Quantum entanglement phenomena in photosynthetic light harvesting complexes

We review recent theoretical calculations of quantum entanglement in photosynthetic light harvesting complexes. These works establish, for the first time, a manifestation of this characteristically quantum mechanical phenomenon in biologically functional structures. We begin by summarizing calculations on model biomolecular systems that aim to reveal non-trivial characteristics of quantum entanglement in non-equilibrium biological environments. We then discuss and compare several calculations performed recently of excitonic dynamics in the Fenna-Matthews-Olson light harvesting complex and of the electronic entanglement present in this widely studied pigment-protein structure. We point out the commonalities between the derived results and also identify and explain the differences. We also discuss recent work that examines entanglement in the structurally more intricate light harvesting complex II (LHCII). During this overview, we take the opportunity to clarify several subtle issues relating to entanglement in such biomolecular systems, including the role of entanglement in biological function, the complexity of dynamical modeling that is required to capture the salient features of entanglement in such biomolecular systems, and the relationship between entanglement and other quantum mechanical features that are observed and predicted in light harvesting complexes. Finally, we suggest possible extensions of the current work and also review the options for experimental confirmation of the predicted entanglement phenomena in light harvesting complexes.     

Mechanical Properties and Failure Behavior of Physically Assembled Triblock Copolymer Gels with Varying Midblock Length

Mechanical properties including the failure behavior of physically assembled gels or physical gels are governed by their network structure. To investigate such behavior, we consider a physical gel system consisting of poly(styrene)‐poly(isoprene)‐poly(styrene)[PS‐PI‐PS] in mineral oil. In these gels, the endblock (PS) molecular weights are not significantly different, whereas, the midblock (PI) molecular weight has been varied such that we can access gels with and without midblock entanglement. Small angle X‐ray scattering data reveals that the gels are composed of collapsed PS aggregates connected by PI chains. The gelation temperature has been found to be a function of the endblock concentration. Tensile tests display stretch‐rate dependent modulus at high strain for the gels with midblock entanglement. Creep failure behavior has also been found to be influenced by the entanglement. Fracture experiments with predefined cracks show that the energy release rate scales linearly with the crack‐tip velocity for all gels considered here. In addition, increase of midblock chain length resulted in higher viscous dissipation leading to a higher energy release rate. The results provide an insight into how midblock entanglement can possibly affect the mechanical properties of physically assembled triblock copolymer gels in a midblock selective solvent. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019 , 57, 1014–1026     

Constrained-pairing mean-field theory. V. Triplet pairing formalism

Describing strong (also known as static) correlation caused by degenerate or nearly degenerate orbitals near the Fermi level remains a theoretical challenge, particularly in molecular systems. Constrained-pairing mean-field theory has been quite successful, capturing the effects of static correlation in bond formation and breaking in closed-shell molecular systems by using singlet electron entanglement to model static correlation at mean-field computational cost. This work extends the previous formalism to include triplet pairing. Additionally, a spin orbital extension of the "odd-electron" formalism is presented as a method for understanding electron entanglement in molecules.     

Silica nanowires: Growth,integration, and sensing applications

This review (with 129 refs.) gives an overview on how the integration of silica nanowires (NWs) into micro-scale devices has resulted, in recent years, in simple yet robust nano-instrumentation with improved performance in targeted application areas such as sensing. This has been achieved by the use of appropriate techniques such as di-electrophoresis and direct vapor-liquid-growth phenomena, to restrict the growth of NWs to site-specific locations. This also has eliminated the need for post-growth processing and enables nanostructures to be placed on pre-patterned substrates. Various kinds of NWs have been investigated to determine how their physical and chemical properties can be tuned for integration into sensing structures. NWs integrated onto interdigitated micro-electrodes have been applied to the determination of gases and biomarkers. The technique of directly growing NWs eliminates the need for their physical transfer and thus preserves their structure and performance, and further reduces the costs of fabrication. The biocompatibility of NWs also has been studied with respect to possible biological applications. This review addresses the challenges in growth and integration of NWs to understand related mechanism on biological contact or gas exposure and sensing performance for personalized health and environmental monitoring.

