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BACKGROUND: With the improvement of diet and living standards, acidic diet and orthodontic treatment have become the main causes of enamel surface demineralization. As the first step of dental caries, enamel demineralization should be actively intervened. Mechanical grinding has great damage and does not conform to the concept of minimally invasive medicine. Biomimetic remineralization is the best way to deal with enamel demineralization at present. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the mechanism, application and research progress of biomimetic remineralization of early enamel demineralization, and provide ideas for further overcoming the hot issues of biomimetic remineralization. METHODS: English keywords "enamel demineralization, biomimetic remineralization, amelogenin, amorphous calcium phosphate" were used to search PubMed. Chinese keywords "enamel demineralization, biomimetic remineralization, amelogenin" were used to search CNKI. Through screening, 72 articles were finally obtained for review. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) At present, there are drug treatments for enamel demineralization, such as fluoride preparations, laser treatment, resin penetration, remineralization treatment and other treatment methods. Biomimetic remineralization is the most ideal repair method for early enamel demineralization. (2) In the narrow sense, enamel remineralization refers to the mineral re-deposition inside the enamel after early enamel demineralization. In the broad sense, enamel remineralization includes the mineralization deposition on the surface and inside of enamel. (3) Clinical biomimetic remineralization reagents are mainly composed of amelogenin, non amelogenin, amelogenin peptide, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate complex, etc. The advantages of protein and peptide materials are that they conform to the physiological mechanism and can generate high-strength remineralized materials by inducing orientation. The disadvantages are that the manufacturing process is relatively complex and the cost is high. The remineralization effect of amorphous calcium phosphate complex is good, but it needs to be combined with other materials to play a role. Other calcium phosphate materials are easy to carry and beautiful, but they are easy to cause the formation of dental calculus. (4) Future research should focus on the following aspects: increasing experimental data and clinical results, and clarifying the indications of various methods; explore more biomimetic remineralization methods and find suitable alternative materials; find a reasonable way to combine materials, so that their advantages and disadvantages complement each other. The portability of clinical application can be strengthened to increase the frequency of daily use, so that short-term experimental conclusions can be supported by long-term clinical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bottom-up directional freezing methodology has been developed for self-assembling high-entropy Prussian blue analogue (PBA) hydrosols into porous nanosheets, which manifests improved cyclic life and rate capability towards electrochemical sodium storage. [Display omitted] • Ice-templated route to self-assemble high-entropy hydrosols into porous nanosheets. • Favorable entropy-gain effect and nanoparticle-assembled porous sheet-like structure. • Enhanced Na-storage kinetics and performance of high-entropy self-assembled nanosheets. High entropy material (HEM) has emerged as an appealing material platform for various applications, and specifically, the electrochemical performances of HEM could be further improved through self-assembled structure design. However, it remains a big challenge to construct such high-entropy self-assemblies primarily due to the compositional complexity. Herein, we propose a bottom-up directional freezing route to self-assemble high-entropy hydrosols into porous nanosheets. Taking Prussian blue analogue (PBA) as an example, the simultaneous coordination-substitution reactions yield stable high-entropy PBA hydrosols. During subsequent directional freezing process, the anisotropic growth of ice crystals could guide the two-dimensional confined assembly of colloidal nanoparticles, resulting in high-entropy PBA nanosheets (HE-PBA NSs). Thanks to the high-entropy and self-assembled structure design, the HE-PBA NSs manifests markedly enhanced sodium storage kinetics and performances in comparison with medium/low entropy nanosheets and high entropy nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) has significantly stimulated the development of luminescent supramolecular materials because of their strong emissions in the aggregated state. With this inspiration, pyrene tethered Schiff base molecule, namely (Z)-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-(pyren-1-ylmethylene), hydrazine was designed and successfully synthesized and well characterized by using proton (1H NMR), Fourier–transform infrared (FT-IR), and electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI-MS). UV-visible absorption and emission studies have been employed to elucidate self-assembled and aggregation properties. It is shown that monomers of synthesized