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“Chiral Seeded Growth of Gold Nanorods Into 4‐Fold Twisted Nanoparticles with Plasmonic Optical Activity”. Ni B, Mychinko M, Gómez‐Graña S, Morales‐Vidal J, Obelleiro‐Liz M, Heyvaert W, Vila‐Liarte D, Zhuo X, Albrecht W, Zheng G, González‐Rubio G, Taboada JM, Obelleiro F, López N, Pérez‐Juste J, Pastoriza‐Santos I, Cölfen H, Bals S, Liz‐Marzán LM, Advanced materials , 2208299 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202208299
Abstract: A robust and reproducible methodology to prepare stable inorganic nanoparticles with chiral morphology might hold the key to the practical utilization of these materials. We describe herein an optimized chiral growth method to prepare 4-fold twisted gold nanorods, where the amino acid cysteine is used as a dissymmetry inducer. Four tilted ridges were found to develop on the surface of single-crystal nanorods upon repeated reduction of HAuCl4, in the presence of cysteine as the chiral inducer and ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. From detailed electron microscopy analysis of the crystallographic structures, we propose that dissymmetry results from the development of chiral facets in the form of protrusions (tilted ridges) on the initial nanorods, eventually leading to a twisted shape. The role of cysteine is attributed to assisting enantioselective facet evolution, which is supported by density functional theory simulations of the surface energies, modified upon adsorption of the chiral molecule. The development of R-type and S-type chiral structures (small facets, terraces, or kinks) would thus be non-equal, removing the mirror symmetry of the Au NR and in turn resulting in a markedly chiral morphology with high plasmonic optical activity.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 29.4
Times cited: 35
DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208299
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“Orbital-hybridization-driven charge density wave transition in CsV₃Sb₅, kagome superconductor”. Han S, Tang CS, Li L, Liu Y, Liu H, Gou J, Wu J, Zhou D, Yang P, Diao C, Ji J, Bao J, Zhang L, Zhao M, Milošević, MV, Guo Y, Tian L, Breese MBH, Cao G, Cai C, Wee ATS, Yin X, Advanced materials , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADMA.202209010
Abstract: Owing to its inherent non-trivial geometry, the unique structural motif of the recently discovered kagome topological superconductor AV(3)Sb(5) (A = K, Rb, Cs) is an ideal host of diverse topologically non-trivial phenomena, including giant anomalous Hall conductivity, topological charge order, charge density wave (CDW), and unconventional superconductivity. Despite possessing a normal-state CDW order in the form of topological chiral charge order and diverse superconducting gaps structures, it remains unclear how fundamental atomic-level properties and many-body effects including Fermi surface nesting, electron-phonon coupling, and orbital hybridization contribute to these symmetry-breaking phenomena. Here, the direct participation of the V3d-Sb5p orbital hybridization in mediating the CDW phase transition in CsV3Sb5 is reported. The combination of temperature-dependent X-ray absorption and first-principles studies clearly indicates the inverse Star-of-David structure as the preferred reconstruction in the low-temperature CDW phase. The results highlight the critical role that Sb orbitals play and establish orbital hybridization as the direct mediator of the CDW states and structural transition dynamics in kagome unconventional superconductors. This is a significant step toward the fundamental understanding and control of the emerging correlated phases from the kagome lattice through the orbital interactions and provides promising approaches to novel regimes in unconventional orders and topology.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Impact Factor: 29.4
Times cited: 1
DOI: 10.1002/ADMA.202209010
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“Hierarchical design in nanoporous metals”. Ying J, Lenaerts S, Symes MD, Yang X-Y, Advanced Science 9, 2106117 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ADVS.202106117
Abstract: Hierarchically porous metals possess intriguing high accessibility of matter molecules and unique continuous metallic frameworks, as well as a high level of exposed active atoms. High rates of diffusion and fast energy transfer have been important and challenging goals of hierarchical design and porosity control with nanostructured metals. This review aims to summarize recent important progress toward the development of hierarchically porous metals, with special emphasis on synthetic strategies, hierarchical design in structure-function and corresponding applications. The current challenges and future prospects in this field are also discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 15.1
DOI: 10.1002/ADVS.202106117
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“Fast A-site cation cross-exchange at room temperature : single-to double- and triple-cation halide perovskite nanocrystals”. Otero-Martinez C, Imran M, Schrenker NJ, Ye J, Ji K, Rao A, Stranks SD, Hoye RLZ, Bals S, Manna L, Perez-Juste J, Polavarapu L, Angewandte Chemie: international edition in English 61, e202205617 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ANIE.202205617
Abstract: We report here fast A-site cation cross-exchange between APbX(3) perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) made of different A-cations (Cs (cesium), FA (formamidinium), and MA (methylammonium)) at room temperature. Surprisingly, the A-cation cross-exchange proceeds as fast as the halide (X=Cl, Br, or I) exchange with the help of free A-oleate complexes present in the freshly prepared colloidal perovskite NC solutions. This enabled the preparation of double (MACs, MAFA, CsFA)- and triple (MACsFA)-cation perovskite NCs with an optical band gap that is finely tunable by their A-site composition. The optical spectroscopy together with structural analysis using XRD and atomically resolved high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and integrated differential phase contrast (iDPC) STEM indicates the homogeneous distribution of different cations in the mixed perovskite NC lattice. Unlike halide ions, the A-cations do not phase-segregate under light illumination.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 16.6
Times cited: 28
DOI: 10.1002/ANIE.202205617
