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Two dual stimuli-activated photosensitizers were developed, in which two or three glutathione (GSH)-responsive 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonate (DNBS)-substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanine units were connected via one or two cathepsin B-cleavable Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly peptide linker(s). These dimeric and trimeric phthalocyanines were fully quenched in the native form due to the photoinduced electron transfer to the DNBS substituents and the self-quenching of the phthalocyanine units. In the presence of GSH and cathepsin B, or upon internalization into A549 and HepG2 cancer cells, these probes were activated through the release of free phthalocyanine units. The intracellular fluorescence intensity was increased upon post-incubation with GSH ester or reduced upon pre-treatment with a cathepsin B inhibitor. Upon light irradiation, these photosensitizers became highly cytotoxic with IC50 values of 0.21-0.39 μM. The photocytotoxicity was also dependent on the intracellular GSH and cathepsin B levels. The results showed that these conjugates could serve as smart photosensitizers for targeted photodynamic therapy.

In recent years, more and more biochars have been employed to treat dye wastewater. In order to increase the utilization of moringa seed shell resources and enrich the removal method of methylene blue (MB) in solution, in the current study, the magnetic moringa seed shells biochar was prepared through ultrasonic-assisted impregnation and pyrolysis, while Fe3O4 was used to activate the material to obtain adsorption (Fe3O4-MOS). The prepared adsorbents were characterized by SEM-EDS, XRD, XPS, FTIR, N2 adsorption and desorption and VSM. Under the suitable experimental conditions, the removal rate can be close to 100% and the maximum adsorption capacity of MB could be 219.60 mg/g. The Freundlich model provided a good match to the data presented by the adsorption isotherm, and the adsorption of MB on Fe3O4-MOS was a spontaneous and endothermic reaction. Study of the mechanism indicated that pore adsorption, electrostatic interaction, hydrogen bond, and π-π interaction were the major adsorption mechanisms. After five cycles, it was found that Fe3O4-MOS had a high removal rate for MB, which was close to 90%. This work provides a new idea for moringa seed shells and the results confirm that Fe3O4-MOS has substantial potential for dye wastewater treatment.

A novel metal-organic framework (MOF)/covalent-organic framework (COF) heterostructure hybrid composite (NH

A ferrocenyl boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) has been developed and utilized as a dark quencher to construct a cathepsin B-responsive fluorescent probe and photosensitizer. The smart fluorescent probe and photosensitizer (Pc-FcQ) contains a zinc(II) phthalocyanine as the fluorescent and photosensitizing unit which is conjugated to the ferrocenyl BODIPY dark quencher via a cathepsin B-cleavable peptide substrate [Gly-Phe-Leu-Gly-Lys]. The photosensitizing properties of Pc-FcQ, including fluorescence and singlet oxygen generation, are significantly quenched through energy transfer to the BODIPY unit and subsequently by the photoinduced electron transfer from the nearby ferrocenyl moiety. Upon exposure of cathepsin B in human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG cells, the fluorescence emission of Pc-FcQ could be restored, indicating the cleavage of the peptide substrate and the separation of the phthalocyanine and ferrocenyl BODIPY unit. However, the intracellular fluorescence intensity of Pc-FcQ was largely diminished after the cells were pre-treated with cathepsin B inhibitor. Its intracellular fluorescence intensity was comparable to that of the control compound in which the peptide substrate was replaced by the non-cleavable one [Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Lys]. The singlet oxygen generation of Pc-FcQ was also examined in HepG2 cells as reflected by the cytotoxicity assay. The Pc-FcQ exhibited higher potency when compared with the non-cleavable analogue due to the cleavage of peptide substrate and the detachment of the BODIPY dark quencher from the phthalocyanine. The activation of the Pc-FcQ was also demonstrated in tumor-bearing nude mice. After intratumoral injection of Pc-FcQ, the fluorescence intensity at the tumor region increased gradually over 10 h as a result of the detachment of the dark quencher upon the action of cathepsin B. All the results suggest that this ferrocenyl BODIPY could serve as an efficient dark quencher and the resulting Pc-FcQ could act as the cathepsin B-responsive fluorescent probe and activatable photosensitizer.