compounds can exhibit emission driven by assembly by forming an H-aggregate, which corresponds to its blue shift tuning to the visible region associated with the extended π-conjugation. Furthermore, to have a more profound understanding of the supramolecular assembly, TEM and confocal microscopy were utilized to verify the aggregate morphology. In both investigations, monomer aggregation into a vesicular structure with monodispersed PDI is preferred. Pyrene tethered Schiff base molecule, namely (Z)-1-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-2-(pyren-1-ylmethylene), hydrazine was designed and successfully synthesized. Monomer 1 demonstrating aggregation-induced emission upon increasing the gradual amount of H2O in DMF solution of compound 1 (DMF/H2O, 30/70 (v/v). Pictorial representation is also pasted along with TEM and confocal results of aggregate or supramolecular structures of synthesised compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Engineering Design & Technology (IJEDT) is the property of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, Faculty of Architecture & Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The aggregation behavior of silk fibroin under specific conditions can influence its kinetic behavior and viscoelastic properties, thereby affecting biological properties of silk fibroin materials. Therefore, this study systematically investigated the self-assembly aggregation behavior of silk fibroin and explored the conditions for enhancing its mechanical performance and biological properties. Methods: Regenerated silk fibroin was extracted and prepared from domestic silkworm cocoons, and the optimal assembly conditions were determined through turbidity experiments. Rheological experiments were conducted to study the influence of Na+ on the kinetic behavior and viscoelastic properties of silk fibroin solutions. Cell proliferation experiments were carried out to investigate the biological properties of silk fibroin. Results: The extracted regenerated silk fibroin primarily exhibited a random coiled structure. The optimal in vitro self-assembly conditions involved assembly of a 4 mg/mL solution at 70 ℃ for 6 hours. The addition of Ca2+ to the silk fibroin solution inhibited in vitro self-assembly, while the addition of Na+ accelerated the assembly rate and increased the degree of assembly. Furthermore, with increasing Na+ concentration, the gel strength of silk fibroin gradually increased, leading to a more stable gel network. Cell proliferation experiments demonstrated that the solution of regenerated silk fibroin was more conducive to cell growth and proliferation than its self-assembled fibers. Conclusion: The concentration, temperature, assembly time, and ions all have an impact on the in vitro self-assembly aggregation behavior of silk fibroin. This study provides preliminary research on the self-assembly aggregation conditions and biological properties of silk fibroin, offering experimental basis for improving the performance of silk fibroin as a food packaging material.

Ascorbic acid plays an important role in the synthesis and metabolism of the human body. However, it cannot be synthesized by the human body and needs to be supplemented from exogenous food intake. Ascorbic acid is easily degraded during storage and heating, often causing its content in food to change. It is important to develop a sensitive and accurate photoelectrochemistry (PEC) biosensor for detecting ascorbic acid. The shortage of PEC materials with long illumination wavelengths and low bias voltages impedes the development of ascorbic acid biosensors. Herein, a 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PDA) self-assembly rod material was firstly reported to show significant photocurrent increases to ascorbic acid at 630 nm illumination and 0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Moreover, the PDA self-assembly rod material was used as a PEC platform to detect ascorbic acid. This self-powered PEC biosensor exhibited a linear response for ascorbic acid from 5 μM·L−1 to 400 μM·L−1; the limit of detection was calculated to be 4.1 μM·L−1. Compared with other ascorbic acid biosensors, the proposed self-powered PEC biosensor shows a relatively wide linear range. In addition, the proposed self-powered PEC biosensor exhibits good practicability in beverage samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Food Industry is the property of Science & Technology of Food Industry Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Defects are symmetry breaking features within a crystal. They can be created during growth as well as by applied mechanical forces. We address point, line and surface defects in block copolymer crystals, concentrating on the structure of defects in the tubular network double gyroid and double diamond phases. Experimental results using 3D slice and view scanning electron microscopic tomographic imaging for many types of defects are presented and the nature of the structural details and symmetries are described. Often defects are considered detrimental to the properties and performance of the material, but if the mesoscale defects in 3D periodic block copolymers can be controlled, they can be utilized to achieve various advantageous such as new optical functionalities.

Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNP) have outstanding advantages in low‐background imaging. However, avoiding exogenous interference and false positive signals to achieve precise imaging is still a problem. In addition, it is also a great challenge to intelligently control the size of PLNP. Herein, we report an intelligent luminescence ratiometric sensor based on ultra‐small dual‐emissive PLNP for precise tumor‐targeted imaging. ZnGa2O4:Cr PLNP with a particle size of c.a. 5–10 nm and two emission peaks at 708 nm and 501 nm were firstly synthesized by thermal decomposition method along with systematical controlling the amount of chromium. PLNP‐Mal@Cy5.5 sensor was further constructed with a constant ratio (I708/I501) which is not interfered by exogenous factors such as detection time window and probe concentration. However, high concentrations of glutathione in the tumor microenvironment can specifically trigger the change of I708/I501 and cause the sensor to self‐assemble into clusters at tumor site, thus realizing long‐term retention and specificity imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Dissipative assembly of colloids involves using a chemical fuel to temporarily activate organic colloid surface ligands to an assembly prone state. Colloids assemble into transient aggregates that disintegrate after the fuel is consumed. The underlying colloidal interactions controlling dissipative assembly have not been rigorously identified or quantified. We expect that fuel concentration dependent dissipative assembly behavior can be reconciled with measurements of dynamic colloid surface chemistry and colloidal interactions. Carbodiimide chemistry was utilized to induce dissipative assembly of carboxylic acid functionalized polystyrene colloids. We measured aggregation kinetics, colloid surface hydrophobicity, and zeta potential as a function of time, which established that colloids underwent dissipative assembly for fuel concentrations between 5 and 12.5 mM and irreversible aggregation at higher fuel concentrations due to transient changes in surface chemistry. We formulated a pairwise colloidal interaction potential model including hydrophobic interactions quantified by fluorescence binding experiments. Fuel concentrations causing dissipative assembly displayed a transient increase in secondary minimum depth and a primary maximum much larger than the thermal potential. Fuel concentrations leading to irreversible aggregation displayed a primary maximum smaller than the thermal potential. This is the first study to quantify surface chemistry and interparticle interactions during dissipative colloid assembly and represents a foundational step in rationally designing more complex dissipative assembly systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of covalent organic cages built from fluorophores capable of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) were elegantly prepared through the reduction of preorganized M2(LA)3(LB)2‐type metallacages, simultaneously taking advantage of the synthetic accessibility and well‐defined shapes and sizes of metallacages, the good chemical stability of the covalent cages as well as the bright emission of AIE fluorophores. Moreover, the covalent cages could be further post‐synthetically modified into an amide‐functionalized cage with a higher quantum yield. Furthermore, these presented covalent cages proved to be good energy donors and were used to construct light‐harvesting systems employing Nile Red as an energy acceptor. These light‐harvesting systems displayed efficient energy transfer and relatively high antenna effect, which enabled their use as efficient photocatalysts for a dehalogenation reaction. This research provides a new avenue for the development of luminescent covalent cages for light‐harvesting and photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, more and more research was conducted to explore smaller and smaller systems that become similar to an actual micro/nano-robot. The major roadblock regarding their real world implementation is the highly restricted available volume. In this paper, we introduce folding – hence an origami technology using Al2O3 as building material, which is compatible with current Si technology. High quality 50 nm thin Al2O3 film is grown by atomic layer desposition, patterned, thinned and then released from the Si subtrate using SF6 plasma etching. The realized free standing Al2O3 structure would fold itself at predefined regions due to the stress in the as deposited films. We believe such technology could offer a new possibility to tackle the problem of efficiently using the volume. Al2O3 could act as both the structural origami material and the functional gate dielectric material for electronics. This approach enables the feasibility of patterning devices and circuits on every Al2O3 facet of a 3D object, while the inside volume of this object is still available for 3D bulk device components. We demonstrate the optimized etching process as well as an emperical improvement of the folding hinges and of the overall structural stability.

