Self-assembling organomodified Co/Al based layered double hydroxides (LDH) via one-step route

The preparation of self-assembling organomodified Co/Al-layered double hydroxide(LDH)via one-step route was studied. A common surfactant,sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate(DBS),was employed as an organic modifier.The behavior and structure of self-assembled intercalated organic Co/Al-LDH were investigated by FTIR,SEM,WAXS,element analysis and TGA.Based upon the WAXS results and calculation by Bragg equation,the interlayer distance(d value)for organic Co/Al-LDH is enlarged from 0.75 nm to 3.10 nm,showing that the self-assembling behavior has been carried out successfully.Considering the observation from SEM, the product shows the morphology of organic Co/Al-LDH of a layered structure.In addition,FTIR,element analysis and TGA analysis show that the modifier is intercalated into the gallery of the Co/Al-LDH.Since organic modification for nanofiller is deemed to be necessary before applying it into polymer,the successful preparation of organomodified Co/Al-LDH will be significantly beneficial to the preparation and investigation of novel polymer/LDH nanocomposite.

The Self-assembling and Application of Inorganic Anti-bacterial Material Made of Natural Nanoporous Carrier

The inorganic antimicrobial material was inhibited to the microbes with the added metal ion,Zn.The primary wet product carrying 5%-10% zinc ion was generated under the following conditions：temperature was 95 ℃,solution zinc concentration was 1.2-2.0 mol/L,and the ratio of Zn solution to zeolite weight was 5：1.The final stable product was manufactured after baking in an oven for 1-3 h at the temperature of 500-900 ℃.The baked material was tested for its disinfection effectiveness and coloring effect when mixed with paint coating.Based on the final batch of tests,the zinc content of this anti-microbial product was further optimized.

Synthesis and Self-assembling of Coumarin-based Low-molecular Weight Organogelators

Four coumarin derivatives（4a-4d） with different alkoxy chains were synthesized. It was found that compound 4d showed a better gelation ability than the other compounds, for example, it could self-assemble into organogels in various organic fluids via ultrasound treatment or heating-cooling process, whereas compound 4c could only gel in a few mixed solvents and compounds 4a, 4b could not form organogel. The results from fluorescent and FT-IR spectra indicate that π-π interaction had an effect on the formation of the organogels of compound 4d besides H-bonding and van der Waals interaction, which were the driving forces for the self-assembling of compound 4c in gel state. The gel of compound 4d in toluene could emit strong fluorescence under UV irradiation and the [2＋2] cyclo-addition was suggested by ^1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. This light-sensitive organogel might find application in optical materials.

In situ AFM investigation of dual-mode self-assembling peptide

Nanostructures/patterns formed by biomolecules can produce different physicochemical properties in terms of hydrophobicity, zeta-potential, color, etc., which play paramount roles in life. Peptides, as the main bio-building blocks, can form nanostructures with different functions,either in solutions or on interfaces. Previously, we synthesized a short peptide with the inspiration of an Alzheimer’s disease-related peptide: amyloid β peptide(A-p),namely GAV-9, which can epitaxially self-assemble into regular nanofilaments on liquid-solid interfaces, and it was found that both the hydrophobicity and charge state of the interfaces can significantly influence its assembling behavior. It was also reported that another A-β-containing dipeptide, FF,can self-assemble into nanostructures in solutions. Owing to the close relationship between these two short peptides, it is interesting to conjugate them into a de novo peptide with two separated structural domains and study its self-assembling behavior. To this end, herein we have synthesized the GAV-FF peptide with a sequence of NH2-VGGAVVAGVFF-CONH2 and verified its selfassembling property using the in situ liquid-phase atomic force microscopy. The results show that the GAV-FF peptide can self-assemble into nanofilaments both in solutions and on aqueous-solid interfaces, but with different morphologies. The FF domain accelerates the template-assisted self-assembling(TASA) process of the GAV domain, which in return enhances the solubility of FF in aqueous solutions and further participates in the fibrillization of FF. The current results could help deepen the understanding of the aggregation mechanism of diseaserelated peptides and could also shed light on the strategies to create artificial bio-functional nanostructures/patterns,which hold a significant potential for biomedical applications.

