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Tan V, Berg F, Maleki H. Diatom-inspired silicification process for development of green flexible silica composite aerogels. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6973. [PMID: 38521812 PMCID: PMC10960801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57257-x] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have developed novel biomimetic silica composite aerogels and cryogels for the first time, drawing inspiration from the natural diatom's silicification process. Our biomimetic approach involved the modification of tyrosinase-mediated oxidized silk fibroin (SFO) surfaces with polyethyleneimine (PEI). This modification introduced ample amine groups onto the SF polymer, which catalyzed the silicification of the SFO-PEI gel surface with silicic acid. This process emulates the catalytic function of long-chain polyamines and silaffin proteins found in diatoms, resulting in a silica network structure on the primary SFO-PEI network gel's surface. The SFO-PEI gel matrix played a dual role in this process: (1) It provided numerous amine functional groups that directly catalyzed the silicification of silicic acid on the porous structure's exterior surface, without encapsulating the created silica network in the gel. (2) It served as a flexible mechanical support facilitating the creation of the silica network. As a result, the final ceramic composite exhibits a mechanically flexible nature (e.g., cyclic compressibility up to 80% strain), distinguishing it from conventional composite aerogels. By mimicking the diatom's silicification process, we were able to simplify the development of silica-polymer composite aerogels. It eliminates the need for surfactants, multi-step procedures involving solvent exchange, and gel washing. Instead, the reaction occurs under mild conditions, streamlining the composite aerogels fabrication process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Tan
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstresse 6, 50939, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Berg
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstresse 6, 50939, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hajar Maleki
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Cologne, Greinstresse 6, 50939, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, CMMC Research Center, Robert-Koch-Str. 21, 50931, Cologne, Germany.
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Xiao X, Panahi-Sarmad M, Xu R, Wang A, Cao S, Zhang K, Kamkar M, Noroozi M. Aerogels with shape memory ability: Are they practical? —A mini-review. Eur Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Gao Y, Dong C, Zhang F, Leng X, Li Y. The synthesis, characterization and carbon dioxide adsorption of polyimide aerogels containing Tröger’s base units. HIGH PERFORM POLYM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/09540083221115567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Microporous polymers with uniform pores and large specific surface areas have been extensively studied in the field of CO2 adsorption and separation. However, the synthesis of these microporous materials is quite complex and difficult to achieve large-scale production and application. In this study, we have successfully synthesized a novel mesoporous polyimide aerogel containing Tröger’s base using a facile and mild method at room temperature. Thermal decomposition temperature of the obtained polyimide aerogels was above 420°C, which exhibited outstanding thermal stability. The maximum adsorption capacity of CO2 is 24.08 cm3/g. The high CO2 adsorptions are attributed to the abundance of nitrogen-rich heteroatoms in the polyimide networks. The mild and convenient preparation method and high CO2 adsorptive capacity indicate that the mesoporous polyimide aerogels with Tröger’s base can also be suitable as an adsorbent for CO2 capture in industrial applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfeng Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Chao Dong
- School of Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Weifang Hongrun New Materials Co., Ltd, Weifang, China
| | - Xuefei Leng
- School of Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
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Xiao X, Huang X, Wang A, Cao S, Noroozi M, Panahi-Sarmad M. Subtle devising of electro-induced shape memory behavior for cellulose/graphene aerogel nanocomposite. Carbohydr Polym 2022; 281:119042. [DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.119042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Ghimire S, Sala MR, Chandrasekaran S, Raptopoulos G, Worsley M, Paraskevopoulou P, Leventis N, Sabri F. Noninvasive Detection, Tracking, and Characterization of Aerogel Implants Using Diagnostic Ultrasound. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14040722. [PMID: 35215635 PMCID: PMC8875680 DOI: 10.3390/polym14040722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical implants are routinely tracked and monitored using different techniques, such as MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound. Due to the need for ionizing radiation, the two former methods pose a significant risk to tissue. Ultrasound imaging, however, is non-invasive and presents no known risk to human tissue. Aerogels are an emerging material with great potential in biomedical implants. While qualitative observation of ultrasound images by experts can already provide a lot of information about the implants and the surrounding structures, this paper describes the development and study of two simple B-Mode image analysis techniques based on attenuation measurements and echogenicity comparisons, which can further enhance the study of the biological tissues and implants, especially of different types of biocompatible aerogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Ghimire
- Department of Physics and Material Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (S.G.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Martina Rodriguez Sala
- Department of Physics and Material Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (S.G.); (M.R.S.)
| | | | - Grigorios Raptopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Marcus Worsley
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94551, USA; (S.C.); (M.W.)
| | - Patrina Paraskevopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Nicholas Leventis
- Department of Chemistry, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA;
| | - Firouzeh Sabri
- Department of Physics and Material Science, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA; (S.G.); (M.R.S.)