Natural amino acids are the most important building blocks in supramolecular chemistry which possess the best biocompatibility in nature. To the best of our knowledge, although hydrogels based on amino acid derivatives have already been studied widely, there is still no report about natural amino acids hydrogels constructed by metal ions induction method. Herein, the self‐assembly behaviors of twelve natural amino acids with eight metal ions were studied systematically. It is surprising that only sodium L‐Phenylalanine can self‐assemble into hydrogel with ZnCl2. Various methods were used to investigate the formation mechanism of hydrogel. The formation of hydrogel is triggered mainly via π‐π stacking and metal‐ligand interactions. Moreover, this green L‐Phenylalanine hydrogel displays acid responsiveness and relatively stability under high temperature, which has great potential applications in many fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesizing thin films using self assembly is one of the important challenges which needs to be addressed for making engineered material using colloidal particle, necessary for creating novel material for photonic, filtration application, etc. Here, a simple model of prolate ellipsoidal particle with two directional bonds is presented and the phase behavior is studied using NVT and NpT Monte Carlo simulation. It is observed that for anisotropic particles with patches two different type of 3D ordered structures are formed along with thermodynamically stable monolayer which is confirmed using thermodynamic integration. The phase diagram shows that the desired 2D super structure can be created using simple self assembly route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halogenated aromatic molecules assemble on surfaces forming both hydrogen and halogen bonds. Even though these systems have been intensively studied on flat metal surfaces, high-index vicinal surfaces remain challenging, as they may induce complex adsorbate structures. The adsorption of 2,6-dibromoanthraquinone (2,6-DBAQ) on flat and stepped gold surfaces is studied by means of van der Waals corrected density functional theory. Equilibrium geometries and corresponding adsorption energies are systematically investigated for various different adsorption configurations. It is shown that bridge sites and step edges are the preferred adsorption sites for single molecules on flat and stepped surfaces, respectively. The role of van der Waals interactions, halogen bonds and hydrogen bonds are explored for a monolayer coverage of 2,6-DBAQ molecules, revealing that molecular flexibility and intermolecular interactions stabilize two-dimensional networks on both flat and stepped surfaces. Our results provide a rationale for experimental observation of molecular carpeting on high-index vicinal surfaces of transition metals.

Halogenated aromatic molecules assemble on surfaces forming both hydrogen and halogen bonds. Even though these systems have been intensively studied on flat metal surfaces, high-index vicinal surfaces remain challenging, as they may induce complex adsorbate structures. The adsorption of 2,6-dibromoanthraquinone (2,6-DBAQ) on flat and stepped gold surfaces is studied by means of van der Waals corrected density functional theory. Equilibrium geometries and corresponding adsorption energies are systematically investigated for various different adsorption configurations. It is shown that bridge sites and step edges are the preferred adsorption sites for single molecules on flat and stepped surfaces, respectively. The role of van der Waals interactions, halogen bonds and hydrogen bonds are explored for a monolayer coverage of 2,6-DBAQ molecules, revealing that molecular flexibility and intermolecular interactions stabilize two-dimensional networks on both flat and stepped surfaces. Our results provide a rationale for experimental observation of molecular carpeting on high-index vicinal surfaces of transition metals.