To improve the biocompatibility and tumor selectivity, we employed an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) binding peptide (namely GE11, with a sequence of Tyr-His-Trp-Tyr-Gly-Tyr-Thr-Pro-Gln-Asn-Val-Ile) as a tumor directing vector for the delivery of zinc(II) phthalocyanine for targeted photodynamic therapy and bioimaging. The photophysical properties, cellular uptake, in vitro cytotoxicity, and in vivo biodistribution of this phthalocyanine-peptide conjugate (namely Pc-GE11) have been evaluated. Pc-GE11 exhibited higher cellular uptake on EGFR-overexpressing epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells when compared with that on human breast adenocarcinoma MCF7 cells (low EGFR expression). Moreover, pretreatment of A431 cells with GE11 peptide inhibited the cellular uptake of Pc-GE11 significantly and it exhibited exclusive light-activated cytotoxicity toward A431 cells. Furthermore, Pc-GE11 showed much higher tumor accumulation than the non-targeted control compound containing a random peptide sequence (Tyr-Trp-Gly-Pro-Asn-Ile-His-Tyr-Tyr-Thr-Gln-Val) after intravenous administration in A431-tumor bearing mice, indicating the potential application of this GE11 peptide-conjugated photosensitizer for targeted photodynamic therapy and bioimaging.

A novel label-free point-of-care quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) aptasensing platform based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was fabricated for tetracycline (TC) detection. MOFs (HKUST-1) and AuNPs were modified onto the sensing interface of QCM sensor to enhance the sensing performance of the QCM aptasensor. TC aptamer with sulfhydryl group was fixed through Au-S bond. The recognition performance of the aptasensor was predicted and verified by the computer simulation. At the optimal conditions, the frequency change of the sensor was adopted for quantitative detection of TC. The prepared QCM aptasensor exhibited a wide linear range from 1 × 10

Wheat crops are frequently devastated by pandemic stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Here, we identify and characterize a wheat receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase gene, TaPsIPK1, that confers susceptibility to this pathogen. PsSpg1, a secreted fungal effector vital for Pst virulence, can bind TaPsIPK1, enhance its kinase activity, and promote its nuclear localization, where it phosphorylates the transcription factor TaCBF1d for gene regulation. The phosphorylation of TaCBF1d switches its transcriptional activity on the downstream genes. CRISPR-Cas9 inactivation of TaPsIPK1 in wheat confers broad-spectrum resistance against Pst without impacting important agronomic traits in two years of field tests. The disruption of TaPsIPK1 leads to immune priming without constitutive activation of defense responses. Taken together, TaPsIPK1 is a susceptibility gene known to be targeted by rust effectors, and it has great potential for developing durable resistance against rust by genetic modifications.

The objective of this work was to investigate N

As one kind of tetracycline antibiotics, oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in animal-derived foods can do serious harm to human health. Though aptasensors for the detection of OTC are widely reported, label-free electrochemical aptasensor with low cost, simple preparation and good applicability should be further explored to meet the current urgent needs. In this study, a label-free electrochemical aptasensor for OTC determination was designed. The detection was based on specific recognition by the aptamer covalently-bound on the sensing interface via diazonium coupling reaction, which was verified by computer simulation. Experiment results showed that the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) current response of the constructed electrochemical aptasensor was linear with the logarithm of OTC concentration in the range of 1.0 × 10−9 g mL−1–1.0 × 10−4 g mL−1 (R2 = 0.9897) with the limit of detection of 2.29 × 10−10 g mL−1. The proposed aptasensor indicated good selectivity, reproducibility and stability, which could be attributed to the stable modification of aptamer on the sensing interface. The OTC in the milk sample was detected by the spiked recovery method, and good results were obtained, with the recovery rate being 87.0%-99.3%. The proposed label-free electrochemical aptasensor can provide methods for low-cost, accurate and rapid detection of antibiotic residues.

