A Zinc Oxide Nanowire-Modified Mineralized Collagen Scaffold Promotes Infectious Bone Regeneration

Bone infection poses a major clinical challenge that can hinder patient recovery and exacerbate postoperative complications. This study has developed a bioactive composite scaffold through the co-assembly and intrafibrillar mineralization of collagen fibrils and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (IMC/ZnO). The IMC/ZnO exhibits bone-like hierarchical structures and enhances capabilities for osteogenesis, antibacterial activity, and bacteria-infected bone healing. During co-cultivation with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), the IMC/ZnO improves BMMSC adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation even under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, it suppresses the activity of Gram-negative Porphyromonas gingivalis and Gram-positive Streptococcus mutans by releasing zinc ions within the acidic infectious microenvironment. In vivo, the IMC/ZnO enables near-complete healing of infected bone defects within the intricate oral bacterial milieu, which is attributed to IMC/ZnO orchestrating M2 macrophage polarization, and fostering an osteogenic and anti-inflammatory microenvironment. Overall, these findings demonstrate the promise of the bioactive scaffold IMC/ZnO for treating bacteria-infected bone defects.

Effect of Hydrogen Plasma Treatment on the Sensitivity of ZnO Based Electrochemical Non-Enzymatic Biosensor

Information on vitamin C-ascorbic acid (AA)-content is important as it facilitates the provision of dietary advice and strategies for the prevention and treatment of conditions associated with AA deficiency or excess. The methods of determining AA content include chromatographic techniques, spectrophotometry, and electrochemical methods of analysis. In the present work, an electrochemical enzyme-free ascorbic acid sensor for a neutral medium has been developed. The sensor is based on zinc oxide nanowire (ZnO NW) arrays synthesized via low-temperature chemical deposition (Chemical Bath Deposition) on the surface of an ITO substrate. The sensitivity of the electrochemical enzyme-free sensor was found to be dependent on the process treatments. The AA sensitivity values measured in a neutral PBS electrolyte were found to be 73, 44, and 92 µA mM-1 cm-2 for the ZnO NW-based sensors of the pristine, air-annealed (AT), and air-annealed followed by hydrogen plasma treatment (AT+PT), respectively. The simple H-plasma treatment of ZnO nanowire arrays synthesized via low-temperature chemical deposition has been shown to be an effective process step to produce an enzyme-free sensor for biological molecules in a neutral electrolyte for applications in health care and biomedical safety.

Highly Stretchable and Conductive Carbon Fiber/Polyurethane Conductive Films Featuring Interlocking Interfaces

Stretchable conductors are essential assembly units of next-generation flexible electronics, requiring excellent conductivity and stretchability simultaneously. However, poor interfacial adhesion between conductive fillers and polymer matrixes often triggers the relative slippage and dislocation of the conductive network, deteriorating the final conductivity. Herein, we constructed interlocking interfaces in a polyurethane (PU) conductive composite by introducing brush-like carbon fibers (CFs) with laterally grown zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs). The ZnO NW-enabled construction of the functional interfaces integrated the CFs tightly with the polymer matrix to greatly improve the interfacial adhesion and suppress the sliding displacement of conductive fillers upon external load, contributing to excellent mechanical strength and conductive stability. Specifically, the combination of high mechanical strength (7.19 MPa) and stable conductivity (26.3 S/m under 100% strain, approaching 30 S/m of the initial conductivity) was demonstrated for the brush-like CF/PU film. Finally, the application potential of the novel stretchable conductor as a thermal therapy unit and connecting wire in a flexible circuit was explored successfully under complex dynamic deformations. Accordingly, this inspiring result creatively combines the interface geometry with conductive stability, and offers a facile and effective route to prepare excellent stretchable conductors, which can be easily applied to other conductive composites.

Controlled Fabrication of Quality ZnO NWs/CNTs and ZnO NWs/Gr Heterostructures via Direct Two-Step CVD Method

A novel and advanced approach of growing zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) directly on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and graphene (Gr) surfaces has been demonstrated through the successful formation of 1D–1D and 1D–2D heterostructure interfaces. The direct two-step chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method was utilized to ensure high-quality materials’ synthesis and scalable production of different architectures. Iron-based universal compound molecular ink was used as a catalyst in both processes (a) to form a monolayer of horizontally defined networks of SWCNTs interfaced with vertically oriented ZnO NWs and (b) to grow densely packed ZnO NWs directly on a graphene surface. We show here that our universal compound molecular ink is efficient and selective in the direct synthesis of ZnO NWs/CNTs and ZnO NWs/Gr heterostructures. Heterostructures were also selectively patterned through different fabrication techniques and grown in predefined locations, demonstrating an ability to control materials’ placement and morphology. Several characterization tools were employed to interrogate the prepared heterostructures. ZnO NWs were shown to grow uniformly over the network of SWCNTs, and much denser packed vertically oriented ZnO NWs were produced on graphene thin films. Such heterostructures can be used widely in many potential applications, such as photocatalysts, supercapacitors, solar cells, piezoelectric or thermal actuators, as well as chemical or biological sensors.

