Editorial

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3 pages, 4389 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue in Honor of Shlomo Magdassi—Bringing Basic Colloid Science into Industrial Products

by Alexander Kamyshny and Victor M. Starov

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(2), 32; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5020032 - 08 Jun 2021

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Abstract

The majority of basic research that is conducted by Prof. Shlomo Magdassi in materials science [...]

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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

Research

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18 pages, 3921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

UV Properties and Loading into Liposomes of Quinoline Derivatives

by Sara Battista, Vincenzo Marsicano, Antonio Arcadi, Luciano Galantini, Massimiliano Aschi, Elena Allegritti, Alessandra Del Giudice and Luisa Giansanti

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(2), 28; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5020028 - 07 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3144

Abstract

The scientific relevance of quinolines is strictly linked to the fine-tuning of their features by functionalizing the heterocyclic core. Consequently, the compounds of this class are very versatile and can be used as possible drugs for a lot of medical applications. In this [...] Read more.

The scientific relevance of quinolines is strictly linked to the fine-tuning of their features by functionalizing the heterocyclic core. Consequently, the compounds of this class are very versatile and can be used as possible drugs for a lot of medical applications. In this work, the inclusion of eight synthetic quinoline derivatives in liposomes formulated with different lipids was investigated in terms of the encapsulation efficiency and to highlight the effect on the liposome size distribution and thermotropic behavior. Excellent encapsulation was accomplished with all the quinoline/phospholipid combinations. Differences in the interactions at the molecular level, dependent on the quinoline molecular scaffolds and lipid structure, were observed, which could significantly bias the interaction with the drug and its release in pharmaceutical applications. Experiments in combination with computational studies demonstrated that the UV absorption of quinolines with expanded conjugation could be affected by the environment polarity. This was probably due to a solvent-dependent ability of these quinolines to stack into aggregates, which could also occur upon inclusion into the lipid bilayer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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12 pages, 4403 KiB

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Conductive Nanofilms with Oppositely Charged Reduced Graphene Oxides as a Base for Electroactive Coatings and Sensors

by Tomasz Kruk and Piotr Warszyński

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(2), 20; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5020020 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2650

Abstract

We demonstrate a method for the formation of multilayers composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which can be used for transparent, conducting thin films. Using the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of positively and negatively charged GO sheets, we could obtain thin films with highly [...] Read more.

We demonstrate a method for the formation of multilayers composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which can be used for transparent, conducting thin films. Using the layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of positively and negatively charged GO sheets, we could obtain thin films with highly controllable sheet resistance. The natural negative charge of graphene oxide was turned to positive by the amidation reaction. After forming the multilayer films, the graphene oxide underwent thermal reduction at temperatures above 150 °C. The (rGO⁺/rGO⁻) films were characterized by UV-Vis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their conductivity was measured by the four-point method. We found that after deposition of five (rGO⁺/rGO⁻), the coating structure reached the percolation limit, and the film resistance decreased more gradually to around 20 kΩ/sq for the films obtained by eleven deposition cycles with graphene oxide reduced at 250 °C. The formation of thin films on polyimide allows the forming of new flexible conductive materials, which can find applications, e.g., in biomedicine as new electroactive, low-cost, disposable sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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12 pages, 3014 KiB

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Nanocomposite Inks Based on Nickel–Silver Core–Shell and Silver Nanoparticles for Fabrication Conductive Coatings at Low-Temperature Sintering

by Anna Pajor-Świerzy, Franciszek Szendera, Radosław Pawłowski and Krzysztof Szczepanowicz

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(1), 15; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5010015 - 08 Mar 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2841

Abstract

Nanocomposite inks composed of nickel–silver core–shell and silver nanoparticles (NPs) can combine the advantages of lower cost, high conductivity, and low-temperature sintering processes, which have attracted much attention in the development of materials for printed flexible electronics. In this context, in the present [...] Read more.

Nanocomposite inks composed of nickel–silver core–shell and silver nanoparticles (NPs) can combine the advantages of lower cost, high conductivity, and low-temperature sintering processes, which have attracted much attention in the development of materials for printed flexible electronics. In this context, in the present paper, we report the process of preparation of nanocomposite ink containing nickel–silver core–shell nanoparticles, as the main filler, and silver nanoparticles, as doping material, and their application for the fabrication of conductive coatings. It was found that the addition of a low concentration of Ag NPs to ink formulation based mainly on low-cost Ni-Ag NPs improves the conductive properties of coatings fabricated by ink deposition on a glass substrate. Two types of prepared nanocomposite ink coatings showed promising properties for future application: (1) doped with 0.5% of Ag NPs sintered at 200 °C as low cost for larger industrial application and, (2) containing 1% of Ag NPs sintered at 150 °C for the fabrication of conductive printed patterns on flexible substrates. The conductivity of such nanocomposite films was similar, about of 6 × 10⁶ S/m, which corresponds to 35% of that for a bulk nickel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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12 pages, 3878 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Monoclinic Vanadium Dioxide via One-Pot Hydrothermal Route

by Guowei Liu, Zengyan Du, Ming Li and Yi Long

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(1), 13; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5010013 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2710

Abstract

Pure monoclinic vanadium dioxide nanoparticles (VO₂ NPs) with a controlled uniform size are considered essential for the preparation of thermochromic smart window coatings on desired substrates. Herein, we report a facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of VO₂(M) NPs without post-treatment of [...] Read more.

