MACROMOLECULES
·
2021
·
IF 5.985
Noy Cohen,Cong Du,Zi Liang Wu
The submersion of a polymer network with a high density of hydrogen bond based cross-links in an aqueous bath results in the formation of a rubberlike hydrogel. The cross-links, which connect chains and maintain the structure of the network, can dissociate as a result of two main factors: (1) the interactions between the hydrogen bonds and the surrounding water molecules and (2) the forces that are exerted on the cross-link from the interconnected chains. We recall that these forces depend on the ratio between the end-to-end distance and the overall contour length of the chains. The application of an external loading translates into the stretching of chains in the network and, as a consequence, an increase in the forces that are exerted. Sufficiently large external loadings can break cross-links and alter the microstructure of the network. From a macroscopic viewpoint, the breaking of cross-links leads to significant microstructural changes such as a reduction in the chain density and an entropic gain. In this work, we derive a microscopically motivated and energy-based model that captures the effects of hydration and external loadings on the overall changes in properties and mechanical response of hydrogels. We provide a systematic method to estimate the percentage of cross-links that dissociate due to hydration and application of a force and provide representative examples to highlight the influence of the orientations of the interconnected chains with respect to a cross-link. To validate the model, we carry out uniaxial tension experiments on poly(methacrylic acid) hydrogels with five different water contents and fit the model parameters. We show that the model is capable of qualitatively and quantitatively capturing the experimental results. The model is also used to approximate the number of cross-links that dissociate due to the water and the externally applied uniaxial force. This work paves the way to the efficient design of multifunctional synthetic hydrogels with programmable properties and behaviors.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
生物工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
CELL RESEARCH
·
2025
·
IF 25.9
Qin Rui,Zhang Yong,Shi Jiawei,Wu Peng,An Chenyi,Li Zhenhai,Liu Nuo,Wan Ziyan,Hua Ting,Li Xiaolong,Lou Jizhong,Yin Weiwei,Chen Wei
Naturally evolved T-cell receptors (TCRs) exhibit remarkably high specificity in discriminating non-self antigens from self-antigens under dynamic biomechanical modulation. In contrast, engineered high-affinity TCRs often lose this specificity, leading to cross-reactivity with self-antigens and off-target toxicity. The underlying mechanism for this difference remains unclear. Our study reveals that natural TCRs exploit mechanical force to form optimal catch bonds with their cognate antigens. This process relies on a mechanically flexible TCR–pMHC binding interface, which enables force-enhanced CD8 coreceptor binding to MHC-α 1 α 2 domains through sequential conformational changes induced by force in both the MHC and CD8. Conversely, engineered high-affinity TCRs create rigid, tightly bound interfaces with cognate pMHCs of their parental TCRs. This rigidity prevents the force-induced conformational changes necessary for optimal catch-bond formation. Paradoxically, these high-affinity TCRs can form moderate catch bonds with non-stimulatory pMHCs of their parental TCRs, leading to off-target cross-reactivity and reduced specificity. We have also developed comprehensive force-dependent TCR–pMHC kinetics-function maps capable of distinguishing functional and non-functional TCR–pMHC pairs and identifying toxic, cross-reactive TCRs. These findings elucidate the mechano-chemical basis of the specificity of natural TCRs and highlight the critical role of CD8 in targeting cognate antigens. This work provides valuable insights for engineering TCRs with enhanced specificity and potency against non-self antigens, particularly for applications in cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease treatment, while minimizing the risk of self-antigen cross-reactivity.