Chondrogenesis of Precartilaginous Stem Cells in KLD-12 Self-assembling Peptide Nanofiber Scaffold Loading TGF-β3 Gene

The effect of culture in KLD-12 self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold containing TGF-β3 gene on differentiation of precartilaginous stem cells （PSCs） into chondrocytes was studied. KLD-12 was synthesized by solid-state method. After TGF-β3 plasmid was loaded into KLD-12 self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold, DNA release ability was investigated. PSCs and hTGF-β3 gene were loaded into KLD-12 3-D scaffold, and MTT assay was performed to investigate the cell proliferation, and ELASA assay was used to investigate the expression of TGF-β3. Specific cartilage matrix was examined by quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and Alcian Blue staining. Compared with control group, DNA synthesis level of PSCs reached the peak within 3 days when PSCs were cultured in self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold loading TGF-β3 plasmid, and maintained this high level within 2 weeks. MTT results showed that the proliferation ability of experimental group was statistically higher than that in control group （P〈0.05）. Quantitative real-time PCR suggested that the percentage of TGF-β3 positive PSCs in experimental group was higher than that in control group （P〈0.01）. ELISA assay showed that the TGF-β3 protein level increased in supernatant of experimental group＇s PSCs, reached the peak after 72 h and then declined a little to the plateau phase. Compared with the control group, the specific gene of chondrocyte typical extracellular matrix significantly up-regulated （P〈0.01）. The results showed that PSCs differentiated into chondrocytes in self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold loading TGF-β3 plasmid, which provided a fresh approach to cartilage tissue engineering.

A novel artificial nerve graft for repairing longdistance sciatic nerve defects:a self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold-containing poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) conduit

In this study, we developed a novel artificial nerve graft termed self-assembling peptide nanofiber scaffold （SAPNS）-containing poly（lactic-co-glycolic acid） （PLGA） conduit （SPC） and used it to bridge a 10-mm-long sciatic nerve defect in the rat. Retrograde tracing, behavioral testing and histomorphometric analyses showed that compared with the empty PLGA conduit implantation group, the SPC implantation group had a larger number of growing and extending axons, a markedly increased diameter of regenerated axons and a greater thickness of the myelin sheath in the conduit. Furthermore, there was an increase in the size of the neuromuscular junction and myofiber diameter in the target muscle. These findings suggest that the novel artificial SPC nerve graft can promote axonal regeneration and remyelination in the transected peripheral nerve and can be used for repairing peripheral nerve injury.

Self-assembling Behavior of Amphiphilic Copolymer Containing Cross-linked Hydrophilic Block in Ethanol

The self-assembly behavior of the amphiphilic block copolymer poly（ methyl methacrylate） -block-poly（ lead dimethacrylate） （PMMA-b-PLDMA） with cross-linked hydrophilic block（PLDMA） in ethanol was investigated. The results show that the size and morphology of the resulting micelle or micellar aggregates are ascribed to the content of ethanol and the nature of the solvent mixture. PbS nanoparticles were formed in the micelle by in situ reaction with H2S gas. The morphology and size of the self-assembly objects were investigated using scanning electron microscopy （SEM） and transmission electron microscopy（TEM）.

The Self-Assembling Growth of Copper Nanowires for Transparent Electrodes

Long(15-40 μm), thin(diameter of 20 ± 5 nm), and well-dispersed CuNWs Cu nanowires were prepared. The high-resolution TEM and selected area electron diffraction showed that the CuNWs were single-crystalline. To investigate the growth mechanism, we examined the microstructure of these CuNWs at different reaction time. It was found that the CuNWs were actually formed through the self-assembling of Cu nanoparticles along the [110] direction. The transparent electrodes fabricated using the CuNWs achieved a high transparency of 76 % at 31±5 Ω/□.

SYNTHESIS OF A NOVEL SELF-ASSEMBLING NLO POLYMERIC FILM

By covalently binding chromophore NPP, N-(4-nitrophenyl)-(L)-prolinol, to a structurally controlled cage-like cross-linking polymer (SCCP), a modified nonlinear optical (NLO) polymeric film prepared by 'in situ poling and sol-gel' process successfully overcame the fundamental problem of NPP chromophores subliming out from the cages of the 'doped'' NLO polymeric film when heated or placed under UV light. Its d(33) (coefficient of second harmonic generation) is 2.0 X 10(-8) esu. measured by IR dichroism. The modified film has a low decay of the SHG signal and preserves 94% of the initial value after 50 days at room temperature These properties match that of the 'doped' film, indicating that the modified film also retains the main advantages of the 'doped' film.

Third Generation Horseradish Peroxidase Biosensor Based on Self-assembling Carbon Nanotubes to Gold Electrode Surface

A third-generation horseradish peroxidase (HRP) biosensor has been developed by adsorbing HRP on multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNTs) monolayer modified gold electrode surface. The assembly process was investigated by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Results showed that the immobilized HRP exhibited direct electrochemical behavior toward the reduction of H2O2. The resulting biosensor shows a fast amperometric response (<2 s) to H2O2. The linear response range was from 5.0×10-7～1.0×10-5 mol/L with a detection limit of 1.0×10-7mol/L. Moreover, the biosensor has a good reproducibility, and long-term stability.

