pinecone/core-2020-05-10-deduplication huggingface dataset:
Induction of Potent Antitumor Immunity by Sustained Release of Cationic Antigen from a DNA-Based Hydrogel with Adjuvant Activity

Article first published online: 13 AUG 2015Previous studies indicate that immunostimulatory DNA-based injectable hydrogels harboring unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) dinucleotides meet the requirements of an effective antigen delivery system, including safety, biodegradability, ease of administration, and stimulation of the innate immune system. However, rapid release of the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) from the hydrogel limits its potential. Here, the aim is to achieve sustained OVA release from a DNA hydrogel through cationization of the antigen. Ethylenediamine (ED)-conjugated cationized OVA (ED-OVA), but not OVA, forms a complex with hexapod-like structured DNA, a component of the DNA hydrogel. The release of ED-OVA from the hydrogel is significantly slower than that of OVA. ED-OVA mixed with CpG DNA hydrogel efficiently binds to mouse dendritic DC2.4 cells and results in high antigen presentation. Intratumoral injections of ED-OVA/CpG DNA hydrogel significantly delays tumor growth of OVA-expressing EG7-OVA cells in mice. Then, a cationic OVA peptide antigen (R8-L2-pepI) consisting of an OVA MHC class I epitope, octaarginine, and a linker is designed. Intratumoral injections of R8-L2-pepI/CpG DNA hydrogel eradicate tumors in five out of six mice. Thus, it is concluded that a vaccine consisting of immunostimulatory CpG DNA hydrogel and cationized antigens can be effective for cancer immunotherapy
3D nanostructured conjugated polymers for optical applications

This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Wiley via http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201502392The self assembly of block-copolymers into the gyroid morphology was replicated into 3D nanostructured conjugated polymers. Voided styrenic gyroidal networks were used as scaffolds for the electrodeposition of two poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) derivatives and poly(pyrrole) (PPy). The careful choice of solvents and electrolytes allowed the excellent replication of the initial self-assembled morphology into self-supporting gyroidal conjugated polymer networks. The nanostructured films were employed to fabricate electrochromic devices, exhibiting excellent colour contrast upon switching, with fast switching speeds. The versatility and reliability of this method was demonstrated by the creation of switchable Fresnel zone plates, with which the focussing of light can be switched on and off.We acknowledge the EPSRC EP/G060649/1 for funding. This study was supported by the Nokia Research Centre Cambridge
Temperature-dependence of charge localization in high-mobility, solution-crystallized small molecule semiconductors studied by charge modulation spectroscopy

In solution-processable small molecule semiconductors the extent of charge carrier wavefunction localization induced by dynamic disorder can be probed spectroscopically as a function of temperature using charge modulation spectroscopy (CMS). Here we show based on combined field-effect transistor and CMS measurements as a function of temperature that in certain molecular semiconductors, such as solution-processible pentacene, charge carriers become trapped at low temperatures in environments in which the charges become highly localized on individual molecules, while in some other molecules the charge carrier wavefunction can retain a degree of delocalization similar to what is present at room temperature. Our experimental approach sheds new insight into the nature of shallow charge traps in these materials and allows us to identify molecular systems in which intrinsic transport properties could, in principle, be observed at low temperatures if other transport bottlenecks associated with grain boundaries or contacts could be removed.We acknowledge material supply and financial support from Merck Chemicals Ltd through an industrial EPSRC CASE studentship. In addition, the work in Mons was supported by the Programme d’Excellence de la Région Wallonne (OPTI2MAT project) and FNRS-FRFC. D.W.B. acknowledges financial support from the Norwegian Research Council.This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.20150250
Ligand-free synthesis of aluminum-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals and their use as optical spacers in color-tuned highly efficient organic solar cells