In this work, a molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical (MIP-PEC) sensor based on a novel PEC composite of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and TiO

Background: We report herein the synthesis of a novel dicationic boron dipyrromethene derivative (compound 3) which is symmetrically substituted with two trimethylammonium styryl groups. Methods: The antibacterial photodynamic activity of compound 3 was determined against sixteen methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains, including four ATCC type strains (ATCC 43300, ATCC BAA-42, ATCC BAA-43, and ATCC BAA-44), two mutant strains [AAC(6’)-APH(2”) and RN4220/pUL5054], and ten non-duplicate clinical strains of hospital- and communityassociated MRSA. Upon light irradiation, the minimum bactericidal concentrations of compound 3 were in the range of 1.56-50 µM against all the sixteen MRSA strains. Interestingly, compound 3 was not only more active than an analogue in which the ammonium groups are not directly connected to the pconjugated system (compound 4), but also showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) antibacterial potency than the clinically approved photosensitizer methylene blue. The skin irritation of compound 3 during topical application was tested on human 3-D skin constructs and proven to be non-irritant in vivo at concentrations below 1.250 mM. In the murine MRSA infected wound study, the colony forming unit reduction of compound 3 + PDT group showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher value (>2.5 log10) compared to other test groups except for the positive control. Conclusion: In conclusion, the present study provides a scientific basis for future development of compound 3 as a potent photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy for MRSA wound infection.

This work aimed to investigate the effects of lipid oxidation on Ne-carboxymethyllysine (CML) and Ne-carboxyethyllysine (CEL) formation in three types of Chinese-style sausages during storage. Medium-high temperature dried sausage, naturally dehydrated sausage and smoke-dried sausage were prepared, and CML/CEL contents were measured. The result showed that CML and CEL levels increased with the increasing storage time, and an exponential correlation was found between thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs) and either CML (r2 = 0.922) or CEL (r2 = 0.921) in medium-high temperature dried sausages and smoke-dried sausage, which suggested that lipid oxidation could facilitate CML/CEL formation during storage. Furthermore, lipid oxidation and the Maillard reaction might have a synergistic effect on CML formation in Chinese-style sausages, as evidence by the results of model system during incubation. These findings indicated that lipid oxidation played a key role in CML/CEL formation during the storage of Chinese-style sausages.

A biotinylated glutathione (GSH)-responsive zinc(II) phthalocyanine has been prepared and characterized. With a 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonyl moiety, its fluorescence emission and singlet oxygen generation were silenced in its intact state. Upon exposure to high concentration of GSH, its photosensitizing properties were restored in phosphate buffered saline and inside tumor cells. It also showed preferential uptake on HepG2 human hepatocarcinoma cells (with higher biotin receptor expression) rather than Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells (with lower biotin receptor expression). Upon irradiation, it caused photocytotoxicity with an IC50 value down to 0.1 μm on HepG2 cells. Moreover, it can localize in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), causing ER stress after light irradiation.

In order to solve inherent problems of traditional molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MIECS), a novel platform of surface molecularly imprinted magnetic metal-organic frameworks (mMOFs@MIPs) was coupled with magneto electrode to establish magnetic MIECS for the recognition of oxytetracycline (OTC). mMOFs@MIPs were synthesized using layer-by-layer modification method for the recognition of OTC. With the help of magneto electrodes, mMOFs@MIPs can be magnetically modified on the electrode surface, forming the electrochemical sensing interface. The imprinted cavities of mMOFs@MIPs can act as the electron channel of the probe to realize label-free detection of OTC. A linear response was obtained within the OTC concentration range of 1.0 × 10−9 g mL−1-1.0 × 10−4 g mL−1. The applicability of the sensor was estimated using the spiking and recovery method in milk samples with the recoveries ranging from 89.0% to 103.1%. It has potential applications in food safety analysis with high throughput detection capability, high specificity and good stability.

