Detection of Amyloid ß Using a Poly-L-Lysine Mediated Nanobiosensor.

Amyloid ß (Aß) peptide is secreted from the outside of neural cell by a neural signal pathway and it accumulated each other results in the highly toxicity amyloid plaque which is a critical causative factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The peptide is considered to be a potential biomarker to diagnose AD. Here we introduce a novel poly-L-lysine (PLL) mediated nanobiosensor to detect Aß in vitro. The PLL molecules were utilized as a signal amplifier of Aß detection. The indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method and the sandwich ELISA method have tried to the detection of Aß. A commercially available ELISA plate was modified by PLL using a chemical agent and the amplified amino groups were activated by a functional group for the binding of Aß. The bound Aß was further modified with a primary antibody and fluorescence molecules conjugated secondary antibody by the traditional immunochemistry. In the result, the fluorescence intensity was increased by the increasing concentration of Aß, and the best Aß detection results were obtained in the PLL mediated indirect ELISA nanobiosensor. We expected that the present method would be optimized and applied for the detection of Aß in human fluid.

Development of Chemically Signal Amplified Nano-Biosensor Mediated by Poly-L-Lysine.

Amyloid ß (Aß) is considered to be one of a potential biomarker to monitor Alzheimer's Disease (AD) not only for diagnostic purposes but for early detection. Here we describe a novel nano-biosensor for Aß mediated by poly-L-lysine (PLL) which was used for the amplification of detection signal for Aß. The indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was modified using PLL for the amplification of the Aß detection signal. A commercially available ELISA plate was modified by PLL using chemical agent and the amplified amino groups were activated by a chemical agent for the detection of Aß. The detection was carried out by the traditional immunochemistry using primary antibody and fluorescence molecules conjugated secondary antibody. In the result, the fluorescence intensity was increased by the increasing treated Aß amount, and the sensitivity was approximately 2 times higher in the concentration of 2 ng/mL Aß treatment, and approximately 4 times higher in the concentration of 200 ng/mL Aß treatment compare with that of indirect ELISA detection method. We suggest our novel signal amplification method for the Aß early detection.

Detection of Actin Filament and Cofilin Interaction Change by Actin Filament Curvature Decreasing.

Actin filament senses mechanical forces and it is transduced into biochemical signals during many cellular processes. In the disassembling process of actin filaments, cofilin plays a central role as the actin filament depolymerization. In this study, we evaluated a quantitative analysis of the actin filament-cofilin interaction change dependent upon the actin filament curvature decrease using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and a fabricated wave-like substrate. A wave-like substrate was fabricated by a maskless photo-lithography of a spin coated film on a glass substrate, and graphene oxide sheet was used for the decreasing of non-specific interaction between protein and the substrate. By single-molecule force spectroscopy, we determined rupture force of actin filament-cofilin binding on the wave-like substrate and a flat substrate. The rupture force of actin filament-cofilin binding at the curvature of -1.35 µm-1 showed a value approximately 4 times higher than the rupture force at the curvature of -0.15 µm-1. The present study will provide the possibility and quantitative evidence that mechanical stress on cytoskeletal filaments can modulate how they interact with their binding proteins.

Probing Amyloid ß and the Antibody Interaction Using Atomic Force Microscopy.

Amyloid ß (Aß) peptide is considered to be the critical causative factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) because the hydrophilic molecules accumulated outside of the neural cells and results in the formation of highly toxicity amyloid plaque. In this study, we probed the interaction between Aß and the antibody using atomic force microscopy (AFM). We compared two kinds of antibodies which are the antibody for Aß 1-42 (antibody42) and the antibody for Aß 1-16 (antibody16). To detect the interaction between Aß and the antibodies, the single molecular force spectroscopy was carried out using Aß modified glass substrate and the antibodies modified AFM probes. In the results, the single Aß-antibody42 dissociation constant was estimated to be 5.2 × 10-3 s-1 and the single Aß-antibody16 dissociation constant was 2.8×10-2 s-1. The Aß-antibody42 showed 5.3 times longer bond life time compare with Aß-antibody16. It suggested that antibody42 is better choice for the Aß sensor development.

