Water boiling inside carbon nanotubes: toward efficient drug release

Carbon Nanotube Loading Strategies for Peptide Drugs: Insights from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be regarded as a potential platform for transmembrane drug delivery as many experimental works have demonstrated their capability to effectively transport bioactive molecules into living cells. Within this framework, the loading of a peptide drug onto either the interior or exterior of CNTs has gained considerable interest. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive comparison of these two loading methods. To this end, we performed molecular dynamics simulations and the umbrella sampling technique to investigate the interaction energy, conformational changes, and free energy changes of a model peptide drug containing α-helical structure interacting with the inner or outer walls of a 14.7-nm-long (20,20) CNT. Our finding reveals that, for a tube of such dimensions, it is thermodynamically more favorable for the peptide to be loaded onto the inner tube wall than the outer tube wall, primarily due to a larger free energy change for the former strategy. Conversely, unloading the drug from the tube interior poses greater challenges. Moreover, the tube's curvature plays an essential role in influencing the conformation of the adsorbed peptide. Despite the relatively weaker van der Waals interaction between the CNT exterior and the peptide, loading the peptide onto the exterior may induce significant conformational changes, particularly affecting the peptide's α-helix structure. In contrast, loading of the peptide on the CNT interior could maintain most of the α-helical content. CNTs do not typically attract specific peptide residues, with adsorbed groups primarily determined by the peptide's configurations and orientations. Finally, we offer a guideline for selecting an optimal loading strategy for CNT-based drug delivery.

Rocket Dynamics of Capped Nanotubes: A Molecular Dynamics Study

The study of nanoparticle motion has fundamental relevance in a wide range of nanotechnology-based fields. Molecular dynamics simulations offer a powerful tool to elucidate the dynamics of complex systems and derive theoretical models that facilitate the invention and optimization of novel devices. This research contributes to this ongoing effort by investigating the motion of one-end capped carbon nanotubes within an aqueous environment through extensive molecular dynamics simulations. By exposing the carbon nanotubes to localized heating, propelled motion with velocities reaching up to ≈0.08 nm ps-1 was observed. Through systematic exploration of various parameters such as temperature, nanotube diameter, and size, we were able to elucidate the underlying mechanisms driving propulsion. Our findings demonstrate that the propulsive motion predominantly arises from a rocket-like mechanism facilitated by the progressive evaporation of water molecules entrapped within the carbon nanotube. Therefore, this study focuses on the complex interplay between nanoscale geometry, environmental conditions, and propulsion mechanisms in capped nanotubes, providing relevant insights into the design and optimization of nanoscale propulsion systems with various applications in nanotechnology and beyond.

Effect of terahertz electromagnetic field on single-file water transport through a carbon nanotube

With the advancement in terahertz technology, the terahertz electromagnetic field has been proven to be an effective strategy to tune the nanofluidic transport. In this study, we utilize molecular dynamics simulations to systematically analyze the transport of single-file water through a carbon nanotube (CNT) under terahertz electromagnetic fields, focusing on the CNT length, field strength, polarization direction and frequency. Strikingly, with the increase in field strength, the water flow exhibits a transition from normal to super permeation states because of the resonance effect, and the threshold field shifts to low values for long CNTs. The field component parallel to the CNT axis contributes to the resonance effect and increasing water flow, but the vertical component maintains the structure of the single-file water chain and even impedes the water flow. As a result, for a continuous change of field direction, the water flow changes from super permeation to normal states. With the increase in field frequency, the water flow also changes from super permeation to normal or even frozen states, where a higher frequency is required to trigger the super permeation states for lower field strength. Our results provide a comprehensive insight into the effect of terahertz electromagnetic field on the transport of single-file water chains and should have great implications for designing novel nanofluidic devices.

Insight into the Structure and Dynamics of Ethanol-Water Binary Mixture Confined in Nanochannel by Mica and Graphene

Investigation of the structural properties and dynamics of fluid mixture confined in nanochannels has become an essential topic in many fields due to potential applications in nanofluidic devices and biological systems. Here, we study the ethanol-water blend confined between the mica and single or multilayer graphene for different slit pore widths, ethanol content, and temperatures. Our molecular dynamics simulation indicates that water molecules are adsorbed at the mica surface, while ethanol molecules prefer to be adsorbed near the graphene surface. We find that distinct layers of ethanol molecules form as the channel width and ethanol content in the mixture are increased. The diffusion of confined ethanol and water molecules depends on the nanopore widths, concentrations, and temperatures. Interestingly, at nanopore widths of 1.0 and 1.3 nm, the mobility of confined ethanol molecules is greater than that of water molecules for all ethanol concentrations. In contrast, at pore width of 0.7 nm, the opposite behavior is observed at lower concentrations of ethanol (x_EtOH = 0.1 and 0.3) in the mixture. Furthermore, the diffusivity of ethanol and water in the mixtures increases with increasing the temperatures. The hydrogen bond and cluster analysis imply the segregation of water molecules near the mica surface, while ethanol molecules are near the opposite pore wall (graphene).

Molecular-Level Insights into Unique Behavior of Water Molecules Confined in the Heterojunction between One- and Two-Dimensional Nanochannels

With the increasing importance of nanoconfined water in various heterostructures, it is quite essential to clarify the influence of nanoconfinement on the unique properties of water molecules in the pivotal heterojunction. In this work, we reported a series of classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to explore nanoconfined water in the subnanometer-sized and nanometer-sized heterostructures by adjusting one-dimensional (1-D) carbon nanotubes with different diameters and two-dimensional (2-D) graphene sheets with different interlayer distances. Our simulation results demonstrated that water molecules in the 1-D/2-D heterojunction show an obvious structural rearrangement associated with the remarkable breaking and formation of hydrogen bonds (HBs), and such rearrangements in the subnanometer-sized systems are much more pronounced than those in the nanometer-sized ones. When water molecules in the 1-D/2-D heterojunctions migrate from 2-D to 1-D confinements, the ordered multi-layer structure in the 2-D confinement are completely destroyed and then transform into different circular HB networks near the nanotube orifice for better connecting to the single-file or helical HB network in the 1-D nanotubes. Furthermore, water molecules in the 1-D/2-D heterojunctions can form stronger HBs with those water molecules further away from the 1-D confinement, leading to an asymmetrical orientational distribution near the orifice. More importantly, our comparison results revealed that the 1-D confinement plays a more important role than the 2-D confinement in determining both the structures and dynamics of water molecules in the 1-D/2-D heterojunction.

