1
|
Piven A, Darmoroz D, Skorb E, Orlova T. Machine learning methods for liquid crystal research: phases, textures, defects and physical properties. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:1380-1391. [PMID: 38288719 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01634j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Liquid crystal materials, with their unique properties and diverse applications, have long captured the attention of researchers and industries alike. From liquid crystal displays and electro-optical devices to advanced sensors and emerging technologies, the study and application of liquid crystals continue to be of paramount importance in the fields of materials science, chemistry and physics. With the ever-increasing complexity and diversity of liquid crystal materials, researchers face new challenges in understanding their behaviors, properties, and potential applications. On the other hand, machine learning, a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field at the intersection of computer science and data analysis, has already become a powerful tool for unraveling implicit correlations and predicting new properties of a wide variety of physical and chemical systems and structures. Here we aim to consider how machine learning methods are suitable for solving fundamental problems in the field of liquid crystals and what are the advantages of this artificial intelligence based approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Piven
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Darina Darmoroz
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Ekaterina Skorb
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Tetiana Orlova
- Infochemistry Scientific Center, ITMO University, Saint-Petersburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yamada S, Yoshida K, Kataoka M, Hara M, Konno T. Donor-π-Acceptor-Type Fluorinated Tolane Containing a Semifluoroalkoxy Chain as a Condensed-Phase Luminophore. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062764. [PMID: 36985736 PMCID: PMC10055744 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoluminescent liquid-crystalline (PLLC) molecules, which can easily tune the PL behavior through the crystal (Cry)-LC phase transition, have attracted significant attention. Previously, we have demonstrated that the incorporation of a semifluoroalkoxy chain into π-conjugated mesogen is a promising approach for developing PLLC molecules with PL and SmA LC characteristics. We focused on the LC and PL characteristics of the molecules induced by the semifluoroalkoxy chain and fluorinated tolanes in the condensed phase. In this study, we developed cyano- or ethoxycarbonyl-terminated donor-π-acceptor-type fluorinated tolanes containing a semifluoroalkoxy flexible chain. The cyano-terminated fluorinated tolanes exhibited intense light-blue photoluminescence in the crystalline phase and did not exhibit any LC phase. In contrast, blue photoluminescence in the ethoxycarbonyl-terminated analogs was slightly weak; however, they exhibited Cry-SmA phase transition during the heating and cooling processes. The PL intensity of the ethoxycarbonyl-terminated fluorinated tolanes significantly decreased in the SmA phase; however, their PL colors changed during the Cry-SmA phase transition. This indicates that the developed tolanes are promising temperature-dependent PL materials, such as PL thermosensors or PL thermometers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyuki Yamada
- Faculty of Molecular Chemistry and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Keigo Yoshida
- Faculty of Molecular Chemistry and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Mitsuki Kataoka
- Faculty of Molecular Chemistry and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Hara
- Department of Molecular and Macromolecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8603, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Konno
- Faculty of Molecular Chemistry and Engineering, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Blanco-Fernández G, Blanco-Fernandez B, Fernández-Ferreiro A, Otero-Espinar FJ. Lipidic lyotropic liquid crystals: Insights on biomedical applications. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 313:102867. [PMID: 36889183 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) possess unique physicochemical properties, translatable into a wide range of applications. To date, lipidic lyotropic LCs (LLCs) have been extensively explored in drug delivery and imaging owing to the capability to encapsulate and release payloads with different characteristics. The current landscape of lipidic LLCs in biomedical applications is provided in this review. Initially, the main properties, types, methods of fabrication and applications of LCs are showcased. Then, a comprehensive discussion of the main biomedical applications of lipidic LLCs accordingly to the application (drug and biomacromolecule delivery, tissue engineering and molecular imaging) and route of administration is examined. Further discussion of the main limitations and perspectives of lipidic LLCs in biomedical applications are also provided. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Liquid crystals (LCs) are those systems between a solid and liquid state that possess unique morphological and physicochemical properties, translatable into a wide range of biomedical applications. A short description of the properties of LCs, their types and manufacturing procedures is given to serve as a background to the topic. Then, the latest and most innovative research in the field of biomedicine is examined, specifically the areas of drug and biomacromolecule delivery, tissue engineering and molecular imaging. Finally, prospects of LCs in biomedicine are discussed to show future trends and perspectives that might be utilized. This article is an ampliation, improvement and actualization of our previous short forum article "Bringing lipidic lyotropic liquid crystal technology into biomedicine" published in TIPS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco-Fernández
- Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Paraquasil Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Institute of Materials (iMATUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bárbara Blanco-Fernandez
- CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, CIBER-BBN, Madrid, Spain; Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - Anxo Fernández-Ferreiro
- Pharmacology Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Pharmacy Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Otero-Espinar
- Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Paraquasil Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (FIDIS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Institute of Materials (iMATUS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zapp E, Brondani D, Silva TR, Girotto E, Gallardo H, Vieira IC. Label-Free Immunosensor Based on Liquid Crystal and Gold Nanoparticles for Cardiac Troponin I Detection. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:1113. [PMID: 36551080 PMCID: PMC9775587 DOI: 10.3390/bios12121113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The development of electrochemical biosensors for CVD markers detection, such as cardiac troponin I (cTnI), becomes an important diagnostic strategy. Thus, a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was modified with columnar liquid crystal (LCcol) and gold nanoparticles stabilized in polyallylamine hydrochloride (AuNPs-PAH), and the surface was employed to evaluate the interaction of the cTnI antibody (anti-cTnI) and cTnI for detection in blood plasma. Morphological and electrochemical investigations were used in the characterization and optimization of the materials used in the construction of the immunosensor. The specific interaction of cTnI with the surface of the immunosensor containing anti-cTnI was monitored indirectly using a redox probe. The formation of the immunocomplex caused the suppression of the analytical signal, which was observed due to the insulating characteristics of the protein. The cTnI-immunosensor interaction showed linear responses from 0.01 to 0.3 ng mL-1 and a low limit of detection (LOD) of 0.005 ng mL-1 for linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and 0.01 ng mL-1 for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), showing good diagnostic capacity for point-of-care applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Zapp
- Department of Exact Science and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Blumenau, Blumenau 89036-256, Brazil
| | - Daniela Brondani
- Department of Exact Science and Education, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Blumenau, Blumenau 89036-256, Brazil
| | - Tânia Regina Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Edivandro Girotto
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Hugo Gallardo
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Iolanda Cruz Vieira
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu Q, Zhang H, Jia D, Liu T. Recent Development of Tunable Optical Devices Based on Liquid. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27228025. [PMID: 36432123 PMCID: PMC9694320 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27228025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid opens up a new stage of device tunability and gradually replaced solid-state devices and mechanical tuning. It optimizes the control method and improves the dynamic range of many optical devices, exhibiting several attractive features, such as rapid prototyping, miniaturization, easy integration and low power consumption. The advantage makes optical devices widely used in imaging, optical control, telecommunications, autopilot and lab-on-a-chip. Here, we review the tunable liquid devices, including isotropic liquid and anisotropic liquid crystal devices. Due to the unique characteristics of the two types of liquids, the tuning principles and tuning methods are distinguished and demonstrated in detail firstly and then some recent progress in this field, covering the adaptive lens, beam controller, beam filter, bending waveguide, iris, resonator and display devices. Finally, the limitations and future perspectives of the current liquid devices are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Technical Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Technical Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Dagong Jia
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Technical Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tiegen Liu
- School of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Information Technical Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dissipative Particle Dynamics Simulation of the Sensitive Anchoring Behavior of Smectic Liquid Crystals at Aqueous Phase. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217433. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Rational design of thermotropic liquid crystal (LC)-based sensors utilizing different mesophases holds great promise to open up novel detection modalities for various chemical and biological applications. In this context, we present a dissipative particle dynamics study to explore the unique anchoring behavior of nematic and smectic LCs at amphiphile-laden aqueous-LC interface. By increasing the surface coverage of amphiphiles, two distinct anchoring sequences, a continuous planar-tilted-homeotropic transition and a discontinuous planar-to-homeotropic transition, can be observed for the nematic and smectic LCs, respectively. More importantly, the latter occurs at a much lower surface coverage of amphiphiles, demonstrating an outstanding sensitivity for the smectic-based sensors. The dynamics of reorientation further reveals that the formation of homeotropic smectic anchoring is mainly governed by the synchronous growth of smectic layers through the LCs, which is significantly different from the mechanism of interface-to-bulk ordering propagation in nematic anchoring. Furthermore, the smectic LCs have also been proven to possess a potential selectivity in response to a subtle change in the chain rigidity of amphiphiles. These simulation findings are promising and would be valuable for the development of novel smectic-based sensors.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rouhbakhsh Z, Huang JW, Ho TY, Chen CH. Liquid crystal-based chemical sensors and biosensors: From sensing mechanisms to the variety of analytical targets. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2022.116820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
8
|
Kumari A, Singh H, Dhawan S, Bhardwaj SK, Haridas V, Sinha A. Liquid crystal droplet design by using pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymer additives. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:7838-7849. [PMID: 36200443 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm00953f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal (LC) droplets are promising candidates for sensing applications due to their high sensitivity to surface anchoring changes, resulting in readily detectable optical effects. Herein, we have designed and synthesized amino acid-based bottlebrush polymers and investigated their impact on LC director configurations in the droplets. The pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymers with an aromatic (phenyl) and aliphatic appendages are synthesized using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) samples are prepared by employing pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymers and 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB) LC via solvent-induced phase separation (SIPS) technique. Due to π-π stacking, the phenyl group favours radial configuration, whereas the repulsion between 5CB and aliphatic groups induces molecular alignment leading to bipolar droplet arrangement. The impact of various pendant groups attached to the polymer on the prepared PDLC sample's surface characteristics and free energy components is illustrated. The sensing capability of 5CB dispersed in pseudopeptidic bottlebrush polymers for various pH solutions is investigated using polarizing optical microscopy (POM). The PDLC samples are moderately permeable to water and sensitive to different pH solutions. The results demonstrate a simplified and straightforward approach for preparing LC-based biosensors and chemical sensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asha Kumari
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Hanuman Singh
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Sameer Dhawan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Surya Kant Bhardwaj
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - V Haridas
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| | - Aloka Sinha
- Department of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu M, Zhang M, Chen J, Yang R, Huang Z, Liu Z, Li N, Shui L. Liquid crystal-based optical aptasensor for the sensitive and selective detection of Gram-negative bacteria. Sci China Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11426-022-1336-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
10
|
Wang H, Xu T, Fu Y, Wang Z, Leeson MS, Jiang J, Liu T. Liquid Crystal Biosensors: Principles, Structure and Applications. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080639. [PMID: 36005035 PMCID: PMC9406233 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) have been widely used as sensitive elements to construct LC biosensors based on the principle that specific bonding events between biomolecules can affect the orientation of LC molecules. On the basis of the sensing interface of LC molecules, LC biosensors can be classified into three types: LC–solid interface sensing platforms, LC–aqueous interface sensing platforms, and LC–droplet interface sensing platforms. In addition, as a signal amplification method, the combination of LCs and whispering gallery mode (WGM) optical microcavities can provide higher detection sensitivity due to the extremely high quality factor and the small mode volume of the WGM optical microcavity, which enhances the interaction between the light field and biotargets. In this review, we present an overview of the basic principles, the structure, and the applications of LC biosensors. We discuss the important properties of LC and the principle of LC biosensors. The different geometries of LCs in the biosensing systems as well as their applications in the biological detection are then described. The fabrication and the application of the LC-based WGM microcavity optofluidic sensor in the biological detection are also introduced. Finally, challenges and potential research opportunities in the development of LC-based biosensors are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Wang
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Tianhua Xu
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Correspondence: (T.X.); (J.J.)
| | - Yaoxin Fu
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ziyihui Wang
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Mark S. Leeson
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Junfeng Jiang
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- Correspondence: (T.X.); (J.J.)
| | - Tiegen Liu
- School of Precision Instruments and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| |
Collapse
|