1
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Frka-Petesic B, Parton TG, Honorato-Rios C, Narkevicius A, Ballu K, Shen Q, Lu Z, Ogawa Y, Haataja JS, Droguet BE, Parker RM, Vignolini S. Structural Color from Cellulose Nanocrystals or Chitin Nanocrystals: Self-Assembly, Optics, and Applications. Chem Rev 2023; 123:12595-12756. [PMID: 38011110 PMCID: PMC10729353 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Widespread concerns over the impact of human activity on the environment have resulted in a desire to replace artificial functional materials with naturally derived alternatives. As such, polysaccharides are drawing increasing attention due to offering a renewable, biodegradable, and biocompatible feedstock for functional nanomaterials. In particular, nanocrystals of cellulose and chitin have emerged as versatile and sustainable building blocks for diverse applications, ranging from mechanical reinforcement to structural coloration. Much of this interest arises from the tendency of these colloidally stable nanoparticles to self-organize in water into a lyotropic cholesteric liquid crystal, which can be readily manipulated in terms of its periodicity, structure, and geometry. Importantly, this helicoidal ordering can be retained into the solid-state, offering an accessible route to complex nanostructured films, coatings, and particles. In this review, the process of forming iridescent, structurally colored films from suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is summarized and the mechanisms underlying the chemical and physical phenomena at each stage in the process explored. Analogy is then drawn with chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs), allowing for key differences to be critically assessed and strategies toward structural coloration to be presented. Importantly, the progress toward translating this technology from academia to industry is summarized, with unresolved scientific and technical questions put forward as challenges to the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Frka-Petesic
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
- International
Institute for Sustainability with Knotted Chiral Meta Matter (WPI-SKCM), Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Thomas G. Parton
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Camila Honorato-Rios
- Department
of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Mühlenberg 1, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Aurimas Narkevicius
- B
CUBE − Center for Molecular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kevin Ballu
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Qingchen Shen
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Zihao Lu
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Yu Ogawa
- CERMAV-CNRS,
CS40700, 38041 Grenoble cedex 9, France
| | - Johannes S. Haataja
- Department
of Applied Physics, Aalto University School
of Science, P.O. Box
15100, Aalto, Espoo FI-00076, Finland
| | - Benjamin E. Droguet
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Richard M. Parker
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Vignolini
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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2
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Wang Q, Niu W, Feng S, Liu J, Liu H, Zhu Q. Accelerating Cellulose Nanocrystal Assembly into Chiral Nanostructures. ACS NANO 2023. [PMID: 37464327 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspensions self-assembled into chiral nematic liquid crystals. This property has enabled the development of versatile optical materials with fascinating properties. Nevertheless, the scale-up production and commercial success of chiral nematic CNC superstructures face significant challenges. Fabrication of chiral nematic CNC nanostructures suffers from a ubiquitous pernicious trade-off between uniform chiral nematic structure and rapid self-assembly. Specifically, the chiral nematic assembly of CNCs is a time-consuming, spontaneous process that involves the organization of particles into ordered nanostructures as the solvent evaporates. This review is driven by the interest in accelerating chiral nematic CNC assembly and promoting a long-range oriented chiral nematic CNC superstructure. To start this review, the chirality origins of CNC and CNC aggregates are analyzed. This is followed by a summary of the recent advances in stimuli-accelerated chiral nematic CNC self-assembly procedures, including evaporation-induced self-assembly, continuous coating, vacuum-assisted self-assembly, and shear-induced CNC assembly under confinement. In particular, stimuli-induced unwinding, alignment, and relaxation of chiral nematic structures were highlighted, offering a significant link between the accelerated assembly approaches and uniform chiral nematic nanostructures. Ultimately, future opportunities and challenges for rapid chiral nematic CNC assembly are discussed for more innovative and exciting applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Wen Niu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Shixuan Feng
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, School of Emergency Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
- Institute of Quantum and Sustainable Technology (IQST), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
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3
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Tone CM, Zizzari A, Spina L, Bianco M, De Santo MP, Arima V, Barberi RC, Ciuchi F. Sunset Yellow Confined in Curved Geometry: A Microfluidic Approach. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:6134-6141. [PMID: 37072936 PMCID: PMC10157883 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The behavior of lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals (LCLCs) in confined environments is an interesting research field that still awaits exploration, with multiple key variables to be uncovered and understood. Microfluidics is a highly versatile technique that allows us to confine LCLCs in micrometric spheres. As microscale networks offer distinct interplays between the surface effects, geometric confinement, and viscosity parameters, rich and unique interactions emerging at the LCLC-microfluidic channel interfaces are expected. Here, we report on the behavior of pure and chiral doped nematic Sunset Yellow (SSY) chromonic microdroplets produced through a microfluidic flow-focusing device. The continuous production of SSY microdroplets with controllable size gives the possibility to systematically study their topological textures as the function of their diameters. Indeed, doped SSY microdroplets produced via microfluidics, show topologies that are typical of common chiral thermotropic liquid crystals. Furthermore, few droplets exhibit a peculiar texture never observed for chiral chromonic liquid crystals. Finally, the achieved precise control of the produced LCLC microdroplets is a crucial step for technological applications in biosensing and anticounterfeiting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Maria Tone
