Self-assembled Nanocomposites Research Articles

In situ reconstruction of proton conductive electrolyte from self-assembled perovskite oxide-based nanocomposite for low temperature ceramic fuel cells

In the development of low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs), also called ceramic fuel cells, the lack of highly conductive and the high manufacturing cost of dense electrolyte materials severely delay their wide development. In this work, we depart from the classic substitution approach to achieve sufficient ionic conduction (0.01 S cm−2 level at temperature ≥600 °C), a superionic conductive electrolyte material was obtained from a self-assembled hybrid oxide that was derived from the perovskite oxide precursor through alkali metal ion substitution. Moreover, the hybrid oxide was further in-situ reconstructed into a nanocomposite of oxide/carbonate-hydroxide under fuel cell condition. The nanocomposite possesses dominated proton conductivity as verified by the benefited hydration effect, versatile oxygen ionic blocking cell experiment, and concentration cell investigation. Specifically, an outstanding ionic conductivity of 0.185 S cm−1 and an excellent peak power density of 1012 mW cm−2 were demonstrated at 550 °C under an typical H2/air atmosphere. This research offers a rational design strategy to achieve low temperature, high-performance semiconductor-based functional composite electrolytes for efficient and sustainable energy conversion in SOFC technology.

Biocompatible protein-based self-assembled nanocomposite as efficient drug nanocarrier and antibacterial agent

To fulfill diverse application-specific purposes, functional nanoparticles encapsulated into protein-based self-assemblies show promising advantages includes easy preparation, high biocompatibility and multiple properties. In this study, the model protein of BSA used for multi-component self-assembly, including hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanoparticles, nano-ZnO and curcumin, was constructed through hydrophobic interactions. The obtained composites of BSA-Fe3O4&ZnO and BSA-Fe3O4&ZnO&curcumin self-assemblies were tested for antibacterial and drug delivery, respectively. It was found that the multicomponents loaded into protein assembly confer a simple yet robust synthetic method resulting in the produced nanocomposites with high stability and desirable biocompatibility. Notably, the protein self-assemblies successfully increased the antibacterial efficacy of hydrophobic ZnO nanoparticles, and promote the intracellular delivery of poorly soluble curcumin to exert significant killing effects against cancer cells. Therefore, the constructed multi-component contained protein self-assembly that enables hydrophobic interactions of compositional nanoparticles holds promising potentials for the versatile uses in biomedical aspects.

Self-Assembled Pd Nanocomposites into a Monolayer for Enhanced Sensing Performance

Self-Assembled Pd Nanocomposites into a Monolayer for Enhanced Sensing Performance

Self-Assembled Nanocomposite Based on SrCo0.7Fe0.2Sc0.1O3-δ as an Efficient Intermediate-to-Low-Temperature SOFC Cathode.

The high performance of intermediate-to-low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ILT-SOFCs) closely depends on the catalytic activity of the cathode material. However, most high-activity perovskite cathodes are rich in Sr and will arise from Sr segregation during the long-term working, resulting in the decay of activity and stability. Herein, by regulating the calcined way and temperature, a type of self-assembled nanocomposite perovskite cathode is developed, the stoichiometric SrCo0.7Fe0.2Sc0.1O3-δ (SCFSc) powder self-separates into a cubic phase (Pm3̅m, Sc-rich) and a tetragonal phase (P4/mmm, Sc-fewer). Meanwhile, a single cubic phase is prepared with the same formula via calcining the SCFSc pellet. It is found that the nanocomposite cathode shows better oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity than single cubic SCFSc, caused by lower impedance of oxygen surface exchange and bulk diffusion. Particularly, the nanocomposite SCFSc cathode with the self-assembled heterointerfaces mitigates the Sr segregation and shows a peak power density of 1.17 W cm-2 at 700 °C and excellent stability for ∼101 h at 600 °C. This work provides a strategy for the development of nanocomposite cathodes to mitigate cation segregation and improve catalytic activity and stability.