Modulation of DNA conformation in electrolytic nanodroplets

The behavior of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules in confinement is of profound importance in various bioengineering and medical applications. In the present study, all-atom molecular dynamics simulation is utilized to investigate the transition of the double-strand DNA (dsDNA) conformation in the electrolytic nanodroplet. Three typical conformations, i.e., C-shaped, folded S-shaped, and double C-shaped, are observed for different droplet sizes and ionic concentrations. To reveal the physics underlying this phenomenon, the characteristics of the dsDNA molecules, such as the overcharging intensity, the end-to-end distance, the radius of gyration, etc. are analyzed in detail based on the numerical results. It is found that the transition can be ascribed to the buckling of the polymer molecules under the compression due to the confinement of the nanodroplet, and it can be modulated by the ionic concentration in the electrolyte. Generally, nanoscale confinement dominates dsDNA behavior over the electrostatic effects in smaller nanodroplets, while the latter becomes more important for larger nanodroplets. This competition results in the persistence length increasing with the nanodroplet radii. Based on these discussions, a non-dimensional elasto-capillary number μ is proposed to classify the dsDNA conformations into three regions.

Excited State Dynamics in Dual-Defects Modified Graphitic Carbon Nitride

Significant efforts are focused on defect-engineering of metal-free graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) to amplify its efficacy. A conceptually new multidefect-modified g-C₃N₄ having simultaneously two or more defects has attracted strong attention for its enhanced photocatalytic properties. We model and compare the excited state dynamics in g-C₃N₄ with (i) nitrogen defects (N vacancy and CN group) and (ii) dual defects (N vacancy, CN group, and O doping) and show that the nonradiative recombination of charge carriers in these systems follows the Shockley-Read-Hall mechanism. The nitrogen defects create three midgap states that trap charges and act as recombination centers. The dual-defect modified systems exhibit superior properties compared with pristine g-C₃N₄ because the defects facilitate rapid charge separation and extend the spectrum of absorbed light. The system doped with O shows better performance due to enhanced carrier lifetime and higher oxidation potential caused by a downshifted valence band. The study provides guidance for rational design of stable and efficient photocatalytic materials.

Release of an Encapsulated Peptide from Carbon Nanotubes Driven by Electric Fields: A Molecular Dynamics Study

Targeted drug delivery into cells has been of tremendous scientific interest, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be deemed as a promising material for the loading and unloading of drugs. One of the major challenges is the release of drugs from CNTs, which have a great potential well to trap molecules. By performing molecular dynamics simulations, this work attempts to study the releasing process of encapsulated protein/peptide molecules from CNTs in the presence of uniform electric fields. Zadaxin serves as a model for protein/peptide drugs. External electric fields can assist the peptide in overcoming the potential well during its release. It is found that successful release of the peptide depends on the pore width, the pore length, and the net charges on the peptide. The peptide is less likely to be released either from CNTs with a smaller pore diameter due to a deeper potential well of the tubes or from CNTs with a longer pore length due to a broader and deeper potential well. Peptides with more net charges are ideal for the releasing process driven by electric fields. This work can provide insights into the design of an optimal tube size for effective release of a given protein/peptide.

Exploration on the drug solubility enhancement in aqueous medium with the help of endo-functionalized molecular tubes: a computational approach

One major problem in the pharmaceutical industry is the aqueous solubility of newly developed orally administered drug candidates. More than 50% of newly developed drug molecules suffer from low aqueous solubility. The therapeutic effects of drug molecules are majorly dependent on the bioavailability and, in essence, on the solubility of the used drug molecules. Thus, enhancement of drug solubility of sparingly soluble drug molecules is a need of modern times. Considering the high importance of drug solubility, we have computationally shown the enhancement of drug solubility for seven class II (poorly water-soluble) drug molecules in a water medium. The uses of supramolecular macrocycles have immense importance in the same field. Thus, we have used two synthetic supramolecular receptors named host-1a and host-1b to enhance the water solubility of fluorouracil, albendazole, camptothecin, clopidogrel, indomethacin, melphalan, and tolfenamic acid drug molecules. Biomedical engagements of a supramolecular receptor commence with the formation of stable host-drug complexes. These complexations enhance the water solubility of drug molecules and sustain the release rate and bioavailability of drug molecules. Thus, in this work, we focus on the formation of stable host-drug complexes in water medium. Molecular dynamics simulation is applied to analyze the structural features and the energetics involved in the host-drug complexation process. The information obtained at the atomistic level helps us gain better insights into the key interactions that operate to produce such highly stable complexes. Thus, we can propose that these two supramolecular receptors may be used as drug solubilizing agents, and patients will benefit from this theragnostic application shortly.

Water molecules in CNT-Si3N4 membrane: Properties and the separation effect for water-alcohol solution

Water confined in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been intensively studied because of its unique properties and potential for various applications and is often embedded in silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) membranes. However, the understanding of the influence of Si₃N₄ on the properties of water in CNTs lacks clarity. In this study, we performed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the effect of the Si₃N₄ membrane on water molecules inside CNTs. The internal electric field generated in the CNTs by the point charges of the Si₃N₄ membrane changes the structure and dynamical properties of water in the nanotubes, causing it to attain a disordered structure. The Si₃N₄ membrane decreases the diffusivity of water in the CNTs; this is because the Coulomb potential energy (i.e., electrostatic interaction) of water decreases owing to the presence of Si₃N₄, whereas the Lennard-Jones potential energy (i.e., van der Waals interaction) does not change significantly. Furthermore, electrostatic interactions make the water structure more stable in the CNTs. As a result, the Si₃N₄ membrane enhances the separation effect of the water-methanol mixture with CNTs in the presence of an external electric field. Furthermore, the threshold of the external electric field strength to induce water-methanol separation with CNTs is reduced owing to the presence of a silicon nitride membrane.