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zizzari
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Lorenza Spina
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Monica Bianco
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Maria Penelope De Santo
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Valentina Arima
- CNR NANOTEC - Institute of Nanotechnology, c/o Campus Ecotekne, University of Salento, via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Riccardo Cristoforo Barberi
- Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
| | - Federica Ciuchi
- CNR-Nanotec, c/o Physics Department, University of Calabria, Ponte Bucci, cubo 31C, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
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Han WC, Kim YB, Lee YJ, Kim DS. Exploring multiphase liquid crystal polymeric droplets created by a partial phase-separation. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.130124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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5
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Wang Q, Zhou R, Sun J, Liu J, Zhu Q. Naturally Derived Janus Cellulose Nanomaterials: Anisotropic Cellulose Nanomaterial Building Blocks and Their Assembly into Asymmetric Structures. ACS NANO 2022; 16:13468-13491. [PMID: 36075202 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c04883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Naturally derived cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) with desirable physicochemical properties have drawn tremendous attention for their versatile applications in a broad range of fields. More recently, Janus amphiphilic cellulose nanomaterial particles with asymmetric structures (i.e., reducing and nonreducing ends and crystalline and amorphous domains) have been in the spotlight, offering a rich and sophisticated toolbox for Janus nanomaterials. With careful surface and interfacial engineering, Janus CNM particles have demonstrated great potential as surface modifiers, emulsifiers, stabilizers, compatibilizers, and dispersants in emulsions, nanocomposites, and suspensions. Naturally derived Janus CNM particles offer a fascinating opportunity for scaling up the production of self-standing Janus CNM membranes. Nevertheless, most Janus CNM membranes to date are constructed by asymmetric fabrication or asymmetric modification without considering the Janus traits of CNM particles. More future research should focus on the self-assembly of Janus CNM particles into bulk self-standing Janus CNM membranes to enable more straightforward and sustainable approaches for Janus membranes. This review explores the fabrication, structure-property relationship, and Janus configuration mechanisms of Janus CNM particles and membranes. Janus CNM membranes are highlighted for their versatile applications in liquid, thermal, and light management. This review also highlights the significant advances and future perspectives in the construction and application of sustainable Janus CNM particles and membranes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Wang
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-based Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan 250353, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Sun
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Zhu
- Biofuels Institute, School of the Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-based Materials and Green Papermaking, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan 250353, People's Republic of China
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6
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Parker RM, Zhao TH, Frka-Petesic B, Vignolini S. Cellulose photonic pigments. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3378. [PMID: 35697688 PMCID: PMC9192732 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31079-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
When pursuing sustainable approaches to fabricate photonic structures, nature can be used as a source of inspiration for both the nanoarchitecture and the constituent materials. Although several biomaterials have been promised as suitable candidates for photonic materials and pigments, their fabrication processes have been limited to the small to medium-scale production of films. Here, by employing a substrate-free process, structurally coloured microparticles are produced via the confined self-assembly of a cholesteric cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) suspension within emulsified microdroplets. Upon drying, the droplets undergo multiple buckling events, which allow for greater contraction of the nanostructure than predicted for a spherical geometry. This buckling, combined with a solvent or thermal post-treatment, enables the production of dispersions of vibrant red, green, and blue cellulose photonic pigments. The hierarchical structure of these pigments enables the deposition of coatings with angular independent colour, offering a consistent visual appearance across a wide range of viewing angles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Parker
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Tianheng H Zhao
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Bruno Frka-Petesic
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Silvia Vignolini
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK.
