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Aery S, Parry A, Araiza-Calahorra A, Evans SD, Gleeson HF, Dan A, Sarkar A. Ultra-stable liquid crystal droplets coated by sustainable plant-based materials for optical sensing of chemical and biological analytes. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY. C 2023; 11:5831-5845. [PMID: 37153011 PMCID: PMC10158717 DOI: 10.1039/d3tc00598d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we demonstrate for the first time the synthesis of ultra-stable, spherical, nematic liquid crystal (LC) droplets of narrow size polydispersity coated by sustainable, biodegradable, plant-based materials that trigger a typical bipolar-to-radial configurational transition in dynamic response to chemical and biological analytes. Specifically, a highly soluble polymer, potato protein (PoP) and a physically-crosslinked potato protein microgel (PoPM) of ∼100 nm in diameter, prepared from the PoP, a byproduct of the starch industry, were compared for their ability to coat LC droplets. Although both PoP and PoPM were capable of reducing the interfacial tension between water and n-tetradecane <30 mN m-1, PoPM-coated LC droplets showed better stability than the PoP-coated droplets via a Pickering-like mechanism. Strikingly, the Pickering LC droplets outperformed PoP-stabilized droplets in terms of dynamic response with 5× lower detection limit to model chemical analytes (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) due to the difference in SDS-binding features between the protein and the microgel. To eliminate the effect of size polydispersity on the response, monodisperse Pickering LC droplets of diameter ∼16 μm were additionally obtained using microfluidics, which mirrored the response to chemical as well as biological analytes, i.e., primary bile acid, an important biomarker of liver diseases. We demonstrate that these eco-friendly microgels used for creating monodisperse, ultra-stable, LC complex colloids are powerful templates for fabricating next generation, sustainable optical sensors for early diagnosis in clinical settings and other sensing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Aery
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University Chandigarh 160014 India
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Adele Parry
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Andrea Araiza-Calahorra
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Helen F Gleeson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Abhijit Dan
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Advanced Studies in Chemistry, Panjab University Chandigarh 160014 India
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, Simhat Haringhata West Bengal 741249 India
| | - Anwesha Sarkar
- Food Colloids and Bioprocessing Group, School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds LS2 9JT UK
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Kalita P, Singh RK, Bhattacharjee A. Interactions of a biological macromolecule with thermotropic liquid crystals: Applications of liquid crystals in biosensing platform. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 278:121347. [PMID: 35550995 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal biosensor was developed based on a 4'-octyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (8CB) by adsorption of biological macromolecule bovine serum albumin (BSA) at the 8CB interface. BSA was detected by examining the changes in the director configurations of 8CB molecules under a polarizing optical microscope. The transitions in the director configuration were due to the non-covalent bonds. This technique demonstrated high sensitivity at a concentration of 100 µM of BSA. The binding events between the 8CB and BSA were investigated through molecular docking studies that confirmed the protein-ligand interaction. The most probable binding location of 8CB to dock with BSA were determined at a subdomain IB of Sudlow's site I. The active residues on analyzing were found to stabilize the 8CB molecules through different interactions. These active residues that were involved in the protein-ligand interaction were further confirmed with Raman spectroscopy. This study provided the vibrational properties and structural changes that occurred due to the various interactions between the 8CB and BSA. The results presented in this work lead to a potential biosensing tool for detecting and sensing proteins using LCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanki Kalita
- Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, Bijni Complex, Shillong 793003, India
| | - Ranjan K Singh
- Department of Physics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Ayon Bhattacharjee
- Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Meghalaya, Bijni Complex, Shillong 793003, India.
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Development and Application of Liquid Crystals as Stimuli-Responsive Sensors. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27041453. [PMID: 35209239 PMCID: PMC8877457 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27041453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This focused review presents various approaches or formats in which liquid crystals (LCs) have been used as stimuli-responsive sensors. In these sensors, the LC molecules adopt some well-defined arrangement based on the sensor composition and the chemistry of the system. The sensor usually consists of a molecule or functionality in the system that engages in some form of specific interaction with the analyte of interest. The presence of analyte brings about the specific interaction, which then triggers an orientational transition of the LC molecules, which is optically discernible via a polarized optical image that shows up as dark or bright, depending on the orientation of the LC molecules in the system (usually a homeotropic or planar arrangement). The various applications of LCs as biosensors for glucose, protein and peptide detection, biomarkers, drug molecules and metabolites are extensively reviewed. The review also presents applications of LC-based sensors in the detection of heavy metals, anionic species, gases, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic substances and in pH monitoring. Additionally discussed are the various ways in which LCs have been used in the field of material science. Specific attention has been given to the sensing mechanism of each sensor and it is important to note that in all cases, LC-based sensing involves some form of orientational transition of the LC molecules in the presence of a given analyte. Finally, the review concludes by giving future perspectives on LC-based sensors.