Silica nanowires decorated micro-electrodes for sensing application

     

Homoatomic d10–d10 Interactions: Their Effects on Structure and Chemical and Physical Properties

The distinction between valence electrons and essentially inactive core electrons is the basis of many classifying concepts in chemistry. However, it has recently been recognized that this is an oversimplification and should, at least in some areas of chemistry, be modified. Many cases are known where cations with closed d¹⁰ configurations are subject to homoatomic interactions that influence structure and properties. A characteristic and surprisingly uniform structural feature (e.g., of a number of compounds containing monovalent coinage metals) is a clusterlike assembly of d¹⁰ cations that corresponds in geometry and bond lengths to fragments of the metal structures themselves. Further evidence for a special type of bonding in such compounds is provided by their physical properties; for example, the absorption in the UV/VIS region shows a drastic redshift and the compounds are often conductors or semiconductors. The d electrons in such cases have obviously lost their pure “core” nature. All bonding models so far proposed for such systems involve mixing of higher orbitals.     

Two-component interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) from polyurethanes and epoxies. I. Studies on full IPN,pseudo-IPN,and graft polymer alloys of polyurethanes and epoxies

In this article we review the synthesis and morphology and the physical and mechanical properties of two-component interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) from polyurethane and epoxy polymers; the corresponding pseudo-IPNs and grafted IPNs are also discussed. A comparison was made of full IPNs, pseudo-IPNs, grafted IPNs, and related homopolymers by examining their mechanical properties, mechanical spectra, and electron microscopy on an investigation of the effects of interpenetration or permanent entanglement in the IPN and related systems. This interpenetration has resulted in improved compatibility between the two polymer systems and has caused a decrease in the degree of phase separation. An observed shift in the dynamic glass transition temperatures (T_gs) of the two components which yielded a single IPN T_g further substantiates our results.     

Self-organization in an Open Reaction Network for Developing High-function Organized Molecular Systems**

Self-organized molecular systems such as liposomes and supramolecules have attracted considerable attention due to their characteristic properties. An open reaction network (ORN) is another interesting candidate for such systems; however, no stabilization mechanism has been clarified. This work reveals, by computer simulation and experiments, that a network of irreversible processes such as an ORN can be stabilized by self-organization through a full balance between all the involved irreversible processes, thus forming a steady state. The formation of a steady state indicates that a large spontaneous order is formed; specifically, self-organization occurs. Computer simulations also reveal that such a steady state characteristically evolves toward a high-efficiency state through the development of highly ordered structures. These findings indicate that ORN provides a new method for developing high-function organized molecular systems, such as an efficient catalytic system in a composite of ORN and equilibrium molecular structures such as supramolecules and polymers.     

Dark conglomerate phases of bent-core liquid crystals

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous or induced chiral symmetry breaking in achiral systems is unusual and understanding the origin of such a phenomenon has been an important area of research for several years. The optically isotropic mesophases exhibited by unconventional liquid crystals are one of the most interesting systems to investigate spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking in liquid crystal mesophases formed by achiral moieties. The dark conglomerate (DC) phases are one such optically isotropic family of phases. In this paper, a detailed account of the tendency of bent-core mesogens to form a variety of polar smectic phases, the formation of DC phases due to layers deformations and the general optical, electrical, physical properties of the DC phases are given. An example of a DC phase which exhibit distinct electro-optic properties is described with the nature of dynamics of the response and physical reasons responsible for such behaviour. The challenges and prospects of the DC phases are discussed for their potential applications in novel devices.     

Reliable molecular simulations of solute-solvent systems with a minimum number of solvent shells

In this work, the mean field (MF) method, a continuum-based model designed for treating complex molecular systems, such as liquids and solutions, recently presented by Brancato et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 122, 154109 (2005)], has been further developed and improved especially in the treatment of the electrostatics. The revised model has been used to investigate the size effects on several physical properties of various solute-solvent systems by increasing the number of explicitly included solvent molecules from few tens up to thousands. Results on simple ions, such as sodium and chloride ions, and on a small peptide, such as alanine dipeptide analog (AcAlaNHMe), have shown that solvation structures and dynamics, as well as solvent-induced changes in the solute conformation, can be correctly reproduced by the MF model, providing that only two or three solvent layers are treated explicitly.     

