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Yang Y, Cui Y, Chen Y, Guo Y, Liu X, Chen X, Liu J, Liu Y, Liu Z. Reflectivity and Angular Anisotropy of Liquid Crystal Microcapsules with Different Particle Sizes by Complex Coalescence. Molecules 2024; 29:3030. [PMID: 38998989 PMCID: PMC11242959 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133030] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholesteric liquid crystal microcapsules (CLCMs) are used to improve the stability of liquid crystals while ensuring their stimulus response performance and versatility, with representative applications such as sensing, anticounterfeiting, and smart fabrics. However, the reflectivity and angular anisotropy decrease because of the anchoring effect of the polymer shell matrix, and the influence of particle size on this has not been thoroughly studied. In this study, the effect of synthesis technology on microcapsule particle size was investigated using a complex coalescence method, and the effect of particle size on the reflectivity and angular anisotropy of CLCMs was investigated in detail. A particle size of approximately 66 µm with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA, 1:1) exhibited a relative reflectivity of 16.6% and a bandwidth of 20 nm, as well as a narrow particle size distribution of 22 µm. The thermosetting of microcapsules coated with PVA was adjusted and systematically investigated by controlling the mass ratio. The optimized mass ratio of microcapsules (66 µm) to PVA was 2:1, increasing the relative reflectivity from 16.6% (1:1) to 32.0% (2:1) because of both the higher CLCM content and the matching between the birefringence of the gelatin-arabic shell system and PVA. Furthermore, color based on Bragg reflections was observed in the CLCM-coated ortho-axis and blue-shifted off-axis, and this change was correlated with the CLCM particle size. Such materials are promising for anticounterfeiting and color-based applications with bright colors and angular anisotropy in reflection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggang Yang
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yuchen Cui
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yinjie Chen
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yanan Guo
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Printed Electronics Institution, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xia Chen
- School of New Media, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Jianghao Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yu Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zhengfeng Liu
- School of Printing and Packaging Engineering, Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication, Beijing 102600, China
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Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yang J, Wang X. Beyond Color Boundaries: Pioneering Developments in Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Photonic Actuators. MICROMACHINES 2024; 15:808. [PMID: 38930778 PMCID: PMC11205596 DOI: 10.3390/mi15060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Creatures in nature make extensive use of structural color adaptive camouflage to survive. Cholesteric liquid crystals, with nanostructures similar to those of natural organisms, can be combined with actuators to produce bright structural colors in response to a wide range of stimuli. Structural colors modulated by nano-helical structures can continuously and selectively reflect specific wavelengths of light, breaking the limit of colors recognizable by the human eye. In this review, the current state of research on cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and their technological applications is presented. First, the basic concepts of cholesteric liquid crystals and their nanostructural modulation are outlined. Then, the cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators responding to different stimuli (mechanical, thermal, electrical, light, humidity, magnetic, pneumatic) are presented. This review describes the practical applications of cholesteric liquid crystal photonic actuators and summarizes the prospects for the development of these advanced structures as well as the challenges and their promising applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinying Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
- Yangtze Delta Region Academy of Beijing Institute of Technology, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Yexiaotong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Jiaxing Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
| | - Xinye Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Precision Optoelectronic Measurement Instrument and Technology, School of Optics and Photonics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China; (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.)
