[Microorganism Immobilization Device Using Artificial Siderophores].

Inspired by the mechanism by which microorganisms utilize siderophores to ingest iron, four different Fe complexes of typical artificial siderophore ligands containing catecholate and/or hydroxamate groups, K[Fe-L], K[Fe-L], K[Fe-L], and [Fe-L], were prepared. They were modified on an Au substrate surface (Fe-L/Au) and applied as microorganism immobilization devices for fast, sensitive, selective detection of microorganisms, where HL, HL, HL, and HL denote the tri-catecholate, biscatecholate-monohydroxamate, monocatecholate-bishydroxamate, and tri-hydroxamate type of artificial siderophores, respectively. Their adsorption properties for the several microorganisms were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods.

Catalytic Oxidation of Methanol to Formaldehyde Catalyzed by Iron Complex with NS-type Tripodal Ligand.

A Fe complex with NS-type tripod ligand, 1, reacts with O in CHOH to generate formaldehyde, which has been studied structurally, spectroscopically, and electrochemically. Complex 1 crystallizes as an octahedral structure with crystallographic C symmetry around the metal, with Fe-N=2.2917(17) Å and Fe-S=2.

Detection of Microorganisms Using Artificial Siderophore-Fe Complex-Modified Substrates.

Four Fe complexes of typical artificial siderophore ligands containing catecholate and/or hydroxamate groups of tricatecholate, biscatecholate-monohydroxamate, monocatecholate-bishydroxamate, and trihydroxamate type artificial siderophores (K[], K[], K[], and []) were modified on Au substrate surfaces. Their abilities to adsorb microorganisms were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, and AC impedance methods. The artificial siderophore-iron complexes modified on Au substrates (/Au, /Au, /Au, and /Au) showed the selective immobilization behavior for various microorganisms, depending on the structural features of the artificial siderophores (the number of catecholate and hydroxamate arms).

Flat and roll-type translucent anodic porous alumina molds anodized in oxalic acid for UV nanoimprint lithography.

There is much interest in UV nanoimprinting as a fabrication method for various functional devices because of its suitability for efficient fine patterning. To form patterns on opaque substrates by UV nanoimprinting, it is essential to use molds through which UV light can pass. In this study, translucent anodic porous alumina (APA) molds for UV nanoimprinting were fabricated by the anodization of an Al substrate.

Iron(III) Complexes with Hybrid-Type Artificial Siderophores Containing Catecholate and Hydroxamate Sites.

Two hybrid-type artificial siderophore ligands containing both catecholate and hydroxamate groups as iron-capturing sites, bis(2,3-dihydroxybenzamidepropyl)mono[2-propyl]aminomethane () and mono(2,3-dihydroxybenzamide-propyl)bis[2-propyl]aminomethane (, were designed and synthesized. Iron(III) complexes, K[] and K[], were prepared and characterized spectroscopically, potentiometrically, and electrochemically. The results were compared with those previously reported for iron complexes with non-hybridized siderophores containing either catecholate or hydroxamate groups, K[] and [].

Dehydrogenative Annulation of Silylated 1-Indoles with Alkynes via Silyl Migration.

We investigated the dehydrogenative annulation of silylated 1-indole derivatives with alkynes to synthesize a silole-fused indole. The addition of the generated silylium ion to alkynes was followed by the sila-Friedel-Crafts reaction via silyl migration, realizing regioselective dehydrogenative annulation controlled by the steric bulkiness of a base. The optical properties of the obtained siloloindoles indicated fluorescence of which the intensity depends on the location of the fused silole.

Structure and Optical Anisotropy of Spider Scales and Silk: The Use of Chromaticity and Azimuth Colors to Optically Characterize Complex Biological Structures.

Herein, we give an overview of several less explored structural and optical characterization techniques useful for biomaterials. New insights into the structure of natural fibers such as spider silk can be gained with minimal sample preparation. Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) over a broad range of wavelengths (from X-ray to THz) provides information of the structure of the material at correspondingly different length scales (nm-to-mm).

Preparation of size-controlled LiCoPO particles by membrane emulsification using anodic porous alumina and their application as cathode active materials for Li-ion secondary batteries.