Ultrasound-Responsive Smart Drug Delivery System of Lipid Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

The immediate release of chemotherapeutics at the target site, along with no premature release in circulation is always challenging. The purpose of this study was to develop a stimuli responsive drug delivery system, composed of lipid supported mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) for triggered drug release at the target site and simultaneously avoiding the premature release. MSNPs with a higher drug loading capacity and very slow release were designed so as to enhance release by FDA approved US-irradiation. Doxorubicin, as a model drug, and perfluoropentane (PFP) as a US responsive material, were entrapped in the porous structure of MSNPs. Lipid coating enhanced the cellular uptake and in addition provided a gatekeeping effect at the pore opening to reduce premature release. The mechanical and thermal effects of US induced the conversion of liquid PFP to a gaseous form that was able to rupture the lipid layer, resulting in triggered drug release. The prolonged stability profile and non-toxic behavior made them suitable candidate for the delivery of anticancer drugs. This smart system, with the abilities of better cellular uptake and higher cytotoxic effects on US-irradiation, would be a good addition to the applied side of chemotherapeutic advanced drug delivery systems.

Abnormal Properties of Low-Dimensional Confined Water

Water molecules confined to low-dimensional spaces exhibit unusual properties compared to bulk water. For example, the alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic nanodomains on flat silicon wafer can induce the abnormal spreading of water (contact angles near 0°) which is caused by the 2D capillary effect. Hence, exploring the physicochemical properties of confined water from the nanoscale is of great value for understanding the challenges in material science and promoting the applications of nanomaterials in the fields of mass transport, nanofluidic designing, and fuel cell. The knowledge framework of confined water can also help to better understand the complex functions of the hydration layer of biomolecules, and even trace the origin of life. In this review, the physical properties, abnormal behaviors, and functions of the confined water are mainly summarized through several common low-dimensional water formats in the fields of solid/air-water interface, nanochannel confinement, and biological hydration layer. These researches indicate that the unusual behaviors of the confined water depend strongly on the confinement size and the interaction between the molecules and confining surface. These diverse properties of confined water open a new door to materials science and may play an important role in the future development of biology.

Temperature induced dynamics of water confined between graphene and MoS2

Water trapped between MoS₂ and graphene assumes a form of ice composed of two planar hexagonal layers with a non-tetrahedral geometry. Additional water does not wet these ice layers but forms three-dimensional droplets. Here, we have investigated the temperature induced dewetting dynamics of the confined ice and water droplets. The ice crystals gradually decrease in size with increasing substrate temperature and completely vanish at about 80 °C. Further heating to 100 °C induces changes in water droplet density, size, and shape through droplet coalescence and dissolution. However, even prolonged annealing at 100 °C does not completely dry the interface. The dewetting dynamics are controlled by the graphene cover. Thicker graphene flakes allow faster water diffusion as a consequence of the reduction of graphene's conformity along the ice crystal's edges, which leaves enough space for water molecules to diffuse along the ice edges and evaporate to the environment through defects in the graphene cover.

Water and Ion Transfer to Narrow Carbon Nanotubes: Roles of Exterior and Interior

Narrow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) desalinate water, mimicking water channels of biological membranes, yet the physics behind selectivity, especially the effect of the membrane embedding CNTs on water and ion transfer, is still unclear. Here, we report ab initio analysis of the energies involved in transfer of water and K⁺ and Cl^- ions from solution to empty and water-filled 0.68 nm CNTs for different dielectric constants (ϵ) of the surrounding matrix. The transfer energies computed for 1 ≤ ϵ < ∞ permit a transparent breakdown of the transfer energy to three main contributions: binding to CNT, intra-CNT hydration, and dielectric polarization of the matrix. The latter scales inversely with ϵ and is of the order 10²/ϵ kJ/mol for both ions, which may change ion transfer from favorable to unfavorable, depending on ion, ϵ, and CNT diameter. This may have broad implications for designing and tuning selectivity of nanochannel-based devices.

Controlled Release of Doxorubicin from the Drug Delivery Formulation Composed of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Congo Red: A Molecular Dynamics Study and Dynamic Light Scattering Analysis

The controlled delivery and release of drug molecules at specific targets increases the therapeutic efficacy of treatment. This paper presents a triple complex which is a new potential drug delivery system. Triple complex contains single-walled carbon nanotubes, Congo red, and doxorubicin. Nanotubes are built of a folded graphene layer providing a large surface for binding Congo red via “face-to-face” stacking which markedly increases the binding capacity of the carrier. Congo red is a compound that self-associates to form supramolecular ribbon-like structures, which are able to bind some drugs by intercalation. The nanotube–Congo red complex can bind the model drug doxorubicin. Thus, a new triple carrier system was obtained. The aim of this paper is to present studies on the controlled release of a model anticancer drug from a triple carrier system through pH changes. The specific aim of the study was to model the structure of the obtained experimental systems and to compare the changes in the average energy of interaction between its components induced by pH changes. The studies also aimed to compare the intensity of pH-dependent changes in hydrodynamic diameters of individual components of the triple carrier system. The effect of pH changes on the stability of the analyzed systems was examined using the molecular modeling method and dynamic light scattering. The decrease in pH influenced the structure and stability of the analyzed triple systems and ensured efficient drug release. The changes in hydrodynamic diameters of the obtained fractions were examined with the use of dynamic light scattering and were confirmed by computer simulation methods. The formulation presented in this paper shows potential for a therapeutic application owing to its high drug binding capacity and pH-dependent release. This ensures prolonged local action of the drug. The results reveal that the studied complex fulfills the basic requirements for its potential use as drug carrier, thus reducing side effects and enhancing pharmacological efficacy of drugs.