In this study, triethylene tetramine-modified water-insoluble corn flour caged in magnetic chitosan resin (TETA-WICF/MCR) was firstly prepared, which indicates novel aspects for immobilization and chemically modification of mycotoxin adsorbents. The TETA-WICF/MCR was characterized using zoom stereo microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and magnetic separation performance analysis. Experimental results confirmed successful layer by layer modification of chitosan, biosorbent water-insoluble corn flour (WICF), TETA onto the surface of magnetic beads. The mean diameter of the TETA-WICF/MCR was 2.63 mm with good magnetic-responsive ability. Subsequently, the adsorption performance of the TETA-WICF/MCR obtained toward patulin was assessed in batch adsorption system and the results demonstrated that the adsorption process was strongly depended on adsorbent dosage, contact time, temperature, and initial patulin concentration. The results of SEM images and FTIR analysis showed obvious changes in the porous structure of TETA-WICF/MCR after adsorbing patulin, and -NH2 and -OH groups were predominantly involved in the adsorption of patulin. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetics followed the mechanism of pseudo-second-order model, and equilibrium data were well fitted in the Freundlich isotherm model. It was also found that the TETA-WICF/MCR had good reusability without any adverse changes in apple juice. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Patulin is a regulated toxin biosynthesized by certain fungi that contaminate agricultural commodities, such as fruits, juices, and other beverages. Several approaches have been studied to reduce patulin levels in apple juice and other aqueous systems. There is need for more low-cost and eco-friendly adsorbent capable of detoxifying patulin contaminated. In this sense, triethylene tetramine-modified water-insoluble corn flour caged in magnetic chitosan resin (TETA-WICF/MCR) was first prepared and exhibits easy solid-liquid separation and high adsorption capacity for removing patulin from contaminated apple juice.

A microplate-based assay is described for the sensitive and selective fluorometric determination of the pesticide dimethoate. Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-coated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are used as the molecular recognition probe. The MIP-coated QDs were synthesized using one-step reversed-phase microemulsion in the presence of hydrophobic CdSe/ZnS QDs. Copolymerization was performed by using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as the functional monomer, tetraethoxysilane as the cross-linker, and dimethoate as the template. The fluorescence of the coated QDs is quenched by dimethoate when dimethoate becomes rebound on the imprinting sites of the MIP. Under the optimal conditions, fluorescence (best measured at excitation/emisison wavelengths of 380/620 nm) drops linearly in the 5.0–150 μg L−1 dimethoate concentration range, and the limit of detection is 2.1 μg L−1 (at S/N = 3). The assay was utilized for dimethoate determination in spiked real samples. Satisfactory recoveries (89.8%–98.0%) with relatively standard deviations of

The preparation and practical applications of molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MIECSs) remain challenging due to issues involving electrode surface renewal modes, low adsorption capacities, and sample preparation speeds. To solve these issues, magnetic molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MMIECSs) have been extensively explored by various groups. Recently, MMIECSs fabricated based on diverse strategies have yielded insight into the development of MIECSs, and they have provided effective paths for sample preparation, immobilization and renewal of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) on the electrode surface, leading to promising performances of MIECSs. This review comprehensively describes the research advances for various types of MMIECSs and their applications in the fields of food safety, environmental monitoring, and clinical and pharmaceutical analysis. Based on our understanding of MMIECSs, the literature in this field is thoroughly explored and classified in this review. The challenges existing in this research area and some potential strategies for the rational design of high-performance MMIECS are also outlined.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are harmful compounds produced during food processing. This study investigated the effects of frozen storage duration (−18 °C) of raw pork on AGEs generation in meatballs. Meatballs were prepared using frozen raw pork (at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days), and Ne-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML)/Ne-(carboxyethyl)lysine (CEL) (typical AGEs) levels were determined. With increasing frozen storage times of raw pork, CML levels in meatballs increased from 13.26 (0 day) to 43.30 mg/kg protein (120 days), and CEL levels increased from 12.37 (0 day) to 40.50 mg/kg protein (120 days). Furthermore, oxidative damage to raw pork (carbonyls, total sulfhydryl groups, free amines, surface hydrophobicity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances of residual lipids, and intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence intensity) was assessed during storage periods. A significant correlation between myofibrillar protein oxidation and CML/CEL levels was observed, suggesting that oxidative damage to raw pork during frozen storage could promote the generation of CML and CEL in meatballs. Therefore, controlling myofibrillar protein oxidation in raw pork may facilitate reduced AGEs levels in meatballs.

