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Functional Kaolinite
Abstract The world resources of all clays are extremely large. Among the various types of clays, the world mine production of kaolin in 2016 was 37.0 Mt, the largest mined clay. Kaolin is traditionally used in ceramics, refractories and as paper coating and filling. But kaolin, as it is demonstrated in this paper, has a bright potential for use in non‐traditional, high value‐added, applications. This is particularly true for its principal component: the mineral species kaolinite which has a chemical structure allowing its functionalization, leading to a variety of potential applications. Kaolinite is a layered 1 :�...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 4, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Christian Detellier Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Building up Functional Bionanocomposites from the Assembly of Clays and Biopolymers
Abstract Functional bionanocomposites are developed from the assembly of naturally occurring polymers and inorganic solids that show at least one dimension at the nanoscale. Our research group focused on the development of bionanocomposites based on clay minerals, including smectites and fibrous silicates, as well as layered double hydroxides. The resulting materials show interesting properties regarding biocompatibility and biodegradability, together with improved mechanical and thermal properties in comparison to the pristine biopolymer. Besides these characteristics, they offer also other interesting functional properti...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 4, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Ana C. S. Alc ântara, Margarita Darder Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Sol ‐Gel Synthesis and Fine Characterization of Hierarchically Porous and Multifunctional Silica‐Based Membranes
Abstract Rational design of thin films for improving their functional properties can result in complex architectures. This issue will be here illustrated in the case of sol‐gel derived hierarchically porous and multifunctional silica‐based membranes. Thin silica layers with isolated and randomly distributed macropores, isolated and ordered mesopores and an interconnected microporosity in the silica walls are thus obtained by combining different synthesis strategies. The impact of the overall porosity and of the pore size distribution on the mechanical properties of these layers is investigated coupling experimental mea...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - January 4, 2018 Category: Radiology Authors: Andr é Ayral Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