Self-assembling Synthesis of Vanadium Oxide Nanotubes and Simple Determination of the Content of V(IV)

High-yielding low-cost vanadium oxide nanotubes were prepared by the hydrothermal self-assembling process from vanadium pentoxide and organic molecules as structure-directing templates.Moreover,a new method was discovered for determining the content of V (IV) in vanadium oxide nanotubes by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).This method is simple,precise and feasible and can be extended to determine the content of low oxidation state in the other transition metal oxide nanomaterials.

Design of Self-Assembling Molecules and Boundary Value Problem for Flows on a Space of <i>n</i>-Simplices

Self-assembling molecules are ubiquitous in nature, among which are proteins, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), peptides and lipids. Recognizing the ability of biomolecules to self-assemble into various 3D shapes at the nanoscale, researchers are mimicking the self-assembly strategy for engineering of complex nanostructures. However, the general principles underlying the design of self-assembled molecules have not yet been identified. The question is “How to obtain a well-defined shape with desired properties by folding a chain of subunits (such as amino acids and nucleic acids)”, where properties are determined by the precise spatial arrangement of the subunits on the surface. In this paper, we consider the question from the viewpoint of the discrete differential geometry of n-simplices. Self-assembling molecules are then represented as a union of trajectories of 3-simplices (i.e., tetrahedrons), and the question is rephrased as a “boundary value problem” for flows on a space of tetrahedrons. Also considered is a characterization of two types of surface flows of n-simplices. It is a rough classification of surface flows, but may be essential in characterizing important properties of biomolecules such as allosteric regulation. The author believes this paper not only provides a new perspective for the engineering of self-assembling molecules, but also promotes further collaboration between mathematics and other disciplines in life science.

SELF-ASSEMBLING AMPHIPHILIC POLYELECTROLYTES AND THEIR NANOSTRUCTURES

The self-assembling behavior of random copolymers of sodium 2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropanesulfonate (AMPS)and hydrophobic comonomers possessing dodecyl groups linked by various spacer bonds was discussed with a focus on theeffect of the spacer. The characterization of association behavior of such polymers in water using quasielastic light scattering,capillary electrophoresis, NMR relaxation, various fluorescence, and viscoelastic methods was described. These copolymersform a variety of self-assembled nanostructures depending on the type of the spacer. Random copolymers of AMPS and N-dodecylmethacrylamide show a strong preference for intrapolymer self-association even in concentrated aqueous solutionsforming single-macromolecular self-assemblies (unimolecular micelles). In contrast, random copolymers of AMPS anddodecyl methacrylate are prone to undergo interpolymer associations yielding multipolymer micelles. In random copolymersof AMPS and a methacrylate substituted a nonionic surfactant (HO(CH_2CH_2O)_(25)C_(12)H_(25)) (C_(12)E_(25)), dodecyl groups are muchless restricted by the polymer backbone because they are linked via a long, flexible hydrophilic spacer. Thus, the polymer-bound C_(12)E_(25) surfactant moieties form micelles similar to those formed by discrete surfactants, but they are bridged bypolymer chains forming a network structure.

A Gold Electrode QCM Study on the Self-Assembling Process of Thioglycollic Acid in Aqueous Solution

In this letter, the self-assembling process of thioglycollic acid on gold in aqueous solutions was studied by QCM technique. Frequency information suggests bilayer or multilayer adsorbate formation in 0.5 mol/L HCl solution but only monolayer one in 0.5 mol/L KOH solution. This phenomenon is explained by hydrogen bond effect.

Preparation of Nano-porous Materials(Ⅰ) by Polymerization of Amphiphile Self-assemblies

The polymerization of amphiphilic self assemblies is a promising method to synthesize nano structured materials with novel properties. These materials have many attractive features for their application in biomedical area and materials science, such as catalysis, separation, surface modification, and therapeutics areas. A general review on the polymerization of lipids and surfactant self assemblies to amphiphilic self assemblies is given in this paper with 49 references. The polymerization and the subsequently resulted structure of lipids in different morphologies are summarized. The polymerization of polymerizable surfactants(surfmers) in emulsion and liquid crystalline phases are also discussed. The potential application of new nano porous materials is briefly described.