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Zheng S, Wang J, Luo K, Gu X, Yuan G, Wei M, Yao Y, Zhao Y, Dai J, Zhang K. Comprehensive Characterization of Organic Light-Emitting Materials in Breast Milk by Target and Suspect Screening. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:5103-5116. [PMID: 38445973 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Organic light-emitting materials (OLEMs) are emerging contaminants in the environment and have been detected in various environment samples. However, limited information is available regarding their contamination within the human body. Here, we developed a novel QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) method coupled with triple quadrupole/high-resolution mass spectrometry to determine OLEMs in breast milk samples, employing both target and suspect screening strategies. Our analysis uncovered the presence of seven out of the 39 targeted OLEMs in breast milk samples, comprising five liquid crystal monomers and two OLEMs commonly used in organic light-emitting diode displays. The cumulative concentrations of the seven OLEMs in each breast milk sample ranged from ND to 1.67 × 103 ng/g lipid weight, with a mean and median concentration of 78.76 and 0.71 ng/g lipid weight, respectively, which were higher compared to that of typical organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. We calculated the estimated daily intake (EDI) rates of OLEMs for infants aged 0-12 months, and the mean EDI rates during lactation were estimated to range from 30.37 to 54.89 ng/kg bw/day. Employing a suspect screening approach, we additionally identified 66 potential OLEMs, and two of them, cholesteryl hydrogen phthalate and cholesteryl benzoate, were further confirmed using pure reference standards. These two substances belong to cholesteric liquid crystal materials and raise concerns about potential endocrine-disrupting effects, as indicated by in silico predictive models. Overall, our present study established a robust method for the identification of OLEMs in breast milk samples, shedding light on their presence in the human body. These findings indicate human exposure to OLEMs that should be further investigated, including their health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Zheng
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jingsheng Wang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kai Luo
- Key Laboratory of Environment Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaoxia Gu
- Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guanxiang Yuan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Meiting Wei
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Yao
- The Genetics Laboratory, Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City, Longgang Maternity and Child Institute, Shantou University Medical College, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanbin Zhao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
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Pisharody GR, Sahoo P, Shankar Rao DS, Ramakrishna Matte HSS, Sikdar D, Krishna Prasad S. IR regulation through preferential placement of h-BN nanosheets in a polymer network liquid crystal. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:554-565. [PMID: 37982355 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01467c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Recently, there has been a great deal of interest in devices which effectively shield near-infrared light with an additional feature of external field tunability, particularly for energy-saving applications. This article demonstrates an approach for fabricating a highly efficient near-infrared regulating device based on a polymer network liquid crystal reinforced with nanosheets of hexagonal-boron nitride (BN). The device achieves ∼84% IR scattering capability over a wavelength range of 800-2300 nm, and can also be regulated by an electric field. Interestingly, the observed high IR regulation is despite individual components of the composite being IR transparent, in stark contrast to earlier attempted incorporation of IR-absorbing/scattering particles. Detailed experimental characterization methods including FESEM corroborated with EDS and Raman spectroscopy suggest that the preferential positioning of the BN nanosheets, a consequence of the photo-polymerization process, is responsible for the observed feature. The IR reflectivity/back scattering that is doubled upon incorporation of the nanosheets results in an enhanced convective/radiative heat barrier capability, as evidenced by thermal imaging and significant (2 °C) reduction in ambient temperature upon one-Sun illumination. Numerical simulation results are also found to be in good agreement with the observed enhanced reflectance values for the BN-incorporated case. The presence of BN augments the mechanical rigidity of the system by a factor of 6.8 without compromising on the device operating voltage. The protocol employed is quite general and thus advantageous with far-reaching applications in passive cooling of buildings and structures, in thermal camouflaging, and in overall energy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri R Pisharody
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Arkavathi, Survey No. 7, Shivanapura, Dasanapura Hobli, Bengaluru 562162, India.
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Priyabrata Sahoo
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Arkavathi, Survey No. 7, Shivanapura, Dasanapura Hobli, Bengaluru 562162, India.
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, 576104, India
| | - D S Shankar Rao
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Arkavathi, Survey No. 7, Shivanapura, Dasanapura Hobli, Bengaluru 562162, India.
| | - H S S Ramakrishna Matte
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Arkavathi, Survey No. 7, Shivanapura, Dasanapura Hobli, Bengaluru 562162, India.
| | - Debabrata Sikdar
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India
| | - S Krishna Prasad
- Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences, Arkavathi, Survey No. 7, Shivanapura, Dasanapura Hobli, Bengaluru 562162, India.