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7
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Shao R, Meng X, Shi Z, Zhong J, Cai Z, Hu J, Wang X, Chen G, Gao S, Song Y, Ye C. Marangoni Flow Manipulated Concentric Assembly of Cellulose Nanocrystals. SMALL METHODS 2021; 5:e2100690. [PMID: 34927964 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202100690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Tunable assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is important for a variety of emerging applications in optics, sensing, and security. Most exploited assembly and optical property of CNCs are cholesteric assembly and corresponding circular dichroism. However, it still remains challenge to obtain homogenous and high-resolution cholesteric assembly. Distinct assembly and optical property of CNCs are highly demanded for advanced photonic materials with novel functions. Herein, a facile and programmable approach for assembling CNCs into a novel concentric alignment using capillary flow and Marangoni effect, which is in strike contrast to conventional cholesteric assembly, is demonstrated. The concentric assembly, as quantitatively evidenced by polarized synchrotron radiation Fourier transform infrared imaging, demonstrates Maltese cross optical pattern with good uniformity and high resolution. Furthermore, this Maltese cross can be readily regulated to "on/off" states by temperature. By combining with 3D inkjet technology, a functional binary system composed of "on"/"off" CNCs optical patterns with high spatial resolution, fast printing speed, good repeatability, and precisely controllable optical property is established for information encryption and decryption. This concentric assembly of CNCs and corresponding tunable optical property emerge as a promising candidate for information security, anticounterfeiting technology, and advanced optics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Shao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiao Meng
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zhaojie Shi
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiajia Zhong
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Zheren Cai
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Junhao Hu
- School of Information Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Gang Chen
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shenghua Gao
- School of Information Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yanlin Song
- Key Laboratory of Green Printing, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chunhong Ye
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
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8
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Park D, Kim H, Kim JW. Microfluidic production of monodisperse emulsions for cosmetics. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2021; 15:051302. [PMID: 34733378 PMCID: PMC8550801 DOI: 10.1063/5.0057733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Droplet-based microfluidic technology has enabled the production of emulsions with high monodispersity in sizes ranging from a few to hundreds of micrometers. Taking advantage of this technology, attempts to generate monodisperse emulsion drops with high drug loading capacity, ordered interfacial structure, and multi-functionality have been made in the cosmetics industry. In this article, we introduce the practicality of the droplet-based microfluidic approach to the cosmetic industry in terms of innovation in productivity and marketability. Furthermore, we summarize some recent advances in the production of emulsion drops with enhanced mechanical interfacial stability. Finally, we discuss the future prospects of microfluidic technology in accordance with consumers' needs and industrial attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daehwan Park
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hajeong Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woong Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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9
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Prince E, Wang Y, Smalyukh II, Kumacheva E. Cylindrical Confinement of Nanocolloidal Cholesteric Liquid Crystal. J Phys Chem B 2021; 125:8243-8250. [PMID: 34259528 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.1c04387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The organization of nanocolloidal liquid crystals in constrained geometries has fundamental and practical importance, since under confinement, liquid crystals contain stable topological defects that can serve as templates for nanoparticle organization. Three-dimensional confinement of cholesteric (Ch) liquid crystals formed by cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been extensively studied; however, their two-dimensional confinement remains under-investigated. Here, we report the results of systematic experimental studies of two-dimensional confinement of Ch-CNC liquid crystal in cylindrical capillaries with varying inner diameters. Confinement resulted in phase separation of the Ch-CNC liquid crystal into a Ch shell formed by concentric CNC pseudolayers with the helicoidal axis perpendicular to the inner surface of the capillary walls, and a micrometer-diameter isotropic core thread running parallel to the long axis of the capillary. The morphology of the confined Ch-CNC liquid crystal varied when progressively increasing the degree confinement. Finally, we show that phase separation of the Ch-CNC liquid crystal into a Ch shell and an isotropic core is preserved in flexible capillary tubing, suggesting the applicability of this system for the fabrication of flexible optical waveguides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Yongliang Wang
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Ivan I Smalyukh
- Department of Physics and Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States.,Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, 80 Saint George Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, 200 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 4 Taddle Creek Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
