Solvatochromic peptidic binder obtained via extended phage display acts as a fluororeporter for fragment-based drug discovery (FBDD).

We have previously established a selection system to obtain a solvatochromic protein binder from a peptidic fluoroprobe library via the extended T7 phage display. Here, we use the peptidic binder as a fluororeporter in this proof-of-concept study of fragment-based screening approach to drug discovery. The binder is released from the target protein on mixing with an appropriate lead compound, thereby altering its fluorescence color/intensity under 365 nm ultraviolet wavelength irradiation. By this instant screening outcome, the affinity of the lead compound is apparent to the naked eye, and quantified with a portable microvolume fluorophotometer. We envision that our simple and affordable screening system will provide opportunities for early stage drug discovery, especially for non-experts in academia and education because expensive hardware is not required for qualifying the measurements.

Global snapshot of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research activities of materials scientists between Spring and Autumn 2020.

We conducted a global survey on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the research activities of materials scientists by distributing a questionnaire on 9 October 2020 with a response deadline of 23 October 2020. The questions covered issues such as access to labs, effectiveness of online conferences, and effects on doctoral students for the period covering the first lockdowns until the relaxation of restrictions in late September 2020 in many countries. The survey also included online interviews with eminent materials scientists who shared their local experiences during this period. The interviews were compiled as a series of audio conversations for The STAM Podcast that is freely available worldwide. Our findings included that the majority of institutes were not prepared for such a crisis; researchers in China, Japan, and Singapore were able to resume research much quicker - for example after approximately one month in Japan - than their counterparts in the US and Europe after the first lockdowns; researchers adapted to using virtual teleconferencing to maintain contact with colleagues; and doctoral students were the hardest hit by the pandemic with deep concerns about completing their research and career prospects. We hope that the analysis from this survey will enable the global materials science community to learn from each other's experiences and move forward from the unprecedented circumstances created by the pandemic.

High azimuthal angle tolerant dual-channel wavelength filter from visible to NIR using conically mounted guided mode resonance structures.

We present a concept to design narrow linewidth dual-channel wavelength filters using the principle of wavelength tuning under conical mounting of guided mode resonance structure. The general procedure for the design of such filters from visible to NIR wavelength range is presented and validated experimentally. We show that already fabricated guided mode resonance structures that do not show dual wavelength filtering at these wavelengths in classical mounting can exhibit dual wavelength filtering in conical mounting. Using this principle, we design high azimuthal angle tolerant guided mode resonance dual wavelength filters at C-band communication wavelengths (1310 and 1550 nm) that are insensitive to azimuthal angle over a range of up to 20 deg, achieved in expense of a tolerance in the angle of incidence that is less than 3 deg.

Micro-Hall Sensors Based on Two-Dimensional Molybdenum Diselenide.

Sensors and electronic devices based on semiconductors in their two-dimensional forms have many advantages. In this paper, we studied micro-Hall sensors based on two-dimensional molybdenum diselenide for the first time. The micro-Hall sensor based on a Ti/MoSe2/Ti structure clearly showed a linear dependence of the Hall voltage as a function of the magnetic field, with a magnetic sensitivity of ∼16 V/AT. The magnetic sensitivity was higher in the Au/MoSe2/Au structure, with a maximum value of ∼120 V/AT at a bias current of 100 mA; the minimum detectable magnetic field was found to be 1.45 µT/Hz1/2 at the same current value, making our new micro-Hall sensor a very good candidate for magnetic sensing applications.

High sensitivity refractive index sensor based on simple diffraction from phase grating.

We present a technique for refractive index sensing using a phase grating structure. A grating under normal incidence can be designed such that the first-order diffracted light travels at a diffraction angle of 90° with respect to the zeroth order. The diffracted light, which is along the direction of periodicity, can further be diffracted from the grating and interfere with the zeroth-order light. Under this condition, the π phase difference that arises between the two interfering beams results in a transmission dip. We can tune this dip wavelength for senor applications, based on the grating equation. This Letter presents both simulation and experimental data that show good agreement with each other.

Thickness dependence on the optoelectronic properties of multilayered GaSe based photodetector.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials exhibit unique optoelectronic properties at atomic thicknesses. In this paper, we fabricated metal-semiconductor-metal based photodetectors using layered gallium selenide (GaSe) with different thicknesses. The electrical and optoelectronic properties of the photodetectors were studied, and these devices showed good electrical characteristics down to GaSe flake thicknesses of 30 nm. A photograting effect was observed in the absence of a gate voltage, thereby implying a relatively high photoresponsivity. Higher values of the photoresponsivity occurred for thicker layers of GaSe with a maximum value 0.57 AW(-1) and external quantum efficiency of of 132.8%, and decreased with decreasing GaSe flake thickness. The detectivity was 4.05 × 10(10) cm Hz(1/2) W(-1) at 532 nm laser wavelength, underscoring that GaSe is a promising p-type 2D material for photodetection applications in the visible spectrum.

Magnetic-particle-sensing based diagnostic protocols and applications.

Magnetic particle-labeled biomaterial detection has attracted much attention in recent years for a number of reasons; easy manipulation by external magnetic fields, easy functionalization of the surface, and large surface-to-volume ratio, to name but a few. In this review, we report on our recent investigations into the detection of nano-sized magnetic particles. First, the detection by Hall magnetic sensor with lock-in amplifier and alternative magnetic field is summarized. Then, our approach to detect sub-200 nm diameter target magnetic particles via relatively large micoro-sized "columnar particles" by optical microscopy is described. Subsequently, we summarize magnetic particle detection based on optical techniques; one method is based on the scattering of the magnetically-assembled nano-sized magnetic bead chain in rotating magnetic fields and the other one is based on the reflection of magnetic target particles and porous silicon. Finally, we report recent works with reference to more familiar industrial products (such as smartphone-based medical diagnosis systems and magnetic removal of unspecific-binded nano-sized particles, or "magnetic washing").

Porous silicon platform for optical detection of functionalized magnetic particles biosensing.

The physical properties of porous materials are being exploited for a wide range of applications including optical biosensors, waveguides, gas sensors, micro capacitors, and solar cells. Here, we review the fast, easy and inexpensive electrochemical anodization based fabrication porous silicon (PSi) for optical biosensing using functionalized magnetic particles. Combining magnetically labeled biomolecules with PSi offers a rapid and one-step immunoassay and real-time detection by magnetic manipulation of superparamagnetic beads (SPBs) functionalized with target molecules onto corresponding probe molecules immobilized inside nano-pores of PSi. We first give an introduction to electrochemical and chemical etching procedures used to fabricate a wide range of PSi structures. Next, we describe the basic properties of PSi and underlying optical scattering mechanisms that govern their unique optical properties. Finally, we give examples of our experiments that demonstrate the potential of combining PSi and magnetic beads for real-time point of care diagnostics.

Biosensing based on magnetically induced self-assembly of particles in magnetic colloids.

Superparamagnetic beads and nonmagnetic beads of different sizes were assembled to form a "ring-structure" in a magnetorheological (MR) fluid solution by the application of external magnetic fields. For superparamagnetic beads and non-magnetic beads functionalized with probe and target molecules, respectively, the ring-structure was maintained even after removing the external magnetic field due to biomolecular bonding. Several experiments are described, including the formation process of ring-structures with and without molecular interactions, the accelerating effect of external magnetic fields, and the effect of biotin concentration on the structures of the rings. We define the small nonmagnetic particles as "petals" because the whole structure looks like a flower. The number of remnant ring petals was a function of the concentration of target molecules in the concentration range of 0.0768 ng/ml-3.8419 ng/ml which makes this protocol a promising method for biosensing. Not only was the formation process rapid, but the resulting two-dimensional colloidal system also offers a simple method for reducing reagent consumption and waste generation.

Microstructure and optical properties of Ag-doped ZnO nanostructures prepared by a wet oxidation doping process.

Silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag:ZnO) nanostructures were prepared by a facile and efficient wet oxidation method. This method included two steps: metallic Zn thin films mixed with Ag atoms were prepared by magnetron sputtering as the precursors, and then the precursors were oxidized in an O(2) atmosphere with water vapour present to form Ag:ZnO nanostructures. By controlling the oxidation conditions, pure ZnO and Ag:ZnO nanobelts/nanowires with a thickness of ∼ 20 nm and length of up to several tens of microns were synthesized. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence and low temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements were adopted to characterize the microstructure and optical properties of the prepared samples. The results indicated that Ag doping during magnetron sputtering was a feasible method to tune the optical properties of ZnO nanostructures. For the Ag:ZnO nanostructures, the intensity of ultraviolet emission was increased up to three times compared with the pure ones. The detailed PL intensity variation with the increasing temperature is also discussed based on the ionization energy of acceptor in ZnO induced by Ag dopants.

Hybrid AlGaN/GaN-ZnO-nanowire gas sensors.

The potential of AIGaN/GaN heterostructures integrated with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires for gas sensing applications is demonstrated. Single crystal ZnO nanowires, serving as sensing probes, were selectively grown between two ohmic electrodes of AIGaN/GaN two dimensional electron gas heterostructures by thermal oxidation of sputtered zinc films in air. Electron diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed the ZnO-nanowires to be crystalline structures oriented in the [001] direction. The fabricated structures were used to detect ethanol, acetone and methanol in a nitrogen background. The results indicate that the hybrid AIGaN/GaN-ZnO nanowires gas sensors are operable over a broad range of temperatures and could potentially be integrated with devices for wireless environmental monitoring.

Magneto-optical biosensing platform based on light scattering from self-assembled chains of functionalized rotating magnetic beads.

We describe a simple protocol for the rapid, highly sensitive, and quantitative measurement of the concentration of biomolecules in a solution by monitoring light scattered by self-assembled chains of functionalized superparamagnetic beads (SBs) rotating in the solution. A rotating external field (H(ex)) applied to an aqueous solution containing 250 nm diameter biotinylated SBs produced linear chains of SBs rotating in phase with Hex due to magnetically induced self-assembly. At constant Hex, the addition of avidin to the solution led to the formation of longer SB-chains than without the presence of avidin. The generation of longer SB-chains was revealed by increases in the amplitude of the oscillating optical transmittance signal of the magnetic colloid solution. Monitoring changes in the amplitude of the optical transmittance of the solution enabled quantitative determination of the concentration of avidin added to the solution with a sensitivity of 100 pM (6.7 ng/mL) and a dynamic range of at least 3 orders of magnitude. The rotating chains acted as biomolecule probes and micromagnetic mixers, enabling detection of biomolecular recognition in less than 30 s. This approach offers a rapid, highly sensitive, inexpensive, and homogeneous means for detecting biorecognition processes.

Synthesis and applications of magnetic nanoparticles for biorecognition and point of care medical diagnostics.

Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are important components in biorecognition and medical diagnostics. Here, we present a review of our contribution to this interdisciplinary research field. We start by describing a simple one-step process for the synthesis of highly uniform ferrite nanoparticles (d = 20-200 nm) and their functionalization with amino acids via carboxyl groups. For real-world applications, we used admicellar polymerization to produce 200 nm diameter 'FG beads', consisting of several 40 nm diameter ferrite nanoparticles encapsulated in a co-polymer of styrene and glycidyl methacrylate for high throughput molecular screening. The highly dispersive FG beads were functionalized with an ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether spacer and used for affinity purification of methotrexate-an anti-cancer agent. We synthesized sub-100 nm diameter magnetic nanocapsules by exploiting the self-assembly of viral capsid protein pentamers, where single 8, 20, and 27 nm nanoparticles were encapsulated with VP1 pentamers for applications including MRI contrast agents. The FG beads are now commercially available for use in fully automated bio-screening systems. We also incorporated europium complexes inside a polymer matrix to produce 140 nm diameter fluorescent-ferrite beads (FF beads), which emit at 618 nm. These FF beads were used for immunofluorescent staining for diagnosis of cancer metastases to lymph nodes during cancer resection surgery by labeling tumor cell epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRs), and for the detection of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)-a hormone secreted in excess amounts by the heart when stressed-to a level of 2.0 pg ml(-1). We also describe our work on Hall biosensors made using InSb and GaAs/InGaAs/AlGaAs 2DEG heterostructures integrated with gold current strips to reduce measurement times. Our approach for the detection of sub-200 nm magnetic bead is also described: we exploit the magnetically induced capture of micrometer sized 'probe beads' by nanometer sized 'target beads', enabling the detection of small concentrations of beads as small as 8 nm in 'pumpless' microcapillary systems. Finally, we describe a 'label-less homogeneous' procedure referred to as 'magneto-optical transmission (MT) sensing', where the optical transmission of a solution containing rotating linear chains of magnetic nanobeads was used to detect biomolecules with pM-level sensitivity with a dynamic range of more than four orders of magnitude. Our research on the synthesis and applications of nanoparticles is particularly suitable for point of care diagnostics.

Development of novel magnetic nano-carriers for high-performance affinity purification.

We developed novel magnetic nano-carriers around 180 nm in diameter for affinity purification. Prepared magnetic nano-carriers possessed uniform core/shell/shell nano-structure composed of 40 nm magnetite particles/poly(styrene-co-glycidyl methacrylate (GMA))/polyGMA, which was constructed by admicellar polymerization. By utilizing relatively large 40 nm magnetite particles with large magnetization, the magnetic nano-carriers could show good response to permanent magnet. Thanks to uniform polymer shell with high physical/chemical stability, the magnetic nano-carriers could disperse in a wide range of organic solvent without disruption of core/shell structure and could immobilize various kinds of drugs. We examined affinity purification using our prepared magnetic nano-carriers with anti-cancer agent methotrexate (MTX) as ligand. Our magnetic nano-carriers showed higher performance compared to commercially available magnetic beads in terms of purification efficiency of target including extent of non-specific binding protein.