Hybrid Structure White Organic Light Emitting Diode for Enhanced Efficiency by Varied Doping Rate.

Novel materials based on Zn(HPB)2 and Ir-complexes were synthesized as blue or red emitters, respectively. White organic light emitting diodes were fabricated using the Zn(HPB)2 as a blue emitting layer, Ir-complexes as a red emitting layer and Alq3 as a green emitting layer. The obtained experimental results, were based on white OLEDs fabricated using double emission layers of Zn(HPB)2 and Alq3:Ir-complexes. The doping rate of the Ir-complexes was varied at 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8% and 1.0%. When the doping rate of the Alq3:Ir-complexes was 0.6%, a white emission was achieved. The Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of the device's white emission were (0.316, 0.331) at an applied voltage of 10.75 V.

Electrical characterization of organic monolayers at a nanoscale.

This study investigates the electrical properties of viologen derivatives at a nanoscale and analyzes it using a scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) in order to apply viologen molecules that represent a function in electron transfer mediators as a molecular electronic device. In addition, we measure conformational changes in the viologen molecular protrusions using STM and investigate changes in the width and height of the alkyl group that are due to the change in the polarity of viologen molecules by electron charges. In this experiment, high peak current is observed, such as a rectification at +1.14 V. Thus, according to the results of this experiment the rectification ratio [RR = J (at +2.5 V)/J (at -2.5 V)] of the viologen is found by 4.47 (HSC8VC8SH). Similar results are also obtained in some other cases of viologen derivatives.

White organic light-emitting diodes with Zn-complexes.

This paper reviews OLEDs fabricated using Zn-complexes. Zn(HPB)2, Zn(HPB)q, and Zn(phen)q were synthesized as new electroluminescence materials. The electron affinity (EA) and ionization potential (IP) of Zn complexes were also determined and devices were characterized. Zn complexes such as Zn(HPB)2, Zn(HPB)q, and Zn(phen)q were found to exhibit blue and yellow emissions with wavelengths of 455, 532, and 535 nm, respectively. On the other hand, Zn(HPB)2 and Zn(HPB)q were applied as hole-blocking materials. As a result, the OLED efficiency by using Zn(HPB)2 as a hole-blocking material was improved. In particular, the OLED property of Zn(HPB)2 was found to be better than that of Zn(HPB)q. Moreover, Zn(phen)q was used as an electron-transporting material and compared with Alq3. The performance of the device with Zn(phen)q as an electron-transporting material was improved compared with Alq3-based devices. The Zn complexes can possibly be used as hole-blocking and electron-transporting materials in OLED devices. A white emission was ultimately realized from the OLED devices using Zn-complexes as inter-layer components.

Synthesis and electroluminescent properties of a novel electroluminescence material of bis-2-(4-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)benzo[d]oxazole (DPB).

A new light-emissive material, bis-2-(4-(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)benzo[d]oxazole (DPB), has been synthesized and characterized by FT-NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis and elemental analysis. DPB has the band gap of 4.3 eV between HOMO and LUMO levels. The photoluminescence (PL) of DPB was measured at 410 nm from the chloroform solution. The electroluminescent (EL) devices with structures of ITO/NPB/DPB/LiF/Al and ITO/NPB/DPB/Alq3/LiF/Al were constructed and showed maximum emission at 540 nm. The device using DPB as emitting material showed the luminance of 1000 cd/m2 at 11 V. The CIE chromaticity of the device showed near the region of white color emission.

Optical and electrical properties of merocyanine dye LB films by various time of UV irradiation and heat treatment.

The Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique provides many possibilities for the control of film thickness, dimensions, and molecular structures on the nanometer scale. Various kinds of dye molecules have been found to form the J-aggregation which has been used as sensitizers of silver halide photography for long time. In recent years, they attract attention as model systems for investigating the ultra-fast exciton dynamics, materials for ultra-fast nonlinear optical devices, fluorescence probes for mitochondrial membranes. We fabricated the merocyanine dye LB films with arachidic acid (AA). In order to observe the J-aggregation of the merocyanine dye LB films, CdCl2 and KHCO3 solutions were added in subphase. From the optical absorption spectra of the mixed dye LB films (6Me-Ds:AA = 1:2) at different layers, the optical absorption peak was about 520 nm. However, the optical absorption peak of the LB films was shifted to 600 nm, when CdCl2 and KHCO3 solutions were added. This is the consequence result to the J-aggregation of the merocyanine dye. We also investigated the optical absorption peak of the LB films according to various time at 60 degrees C and 275 nm UV. We measured the STM morphology of the merocyanine dye LB film (1 layer) before UV irradiation and heat treatment. The morphology size of the LB film on HOPG was 5 nm. The roughness and molecular size were about 66.163 pm and 0.176 nm, respectively. The J-aggregation of this type was also accompanied by large morphological changes. We analyze the morphology and electrical properties of the LB films by the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).

Photolysis properties of merocyanine dye LB films by various time of UV irradiation.

We fabricated the merocyanine dye LB films with arachidic acid (MD LB films). We compared absorption peak of before and after added Cd2+. The optical absorption peak of the MD LB films was shifted to 610 nm at 535 nm, when Cd2+ ions were added. We also investigated the optical absorption peak of the LB films by various time at 365 nm UV. We confirmed J-aggregation and photolysis properties. This is that studied the application possibility of the switching device and the nonvolatile memory.

A Deep Blue Organic Light Emitting Diodes Characteristic of Isomerically-Featured Phosphine Oxides Containing N-Phenyl Benzimidazole.

An isomeric series of phosphine oxides with N-phenyl benzimidazole such as 2-DPPI, 3-DPPI and 4-DPPI were synthesized for organic light emitting diodes (OLED). The thermal properties of DPPI isomers were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). OLED devices using DPPI isomers as the emitting material were fabricated, which configuration was ITO/MoOx [30 nm]/NPB [500 nm]/DPPI [300 nm]/Alq3 [200 nm]/Liq[10 nm]/Al [120 nm]. The emitting colors of the devices were respectively a deep-blue (430 nm, 4-DPPI) and greenish-yellows (510-580 nm, 3-DPPI and 530 nm, 2-DPPI). In particular, the emitting color of 4-DPPI device was not changed during the alteration of applied voltages (6.5-11.5 V), and the CIE coordinate was a satisfactory deep-blue (0.161, 0.101).

Relation between work function and structural properties of triangular defects in 4H-SiC epitaxial layer: Kelvin probe force microscopic and spectroscopic analyses.

To understand the relationship between the work function and structural properties of sufficiently expanded triangular defects (size: ∼250 µm) in the 4H-SiC epitaxial layer, Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and spectroscopic [micro-Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL)] analyses were performed. Spectroscopic analysis demonstrated that the triangular defects mostly comprise the 3C polytypes and that it experiences internal stress, defects, and defect-induced carrier generation. The distinguishable areas in the triangular defects had surface potential values different from those of the 4H-SiC matrix; this could be explained by the work function difference, which arises from variations in the electron affinity of the 3C polytype as well as the positional variations of the Fermi energy level in terms of electron concentration. In addition, tensile-stress-induced surface disorder leading to variations in electron affinity was discussed. The mechanical properties of the triangular defects measured by a nanoindenter were significantly deteriorated because of many dislocation arrays and stacking faults with many broken and/or strained bonds.

Analysis of Correlation Between Contrast and Component of Polylatic Acid Composite for Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing.

