Recent Advances In Rational Design Research Articles

Recent Advances in Rational Design and Engineering of Signal-Amplifying Substrates for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering-Based Bioassays

In recent decades, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has become a powerful detection scheme for many applications, particularly bioassays, due to its unique strengths, such as its ultrasensitive performance. Due to the development of various SERS substrates, more SERS-based bioassays with improved sensitivity and reproducibility have been designed and manufactured. SERS is able to provide the intrinsic vibration information of molecules through the unique Raman fingerprint to enable direct detection and quantitation. Meanwhile, with the assistance of Raman-active labels, biomolecules, like proteins and nucleic acids, can be detected by the immunosandwich assay. In this review, we focus on the rational design and engineering of signal-enhancing substrates for SERS-based bioassays. Those substrates are classified into two categories, i.e., nanoparticles in colloidal suspension and nanostructures on a solid support. Each category is discussed in detail with stress on their biomedical application potential. Afterward, we summarize the SERS-based assays of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, for which both label-free and labeled approaches play important roles. Finally, we present the remaining challenges in the field of SERS-based bioassays and sketch out promising directions for future development.

Small-molecule oligonucleotides as smart modality for antiviral therapy: a medicinal chemistry perspective.

Small-molecule oligonucleotides could be exploited therapeutically to silence the expression of viral infection-causing genes, and a few of them are now in clinical trials for the management of viral infections. The most challenging aspect of these oligonucleotides' therapeutic success involves their delivery. Thus medicinal chemistry strategies are inevitable to avoid degradation by serum nucleases, avoid kidney clearance and improve cellular uptake. Recently small-molecule oligonucleotide design has opened up new avenues to improve the treatment of drug-resistant viral infections, along with the development of COVID-19 medicines. This review is directed toward the recent advances in rational design, mechanism of action, structure-activity relationships and future perspective of the small-molecule oligonucleotides targeting viral infections, including COVID-19.

Design and applications of transition metal sulfides in room-temperature Na-S batteries

Room-temperature sodium-sulfur (RT Na-S) batteries have attracted considerable research interests in the past years, due to their advantages in natural resources, materials cost, specific capacity, and energy density etc.; however, they are suffering from various threats from S cathodes, encompassing shuttle effect, low electronic conductivity, volume change, and sluggish kinetics etc. Transition metal sulfides are demonstrated as promising redox regulators to help tackle these key issues as a result of their excellent chemical affinity and/or catalytic ability and improve the overall performance of RT Na-S batteries. Herein, the recent advances in rational design of the mainstream transition metal sulfides for RT Na-S batteries are comprehensively reviewed, including cobalt sulfides, iron sulfides, nickel/zinc sulfides, molybdenum sulfides, and their heterostructures. The emphasis is on fundamental properties of these sulfides, interactions between metal sulfides and polysulfides, materials design strategies and electrochemical performance. Potential developmental directions are also put forward to promote the further progress on RT Na-S batteries.

Glycosyltransferases: Mining, engineering and applications in biosynthesis of glycosylated plant natural products

UDP-Glycosyltransferases (UGTs) catalyze the transfer of nucleotide-activated sugars to specific acceptors, among which the GT1 family enzymes are well-known for their function in biosynthesis of natural product glycosides. Elucidating GT function represents necessary step in metabolic engineering of aglycone glycosylation to produce drug leads, cosmetics, nutrients and sweeteners. In this review, we systematically summarize the phylogenetic distribution and catalytic diversity of plant GTs. We also discuss recent progress in the identification of novel GT candidates for synthesis of plant natural products (PNPs) using multi-omics technology and deep learning predicted models. We also highlight recent advances in rational design and directed evolution engineering strategies for new or improved GT functions. Finally, we cover recent breakthroughs in the application of GTs for microbial biosynthesis of some representative glycosylated PNPs, including flavonoid glycosides (fisetin 3-O-glycosides, astragalin, scutellarein 7-O-glucoside), terpenoid glycosides (rebaudioside A, ginsenosides) and polyketide glycosides (salidroside, polydatin).

Recent advances in rational design of efficient electrocatalyst for full water splitting across all pH conditions

Abstract

Recent advances in rational design of polymer nanocomposite dielectrics for energy storage

Abstract Polymer nanocomposites dielectrics have attracted increasing attention for electric energy storage applications in recent years due to their enhanced dielectric performance by combining the high permittivity of nanoparticles and the high electrical breakdown strength of polymer matrix. Herein we present a review of the recent advances in the modelling of dielectric energy storage and model-based rational design of polymer nanocomposite dielectrics. The synthesis strategies and dielectric property behaviors of polymer nanocomposite dielectrics are also discussed. In particular, this review focuses on key strategies and analytical models for substantial improvements in energy density of composite dielectrics including interfacial design, microstructural engineering and new high-dielectric filler materials. By applying machine learning techniques in conjunction with the analytical models, new designs have emerged. To demonstrate the practical applications of polymer nanocomposite dielectrics, a summary is presented of some recent examples of scale-up production of energy storage devices in electrical vehicles, pulsed weapons systems and power electronics. Finally, challenges and new application opportunities of polymer nanocomposite dielectrics are discussed.