Nanoscale Bubble Dynamics Induced by Damage of Graphene Liquid Cells

Graphene liquid cells provide the highest possible spatial resolution for liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy. Here, in graphene liquid cells (GLCs), we studied the nanoscale dynamics of bubbles induced by controllable damage in graphene. The extent of damage depended on the electron dose rate and the presence of bubbles in the cell. After graphene was damaged, air leaked from the bubbles into the water. We also observed the unexpected directional nucleation of new bubbles, which is beyond the explanation of conventional diffusion theory. We attributed this to the effect of nanoscale confinement. These findings provide new insights into complex fluid phenomena under nanoscale confinement.

Peculiar hydrogen bonding behaviour of water molecules inside the aqueous nanochannels of lyotropic liquid crystals

The hydrogen bonding abilities of the LLC water molecules and their effects on intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the target probe molecules.

Why does vacuum drive to the loading of halloysite nanotubes? The key role of water confinement

The filling of halloysite nanotubes with active compounds solubilized in aqueous solvent was investigated theoretically and experimentally. Based on Knudsen thermogravimetric data, we demonstrated the water confinement within the cavity of halloysite. This process is crucial to properly describe the driving mechanism of halloysite loading. In addition, Knudsen thermogravimetric experiments were conducted on kaolinite nanoplates as well as on halloysite nanotubes modified with an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecanoate) in order to explore the influence of both the nanoparticle morphology and the hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the lumen on the confinement phenomenon. The analysis of the desorption isotherms allowed us to determine the water adsorption properties of the investigated nanoclays. The pore sizes of the nanotubes' lumen was determined by combining the vapor pressure of the confined water with the nanoparticles wettability, which was studied through contact angle measurements. The thermodynamic description of the water confinement inside the lumen was correlated to the influence of the vacuum pumping in the experimental loading of halloysite. Metoprolol tartrate, salicylic acid and malonic acid were selected as anionic guest molecules for the experimental filling of the positively charged halloysite lumen. According to the filling mechanism induced by the water confinement, the vacuum operation and the reduced pressure enhanced the loading of halloysite nanotubes for all the investigated bioactive compounds. This work represents a further and crucial step for the development of halloysite based nanocarriers being that the filling mechanism of the nanotube's cavity from aqueous dispersions was described according to the water confinement process.

Wettability and Applications of Nanochannels

Wettability in nanochannels is of great importance for understanding many challenging problems in interface chemistry and fluid mechanics, and presents versatile applications including mass transport, catalysis, chemical reaction, nanofabrication, batteries, and separation. Recently, both molecular dynamic simulations and experimental measurements have been employed to study wettability in nanochannels. Here, wettability in three types of nanochannels comprising 1D nanochannels, 2D nanochannels, and 3D nanochannels is summarized both theoretically and experimentally. The proposed concept of "quantum-confined superfluid" for ultrafast mass transport in nanochannels is first introduced, and the mostly studied 1D nanochannels are reviewed from molecular simulation to water wettability, followed by reversible switching of water wettability via external stimuli (temperature and voltage). Liquid transport and two confinement strategies in nanochannels of melt wetting and liquid wetting are also included. Then, molecular simulation, water wettability, liquid transport, and confinement in nanochannels are introduced for 2D nanochannels and 3D nanochannels, respectively. Based on the wettability in nanochannels, broad applications of various nanochannels are presented. Finally, the perspective for future challenges in the wettability and applications of nanochannels is discussed.

Analysing thermophoretic transport of water for designing nanoscale-pumps

We propose a new design for thermally induced water pumping through carbon nanotubes by imposing a thermal gradient along the length of a carbon nanotube (CNT), which connects two water-filled reservoirs. We analyse the flow parameters by varying the imposed thermal gradient (4.62 to 20.98 K nm-1), the radius (0.81 to 1.89 nm) and the length (5 to 50 nm) of the CNT. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we compute the volumetric flow rate of the pump, velocity profiles of flow and thermophoretic forces acting on water molecules for various thermal gradients. The directed motion of water molecules is induced by the spatial variations of CNT-water energy interactions at the interface and the variations in the oscillation of the carbon atoms from hot to cold ends. The net flow and average velocity of water molecules are found to increase linearly with the applied thermal gradient, as well as with an increase in the radius and length of the CNT. We observe that nano-pumps with an increase in the radius and length of the CNT connecting the reservoirs perform better and also achieved higher efficiency levels. The analysis of the results indicates that the present design leads to a realistic system capable of providing continuous transportation of water leading to interesting practical applications in nanoscale devices.

Influence of Encapsulated Water on Luminescence Energy, Line Width, and Lifetime of Carbon Nanotubes: Time Domain Ab Initio Analysis

In a broad range of applications, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are in direct contact with a condensed-phase environment that perturbs CNT properties. Experiments show that water molecules encapsulated inside of semiconducting CNTs reduce the electronic energy gap, enhance elastic and inelastic electron-phonon scattering, and shorten the excited-state lifetime. We rationalize the observed effects at the atomistic level using real-time time-dependent density functional theory combined with nonadiabatic molecular dynamics. Encapsulated water makes the nanotube more rigid, suppressing radial breathing modes while enhancing and slightly shifting the optical G-mode. Water screens Coulomb interactions and shifts charge carrier energies and wave functions. The screening, together with distortion of the CNT geometry and lifting of orbital degeneracy, produces a luminescence red shift. Enhanced elastic and inelastic electron-phonon scattering explains line width broadening and shortening of the excited-state lifetime. The influence of water on the CNT properties is similar to that of defects; however, in contrast to defects, water creates no new phonon modes or electronic states in the CNTs. The atomistic understanding of the influence of the condensed-phase environment on CNT optical, electronic, and vibrational properties, and electron-vibrational dynamics guides design of novel CNT-based materials.

