Graphene Quantum Dots in the Game of Directing Polymer Self-Assembly to Exotic Kagome Lattice and Janus Nanostructures

Abstract

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are the harbingers of a paradigm shift that revitalize self-assembly of the colloidal puzzle by adding shape and size to the material-design palette. Although self-assembly is ubiquitous in nature, the extent to which these molecular legos can be engineered reminds us that we are still apprenticing polymer carpenters. In this quest to unlock exotic nanostructures ascending from eventual anisotropy, we have utilized different concentrations of GQDs as a filler in free-radical-mediated aqueous copolymerization. Extensive polymer grafting over the geometrically confined landscape of GQDs (0.05%) bolsters crystallization instilling a loom which steers interaction of polymeric cilia into interlaced equilateral triangles with high sophistication. Such two-dimensional (2D) assemblies epitomizing the planar tiling of “Star of David” forming a molecular kagome lattice (KL) without metal templation evoke petrichor. Interestingly, a higher percentage (0.3%) of GQDs allow selective tuning of the interfacial property of copolymers breaking symmetry due to surface energy incongruity, producing exotic Janus nanomicelles (JNMs). Herein, with the help of a suite of characterizations, we delineate the mechanism behind the formation of the KL and JNMs which forms a depot of heightened drug accretion with targeted delivery of 5-fluorouracil in the colon as validated by gamma scintigraphy studies.

Emergence of Heptazine-Based Graphitic Carbon Nitride within Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Scarless Healing of Burn Wounds

“…Commonly, a critical challenge lies in predicting how the chemical and morphological features may influence a system’s macroscopic properties. Hydrogels typically possess relatively weak mechanical properties, but the incorporation of nanofillers has introduced reinforced hydrogels with partly extraordinary properties . The introduction of nanofillers as a reinforcer provides increased stress dissipation, in some cases charge–charge repulsion between the single filler particles, leading to an additional stabilization especially against compression which is evident in both ICPN and HCPN .…”

“…Hydrogels typically possess relatively weak mechanical properties, but the incorporation of nanofillers has introduced reinforced hydrogels with partly extraordinary properties. 42 The introduction of nanofillers as a reinforcer provides increased stress dissipation, in some cases charge−charge repulsion between the single filler particles, leading to an additional stabilization especially against compression which is evident in both ICPN and HCPN. 43 HCPN demonstrates exceptional extensibility compared to ICPN displaying higher viscoelasticity.…”

Impact of Nanotechnology on the Realm of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

“…[183] They have also proven their worth as nanodrug carriers (Table 1) for targeted and sustained release. [79] They can be made up of natural polysaccharides and proteins or synthetic polyesters, polyamides, polyanhydrides, polyurethanes, or polyacrylates. [80][81][82][83] In mice, surface-coated PLGA NPs containing SOX9 plasmid DNA and anti-Cbfa-1 siRNA were added to hMSCs, resulting in increased chondrogenic development.…”

“…Polymeric nanoparticles are suitable for tissue engineering applications owing to their good biocompatibility mimicking in vivo environment, better permeability, effective control over particle size, controlled and sustained release of cargo, easy synthesis technique, low immune reactivity, and easy in vivo degradation rate [183] . They have also proven their worth as nanodrug carriers (Table 1) for targeted and sustained release [79] . They can be made up of natural polysaccharides and proteins or synthetic polyesters, polyamides, polyanhydrides, polyurethanes, or polyacrylates [80–83] .…”

Highly Ordered Pt-Based Nanoparticles Directed by the Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction

“…Integrating with other metals to prepare Pt–M alloys is one feasible way to address these difficulties for the Pt-based catalysts. − Core–shell structure NPs with Pt as shells attract much attention for the low Pt loading and the promotion on ORR activity. − However, most of the core–shell NPs are prepared by solution-phase synthesis requiring complicated conditions. − The template- and scaffold-assisted fabrication of NP arrays through block copolymers (BCPs) interests researchers with the large-scale morphologies in controllable distributions, shapes, and sizes. − The microphase segregation of BCP blocks can compartmentalize the NPs into the interfaces between the different polymer chains or the microdomains of the polymers. − As a result, the BCP approach is capable of fabricating highly ordered metal NP arrays fulfilling the requirements for a variety of practical applications. − …”