Functional multi-layer graphene–algae hybrid material formed using vortex fluidics

Shear‐Stress‐Mediated Refolding of Proteins from Aggregates and Inclusion Bodies

“…[16] Importantly, the latter occurs at room temperature rather than requiring hydrothermal processing, and suggests that the constant ‘soft’ energy in the thin film has application in manipulating macromolecules, such as the refolding of proteins, without requiring heating. Other relevant applications and optimization of a similar vortex fluid device include exfoliating graphite and hexagonal boron-nitride to generate mono and multi-layer structures, [17, 18] controlling the formation of different calcium carbonate polymorphs, [19] and controlling chemical reactivity and selectivity. [20, 21] …”

Optimising a vortex fluidic device for controlling chemical reactivity and selectivity

“…It can also operate under the ‘continuous flow mode' with jet feeds delivering liquid into the rotating tube where additional shear is generated in the thin films from the viscous drag as the liquid whirls along the tube. We have recently established that the VFD is effective in exfoliating graphite and h -BN2526, controlling the decoration of palladium nano-particles on carbon nano-onions arising from the high mass transfer of hydrogen gas27 and also palladium nano-particles on graphene28, disassembling self organised molecular capsules1429, the synthesis of superparamagnetic magnetite nanoparticles embedded in polyvinylpyrrolidone followed by entrapping microalgal cells within this material, and similarly in entrapping them in graphene oxide3031. The details of the VFD and the different types of shear regimes are now reported using selected organic reactions, initially for Diels-Alder dimerization of cyclopentadienes in optimising the operational parameters of the VFD, then sequential aldol condensation and Michael addition reactions, in gaining direct access to unusual 2,4,6-triarylpyridines which are not possible or inherently difficult and/or of limited practical convenience using traditional batch processing.…”

Microencapsulation of bacterial strains in graphene oxide nano-sheets using vortex fluidics

“…5,6 Additionally, with the emerging advances in nanotechnology, innovative approaches such as the integration of nanomaterials and microorganisms provide access to novel functional materials. Some of these studies focus on interfacing nanomaterials with biological cells to detect biocomponents or to investigate biological phenomena, 7 in particular bioremediation, [8][9][10] the synthesis of bio-templated materials for various novel applications such as supercapacitors, 11 surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, 12 and lithium storage, 13 or for immobilization purposes.…”

“…Related to this work is the use of the VFD to prepare functional multi-layer graphene-algae and graphene oxide (GO)-algae hybrid materials. 10,16 In the VFD, a rapidly rotating tube generates a thin microuidic lm with rapid micro-mixing of reagents therein, and the mechanoenergy in the lm is effective in increasing reaction rates, and therefore reducing the processing times. 33 Importantly, the VFD can be operated in the conned mode and also continuous ow mode, and it has a diversity of processing capabilities, including in organic synthesis, [33][34][35][36][37] controlled growth of the polymorphs of calcium carbonate, 38 formation of mesoporous silica at room temperature with control over the pore size, 39 compacting single walled carbon nanotube into toroidal structures, 40 exfoliation of graphene and boron nitride, 41 controlled decoration of nanoparticles on 2D nanomaterials, [42][43][44] preparation of functional hybrid bio-nanomaterials, 10,16,45 and the refolding of proteins.…”