Creation Of Functional Materials Research Articles

Mechanically Active Supramolecular Systems

Mechanical sensing and transduction are integral to biological systems and have inspired research into the regulation of supramolecular self‐assembly via mechanical forces. This review presents an inaugural discussion on mechanically active supramolecular systems. It focuses on two primary mechanisms for modulating these systems: the incorporation of mechanophores and the application of mechanical forces to modulate non‐covalent interactions. Challenging the traditional view of mechanical forces as solely destructive, their constructive potential when harnessed through sophisticated design is showcased. Investigation is done on how external forces like ultrasound, stirring, vortex, tension, and compression can induce fluorescence in π‐conjugated systems, initiate hydrogelation, propel non‐equilibrium self‐assembly, and affect the structure of vesicles. The review also casts light on the prospective uses of mechanically active supramolecular systems in areas such as protein activation, drug delivery, and stress sensing, illustrating the nuanced role of mechanical forces as both disruptors and enablers in the creation of functional materials.

Interfacial nanoarchitectonics with porphyrins and related molecules: Langmuir-Blodgett method and layer-by-layer assembly

Nanoarchitectonics is the methodology for the architecture of nano-units of atoms, molecules, and nanomaterials to create functional material systems. This will integrate nanotechnology with other fields such as organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, material science, microfabrication technology, and bio-related sciences. Through this review, it is shown that nanoarchitectonics is important for the development of various functional materials. Porphyrins and their analogues are exemplified as important players in nanoarchitectonics strategies. The contents of this review can be briefly summarized as follows. First, recent examples of studies on porphyrins and their analogues, ranging from organic synthesis as basic research to biomedical applications as advanced usages, are presented. This demonstrates the broad utility of porphyrins as functional nano-units, from molecular nanoarchitectonics to material nanoarchitectonics. In subsequent sections, the organization and function of porphyrin assemblies by the Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method and layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly are described as examples of nanoarchitectonics at interfaces. The creation of functional materials through nanoarchitectonics is rich in possibilities. Conversely, the wide range of possibilities may make it difficult to easily design and control. Confine the system from free three-dimensional space to a two-dimensional field such as an interface, and design, creation, and evaluation may become easier. The nanoarchitectonics of functional structures in a two-dimensional plane are also advantageous in terms of functional expression. The use of interfacial environments is an extremely powerful tool for creating functional systems through nanoarchitectonics.

Polylactide/Carbon Black Segregated Composites for 3D Printing of Conductive Products.

One of the most important directions in the development of additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies is the creation of functional materials, which allow not only prototyping but also the manufacturing of products with functional properties. In this paper, poly-lactide acid (PLA) /carbon black (CB) composites with segregated (ordered) structure have been created. Computer simulation based on the Mamunya geometrical model showed that the CB content within φ = 2.5–5 vol.% in the polylactide matrix leads to the formation of a continuous electrically conductive phase with an increase of electrical conductivity σdc above the percolation threshold. The simulation results were experimentally confirmed by optical microscopy and studies of the electrical conductivity of the composites. It was found that increasing CB content from φ = 1 vol.% to φ = 7 vol.% in the composites causes insignificant (due to the segregated structure) phase changes in the polylactide matrix and improves the thermal properties of composites. Electrically conductive filaments for Fused Deposition 3D Printing (FDM) were developed from PLA/CB composites and then 3D printed. A correlation between the electrical conductivity σdc and the CB content φ for base composites, filaments produced from them, and final 3D samples, has been found. Conductivity varies within σdc = 3.1·10−11 − 10·10−3 S/cm for the filaments and σdc = 3.6·10−11 − 8.1·10−4 S/cm for the final 3D-products.

Biomimetic and Biological Nanoarchitectonics.