The color of polymer solar cells using an opaque electrode is given by the reﬂ ected light, which depends on the composition and thickness of each layer of the device. Metal-oxide-based optical spacers are intensively studied in polymer solar cells aiming to optimize the light absorption. However, the low conductivity of materials such as ZnO and TiO 2 limits the thickness of such optical spacers to tenths of nanometers. A novel synthesis route of cluster-free Al-doped ZnO (AZO) nanocrystals (NCs) is presented for solution processing of highly conductive layers without the need of temperature annealing, including thick optical spacers on top of polymer blends. The processing of 80 nm thick optical spacers based on AZO nanocrystal solutions on top of 200 nm thick polymer blend layer is demonstrated leading to improved photocurrent density of 17% compared to solar cells using standard active layers of 90 nm in com-bination with thin ZnO-based optical spacers. These AZO NCs also open new opportunities for the processing of high-efﬁ ciency color tuned solar cells. For the ﬁ rst time, it is shown that applying solution-processed thick optical spacer with polymer blends of different thicknesses can process solar cells of similar efﬁ ciency over 7% but of different colors.EU 	
FP7-ICT-2011-7 
287594 
SFUMATO-FUI Project 	
AAP12 
Generalitat Valenciana (Project Institute of Nanotechnologies for Clean Energies) 	
ISIC/2012/00
Organic-Inorganic Perovskite Light-Emitting Electrochemical Cells with a Large Capacitance

While perovskite light-emitting diodes typically made with high work function anodes and low work function cathodes have recently gained intense interests. Perovskite light-emitting devices with two high work function electrodes with interesting features are demonstrated here. Firstly, electroluminescence can be easily obtained from both forward and reverse biases. Secondly, the results of impedance spectroscopy indicate that the ionic conductivity in the iodide perovskite (CH3 NH3PbI3) is large with a value of approximate to 10(-8) S cm(-1). Thirdly, the shift of the emission spectrum in the mixed halide perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3-Br-x(x)) light-emitting devices indicates that I(-)ions are mobile in the perovskites. Fourthly, this work shows that the accumulated ions at the interfaces result in a large capacitance (approximate to 100 mu F cm(-2)). The above results conclusively prove that the organic-inorganic halide perovskites are solid electrolytes with mixed ionic and electronic conductivity and the light-emitting device is a light-emitting electrochemical cell. The work also suggests that the organic-inorganic halide perovskites are potential energy-storage materials, which may be applicable in the field of solid-state supercapacitors and batteries
Highly flexible transparent electrodes containing ultrathin silver for efficient polymer solar cells

This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. https://authorservices.wiley.com/author-resources/Journal-Authors/licensing-open-access/open-access/self-archiving.htmlTransparent electrodes (TEs) having electrooptical trade-offs better than state-of-the-art indium tin oxide (ITO) are continuously sought as they are essential to enable flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, a TiO2-Ag-ITO (TAI)-based TE is introduced and its use is demonstrated in an inverted polymer solar cell (I-PSCs). Thanks to the favorable nucleation and wetting conditions provided by the TiO2, the ultrathin silver film percolates and becomes continuous with high smoothness at very low thicknesses (3-4 nm), much lower than those required when it is directly deposited on a plastic or glass substrate. Compared to conventional ITO-TE, the proposed TAI-TE exhibits exceptionally lower electrical sheet resistance (6.2 sq(-1)), higher optical transmittance, a figure-of-merit two times larger, and mechanical flexibility, the latter confirmed by the fact that the resistance increases only 6.6% after 10(3) tensile bending cycles. The I-PSCs incorporating the TAI-TE show record power conversion efficiency (8.34%), maintained at 96% even after 400 bending cycles.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft
Interface driven pseudo-elasticity in α-Fe nanowires

Molecular dynamics simulations of bent [100] α-Fe nanowires show the nucleation of twins and nano-scale interfaces that lead to pseudo-elasticity during loading/unloading cycles. The new type of interfaces along {110} stems from the accumulation of individual <111>/{112} twin boundaries and stores high interfacial energies. These nonconventional interfaces provide a large part of the driving force for shape recovery upon unloading, while the minimization of surface energy is no longer the dominant driving force. This new pseudo-elastic effect is not much affected by surface roughness, and can be extended over a wide range of wire diameters, if the sample is seeded with conventional twin boundaries, which will transform to the desired {110} interfaces under bending.X.D. and J.S. appreciate the support of NSFC (51171140, 51231008, 51320105014, 51321003), the 973 Programs of China (2012CB619402) and 111 project (B06025). E.K.H.S. is grateful to EPSRC (EP/K009702/1) for support.This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Advanced Functional Materials via https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.20150408
Interactions between an aryl thioacetate-functionalized Zn(II) porphyrin and graphene oxide