- Correspondence:
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Sala MR, Skalli O, Sabri F. Optimal structural and physical properties of aerogels for promoting robust neurite extension in vitro. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2022; 135:112682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2022.112682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Song Q, Miao C, Sai H, Gu J, Wang M, Jiang P, Wang Y, Fu R, Wang Y. Silica-Bacterial Cellulose Composite Aerogel Fibers with Excellent Mechanical Properties from Sodium Silicate Precursor. Gels 2021; 8:gels8010017. [PMID: 35049552 PMCID: PMC8774922 DOI: 10.3390/gels8010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Forming fibers for fabric insulation is difficult using aerogels, which have excellent thermal insulation performance but poor mechanical properties. A previous study proposed a novel method that could effectively improve the mechanical properties of aerogels and make them into fibers for use in fabric insulation. In this study, composite aerogel fibers (CAFs) with excellent mechanical properties and thermal insulation performance were prepared using a streamlined method. The wet bacterial cellulose (BC) matrix without freeze-drying directly was immersed in an inorganic precursor (silicate) solution, followed by initiating in situ sol-gel reaction under the action of acidic catalyst after secondary shaping. Finally, after surface modification and ambient drying of the wet composite gel, CAFs were obtained. The CAFs prepared by the simplified method still had favorable mechanical properties (tensile strength of 4.5 MPa) and excellent thermal insulation properties under extreme conditions (220 °C and −60 °C). In particular, compared with previous work, the presented CAFs preparation process is simpler and more environmentally friendly. In addition, the experimental costs were reduced. Furthermore, the obtained CAFs had high specific surface area (671.3 m²/g), excellent hydrophobicity, and low density (≤0.154 g/cm3). This streamlined method was proposed to prepare aerogel fibers with excellent performance to meet the requirements of wearable applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqi Song
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
| | - Changqing Miao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
| | - Huazheng Sai
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Jie Gu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
| | - Meijuan Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
| | - Pengjie Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
| | - Yutong Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
| | - Rui Fu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (R.F.)
| | - Yaxiong Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China; (Q.S.); (C.M.); (J.G.); (M.W.); (P.J.); (Y.W.); (Y.W.)
- Inner Mongolia Engineering Research Center of Comprehensive Utilization of Bio-Coal Chemical Industry, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
- Aerogel Functional Nanomaterials Laboratory, Inner Mongolia University of Science & Technology, Baotou 014010, China
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Rodriguez Sala M, Chandrasekaran S, Skalli O, Worsley M, Sabri F. Enhanced neurite outgrowth on electrically conductive carbon aerogel substrates in the presence of an external electric field. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:4489-4495. [PMID: 33949585 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00183c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Previous works from our laboratory have firmly established that aerogels are a suitable substrate to elicit accelerated neurite extension. On non-conducting aerogels, in the presence of an externally-applied DC bias, neurons extended neurites which were preferentially aligned towards the anode. In this investigation, we sought to determine whether electrically-conductive carbon aerogels elicited a more robust alignment of neurites toward the anode than non-conductive aerogels due to the capacity of conductive aerogels to sustain a current, thereby providing a direct interface between neurons and the external electrical stimulus. To determine if this was the case, we plated PC12 neuronal cells on electrically conductive carbon aerolges derived from acetic acid-catalized resorcinol formaldehyde aerogels (ARF-CA) and subjected them to an external electric field. The voltages applied at the electrodes of the custom-built electro-stimulation chamber were 0 V, 15 V, and 30 V. For each voltage, the directionality and length of the neurites extended by PC12 cells were determined and compared to those observed when PC12 cells were plated on non-conductive aerogels subjected to the same voltage. The results show that the directionality of neurite extension was similar between conductive and non-conductive aerogels. A higher neurite length difference was observed on conductive aerogels with increasing voltage, 43% and 106% for 0-15 V and 0-30 V respectively, compared to non-conductive aerogels, 12% and 20%. These findings indicate that conductive carbon aerogels have a greater potential as scaffolds for nerve regeneration than non-conductive ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Rodriguez Sala
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
| | | | - Omar Skalli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
| | - Marcus Worsley
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550, USA.
| | - Firouzeh Sabri
- Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, USA.
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