二维光子晶体

光子晶体是一种介电常数周期变化的功能材料,其基本特征是具有光子带隙。光子晶体理论诞生已三十年,基于理论及实验的研究取得了许多成绩。当所制备的光子带隙与光波的波长相当时,光子晶体材料抑制光子在一定频段内的传播。由于在光学、电学、热学、磁学等方面均有优良特性和潜在应用,光子晶体作为一种新型材料也越来越受到科研人员的青睐。不论在可加工性方面还是在传播特性方面,二维光子晶体的优势正逐渐体现出来。本文重点阐述二维光子晶体的研究进展,分别介绍了二维光子晶体的结构与性能特点以及近年来发展出的新型制备方法,如自组装法、刻蚀法、多光束干涉法等,并着重列举其在传感器、波导、光纤、太赫兹技术等领域的发展现状,表明二维光子晶体作为超材料具有巨大的发展空间和潜力。最后,本文对二维光子晶体今后的研究方向和发展前景作了展望。     

Investigating mechanical properties of polymethylmethacrylate/silver nanoparticle composites by molecular dynamics simulation

The molecular dynamics simulation (MD) was carried out to investigate the mechanical properties of pristine polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and the composites of PMMA mixed with the silver nanoparticles (PMMA/AgNPs) at two AgNP weight fractions at 0.60 and 1.77 wt%. From the stress–strain profiles by the tensile process, it can be seen that the improvement on Young’s modulus is insignificant at these lower AgNP fractions. The tensile strength of pristine PMMA can be slightly improved by the embedded AgNPs at 1.77 wt%, because the local density and strength of PMMA in the vicinity of AgNP surface within about 8.2 Å are improved. For the temperature effect on the mechanical properties of pristine PMMA and PMMA/AgNP composite, the Young’s moduli and strength of pristine PMMA and PMMA/AgNP composite significantly decrease at temperatures of 450 and 550 K, which are close to the predicted melting temperature of pristine PMMA about 460 K. At these temperatures, the PMMA materials become more ductile and the AgNPs within the PMMA matrix display higher mobility than those at 300 K. When the tensile strain increases, the AgNPs tend to get closer and the fracture appears at the PMMA part, leading to the close values of Young’s modulus and ultimate strength for pristine PMMA and PMMA/AgNP composite at 450 and 550 K.

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Graphical abstract Stress–strain curves of pristine PMMA, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)/silver nanoparticles (AgNP) (0.60%), and PMMA/AgNP (1.77%). Inset images: local shear strain of pristine PMMA (red) and PMMA/AgNP (1.77%) (green).

     

Adlay Seed (Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. Ma-yuen Stapf.) Ethanolic Extract Fractions and Subfractions Induce Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Human Breast and Cervical Cancer Cell Lines

The antitumor effects of Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. ma-yuen Stapf. (adlay seed) ethanolic extract have been increasingly shown. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of both the fractions and subfractions of adlay seed ethanolic extract on the human breast (MCF-7) and cervical (HeLa) cancer cell lines, as well as exploring their possible mechanisms of action. The ethanolic extracts were obtained from different parts of adlay seed, including AHE (adlay hull extract), ATE (adlay testa extract), ABE (adlay bran extract) and PAE (polished adlay extract). The results of a 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl- tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed that AHE-Ea and ATE-Ea showed significant growth inhibitory effects in a dose-dependent manner. The results also showed that the AHE-Ea-K, AHE-Ea-L, ATE-Ea-E and ATE-Ea-F subfractions inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase and decreased CDK4/Cyclin D1 protein expression. Finally, the extract activated caspase-3 activity and PARP protein expression, which induced MCF-7 and HeLa cell apoptosis. We then used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to identify the potential active components., Quercetin showed an anticancer capacity. In conclusion, the AHE-Ea-K, AHE-Ea-L, ATE-Ea-E and ATE-Ea-F subfractions showed antitumor effects through the inhibition of MCF-7 and HeLa cell line viability, as well as inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest.