Tailored Synthesis of Heterogenous 2D TMDs and Their Spectroscopic Characterization.

Two-dimensional (2D) vertical van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) show great potential across various applications. However, synthesizing large-scale structures poses challenges owing to the intricate growth parameters, forming unexpected hybrid film structures. Thus, precision in synthesis and thorough structural analysis are essential aspects. In this study, we successfully synthesized large-scale structured 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) via chemical vapor deposition using metal oxide (WO3 and MoO3) thin films and a diluted H2S precursor, individual MoS2, WS2 films and various MoS2/WS2 hybrid films (Type I: MoxW1-xS2 alloy; Type II: MoS2/WS2 vdWH; Type III: MoS2 dots/WS2). Structural analyses, including optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and cross-sectional imaging revealed that the A1g and E2g modes of WS2 and MoS2 were sensitive to structural variations, enabling hybrid structure differentiation. Type II showed minimal changes in the MoS2's A1g mode, while Types I and III exhibited a ~2.8 cm-1 blue shift. Furthermore, the A1g mode of WS2 in Type I displayed a 1.4 cm-1 red shift. These variations agreed with the TEM-observed microstructural features, demonstrating strain effects on the MoS2-WS2 interfaces. Our study provides insights into the structural features of diverse hybrid TMD materials, facilitating their differentiation through Raman spectroscopy.

Lipid mediators obtained from docosahexaenoic acid by soybean lipoxygenase attenuate RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disease characterized by persistent inflammation and joint destruction. A lipid mediator (LM, namely, 17S-monohydroxy docosahexaenoic acid, resolvin D5, and protectin DX in a ratio of 3:47:50) produced by soybean lipoxygenase from DHA, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity. In this study, we determined the effect of LM on collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) in mice and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation in RAW264.7 cells. LM effectively downregulated the expression of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and cathepsin K, inhibited osteoclast formation, and suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro. In vivo, LM at 10 µg/kg/day significantly decreased paw swelling and inhibited progression of arthritis in CAIA mice. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokine (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, IL-17, and interferon-γ) levels in serum were decreased, whereas IL-10 levels were increased following LM treatment. Furthermore, LM alleviated joint inflammation, cartilage erosion, and bone destruction in the ankles, which may be related to matrix metalloproteinase and Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that LM attenuates arthritis severity, restores serum imbalances, and modifies joint damage. Thus, LM represents a promising therapy for relieving RA symptoms.

Largely deformable torsional soft morphing actuator created by twisted shape memory alloy wire and its application to a soft morphing wing.

We present a new type of torsional soft morphing actuator designed and fabricated by twisted shape memory alloy (SMA) wires embedded in polydimethylsiloxane matrix. The design and fabrication process of the proposed soft morphing actuator are presented with investigations of its working mechanism. Actuation performance was evaluated with respect to the temporal response, the maximum torsional deformation under an applied electric current, and various design parameters including the twist direction, wire diameter, helical pitch of the SMA wire, and the actuator's thickness and length. We demonstrate potential applications of the proposed soft morphing actuator as a soft morphing wing and airfoil. The proposed actuator will aid in the development of soft actuators, soft robotics, and other relevant scientific and engineering applications.

Lipid mediators derived from DHA alleviate DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis and improve the gut microbiome in BALB/c mice.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that primarily results from immune dysregulation. We determined the potential therapeutic benefits of lipid mediators (LM, 17S-monohydroxy DHA, resolvin D5, and protectin DX in a ratio of 3:47:50) produced by soybean lipoxygenase from DHA. The underlying molecular mechanisms involved in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells as well as its effect in an AD mouse model induced by DNCB in BALB/c mice were examined. The results indicated that LM effectively attenuates the production of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1ß) and chemokines (IL-8 and MCP-1) by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. The oral administration of LM at 5 or 10 µg/kg/day significantly reduced skin lesions, epidermal thickness, and mast cell infiltration in AD mice. Furthermore, LM reduced the production of IgE and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1ß) in the serum, modulated gut microbiota diversity, and restored the microbial composition. Overall, our findings suggest that LM represents a potential therapeutic agent for improving AD symptoms through its ability to suppress inflammatory cytokines and alter the composition of gut microbiota.

Effects of Fish Oil, Lipid Mediators, Derived from Docosahexaenoic Acid, and Their Co-Treatment against Lipid Metabolism Dysfunction and Inflammation in HFD Mice and HepG2 Cells.

Although fish oil (FO) and lipid mediators (LM) derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids can prevent obesity, their combined effects and cellular metabolism remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the potential protective and metabolic effects of FO in combination with LM (a mixture of 17S-monohydroxy docosahexaenoic acid, resolvin D5, and protectin DX [3:47:50], derived from docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) on palmitic acid (PA)-induced HepG2 cells and high-fat- diet (HFD)-induced C57BL/6J mice after 9-week treatment. Lipid metabolism disorders and inflammation induced by HFD and PA were substantially reduced after FO and LM treatment. Further, FO and LM treatments reduced lipid accumulation by increasing fatty acid oxidation via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine-palmitoyl transferase 1 as well as by decreasing fatty acid synthesis via sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c and fatty acid synthase. Finally, FO and LM treatment reduced inflammation by blocking the NF-κB signaling pathway. Importantly, the combination of FO and LM exhibited more robust efficacy against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, suggesting that FO supplemented with LM is a beneficial dietary strategy for treating this disease.

Hybrid 1D/2D nanocarbon-based conducting polymer nanocomposites for high-performance wearable electrodes.

A low interfacial contact resistance is a challenge in polymer nanocomposites based on conductive nanomaterials for high-performance wearable electrode applications. Herein, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based flexible nanocomposite incorporating high-conductivity 1D single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and 2D reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) was developed for high-performance electrocardiogram (ECG) wearable electrodes. A PDMS-SWCNT (P-SW; type I) nanocomposite containing only SWCNTs (2 wt%), exhibited rough and non-uniform surface morphology owing to the strong bundling effect of as-grown SWCNTs and randomly entangled aggregate structures and because of inefficient vacuum degassing (i.e., R P-SW = 1871 Ω). In contrast, owing to the hybrid structure of the SWCNTs (1 wt%) and r-GO (1 wt%), the PDMS-SWCNTs/r-GO (P-SW/r-GO; type II) nanocomposite exhibited uniform surface characteristics and low contact resistance (i.e., R P-SW/r-GO = 63 Ω) through the formation of hybrid and long conducting pathways. The optimized nanocomposite (P-SW/r-GO/f; type III) possessed a fabric-assisted structure that enabled tunable and efficient vacuum degassing and curing conditions. Additionally, a long and wide conducting pathway was formed through more uniform and dense interconnected structures, and the contact resistance was drastically reduced (i.e., R P-SW/r-GO/f = 15 Ω). The performance of the electrodes fabricated using the optimized nanocomposites was the same or higher than that of commercial Ag/AgCl gel electrodes during real-time measurement for ECG Bluetooth monitoring. The developed high-performance hybrid conducting polymer electrodes are expected to contribute significantly to the expansion of the application scope of wearable electronic devices and wireless personal health monitoring systems.

CNT-rGO Hydrogel-Integrated Fabric Composite Synthesized via an Interfacial Gelation Process for Wearable Supercapacitor Electrodes.

We demonstrate a flexible and stretchable supercapacitor assembled via straightforward interfacial gelation of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with carbon nanotube (CNT) on a stretchable fabric surface. The difference between the redox potential of aqueous graphene oxide (GO) dispersion, prepared using a modified Hummers' method, and of a solid Zn plate, which was used as an external stimulus, induces a spontaneous reduction of GO flakes forming porous CNT-rGO hydrogel at the liquid-solid interface. With the aid of Zn, a macroporous and flexible CNT-rGO hydrogel was fabricated on a stretchable fabric platform using a facile fabrication method, and the CNT-rGO fabric composite was assembled into a supercapacitor to demonstrate its feasibility as a wearable electrode. The porous structure of the as-formed CNT-rGO fabric composite allows excellent electrolyte accessibility and ion transport that result in a fast charge/discharge rate up to 100 mV/s and a large areal capacity of 10.13 mF/cm2 at a discharge rate of 0.5 mA (0.1 mA/cm2). The inclusion of one-dimensional CNT as conductive bridges allows an excellent capacity retention of 95.2% after complete folding of the electrode and a capacity retention of 93.3% after 1000 bending cycles. Additional stretching test displayed a high capacity retention of 90.0% even at an applied strain as high as 50%, overcoming previous limitations of brittle graphene-based electrodes. This low-cost, lightweight, easy to synthesize, stretchable supercapacitor holds promise for next-generation wearable electronics and energy storage applications.

Interoperable Nanoparticle Sensor Capable of Strain and Vibration Measurement for Rotor Blade Monitoring.

Recent advances in nanomaterials technology create the new possibility to fabricate high performance sensors. However, there has been limitations in terms of multivariate measurable and interoperable sensors. In this study, we fabricated an interoperable silver nanoparticle sensor fabricated by an aerodynamically focused nanomaterial (AFN) printing system which is a direct printing technique for inorganic nanomaterials onto a flexible substrate. The printed sensor exhibited the maximum measurable frequency of 850 Hz, and a gauge factor of 290.62. Using a fabricated sensor, we evaluated the sensing performance and demonstrated the measurement independency of strain and vibration sensing. Furthermore, using the proposed signal separation algorithm based on the Kalman filter, strain and vibration were each measured in real time. Finally, we applied the printed sensor to quadrotor condition monitoring to predict the motion of a quadrotor.

Biosynthesis of glyceride glycoside (nonionic surfactant) by amylosucrase, a powerful glycosyltransferase.

Amylosucrase (ASase, E.C. 2.4.1.4) is a powerful transglycosylation enzyme that can transfer glucose from sucrose to the hydroxyl (-OH) group of various compounds. In this study, recombinant ASases from Deinococcus geothermalis (DgAS) and Bifidobacterium thermophilum (BtAS) were used to synthesize biosurfactants based on the computational analysis of predicted docking simulations. Successful predictions of the binding affinities, conformations, and three-dimensional structures of three surfactants were computed from receptor-ligand binding modes. DgAS and BtAS were effective in the synthesis of biosurfactants from glyceryl caprylate, glyceryl caprate, and polyglyceryl-2 caprate. The results of the transglycosylation reaction were consistent for both ASases, with glyceryl caprylate acceptor showing the highest concentration, as confirmed by thin layer chromatography. Furthermore, the transglycosylation reactions of DgAS were more effective than those of BtAS. Among the three substrates, glyceryl caprylate glycoside and glyceryl caprate glycoside were successfully purified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with the corresponding molecular weights.

Highly Aligned Carbon Nanowire Array by E-Field Directed Assembly of PAN-Containing Block Copolymers.

Nanoscale engineering of carbon materials is immensely demanded in various scientific areas. We present highly ordered nitrogen-doped carbon nanowire arrays via block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly under an electric field. Large dielectric constant difference between distinct polymer blocks offers rapid alignment of PMMA-b-PAN self-assembled nanodomains under an electric field. Lithographic patterning of the graphene electrode as well as straightforward thermal carbonization of the PAN block creates well-aligned carbon nanowire device structures. Diverse carbon nanopatterns including radial and curved arrays can be readily assembled by the modification of electrode shapes. Our carbon nanopatterns bear a nitrogen content over 26%, highly desirable for NO2 sensing, as the nitrogen element acts as adsorption sites for NO2 molecules. Aligned carbon nanowire arrays exhibits a 6-fold enhancement of NO2 sensitivity from a randomly aligned counterpart. Taking advantage of well-established benefits from device-oriented BCP nanopatterning, our approach proposes a viable route to highly ordered carbon nanostructures compatible to next-generation device architectures.

Directly Printed Low-Cost Nanoparticle Sensor for Vibration Measurement during Milling Process.

A real-time, accurate, and reliable process monitoring is a basic and crucial enabler of intelligent manufacturing operation and digital twin applications. In this study, we represent a novel vibration measurement method for workpiece during the milling process using a low-cost nanoparticle vibration sensor. We directly printed the vibration sensor based on silver nanoparticles positioned onto a polyimide substrate using an aerodynamically-focused nanomaterials printing system, which is a direct printing technique for inorganic nanomaterials positioned onto a flexible substrate. Since it does not require any post-process such as chemical etching and heat treatment, a highly sensitive vibration sensor composed of a microscale porous structure was fabricated at a cost of several cents each. Furthermore, accurate and reliable vibration data was obtained by simple and direct attachment to a workpiece. In this study, we discussed the performance of vibration measurement of a fabricated sensor in comparison to a commercial vibration sensor. Using frequency and power spectrum analysis of obtained data, we directly measured the vibration of workpiece during the milling process, according to a process parameter. Lastly, we applied a fabricated sensor for the digital twins of turbine blade manufacturing in which vibration greatly affects the quality of the product to predict the process defects in real-time.

Air-Stable Perovskite Nanostructures with Dimensional Tunability by Polymerizable Structure-Directing Ligands.

Perovskite nanocrystals are promising luminescent materials with synthetic feasibility and band gap tunability. Nonetheless, application of the perovskite nanocrystals to light-emitting devices has been challenging because of the intrinsic poor colloidal stability and environmental vulnerability issues. Here, we introduce a new protocol for highly air-stable perovskite nanocrystal layers with a tunable band gap via a simple nanocrystal pinning process. The nanocrystals were composed of CH3NH3PbBr3 (MAPbBr3) mixed with (vinylbenzylamine)2PbBr4 ((VBzA)2PbBr4), which contains a photopolymerizable structure-directing ligand. Along with the compostion of (VBzA)2PbBr4, the band gap of the perovskite layer continuously increased with the reduction of the nanocrystal size and also lattice distortion. The nanocrystal film readily polymerized upon exposure to visible light was highly stable under humid air more than 15 days. Its application to bluish-green light-emitting diodes is demonstrated.

Nanoscale Assembly of 2D Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications.

Rational design of 2D materials is crucial for the realization of their profound implications in energy and environmental fields. The past decade has witnessed significant developments in 2D material research, yet a number of critical challenges remain for real-world applications. Nanoscale assembly, precise control over the orientational and positional ordering, and complex interfaces among 2D layers are essential for the continued progress of 2D materials, especially for energy storage and conversion and environmental remediation. Herein, recent progress, the status, future prospects, and challenges associated with nanoscopic assembly of 2D materials are highlighted, specifically targeting energy and environmental applications. Geometric dimensional diversity of 2D material assembly is focused on, based on novel assembly mechanisms, including 1D fibers from the colloidal liquid crystalline phase, 2D films by interfacial tension (Marangoni effect), and 3D nanoarchitecture assembly by electrochemical processes. Relevant critical advantages of 2D material assembly are highlighted for application fields, including secondary batteries, supercapacitors, catalysts, gas sensors, desalination, and water decontamination.

Conformal 3D Nanopatterning by Block Copolymer Lithography with Vapor-Phase Deposited Neutral Adlayer.

Block copolymer (BCP) lithography is an effective nanopatterning methodology exploiting nanoscale self-assembled periodic patterns in BCP thin films. This approach has a critical limitation for nonplanar substrate geometry arising from the reflow and modification of BCP films upon the thermal or solvent annealing process, which is inevitable to induce the mobility of BCP chains for the self-assembly process. Herein, reflow-free, 3D BCP nanopatterning is demonstrated by introducing a conformally grown adlayer by the initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) process. A highly cross-linked poly(divinylbenzene) layer was deposited directly onto the BCP thin film surface by iCVD, which effectively prevented the reflow of BCP thin film during an annealing process. BCP nanopatterns could be stabilized on various substrate geometry, including a nonplanar deformed polymer substrate, a pyramid shape substrate, and a graphene fiber surface. A fiber-type hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst is suggested by stabilizing lamellar Pt nanopatterns on severely rough graphene fiber surfaces.

Intact Crystalline Semiconducting Graphene Nanoribbons from Unzipping Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes.

Unzipping carbon nanotubes (CNTs) may offer a valuable route to synthesize graphene nanoribbon (GNR) structures with semiconducting properties. Unfortunately, currently available unzipping methods commonly rely on a random harsh chemical reaction and thereby cause significant degradation of the crystalline structure and electrical properties of GNRs. Herein, crystalline semiconducting GNRs are achieved by a synergistic, judiciously designed two-step unzipping method for N-doped CNTs (NCNTs). NCNTs are effectively unzipped by damage-minimized, dopant-specific electrochemical unzipping and subsequent sonochemical treatment into long ribbon-like nanostructures with crystalline basal planes. Owing to the nanoscale dimension originating from the dense nucleation of the unzipping reaction at highly NCNTs, the resultant GNRs demonstrate semiconducting properties, which can be exploited for chemiresistor-type gas-sensing devices and many other applications.

Janus Graphene Liquid Crystalline Fiber with Tunable Properties Enabled by Ultrafast Flash Reduction.

Flash photothermal treatment via Xenon lamp with a broad wavelength spectrum can effectively remove oxygen functionalities and restore sp2 domains at graphitic carbon materials. The chemical composition and relevant structure formation of flash reduced graphene oxide liquid crystal (GOLC) fibers are investigated in accordance with flash irradiation conditions. Owing to the spatial controllability of reduction level via anisotropic flash irradiation, the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of graphene fibers can be delicately counterbalanced to attain desired properties. High sensitivity humidity sensors can be fabricated from the flash reduced fibers demonstrating notably higher sensitivity over the thermally reduced counterparts. This ultrafast flash reduction holds great promise for multidimensional macroscopic GO based structures, enabling a wide range of potential applications, including textile electronics and wearable sensors.

