From protocells to prototissues: a materials chemistry approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 2579-2589
Author(s):  
Pierangelo Gobbo
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Science ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Biomedical Science ◽  
Materials Chemistry ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Living Tissues ◽  
Synthetic Construction ◽  
3D Networks

Prototissues comprise free-standing 3D networks of interconnected protocell consortia that communicate and display synergistic functions. Significantly, they can be constructed from functional molecules and materials, providing unprecedented opportunities to design tissue-like architectures that can do more than simply mimic living tissues. They could function under extreme conditions and exhibit a wide range of mechanical properties and bio-inspired metabolic functions. In this perspective, I will start by describing recent advancements in the design and synthetic construction of prototissues. I will then discuss the next challenges and the future impact of this emerging research field, which is destined to find applications in the most diverse areas of science and technology, from biomedical science to environmental science, and soft robotics.

scholarly journals A Bibliometric Visualization Review of the MODIS LAI/FPAR Products from 1995 to 2020

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Kai Yan ◽  
Dongxiao Zou ◽  
Guangjian Yan ◽  
Hongliang Fang ◽  
Marie Weiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Environmental Science ◽  
Scale Effects ◽  
Estimation Algorithm ◽  
Research Direction ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Modis Lai

The MODIS LAI/FPAR products have been widely used in various fields since their first public release in 2000. This review intends to summarize the history, development trends, scientific collaborations, disciplines involved, and research hotspots of these products. Its aim is to intrigue researchers and stimulate new research direction. Based on literature data from the Web of Science (WOS) and associated funding information, we conducted a bibliometric visualization review of the MODIS LAI/FPAR products from 1995 to 2020 using bibliometric and social network analysis (SNA) methods. We drew the following conclusions: (1) research based on the MODIS LAI/FPAR shows an upward trend with a multiyear average growth rate of 24.9% in the number of publications. (2) Researchers from China and the USA are the backbone of this research area, among which the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is the core research institution. (3) Research based on the MODIS LAI/FPAR covers a wide range of disciplines but mainly focus on environmental science and ecology. (4) Ecology, crop production estimation, algorithm improvement, and validation are the hotspots of these studies. (5) Broadening the research field, improving the algorithms, and overcoming existing difficulties in heterogeneous surface, scale effects, and complex terrains will be the trend of future research. Our work provides a clear view of the development of the MODIS LAI/FPAR products and valuable information for scholars to broaden their research fields.

scholarly journals Oxidic 2D Materials

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (18) ◽  
pp. 5213
Author(s):  
Oliver Dubnack ◽  
Frank A. Müller
Keyword(s):  
Thin Films ◽  
2D Materials ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Two Dimensional Materials ◽  
Application Potential ◽  
Manufacturing Technologies ◽  
Selection Of

The possibility of producing stable thin films, only a few atomic layers thick, from a variety of materials beyond graphene has led to two-dimensional (2D) materials being studied intensively in recent years. By reducing the layer thickness and approaching the crystallographic monolayer limit, a variety of unexpected and technologically relevant property phenomena were observed, which also depend on the subsequent arrangement and possible combination of individual layers to form heterostructures. These properties can be specifically used for the development of multifunctional devices, meeting the requirements of the advancing miniaturization of modern manufacturing technologies and the associated need to stabilize physical states even below critical layer thicknesses of conventional materials in the fields of electronics, magnetism and energy conversion. Differences in the structure of potential two-dimensional materials result in decisive influences on possible growth methods and possibilities for subsequent transfer of the thin films. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the rapidly growing field of two-dimensional materials, highlighting those with oxidic crystal structure like perovskites, garnets and spinels. In addition to a selection of well-established growth techniques and approaches for thin film transfer, we evaluate in detail their application potential as free-standing monolayers, bilayers and multilayers in a wide range of advanced technological applications. Finally, we provide suggestions for future developments of this promising research field in consideration of current challenges regarding scalability and structural stability of ultra-thin films.

