm01596b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polymer self-assembly is used to form nanomaterials with a wide range of structures. While self-assembly of polymers in bulk has been thoroughly explored, the same process in solution remains widely used but partially unresolved, due to the formation of structures which are often kinetically trapped. In this paper we report kinetic state diagrams of polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer in water by changing the solvent-switch assembly conditions. We study 36 different conditions for a single block copolymer, exploring three parameters: polymer concentration, temperature and rate addition of selective solvent. The data shows that polymer concentration plays an important role in determining which morphologies are accessible within a given set of experimental parameters and provides evidence that vesicles can evolve into particles with complex internal structures, supportive of recent mechanistic studies. Most importantly, the data shows a complex relationship between all parameters and the resulting kinetically trapped morphologies indicating that combined in situ and ex situ studies are required to gain a fundamental understanding of kinetically controlled block copolymer assembly processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Paula Vena
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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Korpanty J, Parent LR, Gianneschi NC. Enhancing and Mitigating Radiolytic Damage to Soft Matter in Aqueous Phase Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy in the Presence of Gold Nanoparticle Sensitizers or Isopropanol Scavengers. NANO LETTERS 2021; 21:1141-1149. [PMID: 33448858 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c04636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we describe the radiolytic environment experienced by a polymer in water during liquid-cell transmission electron microscopy (LCTEM). We examined the radiolytic environment of aqueous solutions of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, 2400 g/mol) in the presence of sensitizing gold nanoparticles (GNPs, 100 nm) or radical scavenging isopropanol (IPA). To quantify polymer damage, we employed post-mortem analysis via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS). This approach confirms IPA (1-10% w/v) can significantly mitigate radiolysis-induced damage to polymers in water, while GNPs significantly enhance damage. We couple LCTEM experiments with simulations to provide a generalizable strategy for assessing radiolysis mitigation or enhancement. This study highlights the caution required for LCTEM experiments on inorganic nanoparticles where solution phase properties of surrounding organic materials or the solvent itself are under investigation. Furthermore, we anticipate an increased use of scavengers for LCTEM studies of all kinds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Korpanty
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Lucas R Parent
- Innovation Partnership Building, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Simpson Querrey Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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44
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Parent LR, Gnanasekaran K, Korpanty J, Gianneschi NC. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Polymeric Materials by In Situ Liquid-Phase Transmission Electron Microscopy. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:14-38. [PMID: 35548998 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A century ago, Hermann Staudinger proposed the macromolecular theory of polymers, and now, as we enter the second century of polymer science, we face a different set of opportunities and challenges for the development of functional soft matter. Indeed, many fundamental questions remain open, relating to physical structures and mechanisms of phase transformations at the molecular and nanoscale. In this Viewpoint, we describe efforts to develop a dynamic, in situ microscopy tool suited to the study of polymeric materials at the nanoscale that allows for direct observation of discrete structures and processes in solution, as a complement to light, neutron, and X-ray scattering methods. Liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) is a nascent in situ imaging technique for characterizing and examining solvated nanomaterials in real time. Though still under development, LPTEM has been shown to be capable of several modes of imaging: (1) imaging static solvated materials analogous to cryo-TEM, (2) videography of nanomaterials in motion, (3) observing solutions or nanomaterials undergoing physical and chemical transformations, including synthesis, assembly, and phase transitions, and (4) observing electron beam-induced chemical-materials processes. Herein, we describe opportunities and limitations of LPTEM for polymer science. We review the basic experimental platform of LPTEM and describe the origin of electron beam effects that go hand in hand with the imaging process. These electron beam effects cause perturbation and damage to the sample and solvent that can manifest as artefacts in images and videos. We describe sample-specific experimental guidelines and outline approaches to mitigate, characterize, and quantify beam damaging effects. Altogether, we seek to provide an overview of this nascent field in the context of its potential to contribute to the advancement of polymer science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas R. Parent
- Innovation Partnership Building, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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45
