Examinando por Autor "Escarpa, Alberto"
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Publicación Carbon Allotrope Nanomaterials Based Catalytic Micromotors(American Chemical Society, 2016-12-27) Jurado Sánchez, Beatriz; Vázquez, Luis; Escarpa, Alberto; María Hormigos, RobertoCarbon allotropes nanomaterials are explored here for the preparation of highly efficient tubular micromotors: 0D (C60 fullerene), 1D (carbon nanotubes), 2D (graphene), and 3D (carbon black, CB). The micromotors are prepared by direct electrochemical reduction or deposition of the nanomaterial into the pores of a membrane template. Subsequent electrodeposition of diverse inner catalytic layers (Pt, Pd, Ag, Au, or MnO2) allows for efficient bubble-propulsion in different media (seawater, human serum, and juice samples). Atomic-force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy characterization reveals that the micromotors exhibit a highly rough outer surface and highly microporous inner catalytic structures. A key aspect derived from the AFM characterization is the demonstration that the rough outer surface of the micromotors can greatly affect their overall speed. To date, the literature has only focused on studying the effect of the inner catalytic layer upon their speed and performance and has underestimated the effect of the outer surface layer. The speed of carbon-based micromotors is a compromise between two opposite forces: the increased catalytic activity because of improved fuel decomposition in the inner catalytic layer, which propels their advance, and the friction of the rough outer surface with the fluid, which is opposed to it. The largest outer surface area associated with the highest surface roughness of C60 fullerene and carbon black-Pt micromotors leads to a large friction force, which results in a reduced speed of ∼180 μm/s (1% H2O2). In contrast, for carbon-nanotube-Pt based micromotors, the dominant force is the high catalytic activity of the micromotor, which allows them to reach ultrafast speeds up to 440 μm/s (1% H2O2). The new protocol opens new avenues for the universal preparation of carbon based multifunctional micromotors for a myriad of practical applications exploiting the features of carbon allotropes.Publicación Carbon nanotubes-ferrite-manganese dioxide micromotors for advanced oxidation processes in water treatment(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2018) Pacheco Jerez, Marta; Jurado Sánchez, Beatriz; Escarpa, Alberto; María Hormigos, Roberto::virtual::2834::600; María Hormigos, Roberto; María Hormigos, Roberto; María Hormigos, RobertoMultifunctional SW-Fe2O3/MnO2 tubular micromotors are used for ‘on-the-fly’ advanced water oxidation of industrial organic pollutants. Catalytic decomposition of H2O2 as an oxidation agent results in the production of oxygen bubbles and hydroxyl radicals for complete mineralization of model pollutants into CO2 and H2O. The carbon backbone with Fe2O3 nanoparticles results in a rough catalytic layer for increased speed (16-fold acceleration as compared with smooth counterparts) and a higher radical production rate. The micromotors can propel autonomously in complex wastewater samples (400 μm s−1, 2% H2O2) using a biocompatible surfactant and obviating the need for expensive Pt catalysts. Such self-propelled micromotors act as highly efficient dynamic oxidation platforms that offer significantly shorter and more efficient water treatment processes, reducing the use of chemical reagents. The effective operation of the SW-Fe2O3/MnO2 micromotors is illustrated towards the oxidative degradation of mg L−1 levels of Remazol Brilliant blue and 4-chlorophenol. Factors influencing the micromachine-enhanced oxidation protocol, such as the pH, navigation time and number of motors, have been investigated. High degradation rates of ∼80% are obtained for both pollutants following 60 min treatment of spiked wastewater samples at pH 4.0–5.0. The unique magnetic properties of the outer Fe2O3 layer allow the reusability of the micromotors and its convenient recovery and disposal after treatment. Such attractive performance holds considerable promise for its application in large scale water treatment systems and for a myriad of environmental, industrial and security defense fieldsPublicación Effect of nanocellulose