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Lin A, De Backer J, Quatannens D, Cuypers B, Verswyvel H, De La Hoz EC, Ribbens B, Siozopoulou V, Van Audenaerde J, Marcq E, Lardon F, Laukens K, Vanlanduit S, Smits E, Bogaerts A (2022) The effect of local non‐thermal plasma therapy on the<scp>cancer‐immunity</scp>cycle in a melanoma mouse model
Abstract: Melanoma remains a deadly cancer despite significant advances in immune checkpoint blockade and targeted therapies. The incidence of melanoma is also growing worldwide, which highlights the need for novel treatment options and strategic combination of therapies. Here, we investigate non-thermal plasma (NTP), an ionized gas, as a promising, therapeutic option. In a melanoma mouse model, direct treatment of tumors with NTP results in reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival. Physical characterization of NTP treatment in situ reveals the deposited NTP energy and temperature associated with therapy response, and whole transcriptome analysis of the tumor identified several modulated pathways. NTP treatment also enhances the cancer-immunity cycle, as immune cells in both the tumor and tumor-draining lymph nodes appear more stimulated to perform their anti-cancer functions. Thus, our data suggest that local NTP therapy stimulates systemic, anti-cancer immunity. We discuss, in detail, how these fundamental insights will help direct the translation of NTP technology into the clinic and inform rational combination strategies to address the challenges in melanoma therapy.
Keywords: University Hospital Antwerp; A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; ADReM Data Lab (ADReM); Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Center for Oncological Research (CORE); Proteinscience, proteomics and epigenetic signaling (PPES)
DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10314
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“Waste-derived copper-lead electrocatalysts for CO₂, reduction”. Yang S, An H, Anastasiadou D, Xu W, Wu L, Wang H, de Ruiter J, Arnouts S, Figueiredo MC, Bals S, Altantzis T, van der Stam W, Weckhuysen BM, ChemCatChem 14, e202200754 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/CCTC.202200754
Abstract: It remains a real challenge to control the selectivity of the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (eCO(2)R) reaction to valuable chemicals and fuels. Most of the electrocatalysts are made of non-renewable metal resources, which hampers their large-scale implementation. Here, we report the preparation of bimetallic copper-lead (CuPb) electrocatalysts from industrial metallurgical waste. The metal ions were extracted from the metallurgical waste through simple chemical treatment with ammonium chloride, and CuxPby electrocatalysts with tunable compositions were fabricated through electrodeposition at varying cathodic potentials. X-ray spectroscopy techniques showed that the pristine electrocatalysts consist of Cu-0, Cu1+ and Pb2+ domains, and no evidence for alloy formation was found. We found a volcano-shape relationship between eCO(2)R selectivity toward two electron products, such as CO, and the elemental ratio of Cu and Pb. A maximum Faradaic efficiency towards CO was found for Cu9.00Pb1.00, which was four times higher than that of pure Cu, under the same electrocatalytic conditions. In situ Raman spectroscopy revealed that the optimal amount of Pb effectively improved the reducibility of the pristine Cu1+ and Pb2+ domains to metallic Cu and Pb, which boosted the selectivity towards CO by synergistic effects. This work provides a framework of thinking to design and tune the selectivity of bimetallic electrocatalysts for CO2 reduction through valorization of metallurgical waste.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 4.5
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1002/CCTC.202200754
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“The role of singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide in the photoelectrochemical response of phenols at a supported highly fluorinated zinc phthalocyanine”. Neven L, Barich H, Pelmuş, M, Gorun SM, De Wael K, ChemElectroChem 9, e202200108 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/CELC.202200108
Abstract: Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing of phenolic compounds using singlet oxygen (1O2)-generating photocatalysts has emerged as a powerful detection tool. However, it is currently not known how experimental parameters, such as pH and applied potential, influence the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their photocurrents. In this article, the PEC response was studied over the 6 to 10 pH range using a rotating (ring) disk (R(R)DE) set-up in combination with quenchers, to identify the ROS formed upon illumination of a supported photosensitizer, F64PcZn. The photocurrents magnitude depended on the applied potential and the pH of the buffer solution. The anodic responses were caused by the oxidation of O2.−, generated due to the quenching of 1O2 with −OH and the reaction of 3O2 with [F64Pc(3-)Zn]. The cathodic responses were assigned to the reduction of 1O2 and O2.−, yielding H2O2. These insights may benefit 1O2 – based PEC sensing applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1002/CELC.202200108
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“Modifying the Stöber Process: Is the Organic Solvent Indispensable?”.Wang J, Zhang K, Kavak S, Bals S, Meynen V, Chemistry-A European Journal (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202202670
Abstract: The Stöber method is one of the most important and fundamental processes for the synthesis of inorganic (nano)materials but has the drawback of using a large amount of organic solvent. Herein, ethanol was used as an example to explore if the organic solvent in a typical Stöber method can be omitted. It was found that ethanol increases the particle size of the obtained silica spheres and aids the formation of uniform silica particles rather than forming a gel. Nevertheless, the results indicated that an organic solvent in the initial synthesis mixture is not indispensable. An initially immiscible synthesis method was discovered, which can replace the organic solvent-based Stöber method to successfully synthesize silica particles with the same size ranges as the original Stöber process without addition of organic solvents. Moreover, this process can be of further value for the extension to synthesis processes of other materials based on the Stöber process.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Electron Microscopy for Materials Science (EMAT) ;
Impact Factor: 4.3
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1002/chem.202202670