The Taming of the Maleimide: Fabrication of Maleimide ‐containing ‘Clickable’ Polymeric Materials
Abstract Functional polymers are widely employed in various areas of biomedical sciences. In order to tailor them for desired applications, facile and efficient functionalization of these polymeric materials under mild and benign conditions is important. Polymers containing reactive maleimide groups can be employed for such applications since they provide an excellent handle for conjugation of thiol‐ and diene‐containing molecules and biomolecules. Until recently, fabrication of maleimide containing polymeric materials has been challenging due to the interference from the highly reactive double bond. A Diels‐Alder/re...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 29, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Yavuz Oz, Amitav Sanyal Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Direct Crystallization of Layered Silicates on the Surface of Amorphous Silica
Abstract We overview the entire surface coverage of amorphous silica with layered silicates (smectite‐like) using the direct crystallization technique under hydrothermal conditions. Various shapes (e. g., microspheres, fibers, microcapsules) have been available as the silica substrates, which involve partial dissolution triggered by the hydrolysis of urea for supplying a source of the layered silicates. Other sources (e. g., Li+, Mg2+, Al3+) have been supplied from aqueous solutions, participating the heterogeneous nucleation of the layered silicates. Because of partial dissolution of the silica substrates, the origi...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 29, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Tomohiko Okada Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Design and Synthesis of Cobalt ‐based Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Abstract Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the crucial step of various renewable energy conversion and storage technologies such as fuel cells and air‐batteries. Cobalt–based electrocatalysts including oxides/chalcogenides and Co−Nx/C, one kind of non‐precious metal electrocatalysts with competitive activity, enhanced durability, and acceptable cost, have been proposed as the potentially interesting alternatives to Pt‐based electrocatalysts. In this account, we summarized the synthesis methods and the corresponding main impact factors including ligand effect, particle size effect, crystal structure, nanostructur...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 29, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Haihong Zhong, Xiaoman Gong, Shuwei Zhang, Pinggui Tang, Dianqing Li, Yongjun Feng Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Sepiolite as a New Nanocarrier for DNA Transfer into Mammalian Cells: Proof of Concept, Issues and Perspectives
Abstract Sepiolite is a nanofibrous natural silicate that can be used as a nanocarrier for DNA transfer thanks to its strong interaction with DNA molecules and its ability to be naturally internalized into mammalian cells through both non‐endocytic and endocytic pathways. Sepiolite, due to its ability to bind various biomolecules, could be a good candidate for use as a nanocarrier for the simultaneous vectorization of diverse biological molecules. In this paper, we review our recent work, issued from a starting collaboration with Prof. Ruiz‐Hitzky, that includes diverse aspects on the characterization and main features...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 29, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Olivier Pi étrement, Fidel Antonio Castro‐Smirnov, Eric Le Cam, Pilar Aranda, Eduardo Ruiz‐Hitzky, Bernard S. Lopez Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Novel Sensing Strategies based on Monolayer Protected Gold Nanoparticles for the Detection of Metal Ions and Small Molecules
Abstract Monolayer protected gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have a huge potential for the development of innovative sensing systems for the detection of metal ions and small molecules. The organic ligand shell, primarily utilized to stabilize the gold core, can be rationally designed to promote selective interactions with a desired analyte. In addition, the outstanding physical and optical properties of AuNPs can be exploited to obtain analytically useful signals upon analyte binding. In this account, we review recent advances in AuNP‐based sensing systems emphasizing on the rational design of the ligand shell for detection ...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 18, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Elif Ertem, Marta Diez ‐Castellnou, Quy Khac Ong, Francesco Stellacci Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Fawcettimine ‐Type Lycopodium Alkaloids as a Driving Force for Discoveries in Organic Synthesis
Abstract Ever since the pioneering synthetic work reported by both Inubushi and Heathcock back in 1980s, the fawcettimine‐type Lycopodium alkaloids have continuously served as a driving force for discoveries in organic synthesis. In this personal account, we summarized our recent synthetic efforts towards the total synthesis of fawcettimine‐type Lycopodium alkaloids, along with a brief summary of relevant syntheses reported by others. Our discussions focus mainly on the key reactions applied during the synthesis of fawcettimine‐type Lycopodium alkaloids. In this personal account, we summarized our recent synthetic e...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 18, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Houhua Li, Xiaoguang Lei Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Composite Polymer Colloids for SERS ‐based Applications
Abstract Polymers and nanoparticles can be combined into different materials with applications in various fields like catalysis, biotechnology, or drug delivery, to cite just a few. Colloidal composites may vary significantly, ranging from a single nanoparticle stabilized by a polymer shell through a polymeric carrier decorated with hundreds of particles. We review here composite colloids comprising gold nanoparticles, with an emphasis in systems with potential application in surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The focus is on selected strategies for synthesis and functionalization, such as: encapsulation of gold nan...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 14, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Malte S. Strozyk, Dorleta Jimenez  de Aberasturi, Luis M. Liz‐Marzán Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Structural and Conformational Chemistry from Electrochemical Molecular Machines. Replicating Biological Functions. A Review
Abstract Each constitutive chain of a conducting polymer electrode acts as a reversible multi‐step electrochemical molecular motor: reversible reactions drive reversible conformational movements of the chain. The reaction‐driven cooperative actuation of those molecular machines generates, or destroys, inside the film the free volume required to lodge/expel balancing counterions and solvent: reactions drive reversible film volume variations, which basic structural components are here identified and quantified from electrochemical responses. The content of the reactive dense gel (chemical molecular machines, ions and wat...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 14, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Toribio F. Otero Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Copper Catalysis and Organocatalysis Showing the Way: Synthesis of Selenium ‐containing Highly Functionalized 1,2,3‐Triazoles
This article provides a comprehensive overview of reported methods ‐ particularly copper‐ and organocatalyzed reactions ‐ for the regioselective syntheses of selenium‐containing 1,2,3‐triazoles systems. These chemical entities are prevalent cores in biologically active compounds and functional materials. In view of their unique properties, substantial efforts have been paid for the design and development of practical approaches for the synthesis of these scaffolds. (Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging)
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 13, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Diego Alves, Bruna Goldani, Eder J. Lenard ão, Gelson Perin, Ricardo F. Schumacher, Márcio W. Paixão Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Innovative Sol ‐Gel Routes for the Bottom‐up Preparation of Heterogeneous Catalysts
Abstract Heterogeneous catalysts can be prepared by different methods offering various levels of control on the final properties of the solid. In this account, we exemplify bottom‐up preparation routes that are based on the sol‐gel chemistry and allow to tailor some decisive properties of solid catalysts. First, an emulsion templating strategy is shown to lead to macrocellular self‐standing monoliths with a macroscopic 3D structure. The latter can be used as catalyst or catalyst supports in flow chemistry, without requiring any subsequent shaping step. Second, the aerosol‐assisted sol‐gel process allows for the o...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 11, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Damien P. Debecker Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

The Exploitation of Enzymatically ‐Derived cis‐1,2‐Dihydrocatechols and Related Compounds in the Synthesis of Biologically Active Natural Products
Abstract The title compounds of the general form 1 can be produced at large scale and in essentially enantiomerically pure form (when X≠H) through the whole cell biotransformation of the corresponding aromatic. The “dense” and varied functionality associated with these metabolites mean that they have become increasingly useful chirons for the total synthesis of a range of natural product types. This personal account details the outcomes of a nearly three‐decade long campaign within our group to exploit these compounds in the synthesis of a diverse range of small molecule natural product targets. The work is subdivi...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Ehab S. Taher, Martin G. Banwell, Joshua N. Buckler, Qiao Yan, Ping Lan Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research

Nanoarchitectonics from Molecular Units to Living ‐Creature‐Like Motifs
Abstract Important points for the fabrication of functional materials are the creation of nanoscale/molecular‐scale units and architecting them into functional materials and systems. Recently, a new conceptual paradigm, nanoarchitectonics, has been proposed to combine nanotechnology and other methodologies including supramolecular chemistry, self‐assembly and self‐organization to satisfy major features of nanoscience and promote the creation of functional materials and systems. In this account article, our recent research results in materials development based on the nanoarchitectonics concept are summarized in two s...
Source: Contrast Media and Molecular Imaging - December 4, 2017 Category: Radiology Authors: Katsuhiko Ariga, Taizo Mori, Lok Kumar Shrestha Tags: Personal Account Source Type: research