Encapsulation and Enhanced Delivery of Topoisomerase I Inhibitors in Functionalized Carbon Nanotubes

The topoisomerase I inhibitors SN-38 and camptothecin (CPT) have shown potent anticancer activity, but water insolubility and metabolic instability limits their clinical application. Utilizing carbon nanotubes as a protective shell for water-insoluble SN-38 and CPT while maintaining compatibility with aqueous media via a carboxylic acid-functionalized surface can thus be a strategy to overcome this limitation. Through hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions, SN-38 and CPT were successfully encapsulated in carboxylic acid functionalized single-walled carbon nanotubes and dispersed in water. The resulting cell proliferation inhibition and drug distribution profile inside the cells suggest that these drug-encapsulated carbon nanotubes can serve as a promising delivery strategy for water-insoluble anticancer drugs.

Therapeutics for Inflammatory-Related Diseases Based on Plasmon-Activated Water: A Review

It is recognized that the properties of liquid water can be markedly different from those of bulk one when it is in contact with hydrophobic surfaces or is confined in nano-environments. Because our knowledge regarding water structure on the molecular level of dynamic equilibrium within a picosecond time scale is far from completeness all of water's conventionally known properties are based on inert "bulk liquid water" with a tetrahedral hydrogen-bonded structure. Actually, the strength of water's hydrogen bonds (HBs) decides its properties and activities. In this review, an innovative idea on preparation of metastable plasmon-activated water (PAW) with intrinsically reduced HBs, by letting deionized (DI) water flow through gold-supported nanoparticles (AuNPs) under resonant illumination at room temperature, is reported. Compared to DI water, the created stable PAW can scavenge free hydroxyl and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals and effectively reduce NO release from lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cells. Moreover, PAW can dramatically induce a major antioxidative Nrf2 gene in human gingival fibroblasts. This further confirms its cellular antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, innovatively therapeutic strategy of daily drinking PAW on inflammatory-related diseases based on animal disease models is demonstrated, examples being chronic kidney disease (CKD), chronic sleep deprivation (CSD), and lung cancer.

Carbon Nanotubes as Thermally Induced Water Pumps

Thermal Brownian motors (TBMs) are nanoscale machines that exploit thermal fluctuations to provide useful work. We introduce a TBM-based nanopump which enables continuous water flow through a carbon nanotube (CNT) by imposing an axial thermal gradient along its surface. We impose spatial asymmetry along the CNT by immobilizing certain points on its surface. We study the performance of this molecular motor using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. From the MD trajectories, we compute the net water flow and the induced velocity profiles for various imposed thermal gradients. We find that spatial asymmetry modifies the vibrational modes of the CNT induced by the thermal gradient, resulting in a net water flow against the thermal gradient. Moreover, the kinetic energy associated with the thermal oscillations rectifies the Brownian motion of the water molecules, driving the flow in a preferred direction. For imposed thermal gradients of 0.5-3.3 K/nm, we observe continuous net flow with average velocities up to 5 m/s inside CNTs with diameters of 0.94, 1.4, and 2.0 nm. The results indicate that the CNT-based asymmetric thermal motor can provide a controllable and robust system for delivery of continuous water flow with potential applications in integrated nanofluidic devices.

Controlling activation barrier by carbon nanotubes as nano-chemical reactors

The oxidative addition of primary amine on a monocyclic phospholane was studied in confined conditions. This one-step chemical reaction has been investigated using the DFT technique to elucidate the role of confinement in carbon nanotubes on the reaction. Calculations were carried out by a progressive increase of the nanotube diameters from 10 Å to 15 Å in order to highlight the dependence of the reactivity on the nanotube diameter. First, single point investigations were dedicated to the study of reactants, transition states, and products placed in the different nanotubes while keeping their optimized structure as free compounds. Second, all studied compounds were relaxed inside nanotubes and their geometries were fully optimized. Within these approaches, we proved that the activation barrier could be controlled depending on the confinement, generating a well-controlled catalysis process.

Molecular origin of drug release by water boiling inside carbon nanotubes from reactive molecular dynamics simulation and DFT perspectives

Owing to their nanosized hollow cylindrical structure, CNTs hold the promise to be utilized as desired materials for encapsulating molecules which demonstrate wide inferences in drug delivery. Here we evaluate the possibility of drug release from the CNTs with various types and edge chemistry by reactive MD simulation to explain the scientifically reliable relations for proposed process. It was shown that heating of CNTs (up to 750 K) cannot be used for release of incorporated drug (phenylalanine) into water and even carbonated water solvent with very low boiling temperature. This is due to the strong physisorption (π-stacking interaction) between the aromatic of encapsulated drug and CNT sidewall which causes the drug to bind the nanotube sidewall. We have further investigated the interaction nature and release mechanism of water and drug confined/released within/from the CNTs by DFT calculations and the results confirmed our MD simulation findings. The accuracy of DFT method was also validated against the experimental and theoretical values at MP2/CCSD level. Therefore, we find that boiling of water/carbonated water confined within the CNTs could not be a suitable technique for efficient drug release. Our atomistic simulations provide a well-grounded understanding for the release of drug molecules confined within CNTs.