A post-nanotechnology concept has been assigned to an emerging concept, nanoarchitectonics. Nanoarchitectonics aims to establish a discipline in which functional materials are fabricated from nano-scale components such as atoms, molecules, and nanomaterials using various techniques. Nanoarchitectonics opens ways to form a more unified paradigm by integrating nanotechnology with organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, material chemistry, microfabrication technology, and biotechnology. On the other hand, biological systems consist of rational organization of constituent molecules. Their structures have highly asymmetric and hierarchical features that allow for chained functional coordination, signal amplification, and vector-like energy and signal flow. The process of nanoarchitectonics is based on the premise of combining several different processes, which makes it easier to obtain a hierarchical structure. Therefore, nanoarchitectonics is a more suitable methodology for creating highly functional systems based on structural asymmetry and hierarchy like biosystems. The creation of functional materials by nanoarchitectonics is somewhat similar to the creation of functional systems in biological systems. It can be said that the goal of nanoarchitectonics is to create highly functional systems similar to those found in biological systems. This review article summarizes the synthesis of biomimetic and biological molecules and their functional structure formation from various viewpoints, from the molecular level to the cellular level. Several recent examples are arranged and categorized to illustrate such a trend with sections of (i) synthetic nanoarchitectonics for bio-related units, (ii) self-assembly nanoarchitectonics with bio-related units, (iii) nanoarchitectonics with nucleic acids, (iv) nanoarchitectonics with peptides, (v) nanoarchitectonics with proteins, and (vi) bio-related nanoarchitectonics in conjugation with materials.

Creation of unexplored tunnel junction by heterogeneous integration of InGaAs nanowires on germanium

Heteroepitaxy has inherent concerns regarding crystal defects originated from differences in lattice constant, thermal expansion coefficient, and crystal structure. The selection of III–V materials on group IV materials that can avoid these issues has however been limited for applications such as photonics, electronics, and photovoltaics. Here, we studied nanometer-scale direct integration of InGaAs nanowires (NWs) on Ge in terms of heterogenous integration and creation of functional materials with an as yet unexplored heterostructure. We revealed that changing the initial Ge into a (111)B-polar surce anabled vertical InGaAs NWs to be integrated for all In compositions examined. Moreover, the growth naturally formed a tunnel junction across the InGaAs/Ge interface that showed a rectification property with a huge current density of several kAcm−2 and negative differential resistance with a peak-to-valley current ratio of 2.8. The described approach expands the range of material combinations for high-performance transistors, tandem solar cells, and three-dimensional integrations.

Bringing Inherent Charges into Aggregation-Induced Emission Research.

Charged organic molecules, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, and polysaccharides, are ubiquitous and indispensable in natural living systems, which possess specific biological functions to interact with oppositely charged species via electrostatic attraction. The molecules with inherent charges typically differentiate themselves from the neutral ones with unique attributes (e.g., ionic interactions and high polarity), thereby playing a pivotal role in a broad spectrum of areas, including supramolecular chemistry, structural biology, and materials science. It is thus of great importance to explore and develop various charged organic systems for biomimicry and the creation of functional materials. In 2001, our group reported a peculiar luminogen that exhibited weak emission in solution but had significantly enhanced emission in aggregates, and we, for the first time, coined this phenomenon as aggregation-induced emission (AIE). The AIE concept significantly changes the cognition of the scientific community toward classic photophysical phenomena. Since the discovery of this unusual luminescence phenomenon, AIE luminogens (AIEgens) have attracted extensive attention from researchers in a plethora of disciplines because of their high brightness in aggregates, large Stokes shift, excellent photostability, and good biocompatibility. In the past 10 years, our laboratory has expended a great amount of effort to bring inherent charges into AIE research and acquired fruitful achievements.In this Account, we summarize the progress of charged AIE systems primarily made by our laboratory. We start with a brief introduction to charged AIEgens and then discuss their design strategies from molecular and topological perspectives, respectively. Next, we review the unique properties of charged AIEgens, including D-A interactions, anion-π+ interactions, and intermolecular electrostatic interactions, with an emphasis on how they differentiate themselves from the neutral analogs. On the one hand, positively charged AIEgens exhibit unique photophysical properties by forming typical donor-acceptor structures to manipulate the emission wavelength or initiate ultralong persistent luminescence. On the other hand, positively charged AIEgens exhibit unique physiochemical properties, such as an adjustable targeting capability toward biological targets and a strong capability for the generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, we showcase the applications of charged AIEgens in imaging and diagnosis, photodynamic therapy, gas separation, and solar desalination. Finally, we conclude this Account with a summary and some perspectives regarding the existing challenges and future directions. We hope that this Account can spark new ideas and inspire scientists from different disciplines to explore this nascent yet promising research area.