研究领域:
免疫学
·
细胞生物学
·
生物力学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
Advanced Energy Materials
·
2024
·
IF 24.4
Hsun-Yen Lin,Jyh Ming Wu
Hydrogen (H 2 ) is mainly produced using steam methane reforming, electrolysis, and gasification, which require external energy and special catalysts. A new catalyst by combining MoS 2 nanoflowers (NFs) with metal carbide/nitride nanosheets (Mo 2 CTx MXene) to create a nanosheet bending moment. The MoS 2 @Mo 2 CT x heterostructures achieve a production rate of 1164.8 µmol g −1 h −1 under an application of mechanical force, 4.01 and 3.06 times higher than Mo 2 CTx and MoS 2 alone, due to enhanced charge transfer from MoS 2 's piezoelectricity and Mo 2 CT x 's conductivity. This study introduces a pioneering methodology that harnesses gravitational energy as a continuous mechanical force, simulated using a peristaltic pump, to drive the piezocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), achieving a notable hydrogen production rate of 454.1 µmol g −1 over 24 hours and demonstrating a sustained capability for hydrogen generation. The theoretical calculation results validate the piezoelectric potential in water-flow-pressure triggered HER systems. The piezocatalytic HER system, assuming powered by the Hoover Dam, will produce 290.9 kmoles of hydrogen per ton daily, equivalent to utilizing 19 150 kWh of energy in the electrocatalytic system. The simulated gravity-driven water flow using MoS 2 @Mo 2 CT x piezocatalysts for H 2 generation demonstrates superior efficiency by eliminating common thermal energy conversion losses, marking a significant breakthrough in sustainable hydrogen production technologies.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
可再生能源
·
催化化学
✓ 已验证
DOI
高影响因子
Journal of the American Chemical Society
·
2023
·
IF 15
Xiaopeng Zhang,Bin Tu,Zhouwen Cao,Munan Fang,Guangjie Zhang,Jinlei Yang,Yue Ying,Zhifei Sun,Junjun Hou,Qiaojun Fang,Zhiyong Tang,Lianshan Li
Ion transport through nanoconfinement, driven by both electrical and mechanical forces, has drawn ever-increasing attention, due to its high similarity to stress-sensitive ion channels in biological systems. Previous studies have reported only pressure-induced enhancement in ion conductance in low-permeable systems such as nanotubes, nanoslits, or single nanopores. This enhancement is generally explained by the ion accumulation caused by the capacitive effect in low-permeable systems. Here, we fabricate a highly permeable COF monolayer membrane to investigate ion transport behavior driven by both electrical and mechanical forces. Our results show an anomalous conductance reduction activated by external mechanical force, which is contrary to the capacitive effect-dominated conductance enhancement observed in low-permeable nanopores or channels. Through simulations, we uncovered a distinct electrical–mechanical interplay mechanism that depends on the relative rate between the ion diffusion from the boundary layer to the membrane surface and the ion transport through the membrane. The high pore density of the COF monolayer membrane reduces the charge accumulation caused by the capacitive effect, resulting in fewer accumulated ions near the membrane surface. Additionally, the high membrane permeability greatly accelerates the dissipation of the accumulated ions under mechanical pressure, weakening the effect of the capacitive layer on the streaming current. As a result, the ions accumulated on the electrodes, rather than in the capacitive layer, dominating the streaming current and giving rise to a distinct electrical–mechanical interplay mechanism compared to that in low-permeable nanopores or channels. Our study provides new insights into the interplay between electrical and mechanical forces in ultra-permeable systems.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
物理化学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
ACS Applied Nano Materials
·
2024
·
IF 5.3
Chuan Jiang,Zuheng Jin,Sha Wu,Zhihong Zhu,Jiangtao Wu,Bing Su,Changzheng Hu,Laijun Liu,Liang Fang,Zhenxiang Cheng
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a pivotal role in multiple industries, spanning healthcare, energy, chemical synthesis, and environmental protection, yet achieving its safe, ecofriendly, simple, and efficient production under ambient conditions remains challenging. In contrast to traditional piezoelectric and photocatalysis techniques, tribocatalysis has recently attracted attention owing to its mild requirements and low energy consumption. Thus, in this study, we synthesized BaxSr1–xNb2O6 (x = 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7) (BSN) ferroelectric nanopowders via solid-phase synthesis and high-energy ball milling to investigate the impact of BSN tribocatalysis on H2O2 production. Our findings reveal that H2O2 can be efficiently synthesized through a tribocatalysis pathway at room temperature and normal pressure by exerting mechanical force during physical contact between BSN particles and deionized water/O2 interfaces. This interaction induces electron transfer, leading to the generation of reactive free radicals (•OH and •O2–). Subsequently, these free radicals combine to form H2O2 (2•OH → H2O2, •O2– + e– + 2H+ → 2H2O2). Our results demonstrate that strong ferroelectric properties can enhance the catalytic capability for H2O2 production. Furthermore, the efficiency can be significantly enhanced by facilitating the passage of O2 and incorporating a sacrificial agent, resulting in a high production rate up to 952.65 μmol L–1 h–1. This study presents a new and efficient method for preparing hydrogen peroxide.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
环境科学
·
化学工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
·
2021
·
IF 8.742
Yingying Liu,Haowen Wu,Zhi Wang,Jixiao Wang
Solvent activation before heat treatment is an effective way to fabricate a more permeable polyamide (PA) reverse osmosis (RO) membrane. However, this method usually induces a decrease in selectivity due to the excessive swelling and dissolution of PA. A facile strategy of regulating solvent activation by the mechanical force was proposed in this work. With this strategy, the mechanical force was applied to the partial region of membrane surface before solvent activation to strengthen the interactions between the PA fragments and the PA, which would reduce the dissolution of partial PA fragments and alleviate the swelling of PA during activation for higher selectivity; while the region of membrane surface without applying mechanical force would be activated by solvent normally for high permeability. The desalination performances of the RO membranes for both brackish water and seawater were evaluated. The results verified that the membrane prepared by regulating solvent activation had a higher rejection and a comparative flux compared to the membrane activated by solvent directly. This work provides a facile way to fabricate the advanced RO membrane by regulating solvent activation.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