Layer-by-layer assembly as a versatile bottom-up nanofabrication technique for exploratory research and realistic application

The layer-by-layer (LbL) adsorption technique offers an easy and inexpensive process for multilayer formation and allows a variety of materials to be incorporated within the film structures. Therefore, the LbL assembly method can be regarded as a versatile bottom-up nanofabrication technique. Research fields concerned with LbL assembly have developed rapidly but some important physicochemical aspects remain uninvestigated. In this review, we will introduce several examples from physicochemical investigations regarding the basics of this method to advanced research aimed at practical applications. These are selected mostly from recent reports and should stimulate many physical chemists and chemical physicists in the further development of LbL assembly. In order to further understand the mechanism of the LbL assembly process, theoretical work, including thermodynamics calculations, has been conducted. Additionally, the use of molecular dynamics simulation has been proposed. Recently, many kinds of physicochemical molecular interactions, including hydrogen bonding, charge transfer interactions, and stereo-complex formation, have been used. The combination of the LbL method with other fabrication techniques such as spin-coating, spraying, and photolithography has also been extensively researched. These improvements have enabled preparation of LbL films composed of various materials contained in well-designed nanostructures. The resulting structures can be used to investigate basic physicochemical phenomena where relative distances between interacting groups is of great importance. Similarly, LbL structures prepared by such advanced techniques are used widely for development of functional systems for physical applications from photovoltaic devices and field effect transistors to biochemical applications including nano-sized reactors and drug delivery systems.     

Modelling Affinity Chromatography

Abstract

Affinity chromatography plays a significant role in the separation and purification of biologically active macromolecules in laboratory and large-scale applications. There is a need for models which could be used to predict accurately the dynamic behavior of affinity chromatography separations, in order to permit the design, optimization, control, and process scale-up of affinity chromatography systems. Furthermore, the construction and use of such models will contribute to a better fundamental understanding of the physicochemical and biospecific mechanisms involved in affinity chromatography processes. The parameters of the models should be obtainable by using information from a small number of experiments.

This work reviews the modeling of affinity chromatography, and presents general models that could be used to describe the dynamic behavior of the adsorption, wash, and elution stages of affinity chromatography systems. Certain model structures, modeling approaches and operational strategies for systems having porous or nonporous adsorbent particles are also suggested, and experiments are proposed whose data are necessary for parameter estimation and model discrimination studies in affinity chromatography.

Particular emphasis is given to :he modeling of the intrinsic mechanisms of intraparticle diffusion, adsorption, and desorption, because the intrinsic mechanisms are normally independent of the mode of operation (i.e., batch, fixed bed, fluidized bed, continuous countercurrent, or others).     

On the Use of a Modified Mayo Plot

Abstract

The most usual procedure to estimate the chain transfer ratio in vinyl polymerization is to use a Mayo plot. This plot can only be applied directly when the polymerization rate is not modified by the chain transfer agent. In spite of this, the equation has been applied to several systems where this condition is not fulfilled. In the present work we present a slightly modified equation that can be employed irrespective of the changes in rate. This equation is applied to several systems reported in the literature. The improvement in the interpretation of the results in these systems is discussed.     

Tetrathiafulvalene: A Paradigmatic Electron Donor Molecule

Abstract

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and its derivatives are exceptional building blocks in many areas of organic, supramolecular, and materials chemistry. Since the discovery ca. 30 years ago of the first “organic metal” tetrathiafulvalene-tetracyano-p-quinodimethane (TTF-TCNQ), a huge number of TTF derivatives have been synthetized.

Although initial efforts were directed to enhance the electron-donating ability of TTF analogues to improve the conductivities of salts and charge-transfer (CT) complexes derived from them, the developments in synthetic TTF chemistry have made it possible to incorporate TTF into more sophisticated structures such as materials exhibiting intramolecular charge-transfer and nonlinear optical properties, sensors, molecular shuttles and devices.

Compounds in which TTF and electron-accepting molecules, especially C ₆₀ , are covalently tethered exhibit outstanding photophysical properties leading, upon photoexcitation, to charge-separated (CS) states showing remarkable lifetimes. In these systems, the gain of aromaticity upon oxidation of the TTF moiety has been used as a new concept for improving the stability of the charge-separated state, and, therefore, are of interest for the preparation of artificial photosynthetic systems as well as photovoltaic devices.     

