Tags: Materials Chemistry and Nanoscience Seminar


Heterogeneous Nucleation of Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate)

Nucleation comprises the initial step of polymer crystallization, wherein the polymer melt stabilizes into ordered local structures, allowing for points from which polymer crystals can begin to grow. Nucleation quality can significantly impact the materials properties and processability of a polymer and is therefore of high importance to the materials science community. However, the collective understanding of polymer nucleation remains largely…


Design of Low-Dimensional Optical and Magnetic Chalcogenide Materials

Chalcogenides are compounds of the group-16 elements or chalcogens (Q), consisting of O, S, Se, and Te. Because O differs significantly in electronegativity (3.5 for O compared to 2.5 for S, 2.4 for Se, and 2.1 for Te), oxides are typically distinguished from the rest of the chalcogenides, which exhibit strongly covalent character. Metal chalcogenides have found applications in wide ranging areas as optical materials, magnetic materials,…


Adaptations of Cells and Tissues to Spatiotemporally Dynamic Mechanical Environments

In recent years significant progress has been made towards understanding the molecular and cellular mechanism by which cells “feel” their environment. There exists a complex relationship between the behavior of a cell, its physical properties, and its surrounding environment. Materials and devices with the ability to characterize cells and tissues in time and in response to changing stimuli have the potential to reshape our understanding of how…


Expedited Oral Solid Dosage Development

In 2021, Americans spent $525 million on oral solid dosage forms, of which tablets made up 53.1% of the market. (1). Tablets are the most popular drug delivery method because of the relatively low cost of ingredients, ease of manufacturing, and high patient compliance (1). In the early stages of formulation development, when drug availability is limited and expensive (2), the current methodology of making  tablet formulations require…


Diblock Copolymer Membranes: What Can We Learn from Computer Simulation?

Block copolymer membranes offer a bottom-up approach to form isoporous membranes that are useful for ultrafiltration of functional macromolecules, colloids, and water purifcation. Experimentally, the fabrication of isoporous block copolymer membranes from a mixed film of an asymmetric block copolymer and two solvents involves two stages: First, the volatile solvent evaporates, creating a dense polymer skin, in which the block copolymer self…


Investigation On The Enzymatic Degradability Of Glycoloic Urthanes Via Fluorescence Assay

The continual rise of plastic production globally has placed a heightened focus on the end of life destination for this durable products.1 Replacing current nondegradable commodity plastics with degradable alternatives, specifically those that are compostable, can help alleviate the disposal burden that these products present.2 Through the application of a high-throughput fluorescence based enzymatic degradation screening method, we have…


Calcium Carbonate based Nanoparticles to Activate T cells for Anti-tumor Immunotherapy

   


Modernity in Ancient Times: Copper Silicate Pigments from Historical Significance to Modern Applications

Egyptian blue is considered the first synthetic pigment, dating back to the 3rd millennium BC1. It is a layered calcium copper silicate material with the chemical composition CaCuSi4O10. Later, a related family of these layered silicates were discovered— Han blue (BaCuSi4O10), and Han Purple (BaCuSi2O6)2. The layered silicates EB, HB, and HP are known as historic pigments, but they also possess novel optoelectronic properties with strong…


Polymeric Biointerfaces for Tailored Interactions with Cells


Applications of Material Science in Support of Nuclear Forensics and Non-Proliferation

With globalization and the spreading availability of technologies, nuclear proliferation challenges continue to grow and evolve. Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) works to counter proliferation by providing scientific and technological solutions, as well as expert advice to combat emerging threats. Working with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and other government agencies, SRNL’s Global Security Directorate provides…
Subscribe to Materials Chemistry and Nanoscience Seminar