bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EGOFET Peptide Aptasensor for Label‐Free Detection of Inflammatory Cytokines in Complex Fluids
Authors: Berto Marcello , Diacci Chiara , D'Agata Roberta , Pinti Marcello , Bianchini Elena , Lauro Michele Di , Casalini Stefano , Cossarizza Andrea , Berggren Magnus , Simon Daniel , Spoto Giuseppe , Biscarini Fabio , Bortolotti Carlo A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOrganic electronic transistors are rapidly emerging as ultrahigh sensitive label‐free biosensors suited for point‐of‐care or in‐field deployed applications. Most organic biosensors reported to date are based on immunorecognition between the relevant biomarkers and the immobilized antibodies, whose use is hindered by large dimensions, poor control of sequence, and relative instability. Here, an electrolyte‐gated organic field effect transistor (EGOFET) biosensor where the recognition units are surface immobilized peptide aptamers (Affimer proteins) instead of antibodies is reported. Peptide aptasensor for the detection of the pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) with a 1 × 10−12m limit of detection is demonstrated. Ultralow sensitivity is met even in complex solutions such as cell culture media containing 10% serum, demonstrating the remarkable ligand specificity of the device. The device performances, together with the simple one‐step immobilization strategy of the recognition moieties and the low operational voltages, all prompt EGOFET peptide aptasensors as candidates for early diagnostics and monitoring at the point‐of‐care.
Chemotactic Guidance of Synthetic Organic/Inorganic Payloads Functionalized Sperm Micromotors
Authors: Chen Chuanrui , Chang Xiaocong , Angsantikul Pavimol , Li Jinxing , Esteban‐Fernández de Ávila Berta , Karshalev Emil , Liu Wenjuan , Mou Fangzhi , He Sha , Castillo Roxanne , Liang Yuyan , Guan Jianguo , Zhang Liangfang , Wang Joseph 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe preparation and operation of free swimming functionalized sperm micromotors (FSFSMs) as intelligent self‐guided biomotors with intrinsic chemotactic motile behavior are reported. The natural sperm biomotors are functionalized with a wide variety of synthetic nanoscale payloads, such as CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, doxorubicin hydrochloride drug coated iron‐oxide nanoparticles, and fluorescein isothiocyanate‐modified Pt nanoparticles via endocytosis. The FSFSMs display efficient self‐propulsion in various biological and environmental media with controllable swarming behavior upon exposure to a chemical attractant. As a new class of environmentally responsive smart biomotors, the control of the FSFSM speed is achieved by varying the solution osmolarity that leads to different flagellar lengths. High drug loading capacity and responsive release kinetics are obtained with such sperm biomotors. The transport of synthetic cargo can be guided by the intrinsic chemotaxis of the FSFSMs. The chemotactic characteristics, speed control mechanism, and responsive payload release of the FSFSMs are investigated. Such use of free swimming functionalized sperm cells as intelligent microscale biomotors offers considerable potential for diverse biomedical and environmental applications.
Contrasting Effects of Energy Transfer in Determining Efficiency Improvements in Ternary Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Li Wei , Yan Yu , Gong Yanyan , Cai Jinlong , Cai Feilong , Gurney Robert S. , Liu Dan , Pearson Andrew J. , Lidzey David G. , Wang Tao 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCrystallizable, high‐mobility conjugated polymers have been employed as secondary donor materials in ternary polymer solar cells in order to improve device efficiency by broadening their spectral response range and enhancing charge dissociation and transport. Here, contrasting effects of two crystallizable polymers, namely, PffBT4T‐2OD and PDPP2TBT, in determining the efficiency improvements in PTB7‐Th:PC71BM host blends are demonstrated. A notable power conversion efficiency of 11% can be obtained by introducing 10% PffBT4T‐2OD (relative to PTB7‐Th), while the efficiency of PDPP2TBT‐incorporated ternary devices decreases dramatically despite an enhancement in hole mobility and light absorption. Blend morphology studies suggest that both PffBT4T‐2OD and PDPP2TBT are well dissolved within the host PTB7‐Th phase and facilitate an increased degree of phase separation between polymer and fullerene domains. While negligible charge transfer is determined in binary blends of each polymer mixture, effective energy transfer is identified from PffBT4T‐2OD to PTB7‐Th that contributes to an improvement in ternary blend device efficiency. In contrast, energy transfer from PTB7‐Th to PDPP2TBT worsens the efficiency of the ternary device due to inefficient charge dissociation between PDPP2TBT and PC71BM.