Apoptosis-induced treatment for ovarian cancer from self-assembled nanocomposites of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and porous organic cages

HypothesisOvarian cancer is one of the most common tumors in gynecology and imposes a heavy burden on patients and their families. Fe3O4 nanoparticles are one of the few nanomaterials approved by the FDA for clinical use, which has been widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of tumor. ExperimentsThe aqueous colloids made from hydrophobic building blocks were fabricated through an oil-in-water emulsion confined assembly strategy. In vitro, the proliferation, migration, invasion of SKOV3 cell after the treatment of iron oxide based assemblies were detected using Test-EdU assay and wound-healing assay. The ovarian cancer of the Nude Mice model was used to investigate the anti-cancer effect of Fe3O4 assemblies and Fe3O4-CC3 co-assemblies in vivo. FindingsThe applied nanocomposites inhibited ovarian cancer cells by CytC/caspase-3 pathway. The results in vivo revealed that treatment of nanocomposites significantly restrained the growth of subcutaneous transplantation tumor in Ovarian Cancer of the Nude Mice model. Our study demonstrated that colloidal nanocomposites assembled from Fe3O4 nanoparticles and porous organic cages inhibits cancer progression and induces apoptosis via caspase pathway. The effect of Fe3O4-CC3 co-assemblies is more profound due to their better contact with the biological matter.

Multilaminate Energy Storage Films from Entropy-Driven Self-Assembled Supramolecular Nanocomposites.

Composite materials comprising polymers and inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) are promising for energy storage applications, though challenges in controlling NP dispersion often result in performance bottlenecks. Realizing nanocomposites with controlled NP locations and distributions within polymer microdomains is highly desirable for improving energy storage capabilities but is a persistent challenge, impeding the in-depth understanding of the structure-performance relationship. In this study, a facile entropy-driven self-assembly approach is employed to fabricate block copolymer-based supramolecular nanocomposite films with highly ordered lamellar structures, which are then used in electrostatic film capacitors. The oriented interfacial barriers and well-distributed inorganic NPs within the self-assembled multilaminate nanocomposites effectively suppress leakage current and mitigate the risk of breakdown, showing superior dielectric strength compared to their disordered counterparts. Consequently, the lamellar nanocomposite films with optimized composition exhibit high energy efficiency (>90% at 650MVm-1), along with remarkable energy density and power density. Moreover, finite element simulations and statistical modeling have provided theoretical insights into the impact of the lamellar structure on electrical conduction, electric field distribution, and electrical tree propagation. This work marks a significant advancement in the design of organic-inorganic hybrids for energy storage, establishing a well-defined correlation between microstructure and performance.

Self-Assembled Fe-Phenolic Acid Network Synergizes with Ferroptosis to Enhance Tumor Nanotherapy.

Natural polyphenolic compound rosmarinic acid (RA) has good antitumor activity. However, the distinctive tumor microenvironment, characterized by low pH and elevated levels of glutathione (GSH), enhances the tolerance of tumors to the singular anti-tumor treatment mode using RA, resulting in unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy. Targeting nonapoptotic programmed cell death processes may provide another impetus to inhibit tumor growth. RA possesses the capability to coordinate with metal elements. To solve the effect restriction of the above single treatment mode, it is proposed to construct a self-assembled nanocomposite, Fe-RA. Under tumor microenvironment, Fe-RA nanocomposite exerts the characteristics of POD-like enzyme activity and depletion of GSH, producing a large amount of hydroxyl radical (·OH) while disrupting the antioxidant defense system of tumor cells. Moreover, due to the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR), Fe-RA can transport Fe2+ to a greater extent to tumor cells and increase intracellular iron content. Causing an imbalance in iron metabolism in tumor cells and promoting cell ferroptosis. The results of the synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) prove the successful complexation of Fe-RA nanocomposite. Density functional theory (DFT) explains the efficient catalytic mechanism of its peroxide-like enzyme activity and the reaction principle with GSH.