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Dinh L, Yan B. Oral Drug Delivery via Intestinal Lymphatic Transport Utilizing Lipid-Based Lyotropic Liquid Crystals. LIQUIDS 2023; 3:456-468. [PMID: 38711572 PMCID: PMC11073766 DOI: 10.3390/liquids3040029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Lyotropic liquid crystals (LLCs) are liquids that have crystalline structures. LLCs as drug delivery systems that can deliver hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic agents. Due to their unique phases and structures, LLCs can protect both small molecules and biologics from the gastrointestinal tract's harsh environment, thus making LLCs attractive as carriers for oral drug delivery. In this review, we discuss the advantages of LLCs and LLCs as oral formulations targeting intestinal lymphatic transport. In oral LLC formulations, the relationship between the micelle compositions and the resulting LLC structures as well as intestinal transport and absorption were determined. In addition, we further demonstrated approaches for the enhancement of intestinal lymphatic transport: (1) lipid-based LLCs promoting chylomicron secretion and (2) the design of LLC nanoparticles with M cell-triggered ligands for targeting the M cell pathway. In this review, we introduce LLC drug delivery systems and their characteristics. Our review focuses on recent approaches using oral LLC drug delivery strategies targeting the intestinal lymphatic system to enhance drug bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Dinh
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Bingfang Yan
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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Lee KM, Marsh ZM, Crenshaw EP, Tohgha UN, Ambulo CP, Wolf SM, Carothers KJ, Limburg HN, McConney ME, Godman NP. Recent Advances in Electro-Optic Response of Polymer-Stabilized Cholesteric Liquid Crystals. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2248. [PMID: 36984126 PMCID: PMC10053326 DOI: 10.3390/ma16062248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cholesteric liquid crystals (CLC) are molecules that can self-assemble into helicoidal superstructures exhibiting circularly polarized reflection. The facile self-assembly and resulting optical properties makes CLCs a promising technology for an array of industrial applications, including reflective displays, tunable mirror-less lasers, optical storage, tunable color filters, and smart windows. The helicoidal structure of CLC can be stabilized via in situ photopolymerization of liquid crystal monomers in a CLC mixture, resulting in polymer-stabilized CLCs (PSCLCs). PSCLCs exhibit a dynamic optical response that can be induced by external stimuli, including electric fields, heat, and light. In this review, we discuss the electro-optic response and potential mechanism of PSCLCs reported over the past decade. Multiple electro-optic responses in PSCLCs with negative or positive dielectric anisotropy have been identified, including bandwidth broadening, red and blue tuning, and switching the reflection notch when an electric field is applied. The reconfigurable optical response of PSCLCs with positive dielectric anisotropy is also discussed. That is, red tuning (or broadening) by applying a DC field and switching by applying an AC field were both observed for the first time in a PSCLC sample. Finally, we discuss the potential mechanism for the dynamic response in PSCLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Min Lee
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
| | - Zachary M. Marsh
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
| | - Ecklin P. Crenshaw
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
| | - Urice N. Tohgha
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
| | - Cedric P. Ambulo
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
| | - Steven M. Wolf
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
| | - Kyle J. Carothers
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Azimuth Corporation, Beavercreek, OH 45431, USA
| | - Hannah N. Limburg
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Michael E. McConney
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
| | - Nicholas P. Godman
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH 45433, USA
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Sun C, Lu J. Optical Filters Based on Cholesteric, Blue and Sphere Mesophases. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:4898. [PMID: 36433026 PMCID: PMC9694172 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An optical filter is one of the indispensable devices in massive and high-speed communication, optical signal processing, and display. Twist-structure liquid crystals, cholesteric liquid crystals, blue-phase liquid crystals, and sphere-phase liquid crystals show potential application in optical filters originating from the periodic nanostructures. Wavelength and bandwidth tuning can be controlled via temperature, electric fields, light, angle, spatial control, and templating technology. In this review, we discuss the recent developments of twist-structure liquid crystal filters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiangang Lu
- National Engineering Lab for TFT-LCD Materials and Technologies, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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