Electrically Tailored Metachrosis in ZnO-C Nanowires

Carbon incorporated zinc oxide (ZnO:C) nanowires (NWs) are found to be remarkable morphing NWs. We show that the physical properties of ZnO:C NWs are engineered via the passage of electric current to produce fluorescence differences and negative differential resistance as well as electroluminescence. When a ZnO:C NW is subjected to an applied voltage bias and under ultraviolet (UV) excitation, electron-hole separation due to the voltage biasing suppresses their fluorescence at low voltages. At medium voltages, the NW exhibits metastable chemical changes that translates to tunable and reversible optical alterations akin to metachrosis found in chameleons. Concurrently, the NW displays electrical alterations with negative differential resistance behaviors. At higher voltages, these NWs are permanently modified with distinct heterogeneous chemical stoichiometry, fluorescence, and electronic properties. Such heterogeneity within the NW allows for emergence of junctions capable of electroluminescence.

Si Nanocrystals/ZnO Nanowires Hybrid Structures as Immobilized Photocatalysts for Photodegradation

Numerous semiconductor-based hybrid nanostructures have been studied for improved photodegradation performance resulting from their broadband optical response and enhanced charge separation/transport characteristics. However, these hybrid structures often involve elements that are rare or toxic. Here, we present the synthesis and material characterization of hybrid nanostructures consisting of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) and silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs), both abundant and environmentally benign, and evaluate them for photodegradation performance under various illumination conditions. When incorporating Si-NCs into the vertically-aligned ZnO NWs immobilized on substrates, the resulting photocatalysts exhibited a narrowed band gap, i.e., more responsive to visible light, and enhanced charge separation at the interface, i.e., more reactive species produced for degradation. Consequently, the hybrid Si-NCs/ZnO-NWs displayed a superior photodegradability for methylene blue under UV and white light in comparison to the pristine ZnO NWs. Based on the optical measurements, we hypothesize the band structures of Si-NCs/ZnO-NWs and the potential mechanism for the improved photodegradability.

Zinc Oxide Nanowires Exposure Induces a Distinct Inflammatory Response via CCL11-Mediated Eosinophil Recruitment

High aspect ratio zinc oxide nanowires (ZnONWs) have become one of the most important products in nanotechnology. The wide range applications of ZnONWs have heightened the need for evaluating the risks and biological consequences to these particles. In this study, we investigated inflammatory pathways activated by ZnONWs in cultured cells as well as the consequences of systemic exposure in mouse models. Confocal microscopy showed rapid phagocytic uptake of FITC-ZnONWs by macrophages. Exposure of macrophages or lung epithelial cells to ZnONWs induced the production of CCL2 and CCL11. Moreover, ZnONWs exposure induced both IL-6 and TNF-α production only in macrophages but not in LKR13 cells. Intratracheal instillation of ZnONWs in C57BL/6 mice induced a significant increase in the total numbers of immune cells in the broncho alveolar lavage fluid (BALFs) 2 days after instillation. Macrophages and eosinophils were the predominant cellular infiltrates of ZnONWs exposed mouse lungs. Similar cellular infiltrates were also observed in a mouse air-pouch model. Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α as well as chemokines CCL11, and CCL2 were increased both in BALFs and air-pouch lavage fluids. These results suggest that exposure to ZnONWs may induce distinct inflammatory responses through phagocytic uptake and formation of soluble Zn²⁺ ions.

A Paper-Based Piezoelectric Accelerometer

This paper presents the design and testing of a one-axis piezoelectric accelerometer made from cellulose paper and piezoelectric zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) hydrothermally grown on paper. The accelerometer adopts a cantilever-based configuration with two parallel cantilever beams attached with a paper proof mass. A piece of U-shaped, ZnO-NW-coated paper is attached on top of the parallel beams, serving as the strain sensing element for acceleration measurement. The electric charges produced from the ZnO-NW-coated paper are converted into a voltage output using a custom-made charge amplifier circuit. The device fabrication only involves cutting of paper and hydrothermal growth of ZnO NWs, and does not require the access to expensive and sophisticated equipment. The performance of the devices with different weight growth percentages of the ZnO NWs was characterized.