scholarly journals Growth Promotion or Osmotic Stress Response: How SNF1-Related Protein Kinase 2 (SnRK2) Kinases Are Activated and Manage Intracellular Signaling in Plants

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 1443
Author(s):  
Yoshiaki Kamiyama ◽  
Sotaro Katagiri ◽  
Taishi Umezawa
Keyword(s):  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Osmotic Stress ◽  
Protein Function ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Growth Promotion ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Related Protein ◽  
Wide Range

Reversible phosphorylation is a major mechanism for regulating protein function and controls a wide range of cellular functions including responses to external stimuli. The plant-specific SNF1-related protein kinase 2s (SnRK2s) function as central regulators of plant growth and development, as well as tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses. Although the activity of SnRK2s is tightly regulated in a phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA)-dependent manner, recent investigations have revealed that SnRK2s can be activated by group B Raf-like protein kinases independently of ABA. Furthermore, evidence is accumulating that SnRK2s modulate plant growth through regulation of target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling. Here, we summarize recent advances in knowledge of how SnRK2s mediate plant growth and osmotic stress signaling and discuss future challenges in this research field.

scholarly journals A Perspective on the Application of Covalent Organic Frameworks for Detection and Water Treatment

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1651
Author(s):  
Cristina Arqueros ◽  
Félix Zamora ◽  
Carmen Montoro
Keyword(s):  
Water Treatment ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Covalent Organic Frameworks ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Water And Wastewater Treatment ◽  
Design And Synthesis ◽  
Water Detection ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Quality Water

Global population growth and water resource scarcity are significant social problems currently being studied by many researchers focusing on finding new materials for water treatment. The aim is to obtain quality water suitable for drinking and industrial consumption. In this sense, an emergent class of crystalline porous materials known as Covalent-Organic Frameworks (COFs) offers a wide range of possibilities since their structures can be designed on demand for specific applications. Indeed, in the last decade, many efforts have been made for their use in water treatment. This perspective article aims to overview the state-of-the-art COFs collecting the most recent results in the field for water detection of pollutants and water treatment. After the introduction, where we overview the classical design strategies on COF design and synthesis for obtaining chemically stable COFs, we summarize the different experimental methodologies used for COFs processing in the form of supported and free-standing membranes and colloids. Finally, we describe the use of COFs in processes involving the detection of pollutants in water and wastewater treatment, such as the capture of organic compounds, heavy metals, and dyes, the degradation of organic pollutants, as well as in desalination processes. Finally, we provide a perspective on the field and the potential technological use of these novel materials.

Porosity Control of Thermally Sprayed Ceramic Deposits

1998 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Chraska ◽  
V. Brozek ◽  
B.J. Kolman ◽  
J. Ilavsky ◽  
K. Neufuss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gas Permeability ◽  
Water Immersion ◽  
Thermal Spraying ◽  
Spray Parameters ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Free Standing ◽  
Spray Process ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Controlled Porosity ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Porosity regulates the deposit's properties and therefore methods for its control are of a vital industrial importance. Thermal spraying can produce deposits in a wide range of porosities by selection of a spray process itself, by selection of spray parameters, feedstock size and chemistry, etc. Manufacturing of deposits with controlled porosity may be difficult if the selection of spray processes and materials is limited. Special methods of deposition or/and subsequent post processing may be therefore necessary. These methods are studied in the presented work. All spraying was done with the water-stabilized plasma (WSP®) system PAL 160. Thick deposits and free-standing parts were sprayed from alumina, zircon, metal Al and Ni powders and their combinations. Porosity was characterized by number of techniques such as gas permeability, water immersion, MIP, SEM and SANS. Mechanical properties were characterized by the Young's modulus. Special methods of deposition, such as spraying of mixtures of ceramics and metals were successfully used. Either sandwiched-structures with alternating layers of ceramics and metals were sprayed (for the sealing purpose) or mechanical mixtures of ceramic and metallic feedstock were sprayed. Several post-processing methods were used to change porosity volumes or other materials characteristics. To increase the porosity the metallic phases were subsequently removed by leaching or by annealing at temperatures above the melting point of metal. A number of sealing materials (organic and inorganic) were used to seal the pores by infiltration at ambient or higher pressures. The results show, that significant changes of porosity volume and, especially, of the gas permeability are possible. Another tested method was annealing/calcination of deposits, which resulted in an increase or decrease of porosity, depending on deposit's chemistry and annealing conditions. Results show that all used post processings are capable of significant changes of deposit microstructure and that they may be successfully applied in practice.