Modular Design of Advanced Catalytic Materials Using Hybrid Organic–Inorganic Raspberry Particles
Authors: Shirman Elijah , Shirman Tanya , Shneidman Anna V. , Grinthal Alison , Phillips Katherine R. , Whelan Hayley , Bulger Eli , Abramovitch Marcus , Patil Jatin , Nevarez Rochelle , Aizenberg Joanna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCatalysis is one of the most sophisticated areas of materials research that encompasses a diverse set of materials and phenomena occurring on multiple length and time scales. Designing catalysts that can be broadly applied toward global energy and environmental challenges requires the development of universal frameworks for complex catalytic systems through rational and independent (or quasi‐independent) optimization of multiple structural and compositional features. Toward addressing this goal, a modular platform is presented in which sacrificial organic colloids bearing catalytic nanoparticles on their surfaces self‐assemble with matrix precursors, simultaneously structuring the resulting porous networks and fine‐tuning the locations of catalyst particles. This strategy allows combinatorial variations of the material building blocks and their organization, in turn providing numerous degrees of freedom for optimizing the material's functional properties, from the nanoscale to the macroscale. The platform enables systematic studies and rational design of efficient and robust systems for a wide range of catalytic and photocatalytic reactions, as well as their integration into industrial and other real‐life environments.
Polar Elastomers as Novel Materials for Electromechanical Actuator Applications
Authors: Opris Dorina M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDielectric elastomer actuators are stretchable capacitors capable of a musclelike actuation when charged. They will one day be used to replace malfunctioning muscles supposing the driving voltage can be reduced below 24 V. This focus here is on polar dielectric elastomers and their behavior under an electric field. Emphasis is placed on all the features that are correlated with the molecular structure, its synthetic realization, and its impact on properties. Regarding the polymer class, the focus, to some degree, is on polysiloxanes because of their attractively low glass transition temperatures. This enables introduction of highly polar groups to the backbone while maintaining soft elastic properties. The goal is to provide a few guidelines for future research in this emerging field that may be useful for those considering entering this fascinating endeavor. Because of the large number of materials available, a few restrictions in the selection have to be applied.
Advanced Biomass‐Derived Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Borghei Maryam , Lehtonen Janika , Liu Liang , Rojas Orlando J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRecent progress in advanced nanostructures synthesized from biomass resources for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is reviewed. The ORR plays a significant role in the performance of numerous energy‐conversion devices, including low‐temperature hydrogen and alcohol fuel cells, microbial fuel cells, as well as metal–air batteries. The viability of such fuel cells is strongly related to the cost of the electrodes, especially the cathodic ORR electrocatalyst. Hence, inexpensive and abundant plant and animal biomass have become attractive options to obtain electrocatalysts upon conversion into active carbon. Bioresource selection and processing criteria are discussed in light of their influence on the physicochemical properties of the ORR nanostructures. The resulting electrocatalytic activity and durability are introduced and compared to those from conventional Pt/C‐based electrocatalysts. These ORR catalysts are also active for oxygen or hydrogen evolution reactions.
A 3D Self‐Shaping Strategy for Nanoresolution Multicomponent Architectures
Authors: Su Meng , Huang Zhandong , Li Yifan , Qian Xin , Li Zheng , Hu Xiaotian , Pan Qi , Li Fengyu , Li Lihong , Song Yanlin 
Published: December 2017

Abstract3D printing or fabrication pursues the essential surface behavior manipulation of droplets or a liquid for rapidly and precisely constructing 3D multimaterial architectures. Further development of 3D fabrication desires a self‐shaping strategy that can heterogeneously integrate functional materials with disparate electrical or optical properties. Here, a 3D liquid self‐shaping strategy is reported for rapidly patterning materials over a series of compositions and accurately achieving micro‐ and nanoscale structures. The predesigned template selectively pins the droplet, and the surface energy minimization drives the self‐shaping processing. The as‐prepared 3D circuits assembled by silver nanoparticles carry a current of 208–448 µA at 0.01 V impressed voltage, while the 3D architectures achieved by two different quantum dots show noninterfering optical properties with feature resolution below 3 µm. This strategy can facilely fabricate micro‐nanogeometric patterns without a modeling program, which will be of great significance for the development of 3D functional devices.
