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Baker-Fales M, Gutiérrez-Cano JD, Catalá-Civera JM, Vlachos DG. Temperature-dependent complex dielectric permittivity: a simple measurement strategy for liquid-phase samples. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18171. [PMID: 37875512 PMCID: PMC10597996 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Microwaves (MWs) are an emerging technology for intensified and electrified chemical manufacturing. MW heating is intimately linked to a material's dielectric permittivity. These properties are highly dependent on temperature and pressure, but such datasets are not readily available due to the limited accessibility of the current methodologies to process-oriented laboratories. We introduce a simple, benchtop approach for producing these datasets near the 2.45 GHz industrial, medical, and scientific (ISM) frequency for liquid samples. By building upon a previously-demonstrated bireentrant microwave measurement cavity, we introduce larger pressure- and temperature-capable vials to deduce temperature-dependent permittivity quickly and accurately for vapor pressures up to 7 bar. Our methodology is validated using literature data, demonstrating broad applicability for materials with dielectric constant ε' ranging from 1 to 100. We provide new permittivity data for water, organic solvents, and hydrochloric acid solutions. Finally, we provide simple fits to our data for easy use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montgomery Baker-Fales
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - José D Gutiérrez-Cano
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (ITACA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - José M Catalá-Civera
- Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (ITACA), Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Dionisios G Vlachos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
- Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation, RAPID Manufacturing Institute, and Delaware Energy Institute (DEI), University of Delaware, 221 Academy St., Newark, DE, 19716, USA.
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2
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Cuzzucoli Crucitti V, Ilchev A, Moore JC, Fowler HR, Dubern JF, Sanni O, Xue X, Husband BK, Dundas AA, Smith S, Wildman JL, Taresco V, Williams P, Alexander MR, Howdle SM, Wildman RD, Stockman RA, Irvine DJ. Predictive Molecular Design and Structure-Property Validation of Novel Terpene-Based, Sustainably Sourced Bacterial Biofilm-Resistant Materials. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:576-591. [PMID: 36599074 PMCID: PMC9930090 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Presented in this work is the use of a molecular descriptor, termed the α parameter, to aid in the design of a series of novel, terpene-based, and sustainable polymers that were resistant to biofilm formation by the model bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To achieve this, the potential of a range of recently reported, terpene-derived monomers to deliver biofilm resistance when polymerized was both predicted and ranked by the application of the α parameter to key features in their molecular structures. These monomers were derived from commercially available terpenes (i.e., α-pinene, β-pinene, and carvone), and the prediction of the biofilm resistance properties of the resultant novel (meth)acrylate polymers was confirmed using a combination of high-throughput polymerization screening (in a microarray format) and in vitro testing. Furthermore, monomers, which both exhibited the highest predicted biofilm anti-biofilm behavior and required less than two synthetic stages to be generated, were scaled-up and successfully printed using an inkjet "valve-based" 3D printer. Also, these materials were used to produce polymeric surfactants that were successfully used in microfluidic processing to create microparticles that possessed bio-instructive surfaces. As part of the up-scaling process, a novel rearrangement was observed in a proposed single-step synthesis of α-terpinyl methacrylate via methacryloxylation, which resulted in isolation of an isobornyl-bornyl methacrylate monomer mixture, and the resultant copolymer was also shown to be bacterial attachment-resistant. As there has been great interest in the current literature upon the adoption of these novel terpene-based polymers as green replacements for petrochemical-derived plastics, these observations have significant potential to produce new bio-resistant coatings, packaging materials, fibers, medical devices, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cuzzucoli Crucitti
- Centre of Additive Manufacturing, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Aleksandar Ilchev
- Centre of Additive Manufacturing, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Jonathan C Moore
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Harriet R Fowler
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Jean-Frédéric Dubern
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Olutoba Sanni
- Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Xuan Xue
- Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Bethany K Husband
- Centre of Additive Manufacturing, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Adam A Dundas
- Centre of Additive Manufacturing, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Sean Smith
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Joni L Wildman
- Centre of Additive Manufacturing, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Vincenzo Taresco
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Paul Williams
- National Biofilms Innovation Centre, Biodiscovery Institute and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Morgan R Alexander
- Advanced Materials and Healthcare Technologies, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Steven M Howdle
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Ricky D Wildman
- Centre of Additive Manufacturing, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Robert A Stockman
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Derek J Irvine
- Centre of Additive Manufacturing, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NottinghamNG7 2RD, U.K
