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We have studied an unconventional polar switching associated with an electro–optical response in the columnar oblique phase of a dipeptide derivative. Observations were made using a large monodomain with the column axis perpendicular to substrates, as shown here. The interplay between polarity and chirality was found as the rotation of columns about the column axis, that is, the rotation angle linearly depends on an applied electric field and the rotational sense is reversed by either reversing the field direction or using opposite isomers. On the basis of the detailed SHG and FT-IR measurements, molecular and polar structures are shown.
Water-dispersed nanowires for phototherapy: Without passivation of any water-friendly functional groups in its backbone, one-dimensional zinc phthalocyanine nanowires show remarkably increased dispersibility in water. Upon irradiation with near infrared light, the zinc phthalocyanine nanowires exhibit dual photodynamic and photothermal properties, which enhance the cytotoxic efficiency against tumor cells.
Regular microhelics on a heterogenous spindle knot are obtained by controlled biaxial stresses in three dimensions. The spindle knot has a tough core and a brittle shell, resulting in biaxial stresses that arise from a thermal expansion mismatch during a heating process. Surface cleavage and interface delamination are harmonized due to the special spindle geometry and cooperate to 3D helical crack. This study not only widens our understanding of the cracking phenomena, but also sheds light on the control and design of regular cracks in arbitrary dimensions. It holds promise for applications in eliminating or controlling cracks for manufacturing process, especially at micro/nanosales, which domains are difficult to be generated by routine methods.
Recent developments in advanced semiconductor nanomaterials and methods for their assembly establish new, important capabilities in flexible and stretchable electronics and optoelectronics. This review describes the most successful materials, mechanics and manufacturing strategies, and illustrates their use in bio-integrated devices designed for basic measurements of cellular electrophysiology and multimodal sensing suitable for clinical applications. Opportunities span a variety of biomedical applications including skin-based, neural, and cardiovascular monitoring and therapy.