Preparation of Microcellular Epoxy Foams through a Limited‐Foaming Process: A Contradiction with the Time–Temperature–Transformation Cure Diagram
Authors: Wang Lijun , Zhang Chun , Gong Wei , Ji Yubi , Qin Shuhao , He Li 
Published: December 2017

Abstract3D cross‐linking networks are generated through chemical reactions between thermosetting epoxy resin and hardener during curing. The curing degree of epoxy material can be increased by increasing curing temperature and/or time. The epoxy material must then be fully cured through a postcuring process to optimize its material characteristics. Here, a limited‐foaming method is introduced for the preparation of microcellular epoxy foams (Lim‐foams) with improved cell morphology, high thermal expansion coefficient, and good compressive properties. Lim‐foams exhibit a lower glass transition temperature (Tg) and curing degree than epoxy foams fabricated through free‐foaming process (Fre‐foams). Surprisingly, however, theTgof Lim‐foams is unaffected by postcuring temperature and time. This phenomenon, which is related to high gas pressure in the bubbles, contradicts that indicated by the time–temperature–transformation cure diagram. High bubble pressure promotes the movement of molecular chains under heating at low temperature and simultaneously suppresses the etherification cross‐linking reaction during post‐curing.
Hole‐Transfer Dependence on Blend Morphology and Energy Level Alignment in Polymer: ITIC Photovoltaic Materials
Authors: Eastham Nicholas D. , Logsdon Jenna L. , Manley Eric F. , Aldrich Thomas J. , Leonardi Matthew J. , Wang Gang , Powers‐Riggs Natalia E. , Young Ryan M. , Chen Lin X. , Wasielewski Michael R. , Melkonyan Ferdinand S. , Chang Robert P. H. , Marks Tobin J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBulk‐heterojunction organic photovoltaic materials containing nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) have seen remarkable advances in the past year, finally surpassing fullerenes in performance. Indeed, acceptors based on indacenodithiophene (IDT) have become synonymous with high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Nevertheless, NFAs have yet to achieve fill factors (FFs) comparable to those of the highest‐performing fullerene‐based materials. To address this seeming anomaly, this study examines a high efficiency IDT‐based acceptor, ITIC, paired with three donor polymers known to achieve high FFs with fullerenes, PTPD3T, PBTI3T, and PBTSA3T. Excellent PCEs up to 8.43% are achieved from PTPD3T:ITIC blends, reflecting good charge transport, optimal morphology, and efficient ITIC to PTPD3T hole‐transfer, as observed by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy. Hole‐transfer is observed from ITIC to PBTI3T and PBTSA3T, but less efficiently, reflecting measurably inferior morphology and nonoptimal energy level alignment, resulting in PCEs of 5.34% and 4.65%, respectively. This work demonstrates the importance of proper morphology and kinetics of ITIC → donor polymer hole‐transfer in boosting the performance of polymer:ITIC photovoltaic bulk heterojunction blends.
Structuring of Functional Spider Silk Wires, Coatings, and Sheets by Self‐Assembly on Superhydrophobic Pillar Surfaces
Authors: Gustafsson Linnea , Jansson Ronnie , Hedhammar My , van der Wijngaart Wouter 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSpider silk has recently become a material of high interest for a large number of biomedical applications. Previous work on structuring of silk has resulted in particles (0D), fibers (1D), films (2D), and foams, gels, capsules, or microspheres (3D). However, the manufacturing process of these structures is complex and involves posttreatment of chemicals unsuitable for biological applications. In this work, the self‐assembly of recombinant spider silk on micropatterned superhydrophobic surfaces is studied. For the first time, structuring of recombinant spider silk is achieved using superhydrophobic surfaces under conditions that retain the bioactivity of the functionalized silk. By tuning the superhydrophobic surface geometry and the silk solution handling parameters, this approach allows controlled generation of silk coatings, nanowires, and sheets. The underlying mechanisms and governing parameters are discussed. It is believed that the results of this work pave the way for fabrication of silk formations for applications including vehicles for drug delivery, optical sensing, antimicrobial coatings, and cell culture scaffolds.