Advanced Current Collectors for Alkali Metal Anodes

High-energy-density batteries are in urgent need to solve the ever-increasing energy storage demand for portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and renewable solar and wind energy systems. Alkali metals, typically lithium(Li), sodium(Na) and potassium(K), are considered as the promising anode materials owing to their low electrochemical potential, low density, and high theoretical gravimetric capacities. However, the problem of dendrite growth of alkali metals during their plating/stripping process will lead to low Coulombic efficiencies, a short lifespan and huge volume expansion, eventually hindering their practical commercialization. To resolve this issue, a very effective approach is engineering the anodes on structured current collectors. This review summarizes the development of the alkali metal batteries and discusses the recent advances in rational design of anode current collectors. First, the challenges and strategies of suppressing alkali-metal dendrite growth are presented. Then the special attention is paid to the novel current collector design for dendrite-free alkali metal anodes. Finally, we give conclusions and perspective on the current challenges and future research directions toward advanced anode current collectors for alkali metal batteries.

Conductive metal‐organic frameworks: Recent advances in electrochemical energy‐related applications and perspectives

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), typically constructed with metallic nodes and organic linkers, have influenced the development of modular solid materials. Their adjustable molecular structure provides a remarkable variety of MOF‐based solid‐state structures towards diverse applications. However, the low conductivity of traditional MOFs extremely hinders their applications in electronic and electrochemical devices. The emerging conductive MOFs, generally possessing two‐dimensional layered structures, are endowed with both the structural merits of common MOFs and exceptional electronic/ionic conductivities. Besides, the selection and optimization of ligands and metal centers, as well as synthetic methods enormously affects the intrinsic conductivity of conductive MOFs. The distinctive crystal structures and superb conductivity promise their appealing applications in electrochemical energy‐related fields. In the review, we mainly summarize representative crystal features, conducting mechanisms and recent advances in rational design and synthesis of conductive MOFs, along with their versatile applications as electrodes for electrochemical capacitors and rechargeable batteries, and as catalysts towards electrocatalysis. Finally, the involved challenges and future trends/prospects of the conductive MOFs for electrochemical energy‐related applications are further proposed.

On-going applications of Shewanella species in microbial electrochemical system for bioenergy, bioremediation and biosensing.

Microbial electrochemical system (MES) has attracted ever-growing interest as a promising platform for renewable energy conversion and bioelectrochemical remediation. Shewanella species, the dissimilatory metal reduction model bacteria with versatile extracellular electron transfer (EET) strategies, are the well-received microorganisms in diverse MES devices for various practical applications as well as microbial EET mechanism investigation. Meanwhile, the available genomic information and the unceasing established gene-editing toolbox offer an unprecedented opportunity to boost the applications of Shewanella species in MES. This review thoroughly summarizes the status quo of the applications of Shewanella species in microbial fuel cells for bioelectricity generation, microbial electrosynthesis for biotransformation of valuable chemicals and bioremediation of environment-hazardous pollutants with synoptical discussion on their EET mechanism. Recent advances in rational design and genetic engineering of Shewanella strains for either promoting the MES performance or broadening their applications are surveyed. Moreover, some emerging applications beyond electricity generation, such as biosensing and biocomputing, are also documented. The challenges and perspectives for Shewanella-based MES are also discussed elaborately for the sake of not only discovering new scientific lights on microbial extracellular respiratory but also propelling practical applications.

Recent advances in energy chemistry of precious-metal-free catalysts for oxygen electrocatalysis

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are coupled with various sustainable energy systems and are significant for the future energy scenario. Both of them suffer from sluggish kinetics, which calls for cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts to promote. The oxygen electrolysis of OER and ORR is heterogeneous reaction, which involves reactant and electron transfer, and a serial of complicate surface reactions. Both intrinsic catalyst activity and extrinsic physicochemical characters play a vital role in overall electrocatalytic reactivity. Herein, recent advances in rational design and effective construction of precious-metal-free materials are reviewed for OER and ORR, respectively, in the respects of electronic structure regulation, nanostructure tailor, and freestanding electrode fabrication. The reaction mechanism of OER and ORR are also updated. This review provides emerging energy chemistry concepts and materials chemistry strategies of electrocatalysts for OER and ORR, which is also enlightening for other energy conversion devices with targeted optimization.