环境工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
·
2025
·
IF 19
Chao Li,Chihamo Jike,Yan Song,Guo Liang Li,Yi Jia,Junbai Li
Materials with cascade-responsive self-healing similar to that of living organisms can be of great practical value. Herein, a synthetic polymeric material is demonstrated that can achieve cascade-responsive self-healing via a mechanical-force-triggered self-crosslinking reaction. Ferrocene (Fc) is used as a mechanophore, and its decomposition when the material is subjected to a mechanical force generates Fe 3+ , which forms a complex with catechol residues present in side chains; thus, forming a new network structure. This cross-linking results in the tensile strength of CRSP-3 recovered completely after compression at 50 MPa for 5 min and standing for 72 h at room temperature. This strategy also provides the material with self-strengthening ability under repeated mechanical loading. The material exhibits the ability to resist the diffusion of micro cracks caused by high pressure in seawater. This study provides design principles for the construction of a new generation of intelligent bio-like self-healing materials.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
化学
·
仿生学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Nano Today
·
2020
·
IF 16.907
Yao Chenyang,Yang Fang,Sun Li,Ma Yuanyuan,Stefan G. Stanciu,Li Zihou,Liu Chuang,Ozioma Udochukwu Akakuru,Xu Lipeng,Hampp Norbert,Lu Huanming,Wu Aiguo
The emergence of drug-resistant tumour cells significantly interferes with the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic treatment plans and represents a major obstacle in the ongoing quest to overcome cancers. Therefore, exploring in detail new therapeutic strategies that can obviate this important challenge is regarded as a very important topic at the time being. Herein, we propose a non-invasive and remotely controllable mechano-chemotherapeutic approach that relies on the use of a rotating magnetic field (RMF) of low intensity (45 m T) in combination with a therapeutic agent consisting of a composite nanomaterial comprised of a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) shell co-loaded with Zn 0.2 Fe 2.8 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) and Doxorubicin (DOX). We show that RMF exposure induces a mechanical movement to this nanomaterial, which can be exploited for (i) controllably releasing the anti-cancer drug for chemotherapy, and (ii) promoting the death of tumour cells by means of mechanical forces exerted onto their membranes. Such dual behavior leads to combating cancer cells via different and complementary routes enabling a controllable and efficient therapy. The proposed model enables controllable tumor therapy by precisely operating the magnetic nanomaterials at the nanometer scale, and its applicability is neither restricted to the nanomaterial here demonstrated nor to solely addressing cancer. Modified variants of the proposed model, together with the corresponding therapeutic agents, can be developed to address other pathologies, enabling novel therapeutic approaches that exceed the precision and efficiency of current ones.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
·
肿瘤学
·
纳米医学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
CRYSTENGCOMM
·
2015
·Vol. 17
·期 13
·2690-2697
·
IF 4.034
Ke Tang,Jingcai Zhang,Wenzhi Wang,Shuping Wang,Jinxin Guo,Yanzhao Yang
A simple protocol has been reported here to successfully perform a controllable conversion between Ce(OH)4 nanorods [Ce(OH)4-NR] and Ce(OH)4 nanoflowers [Ce(OH)4-NF] based on a prolonged mechanical force-driven stirring process. Results show that the Ce(OH)4 nanostructures undergo a morphology transformation from the initial nanorods to irregular nanoflowers, then to nanoflowers emanating from one center only, by varying the stirring time before solvothermal reaction. The detailed study confirmed that the mechanical force significantly improved the mass transport of the solution and drove the seeds of Ce(OH)4-NR [seeds-NR] to generate the seeds of Ce(OH)4-NF [seeds-NF]. The final CeO2 products (CeO2 nanorods [CeO2-NR] and CeO2 nanoflowers [CeO2-NF]) that inherited the original morphology were obtained by annealing Ce(OH)4-NR and Ce(OH)4-NF, respectively. To further optimize the performance of the final products, Au/CeO2-NR and Au/CeO2-NF were synthesized by a simple oxidation–reduction process, which led to increased surface areas and promising potential in CO oxidation.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
化学工程
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Materials Chemistry Frontiers
·
2022
·Vol. 6
·期 12
·1637-1646
·
IF 8.683
Zeju Zhang,Lili Chen,Yanhui Zhao,Jielei Huang,Chenfeng Ding,Chunlei Liu,Yaochun Liu,Xiaofen Hong,Yuan Liu,Chunzhao Liu
Three-dimensional (3D) TiO2 hierarchical micromaterials assembled using high-aspect-ratio nano building blocks have exhibited many unique features of good structural stability, efficient mass transport/charge transfer properties and excellent light harvesting capability, which enable them to be successfully used for photocatalysis application. However, synthesis and structural control of the nano-/micro-materials pose serious challenges in materials design, such as requiring complex and time-consuming procedures, and harsh reaction conditions. Herein, we develop a simple wet-chemistry method combined with stirring procedure to construct new nanowire-assembled TiO2 submicron fibers with hierarchical structures. Results suggest that the mechanical force-driven stirring process increases the diffusion and surface reaction rate of intermediate hydrated titanate nanocrystal growth in the solution phase, leading to the generation of long tortuous nanowires and thereafter the formation of a new 3D nanowire-assembled hierarchical structure. The final 3D TiO2 nanowire-assembled micromaterials have a relatively large surface area of 184 m−2 g−1 with abundant hierarchical pores, which create an ideal micro-reactor for promoting the degradation of 2,4-dichlorophenol and Rhodamine B under UV light. The good photocatalytic performance is attributed to the unique structure of the TiO2 hierarchical nano-micromaterials, including a hierarchical pore structure and a dual-phase-induced rich interface. This work presents a facile and cost-effective approach that is potentially competitive for scaling-up the production of novel TiO2 nano-micromaterials with desired porous hierarchy for advanced application.