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“Experimental methods in chemical engineering : computational fluid dynamics/finite volume method–CFD/FVM”. Van Hoecke L, Boeye D, Gonzalez‐Quiroga A, Patience GS, Perreault P, The Canadian journal of chemical engineering , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/CJCE.24571
Abstract: Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applies numerical methods to solve transport phenomena problems. These include, for example, problems related to fluid flow comprising the Navier--Stokes transport equations for either compressible or incompressible fluids together with turbulence models and continuity equations for single and multi-component (reacting and inert) systems. The design space is first segmented into discrete volume elements (meshing). The finite volume method, the subject of this article, discretizes the equations in time and space to produce a set of non-linear algebraic expressions that are assigned to each volume element-cell. The system of equations is solved iteratively with algorithms like the semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations (SIMPLE) and the pressure implicit splitting of operators (PISO). CFD is especially useful for testing multiple design elements because it is often faster and cheaper than experiments. The downside is that this numerical method is based on models that require validation to check their accuracy. According to a bibliometric analysis, the broad research domains in chemical engineering include: (1) dynamics and CFD-DEM (2) fluid flow, heat transfer and turbulence, (3) mass transfer and combustion, (4) ventilation and environment, and (5) design and optimization. Here, we review the basic theoretical concepts of CFD and illustrate how to set up a problem in the open-source software OpenFOAM to isomerize n-butane to i-butane in a notched reactor under turbulent conditions. We simulated the problem with 1000, 4000, and 16000 cells. According to the Richardson extrapolation, the simulation underestimates the adiabatic temperature rise by 7% with 16000 cells.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 2.1
DOI: 10.1002/CJCE.24571
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“Energy‐Efficient Small‐Scale Ammonia Synthesis Process with Plasma‐enabled Nitrogen Oxidation and Catalytic Reduction of Adsorbed NOx”. Hollevoet L, Vervloessem E, Gorbanev Y, Nikiforov A, De Geyter N, Bogaerts A, Martens JA, Chemsuschem (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202102526
Abstract: Industrial ammonia production without CO2 emission and with low energy consumption is one of the technological grand challenges of this age. Current Haber-Bosch ammonia mass production processes work with a thermally activated iron catalyst needing high pressure. The need for large volumes of hydrogen gas and the continuous operation mode render electrification of Haber-Bosch plants difficult to achieve. Electrochemical solutions at low pressure and temperature are faced with the problematic inertness of the nitrogen molecule on electrodes. Direct reduction of N2 to ammonia is only possible with very reactive chemicals such as lithium metal, the regeneration of which is energy intensive. Here, the attractiveness of an oxidative route for N2 activation was presented. N2 conversion to NOx in a plasma reactor followed by reduction with H2 on a heterogeneous catalyst at low pressure could be an energy-efficient option for small-scale distributed ammonia production with renewable electricity and without intrinsic CO2 footprint.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 8.4
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202102526
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“Real-time electrochemical screening of cocaine in lab and field settings with automatic result generation”. de Jong M, Van Echelpoel R, Langley AR, Eliaerts J, van den Berg J, De Wilde M, Somers N, Samyn N, De Wael K, Drug testing and analysis 14, 1471 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/DTA.3276
Abstract: This work presents the results of a novel application for the fast on-site screening of cocaine and its main cutting agents in suspicious and confiscated samples. The methodology behind the novel application consists of portable electrochemical detection coupled with a peak-recognition algorithm for automated result output generation, validated both in laboratory and field settings. Currently used field tests, predominantly colorimetric tests, are lacking accuracy, often giving false positive or negative results. This presses the need for alternative approaches to field testing. By combining portable electrochemical approaches with peak-recognition algorithms, an accuracy of 98.4% concerning the detection of cocaine was achieved on a set of 374 powder samples. In addition, the approach was tested on multiple 'smuggled', colored cocaine powders and cocaine mixtures in solid and liquid states, typically in matrices such as charcoal, syrup and clothing. Despite these attempts to hide cocaine, our approach succeeded in detecting cocaine during on-site screening scenarios. This feature presents an advantage over colorimetric and optical detection techniques, which can fail with colored sample matrices. This enhanced accuracy on smuggled samples will lead to increased efficiency in confiscation procedures in the field, thus significantly reducing societal economic and safety concerns and highlighting the potential for electrochemical approaches in on-the-spot identification of drugs of abuse.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1002/DTA.3276
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“Toward defining plasma treatment dose : the role of plasma treatment energy of pulsed‐dielectric barrier discharge in dictating in vitro biological responses”. Lin A, Biscop E, Gorbanev Y, Smits E, Bogaerts A, Plasma Processes And Polymers 19, e2100151 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/PPAP.202100151
Abstract: The energy dependence of a pulsed-dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment on chemical species production and biological responses was investigated. We hypothesized that the total plasma energy delivered during treatment encompasses the influence of major application parameters. A microsecond-pulsed DBD system was used to treat three different cancer cell lines and cell viability was analyzed. The energy per pulse was measured and the total plasma treatment energy was controlled by adjusting the pulse frequency, treatment time, and application distance. Our data suggest that the delivered plasma energy plays a predominant role in stimulating a biological response in vitro. This study aids in developing steps toward defining a plasma treatment unit and treatment dose for biomedical and clinical research.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.5