Synthesis and characterization of self-assembly nanocomposite of ginger extract/cellulose of cotton supported by zinc oxide nanoparticle for destroying the Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

The present study describes how increasing efficacy without affecting cell viability, using cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) that consider a self-assemble compound with using the ginger extract (GE) for this purpose can increase the effectiveness of treating cryptosporidiosis (C. parvum). A nanocomposite (NCP) can be effectively synthesized using chemical precipitation techniques without the use of temperature, and it can also be successfully characterized using a variety of ways to show that the NCP was naturally formed. According to a UV-visible spectroscopic device’s calculation of the EG extract’s loading efficiency on the CMC surface, the loading efficiency is 58%. The liver cells of mice (BNL) are used to test the cytotoxicity of NCP at various concentrations using the rapid screening cytotoxicity technique (SRB). After 96 hours, the sporulation percentage with the maximum dose of 7 mg/mL was reported at 45.97% ± 0.65%, 43.97% ± 0.65, 31.3% ± 0.7 for GE, CNC@GE, and CNC@GE.ZnO NCP respectively. After 96 hours, the distortion percentage with the maximum dose of 7 mg/mL was reported at 53.97% ± 0.65, 55.97% ± 0.65, 68.63% ± 0.65 for GE, CNC@GE, and CNC@GE.ZnO NCP respectively. The findings support the use of modified NCP as a cryptosporidiosis treatment substitute, but further clinical testing is required.

Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite self-assembled nanocomposites on graphene oxide sheets from seashell waste: A green process for regenerative medicine

Bone transplantation is the second most common transplantation surgery in the world. Therefore, there is an urgent need for artificial bone transplantation to repair bone defects. In bone tissue engineering, hydroxyapatite (HA) plays a major role in bone graft applications. This study deals with a facile method for synthesizing HA hexagonal nanorods from seashells by a solid-state hydrothermal transition process. The synthesized HA nanorods (∼2.29 nm) were reinforced with carbon nanotube and chitosan on graphene oxide sheets with polymeric support by in-situ synthetic approach. Among the synthesized nanocomposites viz., hydroxyapatite-graphene oxide (HA-GO), hydroxyapatite-graphene oxide-chitosan (HA-GO-CS), hydroxyapatite-graphene oxide-chitosan-carbon nanotube-polylactic acid (HA-GO–CS–CNT-PLA). Among them, the HA-GO–CS–CNT-PLA composite exhibits micro and macro porosity (∼200 to 600 μm), higher mechanical strength, (Hardness ∼90.5 ± 1.33 MPa; Tensile strength 25.62 MPa), and maximum cell viability in MG63 osteoblast-like cells (80%). The self-assembled hybrid-nanocomposite of HA-GO–CS–CNT-PLA is a promising material for bone filler application and could efficiently utilize seashell waste through the green process.

Multifunctional properties of alumina-based graphene nanocomposites as catalysts for esters of glycerol production

The properties of alumina-based graphene nanocomposites were fine-tuned using a directed self-assembly of graphene oxide and metal oxides mediated by a surfactant approach. The resultant nanostructured metal oxides were evaluated in the esterification of glycerol with acetic acid as catalysts for the esters of glycerol production. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy measurements of the self-assembled nanocomposites revealed the nanocrystalline γ-Al2O3 phase between the separated graphene lamellar nanostructures. A crumpled monolayered graphene sheet along with well dispersed Ni and Co entities on solid surface appeared by Scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analyses. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed Ni2+, Co3+/Co2+and Al3+species and a more reduced surface oxygen species in the self-assembled solids. The addition of basic promoters such as La, Mg or Zn to the composites did not improve the catalytic properties of the solids, but combined with NiCo-alumina-based graphene nanocomposites, they had shown good activities for triacetin production.

Small Molecules Mediated the Chirality Transfer in Self-Assembled Nanocomposites with Strong Circularly Polarized Luminescence.

Manipulation of the chirality at all scales has a cross-disciplinary importance and may address key challenges at the heart of physical sciences. One critical question in this field is how the chirality of one entity can be transferred to the asymmetry of another entity. Here, we find that small molecules play a crucial role in the chirality transfer from chiral organic molecules to CdSe/CdS nanorods, where the handedness of the nanorod assemblies either agrees or disagrees with that of the molecular assemblies, leading to the positive or inverse chirality transfer. The assembling mode of nanorods on the molecular assemblies, where the nanorods are either lying or standing, is closely associated with the handedness of the nanorod assemblies, resulting in opposite chirality. Furthermore, we have found that circularly polarized emission from chiral assemblies of nanorods is dependent on molecular additives. The promoted luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) of the nanocomposites with a high value of ∼0.3 could be attained under optimal conditions.