Pure monoclinic vanadium dioxide nanoparticles (VO₂ NPs) with a controlled uniform size are considered essential for the preparation of thermochromic smart window coatings on desired substrates. Herein, we report a facile one-step hydrothermal synthesis of VO₂(M) NPs without post-treatment of annealing, which may induce unwanted aggregation of NPs. In contrast with the annealed sample, the one-step processed VO₂(M) NPs exhibit superior thermochromic performance with the solar modulation efficiency of 11.8% and luminous transmittance of 37.3%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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25 pages, 2862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaporation of Sessile Droplets of Polyelectrolyte/Surfactant Mixtures on Silicon Wafers

by Andrew Akanno, Lionel Perrin, Eduardo Guzmán, Sara Llamas, Victor M. Starov, Francisco Ortega, Ramón G. Rubio and Manuel G. Velarde

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(1), 12; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5010012 - 16 Feb 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

The wetting and evaporation behavior of droplets of aqueous solutions of mixtures of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) solution, PDADMAC, with two different anionic surfactants, sodium laureth sulfate, SLES, and sodium N-lauroyl N-methyl taurate, SLMT, were studied in terms of the changes of the [...] Read more.

The wetting and evaporation behavior of droplets of aqueous solutions of mixtures of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) solution, PDADMAC, with two different anionic surfactants, sodium laureth sulfate, SLES, and sodium N-lauroyl N-methyl taurate, SLMT, were studied in terms of the changes of the contact angle θ and contact length L of sessile droplets of the mixtures on silicon wafers at a temperature of 25 °C and different relative humidities in the range of 30–90%. The advancing contact angle θ_a was found to depend on the surfactant concentration, independent of the relative humidity, with the mixtures containing SLES presenting improved wetting behaviors. Furthermore, a constant droplet contact angle was not observed during evaporation due to pinning of the droplet at the coffee-ring that was formed. The kinetics for the first evaporation stage of the mixture were independent of the relative humidity, with the evaporation behavior being well described in terms of the universal law for evaporation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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Review

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14 pages, 1043 KiB

Open AccessReview

Principles of Dispersing Powders for 3D Printing

by Hongli Zhou, Xiaofeng Wang, Xinyu Wang, Chaoqun Peng, Richu Wang and Kechao Zhou

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(2), 25; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5020025 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3078

Abstract

During the past 30 years, more and more 3D-printing techniques based on suspensions with specific rheological properties have been innovated and improved. In this review, principles of dispersing and controlling powders for suspension-based 3D printing are summarized. The suspensions for direct ink writing [...] Read more.

During the past 30 years, more and more 3D-printing techniques based on suspensions with specific rheological properties have been innovated and improved. In this review, principles of dispersing and controlling powders for suspension-based 3D printing are summarized. The suspensions for direct ink writing (DIW) are taken as an example for 3D printing. According to the rheological property requirement of suspensions for direct ink writing, the routes on how its rheological properties can be manipulated are summarized and classified into two categories: I. self-solidification route; II. assistant-solidification route. The perspective on the future of 3D-printing techniques based on suspensions is also discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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68 pages, 4979 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in Nanomaterials for Dermal and Transdermal Applications

by Amani Zoabi, Elka Touitou and Katherine Margulis

Colloids Interfaces 2021, 5(1), 18; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids5010018 - 18 Mar 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 6990

Abstract

The stratum corneum, the most superficial layer of the skin, protects the body against environmental hazards and presents a highly selective barrier for the passage of drugs and cosmetic products deeper into the skin and across the skin. Nanomaterials can effectively increase the [...] Read more.

The stratum corneum, the most superficial layer of the skin, protects the body against environmental hazards and presents a highly selective barrier for the passage of drugs and cosmetic products deeper into the skin and across the skin. Nanomaterials can effectively increase the permeation of active molecules across the stratum corneum and enable their penetration into deeper skin layers, often by interacting with the skin and creating the distinct sites with elevated local concentration, acting as reservoirs. The flux of the molecules from these reservoirs can be either limited to the underlying skin layers (for topical drug and cosmeceutical delivery) or extended across all the sublayers of the epidermis to the blood vessels of the dermis (for transdermal delivery). The type of the nanocarrier and the physicochemical nature of the active substance are among the factors that determine the final skin permeation pattern and the stability of the penetrant in the cutaneous environment. The most widely employed types of nanomaterials for dermal and transdermal applications include solid lipid nanoparticles, nanovesicular carriers, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, and polymeric nanoparticles. The recent advances in the area of nanomaterial-assisted dermal and transdermal delivery are highlighted in this review. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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13 pages, 2666 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon Nanoparticles and Materials on Their Basis

by Alina A. Kokorina, Alexey V. Ermakov, Anna M. Abramova, Irina Yu. Goryacheva and Gleb B. Sukhorukov

Colloids Interfaces 2020, 4(4), 42; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/colloids4040042 - 25 Sep 2020

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3409

Abstract

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are novel nanostructures with luminescent properties. The development of CNPs involves the elaboration of various synthetic methods, structure characterization, and different applications. However, the problems associated with the CNP structure definition and properties homogeneity are not solved and barely described [...] Read more.

Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) are novel nanostructures with luminescent properties. The development of CNPs involves the elaboration of various synthetic methods, structure characterization, and different applications. However, the problems associated with the CNP structure definition and properties homogeneity are not solved and barely described in depth. In this feature article, we demonstrate the approaches for the effective separation and purification of CNPs by size and size/charge ratio. We propose a promising way for the synthesis of the uniform-size structures by the application of calcium carbonate porous microparticles as reactors with defined size. Additionally, the application of the CNPs agglomerates for controllable release systems triggered by light and in-situ synthesis of fluorescent conductive carbonaceous films on the base of polyelectrolyte multilayers are under consideration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Colloidal Systems: Formation and Applications of Nanomaterials)

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