DOI: 10.1002/PPAP.202100151
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“Molecular understanding of the possible mechanisms of oligosaccharide oxidation by cold plasma”. Yusupov M, Dewaele D, Attri P, Khalilov U, Sobott F, Bogaerts A, Plasma processes and polymers (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/ppap.202200137
Abstract: Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a promising technology for several medical applications, including the removal of biofilms from surfaces. However, the molecular mechanisms of CAP treatment are still poorly understood. Here we unravel the possible mechanisms of CAP‐induced oxidation of oligosaccharides, employing reactive molecular dynamics simulations based on the density functional‐tight binding potential. Specifically, we find that the interaction of oxygen atoms (used as CAP‐generated reactive species) with cellotriose (a model system for the oligosaccharides) can break structurally important glycosidic bonds, which subsequently leads to the disruption of the oligosaccharide molecule. The overall results help to shed light on our experimental evidence for cellotriose CAP. This oxidation by study provides atomic‐level insight into the onset of plasma‐induced removal of biofilms, as oligosaccharides are one of the main components of biofilm.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.5
DOI: 10.1002/ppap.202200137
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“Element Specific Atom Counting at the Atomic Scale by Combining High Angle Annular Dark Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy”. De Backer A, Zhang Z, van den Bos KHW, Bladt E, Sánchez‐Iglesias A, Liz‐Marzán LM, Nellist PD, Bals S, Van Aert S, Small methods , 2200875 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202200875
Abstract: A new methodology is presented to count the number of atoms in multimetallic nanocrystals by combining energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF STEM). For this purpose, the existence of a linear relationship between the incoherent HAADF STEM and EDX images is exploited. Next to the number of atoms for each element in the atomic columns, the method also allows quantification of the error in the obtained number of atoms, which is of importance given the noisy nature of the acquired EDX signals. Using experimental images of an Au@Ag core–shell nanorod, it is demonstrated that 3D structural information can be extracted at the atomic scale. Furthermore, simulated data of an Au@Pt core–shell nanorod show the prospect to characterize heterogeneous nanostructures with adjacent atomic numbers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 12.4
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202200875
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“Introducing bioflocculation boundaries in process control to enhance effluent quality of high‐rate contact‐stabilization systems”. Ngo KN, Tampon P, Van Winckel T, Massoudieh A, Sturm B, Bott C, Wett B, Murthy S, Vlaeminck SE, DeBarbadillo C, De Clippeleir H, Water environment research 94, e10772 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1002/WER.10772
Abstract: High-rate activated sludge (HRAS) systems suffer from high variability of effluent quality, clarifier performance, and carbon capture. This study proposed a novel control approach using bioflocculation boundaries for wasting control strategy to enhance effluent quality and stability while still meeting carbon capture goals. The bioflocculation boundaries were developed based on the oxygen uptake rate (OUR) ratio between contactor and stabilizer (feast/famine) in a high-rate contact stabilization (CS) system and this OUR ratio was used to manipulate the wasting setpoint. Increased oxidation of carbon or decreased wasting was applied when OUR ratio was <0.52 or >0.95 to overcome bioflocculation limitation and maintain effluent quality. When no bioflocculation limitations (OUR ratio within 0.52–0.95) were detected, carbon capture was maximized. The proposed control concept was shown for a fully automated OUR-based control system as well as for a simplified version based on direct waste flow control. For both cases, significant improvements in effluent suspended solids level and stability (<50-mg TSS/L), solids capture over the clarifier (>90%), and COD capture (median of 32%) were achieved. This study shows how one can overcome the process instability of current HRAS systems and provide a path to achieve more reliable outcomes.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.1
DOI: 10.1002/WER.10772
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“Environmental impact assessment and efficiency of cotton : the case of Northeast Iran”. Naderi Mahdei K, Esfahani SMJ, Lebailly P, Dogot T, Van Passel S, Azadi H, Environment, development and sustainability , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S10668-022-02490-5
Abstract: Cotton is one of the important crops that play an important role in creating a livelihood for rural people in many parts of Iran. Cotton production necessitates a large amount of resources (e.g., fossil energy and agrochemicals, all of which have the potential to damage the environment in various ways). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the environmental effects of cotton production in the South Khorasan Province of Iran. For this purpose, life cycle assessment (LCA) and data envelopment analysis (DEA) techniques have been applied to investigate the environmental impacts of cotton production. LCA is a practical method to evaluate the environment on the product flow, in which all aspects of the product life cycle are examined by a comprehensive approach. Furthermore, combining the LCA method with other managerial strategies such as DEA could allow researchers to provide decision-makers with more practical and interpretable data. The findings of the efficiency test showed that the average technical efficiency, pure technical efficiency, and scale efficiency were 0.81, 0.92, and 0.87, respectively. Respiratory inorganics (i.e., respiratory effects resulting from winter smog caused by emissions of dust, sulfur, and nitrogen oxides to air) posed the greatest environmental burden in cotton production, followed by non-renewable energy, carcinogens, and global warming. In addition, the highest effects were on human health, and then, on resources and climate change. Energy, on-system pollution, and waste played a crucial role in the environmental impacts of cotton processing. This study suggests improving farmers' knowledge toward the optimum application of chemical fertilizers, or their substitution with green fertilizers, which reduces the environmental effect of growing cotton in the area.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