Solid State Materials Chemistry

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick M. Woodward ◽  
Pavel Karen ◽  
John S. O. Evans ◽  
Thomas Vogt
Keyword(s):  
Materials Science ◽  
Specific Property ◽  
Integrated Treatment ◽  
Synthesis Methods ◽  
Materials Chemistry ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Hands On ◽  
Hands On Learning ◽  
Extended Solids ◽  
Core Concepts

This comprehensive textbook provides a modern, self-contained treatment for upper undergraduate and graduate level students. It emphasizes the links between structure, defects, bonding, and properties throughout, and provides an integrated treatment of a wide range of materials, including crystalline, amorphous, organic and nano- materials. Boxes on synthesis methods, characterization tools, and technological applications distil specific examples and support student understanding of materials and their design. The first six chapters cover the fundamentals of extended solids, while later chapters explore a specific property or class of material, building a coherent framework for students to master core concepts with confidence, and for instructors to easily tailor the coverage to fit their own single semester course. With mathematical details given only where they strengthen understanding, 400 original figures and over 330 problems for hands-on learning, this accessible textbook is ideal for courses in chemistry and materials science.

scholarly journals Selenium supplementation: does soil supplementation help and why?

2003 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Arthur
Keyword(s):  
Effective Means ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Selenium Supplementation ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Disease Treatment ◽  
Hormone Synthesis ◽  
Metabolic Functions ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Se Status

There are now concerns that dietary Se intake is inadequate for the population in the UK and parts of Europe. Many different methods can be proposed to deal with this problem. Experience from Finland suggests that the addition of Se to fertiliser is a safe and effective means of increasing the intake of the micronutrient in the human population. However, careful consideration needs to be given to the potential consequences of increasing Se intake. It is important to understand the biochemical and physiological changes that may occur with any increase in Se intake within the UK population. Se is an essential component of at least twenty functional proteins within mammals. These proteins are essential for a range of metabolic functions, including antioxidant activity, thyroid hormone synthesis and immune function. Thus, any increase in Se intake has the potential to influence in a wide range of factors that may impinge on the incidence of chronic disease. Treatment of soil with Se-supplemented fertiliser will certainly increase total Se in food products derived from areas where this treatment is in place. Consumption of such foods will increase Se status in many populations where the existing intake does not meet requirements. If the increases in Se intake are not toxic the overall consequences have the potential to be beneficial.

scholarly journals The role of airborne volcanic ash for the surface ocean biogeochemical iron-cycle: a review

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 6441-6489 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Duggen ◽  
N. Olgun ◽  
P. Croot ◽  
L. Hoffmann ◽  
H. Dietze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Volcanic Ash ◽  
Volcanic Eruptions ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Ash Deposition ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Iron Cycle ◽  
Surface Ocean ◽  
Wide Range

