Control of ion transport and fluid flow through nanofluidic devices is of primary importance for energy storage and conversion, drug delivery and a wide range of biological processes. Recent development of nanotechnology, synthesis techniques, purification technologies, and experiment have led to rapid advances in simulation and modeling studies on ion transport properties. In this review, the applications of Poisson-Nernst-Plank (PNP) equations in analyzing transport properties are presented. The molecular dynamics (MD) studies of transport properties of ion and fluidic flow through nanofluidic devices are reported as well.
Stochastic characterization of radiation interaction is of importance to cell damage. Microdosimetry is to investigate the random structures of particle tracks in order to understand the dose-effect in cellular scales. In the review, we introduced the basic concepts of microdosimetry as well as the experimental methods (TEPC) and Monte Carlo simulations. Three basic biophysical models are interpreted and compared, including the target model, linear-quadratic model, and microdosimetric-kinetic model. The bottlenecks in the current microdosimetry research are also discussed, which need the interdisciplinary contributions from biology, physics, mathematics, computer science and electric engineering.
Lipoproteins are protein-lipid macromolecular assemblies which are used to transport lipids in circulation and are key targets in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The highly dynamic lipoprotein molecules are capable of adopting an array of conformations that is crucial to lipid transport along the cholesterol transport pathway, among which high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are major players in plasma cholesterol metabolism. For a more detailed illustration of cholesterol transport process, as well as the development of therapies to prevent CVD, here we review the functional mechanism and structural basis of lipoproteins in cholesterol transport, as well as their structural dynamics in the plasma lipoprotein (HDL and LDL) elevations, in order to obtain better quantitative understandings on structure-function relationship of lipoproteins. Finally, we also provide an approach for further research on the lipoprotein in cholesterol transport.
Bio-macromolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, are the basic materials that perform fundamental activities required for life. Their structural heterogeneities and dynamic personalities are vital to understand the underlying functional mechanisms of bio-macromolecules. With the rapid development of advanced technologies such as single-molecule technologies and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), an increasing number of their structural details and mechanics properties at molecular level have significantly raised awareness of basic life processes. In this review, firstly the basic principles of single-molecule method and cryo-EM are summarized, to shine a light on the development in these fields. Secondly, recent progress driven by the above two methods are underway to explore the dynamic structures and functions of DNA, antibody, and lipoprotein. Finally, an outlook is provided for the further research on both the dynamic structures and functions of bio-macromolecules, through single-molecule method and cryo-EM combining with molecular dynamics simulations.
This article is a concise overview about the developing microfluidic systems named surface-tension-confined droplet microfluidics (STORMs). Different from traditional complexed droplet microfluidics which generated and confined the droplets by three-dimensional (3D) poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microchannels, STORM systems provide twodimensional (2D) platforms for control of droplets. STORM devices utilize surface energy, with methods such as surface chemical modification and mechanical processing, to control the movement of fluid droplets. Various STORM devices have been readily prepared, with distinct advantages over conventional droplet microfluidics, which generated and confined the droplets by 3D poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based microchannels, such as significant reduction of energy consumption necessary for device operation, facile or even direct introduction of droplets onto patterned surface without external driving force such as a micropump, thus increased frequency or efficiency of droplets generation of specific STORM device, among others. Thus, STORM devices can be excellent alternatives for majority areas in droplet microfluidics and irreplaceable choices in certain fields by contrast. In this review, fabrication methods or strategies, manipulation methods or mechanisms, and main applications of STORM devices are introduced.