In bio‐medical field, one of the most challenging hurdles connected with development of therapeutics is the efficient transport and delivery of drugs to the infected cells of human body. Supramolecular chemistry provides innovative designs for effective biological applications such as drug and gene delivery. In various applications of supramolecular chemistry, macrocyclic molecules such as calixarenes, cyclodextrins, cucurbiturils, and pillar arenes serve as ideal hosts that can bind guest molecules based on the electron density and size of their cavities. This review focuses on the recent advancements in major supramolecular systems such as calixarenes (CA), curcurbiturils (CB), cyclodextrins (CD) and pillar[n] arenes (PAs). Owing to their non‐covalent interactions and adaptive capability, these supramolecular‐based nucleic acid delivery systems provide customized treatment options in cancer therapy. These supramolecular carriers are distinct due to their capacity to functionalize and alter their structure in accordance with the required application. The use of such amphiphilic macromolecules as a carrier for gene transfection have been thoroughly investigated leading to advancements in therapeutic research. The aim of this review is to highlight and showcase the endeavours of utilising supramolecular systems in drug/nucleic acid delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Fuzhou University is the property of Journal of Fuzhou University, Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Display omitted] • This study is the first example to use metal nanocluster (NCs) to construct a self-sorting assembly system. • A self-sorting assembly system of water-soluble silver NCs (Ag 9 -NCs) and hydrophobic peptides (D, D) through solvent regulation strategy were successfully constructed. • The introduction of higher concentrations of (D, D) caused the Ag 9 -NCs assembly to aggregate more closely, resulting in different morphologies from single Ag 9 -NCs. • The presence of (D, D) gel matrix induces the AIE effect of Ag 9 -NCs, which changes the system from weak orange fluorescence to bright white fluorescence. Self-sorting plays a crucial role in living systems, such as in the specific folding of proteins and the selective assembly of DNA. Inspired by these natural processes, scientists have begun to construct artificial systems containing multiple components, allowing for better analysis of complex natural systems. In this work, the self-sorting assembly of a water-soluble silver nanocluster ((NH 4) 9 [Ag 9 (mba) 9 ], H 2 mba = 2-mercaptobenzoic acid, Ag 9 -NCs) and hydrophobic peptide (Palmitoyl-DiAsparitcacid, D, D) was achieved through a solvent regulation strategy to construct a complex supramolecular system. Under the synergistic effect of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding, Ag 9 -NCs and (D, D) can form gels with effective phase separation in a very short time, exhibiting interesting self-sorting properties. Additionally, the (D,D) gel matrix boosts the crystallinity of the Ag9-NCs assembly and improves the organization of Ag 9 -NCs aggregates. This triggers the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) effect in Ag 9 -NCs, resulting in increased luminescence of the system. This study is the first to use metal NCs to create a self-sorting assembly system. It enhances our understanding of assembly mechanism of metal NCs, offers various solutions for their assembly and performance regulation, and marks significant progress towards mimicking multi-component self-sorting systems found in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work develops the Polyolefin Active‐Ester Exchange (PACE) process to afford well‐defined polyolefin–polyvinyl block copolymers. α‐Diimine PdII‐catalyzed olefin polymerizations were investigated through in‐depth kinetic studies in comparison to an analog to establish the critical design that facilitates catalyst activation. Simple transformations lead to a diversity of functional groups forming polyolefin macroinitiators or macro‐mediators for various subsequent controlled polymerization techniques. Preparation of block copolymers with different architectures, molecular weights, and compositions was demonstrated with ring‐opening polymerization (ROP), nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP), and photoiniferter reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PI‐RAFT). The significant difference in the properties of polyolefin–polyacrylamide block copolymers was harnessed to carry out polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) and study the nanostructure behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic patients need to take multiple insulin injections in a day to achieve efficient glycemic control. However, repeated injections can cause pain and discomfort for patients. Therefore, we have developed an amphiphilic double‐brush polymer‐based hydrogel (DBP‐hydrogel) that can encapsulate insulin and can be injected subcutaneously. Additionally, we have demonstrated the robust nature of DBP‐hydrogel by encapsulating small molecular drugs and large biological agents. Using a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic mouse model, we have demonstrated that a single injection of the insulin‐loaded hydrogel can efficiently control hyperglycemia for 24 hours, whereas 5 repeated injections of free‐insulin (commercial formulations) are required to achieve a similar level of glycemic control. This novel DBP‐hydrogel can stabilize encapsulated insulin without losing its activity for at least 90 days, which may have a huge impact in avoiding cold chain supply. Furthermore, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that newly developed DBP‐hydrogel is highly biocompatible and does not cause immune response and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metallic salts are capable to bind with proteins and cause detrimental fibrilization