Spiral three-dimensional photonic crystals for telecommunications spectral range

Three-dimensional photonic crystals consisting of periodic arrays of spiral columns were fabricated in a commercially available photoresist (SU-8) by a direct laser writing technique. Tailoring the pre- and post-processing conditions for the photoresist has enabled the recording of extended, self-supporting periodic structures with sub-diffraction resolution. Pronounced photonic stop gaps were observed at wavelengths between 1.5 and 1.8 μm, close to the telecommunications region. These structures can be used as accurate and robust templates for subsequent infiltration by materials with higher refractive index. PACS 42.65.Re; 42.70.-a; 42.70.Qs     

Fabrication of polystyrene hollow microspheres as laser fusion targets by optimized density-matched emulsion technique and characterization

Inertial confinement fusion, frequently referred to as ICF, inertial fusion, or laser fusion, is a means of producing energy by imploding small hollow microspheres containing thermonuclear fusion fuel. Polymer microspheres, which are used as fuel containers, can be produced by solution-based micro-encapsulation technique better known as density-matched emulsion technique. The specifications of these microspheres are very rigorous, and various aspects of the emulsion hydrodynamics associated with their production are important in controlling the final product. This paper describes about the optimization of various parameters associated with density-matched emulsion method in order to improve the surface smoothness, wall thickness uniformity and sphericity of hollow polymer microspheres. These polymer microshells have been successfully fabricated in our lab, with 3–30 μm wall thickness and 50–1600 μm diameters. The sphericity and wall thickness uniformity are better than 99%. Elimination of vacuoles and high yield rate has been achieved by adopting the step-wise heating of W₁/O/W₂ emulsion for solvent removal.     

Deorphaning Pyrrolopyrazines as Potent Multi‐Target Antimalarial Agents

The discovery of pyrrolopyrazines as potent antimalarial agents is presented, with the most effective compounds exhibiting EC₅₀ values in the low nanomolar range against asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum in human red blood cells, and Plasmodium berghei liver schizonts, with negligible HepG2 cytotoxicity. Their potential mode of action is uncovered by predicting macromolecular targets through avant‐garde computer modeling. The consensus prediction method suggested a functional resemblance between ligand binding sites in non‐homologous target proteins, linking the observed parasite elimination to IspD, an enzyme from the non‐mevalonate pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis, and multi‐kinase inhibition. Further computational analysis suggested essential P. falciparum kinases as likely targets of our lead compound. The results obtained validate our methodology for ligand‐ and structure‐based target prediction, expand the bioinformatics toolbox for proteome mining, and provide unique access to deciphering polypharmacological effects of bioactive chemical agents.