研究领域:
材料科学
·
环境科学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
高影响因子
Nature Communications
·
2025
·Vol. 16
·期 1
·1-15
·
IF 15.7
Li Bohan,Fu Qingyu,Lu Yan,Chen Cheng,Zhao Yingshuai,Zhao Yuanfeng,Cao Minghui,Zhou Wei,Fan Xiaoliang,Jiang Xiaoyu,Zhao Peng,Zheng Yijun
Mechanical forces play a critical role in regulating cancer cell behavior, particularly during metastasis. Here we present a three-dimensional hydrogel platform embedded with near-infrared-responsive macromolecular actuators that enable precise mechanical stimulation of specific integrin subtypes in cancer cells. By leveraging this system, we investigate how different force parameters—magnitude, frequency, and duration—affect the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cell spheroids, focusing on the integrins αvβ3 and αvβ6. We find that mechanical stimulation enhances collective invasion at early stages and triggers a mesenchymal-to-amoeboid transition during later migration, especially when high-frequency, large-amplitude forces disrupt αvβ3-ligand interactions. In contrast, cells engaging αvβ6—through higher-affinity binding—show limited transition under similar conditions. Molecular simulations support these findings by revealing the underlying mechanics of integrin-specific responses. This 3D hydrogel platform provides a powerful tool for studying mechanotransduction in cancer cells and offers potential insights for developing targeted cancer therapies.
研究领域:
生物医学工程
·
癌症生物学
·
细胞力学
✓ 已验证
产品关联
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
BIOMATERIALS
·
2022
·
IF 15.304
Hui Du,Fang Yang,Chenyang Yao,Wenhao Lv,Hao Peng,Stefan G. Stanciu,Harald A. Stenmark,Young Min Song,Bo Jiang,Aiguo Wu
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a form of breast cancer that is more aggressive and harder to treat than others, with a higher probability of relapse. Its nefarious capabilities for migrating and invading other parts of the body together with the current lack of clinically established effective therapies account for a low survival rate. In this work, we demonstrate the in-tandem use of two complementary therapeutic routes to effectively combat TNBC. A versatile magnetic-photothermal converter (MPC) consisting of zinc-doped ferrite nanoparticles and polyethene glycol, is shown to display excellent therapeutic efficiency, being capable to fight TNBC via two distinct routes: magneto-mechanical force (MMF) and near-infrared-II (NIR-II) hypothermal ablation. The combined use of these two complementary and synergistic therapies, which are less aggressive to the human body compared to conventional chemotherapeutic approaches, results in the splendid suppression of TNBC migration and invasion. Remotely controlling the MPCs by an external magnetic field , results in cellular MMF effects that cause direct mechanical destruction to the cancer cell membrane , leading to its necrosis. Furthermore, the MMF disrupts intracellular lysosomes , thereby triggering the release of large amounts of protein hydrolases , which induce intracellular oxidative stress , and accelerate the induction of apoptosis. Complementing the therapeutic approach based on MMF, the excellent photothermal performance of the MPC in the NIR-II region (1064 nm) is exploited to enable effective hypothermal ablation of the tumours, which can be achieved in deep tissue layers. The proposed multifunctional nanocomposites , together with the demonstrated “double-punch” therapeutic approach, hold significant potential to pave the way for future cutting-edge weapons against the dreadful TNBC.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
·
生物医学工程
·
纳米医学
✓ 已验证
DOI
PubMed
高影响因子
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