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10
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Ajdary R, Tardy BL, Mattos BD, Bai L, Rojas OJ. Plant Nanomaterials and Inspiration from Nature: Water Interactions and Hierarchically Structured Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2001085. [PMID: 32537860 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202001085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent developments in the area of plant-based hydrogels are introduced, especially those derived from wood as a widely available, multiscale, and hierarchical source of nanomaterials, as well as other cell wall elements. With water being fundamental in a hydrogel, water interactions, hydration, and swelling, all critically important in designing, processing, and achieving the desired properties of sustainable and functional hydrogels, are highlighted. A plant, by itself, is a form of a hydrogel, at least at given states of development, and for this reason phenomena such as fluid transport, diffusion, capillarity, and ionic effects are examined. These aspects are highly relevant not only to plants, especially lignified tissues, but also to the porous structures produced after removal of water (foams, sponges, cryogels, xerogels, and aerogels). Thus, a useful source of critical and comprehensive information is provided regarding the synthesis of hydrogels from plant materials (and especially wood nanostructures), and about the role of water, not only for processing but for developing hydrogel properties and uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubina Ajdary
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
| | - Blaise L Tardy
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
| | - Bruno D Mattos
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
| | - Long Bai
- Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Chemistry and, Wood Science, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Orlando J Rojas
- Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems, School of Chemical Engineering, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, Aalto, Espoo, FIN-00076, Finland
- Departments of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Chemistry and, Wood Science, The University of British Columbia, 2360 East Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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11
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Wang X, Zhou Y, Palacio-Betancur V, Kim YK, Delalande L, Tsuei M, Yang Y, de Pablo JJ, Abbott NL. Reconfigurable Multicompartment Emulsion Drops Formed by Nematic Liquid Crystals and Immiscible Perfluorocarbon Oils. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:16312-16323. [PMID: 31652070 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline (LC) oils offer the basis of stimuli-responsive LC-in-water emulsions. Although past studies have explored the properties of single-phase LC emulsions, few studies have focused on complex multicompartment emulsions containing co-existing isotropic and LC domains. In this paper, we report a study of multiphase emulsions using LCs and immiscible perfluoroalkanes dispersed in water or glycerol (the latter continuous phase is used to enable characterization). We found that the nematogen 4'-pentyl-4-biphenylcarbonitrile (5CB) anchors homeotropically (perpendicularly) and weakly at liquid perfluorononane (F9) interfaces, consistent with the smectic layering of 5CB molecules. The proposed role of smectic layering is supported by experiments performed with 4-(trans-4-pentylcyclohexyl)benzonitrile, a nematogen that possesses a cyclohexyl group that frustrates the smectic packing and leads to tilted orientations at the F9 interface. By employing perfluorocarbon and hydrocarbon surfactants in combination with multiphase 5CB and F9 emulsion droplets dispersed in a continuous water or glycerol phase, we observe a range of emulsion droplet morphologies to form, including core-shell and Janus structures, with internal organizations that reflect an interplay of interfacial (anchoring energies; F9 and glycerol) and elastic energies within the confines of the geometry of the emulsion droplet. By comparing experimental observations to simulations of the LC-perfluorocarbon droplets based on a Landau-de Gennes model of the free energy, we place bounds on the orientation-dependent interfacial energies that underlie the internal ordering of these complex emulsions. Additionally, by forming core-shells emulsion droplets from 5CB (shell) and perfluoroheptane (cores), we demonstrate how a liquid-to-vapor phase transition in the perfluorocarbon core can be used to actuate the droplet and rapidly thin the nematic shell. Overall, the results reported in this paper demonstrate that multiphase LC emulsions formed from mixtures of perfluoroalkanes and LCs provide new opportunities to engineer hierarchical and stimuli-responsive emulsion systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14850 , United States
| | - Ye Zhou
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Viviana Palacio-Betancur
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Young-Ki Kim
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14850 , United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering , Pohang University of Science and Technology , Pohang , Gyengbuk 37673 , Korea
| | - Lily Delalande
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
| | - Michael Tsuei
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14850 , United States
| | - Yu Yang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , Wisconsin 53706 , United States
| | - Juan J de Pablo
- Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering , University of Chicago , Chicago , Illinois 60637 , United States
- Center for Molecular Engineering , Argonne National Laboratory , Lemont , Illinois 60439 , United States
| | - Nicholas L Abbott
- Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering , Cornell University , Ithaca , New York 14850 , United States
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