Delivery of Cisplatin Anti-Cancer Drug from Carbon, Boron Nitride, and Silicon Carbide Nanotubes Forced by Ag-Nanowire: A Comprehensive Molecular Dynamics Study

In this work, liberation of cisplatin molecules from interior of a nanotube due to entrance of an Ag-nanowire inside it was simulated by classical molecular dynamics method. The aim of this simulation was investigation on the effects of diameter, chirality, and composition of the nanotube, as well as the influence of temperature on this process. For this purpose, single walled carbon, boron nitride, and silicon carbide nanotube were considered. In order for a more concise comparison of the results, a new parameter namely efficiency of drug release, was introduced. The results demonstrated that the efficiency of drug release is sensitive to its adsorption on outer surface of the nanotube. Moreover, this efficiency is also sensitive to the nanotube composition and its diameter. For the effect of nanotube composition, the results indicated that silicon carbide nanotube has the least efficiency for drug release, due to its strong drug-nanotube. Also, the most important acting forces on drug delivery are van der Waals interactions. Finally, the kinetic of drug release is fast and is not related to the structural parameters of the nanotube and temperature, significantly.

Molecular Modeling of Thermodynamic and Transport Properties for CO2 and Aqueous Brines

Molecular simulation techniques using classical force-fields occupy the space between ab initio quantum mechanical methods and phenomenological correlations. In particular, Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics algorithms can be used to provide quantitative predictions of thermodynamic and transport properties of fluids relevant for geologic carbon sequestration at conditions for which experimental data are uncertain or not available. These methods can cover time and length scales far exceeding those of quantum chemical methods, while maintaining transferability and predictive power lacking from phenomenological correlations. The accuracy of predictions depends sensitively on the quality of the molecular models used. Many existing fixed-point-charge models for water and aqueous mixtures fail to represent accurately these fluid properties, especially when descriptions covering broad ranges of thermodynamic conditions are needed. Recent work on development of accurate models for water, CO₂, and dissolved salts, as well as their mixtures, is summarized in this Account. Polarizable models that can respond to the different dielectric environments in aqueous versus nonaqueous phases are necessary for predictions of properties over extended ranges of temperatures and pressures. Phase compositions and densities, activity coefficients of the dissolved salts, interfacial tensions, viscosities and diffusivities can be obtained in near-quantitative agreement to available experimental data, using relatively modest computational resources. In some cases, for example, for the composition of the CO₂-rich phase in coexistence with an aqueous phase, recent results from molecular simulations have helped discriminate among conflicting experimental data sets. The sensitivity of properties on the quality of the intermolecular interaction model varies significantly. Properties such as the phase compositions or electrolyte activity coefficients are much more sensitive than phase densities, viscosities, or component diffusivities. Strong confinement effects on physical properties in nanoscale media can also be directly obtained from molecular simulations. Future work on molecular modeling for CO₂ and aqueous brines is likely to be focused on more systematic generation of interaction models by utilizing quantum chemical as well as direct experimental measurements. New ion models need to be developed for use with the current generation of polarizable water models, including ion-ion interactions that will allow for accurate description of dense, mixed brines. Methods will need to be devised that go beyond the use of effective potentials for incorporation of quantum effects known to be important for water, and reactive force fields developed that can handle bond creation and breaking in systems with carbonate and silicate minerals. Another area of potential future work is the integration of molecular simulation methods in multiscale models for the chemical reactions leading to mineral dissolution and flow within the porous media in underground formations.

Quasiphase Transition in a Single File of Water Molecules Encapsulated in (6,5) Carbon Nanotubes Observed by Temperature-Dependent Photoluminescence Spectroscopy

Molecules confined inside single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) behave quite differently from their bulk analogues. In this Letter we present temperature-dependent (4.2 K up to room temperature) photoluminescence (PL) spectra of water-filled and empty single-chirality (6,5) SWCNTs. Superimposed on a linear temperature-dependent PL spectral shift of the empty SWCNTs, an additional stepwise PL spectral shift of the water-filled SWCNTs is observed at ∼150  K. With the empty SWCNTs serving as an ideal reference system, we assign this shift to temperature-induced changes occurring in the single-file chain of water molecules encapsulated in the tubes. Our molecular dynamics simulations further support the occurrence of a quasiphase transition of the orientational order of the water dipoles in the single-file chain.

Structure and Dynamics of Confined Alcohol-Water Mixtures

The effect of confinement between mica and graphene on the structure and dynamics of alcohol-water mixtures has been studied in situ and in real time at the molecular level by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at room temperature. AFM images reveal that the adsorbed molecules are segregated into faceted alcohol-rich islands on top of an ice layer on mica, surrounded by a pre-existing multilayer water-rich film. These faceted islands are in direct contact with the graphene surface, revealing a preferred adsorption site. Moreover, alcohol adsorption at low relative humidity (RH) reveals a strong preference of the alcohol molecules for the ordered ice interface. The growth dynamics of the alcohol islands is governed by supersaturation, temperature, the free energy of attachment of molecules to the island edge and two-dimensional (2D) diffusion. The measured diffusion coefficients display a size dependence on the molecular size of the alcohols, and are about 6 orders of magnitude smaller than the bulk diffusion coefficients, demonstrating the effect of confinement on the behavior of the alcohols. These experimental results provide new insights into the behavior of multicomponent fluids in confined geometries, which is of paramount importance in nanofluidics and biology.

Wettability on Inner and Outer Surface of Single Carbon Nanotubes

The surface wettability of a liquid on the inner and outer surface of single carbon nanotubes (CNTs) was experimentally investigated. Although these contact angles on both surfaces were previously studied separately, the available data are of limited help to elucidate the effect of curvature orientation (concave or convex) on wettability due to the difference in surface structure. Here, we report on the three-phase contact region and wettability on the outer surface of CNT during the dipping and withdrawing experiment of CNT into an ionic liquid. Furthermore, the wettability on the inner surface was measured using a liquid within the same CNT. Our results show that the contact angle on the outer surface of the CNT is larger than that on the flat surface and that on the inner surface is smaller than that on the flat one. These findings suggest that the surface curvature orientation has a noticeable effect on the contact angle at the nanoscale because both inner and outer surfaces expose the same graphite wall structure and the contact line tension will be negligible in this situation. The presented results are rationalized using the free energy balance of liquid on curved surfaces.