Additive manufacturing or three-dimensional (3D) printing is considered a disruptive technology for producing components with topologically optimized complex geometries as well as functionalities that are not achievable by traditional methods. 3D printing is expected to revolutionize the manufacturing of components. While several 3D printing systems are available, printing based on fused-deposition modeling (FDM) using thermoplastics is particularly widespread because of the simplicity and potential applicability of the method. In this study, we report the analysis of correlation between contrast and component of polylactic acid (PLA) based composite for FDM 3D printing. The pre-fabricated white composite and black composite were mixed in the fraction of 100:0, 90:10, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100% (v/v) and the obtained mixture was extruded using HX-35 3D filament extrusion line. The samples in different contrast were printed in disk like shape, and the gray scale filaments and 3D printed samples were measured the morphology and components using a field emission scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The CIE-lab values of the samples were measured using a colorimeter and the correlation between CIE-lab values and the components were analyzed. Although the component of Ti was linearly increased, the CIE-lab values show a clear exponential increase by increasing the white composite.

J-aggregation characteristics of merocyanine dye with arachidic acid LB films by heat treatment.

For a measurement of J-aggregation characteristics by heat treatment, we fabricated arachidic acid (AA)-Merocyanine dye mixed Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films. pi-A curves were used to investigate the surface pressure of the LB film from a liquid to a solid state while the pressure ranged from 35 and 40 mN/m. When the surface pressure reached 40 mN/m, a monolayer was deposited onto the hydrophilic glass substrates by Y-type deposition. For the UV spectrum observation, a multi layer film was deposited. A narrowing of the red-shifted band was observed. We studied the effect of heat treatments at temperatures below 60 degrees C by observing the UV spectra of merocyanine dye (MD). The J-aggregation was centered at 550-590 nm at 20 degrees C-25 degrees C. We will study the system before and after the application of heat treatment J-aggregation. The J-aggregation will be thermally induced in the mixed LB films by heat treatments at various temperatures. We expect that after heat treatment, the spectral shape and peak of the band will be altered. We investigated that morphology of MD using STM. Also I-V curve was decreased as increasing temperatures.

A study on conformational changes by electron charges in viologen single molecules by using STM.

The topography of self-assembled viologen derivatives (VC(8)SH, VC(10)SH, HSC(8)VC(8)SH, and HSC(10)VC(10)SH) molecules on an octanethiol (C(8)) self-assembled monolayer (SAM) modified gold surface was measured using ultrahigh-vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-STM). We demonstrate here a novel matrix SAM appropriate for isolation of the viologen molecules. The C(8) was used for a matrix SAM, in which the VC(8)SH, VC(10)SH, HSC(8)VC(8)SH, and HSC(10)VC(10)SH were inserted at molecular lattice defects. The isolated single molecules of viologen derivatives inserted in the matrix SAM were observed as protrusions in STM topography using a constant current mode. We measured the topographic heights (VC(8)SH: 1.53 nm, VC(10)SH: 2.01 nm, HSC(8)VC(8)SH: 2.71 nm, and HSC(10)VC(10)SH: 3.3 nm) of the molecular protrusions using STM. Also, changes in the central axis of viologen molecules were observed as VC(8)SH (0.5-0.73 nm), VC(10)SH (0.4-0.74 nm), HSC(8)VC(8)SH (0.67-0.84 nm), and HSC(10)VC(10)SH (0.67-0.99 nm), respectively.

Electro-nanopatterning of surface relief gratings on azobenzene layer-by-layer ultrathin films by current-sensing atomic force microscopy.

The electro-nanopatterning and mechanism of pattern formation in azobenzene-containing layer-by-layer (LbL) ultrathin films is described using surface probe microscopy techniques. First, arrays of nanodots were patterned on these films to investigate applied time at constant voltage bias dependence in electro-nanopatterning. The anisotropic mass transport and polar alignment of the azobenzene-containing films were observed after applying the electric field and heating the sample locally with the cantilever tip. On the basis of this novel phenomenon, small-sized surface relief gratings (SRG)s and their alignment were fabricated and observed by current-sensing atomic force microscopy. The rate of mass transport for the polymer is mainly controlled by the applied time at constant voltage bias between the cantilever and the electrode/substrate.

Nanolithography of Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleavage with ß-Secretase by Atomic Force Microscopy.

Cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by secretases is critical in neural cell processes including the pathway for neural cell proliferation and that underlying the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Understanding the mechanism of APP cleavage and development of a convenient tool for the accurate evaluation of APP cleavage intensity by secretases are very important in the development of new AD therapeutic targets. In this study, we developed a sophisticated technology to evaluate the APP cleavage mechanism at the nano-molecular level by atomic force microscopic (AFM) nanolithography. APP was modified on a glass substrate; nanolithography of APP cleavage by ß-secretase-modified AFM probe scanning was achieved. APP cleavage was verified by the AFM imaging and the fluorescent immunostaining. The present method will be very useful in understanding the molecular level of the APP cleavage mechanism by ß-secretase in vitro; this method will facilitate inhibitor screening for the therapeutic target of AD.

Characteristics of Intramolecular Charge Transfer by J-Aggregates in Merocyanine Dye LB Films.

In this study, for the development of future molecular electronic devices, we have investigated the characteristics of the aggregates of Langmuir-Blodgett films. The characteristics of intramolecular charge transfer by J-aggregates in merocyanine dye LB films have been studied experimentally by using UV irradiation and heat treatment. In addition to intramolecular charge transfer, we also studied the conjugation and energy changes of the molecules. In case a dye is thinned by LB method, the alkyl chain is often displaced in order to form a mono-molecular film with ease. Since the molecular association form is often made by self-organization of molecules themselves, in case the dye and the alkyl chain are strongly bonded by the covalent bond, it may be said that the properties of the LB film to be built up are almost determined at the time of synthesis of film-forming molecules. Meanwhile, since, in case LB film is fabricated by the diffusion absorption method, the cohesive force between the water-soluble dye and the surface-active mono-molecular film is electrostatic, the dye molecule can move relatively freely on the air/water interface, which may be regarded as a two-dimensional crystal growth process.

Structural Stability and Phase Transitions of Octanethiol Self-Assembled Monolayers on Au(111) in Ultrahigh Vacuum.

To understand the structural stability of as-prepared octanethiol (OT) self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with a fully covered c(4 x 2) phase on Au(111) in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions of 3 x 10(-7) Pa at room temperature, we examined OT SAM samples obtained as a function of storage period using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). STM imaging revealed that phase transition of OT SAMs after storage in UHV for 3 days occurs from the c(4 x 2) phase to the mixed phase containing ordered c(4 x 2) and disordered phases. It was also observed that the disordered phase was mainly located at around vacancy islands and near step edges of Au(111) terraces, implying that desorption of OT molecules chemisorbed on Au(111) in UHV occurs more quickly in these regions compared with in the closely packed and ordered domains. After a longer storage in UHV for 6 days, OT SAMs with the c(4 x 2) phase were changed to the disordered phase containing a partially ordered domain with a row structure. From this study, we clearly demonstrated that OT molecules in SAMs on Au(111) are desorbed spontaneously in UHV at room temperature, resulting in the formation of disordered and row phases.

White OLED in Hybrid Structure for Enhancing Color Purity.

We synthesized the red emission material, bis(1,4-bis(5-phenyloxazol-2-yl)phenyl) iridium(picolate) [Ir-complexes] and the blue emission material, bis (2-(2-hydroxyphenyl) benzoxazolate)zinc [Zn(HPB)2]. White Organic Light Emitting Diodes were fabricated by using Zn(HPB)2 for a blue emitting layer, Ir-complexes for a red emitting layer and a tris (8-hydroxy quinoline)aluminum [Alq3] for a green emitting layer. The important experimental results obtained, white OLED was fabricated by using double emitting layers of Zn(HPB)2 and Alq3:Ir-complexes, and hole blocking layer of 2,9-dimethyl-4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline[BCP]. We also varied the thickness of BCP. When the thickness of BCP layer was 5 nm, white emission was achieved. We obtained a maximum luminance of 5400 cd/m2 at a current density of 650 mA/cm2. The CIE coordinates was (0.339, 0.323) at voltage of 10 V.