Impact Factor: 4.9
DOI: 10.1007/S10668-022-02490-5
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“Photocatalytic soot degradation under UV and visible light”. Van Hal M, Lenaerts S, Verbruggen SW, Environmental Science and Pollution Research , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11356-022-23804-0
Abstract: Particulate matter is one of the most persistent global air pollutants that is causing health problems, climate disturbance and building deterioration. A sustainable technique that is able to degrade soot using (sun)light is photocatalysis. Currently, research on photocatalytic soot oxidation focusses on large band gap TiO2-based photocatalysts and thus requires the use of UV light. It would prove useful if visible light, and thus a larger fraction of the (freely available) solar spectrum, could additionally be utilised to drive this process. In this work, a visible light-active photocatalyst, WO3, is benchmarked to TiO2 under both UV and visible light. At the same time, the versatility and drastic improvement of a recently introduced digital image-based soot degradation detection method are demonstrated. An additional step correcting for non-soot related catalyst colour changes is applied, resulting in accurate detection and quantification of soot degradation for all studied photocatalysts, even for materials such as WO3 that are inherently coloured. With this study, we aim to broaden the scope of photocatalytic soot oxidation technology to visible light-active photocatalyst. Along with this study, we provide a versatile soot degradation detection methodology based on digital image analysis that is made widely applicable.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology
Impact Factor: 5.8
DOI: 10.1007/S11356-022-23804-0
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“An elliptical blade is not a true ellipse, but a superellipse : evidence from two Michelia species”. Li Y, Niklas KJ, Gielis J, Niinemets Ü, Schrader J, Wang R, Shi P, Journal of forestry research 33, 1341 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S11676-021-01385-X
Abstract: The shape of leaf laminae exhibits considerable diversity and complexity that reflects adaptations to environmental factors such as ambient light and precipitation as well as phyletic legacy. Many leaves appear to be elliptical which may represent a ‘default’ developmental condition. However, whether their geometry truly conforms to the ellipse equation (EE), i.e., (x/a)2 + (y/b)2 = 1, remains conjectural. One alternative is described by the superellipse equation (SE), a generalized version of EE, i.e., |x/a|n +|y/b|n = 1. To test the efficacy of EE versus SE to describe leaf geometry, the leaf shapes of two Michelia species (i.e., M. cavaleriei var. platypetala, and M. maudiae), were investigated using 60 leaves from each species. Analysis shows that the majority of leaves (118 out of 120) had adjusted root-mean-square errors of < 0.05 for the nonlinear fitting of SE to leaf geometry, i.e., the mean absolute deviation from the polar point to leaf marginal points was smaller than 5% of the radius of a hypothesized circle with its area equaling leaf area. The estimates of n for the two species were ˂ 2, indicating that all sampled leaves conformed to SE and not to EE. This study confirms the existence of SE in leaves, linking this to its potential functional advantages, particularly the possible influence of leaf shape on hydraulic conductance.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3
DOI: 10.1007/S11676-021-01385-X
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“OrBITS : label-free and time-lapse monitoring of patient derived organoids for advanced drug screening”. Deben C, Cardenas De La Hoz E, Le Compte M, Van Schil P, Hendriks JMH, Lauwers P, Yogeswaran SK, Lardon F, Pauwels P, van Laere S, Bogaerts A, Smits E, Vanlanduit S, Lin A, Cellular Oncology (2211-3428) , 1 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S13402-022-00750-0
Abstract: Background Patient-derived organoids are invaluable for fundamental and translational cancer research and holds great promise for personalized medicine. However, the shortage of available analysis methods, which are often single-time point, severely impede the potential and routine use of organoids for basic research, clinical practise, and pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Methods Here, we developed a high-throughput compatible and automated live-cell image analysis software that allows for kinetic monitoring of organoids, named Organoid Brightfield Identification-based Therapy Screening (OrBITS), by combining computer vision with a convolutional network machine learning approach. The OrBITS deep learning analysis approach was validated against current standard assays for kinetic imaging and automated analysis of organoids. A drug screen of standard-of-care lung and pancreatic cancer treatments was also performed with the OrBITS platform and compared to the gold standard, CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. Finally, the optimal parameters and drug response metrics were identified to improve patient stratification. Results OrBITS allowed for the detection and tracking of organoids in routine extracellular matrix domes, advanced Gri3D (R)-96 well plates, and high-throughput 384-well microplates, solely based on brightfield imaging. The obtained organoid Count, Mean Area, and Total Area had a strong correlation with the nuclear staining, Hoechst, following pairwise comparison over a broad range of sizes. By incorporating a fluorescent cell death marker, infra-well normalization for organoid death could be achieved, which was tested with a 10-point titration of cisplatin and validated against the current gold standard ATP-assay, CellTiter-Glo 3D. Using this approach with OrBITS, screening of chemotherapeutics and targeted therapies revealed further insight into the mechanistic action of the drugs, a feature not achievable with the CellTiter-Glo 3D assay. Finally, we advise the use of the growth rate-based normalised drug response metric to improve accuracy and consistency of organoid drug response quantification. Conclusion Our findings validate that OrBITS, as a scalable, automated live-cell image analysis software, would facilitate the use of patient-derived organoids for drug development and therapy screening. The developed wet-lab workflow and software also has broad application potential, from providing a launching point for further brightfield-based assay development to be used for fundamental research, to guiding clinical decisions for personalized medicine.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT); Antwerp Surgical Training, Anatomy and Research Centre (ASTARC); Center for Oncological Research (CORE)