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Kuei B, Gomez ED. Pushing the limits of high-resolution polymer microscopy using antioxidants. Nat Commun 2021; 12:153. [PMID: 33420049 PMCID: PMC7794589 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20363-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) has been transformative to the field of polymer science, enabling the direct imaging of molecular structures. Although some materials have remarkable stability under electron beams, most HRTEM studies are limited by the electron dose the sample can handle. Beam damage of conjugated polymers is not yet fully understood, but it has been suggested that the diffusion of secondary reacting species may play a role. As such, we examine the effect of the addition of antioxidants to a series of solution-processable conjugated polymers as an approach to mitigating beam damage. Characterizing the effects of beam damage by calculating critical dose DC values from the decay of electron diffraction peaks shows that beam damage of conjugated polymers in the TEM can be minimized by using antioxidants at room temperature, even if the antioxidant does not alter or incorporate into polymer crystals. As a consequence, the addition of antioxidants pushes the resolution limit of polymer microscopy, enabling imaging of a 3.6 Å lattice spacing in poly[(5,6-difluoro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazol-4,7-diyl)-alt-(3,3″'-di(2-octyldodecyl)-2,2';5',2″;5″,2″'-quaterthiophene-5,5″'-diyl)] (PffBT4T-2OD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Kuei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA
| | - Enrique D Gomez
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA.
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA.
- Materials Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, 16802, USA.
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46
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Zhu C, Nicolas J. Towards nanoparticles with site-specific degradability by ring-opening copolymerization induced self-assembly in organic medium. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py01425g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Radical ring-opening copolymerization-induced self-assembly (rROPISA) was successfully applied to the synthesis of core-, surface- or surface plus core-degradable nanoparticles in heptane, leading to site-specific degradability by rROPISA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zhu
- Université Paris-Saclay
- CNRS
- Institut Galien Paris-Saclay
- 92296 Châtenay-Malabry
- France
| | - Julien Nicolas
- Université Paris-Saclay
- CNRS
- Institut Galien Paris-Saclay
- 92296 Châtenay-Malabry
- France
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47
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Kumar M, Son J, Huang RH, Sementa D, Lee M, O'Brien S, Ulijn RV. In Situ, Noncovalent Labeling and Stimulated Emission Depletion-Based Super-Resolution Imaging of Supramolecular Peptide Nanostructures. ACS NANO 2020; 14:15056-15063. [PMID: 33169979 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c05029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular materials have gained substantial interest for a number biological and nonbiological applications. However, for optimum utilization of these dynamic self-assembled materials, it is important to visualize and understand their structures at the nanoscale, in solution and in real time. Previous approaches for imaging these structures have utilized super-resolution optical imaging methods such as STORM, which has provided important insights, but suffers from drawbacks of complex sample preparation and slow acquisition times, thus limiting real-time in situ imaging of dynamic processes. We demonstrate a noncovalent fluorescent labeling design for STED-based super-resolution imaging of self-assembling peptides. This is achieved by in situ, electrostatic binding of anionic sulfonates of Alexa-488 dye to the cationic sites of lysine (or arginine) residues exposed on the peptide nanostructure surface. A direct, multiscale visualization of static structures reveals hierarchical organization of supramolecular fibers with sub-60 nm resolution. In addition, the degradation of nanofibers upon enzymatic hydrolysis of peptide could be directly imaged in real time, and although resolution was compromised in this dynamic process, it provided mechanistic insights into the enzymatic degradation process. Noncovalent Alexa-488 labeling and subsequent imaging of a range of cationic self-assembling peptides and peptide-functionalized gold nanoparticles demonstrated the versatility of the methodology for the imaging of cationic supramolecular structures. Overall, our approach presents a general and simple method for the electrostatic fluorescent labeling of cationic peptide nanostructures for nanoscale imaging under physiological conditions and probe dynamic processes in real time and in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Jiye Son
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Richard H Huang
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York, 1024 Marshak, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Deborah Sementa
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Magdelene Lee
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Stephen O'Brien
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The City College of New York, 1024 Marshak, 160 Convent Avenue, New York, New York 10031, United States
| | - Rein V Ulijn
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC) at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 85 St. Nicholas Terrace, New York, New York 10031, United States
- Department of Chemistry, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York 10016, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Hunter College, City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10065, United States