Stimulus-responsive gold nanotheranostic platforms for targeting the tumor microenvironment

Gold nanoparticles with unique optical and photo-thermal properties have promising application in nanotheranostics, achieving the integration of diagnosis and therapy in a single platform. Compared with normal physiological environment, tumor tissue has a unique and complex tumor microenvironment, which plays a key role in tumor progression, metastasis, angiogenesis and even drug resistance. In recent years, many gold nanotheranostic platforms have been developed to target tumor microenvironment associated with acidic pH, hypoxia, angiogenesis, immune responses, pathological pressure gradients and extracellular matrix (ECM). In the present article, we have given special emphasis on key strategies for gold nanoparticles functionalization and highlighted recent advances in rational design of gold nanotheranostic platforms capable of utilizing, overcoming or modulating tumor microenvironment for effective cancer theranostics.

Rational Design of Nanocatalysts for Fuel Cell Reactions

Engineering nanocrystals with size, shape, composition and structure control for enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and small molecule oxidation reactions is highly desirable for promoting the development of fuel cell devices. In this presentation, I will focus on my recent advances in rational design and controlled synthesis of high-quality multicomponent nanocrystals for enhancing ORR and small molecules oxidation reactions. I will start with three examples on how to engineer FePt NWs, FePtPd/FePt core/shell nanowires (NWs) and graphene-FePt nanoparticles (NPs) composite for getting advanced Pt-based catalysts for ORR with extremely high activity and stability. After that, I will move to non-Pt catalysts such as graphene-Co/CoO NPs and M/CuPd NPs (M=Ag, Au), which exhibit comparable and even higher ORR activity and stability than commercial Pt catalyst. Finally, I will show two interesting examples on how to engineering trimetallic NPs and NWs for enhancing methanol and formic acid oxidation reactions.

Recent Progress in New Nanocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The design of new functional nanomaterials for enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly desirable for promoting the development of fuel cell and lithium air battery devices. In this seminar, I will focus on my recent advances in rational design and controlled synthesis of high-quality multicomponent nanocrystals for enhancing ORR. I will start with three examples on how to engineer FePt NWs, FePtPd/FePt core/shell NWs and graphene-FePt NPs composite for getting advanced Pt-based catalysts for ORR with extremely high activity and stability. After that, I will move to non-Pt catalysts such as graphene-Co/CoO NPs and M/CuPd NPs (M=Ag, Au), which exhibit comparable and even higher ORR activity and stability than commercial Pt catalyst.

Rational Design of Nanocatalysts for Fuel Cell Reactions

Engineering nanocrystals with size, shape, composition and structure control for enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and small molecule oxidation reactions is highly desirable for promoting the development of fuel cell devices. In this presentation, I will focus on my recent advances in rational design and controlled synthesis of high-quality multicomponent nanocrystals for enhancing ORR and small molecules oxidation reactions. I will start with three examples on how to engineer FePt NWs, FePtPd/FePt core/shell nanowires (NWs) and graphene-FePt nanoparticles (NPs) composite for getting advanced Pt-based catalysts for ORR with extremely high activity and stability. After that, I will move to non-Pt catalysts such as graphene-Co/CoO NPs and M/CuPd NPs (M=Ag, Au), which exhibit comparable and even higher ORR activity and stability than commercial Pt catalyst. Finally, I will show two interesting examples on how to engineering trimetallic NPs and NWs for enhancing methanol and formic acid oxidation reactions.

Recent Progress in New Nanocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

The design of new functional nanomaterials for enhancing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is highly desirable for promoting the development of fuel cell and lithium air battery devices. In this seminar, I will focus on my recent advances in rational design and controlled synthesis of high-quality multicomponent nanocrystals for enhancing ORR. I will start with three examples on how to engineer FePt NWs, FePtPd/FePt core/shell NWs and graphene-FePt NPs composite for getting advanced Pt-based catalysts for ORR with extremely high activity and stability. After that, I will move to non-Pt catalysts such as graphene-Co/CoO NPs and M/CuPd NPs (M=Ag, Au), which exhibit comparable and even higher ORR activity and stability than commercial Pt catalyst.

ChemInform Abstract: Engineering DNA Aptamers for Novel Analytical and Biomedical Applications

AbstractReview: 95 refs.

Engineering DNA aptamers for novel analytical and biomedical applications

As an alternative to antibodies, aptamers have shown promising applications in diagnostics and therapeutics. However, different from antibodies, the chemical nature of nucleic acids allows easy synthesis and modification of aptamers. As a result, there are various feasible ways to engineer aptamers with extended bioavailability (e.g., stability and binding affinity in complex environments), regulating ability, and multi-functional properties. In this review, recent advances in rational design and novel functionalization of aptamers, especially DNA aptamers, is described. The broad spectrum of ways for aptamer engineering and applications is paving the way for the future evolution of bioanalytical and biomedical developments.