An approach to numerical estimating the stability of multilevel constitutive models

Multilevel constitutive models of materials give the possibility to explicitly describe the mechanisms of inelastic deformation, evolution of a material structure and changes in the physical and mechanical properties of materials determined by their chemical composition and their internal structure. Therefore, these models seem to be very effective for improving metal processing and forming techniques. A study of the solutions (response change histories) obtained using constitutive models under perturbation of input data (influence history and initial conditions) and model operator is actual due to the fact that the material mechanical characteristics (including the lower scale level properties), physical processes occurring during deformation (for example, acts of interaction of defect structures at the microscale level) and the resulting influences (produced by stochastic boundary conditions) are stochastic in nature. Finding the solution to this problem is particularly important when researchers need to justify the use of new constitutive models for describing modern technological processes of thermomechanical treatment, in particular, those focused on creation of functional materials. The disadvantages of traditional analytical approaches (Lyapunov methods) taken to analyze the stability of multilevel material models have been briefly discussed. The definition of the solution stability is introduced; in contrast to the traditional definition, it takes into account the parametric perturbation of operators and the perturbation of the history of influences, which determine the right-hand side of the system of equations. A procedure for the model stability numerical assessment includes consideration of solutions stability for various values of the parameters that determine the operator and input data. The description of the program of computational experiments for the implementation of the proposed approach is presented. This program can be used to study various perturbations of initial conditions, the influence history, the operator, as well as to analyze the norms of their deviations and the integral norm of deviation of perturbed solutions from the base ones obtained in calculations with unperturbed parameters.

Characterization and Scaled-Up Production of Azido-Functionalized Silk Fiber Produced by Transgenic Silkworms with an Expanded Genetic Code.

The creation of functional materials from renewable resources has attracted much interest. We previously reported on the genetic code expansion of the domesticated silkworm Bombyx mori to functionalize silk fiber with synthetic amino acids such as 4-azido-L-phenylalanine (AzPhe). The azido groups act as selective handles for biorthogonal chemical reactions. Here we report the characterization and scaled-up production of azido-functionalized silk fiber for textile, healthcare, and medical applications. To increase the productivity of azido-functionalized silk fiber, the original transgenic line was hybridized with a high silk-producing strain. The F1 hybrid produced circa 1.5 times more silk fibroin than the original transgenic line. The incorporation efficiency of AzPhe into silk fibroin was retained after hybridization. The tensile properties of the azido-functionalized silk fiber were equal to those of normal silk fiber. Scaled-up production of the azido-functionalized silk fiber was demonstrated by rearing circa 1000 transgenic silkworms. Differently-colored fluorescent silk fibers were successfully prepared by click chemistry reactions, demonstrating the utility of the azido-functionalized silk fiber for developing silk-based materials with desired functions.

Nanotechnology in periodontal management

Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing field, focused on the creation of functional materials, devices, and systems by controlling matter on a nanometer scale, and the utilization of novel phenomena and properties at that length scale. The application of nanotechnology in periodontology holds promise for the maintenance of comprehensive health care by using nanomaterials, including tissue engineering and nanorobots. A literature review was carried out on Google Scholar and PubMed about nanotechnology in periodontics, and the data have been taken from the selected articles and reviewed. This review gives an up-to-date view on nanotechnology, their role in diagnosis and management of periodontal diseases.