In this work, a molecularly imprinted photoelectrochemical (MIP-PEC) sensor based on a novel PEC composite of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and TiO2 (NH2-MIL-125(Ti)–TiO2) was established for the ultrasensitive and selective detection of oxytetracycline (OTC). This is the first attempt of applying MOFs in the construction of MIP-PEC sensor. The NH2-MIL-125(Ti)–TiO2 was synthesized by a simple one-step solvothermal method and modified onto the surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode as the photosensitive layer. Subsequently, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was modified as recognition element by electropolymerization. The NH2-MIL-125(Ti)–TiO2 showed an enhanced photocurrent response due to stronger light absorption capacity and matched energy band. Furthermore, MIP greatly improved the selectivity and sensitivity of the constructed PEC sensor. The photocurrent response of the MIP-PEC sensor was reduced after OTC recognition because the specific binding of OTC to the imprinted cavities blocked the electron transfer of the electrode. Under optimal experimental conditions, the MIP-PEC sensor exhibited a wide detection range from 0.1 nM to 10 μM with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 60 pM, as well as certain reproducibility, stability and good applicability in real samples. The proposed sensor provides ideas for the application of MOFs in the construction of PEC sensors and will offer an alternative method for the detection of other pollutants in the field of food safety.

Fungal prosthetic joint infections (PJI) and reports of their clinical investigation are rare. In addition, there has been little evidence regarding the outcome of the two-stage exchange protocol for the treatment of fungal PJI. In order to investigate the risk factors and clinical, microbiological and pathological features of fungal PJIs, as well as the effects of the two-stage exchange protocol on their outcome, the present study analyzed eight retrospective fungal PJI cases, involving four cases affecting the hips and four affecting the knees, between May 2000 and March 2012. In all cases, a cemented spacer saturated with antimicrobials was used during the two-stage exchange protocol, and systematic antifungal agents were administrated during the interim period. The average follow-up duration was 4.4 years. Of the eight cases, six had undergone additional surgery on the infected joint prior to infection with the fungus. Following histological analyses, it was determined that the average number of polymorphonuclear cells in the three patients infected with a fungus was only 5/HPF. The average Harris Hip scores or Hospital for Special Surgery knee scores were 43.6 preoperatively and 86 at the last follow-up. The two-stage exchange protocol was performed eight times in seven cases, with a failure rate of 12.5%. The remaining case was successfully treated by resection arthroplasty. The average duration of antifungal agent administration during the interim period in five of the eight cases was 1.5 months. For three of the patients, the duration of antifungal agent administration was prolonged until the c-reactive protein levels were decreased to normal. The average duration of spacer implantation into the joint was 4.3 months. The results of the present study suggested that undergoing surgery on a prosthetic joint may be a potential risk factor for the development of fungal PJI. In addition, infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes into the site of the infection may not occur at the same rate as bacterial PJI. Therefore, a two-stage exchange protocol with implantation of a cement spacer saturated with antimicrobials may be considered an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of fungal PJI.

This study investigated the effects of irradiation on Ne-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and Ne-carboxyethyl-lysine (CEL) formation in cooked red and white meats during storage. The results showed that irradiation did not affect CML/CEL formation (0 weeks). After 6 weeks, CML/CEL contents in the irradiated samples exhibited a higher growth rate than the non-irradiated samples, especially the red meat. The results of electron spin resonance spectrometry and 2-Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances suggested irradiation had induced free-radical reactions and accelerated lipid oxidation during storage. A linear correlation (r=0.810–0.906, p

Summary This study investigated the effects of oxidised linoleic acid (18:2) on Ne-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML) and Ne-carboxyethyl-lysine (CEL) formation in Maillard reaction systems. Model systems of lysine/glucose (L/G), lysine/18:2 (L/18:2), lysine/18:2/glucose (L/18:2/G), myofibrillar protein/glucose (MFP/G), MFP/18:2 and MFP/18:2/G were maintained at 37 °C for 6 weeks. The results showed that CML/CEL contents in L/G (6.99 and 0.96 mmol mol−1 lysine, respectively) were significantly higher than those in L/18:2/G (1.43 and 0.41 mmol mol−1 lysine, respectively), and there is a small amount of CML/CEL generation in L/18:2. However, the CML/CEL levels in MFP/G (197.2 and 83.8 ng mg−1 protein, respectively) were markedly lower than those in MFP/18:2/G (283.2 and 118.5 ng mg−1 protein, respectively). 18:2 favours the formation of CML/CEL in MFP/18:2/G, not in L/18:2/G. All these findings indicated that the role of 18:2 on CML/CEL formation in Maillard reaction system was complex, and depended on CML/CEL formation rate and substrate types (lysine or lysine residue in protein).