Highly Sensitive Solvent-free Silver Nanoparticle Strain Sensors with Tunable Sensitivity Created Using an Aerodynamically Focused Nanoparticle Printer.

We developed and presented highly sensitive solvent-free silver nanoparticle strain sensors fabricated using the aerodynamically focused nanoparticle (AFN) printer. The nanoparticles were printed in various conductive patterns. We explored how printer scan velocity affected pattern geometry and sensor sensitivity. The strain sensors were highly sensitive; the scan velocity afforded tunable sensitivity; and an analytical model predicted the behavior well under low-strain (<0.4%) conditions. We describe a prototype sensor that reliably measured composite beam tensile strain. We further enhanced the sensitivity by creating mechanical cracks, facilitating small dynamic signal measurements. The linear sensitivity of the sensor could be tuned from 18.60 to 290.62 by varying the scan velocity from 2 to 40 µm/s. The cracked sensor afforded the greatest sensitivity (1056) and captured small vibrations from a stringed instrument. We report highly sensitive and reliable measurements of dynamic behavior with simple tunability.

Directed Nanoscale Self-Assembly of Natural Photosystems on Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Nanotubes for Solar-Energy Harvesting.

Natural photosystems (PSs) have received much attention as a biological solar energy harvester because of their high quantum efficiency for energy transfer. However, the PSs hybridized with solid electrodes exhibit low light-harvesting efficiencies because of poor interface properties and random orientations of PSs, all of which interfere with efficient charge extraction and transfer. Herein, we report the linker-free, oriented self-assembly of natural PSs with nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) via electrostatic interaction. Protonated nitrogen-doped sites on the NCNTs facilitate spontaneous immobilization of the negatively charged stroma side of PSs, which provides a favorable orientation for electron transfer without electrically insulating polymer linkers. The resulting PS/NCNT hybrids exhibit a photocurrent density of 1.25 ± 0.08 µA cm-2, which is much higher than that of PS/CNT hybrids stabilized with polyethylenimine (0.60 ± 0.01 µA cm-2) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.14 ± 0.01 µA cm-2), respectively. This work emphasizes the importance of the linker-free assembly of PSs into well-oriented hybrid structures to construct an efficient light-harvesting electrode.

Ultrastable Graphene-Encapsulated 3 nm Nanoparticles by In Situ Chemical Vapor Deposition.

Nanoscale materials offer enormous opportunities for catalysis, sensing, energy storage, and so on, along with their superior surface activity and extremely large surface area. Unfortunately, their strong reactivity causes severe degradation and oxidation even under ambient conditions and thereby deteriorates long-term usability. Here superlative stable graphene-encapsulated nanoparticles with a narrow diameter distribution prepared via in situ chemical vapor deposition (CVD) are presented. The judiciously designed CVD protocol generates 3 nm size metal and ceramic nanoparticles intimately encapsulated by few-layer graphene shells. Significantly, graphene-encapsulated Co3 O4 nanoparticles exhibit outstanding structural and functional integrity over 2000 cycles of lithiation/delithiation for Li-ion battery anode application, accompanied by 200% reversible volume change of the inner core particles. The insight obtained from this approach offers guidance for utilizing high-capacity electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. Furthermore, this in situ CVD synthesis is compatible with many different metal precursors and postsynthetic treatments, including oxidation, phosphidation, and sulfidation, and thus offers a versatile platform for reliable high-performance catalysis and energy storage/conversion with nanomaterials.

Shape Memory Alloy (SMA)-Based Microscale Actuators with 60% Deformation Rate and 1.6 kHz Actuation Speed.

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are widely utilized as an actuation source in microscale devices, since they have a simple actuation mechanism and high-power density. However, they have limitations in terms of strain range and actuation speed. High-speed microscale SMA actuators are developed having diamond-shaped frame structures with a diameter of 25 µm. These structures allow for a large elongation range compared with bulk SMA materials, with the aid of spring-like behavior under tensile deformation. These actuators are validated in terms of their applicability as an artificial muscle in microscale by investigating their behavior under mechanical deformation and changes in thermal conditions. The shape memory effect is triggered by delivering thermal energy with a laser. The fast heating and cooling phenomenon caused by the scale effect allows high-speed actuation up to 1600 Hz. It is expected that the proposed actuators will contribute to the development of soft robots and biomedical devices.