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Cuzzucoli Crucitti V, Contreas L, Taresco V, Howard SC, Dundas AA, Limo MJ, Nisisako T, Williams PM, Williams P, Alexander MR, Wildman RD, Muir BW, Irvine DJ. Generation and Characterization of a Library of Novel Biologically Active Functional Surfactants (Surfmers) Using Combined High-Throughput Methods. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:43290-43300. [PMID: 34464079 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c08662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We report the first successful combination of three distinct high-throughput techniques to deliver the accelerated design, synthesis, and property screening of a library of novel, bio-instructive, polymeric, comb-graft surfactants. These three-dimensional, surface-active materials were successfully used to control the surface properties of particles by forming a unimolecular deep layer on the surface of the particles via microfluidic processing. This strategy deliberately utilizes the surfactant to both create the stable particles and deliver a desired cell-instructive behavior. Therefore, these specifically designed, highly functional surfactants are critical to promoting a desired cell response. This library contained surfactants constructed from 20 molecularly distinct (meth)acrylic monomers, which had been pre-identified by HT screening to exhibit specific, varied, and desirable bacterial biofilm inhibitory responses. The surfactant's self-assembly properties in water were assessed by developing a novel, fully automated, HT method to determine the critical aggregation concentration. These values were used as the input data to a computational-based evaluation of the key molecular descriptors that dictated aggregation behavior. Thus, this combination of HT techniques facilitated the rapid design, generation, and evaluation of further novel, highly functional, cell-instructive surfaces by application of designed surfactants possessing complex molecular architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cuzzucoli Crucitti
- Centre for Additive Manufacturing and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | - Leonardo Contreas
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | - Vincenzo Taresco
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | | | - Adam A Dundas
- Centre for Additive Manufacturing and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | - Marion J Limo
- Interface and Surface Analysis Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | - Takasi Nisisako
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8503, Japan
| | - Philip M Williams
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | - Paul Williams
- Biodiscovery Institute, National Biofilms Innovation Centre and School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | | | - Ricky D Wildman
- Centre for Additive Manufacturing and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
| | | | - Derek J Irvine
- Centre for Additive Manufacturing and Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD U.K
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Ryan J, Elsmore MT, Binner ER, De Focatiis DSA, Irvine DJ, Robinson JP. Solvent-free manufacture of methacrylate polymers from biomass pyrolysis products. REACT CHEM ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0re00419g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Biomass pyrolysis liquid is functionalised into a potential replacement for petrochemical derived methacrylates used in resins, adhesives and binders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Ryan
- Coates Building
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | - M. T. Elsmore
- Coates Building
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | - E. R. Binner
- Coates Building
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | | | - D. J. Irvine
- Coates Building
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | - J. P. Robinson
- Coates Building
- Faculty of Engineering
- University of Nottingham
- UK
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5
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Vallieres C, Hook AL, He Y, Crucitti VC, Figueredo G, Davies CR, Burroughs L, Winkler DA, Wildman RD, Irvine DJ, Alexander MR, Avery SV. Discovery of (meth)acrylate polymers that resist colonization by fungi associated with pathogenesis and biodeterioration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba6574. [PMID: 32548270 PMCID: PMC7274803 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba6574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Fungi have major, negative socioeconomic impacts, but control with bioactive agents is increasingly restricted, while resistance is growing. Here, we describe an alternative fungal control strategy via materials operating passively (i.e., no killing effect). We screened hundreds of (meth)acrylate polymers in high throughput, identifying several that reduce attachment of the human pathogen Candida albicans, the crop pathogen Botrytis cinerea, and other fungi. Specific polymer functional groups were associated with weak attachment. Low fungal colonization materials were not toxic, supporting their passive, anti-attachment utility. We developed a candidate monomer formulation for inkjet-based 3D printing. Printed voice prosthesis components showed up to 100% reduction in C. albicans biofilm versus commercial materials. Furthermore, spray-coated leaf surfaces resisted fungal infection, with no plant toxicity. This is the first high-throughput study of polymer chemistries resisting fungal attachment. These materials are ready for incorporation in products to counteract fungal deterioration of goods, food security, and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Vallieres
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew L. Hook
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Yinfeng He
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - David A. Winkler
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Australia
- La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Australia
- CSIRO Manufacturing, Clayton, Australia
| | - Ricky D. Wildman
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Derek J. Irvine
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Simon V. Avery
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Chen TY, Baker-Fales M, Vlachos DG. Operation and Optimization of Microwave-Heated Continuous-Flow Microfluidics. Ind Eng Chem Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.0c01650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Ying Chen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Montgomery Baker-Fales
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
| | - Dionisios G. Vlachos
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
- Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation, 221 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, United States
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