A Study of the Peculiarities of the Formation of a Hybrid Interface Based on Polydopamine between Dental Tissues and Dental Composites, Using IR and Raman Microspectroscopy, at the Submicron Level.

The creation of buffer (hybrid) layers that provide improved adhesion to two heterogeneous materials is a promising and high-priority research area in the field of dental materials science. In our work, using FTIR and Raman microspectroscopy at the submicron level in a system of dental composites/intact dental enamel, we assessed the molecular features of formation and chemically visualized the hybrid interface formed on the basis of a nature-like adhesive, polydopamine (PDA). It is shown that a homogeneous bioinspired PDA-hybrid interface with an increased content of O-Ca-O bonds can be created using traditional methods of dental tissue pretreatment (diamond micro drilling, acid etching), as well as the subsequent alkalinization procedure and the developed synthesis technology. The development of the proposed technology for accelerated deposition of PDA-hybrid layers, as well as the creation of self-assembled biomimetic nanocomposites with antibacterial properties, may in the future find clinical application for minimally invasive dental restoration procedures.

Dual mechanism (sunlight/dark) of the self-assembly nitazoxanide drug on cellulose nanocrystal surface for destroying the Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts

Destruction of the cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) Oocysts is the main target of the work via the improvement effect of the nitazoxanide (NTZ) drug by increasing the drug adsorption process without changing the cell viability. The synthesis of a self-assembly nanocomposite (NCP) of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and NTZ drug was performed successfully via the chemical precipitation methods without utilizing the temperature. Also, the characterization of the fabricated NCP was achieved by different techniques to confirm the natural formation of the NCP. The efficient loading of the NTZ drug on the CMC surface and the release process of NCP was calculated by a UV–Visible spectroscopy device, and the loading efficiency is 37 %. The release efficiency is displayed at 66.3 % after 6 h, and 97 % after 48 h at pH 7.4 with NTZ pure, while the release efficiency of CNC@NTZ at the same pH is 61 % after 6 h, and 86 % after 48 h at pH 7.4. The cytotoxicity of different concentrations of NCP was conducted on normal mouse liver cells (BNL) via the quick screening cytotoxicity method (SRB). The effect of NCP on C. parvum was detected with an in-vivo study in the dark and under sunlight conditions. Compared to the NTZ and CNC, the fabricated NCP was able to destroy 89.3 % of the oocyst wall after 96 h. Moreover, a sporulation inhibition percentage of 53.97 % ± 0.63 % was achieved by a maximum concentration of 7 mg/mL after 9.5 h. The results are very encouraging to use the modified NCP as an alternative NTZ drug, although further research is required in terms of clinical trials.

Self-assembled graphene quantum dots-Co3O4 nanocomposite for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst

Self-assembled graphene quantum dots-Co3O4 nanocomposite for highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction electrocatalyst

A photothermal lateral flow immunoassay for zearalenone with high sensitivity and wide detection range

Mycotoxin zearalenone can induce reproductive toxicity and oxidative toxicity, so its on-site monitoring in foods is of great significance in food control. Herein, we develop a novel photothermal lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for ZEN based on gold nanoparticle loaded black phosphorus (BP-Au) nanocomposite. The self-assembled BP-Au nanocomposite showed a dark purple color and an excellent photothermal conversion efficiency of 69.62%, better than either BP or Au. Therefore, it was developed into not only a colorimetric probe for qualification but also a sensitive photothermal probe for quantification. Our competitive LFIA showed a detection limit down to 17.2 ng/kg and an ultrawide linear range of 10 pg/mL-106 pg/mL in its photothermal mode. The recoveries of ZEN in cereals were between 91.8% and 120.2%. The wide detection range of our method allows monitoring the variation of trace ZEN content to evaluate food storage and transportation conditions, but also gives regulators a fast and accurate picture of the level of ZEN exceeding limits without relying on laboratory chromatography.

An ordered, self-assembled nanocomposite with efficient electronic and ionic transport.

