Chitosan/Sodium Alginate Multilayer pH-Sensitive Films Based on Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly for Intelligent Packaging

The abuse of plastic food packaging has brought about severe white pollution issues around the world.Developing green and sustainable biomass packaging is an effective way to solve this problem.Hence,a chitosan/sodium alginate-based multilayer film is fabricated via a layer-by-layer(LBL)self-assembly method.With the help of superior interaction between the layers,the multilayer film possesses excellent mechanical properties(with a tensile strength of 50 MPa).Besides,the film displays outstanding water retention property(blocking moisture of 97.56%)and ultraviolet blocking property.Anthocyanin is introduced into the film to detect the food quality since it is one natural plant polyphenol that is sensitive to the pH changes ranging from 1 to 13 in food when spoilage occurs.It is noted that the film is also bacteriostatic which is desired for food packaging.This study describes a simple technique for the development of advanced multifunctional and fully biodegradable food packaging film and it is a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging.

Solid Additive-Assisted Layer-by-Layer Processing for 19%Efficiency Binary Organic Solar Cells

Morphology is of great significance to the performance of organic solar cells(OSCs),since appropriate morphology could not only promote the exciton dissociation,but also reduce the charge recombination.In this work,we have developed a solid additive-assisted layer-by-layer(SAA-LBL)processing to fabricate high-efficiency OSCs.By adding the solid additive of fatty acid(FA)into polymer donor PM6 solution,controllable pre-phase separation forms between PM6 and FA.This intermixed morphology facilitates the diffusion of acceptor Y6 into the donor PM6 during the LBL processing,due to the good miscibility and fast-solvation of the FA with chloroform solution dripping.Interestingly,this results in the desired morphology with refined phase-separated domain and vertical phase-separation structure to better balance the charge transport/collection and exciton dissociation.Consequently,the binary single junction OSCs based on PM6:Y6 blend reach champion power conversion efficiency(PCE)of 18.16%with SAA-LBL processing,which can be generally applicable to diverse systems,e.g.,the PM6:L8-BO-based devices and thick-film devices.The efficacy of SAA-LBL is confirmed in binary OSCs based on PM6:L8-BO,where record PCEs of 19.02%and 16.44%are realized for devices with 100 and 250 nm active layers,respectively.The work provides a simple but effective way to control the morphology for high-efficiency OSCs and demonstrates the SAA-LBL processing a promising methodology for boosting the industrial manufacturing of OSCs.

In vitro corrosion and antibacterial properties of layer-by-layer assembled GS/PSS coating on AZ31 magnesium alloys

To enhance the corrosion resistance of magnesium（Mg） alloy and to impart its surface with antibacterial functionality for inhibiting biofilm formation and biocorrosion, Mg（OH）2 films were fabricated on AZ31 magnesium alloy substrates by an in-situ hydrothermal method and well-defined multilayer coatings, consisting of gentamicin sulfate（GS） and poly（sodium 4-styrene sulfonate）（PSS）, were prepared via layer-by-layer（Lb L） assembly. The morphologies, chemical compositions and corrosion resistance of the obtained（PSS/GS）n/Mg sample were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical methods and immersion tests. Finally, the bactericidal activity of（PSS/GS）n/Mg samples against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed by the zone of inhibition methods and plate-counting method. The so-synthesized composite coating on the Mg alloy substrates exhibits good corrosion resistance and antibacterial performance, which make them attractive as coatings for medical implanted devices.

In vitro corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of layer-by-layer assembled chitosan/poly-L-glutamic acid coating on AZ31 magnesium alloys

Surface functionalization of magnesium(Mg)alloys is desired to obtain the surfaces with both improved corrosion resistance and antibacterial property.A corrosion-resistant and antimicrobial coating was prepared on Mg alloy surface by layer-by-layer(LbL)assembly of chitosan(CHI)and poly-L-glutamic acid(PGA)by electrostatic attraction.The functionalized surfaces of the Mg alloys were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM),Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectroscopy and electrochemical tests.The bactericidal activity of the samples against Staphylococcus aureus was assessed by the zone of plate-counting method.The obtained coating on the Mg alloy substrates exhibits good corrosion resistance and antibacterial performance.

In vitro corrosion resistance,antibacterial activity and cytocompatibility of a layer-by-layer assembled DNA coating on magnesium alloy

A chitosan/deoxyribonucleic acid(CHI/DNA)_(5)coating was constructed by layer-by-layer(LbL)assembly dip coating method with Mg(OH)_(2)coating as an inner protective layer on AZ31 alloy.X-ray diffractometry,X-ray photoelectron spectrometry,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy were utilized to represent the chemical compositions and surface morphologies of the coatings.Electrochemical tests and hydrogen evolution measurements were implemented to confirm the good corrosion resistance of the composite coating in artificial body fluid.Antimicrobial activity of the composite coatings was tested via the plate-counting method,and the cytotoxicity of the samples was appraised by MTT assay and Live/dead staining.A double action was put into effect for the composite coating,which the inner Mg(OH)2 coating plays the part of physical barrier,and the outer(CHI/DNA)5 coating is employed as an inducer to fabricate a biocompatible Ca-P corrosion product coating during immersion,making up for its thin thickness.Otherwise,the composite coating is also beneficial for the growth of bone,resulting from the biomineralization effect of the outer polyelectrolyte multilayer.The good antibacterial property of the(CHI/DNA)5/Mg(OH)2 coating is ascribed to the contact-killing strength of CHI.Thus,the obtained(CHI/DNA)5/Mg(OH)2 coating has a wide application prospect in the field of Mg-based bone implantation.

Gradient nanoporous phenolics as substrates for high-flux nanofiltration membranes by layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes

Thin film composite(TFC) membranes represent a highly promising platform for efficient nanofiltration(NF)processes. However, the improvement in permeance is impeded by the substrates with low permeances. Herein,highly permeable gradient phenolic membranes with tight selectivity are used as substrates to prepare TFC membranes with high permeances by the layer-by-layer assembly method. The negatively charged phenolic substrates are alternately assembled with polycation polyethylenimine(PEI) and polyanion poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)as a result of electrostatic interactions, forming thin and compact PEI/PAA layers tightly attached to the substrate surface. Benefiting from the high permeances and tight surface pores of the gradient nanoporous structures of the substrates, the produced PEI/PAA membranes exhibit a permeance up to 506 L? m-2?h-1?MPa-1, which is ~2–10 times higher than that of other membranes with similar rejections. The PEI/PAA membranes are capable of retaining N 96.1% of negatively charged dyes following the mechanism of electrostatic repulsion. We demonstrate that the membranes can also separate positively and neutrally charged dyes from water via other mechanisms.This work opens a new avenue for the design and preparation of high-flux NF membranes, which is also applicable to enhance the permeance of other TFC membranes.

Layer-by-layer electrostatic selfassembly of anionic and cationic carbon nanotubes

The layer-by-layer(LBL) self assembly of anionic and cationic multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWNTs) through electrostatic interaction has been carried out to fabricate all-MWNT multilayer films.The alternate uniform assembly of anionic and cationic MWNTs was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images displayed the growth of the MWNT films.

Layer-by-layer growth of ZIF-8 on electrospun carbon nanofiber membranes for high-performance supercapacistor electrode

In the past few decades, supercapacitor(SC) has attracted great attention due to its significant advantages over traditional rechargeable battery systems, such as high power density, fast charge-discharge rate, long cycle life and environmental friendliness [1]. Up to now, supercapacitors have been widely used in backup power, electric vehicles, mobile power and so on [2,3].

Application of Layer-by-Layer Solidification Principle to Optimization of Large Chain Wheel Foundry Technology

In order to get a sound casting of the alloy with a solidification range, the principle of directional solidification (DS) and the layer-by-layer solidification(LBLS) should be followed, especially in designing foundry process of steel casting. Using the principles, the reasons for the forming of the defects on the surface of the chain wheels teeth and groove and the forming of MT (magnetic particle testing) thin lines were analyzed. The results of the metallographic observation and the numerical simulation show that the low temperature gradient results in a wider mushy zone at the S/L interface that causes the defects and MT thin lines on the surface of the chain wheel casting. Based on the analysis, a new casting technology of the chain wheel was designed and used in the casting production successfully.