Bi-functional iron embedded carbon nanostructures from collagen waste for photocatalysis and Li-ion battery applications: A waste to wealth approach

Creation of functional materials, displaying diverse properties simultaneously, from bio-wastes is in great demand in various industries. Herein, we report the synthesis of bi-functional iron encapsulated carbon (Fe@C) nanoparticles from collagen bio-waste for energy and environmental remediation applications. A simple high-temperature treatment transformed highly insulating and paramagnetic collagen-FeCl3 scaffolds into perfectly conducting and ferromagnetic bi-functional Fe@C nanoparticles. The structural and morphological analysis reveals that different phases of Fe nanoparticles are embedded in the graphitized carbon matrix forming a core-shell type of nanostructures. The mesoporous nanoparticles showed an exceptional photocatalytic activity towards 100% degradation of methylene blue within 80 min of sunlight irradiation. We also demonstrate that the presence of Fe nanoparticles in graphitic carbon lattice enabled an outstanding Li+ storage property with large reversible specific capacity (∼384 mAh/g) after 75 cycles. Our results provide a cost-effective, scalable and sustainable approach for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials from industrial bio-waste for applications in energy and environmental remediation.

Functional Titanium Dioxide-Derived Materials of Different Morphology and Metal–Organic Framework Compounds

New approaches are examined for the creation of functional materials derived from composites of mesoporous nanocrystalline TiO2 with nanoparticles of nickel, copper, and silver, dyes, and also nanocomposites of new metal–organic frameworks formed by azamacrocyclic nickel and zinc complexes and aromatic carboxylates with acridine orange dye and iodine. Spectral, luminescent and electrophysical characteristics of these materials were determined. Examples are given for their possible use as photocatalysts, sensitive elements of luminescent sensors, and proton-conducting membranes.

ROLE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN REDUCING POLLUTION

Looking at the Nano scale has stimulated the development and use of novel and costeffective technologies for remediation, pollution detection, catalysis and others. Nanotechnology is defined as the creation of functional materials, devices and systems through control of matter on the nanometer (1-100 nm) length scale and the exploitation of novel properties and phenomena developed at that scale. Environmental nanotechnology is considered to play a key role in the shaping of current environmental engineering and science. Nanotechnology is an upcoming technology that can provide solution for combating pollution by controlling shape and size of materials at the Nano scale. This review provides comprehensive information regarding the role of nanotechnology in pollution control at three different steps viz. Source reduction or pollution prevention, remediation or degradation of pollutants and sensing of pollutants. Due to its large surface area and high surface energy, the nanoparticles have the ability to absorb large amount of pollutants or catalyze reactions at a much faster rate, thus reducing energy consumption during degradation or helps in preventing release of contaminants. Pollution prevention by nanotechnology refers on the one hand to a reduction in the use of raw materials, water or other resources and the elimination or reduction of waste and on the other hand to more efficient use of energy or involvement in energy production. The Nano size of the particles also make it possible to reach otherwise inaccessible areas and hence promote in-situ remediation rather than ex-situ remediation. The ability of the nanoparticles to be coated with various ligands and control of surface area to volume ratio by changing the shape of the nanoparticle Nanotechnology and the environment – is it therefore a Janus-faced relationship. There is the huge hope that Nano technological applications and products will lead to a cleaner and healthier environmentrticles enables the design of sensors with high selectivity, sensitivity and specificity.

Ionic mobility and conductivity in PbSnF4 doped with CaF2 from the NMR and impedance spectroscopy data

The ionic mobility and conductivity in the crystalline phases of PbSnF4–x CaF2 systems (x = 2.5 mol.%, 5 mol.%, 7.5 mol.%, and 10 mol.%) in the temperature range of 150-500 K are studied by NMR and impedance spectroscopy. The parameters of 19F NMR spectra, types of ion motions, and ionic conductivity in the PbSnF4 compound doped with calcium fluoride are found to be determined by the temperature and concentration of calcium fluoride. The specific conductivity of the crystalline phases in the PbSnF4–CaF2 systems is rather high at room temperature, and hence, one cannot exclude the possibility to use them for the creation of functional materials with a high ionic (superionic) conductivity.

低次元物質群による機能性材料の創製

低次元物質群による機能性材料の創製

Malaysian Palm Oil For Carbon Nanotubes Preparation

Carbon nanotubes The discovery of ‘fullerenes’ added a new dimension to the knowledge of carbon science1; and the discovery of ‘carbon nanotubes’ (CNTs, elongated fullerene) added a new dimension to knowledge of technology2. Today, ‘nanotechnology’ is a hot topic attracting scientist, industrialists, journalist, governments, and even the general public. Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices and systems through control of matter on the nanometer scale and the exploitation of novel phenomena and properties of matter (physical, chemical, biological, electrical, etc.) at that length scale. CNTs are supposed to be the key component of nanotechnology. Almost every week a new potential application of CNTs is identified, stimulating scientists to peep into this tiny tube with ever increasing curiosity.