Impact Factor: 6.6
DOI: 10.1007/S13402-022-00750-0
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“Plasmonic hybrid nanostructures in photocatalysis : structures, mechanisms, and applications”. Ninakanti R, Dingenen F, Borah R, Peeters H, Verbruggen SW, Topics in Current Chemistry 380, 40 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S41061-022-00390-W
Abstract: (Sun)Light is an abundantly available sustainable source of energy that has been used in catalyzing chemical reactions for several decades now. In particular, studies related to the interaction of light with plasmonic nanostructures have been receiving increased attention. These structures display the unique property of localized surface plasmon resonance, which converts light of a specific wavelength range into hot charge carriers, along with strong local electromagnetic fields, and/or heat, which may all enhance the reaction efficiency in their own way. These unique properties of plasmonic nanoparticles can be conveniently tuned by varying the metal type, size, shape, and dielectric environment, thus prompting a research focus on rationally designed plasmonic hybrid nanostructures. In this review, the term “hybrid” implies nanomaterials that consist of multiple plasmonic or non-plasmonic materials, forming complex configurations in the geometry and/or at the atomic level. We discuss the synthetic techniques and evolution of such hybrid plasmonic nanostructures giving rise to a wide variety of material and geometric configurations. Bimetallic alloys, which result in a new set of opto-physical parameters, are compared with core–shell configurations. For the latter, the use of metal, semiconductor, and polymer shells is reviewed. Also, more complex structures such as Janus and antenna reactor composites are discussed. This review further summarizes the studies exploiting plasmonic hybrids to elucidate the plasmonic-photocatalytic mechanism. Finally, we review the implementation of these plasmonic hybrids in different photocatalytic application domains such as H2 generation, CO2 reduction, water purification, air purification, and disinfection.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1007/S41061-022-00390-W
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“Market power and sustainability : a new research agenda”. Biely K, Van Passel S, Discover Sustainability 3, 5 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1007/S43621-022-00073-Y
Abstract: Perfectly operating markets only exist in theory. Market failures are known to not only inhibit the proper functioning of the market, but also affect sustainability and thus a sustainability transition. In this regard, much attention has been paid to externalities or missing markets, even though these are not the only market failures. In this paper, we argue that market power and its relationship with sustainability has been neglected, despite the fact that, back in 1931, Hotelling indicated the connection between the two concepts. However, research that has been dealing with this connection has not been comprehensive and has only looked at one aspect of sustainability and market power. Due to the rising relevance of market power as well as of sustainability concerns, the connection between the two deserves thorough attention. Accordingly, we propose initiating a new interdisciplinary research agenda to comprehensively analyze the complex relationship between market power and sustainability.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
DOI: 10.1007/S43621-022-00073-Y
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“How an incineration tax changes waste management practices among firms”. De Weerdt L, De Jaeger S, Compernolle T, Van Passel S, Resources Conservation And Recycling 180, 106172 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106172
Abstract: Sustainable management of industrial plastic waste is crucial in the transition to a circular economy. Today, most industrial plastic waste is incinerated, whereas it could be recycled. As a consequence, governments increasingly make use of incineration taxes to improve current waste management practices. This paper presents an econometric panel analysis that studies the effects of an incineration tax on industrial plastic waste in Flanders (Belgium). Not only is this study the first econometric analysis on industrial plastic waste management in which firm heterogeneity is explicitly taken into account by including firm-specific characteristics, but this study also provides policymakers with insights into the effectiveness of an incineration tax to change current waste management practices. Empirical estimates imply that heterogeneous firms generate industrial plastic waste in different ways and that heterogeneous firms reduce their waste generation in different ways after the incineration tax rate increases. The estimates also show that the unique decrease of the incineration tax in 2007, did not change waste management practices. These estimates show that firms do not disinvest or indicate that loss aversion theory, i.e. a preference for avoiding losses over acquiring equivalent gains, might apply to firms that are faced with environmental taxation in a waste management context.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
Impact Factor: 13.2
DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106172
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“Distribution of lipid aldehydes in phase-separated membranes: A molecular dynamics study”. Oliveira MC, Yusupov M, Bogaerts A, Cordeiro RM, Archives Of Biochemistry And Biophysics 717, 109136 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.abb.2022.109136