Alumina‐Supported CoFe Alloy Catalysts Derived from Layered‐Double‐Hydroxide Nanosheets for Efficient Photothermal CO2 Hydrogenation to Hydrocarbons
Authors: Chen Guangbo , Gao Rui , Zhao Yufei , Li Zhenhua , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Shi Run , Zhao Jiaqing , Zhang Mengtao , Shang Lu , Sheng Guiyang , Zhang Xiangping , Wen Xiaodong , Wu Li‐Zhu , Tung Chen‐Ho , Zhang Tierui 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA series of novel CoFe‐based catalysts are successfully fabricated by hydrogen reduction of CoFeAl layered‐double‐hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets at 300–700 °C. The chemical composition and morphology of the reaction products (denoted herein as CoFe‐x) are highly dependent on the reduction temperature (x). CO2 hydrogenation experiments are conducted on the CoFe‐x catalysts under UV–vis excitation. With increasing LDH‐nanosheet reduction temperature, the CoFe‐x catalysts show a progressive selectivity shift from CO to CH4, and eventually to high‐value hydrocarbons (C2+). CoFe‐650 shows remarkable selectivity toward hydrocarbons (60% CH4, 35% C2+). X‐ray absorption fine structure, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations demonstrate that alumina‐supported CoFe‐alloy nanoparticles are responsible for the high selectivity of CoFe‐650 for C2+ hydrocarbons, also allowing exploitation of photothermal effects. This study demonstrates a vibrant new catalyst platform for harnessing clean, abundant solar‐energy to produce valuable chemicals and fuels from CO2.
Fine‐Tuning the Energy Levels of a Nonfullerene Small‐Molecule Acceptor to Achieve a High Short‐Circuit Current and a Power Conversion Efficiency over 12% in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Kan Bin , Zhang Jiangbin , Liu Feng , Wan Xiangjian , Li Chenxi , Ke Xin , Wang Yunchuang , Feng Huanran , Zhang Yamin , Long Guankui , Friend Richard H. , Bakulin Artem A. , Chen Yongsheng 
Published: December 2017

AbstractOrganic solar cell optimization requires careful balancing of current–voltage output of the materials system. Here, such optimization using ultrafast spectroscopy as a tool to optimize the material bandgap without altering ultrafast photophysics is reported. A new acceptor–donor–acceptor (A–D–A)‐type small‐molecule acceptor NCBDT is designed by modification of the D and A units of NFBDT. Compared to NFBDT, NCBDT exhibits upshifted highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level mainly due to the additional octyl on the D unit and downshifted lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level due to the fluorination of A units. NCBDT has a low optical bandgap of 1.45 eV which extends the absorption range toward near‐IR region, down to ≈860 nm. However, the 60 meV lowered LUMO level of NCBDT hardly changes the Voc level, and the elevation of the NCBDT HOMO does not have a substantial influence on the photophysics of the materials. Thus, for both NCBDT‐ and NFBDT‐based systems, an unusually slow (≈400 ps) but ultimately efficient charge generation mediated by interfacial charge‐pair states is observed, followed by effective charge extraction. As a result, the PBDB‐T:NCBDT devices demonstrate an impressive power conversion efficiency over 12%—among the best for solution‐processed organic solar cells.
Energy–Structure–Function Maps: Cartography for Materials Discovery
Authors: Day Graeme M. , Cooper Andrew I. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSome of the most successful approaches to structural design in materials chemistry have exploited strong directional bonds, whose geometric reliability lends predictability to solid‐state assembly. For example, metal–organic frameworks are an important design platform in materials chemistry. By contrast, the structure of molecular crystals is defined by a balance of weaker intermolecular forces, and small changes to the molecular building blocks can lead to large changes in crystal packing. Hence, empirical rules are inherently less reliable for engineering the structures of molecular solids. Energy–structure–function (ESF) maps are a new approach for the discovery of functional organic crystals. These maps fuse crystal‐structure prediction with the computation of physical properties to allow researchers to choose the most promising molecule for a given application, prior to its synthesis. ESF maps were used recently to discover a highly porous molecular crystal that has a high methane deliverable capacity and the lowest density molecular crystal reported to date (r = 0.41 g cm−3, SABET = 3425 m2 g−1). Progress in this field is reviewed, with emphasis on the future opportunities and challenges for a design strategy based on computed ESF maps.