Coadsorption of Doxorubicin and Selected Dyes on Carbon Nanotubes. Theoretical Investigation of Potential Application as a pH-Controlled Drug Delivery System

This work shows results of a theoretical survey, based on molecular dynamics simulation, of potential applicability of doxorubicin coadsorption with various dyes molecules on/in carbon nanotubes as a drug delivery system. The central idea is to take advantage of the dyes charge distribution change upon switching the pH of the environment from neutral (physiological 7.4) to acidic one (∼5.5 which is typical for tumor tissues). This work discusses results obtained for four dye molecules revealing more or less interesting behavior. These were bromothymol blue, methyl red, neutral red, and p-phenylenediamine. All of them reveal pKa in the range 5-7 and thus will undergo protonation in that pH range. We considered coadsorption on external walls of carbon nanotubes and sequential filling of the nanotubes inner hollow space by drug and dyes. The latter approach, with the application of neutral red and p-phenylenediamine as blockers of doxorubicin, led to the most promising results. Closer analysis of these systems allowed us to state that neutral red can be particularly useful as a long-term blocker of doxorubicin encapsulated in the inner cavity of (30,0) carbon nanotube at neutral pH. At acidic pH we observed a spontaneous release of neutral red from the nanotube and unblocking of doxorubicin. We also confirmed, by analysis of free energy profiles, that unblocked doxorubicin can spontaneously leave the nanotube interior at the considered conditions. Thus, that system can realize pH controlled doxorubicin release in acidic environment of tumor tissues.

Pressure-driven opening of carbon nanotubes

The closing and opening of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is essential for their applications in nanoscale chemistry and biology. We report reactive molecular dynamics simulations of CNT opening triggered by internal pressure of encapsulated gas molecules. Confined argon generates 4000 bars of pressure inside capped CNT and lowers the opening temperature by 200 K. Chemical interactions greatly enhance the efficiency of CNT opening: fluorine-filled CNTs open by fluorination of carbon bonds at temperature and pressure that are 700 K and 1000 bar lower than for argon-filled CNTs. Moreover, pressure induced CNT opening by confined gases leaves the CNT cylinders intact and removes only the fullerene caps, while the empty CNT decomposes completely. In practice, the increase in pressure can be achieved by near-infrared light, which penetrates through water and biological tissues and is absorbed by CNTs, resulting in rapid local heating. Spanning over a thousand of bars and Kelvin, the reactive and non-reactive scenarios of CNT opening represent extreme cases and allow for a broad experimental control over properties of the CNT interior and release conditions of the confined species. The detailed insights into the thermodynamic conditions and chemical mechanisms of the pressure-induced CNT opening provide practical guidelines for the development of novel nanoreactors, catalysts, photo-catalysts, imaging labels and drug delivery vehicles.

The Band Gap of Graphene Is Efficiently Tuned by Monovalent Ions

Small monovalent ions are able to polarize carbonaceous nanostructures significantly. We report a systematic investigation of how monovalent and divalent ions influence valence electronic structure of graphene. Pure density functional theory is employed to compute electronic energy levels. We show that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of an alkali ion (Li(+), Na(+)) fits between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and LUMO of graphene, in such a way as to tune the bottom of the conduction band (i.e., band gap). In turn, Mg(2+) shares its orbitals with graphene. The corresponding binding energy is ca. 4 times higher than that in the case of alkali ions. The reported insights provide inspiration for engineering electrical properties of the graphene-containing systems.

Spatial frequency heterodyne imaging of aqueous phase transitions inside multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Spatial frequency heterodyne imaging of aqueous phase transitions in carbon nanotubes demonstrates the applicability of thermodynamics to nano-confined water.

Quantitative evaluation on activated property-tunable bulk liquid water with reduced hydrogen bonds using deconvoluted Raman spectroscopy

Interesting properties of water with distinguishable hydrogen-bonding structure on interfacial phase or in confined environment have drawn wide attentions. However, these unique properties of water are only found within the interfacial phase and confined environment, thus, their applications are limited. In addition, quantitative evaluation on these unique properties associating with the enhancement of water's physical and chemical activities represents a notable challenge. Here we report a practicable production of free-standing liquid water at room temperature with weak hydrogen-bonded structure naming Au nanoparticles (NPs)-treated (AuNT) water via treating by plasmon-induced hot electron transfer occurred on resonantly illuminated gold NPs (AuNPs). Compared to well-known untreated bulk water (deionized water), the prepared AuNT water exhibits many distinct activities in generally physical and chemical reactions, such as high solubilities to NaCl and O2. Also, reducing interaction energy within water molecules provides lower overpotential and higher efficiency in electrolytic hydrogen production. In addition, these enhanced catalytic activities of AuNT water are tunable by mixing with deionized water. Also, most of these tunable activities are linearly proportional to its degree of nonhydrogen-bonded structure (DNHBS), which is derived from the O-H stretching in deconvoluted Raman spectrum.

Control of Carbon Nanotube Electronic Properties by Lithium Cation Intercalation

We show that the electronic properties of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) can be tuned continuously from semiconducting to metallic by varying the location of ions inside the tubes. Focusing on the Li(+) cation inside the (26,0) zigzag semiconducting and (15,15) armchair metallic SWCNTs, we found that the Li(+)-SWCNT interaction is attractive. The interaction is stronger for the metallic SWCNT, indicating in particular that metallic tubes can enhance performance of lithium-ion batteries. The electronic properties of the metallic SWCNT are virtually independent of the presence of ions: Li(+) creates an energy level in the valence band slightly below the Fermi energy. On the contrary, the semiconducting SWCNT can be made metallic by placing ions close to the tube axis: Li(+) generates a new bottom of the conduction band. Letting the ions approach SWCNT walls recovers the semiconducting behavior.