in living cells. Herein, we report a similar case of supramolecular polymerization and thus fibrilization from a liquid crystalline (LC) block copolymer (BCP) initiated by heavy metallic salts. Analogous to the naturally-occurring process, LC BCP "monomers" could bind with metallic salts to form small aggregates, which functioned as seeds to trigger the subsequent supramolecular polymerization of the rest BCP monomers, to produce highly uniform supramolecular polymers. The lengths of the resultant supramolecular polymer fibrils were linearly proportional to the ratios between the BCP and the metallic salts, and largely influenced by the choice of metallic cations, as well as the counterions. Lastly, this method was used to polymerize two different diblock copolymer "monomers" to produce pentablock supramolecular polymers in a one-pot manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a new kind of carbon nanomaterial, MXene not only has the characteristics of high specific surface area and high conductivity, but also has the advantages of flexible composition and controllable minimum nanometer thickness. The large specific surface and large number of functional groups provide rich active sites for it, which is an ideal adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions and dyes [1,2]. The unique structure of aerogel can not only give full play to the inherent physical and chemical properties of monolayer MXene, solve the problem of easy agglomeration of MXene lamella, but also give it uniform and dense porosity, which can greatly improve the adsorption effect, and the macro structure is easy to recycle when used in water phase, reducing the secondary pollution it may bring to the environment. In this project, Ti3C2Tx aerogels with excellent mechanical properties and stability were prepared, and Ti3C2Tx MXene/CNTs aerogels were compounded with carbon nanotubes, and the adsorption performance of Pb2+ in water was investigated at different temperatures and pH values, It can purify water source polluted by heavy metals discharged by industry greatly [3–5]. The following topics are discussed in this paper：（1）MXene aerogel and Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs aerogel were prepared by self-assembly method.（2）Study on the adsorption performance of MXene aerogel and Ti3C2Tx/MWCNTs aerogel for Pb2+. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current challenges in developing novel nanotechnological processes have led us to explore new methods for synthesizing nanomaterials whose functionalities rely on their structural complexity. In this respect, nature has always been a source of inspiration for proposing innovative technologies to improve the quality of life. Hierarchical superstructures (HSS) are of great interest because the self-assembly of low-dimensional nanostructures (up to the macroscale) allows the control and optimization of performance by coupling the properties of the individual blocks. Self-assembled surfactant structures are convenient for HSS synthesis because they provide a confined reaction medium which confers excellent control over the size of the building blocks. Furthermore, bicontinuous microemulsions offer a soft three-dimensional template due to their interconnected nature. Similarly, electrodeposition routes offer fast, robust, clean, and reproducible ways to synthesize metallic and multimetallic HSS. The combination of soft-templating and electrodeposition is a powerful tool for controlling the morphology and composition of the material. This work reviews polymeric, ceramic, and metallic hierarchical superstructures synthesized using bicontinuous microemulsions and electrodeposition techniques and compares them with matching natural patterns. The aim is to show how these synthetic routes can be exploited to obtain efficient biomimetic nanomaterials that improve their properties.

The properties of biological networks, such as those found in the ocular lens capsule, are difficult to study without simplified models. Model polymers are developed, inspired by “worm-like” curve models, that are shown to spontaneously self assemble to form networks similar to those observed experimentally in biological systems. These highly simplified coarse-grained models allow the self assembly process to be studied on near-realistic time-scales. Metrics are developed (using a polygon-based framework) which are useful for describing simulated networks and can also be applied to images of real networks. These metrics are used to show the range of control that the computational polymer model has over the networks, including the polygon structure and short range order. The structure of the simulated networks are compared to previous simulation work and microscope images of real networks. The network structure is shown to be a function of the interaction strengths, cooling rates and external pressure. In addition, “pre-tangled” network structures are introduced and shown to significantly influence the subsequent network structure. The network structures obtained fit into a region of the network landscape effectively inaccessible to random (entropically-driven) networks but which are occupied by experimentally-derived configurations.

[Display omitted] Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is an important signalling molecule with potential pharmaceutical applications. In pursuit of a suitable delivery system for H 2 S, herein we apply an amphiphilic trisulfide to concomitantly alter the mesophase behaviour of dispersed lipid particles and enable triggered H 2 S release. Amperometric release studies indicate the trisulfide acts as a sustained H 2 S donor, with inclusion into the mesophase attenuating release vs neat dispersed trisulfide. Taken together the results highlight the potential for including trisulfide-based additives in stimuli-responsive drug delivery vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]