This work aimed to investigate the effects of lipid oxidation on N

Most patients with displaced femoral neck fractures are treated by THA and hemiarthroplasty, but it remains uncertain which if either is associated with better function and lower risks of complications.We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine whether THA was associated with lower rates of reoperations, mortality, complications, and better function compared with hemiarthroplasty.We searched the PubMed, Embase, Chinese Biomedicine Literature, and Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials databases and identified 12 RCTs (including a total of 1320 patients) for meta-analysis. Risk ratios (RRs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) from each trial were pooled using random-effects or fixed-effects models depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies.THA was associated with a lower risk of subsequent reoperations compared with hemiarthroplasty (RR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34-0.84). There was no difference in mortality between patients undergoing THA and hemiarthroplasty (RR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.60-1.09). For complications, there was a higher risk of dislocation in patients undergoing THA (RR = 1.99; 95% CI, 1.26-3.15), but there were no differences in local infections (RR = 1.60; 95% CI, 0.74-3.46) and general complications (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 0.91-1.45). Patients with THA had higher Harris hip scores at 1 year (WMD = 3.81; 95% CI, 0.87-6.74) and at 3 or 4 years (WMD = 10.07; 95% CI, 6.92-13.21).Despite more dislocations, THA can benefit patients with displaced femoral neck fractures with a lower reoperation rate and higher functional scores.

As a cross-linked elastomer wasted rubber powder (RP) was hybrid modified by sol-gel method under swelling condition with reactive precursor sodium silicate, and also inducting organic siloxane with hydrophilic groups. The heat of hydration and Ca2+ concentration in the cement hydration process were examined. The chemical reaction in the surface of SRP was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the hybrid modified rubber powder could take part in the hydration reaction, the Si-O -Si structure on the rubber's surface reacted with hydration products Ca (OH) 2 and generated Si-O-Ca products in the early hydration process, making the rubber powder and the cement paste combine closely together by chemical bonds.

This Article focuses on the fabrication of highly ordered nanotubes and some novel nanostructures of titania (TiO2) with a two-step anodization method. The first-step anodization was actually a pretreatment of the Ti foil surface and provided well-ordered imprints that served as a template for the further growth of nanotubes. As a result, the TiO2 nanotubes growing in the second-step anodization appreciably outperformed those fabricated with the conventional one-step Ti anodization in terms of size uniformity and arrangement orderliness. The parameters of the anodization were then modulated to obtain more complex structures. When the voltage in the second-step anodization was lower than that in the first-step anodization, a lotus root-shaped TiO2 nanostructure, in which each imprint contained several smaller nanopores, was achieved. When the second anodization was further divided into two stages, double-layered nanotube arrays were synthesized. They contained two distinctly separated parts, i.e., the bamb...

A lithium-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) film was obtained by the anodic oxidation of a zinc sheet in a lithium hydroxide (LiOH) solution under an external DC voltage. The formation of the ZnO film on the surface of the Zn sheet is attributed to two simultaneous processes: the electrochemical oxidation of Zn to ZnO, and the chemical dissolution of ZnO. It was also confirmed that Li element was successfully introduced into the lattice of the ZnO film. The curves of the polarization versus applied field were measured to be hysteresis loops, suggesting ferroelectricity of the Li-doped ZnO film. The remanent polarization and the coercive field of the film were measured to be 4.7 × 10−3 C m−2 and 1.2 × 107 V m−1, respectively. This ferroelectricity is believed to be the result of the occupation of off-centered positions in oxygen tetrahedra by the Li+ ions.