polymorphism on electrochemical analytical performance in hybrid nanocomposites with non‑oxidized single‑walled carbon nanotubes(Springer, 2022-06-14) Dortez, Silvia; Sierra, Tania; Álvarez‑Sánchez, Miguel Á.; González‑Domínguez, José M.; Benito, Ana M.; Maser, Wolfgang K.; González Crevillén, Agustín; Escarpa, AlbertoTwo cellulose nanocrystals/single-walled carbon nanotube (CNC/SW) hybrids, using two cellulose polymorphs, were evaluated as electrochemical transducers: CNC type I (CNC-I/SW) and CNC type II (CNC-II/SW). They were synthesized and fully characterized, and their analytical performance as electrochemical sensors was carefully studied. In comparison with SWCNT-based and screen-printed carbon electrodes, CNC/SW sensors showed superior electroanalytical performance in terms of sensitivity and selectivity, not only in the detection of small metabolites (uric acid, dopamine, and tyrosine) but also in the detection of complex glycoproteins (alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)). More importantly, CNC-II/SW exhibited 20 times higher sensitivity than CNC-I/SW for AGP determination, yielding a LOD of 7 mg L −1 .These results demonstrate the critical role played by nanocellulose polymorphism in the electrochemical performance of CNC/SW hybrid materials, opening new directions in the electrochemical sensing of these complex molecules. In general, these high-active-surface hybrids smartly exploited the preserved non-oxidized SW conductivity with the high aqueous dispersibility of the CNC, avoiding the use of organic solvents or the incorporation of toxic surfactants during their processing, making the CNC/SW hybrids promising nanomaterials for electrochemical detection following greener approaches.Publicación Multi-Light-Responsive Quantum Dot Sensitized Hybrid Micromotors with Dual-Mode Propulsion(Wiley Online Library, 2019) Jurado Sánchez, Beatriz; Escarpa, Alberto; María Hormigos, RobertoCdS quantum dots/C60 tubular micromotors with chemical/multi-light-controlled propulsion and “on-the-fly” acceleration capabilities are described. In situ growth of CdS quantum dots on the outer fullerene layer imparts this layer with light-responsive properties in connection to inner Pt, Pd or MnO2 layers. This is the first time that visible light is used to drive bubble-propelled tubular micromotors. The micromotors exhibit a broad absorption range from 320 to 670 nm and can be wirelessly controlled by modulating light intensity and peroxide concentration. The built-in accelerating optical system allows for the control of the velocity over the entire UV/Vis light spectra by modulating the catalyst surface chemistry. The light-responsive properties have been also exploited to accelerate the chemical dealloying and propulsion of micromotors containing a Cu/Pd layer. Such dual operated hybrid micromotors hold considerable promise for designing smart micromachines for on-demand operations, motion- based sensing, and enhanced cargo transportation.Publicación Prussian Blue/Chitosan Micromotors with Intrinsic Enzyme-like Activity for (bio)-Sensing Assays(ACS Publications, 2022) Molinero-Fernández, Águeda; Jurado Sánchez, Beatriz; Escarpa, Alberto; María Hormigos, Roberto; Novillo López, Miguel ÁngelPrussian Blue (PB)/chitosan enzyme mimetic tubular micromotors are used here for on-the-fly (bio)-sensing assays. The micromotors are easily prepared by direct deposition of chitosan into the pores of a membrane template and in situ PB synthesis during hydrogel deposition. Under judicious pH control, PB micromotors display enzyme mimetic capabilities with three key functions on board: the autonomous oxygen bubble propulsion (with PB acting as a catalase mimic for hydrogen peroxide decomposition), 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) oxidation (with PB acting as a peroxidase mimic for analyte detection), and as a magnetic material (to simplify the (bio)-sensing steps). In connection with chitosan capabilities, these unique enzyme mimetic micromotors are further functionalized with acetylthiocholinesterase enzyme (ATChE) to be explored in fast inhibition assays (20 min) for the colorimetric determination of the nerve agent neostigmine, with excellent analytical performance in terms of quantification limit (0.30 μM) and concentration linear range (up to 500 