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48
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Wu H, Ting JM, Yu B, Jackson NE, Meng S, de Pablo JJ, Tirrell MV. Spatiotemporal Formation and Growth Kinetics of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles with Millisecond Resolution. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:1674-1680. [PMID: 35617069 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We have directly observed the in situ self-assembly kinetics of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) micelles by synchrotron time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering, equipped with a stopped-flow device that provides millisecond temporal resolution. A synthesized neutral-charged diblock polycation and homopolyanion that we have previously investigated as a model charge-matched, core-shell micelle system were selected for this work. The initial micellization of the oppositely charged polyelectrolytes was completed within the dead time of mixing of 100 ms, followed by micelle growth and equilibration up to several seconds. By combining the structural evolution of the radius of gyration (Rg) with complementary molecular dynamics simulations, we show how the self-assemblies evolve incrementally in size over time through a two-step kinetic process: first, oppositely charged polyelectrolyte chains pair to form nascent aggregates that immediately assemble into spherical micelles, and second, these PEC micelles grow into larger micellar entities. This work has determined one possible kinetic pathway for the initial formation of PEC micelles, which provides useful physical insights for increasing fundamental understanding self-assembly dynamics, driven by polyelectrolyte complexation that occurs on ultrafast time scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Ting
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Center for Molecular Engineering and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Boyuan Yu
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Nicholas E. Jackson
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Center for Molecular Engineering and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Siqi Meng
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
| | - Juan J. de Pablo
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Center for Molecular Engineering and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
| | - Matthew V. Tirrell
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States
- Center for Molecular Engineering and Materials Science Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439, United States
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49
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Sadighikia S, Grau‐Carbonell A, Welling TA, Kotni R, Hagemans F, Imhof A, van Huis MA, van Blaaderen A. Low‐dose liquid cell electron microscopy investigation of the complex etching mechanism of rod‐shaped silica colloids. NANO SELECT 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sina Sadighikia
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
| | - Albert Grau‐Carbonell
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
| | - Tom A.J. Welling
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
| | - Ramakrishna Kotni
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
| | - Fabian Hagemans
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
| | - Arnout Imhof
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
| | - Marijn A. van Huis
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
| | - Alfons van Blaaderen
- Soft Condensed Matter Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science Utrecht University Princetonplein 5 Utrecht 3584CC The Netherlands
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50
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Alam SB, Yang J, Bustillo KC, Ophus C, Ercius P, Zheng H, Chan EM. Hybrid nanocapsules for in situ TEM imaging of gas evolution reactions in confined liquids. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:18606-18615. [PMID: 32970077 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05281g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM) enables the direct observation of dynamic physical and chemical processes in liquids at the nanoscale. Quantitative investigations into reactions with fast kinetics and/or multiple reagents will benefit from further advances in liquid cell design that facilitate rapid in situ mixing and precise control over reagent volumes and concentrations. This work reports the development of inorganic-organic nanocapsules for high-resolution TEM imaging of nanoscale reactions in liquids with well-defined zeptoliter volumes. These hybrid nanocapsules, with 48 nm average diameter, consist of a thin layer of gold coating a lipid vesicle. As a model reaction, the nucleation, growth, and diffusion of nanobubbles generated by the radiolysis of water is investigated inside the nanocapsules. When the nanobubbles are sufficiently small (10-25 nm diameter), they are mobile in the nanocapsules, but their movement deviates from Brownian motion, which may result from geometric confinement by the nanocapsules. Gases and fluids can be transported between two nanocapsules when they fuse, demonstrating in situ mixing without using complex microfluidic schemes. The ability to synthesize nanocapsules with controlled sizes and to monitor dynamics simultaneously inside multiple nanocapsules provides opportunities to investigate nanoscale processes such as single nanoparticle synthesis in confined volumes and biological processes such as biomineralization and membrane dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sardar B Alam
- The Molecular Foundry, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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