The surface modification of graphene oxide (GO) is carried out via the supramolecular functionalization route using a Zn(II)-porphyrin which is soluble in common organic solvents on basis of long alkyl chains present at the exocyclic positions. This acts as a dispersing agent and decorates the surface of the graphene oxide uniformly, giving rise to a new nanohybrid denoted Zn(II)-porphyrin@GO. The resulting Zn(II)-porphyrin@GO nanohybrid forms a stable dispersion in ethanol (as characterized by several different spectroscopic techniques such as UV–vis, Fourier transform infrared, Raman). The morphology of Zn(II)-porphyrin@GO nanohybrid is investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM)/selected area electron diffraction. Both TEM and AFM measurements indicate that the Zn(II)-porphyrin self-assemble onto the surface of graphene oxide sheets. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence emission studies in the dispersed phase, and as a thin film, point toward the strongly quenched fluorescence emission and lifetime decay, suggesting that energy transfer occurs from the singlet excited state of Zn(II)-porphyrin unit to GO sheets
Enhanced Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells Toward Definitive Endoderm on Ultrahigh Aspect Ratio Nanopillars

Acknowledgements: C.H.R. and P.M.R. contributed equally to this work. The authors would like to thank the staff and technicians of the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre for their assistance during the substrate fabrication process – particularly Dr. Johnny Stormonth-Darling. C.H.R. and M.D. acknowledge financial support from Innovation Fund Denmark and Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark. N.G. acknowledges funding from EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council), MRC (Medical Research Council), and the Royal Society. Further N.G. and P.M.R. acknowledge funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Grant EP/F500424/1 DTC (Doctorial Training Centre) in Cell and Proteomic Technologies (PR), and EC-funded project NAPANIL (Contract No. FP7-CP-IP214249-2).Peer reviewedPublisher PD
Highly Scalable, Closed-Loop Synthesis of Drug-Loaded, Layer-by-Layer Nanoparticles

Layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly is a versatile technique from which multi­component and stimuli-responsive nanoscale drug-carriers can be constructed. Despite the benefits of LbL assembly, the conventional synthetic approach for fabricating LbL nanoparticles requires numerous purification steps that limit scale, yield, efficiency, and potential for clinical translation. In this report, a generalizable method for increasing throughput with LbL assembly is described by using highly scalable, closed-loop diafiltration to manage intermediate purification steps. This method facilitates highly controlled fabrication of diverse nanoscale LbL formulations smaller than 150 nm composed from solid-polymer, mesoporous silica, and liposomal vesicles. The technique allows for the deposition of a broad range of polyelectrolytes that included native polysaccharides, linear polypeptides, and synthetic polymers. The cytotoxicity, shelf life, and long-term storage of LbL nanoparticles produced using this approach are explored. It is found that LbL coated systems can be reliably and rapidly produced: specifically, LbL-modified liposomes could be lyophilized, stored at room temperature, and reconstituted without compromising drug encapsulation or particle stability, thereby facilitating large scale applications. Overall, this report describes an accessible approach that significantly improves the throughput of nanoscale LbL drug-carriers that show low toxicity and are amenable to clinically relevant storage conditions.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant 1F32EB017614–02)Swiss National Science Foundation (Postdoctoral Fellowship
Silicon-Modified Rare-Earth Transitions - a New Route to Near- and Mid-IR Photonics