μM), without compromising efficient micromotor propulsion. The new concept illustrated holds considerable potential for a myriad of (bio)-sensing applications, including forensics, where this conceptual approach remains to be explored. Micromotor-based tests to be used in crime scenes are also envisioned due to the reliable neostigmine determination in unpretreated samples.Publicación Pump-Free Microfluidic Device for the Electrochemical Detection of α1-Acid Glycoprotein(American Chemical Society Publications, 2021-07-05) Tania, Sierra; Jang, Ilhoon; Noviana, Eka; González Crevillén, Agustín; Escarpa, Alberto; S. Henry, Charlesα1-Acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a glycoprotein present in serum, which is associated with the modulation of the immune system in response to stress or injuries, and a biomarker for inflammatory diseases and cancers. Here, we propose a pump-free microfluidic device for the electrochemical determination of AGP. The microfluidic device utilizes capillary-driven flow and a passive mixing system to label the AGP with the Os (VI) complex (an electrochemical tag) inside the main channel, before delivering the products to the electrode surface. Furthermore, thanks to the resulting geometry, all the analytical steps can be carried out inside the device: labeling, washing, and detection by adsorptive transfer stripping square wave voltammetry. The microfluidic device exhibited a linear range from 500 to 2000 mg L–1 (R2 = 0.990) and adequate limit of detection (LOD = 231 mg L–1). Commercial serum samples were analyzed to demonstrate the success of the method, yielding recoveries around 83%. Due to its simplicity, low sample consumption, low cost, short analysis time, disposability, and portability, the proposed method can serve as a point-of-care/need testing device for AGP.Publicación Self-Propelled Micromotors for Naked-Eye Detection of Phenylenediamines Isomers(ACS Publications, 2018) Jurado Sańchez, Beatriz; Escarpa, Alberto; María Hormigos, RobertoTubular micromotors composed of a hybrid single-wall carbon nanotube (SW)−Fe2O3 outer layer and powered by a MnO2 catalyst are used for phenylenediamines isomers detection and discrimination. Catalytic decomposition of H2O2 as fuel results in the production of oxygen bubbles and hydroxyl radicals for phenylenediamines dimerization to produce colorful solutions in colorimetric assays. The combination of Fe2O3 nanoparticles along with the irregular SW backbone results in a rough catalytic layer for enhanced hydroxyl radical production rate and improved analytical sensitivity. Such self-propelled micromotors act as peroxidase-like mobile platforms that offer efficient phenylenediamines detection and discrimination in just 15 min. Factors influencing the colorimetric assay protocol, such as the navigation time and number of motors, have been investigated. Low limits of detection (5 and 6 μM) and quantification (17 and 20 μM) were obtained for o-phenylenediamine and p- phenylenediamine, respectively. The magnetic properties of the outer SW−Fe2O3 hybrid layer allow the reusability of the micromotors in the colorimetric assay. Such attractive performance holds considerable promise for its application in sensing systems in a myriad of environmental, industrial, and health applications.Publicación Surfactant-Free β-Galactosidase Micromotors for “On-The-Move” Lactose Hydrolysis(Wiley Online Library, 2018) Jurado Sánchez, Beatriz; Escarpa, Alberto; María Hormigos, RobertoSurfactant-free β-galactosidase micromotors are explored here as moving biocatalyst for highly efficient lactose hydrolysis from raw milk. The coupling of the hydrolytic properties of such enzyme with the efficient movement of carbon nanotube tubular micromotors results in nearly 100% lactose hydrolysis and two fold removal efficiency as compared with static conditions and with free enzyme. The incorporation of an inner Ni layer allows its reusability to operate in batch mode. The rough micromotor surface area allows the immobilization of a high loading of β-galactosidase and results in an increase in the enzyme affinity toward lactose. The new micromotor concept opens new avenues for the use of micromotors as moving immobilized biocatalyst to improve the technological process not only in food industry but also in other fields.