Solvatochromic Probe Based on Nanocellulose Membrane Coated with Zn-terpyridine Complex in a Layer-by-Layer Manner

Solvatochromic materials have recently attracted increasing attention owing to their great significance in the security and sensor fields.In this study,ultrafast explicit and implicit information was collected regarding a fluorescent nanocellulose membrane produced from nanocellulose membranes coated with a Zn-terpyridine complex(Zn-tpy)in a layer-by-layer manner.The fluorescent emissions of the nanocellulose membrane changed from yellow(CIE:x=0.37,y=0.45)to green(CIE:x=0.32,y=0.47)under a dichloromethane environment and 365-nm irradiation.Due to the ease of dichloromethane volatilization,fluorescent emissions quickly returned to the original state.These solvatochromic nanocellulose membranes,with ultrafast explicit and implicit information,exhibited valuable application prospects in anti-counterfeiting techniques.

Deposition of Layer-by-layer Inorganic-organic Nano-hybrid Ultrathin Films onto SBA-15

Deposition of inorganic-organic nano-hybrid ultrathin films onto mesoporous silicate materials has been proven possible by using layer-by-layer assembly method. In combination with sol-gel method, titania, subsequently dye molecules (or polymer) were successfully fabricated onto the inner wall of SBA-15. Their structures were preliminarily characterized by FTIR and solid-state UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and BET surface area measurements, respectively.

Direct Electrochemistry of Hemoglobin in Layer-by-layer {PDDA/Hb}_n Films Assembled on Pyrolytic Graphite Electrodes

Layer-by-layer {PDDA/Hb}(n) films were assembled by means of alternate adsorption of positively charged poly(diallyldimethyl ammonium) (PDDA) and negatively charged hemoglobin (Hb) at pH 9.2 from their aqueous solutions on pyrolytic graphite (PG) electrodes. Film growth during adsorption cycles was demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Direct electrochemistry of Hb in {PDDA/Hb}(n) films on PG was studied.

A Novel Reagentless Biosensor Constructed by Layer-by-Layer Assembly of HRP and Nile Blue Premixed with Polyanion

A novel reagentless biosensor constructed by the organic dye nile blue (NB) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) has been fabricated via layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technique. NB premixed with polyanion poly (sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) acts as the mediator between the immobilized HRP and the electrode surface. The response of the biosensor to hydrogen peroxide has been investigated. The linear range of the biosensor to hydrogen peroxide was from 0.20 mmol/L to 7.03 mmol /L with a sensitivity of 8.45 μA/(mmol/L).

In situ Investigation on Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Polyelectrolytes by Quartz Crystal Microbalance

The effect of salt concentration on layer-by-layer deposition of poly（sodium 4-styrene sulfonate） （PSSS）/poly（vinylbenzyl trimethylammonium chloride） （PVTC） was investigated by use of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation （QCM-D）. The changes in frequency and dissipation demonstrate that the addition of NaC1 leads the thickness of PSSS/PVTC multilayer to increase. The deposition of PSSS/PVTC is dominated by surface charge overcompensation level at lower salt concentrations. However, it is mainly determined by the interpenetration of polyelectrolytes at a higher salt concentration, as reflected in the oscillation of dissipation change.

Layer-by-layer nanostructured protein loaded nanoparticles: A feasibility study using lysozyme as model protein and chitosan as coating material

Stabilization of proteins in delivery devices and design of appropriate protein carriers are major research issues due to the extreme sensitivity of proteins.Previously,negatively charged nanoparticles,consisting of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)(PLGA)and poly(styrene-co-4–styrene-sulfonate)(PSS),showed considerably high loading capacity for positively charged model protein lysozyme depending on the surface charge density of nanoparticles.