静电组装低感度CL-20@GO核壳复合材料的制备及性能研究

为降低六硝基六氮杂异伍兹烷(CL-20)的机械感度,提高其综合性能,以3-氨丙基三乙氧基硅烷(APS)为改性剂对CL-20改性,以氧化石墨烯(GO)为包覆材料,利用静电自组装方法对改性CL-20炸药进行表面包覆,制备得到CL-20@GO核壳复合材料;采用水接触角测试、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和X射线光电子能谱(XPS)等对样品进行形貌表征;利用差示扫描量热仪(DSC)测试其热性能,并测试了其机械感度。结果表明,经质量分数5%的APS溶液改性的CL-20成功引入氨基基团,亲水性效果最佳;GO层包覆改性CL-20完整,致密性强;与原料CL-20相比,CL-20@GO核壳复合材料的活化能提高了63.0kJ/mol,撞击感度(H 50)由13.0cm提升至23.5cm,摩擦感度由100%降至24%,表明采用静电自组装的GO涂层可以明显降低CL-20的感度。

Self-Assembled Film of Tb^(3+) and Poly(3- Thiophene Acetic Acid) via Layer-by-Layer Complexation Technique and Its Photoluminescence

The layer by layer complexation technique of polymer and metal ion was successfully utilized to fabricate the ultrathin multilayer film of poly(3 thiophene acetic acid (PTAA) and Tb 3+ ion by dipping the substrates alternatively in polymer and Tb 3+ ion aqueous solutions. UV-vis measurement revealed that the absorbance has linearity with the bilayer number from layer to layer and the X ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) confirmed the existence of Tb 3+ ion. The pH of both the polymer and TbCl 3 solutions influence the thickness dramatically while the concentration of the solutions is not so sensitive. The luminescent spectrum of the complex film shows the characteristic emission of Tb 3+ ion as well as the ligand indicating the formation of the complex.

1,3,5,7,9-五吡唑心环烯的合成及配位自组装

[目的]由于结构张力等因素,碗状心环烯分子通常难以与金属离子形成配位笼状超分子结构.为了构筑碗状心环烯分子的配位笼结构,在其分子边缘修饰上具有配位功能的基团,研究其与金属间的配位自组装行为.[方法]通过1,3,5,7,9-五氯心环烯与吡唑的亲核取代反应,合成1,3,5,7,9-五吡唑心环烯,通过高分辨质谱、核磁共振波谱对其分子结构进行表征,利用紫外-可见吸收光谱和荧光发射光谱研究其光学性质,并通过核磁滴定和高分辨质谱,探究1,3,5,7,9-五吡唑心环烯分别与富勒烯C_(60)和AgSO_(3)CF_(3)在液相中的超分子自组装行为.[结果]结构表征结果表明所合成的1,3,5,7,9-五吡唑心环烯具有C_(5)对称性,吡唑基团的引入扩展了π共轭体系导致其吸收波长红移,同时增强了其荧光性能.核磁滴定和高分辨质谱分析显示,在液相中,1,3,5,7,9-五吡唑心环烯与C_(60)仅发生弱的主客体自组装行为,而可与Ag^(+)发生配位形成M_(5)L_(2)分子笼状结构.[结论]本研究成功合成了C_(5)对称且含有5个配位位点的1,3,5,7,9-五吡唑心环烯,可在液相中与Ag^(+)发生配位自组装行为,可能形成了一种M_(5)L_(2)形式的配位笼状超分子结构.

Design and Self-assembly of a Novel Tetranuclear Zinc(Ⅱ) Complex via Reaction of 1,3-Thiazolidine-2-thione(tzdtH) with Zn(NO_ 3)_ 2

The self-assembly of clusters in inorganic systems is an interesting subject. The self-assembly of big molecules has been well established in biological systems. In addition, the coordination chemistry of metal-sulfur-nitrogen cluster complexes has been a very active and attracting field for many years as a result of the novelty and versatility of the crystal structures and reactivities of such clusters, as well as their potential applications as the models for the active sites in non-heme proteins. At the same time, there is currently considerable interest in the formation of metal complexes with heterocyclic ligands because of the diverse characteristics of ligands and their consequential wide range of applications.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering properties of highly ordered self-assemblies of gold nanorods with different aspect ratios

Gold nanorods with aspect ratios of from 1 （particles） to 31.6 were synthesized by the seed-mediated method and packed in a highly ordered structure on a large scale on silicon substrates through capillary force induced self-assembly behaviour during solvent evaporation. The gold nanorod surface exhibits a strong enhancing effect on Raman scattering spectroscopy. The enhancement of Raman scattering for two model molecules （2-naphthalenethiol and rhodamine 6C） is about 5-6 orders of magnitude. By changing the aspect ratio of the Au nanorods, we found that the enhancement factors decreased with the increase of aspect ratios. The observed Raman scattering enhancement is strong and should be ascribed to the surface plasmon coupling between closely packed nanorods, which may result in huge local electromagnetic field enhancements in those confined junctions.