Laser Irradiation‐Induced SiC@Graphene Sub‐Microspheres: A Bioinspired Core–Shell Structure for Enhanced Tribology Properties
Authors: Luo Ting , Chen Xinchun , Wang Ping , Li Cuncheng , Cao Bingqiang , Zeng Haibo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFriction generally happening among all moving material interfaces wastes nearly one‐third of total mechanical energy in the world each year, although different kinds of lubricants are adopted. Particle additives, like diamond, inorganic fullerene, and graphene, can enter tribological contacts to reduce friction and protect surfaces from wear. However, the growth of such additives with spherical morphology and high dispersibility in oil without molecular ligands is a major problem. Inspired by the impressive dispersion stability of Noctiluca scientillans in ocean, one novel core–shell composite constructed with superhard SiC sub‐microsphere as core and exclusive floating flat‐blade graphene sheet as shell (SiC@G) is designed. These core–shell SiC@G sub‐micropheres are synthesized for the first time by in situ pulsed laser irradiating commercial SiC powders in liquid at ambient conditions. Both laser‐stimulated surface tension energy release and photothermal decomposition involved in the laser irradiation process assure the reshaping of SiC particles and the formation of graphene sheets derived from SiC surface. Due to the synergistic effect of SiC spheres changing effectively sliding friction into rolling friction and flexible self‐lubricating graphene forming a tribofilm easily, such composites as additives remain well dispersed in lubricating oil and exhibit enhanced antiwear and friction‐reduction performance.
Achieving Totally Local Anticoagulation on Blood Contacting Devices
Authors: Gbyli Rana , Mercaldi Anna , Sundaram Harihara , Amoako Kagya A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe recent years have witnessed an increased activity in biocompatibility research aimed at limiting biomaterial‐induced blood coagulation. From 2008 to 2016, a total of $36 946 764.00 USD has been awarded in grants to 213 research proposals and as large as 50.4% ($18 627 854.00) of that award monies have been distributed to 101 proposals over the fiscal years of FY14 to FY16 alone. However, the complexity in blood responses to biomaterials, variability in blood function between individuals and animal species, and differences in medical device application and test setting all continue to pose difficulties in making a breakthrough in this field. This review focuses on the remaining challenges in the context of biomaterial surface interaction with blood, biomaterial properties and their influence on coagulation, old and new surface anticoagulation methods, main test systems (complement and platelet function) for evaluating those methods, limitations of modification techniques, and the current state of systemic anticoagulation usage as adjunctive therapy for controlling blood coagulation on biomaterials. Finally, ingredients necessary for advancing the field toward achieving totally local surface anticoagulation on blood contacting devices including standardization of in vitro and in‐vivo test methods are proposed. Some highlights of recent forward‐looking work and articles on local anticoagulation are also presented.
Passivation of Interfaces in Thin Film Solar Cells: Understanding the Effects of a Nanostructured Rear Point Contact Layer
Authors: Salomé Pedro M. P. , Vermang Bart , Ribeiro‐Andrade Rodrigo , Teixeira Jennifer P. , Cunha José M. V. , Mendes Manuel J. , Haque Sirazul , Borme Jêrome , Águas Hugo , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , González Juan C. , Leitão Joaquim P. , Fernandes Paulo A. , Edoff Marika , Sadewasser Sascha 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThin film solar cells based in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) are among the most efficient polycrystalline solar cells, surpassing CdTe and even polycrystalline silicon solar cells. For further developments, the CIGS technology has to start incorporating different solar cell architectures and strategies that allow for very low interface recombination. In this work, ultrathin 350 nm CIGS solar cells with a rear interface passivation strategy are studied and characterized. The rear passivation is achieved using an Al2O3 nanopatterned point structure. Using the cell results, photoluminescence measurements, and detailed optical simulations based on the experimental results, it is shown that by including the nanopatterned point contact structure, the interface defect concentration lowers, which ultimately leads to an increase of solar cell electrical performance mostly by increase of the open circuit voltage. Gains to the short circuit current are distributed between an increased rear optical reflection and also due to electrical effects. The approach of mixing several techniques allows us to make a discussion considering the different passivation gains, which has not been done in detail in previous works. A solar cell with a nanopatterned rear contact and a 350 nm thick CIGS absorber provides an average power conversion efficiency close to 10%.