Abstract: It is well established that lipid aldehydes (LAs) are able to increase the permeability of cell membranes and induce their rupture. However, it is not yet clear how LAs are distributed in phase-separated membranes (PSMs), which are responsible for the transport of selected molecules and intracellular signaling. Thus, we investigate here the distribution of LAs in a PSM by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Our results reveal that LAs derived from mono-unsaturated lipids tend to accumulate at the interface between the liquid-ordered/liquiddisordered domains, whereas those derived from poly-unsaturated lipids remain in the liquid-disordered domain. These results are important for understanding the effects caused by oxidized lipids in membrane structure, properties and organization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine – Antwerp (PLASMANT)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2022.109136
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“Development of a combi-electrosensor for the detection of phenol by combining photoelectrochemistry and square wave voltammetry”. Neven L, Barich H, Sleegers N, Cánovas R, Debruyne G, De Wael K, Analytica chimica acta 1206, 339732 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACA.2022.339732
Abstract: The high toxicity, endocrine-disrupting effects and low (bio)degradability commonly attributed to phenolic compounds have promoted their recognition as priority toxic pollutants. For this reason, the monitoring of these compounds in industrial, domestic and agricultural streams is crucial to prevent and decrease their toxicity in our daily life. To confront this relevant environmental issue, we propose the use of a combi-electrosensor which combines singlet oxygen (1O2)-based photoelectrochemistry (PEC) with square wave voltammetry (SWV). The high sensitivity of the PEC sensor (being a faster alternative for traditional COD measurements) ensures the detection of nmol L−1 levels of phenolic compounds while the SWV measurements (being faster than the color test kits) allow the differentiation between phenolic compounds. Herein, we report on the development of such a combi-electrosensor for the sensitive and selective detection of phenol (PHOH) in the presence of related phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone (HQ), bisphenol A (BPA), resorcinol (RC) and catechol (CC). The PEC sensor was able to determine the concentration of PHOH in spiked river samples containing only PHOH with a recovery between 96% and 111%. The SWV measurements elucidated the presence of PHOH, HQ and CC in the spiked samples containing multiple phenol compounds. Finally, the practicality of the combi-electrosensor set-up with a dual SPE containing two working electrodes and shared reference and counter electrodes was demonstrated. As a result, the combination of the two techniques is a powerful and valuable tool in the analysis of phenolic samples, since each technique improves the general performance by overcoming the inherent drawbacks that they display independently.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACA.2022.339732
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“Shear banding-activated dynamic recrystallization and phase transformation during quasi-static loading of β-metastable Ti &ndash, 12 wt % Mo alloy”. Choisez L, Ding L, Marteleur M, Kashiwar A, Idrissi H, Jacques PJ, Acta materialia 235, 118088 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2022.118088
Abstract: Dynamic recrystallization (DRX) within adiabatic shear bands forming during the fracture of TRIP-TWIP β−metastable Ti-12Mo (wt %) alloy was recently reported. The formation of 1-3 µm thick-adiabatic shear bands, and of dynamic recrystallization, was quite surprising as their occurrence generally requires high temperature and/or high strain rate loading while these samples were loaded in quasi-static conditions at room temperature. To better understand the fracture mechanism and associated microstructural evolution, thin foils representative of different stages of the fracture process were machined from the fracture surface by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Automated Crystal Orientation mapping (ACOM-TEM). Complex microstructure transformations involving severe plastic deformed nano-structuration, crystalline rotation and local precipitation of the omega phase were identified. The spatial and temporal evolution of the microstructure during the propagation of the crack was explained through dynamic recovery and continuous dynamic recrystallization, and linked to the modelled distribution of temperature and strain level where TEM samples were extracted.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2022.118088
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“On the formation mechanisms of intragranular shear bands in olivine by stress-induced amorphization”. Idrissi H, Béché, A, Gauquelin N, Ul-Haq I, Bollinger C, Demouchy S, Verbeeck J, Pardoen T, Schryvers D, Cordier P, Acta materialia 239, 118247 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2022.118247
Abstract: Intragranular amorphization shear lamellae are found in deformed olivine aggregates. The detailed trans-mission electron microscopy analysis of intragranular lamella arrested in the core of a grain provides novel information on the amorphization mechanism. The deformation field is complex and heteroge-neous, corresponding to a shear crack type instability involving mode I, II and III loading components. The formation and propagation of the amorphous lamella is accompanied by the formation of crystal defects ahead of the tip. These defects are geometrically necessary [001] dislocations, characteristics of high-stress deformation in olivine, and rotational nanodomains which are tentatively interpreted as disclinations. We show that these defects play an important role in dictating the path followed by the amorphous lamella. Stress-induced amorphization in olivine would thus result from a direct crystal-to -amorphous transformation associated with a shear instability and not from a mechanical destabilization due to the accumulation of high number of defects from an intense preliminary deformation. The pref-erential alignment of some lamellae along (010) is a proof of the lower ultimate mechanical strength of these planes.(c) 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY license ( http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT)
Impact Factor: 9.4
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.ACTAMAT.2022.118247
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“Preferential photoassimilation of volatile fatty acids by purple non-sulfur bacteria : experimental kinetics and dynamic modelling”. Segura PC, De Meur Q, Alloul A, Tanghe A, Onderwater R, Vlaeminck SE, Vande Wouwer A, Wattiez R, Dewasme L, Leroy B, Biochemical engineering journal 186, 108547 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BEJ.2022.108547