Mixed conductors-materials that can efficiently conduct both ionic and electronic species-are an important class of functional solids. Here we demonstrate an organic nanocomposite that spontaneously forms when mixing an organic semiconductor with an ionic liquid and exhibits efficient room-temperature mixed conduction. We use a polymer known to form a semicrystalline microstructure to template ion intercalation into the side-chain domains of the crystallites, which leaves electronic transport pathways intact. Thus, the resulting material is ordered, exhibiting alternating layers of rigid semiconducting sheets and soft ion-conducting layers. This unique dual-network microstructure leads to a dynamic ionic/electronic nanocomposite with liquid-like ionic transport and highly mobile electronic charges. Using a combination of operando X-ray scattering and in situ spectroscopy, we confirm the ordered structure of the nanocomposite and uncover the mechanisms that give rise to efficient electron transport. These results provide fundamental insights into charge transport in organic semiconductors, as well as suggesting a pathway towards future improvements in these nanocomposites.

Self-assembled nanocomposites of carboxymethyl β-dextran/protamine sulfate for enhanced chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer by autophagy inhibition via a ternary collaborative strategy

Drug resistance in cancer chemotherapy is a major confounding factor affecting the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents, thereby leading to poor clinical outcomes. Most chemotherapeutic drugs can induce protective autophagy and increase the resistance of tumors to chemotherapeutic drugs and reduce effective drug delivery to tumor cells. In this study, a tri-drug nanocomposite (NP) delivery system was devised using carboxymethyl β-dextran (CMD) and protamine sulfate (PS), two natural materials with good bio-compatibility. They were designed to carry the chemotherapeutic drug docetaxel (DTX), the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (CQ), and Atg5 siRNA to cancer cells. The CQ + DTX + Atg5 siRNA NPs was driven by electrostatic interaction and self-assembly methods. The breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 was used for both cell culture and establishing mouse xenograft model. Our findings demonstrated that CQ and Atg5 siRNA encapsulated in NPs could enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to DTX. The NPs exhibited remarkable considerable therapeutic effects for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and good biosafety. Therefore, we established a novel multifunctional nanoplatform based on CMD and PS that enhances chemotherapeutic drug sensitivity through an autophagy inhibition strategy, providing new opportunities to overcome conventional drug resistance and enhance therapeutic efficiency against TNBC.

Antimicrobial and mechanical properties of functionalized textile by nanoarchitectured photoinduced Ag@polymer coating.

The control of microbial proliferation is a constant battle, especially in the medical field where surfaces, equipment, and textiles need to be cleaned on a daily basis. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) possess well-documented antimicrobial properties and by combining them with a physical matrix, they can be applied to various surfaces to limit microbial contamination. With this in mind, a rapid and easy way to implement a photoinduced approach was investigated for textile functionalization with a silver@polymer self-assembled nanocomposite. By exposing the photosensitive formulation containing a silver precursor, a photoinitiator, and acrylic monomers to a UV source, highly reflective metallic coatings were obtained directly on the textile support. After assessing their optical and mechanical properties, the antimicrobial properties of the functionalized textiles were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) strains. In addition to being flexible and adherent to the textile substrates, the nanocomposites exhibited remarkable microbial growth inhibitory effects.

Self-Assembled Nanocomposites and Nanostructures for Environmental and Energic Applications

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanocomposites and nanostructures have attracted significant attention due to their unique physical and chemical properties and variable functionalities [...].

Self-assembled Co-Al LDH and TiO2 nanocomposites as a novel electrode for supercapacitors

A novel Co-Al layered double hydroxide/titanium dioxide (Co-Al LDH/TiO2) nanocomposite is fabricated by the electrostatic assembly of Co-Al LDH and TiO2 nanosheets from exfoliation. The layer-by-layer nanocomposite structure effectively improves the electrochemical performance by providing abundant utilization of active sites and facilitating rapid ionic/electronic transport. The Co-Al LDH/TiO2 electrode exhibits an enhanced specific capacitance of 611.4 F g−1 at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and good cyclic stability (81.4% capacity retention after 2000 cycles) compared with Co-Al LDH. A solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor is prepared from the Co-Al LDH/TiO2 as positive electrode and active carbon as negative electrode. The Co-Al LDH/TiO2//AC retains 92.7% initial capacitance and 94.1% coulombic efficiency after 2000 cycles at 20 mA cm−2. The Co-Al LDH/TiO2 nanocomposite is a promising electrode material for the supercapacitors.