Spectroscopic studies on covalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes with glycine

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have a great potential in a wide range of applications, but faces limitation in terms of dispersion feasibility. The functionalization process of SWCNTs with the amino acid, glycine involves oxidation reaction using a mild aqueous acid mixture of HNO3 and H2SO4 (1:3), via ultrasonication technique and the resulted oxidized SWCNTs were again treated with the amino acid glycine suspension. The resulted glycine functionalized carbon nanotubes have been characterized by XRD, UV-Vis, FTIR, EPR, SEM, and EDX, spectroscopic techniques. The enhanced XRD peak (002) intensity was observed for glycine functionalized SWCNTs compared with oxidized SWCNTs, which is likely due to sample purification by acid washing. The red shift was observed in the UV-Vis spectra of glycine functionalized SWCNTs, which reveals that the covalent bond formation between glycine molecule and SWCNTs. The functional groups of oxidized SWCNTs and glycine functionalized SWCNTs were identified and assigned. EPR results indicate that the unpaired electron undergoes reduction process in glycine functionalized SWCNTs. SEM images show that the increase in the diameter of the SWCNTs was observed for glycine functionalized SWCNTs, which indicates that the adsorption of glycine molecule on the sidewalls of oxidized SWCNTs. EDX elemental micro analysis confirms that the nitrogen element exists in glycine functionalized SWCNTs. The functionalization has been chosen due to CONH bioactive sites in glycine functionalized SWCNTs for future applications.

Water transport control in carbon nanotube arrays

Based on a recent scaling law of the water mobility under nanoconfined conditions, we envision novel strategies for precise modulation of water diffusion within membranes made of carbon nanotube arrays (CNAs). In a first approach, the water diffusion coefficient D may be tuned by finely controlling the size distribution of the pore size. In the second approach, D can be varied at will by means of externally induced electrostatic fields. Starting from the latter strategy, switchable molecular sieves are proposed, where membranes are properly designed with sieving and permeation features that can be dynamically activated/deactivated. Areas where a precise control of water transport properties is beneficial range from energy and environmental engineering up to nanomedicine.

Nanoscale carbon greatly enhances mobility of a highly viscous ionic liquid

The ability to encapsulate molecules is one of the outstanding features of nanotubes. The encapsulation alters physical and chemical properties of both nanotubes and guest species. The latter normally form a separate phase, exhibiting drastically different behavior compared to the bulk. Ionic liquids (ILs) and apolar carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are disparate objects; nevertheless, their interaction leads to spontaneous CNT filling with ILs. Moreover, ionic diffusion of highly viscous ILs can increase 5-fold inside CNTs, approaching that of molecular liquids, even though the confined IL phase still contains exclusively ions. We exemplify these unusual effects by computer simulation on a highly hydrophilic, electrostatically structured, and immobile 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [C2C1IM][Cl]. Self-diffusion constants and energetic properties provide microscopic interpretation of the observed phenomena. Governed by internal energy and entropy rather than external work, the kinetics of CNT filling is characterized in detail. The significant growth of the IL mobility induced by nanoscale carbon promises important advances in electricity storage devices.

Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Helps to Disperse Fullerenes in Water

Light fullerenes attract significant interest in pharmacy and medicine as drug vectors and antioxidants and to block AIDS virus enzyme. The progress of these applications is hindered by poor solubility of fullerenes in aqueous media. We propose a highly efficient hydrophilic system to disperse the C60 fullerene based on the accurate atomistic-resolution computer simulations. The introduced system is based on 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, [C4C1IM][BF4]-water mixtures. The first component is used to form a corona around C60 while exhibiting a significant miscibility with water. Structural and dynamical peculiarities of the C60-[C4C1IM][BF4]-water mixtures are discussed.

Modulating the Arrangement of Charged Nanotubes by Ionic Strength in Salty Water

Despite the important role and potential application of charged cylindrical polyelectrolytes, biomacromolecules, and self-assembles, salt-modulated organization of those 1D charged nanostructures remains a topic relatively unexplored with an obscure underlying mechanism. In this Letter, the aggregation of oriented nanotubes self-assembled by ionic aromatic oligoamide in aqueous solution of NaCl over a wide concentration range is probed via small-angle X-ray scattering and a transmission electron microscope. The arrangement of nanotubes undergoes order-disorder transition sequences from an ordered rectangular phase to hexagonal packing and then to a lamellar gel. The observed transitions are understood by ionic effects on the electrostatic interaction between charged nanotubes and osmotic pressure due to ion partitioning. Above the physiological condition, electrostatic interactions are largely screened by the salts, while osmotic effects start to regulate the aggregation behavior and concomitantly deform the nanotubes. The study demonstrates rich phase behaviors of ordered, charged 1D nanostructures by tuning the ionic strength and underlying key physical principles.

Innovative strategy with potential to increase hemodialysis efficiency and safety

Uremic toxins are mainly represented by blood urine nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Crea) whose removal is critically important in hemodialysis (HD) for kidney disease. Patients undergoing HD have a complex illness, resulting from: inadequate removal of organic waste, dialysis-induced oxidative stress and membrane-induced inflammation. Here we report innovative breakthroughs for efficient and safe HD by using a plasmon-induced dialysate comprising Au nanoparticles (NPs)-treated (AuNT) water that is distinguishable from conventional deionized (DI) water. The diffusion coefficient of K₃Fe(CN)₆ in saline solution can be significantly increased from 2.76, to 4.62 × 10⁻⁶ cm s⁻¹, by using AuNT water prepared under illumination by green light-emitting diodes (LED). In vitro HD experiments suggest that the treatment times for the removals of 70% BUN and Crea are reduced by 47 and 59%, respectively, using AuNT water instead of DI water in dialysate, while additionally suppressing NO release from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory cells.

Molecular dynamics study of Congo red interaction with carbon nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulations prove that Congo red adsorption on carbon nanotubes is very strong and by varying pH filling/unfilling of inner cavities of the nanotubes can be accomplished.