Silicon underpins microelectronics but lacks the photonic capability needed for next-generation systems and currently relies on a highly undesirable hybridization of separate discrete devices using direct band gap semiconductors. Rare-earth (RE) implantation is a promising approach to bestow photonic capability to silicon but is limited to internal RE transition wavelengths. Reported here is the fi rst observation of direct optical transitions from the silicon band edge to internal f -levels of implanted REs (Ce, Eu, and Yb); this overturns previously held assumptions about the alignment of RE levels to the silicon band gap. The photoluminescence lines are massively redshifted to several technologically useful wavelengths and modeling of their splitting indicates that they must originate from the REs. Eu-implanted silicon devices display a greatly enhanced electroluminescence effi ciency of 8%. Also observed is the fi rst crystal fi eld splitting in Ce luminescence. Mid-IR silicon photodetectors with specifi c detectivities comparable to existing state-of-theart mid-IR detectors are demonstrated
Anisotropic growth of non-layered CdS on MoS2 monolayer for functional vertical heterostructures

Two dimensional (2D) semiconductors have emerged as a crucial material for use in next generation optotelectronics. Similar to micro-electronic devices, 2D vertical heterostructures would most likely be the elemental components for future nanoscale electronics and optotelectronics. To date, the components of mostly reported 2D van der Waals heterostructures are restricted to layer crystals. In this communication, we demonstrate that non-layered semiconductors of CdS can be epitaxially grown on to 2D layered MoS2 substrate to form a new quasi vertical heterostructure with clean interface by chemical vapor deposition. Photodetectors based on this CdS/MoS2 heterostructure show broader wavelength response and ~50 fold improvement in photoresponsivity, compared to the devices fabricated from MoS2 monolayer only. This research opens up a way to fabricate a variety of functional quasi heterostructures from non-layer semiconductors.This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC, No.61172001, 21373068, 21303030), the National key Basic Research Program of China (973 Program) under Grant No. 2013CB632900. TH acknowledges from a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship (Graphlex).This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/adfm.20150477
High-throughput topographic, mechanical, and biological screening of multilayer films containing mussel-inspired biopolymers

A high-content screening method to characterize multifunctional multilayer films that combine mechanical adhesion and favorable biological response is reported. Distinct combinations of nanostructured films are produced using layer-by-layer methodology and their morphological, physicochemical, and biological properties are analyzed in a single microarray chip. Inspired by the composition of the adhesive proteins in mussels, thin films containing dopamine-modified hyaluronic acid are studied. Flat biomimetic superhydrophobic patterned chips produced by a bench-top methodology are used for the build-up of arrays of multilayer films. The wettability contrasts imprinted onto the chips are allowed to produce individual, position controlled, multilayer films in the wettable regions. The flat configuration of the chip permits to perform a series of nondestructive measurements directly on the individual spots. In situ adhesion properties are directly measured in each spot, showing that nanostructured films richer in dopamine promote the adhesion. In vitro tests show an enhanced cell adhesion for the films with more catechol groups. The advantages presented by this platform include ability to control the uniformity and size of the multilayers films, its suitability to be used as a new low cost toolbox and for high-content cellular screening, and capability for monitoring in situ a variety of distinct material properties.The authors acknowledge the fi nancial support from the FCT (Fundação
para a Ciência e para a Tecnologia) through the Ph.D. grants with the
references SFRH/BD/73119/2010 and SFRH/BD/70107/2010. The
research was also funded by FEDER through the Competitive Factors
Operation Program (COMPETE) and by National Funds through FCT in
the scope of the project PTDC/CTM-BIO/1814/2012
Diamond nanothread as a new reinforcement for nanocomposites