Fabrication of Layer-by-layer Films of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes

Layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly method was used to fabricate siliceous ultrathin films by using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes as building blocks. Ammonium salt of octasilsesquioxane acid (OSi8) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were alternately assembled onto CaF2 slide to form nanocomposite multilayers. Linear build-up of the LBL films was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. IR spectrum suggests existence of OSi8 and PDDA in the LBL films. Atomic force microscopic surface topography of the LBL films indicates the OSi8 covers the entire surface of the topmost layer and shows a granular morphology.

BASE-INDUCED RELEASE OF MOLECULES FROM HYDROGEN BONDING DIRECTED LAYER-BY-LAYER FILM

On the basis of hydrogen bonding directed layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly we have fabricated two multilayersystems, poly(acrylic acid) bearng spironaphthoxazine (PAA-SO)/poly(4-vinylpyridine) and carboxyl-terminated polyetherdendrimer (dendrimer-COOH)/poly(4-vinylpyridine). UV-Vis spectroscopy indicates that either PAA-SO or dendrimer-COOH can be released from the corresponding multilayer assemblies upon immerssion in a basic aqueous solution.Furthermore, the rate of molecule release can be controlled either by changing the pH value or by adjusting the layerstructure.

Gold Nanoparticle-based Layer-by-Layer Enhancement of DNA Hybridization Electrochemical Signal at Carbon Nanotube Modified Carbon Paste Electrode

Colloid gold nanoparticle-based layer-by-layer amplification approach was applied to enhance the electrochemical detection sensitivity of DNA hybridization at carbon nanotube modified carbon paste electrodes （CNTPEs）. Streptavidin was immobilized onto the surface of CNTPEs, and the conjugation of biotin labeled target oligonucle,otides to the above immobilized streptavidin was performed, followed by the hybridization of target oligonucleotides with the gold nanoparticle-labeled DNA probe and then the layer-by-layer enhanced connection of gold nanoparticles, on which oligonucleotides complementary to the DNA probe were attached, to the hybridization system. The differential pulse voltammetry （DPV） signal of total gold nanoparticles was monitored. It was found that the layer-by-layer colloidal gold DPV detection enhanced the sensitivity by about one order of magnitude compared with that of one-layer detection. One-base mismatched DNA and complementary DNA could be distinguished clearly.

Electron Communication Between Electrode and Dye-Linked L-Proline Dehydrogenase in Organized Layer-by-Layer Multilayer Film

Multilayer film was fabricated on an electrode surface by alternate layer-by-layer（LBL） adsorption of polycationic redox polymer（PEI-Fc） and dye-linked L-proline dehydrogenase（L-proDH）.The electrochemistry of the PEI-Fc/L-proDH multilayer modified electrode was investigated by cyclic voltammetry,and the enzyme catalysis mediated by the redox polymer was studied in a solution containing L-proline.It was observed that electron communication between L-proDH and the electrode was achieved with the help of PEI-Fc.A mathematical expression for the current response was evaluated based on the Michaelis-Menten kinetics mode,and the calculated currents fitted well with the experimental data.The kinetic analysis indicates that only a small fraction of the immobilized enzyme was efficiently electrically wired by the redox polymer.

Promising Graphene Modified Electrode Using Layer-by-Layer Method for Microbial Biofilm Connection

In order to enhance the power output of microbial fuel cell as well as its stability, the development of a new type of anode is essential. The purpose of this work is to modify a stainless steel foam, using the layer-by-layer self-assembly technique, with rGO （reduced grapbene oxide） and PEI （polyethyleneimine）. The efficiency of this kind of modification has been investigated to determine the supply of graphene in term of electricity generation and stability. Under an applied voltage, which is used to form an electroactive biofilm, the modified stainless steel foam （SSF/（PE1/rGO）5） exhibited a current 50 times higher than the blank anode. The roughness of the SSF/（PEI/rGO）5 observed by SEM （scanning electron microscopy） is more favorable to attach more bacteria on it. Also, graphene improved the stability of the electrode as no response where observed for the blank anode after 18 days meanwhile the SSF/（PEI/rGO）5 was still running after 54 days.