Lyotropic liquid-crystalline mesophases and a novel,solid physical form of some water-soluble,reactive dyes

Abstract

A novel, solid physical form has been observed when some water-soluble, reactive dyes are isolated from aqueous solution, as sodium salts, by the addition of sodium chloride. This quasi-crystalline form has a fibrous morphology, is birefringent but is not crystalline. Dyes of this type are known to form lyotropic liquid-crystalline mesophases in water. Preliminary X-ray diffraction investigations, reported here, for the mesophases formed by two such dyes indicate that they have columnar structures of the type first proposed for the lyotropic mesophases of the disodium chromglycate/water system and subsequently for other drug and dye molecules. X-ray and electron diffraction studies of the quasi-crystalline form show that it has a closely related columnar structure. The quasi-crystalline form is postulated to result from the formation and subsequent precipitation of columnar dye aggregates, as sodium chloride is added to the aqueous dye solution.     

Use of a new membrane-reactor saccharification assay to evaluate the performance of celluloses under simulated ssf conditions

A new saccharification assay has been devised, in which a continuously buffer-swept membrane reactor is used to remove the solubilized saccharification products, thus allowing high extents of substrate conversion without significant inhibitory effects from the buildup of either cellobiose or glucose. This diafiltration saccharification assay (DSA) can, therefore, be used to obtain direct measurements of the performance of combinations of cellulase and substrate under simulated SSF conditions, without the saccharification results being complicated by factors that may influence the subsequent fermentation step. This assay has been used to compare the effectiveness of commercial and special in-house-producedTrichoderma reeSci. cellulase preparations in the saccharification of a standardized microcrystalline (Sigmacell) substrate and a dilute-acid pretreated lignocellulosic substrate. Initial results strongly suggest that enzyme preparations produced in the presence of the targeted lignocellulosic substrate will saccharify that substrate more effectively. These results call into question the widespread use of the “filter paper assay” as a reliable predictor of enzyme performance in the extensive hydrolysis of substrates that are quite different from filter paper in both physical properties and chemical composition.

     

A NON-EMPIRICAL LCAO MO SCF INVESTIGATION OF SOME ASPECTS OF STRUCTURE AND BONDING IN THE THIATHIOPHTHEN RING SYSTEM

Abstract

Non-empirical LCAO MO SCF calculations have been performed on prototype symmetrical and unsymmetrical thiathiophthen ring systems to investigate structure and bonding as a function of change in geometry. Substituent effects have been investigated and it is shown that within the theoretical limitations the energy differences between symmetrical and unsymmetrical structures are quite small. Comparison has been made with UPS and ESCA data pertaining to valence and core levels respectively and some consideration given to the thiathiophthen radical anion and dianion ring systems.     

Interrogation of cobaloxime-based supramolecular photocatalyst architectures

This perspective provides a discussion of recent work focused on elucidating the fundamental interactions of artificial photosynthesis in newly developed supramolecular photocatalysts composed of linked chromophore and catalyst modules. Supramolecular photocatalyst architectures are of particular interest because of their potential to overcome many of the limitations of molecular or multimolecular systems and amenability to conventional and emerging physical characterization techniques. As such, changes to the oxidation state and/or physical structure of either chromophore or catalyst modules in response to light excitation is readily monitored with high spatial and temporal resolution. To illustrate this approach, the design evolution of photocatalysts based on Ru(II)poly(pyridyl) chromophores linked to cobaloxime-based H₂ catalysts is discussed. In this work, new synthesis, transient optical spectroscopy, and X-ray scattering were combined to develop next generation photocatalysts capable of ultrafast charge transfer and identification of a key intermediate for hydrogen photocatalysis. Recent and upcoming advances in light source capabilities are ideally suited to monitor light-generated transient structures and well-poised to dramatically impact the drive toward technologically relevant systems for artificial photosynthesis.     

First observations of a spiral instability at the smectic A—cholesteric transition under an electric field

Abstract

Archimedian spiral wave instabilities have been discovered in chemical [1] and biological systems [2]. We present here the first example of such an instability pattern, encountered in a physical medium [3]. This instability is directly observed by polarized optical microscopy, on a positive dielectric anisotropy smectic A sample with homeotropic organization between parallel glass slides. The arm of the spiral is probably constituted of a 180° Bloch wall, separating indistinguishable smectic domains, and incorporating progressively the helicity of the cholesteric phase, excluded from the smectic.