Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026
16:33
ECM Protein Nanofibers and Nanostructures Engineered Using Surface-initiated Assembly
Published on: April 17, 2014
13.0K
Hydrodynamic assembly of two-dimensional layered double hydroxide nanostructures.
Nicholas A Jose1,2, Hua Chun Zeng2,3, Alexei A Lapkin4,5
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, Philippa Fawcett Drive CB3 0AS, UK.
Nature Communications
|November 23, 2018
Summary
Hydrodynamic forces accelerate the formation of two-dimensional layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanostructures. A novel microreactor allows precise control over particle synthesis, enabling scalable production of anisotropic nanomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Formation mechanisms of 2D nanostructures in wet synthesis are not well understood.
- The role of hydrodynamic forces in nanostructure formation remains enigmatic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the influence of hydrodynamic forces on the formation of 2D nanostructures.
- To develop a controllable and scalable synthesis method for anisotropic nanomaterials.
Main Methods:
- Utilized liquid flow cell transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Developed a microreactor with tunable shear rates to manipulate hydrodynamic forces.
- Investigated layered double hydroxide (LDH) as a model material.
Main Results:
- Observed that LDH nanostructures form via oriented attachment of hexagonal nanoparticles.
- Demonstrated that hydrodynamic shear accelerates the oriented attachment process.
- Achieved control over particle size, crystallinity, and aspect ratio using the microreactor.
Conclusions:
- Hydrodynamic forces play a significant role in accelerating 2D nanostructure formation.
- The developed microreactor offers a scalable and precise method for synthesizing anisotropic nanostructures.
- This research opens new pathways for rational engineering and large-scale production of advanced nanomaterials.
Related Concept Videos
02:41Protein Complex Assembly
16.8K
Proteins can form homomeric complexes with another unit of the same protein or heteromeric complexes with different types. Most protein complexes self-assemble spontaneously via ordered pathways, while some proteins need assembly factors that guide their proper assembly. Despite the crowded intracellular environment, proteins usually interact with their correct partners and form functional complexes.
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
16.8K
02:04Fixing Double-strand Breaks
14.7K
The double-stranded structure of DNA has two major advantages. First, it serves as a safe repository of genetic information where one strand serves as the back-up in case the other strand is damaged. Second, the double-helical structure can be wrapped around proteins called histones to form nucleosomes, which can then be tightly wound to form chromosomes. This way, DNA chains up to 2 inches long can be contained within microscopic structures in a cell. A double-stranded break not only damages...
14.7K
01:21Layers of the Epidermis
8.3K
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as follows:
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
Stratum Basale
Stratum basale, also known as the stratum germinativum, is the deepest layer of the epidermis. It is composed of a single layer of actively dividing cells called basal cells or basal keratinocytes. These cells constantly undergo cell division to replenish the upper layers of the epidermis. Additionally, melanocytes, which...
8.3K
03:40Dimensional Analysis
64.4K
Dimensional analysis, also known as the factor label method, is a versatile approach for mathematical operations. The main principle behind this approach is: the units of quantities must be subjected to the same mathematical operations as their associated numbers. This method can be applied to computations ranging from simple unit conversions to more complex and multi-step calculations involving several different quantities and their units.
Conversion Factors and Dimensional Analysis
The unit...
Conversion Factors and Dimensional Analysis
The unit...
64.4K
01:30Thematic Layering in GIS
354
In the past, planning projects such as schools or public facilities required extensive manual effort to gather and compile data. Information such as property boundaries, soil characteristics, road networks, zoning regulations, and flood zones had to be sourced individually from courthouses, utility providers, and registry offices. Assembling these datasets into a coherent format often took several months, delaying project timelines.The introduction of Geographic Information Systems (GIS)...
354
02:50Spindle Assembly
4.3K
Spindle assembly occurs through three, often coexisting, pathways – the centrosome-mediated pathway, the chromatin-mediated pathway, and the microtubule-mediated pathway – collectively contributing to form a robust spindle apparatus.
In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a...
In most cells, centrosomes are the primary microtubule nucleation centers. In the centrosome-mediated pathway, the G2-prophase transition triggers centrosome maturation and increased microtubule nucleation. Progressive nucleation results in a...
4.3K