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Wang Z, Xu T, Noel A, Chen YC, Liu T. Applications of liquid crystals in biosensing. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:4675-4702. [PMID: 33978639 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02088e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs), as a promising branch of highly-sensitive, quick-response, and low-cost materials, are widely applied to the detection of weak external stimuli and have attracted significant attention. Over the past decade, many research groups have been devoted to developing LC-based biosensors due to their self-assembly potential and functional diversity. In this paper, recent investigations on the design and application of LC-based biosensors are reviewed, based on the phenomenon that the orientation of LCs can be directly influenced by the interactions between biomolecules and LC molecules. The sensing principle of LC-based biosensors, as well as their signal detection by probing interfacial interactions, is described to convert, amplify, and quantify the information from targets into optical and electrical parameters. Furthermore, commonly-used LC biosensing targets are introduced, including glucose, proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, cells, microorganisms, ions, and other micromolecules that are critical to human health. Due to their self-assembly potential, chemical diversity, and high sensitivity, it has been reported that tunable stimuli-responsive LC biosensors show bright perspectives and high superiorities in biological applications. Finally, challenges and future prospects are discussed for the fabrication and application of LC biosensors to both enhance their performance and to realize their promise in the biosensing industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyihui Wang
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
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Hussain A, Semeano ATS, Palma SICJ, Pina AS, Almeida J, Medrado BF, Pádua ACCS, Carvalho AL, Dionísio M, Li RWC, Gamboa H, Ulijn RV, Gruber J, Roque ACA. Tunable Gas Sensing Gels by Cooperative Assembly. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2017; 27:1700803. [PMID: 28747856 PMCID: PMC5524183 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.201700803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The cooperative assembly of biopolymers and small molecules can yield functional materials with precisely tunable properties. Here, the fabrication, characterization, and use of multicomponent hybrid gels as selective gas sensors are reported. The gels are composed of liquid crystal droplets self-assembled in the presence of ionic liquids, which further coassemble with biopolymers to form stable matrices. Each individual component can be varied and acts cooperatively to tune gels' structure and function. The unique molecular environment in hybrid gels is explored for supramolecular recognition of volatile compounds. Gels with distinct compositions are used as optical and electrical gas sensors, yielding a combinatorial response conceptually mimicking olfactory biological systems, and tested to distinguish volatile organic compounds and to quantify ethanol in automotive fuel. The gel response is rapid, reversible, and reproducible. These robust, versatile, modular, pliant electro-optical soft materials possess new possibilities in sensing triggered by chemical and physical stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Hussain
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana T. S. Semeano
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748 CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Susana I. C. J. Palma
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana S. Pina
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), City University of New York, New York 10031, USA
| | - José Almeida
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Bárbara F. Medrado
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal; Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748 CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana C. C. S. Pádua
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Ana L. Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Madalena Dionísio
- LAQV, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Rosamaria W. C. Li
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748 CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brasil; Centro Universitário Estácio Radial de São Paulo, Vila dos Remédios, CEP 05107-001 São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Hugo Gamboa
- Laboratório de Instrumentação, Engenharia Biomédica e Física da Radiação (LIBPhys-UNL), Departamento de Física, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Monte da Caparica, 2892-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - Rein V. Ulijn
- Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), City University of New York, New York 10031, USA; Hunter College, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA; PhD Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jonas Gruber
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748 CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Ana C. A. Roque
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
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Deng J, Liang W, Fang J. Liquid Crystal Droplet-Embedded Biopolymer Hydrogel Sheets for Biosensor Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:3928-3932. [PMID: 26808341 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b11076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The development of simple, portable, and low-cost biosensing platforms is of great interest in the clinical diagnosis of disease. Here, we report liquid crystal (LC) droplet-embedded chitosan (CHI) hydrogel films formed by the Ag(+) ion-triggered fast gelation of the CHI/surfactant complex-stabilized LC emulsion which is cast on substrates. The small sheets cut from the LC droplet-embedded hydrogel films combine the advantages of both hydrogels and LC droplets, offering a portable and label-free sensing platform for the real-time detection of bile acids in a small amount of solution. We find that the response time and detection limit of LC droplet-embedded hydrogel sheets for bile acids depend on their chemical structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinan Deng
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
| | - Wenlang Liang
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
| | - Jiyu Fang
- Advanced Materials Processing and Analysis Center, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Central Florida , Orlando, Florida 32816, United States
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