Membrane emulsification using anodic porous alumina is an effective method for preparing monodisperse droplets with controlled sizes. In this study, membrane emulsification using anodic porous alumina was applied to the preparation of size-controlled particles composed of composite metal oxides. To obtain size-controlled composite metal oxide particles, membrane emulsification was performed using an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble monomer and metal salts as a dispersed phase.

The Steric Effect in Preparations of Vanadium(II)/(III) Dinitrogen Complexes of Triamidoamine Ligands Bearing Bulky Substituents.

The reactions of newly designed lithiated triamidoamines Li ( = iPr, Pen, and Cy) with VCl(THF) under N yielded dinitrogen-divanadium complexes with a μ-N between vanadium atoms [{V()}(μ-N)] ( = iPr () and Pen ()) for the former two, while not dinitrogen-divanadium complexes but a mononuclear vanadium complex with a vacant site, [V()] ( = Cy ()), were obtained for the third ligand. The V-N and N-N distances were 1.7655(18) and 1.

Micro-nano hierarchical pillar array structures prepared on curved surfaces by nanoimprinting using flexible molds from anodic porous alumina and their application to superhydrophobic surfaces.

Flexible molds with micro-nano hierarchical structures on the surface were fabricated by a two-step template process using anodic porous alumina as a starting material. The obtained flexible molds could be used to form micro-nano hierarchical pillar arrays on the surface of glass tubes and convex lenses by photo-nanoimprinting. The contact angle characteristics of the surfaces with hierarchical pillar arrays were measured, and it was confirmed that they exhibit superhydrophobic properties with a water-droplet contact angle exceeding 150°.

Improvements in photoelectric performance of dye-sensitised solar cells using ionic liquid-modified TiO electrodes.

One of the major problems in dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) is the aggregation of dyes on TiO electrodes, which leads to undesirable electron transfer. Various anti-aggregation agents, such as deoxycholic acid, have been proposed and applied to prevent dye aggregation on the electrodes. In this study, we designed and synthesised a phosphonium-type ionic liquid that can be modified on the TiO electrode surface and used as a new anti-aggregation agent.

The uptake mechanism of palladium ions into Prussian-blue nanoparticles in a nitric acid solution toward application for the recycling of precious metals from electronic and nuclear wastes.

We have investigated the uptake mechanism of palladium (Pd: one of the most important elements in industry used as a catalyst) ions into Prussian-blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) in a nitric acid solution high-resolution electron transmission microscopy, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and ultraviolet-visible-near infrared spectroscopy in combination with first principles calculations. Comparison of the structural and electronic properties of PBNPs between before and after a 24 h sorption test reveals that the Pd ions incorporated into PBNPs by the substitution of Fe ions of the PB framework while maintaining the crystal structure, and the substitution efficiency is estimated to be 87% per PB unit cell. This implies that 0.

Efficient fabrication of ordered alumina through-hole membranes using a TiO protective layer prepared by atomic layer deposition.

Ordered alumina through-hole membranes were obtained by a combination of the anodization of Al, formation of a TiO protective layer, and subsequent etching. Two-layered anodic porous alumina materials composed of TiO-coated and noncoated alumina were prepared by the combination of the anodization of Al and the formation of a TiO protective layer by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The obtained two layers of anodic porous alumina have different solubilities because the TiO thin layer formed by ALD acts as a protective layer that prevents the dissolution of the alumina layer during wet etching of the sample in an etchant.

Preparation of ordered nanohole array structures by anodization of prepatterned Cu, Zn, and Ni.

Anodic porous oxides with ordered nanohole array structures were prepared by the formation of concave arrays on the surface of Cu, Zn, and Ni substrates and the subsequent anodization of the prepatterned substrates. The concave arrays on the surface of the substrate were formed by Ar ion milling using an alumina mask. Although the anodization of Cu, Zn, and Ni substrates without prepatterning generates spongelike porous structures, ordered arrays of cylindrical nanoholes were obtained by the anodization of prepatterned substrates.

Synthesis of 1-Silabenzo[,]isochromanes via Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution of Aldehydes Activated by Silylium Ion.