Arrays of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires and nanobelts were synthesized by the thermal evaporation of mixed powders of ZnO and graphite. Neither catalyst nor vacuum environment was involved in the fabrication. For comparison, the ZnO nanowires were grown on a pre-deposited transitional ZnO film on a brass substrate and the ZnO nanobelts were grown directly on a Si substrate. Their field emission properties were systematically measured. Current density of 10 μA/cm 2 was achieved at the fields of 5.7 and 6.2 V/μm from the nanowires and nanobelts, respectively. Also, the emission sites were found to distribute uniformly on the whole cathode. In the preliminary test on the stability, the ZnO nanobelts, which were sharp at the tip but wide at the root, exhibited better robustness than the ZnO nanowires. The post-test scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation showed that the degradation of their field emission capability resulted from the breaking of the nanowires, which was tentatively attributed to the resistive heating during the field emission. In contrast, the shedding of the ZnO from the substrate was not so serious as imagined.

Assemblies of flower-like cupric oxide nanostructures (CuO nanoflowers) were synthesized directly on Cu plates in KOH solution at room temperature. These nanoflowers are believed to have been the result of processes such as oxidation, complex formation, condensation, Ostwald ripening and dissolution. Each nanoflower contained a very large number of nanometer-scaled flakes (petals) and each petal further branched into tips at its end. The sharpness of these tips resulted in a sufficiently high field enhancement factor. Field emission was available from the CuO nanoflowers and the turn-on field was about 8.5 V/μm. Compared with other methods for fabricating CuO field emitter, this solution route featured remarkable simplicity and cheapness.

Zinc oxide nanopencil arrays were synthesized on pyramidal Si(1 0 0) substrates via a simple thermal evaporation method. Their field emission properties have been investigated: the turn-on electric field (at the current density of 10 μA/cm2) was about 3.8 V/μm, and the threshold electric field (at the current density of 1 mA/cm2) was 5.8 V/μm. Compared with similar structures grown on flat Si substrates, which were made as references, the pyramidal Si-based ZnO nanopencil arrays appeared to be superior in field emission performance, thus the importance of the non-flat substrates has been accentuated. The pyramidal Si substrates could not only suppress the field screening effect but also improve the field enhancement effect during the field emission process. These findings indicated that using non-flat substrates is an efficient strategy to improve the field emission properties.

Arrays of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods have been synthesized on silicon substrates by a solution route under an external voltage. They were ∼10 2 nm in diameter and grew along the c -axis. Meanwhile, ZnO nanotubes were also obtained. Some comparative experiments showed that applying the external voltage effectively improved the alignment of the ZnO nanorods and enhanced their adherence to the substrates. The role of the external voltage is discussed in terms of the electric field established in the solution and the electrochemical reaction at the cathode. The formation of the nanotubes is attributed to the decrease of the precursor concentration and the disparity between the field strengths at different parts of the ZnO nanorods.

The vertical conductivity of the p-Al 0.11 Ga 0.89 N/GaN SLs has been measured and calculated. The measured result (1.35×10 −5 S cm −1 ) is in good agreement with the calculated result (2.26×10 −5 S cm −1 ), indicating that the adoption of Fermi–Dirac distribution and sequential tunneling model in our calculation is very plausible. As a result, it is suggested that in p-AlGaN/GaN SLs the Fermi–Dirac distribution need to be considered in calculation related to hole distribution.

Arrays of randomly oriented zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were fabricated on silicon wafers via a simple thermal evaporation method. During the fabrication, the temperature around the substrate was below 500 °C. The products were analyzed by conventional means and determined to be single crystals of wurtzite-type ZnO that grew along the c-axis. These nanowires were 10–100 nm in diameter and 10–100 μm in length, suggesting a possible high field enhancement factor. The dependence of the field emission current on the anode–cathode voltage (I–V behavior) of the ZnO nanowire arrays was measured in a lab-built ultrahigh vacuum system with a base pressure of 10−7 Pa. After surface cleaning by heat treatment, two characteristic electric fields, under which 10 μA/cm2 and 1 mA/cm2 current densities were extracted, were measured to be 4.0 and 4.7 V/μm, respectively. As observed with a transparent anode, emission occurred uniformly over the whole sample surface. A 72 h-long test on emission stability was performed under a constant voltage of 2.75 kV. The current dropped occasionally to approximately 80% of the initial value during the test owing to the poor adherence of the nanowires to the substrate. These preliminary results have shown the perspective of, as well as a major drawback to, a ZnO nanowire array being developed into a cold electron source to be used in future electronic devices.