This work explores the application of a new one-dimensional carbon nanomaterial, the <i>diamond nanothread (DNT)</i>, as a reinforcement for nanocomposites. Owing to the existence of Stone-Wales transformation defects, the DNT intrinsically possesses irregular surfaces, which is expected to enhance the non-covalent interfacial load transfer. Through a series of in silico pull-out studies of the DNT in <i>polyethylene (PE)</i> matrix, we found that the load transfer between DNT and PE matrix is dominated by the non-covalent interactions, in particular the van der Waals interactions. Although the hydrogenated surface of the DNT reduces the strength of the van der Waals interactions at the interface, the irregular surface of the DNT can compensate for the weak bonds. These factors lead to an interfacial shear strength of the DNT/PE interface comparable with that of the <i>carbon nanotube (CNT)</i>/PE interface. Our results show that the DNT/PE interfacial shear strength remains high even as the number of Stone-Wales transformation defects decreases. It can be enhanced further by increasing the PE density or introduction of functional groups to the DNT, both of which greatly increase the non-covalent interactions
Reusable and long-lasting active micro-cleaners for heterogeneous water remediation

Self-powered micro-machines are promising tools for the future environmental remediation technology. Waste water treatment and water reuse is an essential part of environmental sustainability. Herein, we present reusable Fe/Pt multi-functional active micro-cleaners that are capable of degrading organic pollutants by generated hydroxyl radicals via Fenton-like reaction. Various different properties of micro-cleaners such as the effect of their size, short-term storage, long-term storage, reusability, continuous swimming capability, surface composition and mechanical properties are studied. We find that micro-cleaners can continuously swim for more than 24 hours and can be stored more than 5 weeks during multiple cleaning cycles. Micro-cleaners can also be reused, which reduces the cost of the process. Over the reuse cycles, the outer iron surface of the Fe/Pt micro-cleaners generates in-situ heterogeneous Fenton catalyst and releases a low concentration of iron into the treated water while the mechanical properties also appear to be improved due to both surface composition and structural changes. Results have been characterized by SEM, XPS, Nanoindentation and Finite Element Modeling (FEM)
Fibrillar Elastomeric Micropatterns Create Tunable Adhesion Even to Rough Surfaces

Acknowledgements V.B., N.K.G., and E.A. contributed with conception and experimental design. V.B. performed the experiments. V.B., R.H., A.G., and R.M.M. carried out analysis and interpretation of data. V.B., R.H., A.G., and E.A. wrote the manuscript. V.B. and R.H. contributed equally to this work. V.B. acknowledges funding by SPP 1420 of the German Science Foundation DFG. E.A., N.K.G., and R.H. acknowledge funding from the European Research Council under the European Union/ERC Advanced Grant “Switch2Stick,” Agreement No. 340929.Peer reviewedPublisher PD
Thermally reduced graphene oxide nanohybrids of chiral functional naphthalenediimides for prostate cancer cells bioimaging

This study reports on the supramolecular assemblies formed between planar carbon systems (PCSs) such as thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) and its small-molecule model system coronene and a series of d- and l-α amino acid derivatized naphthalenediimides (NDIs) where the halogen substituents (X = F, Cl, Br, I) are varied systematically. Confocal fluorescence microscopy of NDIs, NDI•coronene, and NDI•TRGO complexes is performed proving the uptake and stability of such complexes in the cellular environment and suggesting their potential as prostate cancer imaging agents. 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy studies support the formation of charge transfer complexes whereby the increasing polarizability and general electronegativity of the aryl halide substituted at the NDI periphery influence the magnitude of the association constants in the ground state between NDI and coronene. Complexation between NDIs and PCSs also results in stable photoexcited assemblies within the solution (coronene) as well as the dispersed phased (TRGO). Fluorescence emission titrations and 2-photon time correlated single photon counting measurements suggest the existence of dynamic quenching mechanisms upon the excitation of the fluorophore in the presence of the carbon substrates, as these methods are sensitive proves for the subtle changes in the NDI environment. The series of halogenated species used exerts supramolecular control over the degree of surface assembly on the TRGO and over the interactions with the coronene molecule, and this is of relevance to the assembly of future biosensing platforms as these materials can both be viewed as congeners of graphene. Finally, MTT assays carried out in PC-3 cells demonstrate that the stable noncovalent functionalization of TRGO and coronene with either l or d NDIs remarkably improves the cellular viability in the presence of such graphene-like materials. These phenomena are of particular relevance for the understanding of the direct donor-acceptor interactions in solutions which govern the design of nanomaterials with future biosensing and bioimaging applications