Abstract. Iron is a key micronutrient for phytoplankton growth in the surface ocean. Yet the significance of volcanism for the marine biogeochemical iron-cycle is poorly constrained. Recent studies, however, suggest that offshore deposition of airborne ash from volcanic eruptions is a way to inject significant amounts of bio-available iron into the surface ocean. Volcanic ash may be transported up to several tens of kilometres high into the atmosphere during large-scale eruptions and fine ash may encircle the globe for years, thereby reaching even the remotest and most iron-starved oceanic areas. Scientific ocean drilling demonstrates that volcanic ash layers and dispersed ash particles are frequently found in marine sediments and that therefore volcanic ash deposition and iron-injection into the oceans took place throughout much of the Earth's history. The data from geochemical and biological experiments, natural evidence and satellite techniques now available suggest that volcanic ash is a so far underestimated source for iron in the surface ocean, possibly of similar importance as aeolian dust. Here we summarise the development of and the knowledge in this fairly young research field. The paper covers a wide range of chemical and biological issues and we make recommendations for future directions in these areas. The review paper may thus be helpful to improve our understanding of the role of volcanic ash for the marine biogeochemical iron-cycle, marine primary productivity and the ocean-atmosphere exchange of CO2 and other gases relevant for climate throughout the Earth's history.

scholarly journals Microcavity-Like Exciton-Polaritons can be the Primary Photoexcitation in Bare Organic Semiconductors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akshay Rao ◽  
Raj Pandya ◽  
Richard Chen ◽  
Qifei Gu ◽  
Jooyoug Sung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Organic Semiconductors ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
External Cavity ◽  
Materials Chemistry ◽  
Strong Light ◽  
Organic Systems ◽  
Reflectivity Spectra ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Exciton Polaritons ◽  
Photonic States

Abstract Exciton-polaritons (EPs) are quasiparticles formed by the hybridization of excitons with light modes. As organic semiconductors sustain stable excitons at room-temperature, these materials are being actively studied for room temperature polaritonic devices1–3. This is typically in the form of cavity-based systems, where molecules are confined between metallic or dielectric mirrors 4–6 or in a plasmonic gap 7,8. In such systems strong light-matter coupling gives rise to polariton splittings on the order of 200 to 300 meV 6. A wide range of phenomena have been demonstrated in cavity-polariton systems including super-fluidity9, precisely controlled chemical reactions10 and long-range energy propagation11. Here, using a range of chemically diverse model organic systems we show that interactions between excitons and moderately confined photonic states within the (thin) film can lead to the formation of EPs, with a defined lifetime, even in the absence of external cavities. We demonstrate the presence of EPs via angular dependent splittings in reflectivity spectra on the order of 30 meV and collective emission from ~5 ×107 coupled molecules. Additionally, we show that at room temperature these EPs can transport energy up to ~270 nm at velocities of ~5 ×106 m s-1. This propagation velocity and distance is sensitive to, and can be tuned by, the refractive index of the external environment. However, although sensitive to the nanoscale morphology the formation of the exciton-polariton states is a general phenomenon, independent of underlying materials chemistry, with the principal material requirements being a high oscillator strength per unit volume and low disorder. These results and design rules will enable the harnessing of EP effects for a new application in optoelectronics, light harvesting 9,12,13 and cavity controlled chemistry without the limiting requirement of an external cavity.

scholarly journals On Enrichment Culturing and Transferring Technique

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Ji-Dong Gu ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Science ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Medium Composition ◽  
Isolation And Purification ◽  
Complex Samples ◽  
Fundamental Information ◽  
Cultural Medium ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
Pure Cultures

Enrichment culturing and transferring technique is frequently used to obtain specific functional microorganisms for more in-depth investigations from the complex samples containing a wide range of different microorganisms. This technique is fundamental and critically important in research of microbial ecology, environmental microbiology, and environmental science, but the proper practice of this technique in applications remains ambiguous to some investigators. Because of this situation, misuse and lack of comprehensive understanding of the meaning of this technique are frequently found in manuscripts or even publications. This article provides a discussion about this technique and the meaning for practical use to enhance research for high-quality results and the scientific information effectively when used. The key elements of this technique include, cultural medium composition, culturing and incubation, frequency of transferring for enrichment, procedures prior to the isolation and purification to obtain possibly pure cultures or enrichments of the capable microorganisms for further biochemistry and physiology investigations. The information is intended to improve the basic understanding of this technique for a more effective and efficient applications in research to advance the basic and fundamental information and to pave the way for more innovative research and discoveries to science.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document