By relying on specific DNA:DNA interactions as a "smart glue", we have assembled microparticles into a colloidal gel that can hold its shape. This gel can be extruded with a 3D printer to generate centimeter size objects. We show four aspects of this material: (1) The colloidal gel material holds its shape after extrusion. (2) The connectivity among the particles is controlled by the binding be...

The dynamics of a glass-forming material slow greatly near the glass transition, and molecular motion becomes inhibited. We use confocal microscopy to investigate the motion of colloidal particles near the colloidal glass transition. As the concentration in a dense colloidal suspension is increased, particles become confined in transient cages formed by their neighbors. This prevents them from ...

The physical properties of nanoscale materials often vary with their size, unlike the corresponding bulk material properties, which can only be changed by modifying the material composition. In particular, it is believed that hydration phenomena are length scale dependent. The manifestation of hydrophobicity over multiple length scales plays a crucial role in self-assembly processes such as pro...

Not your cup of tea? "Coffee rings" of spherical colloidal particles are left behind after water droplets resting on surfaces have dried out. This controlled evaporation of colloidal solutions can be exploited to deposit material in regular patterns. It is now shown that if spherical colloids are replaced by slightly elongated ones, the coffee ring is not formed and is replaced by an even more ...

A dual thermoresponsive and magnetic colloidal gel matrix is described for enhanced stem-cell culture. The combined properties of the material allow enzyme-free passaging and expansion of mesenchymal stem cells, as well as isolation of cells postculture by the simple process of lowering the temperature and applying an external magnetic field. The colloidal gel can be reconfigured with thermal a...

We have experimentally demonstrated an optical material structure consisting of monocrystalline colloidal crystals and a planar waveguide. We have performed experimental studies of light coupling into the waveguide structure via colloidal gratings, as well as the multiplexing capability of the structure. Effective index obtained from measured parameters agrees well with theoretical calculations...

Colloidal metal oxide nanocrystals offer a unique combination of excellent low-temperature solution processability, rich and tuneable optoelectronic properties and intrinsic stability, which makes them an ideal class of materials as charge transporting layers in solution-processed light-emitting diodes and solar cells. Developing new material chemistry and custom-tailoring processing and proper...

AIM Silver colloidal nanoparticles have been incorporated into acrylic resins to induce antimicrobial properties. However, as additives, they can influence the mechanical properties of the final product. Mechanical properties are also dependent on different curing cycles. The aim of this study was to evaluate flexural strength of a denture base resin incorporated with different concentrations o...