Optimizing the Field Emission Properties of ZnO Nanowire Arrays by Precisely Tuning the Population Density and Application in Large-Area Gated Field Emitter Arrays

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires are prepared for application in large area gated field emitter arrays (FEAs). By oxidizing Al-coated Zn films, the population density of the ZnO nanowires was tuned precisely by varying the thickness of the Al film. The nanowire density decreased linearly as the thickness of the Al film increased. Optimal field emission properties with a turn-on field of 6.21 V μm^-1 and current fluctuations less than 1% are obtained. This can be explained by the minimized screening effect and good electrical conductivity of the back-contact layer. The mechanism responsible for the linear variation in the nanowire density is investigated in detail. Addressable FEAs using the optimal ZnO nanowire cathodes were fabricated and applied in a display device. Good gate-controlled characteristics and the display of video images are realized. The results indicate that ZnO nanowires could be applied in large area FEAs.

A Microfluidic Paper-Based Origami Nanobiosensor for Label-Free, Ultrasensitive Immunoassays

Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) represent a promising platform technology for point-of-care diagnosis. Highly sensitive, rapid, and easy-to-perform immunoassays implemented on μPADs are desirable to fulfill the promise of the μPAD technology. This article reports the first microfluidic paper-based origami nanobiosensor (origami μPAD), which integrates zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) biosensing mechanism, for label-free, ultrasensitive immunoassays. The EIS mechanism features simple and label-free assay operations which take less than 25 min to be finished, while the ZnO NWs allow covalent bonding for immobilizing probe proteins and improve the biosensing performance with such features as high surface-area-to-volume ratios and high sensitivity to surface binding. The calibration of the device reveals an ultralow limit of detection (LOD) of 60 fg mL(-1) (>100 times lower than those of existing μPADs) for rabbit immunoglobulin G in phosphate-buffered saline. The detection of human immunodeficiency virus p24 antigen in human serum with a low LOD of 300 fg mL(-1) (>33 times lower than that of a commercial p24 antigen test kit) is also demonstrated. This novel μPAD design offers ultrahigh sensitivity, short assay time, and ease of operation, and thus possesses significant potential for low-cost, rapid molecular diagnosis of early-stage diseases.

Microfluidics-Based Biosensors: A Microfluidic Paper-Based Origami Nanobiosensor for Label-Free, Ultrasensitive Immunoassays (Adv. Healthcare Mater. 11/2016)

The first microfluidic paper-based origami nano-biosensor featuring zinc oxide nanowires and an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy biosensing mechanism, for label-free, ultrasensitive immunoassays is reported by X. Li and X. Liu on page 1326. The sensor consists of cellulose paper, a carbon ink electrode, and zinc oxide nanowires directly grown on the top. Possible parallelization of assays and high storage stability render the sensor promising for clinical diagnostics applications.

Physical properties of annealed ZnO nanowire/CuSCN heterojunctions for self-powered UV photodetectors

The low-cost fabrication of ZnO nanowire/CuSCN heterojunctions is demonstrated by combining chemical bath deposition with impregnation techniques. The ZnO nanowire arrays are completely filled by the CuSCN layer from their bottoms to their tops. The CuSCN layer is formed of columnar grains that are strongly oriented along the [003] direction owing to the polymeric form of the β-rhombohedral crystalline phase. Importantly, an annealing step is found essential in a fairly narrow range of low temperatures, not only for outgassing the solvent from the CuSCN layer, but also for reducing the density of interfacial defects. The resulting electrical properties of annealed ZnO nanowire/CuSCN heterojunctions are strongly improved: a maximum rectification ratio of 2644 at ±2 V is achieved following annealing at 150 °C under air atmosphere, which is related to a strong decrease in the reverse current density. Interestingly, the corresponding self-powered UV photodetectors exhibit a responsivity of 0.02 A/W at zero bias and at 370 nm with a UV-to-visible (370-500 nm) rejection ratio of 100 under an irradiance of 100 mW/cm(2). The UV selectivity at 370 nm can also be readily modulated by tuning the length of ZnO nanowires. Eventually, a significant photovoltaic effect is revealed for this type of heterojunctions, leading to an open circuit voltage of 37 mV and a short circuit current density of 51 μA/cm(2), which may be useful for the self-powering of the complete device. These findings show the underlying physical mechanisms at work in ZnO nanowire/CuSCN heterojunctions and reveal their high potential as self-powered UV photodetectors.

Paper-based piezoelectric touch pads with hydrothermally grown zinc oxide nanowires

This paper describes a new type of paper-based piezoelectric touch pad integrating zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs), which can serve as user interfaces in paper-based electronics. The sensing functionality of these touch pads is enabled by the piezoelectric property of ZnO NWs grown on paper using a simple, cost-efficient hydrothermal method. A piece of ZnO-NW paper with two screen-printed silver electrodes forms a touch button, and touch-induced electric charges from the button are converted into a voltage output using a charge amplifier circuit. A touch pad consisting of an array of buttons can be readily integrated into paper-based electronic devices, allowing user input of information for various purposes such as programming, identification checking, and gaming. This novel design features ease of fabrication, low cost, ultrathin structure, and good compatibility with techniques in printed electronics, and further enriches the available technologies of paper-based electronics.