Strategy and tactics in the search for new materials technology

We discuss ways of overcoming the crisis in which an exponential accumulation of information about any specific material is not accompanied by the development of theories allowing the use of the accumulated information to create new materials. To systematize the existing information and identify process regularity leading to the transformation of a substance into material, the Fokker-Planck equation is proposed, with frequency functions subject to experimental determination. It is shown that the use of this equation will supplement currently adopted methods for the creation of functional materials so that materials are the most consistent with consumer requirements and that they contribute to development of the theory. This upgrade is an important tactical problem that will prepare the development of a material theory that ensures a priori selection its optimal technology.

Antimicrobial Effects of TiO 2 and Ag 2 O Nanoparticles Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Leishmania Parasites

Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices and systems at atomic and molecular scales (1-100 nm), where properties differ significantly from those at a larger scale. The use of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in medical research is growing rapidly. Recently, nanotechnologic developments in microbiology have gained importance in the field of chemotherapy. Bacterial strains that are resistant to current antibiotics have become serious public health problems that raise the need to develop new bactericidal materials. Metal oxide nanoparticles, especially TiO(2) and Ag(2)O nanoparticles, have demonstrated significant antibacterial activity. Therefore, it is thought that this property of metal oxide nanoparticles could effectively be used as a novel solution strategy. In this review, we focus on the unique properties of nanoparticles, their mechanism of action as antibacterial agents and recent studies in which the effects of visible and UV-light induced TiO(2) and Ag(2)O nanoparticles on drug-resistant bacteria have been documented. In addition, from to previous results of our studies, antileishmanial effects of metal oxide nanoparticles are also demonstrated, indicating that metal oxide nanoparticles can also be effective against eukaryotic infectious agents. Conversely, despite their significant potential in antimicrobial applications, the toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles restricts their use in humans. However, recent studies infer that metal oxide nanoparticles have considerable potential to be the first-choice for antibacterial and antiparasitic applications in the future, provided that researchers can bring new ideas in order to cope with their main problem of toxicity.

Studies in micelle-mediated Pd nucleation

Manipulation of metal atom nucleation and particle growth in solution is virtually unexplored, but highly sought after for the creation of functional materials and rational design of supramolecular structures. We therefore decided to explore this area through the self-assembly of block copolymer micelles and Pd atoms without using a chemical reduction reaction.

格子欠陥制御に基づく機能材料の開発

格子欠陥制御に基づく機能材料の開発

Nanotechnology: A New Paradigm in Cosmeceuticals

Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices and systems through control of matter on the nanometer length scale, and exploitation of novel phenomena and properties (physical, chemical, biological, mechanical, electrical...) at that length scale. In the area of cosmetics and anti-aging, in particular, as well as in the pharmaceutical arena, nanotechnology has played an important role in delivering active ingredients to the skin, in both patch delivery and timed release application. Nanoparticles/nanospheres, nanospheres sounds like futuristic technology. The revolution they triggered is apparent from the fact that cosmetics are no longer visualized as products that cover up or camouflage imperfections in personal appearance. The latest trend in these products is to combine clinically proven ingredients with patented delivery systems and the aesthetics of fine cosmetics. Cosmeceutical products are those poised on the gap between cosmetic products that simply cleanse and beautify and pharmaceuticals that cure and heal. According to The Freedonia Group Inc. Cleveland Ohio, the demand for formulated appearance-enhancing products is projected to increase by more than 12% per year up to 2007 to reach $2.5bn, making cosmeceuticals one of the most dynamic sectors within the cosmetics and personal care markets. Cosmetic industries rank high among the nanotechnology patent holders in U.S.; L'Oreal which devotes about $600 million of its annual $17 billion revenues to research is the industry leader on nanopatents. This report directly addresses the science behind the use of nanotechnology for the development of cosmetics. Further, the products launched by various cosmetic giants will be discussed at length.