A strong Lewis acid silylium ion was utilized for dehydrogenative annulation between dialkyl(1-naphthyl)silanes and aldehydes . Silane was reacted with [PhC][B(CF)] in the presence of 2,6-di--butyl-4-methylpyridine and aldehydes to afford the annulation product, 1-silabenzo[,]isochromanes in moderate isolated yields. The annulation occurred only at the 8-position on the 1-naphthyl group.

Synthesis and Physico-Chemical Properties of Homoleptic Copper(I) Complexes with Asymmetric Ligands as a DSSC Dye.

To develop low-cost and efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), we designed and prepared three homoleptic Cu(I) complexes with asymmetric ligands, , , and , which have the advantages of heteroleptic-type complexes and compensate for their synthetic challenges. The three copper(I) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, and electrochemical measurements. Their absorption spectra and orbital energies were evaluated and are discussed in the context of TD-DFT calculations.

Renewable Superhydrophobic Surfaces Prepared by Nanoimprinting Using Anodic Porous Alumina Molds.

Renewable superhydrophobic surfaces based on laminated polymer films with nanopillar array structures were prepared. Polymer nanopillar arrays exhibiting superhydrophobic properties were prepared by nanoimprinting using anodic porous alumina as a mold. The hydrophobic properties of the obtained polymer nanopillar arrays could be controlled and optimized by changing the geometrical structures of anodic porous alumina molds used for nanoimprinting.

Preparation of Ordered Anodic Porous Alumina with Single-Nanometer-Order-Size Holes by Atomic Layer Deposition.

Ordered anodic porous alumina with controlled-size holes on the order of a single-nanometer scale was obtained by the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of AlO or TiO. The thin metal oxide layers of uniform thickness were formed successfully on the inner wall of the hole of the ordered anodic porous alumina with high aspect ratios by ALD. The hole diameter of the ordered anodic porous alumina could be controlled precisely by adjusting the number of cycles of ALD.

Effect of Counteranions in Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Generation Promoted by Bis(phosphinopyridyl) Ni(II) Complexes.

We previously reported the preparation and characterization of a Ni(II) complex capable of electrocatalytic hydrogen generation. The complex [Ni()Cl]Cl () includes a 6-((diphenylphosphino)methyl)pyridin-2-amine ligand (), which has an amino group as a base that acts as a proton transfer site by virtue of its location near the metal center. In order to study the effect of counteranions in hydrogen generation, two additional Ni() complexes with weakly coordinating/noncoordinating counteranions, [Ni()](OTs) (OTs = -toluenesulfonate) () and [Ni()](BF) (), were synthesized.

Self-ordered anodic porous alumina with inter-hole spacing over 1.5 μm.

Self-ordered anodic porous alumina with a long-range ordered hole arrangement having an inter-hole spacing of over 1.5 μm was prepared by anodization in a citric acid electrolyte containing a small amount of phosphoric acid. The inter-hole spacing of the ordered anodic porous alumina could be controlled within a range of 700 nm to 1.

Preparation of Ni micropillar arrays with high aspect ratios using anodic porous alumina template and their application to molds for imprinting.

Anodic porous alumina templates with controlled microscale geometrical structures were prepared by a process combining mask formation and subsequent selective etching of the alumina layer. In this process, the anisotropic etching of anodic porous alumina allows the preparation of anodic porous alumina with microhole array patterns having high aspect ratios. The electrodeposition of Ni using the obtained alumina templates generated an array of Ni micropillars with high aspect ratios.

SnO nanofibers prepared by wet spinning using an ordered porous alumina spinneret.

SnO nanofibers with uniform diameters were obtained by wet spinning using ordered anodic porous alumina as a spinneret, followed by heat treatment. Ordered alumina through-hole membrane is a suitable spinneret material for nanofiber spinning owing to its nanohole array structure with uniform-sizes holes. A polymer solution containing a Sn salt was used as a precursor solution for the wet spinning.

Fabrication of ideally ordered TiO through-hole membranes by two-layer anodization.

Ideally ordered TiO through-hole membranes were obtained by a combination of Ti substrate pre-patterning and two-layer anodization. The Ti substrate was pre-patterned by Ar ion milling using ideally ordered porous alumina as an etching mask. Each concave pit formed by dry etching acted as an initiation site for hole development during anodization, and ideally ordered anodic porous TiO was produced by anodization using an electrolyte containing fluoride ions.