Abstract: Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) are known for their metabolic versatility and thrive as anoxygenic photoheterotrophs. In environmental engineering and resource recovery, cells would grow on mixtures of volatile fatty acids (VFA) generated by anaerobic fermentation of waste streams. In this study, we aim to better understand the behavior of Rhodospirillum rubrum, a model PNSB species, grown using multiple VFA as carbon sources. We highlighted that assimilation of individual VFA follows a sequential pattern. Based on observations in other PNSB, this seems to be specific to isocitrate lyase-lacking organisms. We hypothesized that the inhibition phenomenon could be due to the regulation of the metabolic fluxes in the substrate cycle between acetoacetyl-CoA and crotonyl-CoA. Developed macroscopic dynamic models showed a good predictive capability for substrate competition for every VFA mixture containing acetate, propionate, and/or butyrate. These novel insights provide valuable input for better design and operation of PNSB-based waste treatment solutions.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 3.9
DOI: 10.1016/J.BEJ.2022.108547
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“Towards mainstream partial nitritation/anammox in four seasons : feasibility of bioaugmentation with stored summer sludge for winter anammox assistance”. Zhu W, Van Tendeloo M, Alloul A, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 347, 126619 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2021.126619
Abstract: The strong effect of low temperatures on anammox challenges its mainstream application over the winter in temperate climates. Winter bioaugmentation with stored summer surplus sludge is a potential solution to guarantee sufficient nitrogen removal in winter. Firstly, the systems for which nitrogen removal deteriorated by the temperature decrease (25 °C → 20 °C) could be fully restored bioaugmenting with granules resp. flocs stored for 6 months at 118 resp. 220% of the initial biomass levels. Secondly, the reactivation of these stored sludges was tested in lower temperature systems (15.3 ± 0.4/10.4 ± 0.4 °C). Compared to the activity before storage, between 56% and 41% of the activity of granules was restored within one month, and 41%–32% for flocs. Additionally, 85–87% of granules and 50–53% of flocs were retained in the systems. After reactivation (15.3 ± 0.4/10.4 ± 0.4 °C), a more specialized community was formed (diversity decreased) with Candidatus Brocadia still dominant in terms of relative abundance. Capital and operating expenditures (CAPEX, OPEX) were negligible, representing only 0.19–0.36% of sewage treatment costs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 11.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2021.126619
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“Aggregation of purple bacteria in an upflow photobioreactor to facilitate solid/liquid separation : impact of organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time and water composition”. Blansaer N, Alloul A, Verstraete W, Vlaeminck SE, Smets BF, Bioresource technology 348, 126806 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2022.126806
Abstract: Purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) form an interesting group of microbes for resource recovery from wastewater. Solid/liquid separation is key for biomass and value-added products recovery, yet insights into PNSB aggregation are thus far limited. This study explored the effects of organic loading rate (OLR), hydraulic retention time (HRT) and water composition on the aggregation of Rhodobacter capsulatus in an anaerobic upflow photobioreactor. Between 2.0 and 14.6 gCOD/(L.d), the optimal OLR for aggregation was 6.1 gCOD/(L.d), resulting in a sedimentation flux of 5.9 kgTSS/(m2.h). With HRT tested between 0.04 and 1.00 d, disaggregation occurred at the relatively long HRT (1 d), possibly due to accumulation of thus far unidentified heat-labile metabolites. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrogen ratios (6–35 gCOD/gN) and the nitrogen source (ammonium vs. glutamate) also impacted aggregation, highlighting the importance of the type of wastewater and its pre-treatment. These novel insights to improve purple biomass separation pave the way for cost-efficient PNSB applications.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 11.4
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2022.126806
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“Singlet oxygen-based photoelectrochemical detection of DNA”. Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam S, Trashin S, De Wael K, Biosensors and bioelectronics 195, 113652 (2022). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIOS.2021.113652
Abstract: The current work, designed for the photoelectrochemical detection of DNA, evaluates light-responsive DNA probes carrying molecular photosensitizers generating singlet oxygen (1O2). We take advantage of their chromophore’s ability to produce 1O2 upon photoexcitation and subsequent photocurrent response. Type I, fluorescent and type II photosensitizers were studied using diode lasers at 406 nm blue, 532 nm green and 659 nm red lasers in the presensce and absence of a redox reporter, hydroquinone (HQ). Only type II photosensitizers (producing 1O2) resulted in a noticeable photocurrent in 1–4 nA range upon illumination, in particular, dissolved DNA probes labeled with chlorin e6 and erythrosine were found to give a well-detectable photocurrent response in the presence of HQ. Whereas, Type I photosensitizers and fluorescent chromophores generate negligible photocurrents (<0.15 nA). The analytical performance of the sensing system was evaluated using a magnetic beads-based DNA assay on disposable electrode platforms, with a focus to enhance the sensitivity and robustness of the technique in detecting complementary DNA targets. Amplified photocurrent responses in the range of 70–100 nA were obtained and detection limits of 17 pM and 10 pM were achieved using magnetic beads-captured chlorin e6 and erythrosine labeled DNA probes respectively. The presented novel photoelectrochemical detection can further be optimized and employed in applications for which enzymatic amplification such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is not applicable owing to their limitations and as an effective alternative to colorimetric detection when rapid detection of specific nucleic acid targets is required.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIOS.2021.113652
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