High efficiency Hall effect micro-biosensor platform for detection of magnetically labeled biomolecules.

Detection of magnetically labeled biomolecules using micro-Hall biosensors is a promising method for monitoring biomolecular recognition processes. The measurement efficiency of standard systems is limited by the time taken for magnetic beads to reach the sensing area of the Hall devices. Here, micro-current lines were integrated with Hall effect structures to manipulate the position of magnetic beads via field gradients generated by localized currents flowing in the current lines. Beads were accumulated onto the sensor surface within seconds of passing currents through the current lines. Real-time detection of magnetic beads using current lines integrated with Hall biosensors was achieved. These results are promising in establishing Hall biosensor platforms as efficient and inexpensive means of monitoring biomolecular reactions for medical applications.

Laser Power Dependent Optical Properties of Mono- and Few-Layer MoS2.

We report on the exponential decay of the red-shift of the photoluminescence A-exciton peak in monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with the excitation laser power. The linear relationship found for the thermal variation of the same peak suggests that the laser power effect goes beyond the exciton dynamics associated to temperature variations. Laser exitation power effect on the broadening and red-shifting of the A(1g) and E(2g)1 phonon peaks observed by Raman spectroscopy reflect the damping of vibration due local thermal heating induced by the laser. Our results point out the laser excitation power dependence on the photoluminescence properties of monolayer MoS2.

On-chip magnetometer for characterization of superparamagnetic nanoparticles.

An on-chip magnetometer was fabricated by integrating a planar Hall magnetoresistive (PHR) sensor with microfluidic channels. The measured in-plane field sensitivities of an integrated PHR sensor with NiFe/Cu/IrMn trilayer structure were extremely high at 8.5 µV Oe(-1). The PHR signals were monitored during the oscillation of 35 pL droplets of magnetic nanoparticles, and reversed profiles for the positive and negative z-fields were measured, where magnitudes increased with the applied z-field strength. The measured PHR signals for 35 pL droplets of magnetic nanoparticles versus applied z-fields showed excellent agreement with magnetization curves measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) of 3 µL volume, where a PHR voltage of 1 µV change is equivalent to 0.309 emu cc(-1) of the volume magnetization with a magnetic moment resolution of ~10(-10) emu.

Radical-assisted chemical doping for chemically derived graphene.

Carrier doping of graphene is one of the most challenging issues that needs to be solved to enable its use in various applications. We developed a carrier doping method using radical-assisted conjugated organic molecules in the liquid phase and demonstrated all-wet fabrication process of doped graphene films without any vacuum process. Charge transfer interaction between graphene and dopant molecules was directly investigated by spectroscopic studies. The resistivity of the doped graphene films was drastically decreased by two orders of magnitude. The resistivity was improved by not only carrier doping but the improvement in adhesion of doped graphene flakes. First-principles calculation supported the model of our doping mechanism.

Viral protein-coating of magnetic nanoparticles using simian virus 40 VP1.

Artificial beads including magnetite and fluorescence particles are useful to visualize pathologic tissue, such as cancers, from harmless types by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or fluorescence imaging. Desirable properties of diagnostic materials include high dispersion in body fluids, and the ability to target specific tissues. Here we report on the development of novel magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) intended for use as diagnosis and therapy that are coated with viral capsid protein VP1-pentamers of simian virus 40, which are monodispersive in body fluid by conjugating epidermal growth factor (EGF) to VP1. Critically, the coating of MNPs with VP1 facilitated stable dispersion of the MNPs in body fluids. In addition, EGF was conjugated to VP1 coating on MNPs (VP1-MNPs). EGF-conjugated VP1-MNPs were successfully used to target EGF receptor-expressing tumor cells in vitro. Thus, using viral capsid protein VP1 as a coating material would be useful for medical diagnosis and therapy.

Doping graphene films via chemically mediated charge transfer.

Transparent conductive films (TCFs) are critical components of a myriad of technologies including flat panel displays, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells. Graphene-based TCFs have attracted a lot of attention because of their high electrical conductivity, transparency, and low cost. Carrier doping of graphene would potentially improve the properties of graphene-based TCFs for practical industrial applications. However, controlling the carrier type and concentration of dopants in graphene films is challenging, especially for the synthesis of p-type films. In this article, a new method for doping graphene using the conjugated organic molecule, tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), is described. Notably, TCNQ is well known as a powerful electron accepter and is expected to favor electron transfer from graphene into TCNQ molecules, thereby leading to p-type doping of graphene films. Small amounts of TCNQ drastically improved the resistivity without degradation of optical transparency. Our carrier doping method based on charge transfer has a huge potential for graphene-based TCFs.