Jiwoong Heo

Bio: Jiwoong Heo is an academic researcher from Yonsei University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Graphene & Membrane. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 51 publications receiving 684 citations. Previous affiliations of Jiwoong Heo include Chung-Ang University.

Robust superhydrophobic carbon nanofiber network inlay-gated mesh for water-in-oil emulsion separation with high flux

Abstract: Much progress has been made toward applying super-wetting membranes to various oil–water separation processes with high molecular permeation flux. However, there are still numerous challenges in the simple preparation of extremely durable membranes with super-wetting properties, especially considering the great developments in high-flux membranes with nanometer-scale thickness. Previous membranes have been usually limited to either high durability with low selectivity or enhanced separation performance with low stability. Herein, an extremely robust carbon nanofiber-polydimethylsiloxane (CNFs-PDMS) network inlay-gated stainless steel mesh (SSM) that shows superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties is presented. Carbon nanofibers are subtly deposited into SSM pores to form network fillers via an improved vacuum-based filtration. Most importantly, the SSM/CNFs-PDMS membrane exhibits excellent resistance to harsh environmental conditions such as acid, salt, organic, biofouling, and mechanical abrasion. In particular, mechanical damage to the inserted membrane can be avoided using the protective SSM, thereby ensuring super-wetting performance. In the present work, we propose a new concept of discrete or partial superhydrophobicity. Moreover, compared to previous superhydrophobic membranes, the thickness is significantly decreased, leading to enhanced oil-in-water emulsion separation flux. The membranes exhibit a gravity-driven water-in-oil emulsion separation with flux up to 2970 L m−2 h−1. This work provides a brand new route for designing durable and high-flux separation systems with an inlay-gated structure in the future by combining ultrathin membranes with protective supports.

Cobweb-Inspired Superhydrophobic Multiscaled Gating Membrane with Embedded Network Structure for Robust Water-in-Oil Emulsion Separation

Abstract: The separation of oil–water mixtures using superwetting membranes is increasingly desired, particularly for the practical processes of environmental protection and industrial production. However, achieving durability and multifunction in current separation systems, among other issues, remains challenging. Herein, a cobweb-inspired gating multiscale pore-based membrane has been created as the framework system for removing emulsified water from an oil phase. This membrane was assembled using macroscale chemically etched stainless steel mesh (ESSM), a microscale network of carbon nanofibers (CNFs), and a nanoscale network of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic interfaces were then fabricated on the ESSM/CNFs–SWCNTs gating membrane using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating. The ability of this membrane with a discrete water-repellent property to resist mechanical damage was demonstrated in gravity-driven water-in-oil emulsion separation with high performance; this b...

Cytoprotective Self-assembled RGD Peptide Nanofilms for Surface Modification of Viable Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Abstract: Intravenous administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has served as a clinical intervention for inflammatory diseases. Once entered to blood circulation, MSCs are exposed to a harsh environment which sharply decreases cell viability due to the fact that injected cells, being susceptible to shear stress, are subjected to the high velocities of the bloodstream and lack of proper mechanical support that keeping them in an attachment-deprived state. Here, we coated the nanofilm onto viable MSCs by depositing poly-l-lysine and hyaluronic acid molecules along with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD peptide) as building blocks to protect cells from shear stress and stabilize them in a single cell, suspension state. In this article, we found that nanofilm-coated cells showed significantly increased cell survival in vitro and in vivo, which was also supported by the activation of survival-related protein, Akt. The coated nanofilm did not interfere with the stemness of MSCs which was determined based on the ...

Drug Loading and Release Behavior Depending on the Induced Porosity of Chitosan/Cellulose Multilayer Nanofilms.

Abstract: The ability to control drug loading and release is the most important feature in the development of medical devices. In this research, we prepared a functional nanocoating technology to incorporate a drug-release layer onto a desired substrate. The multilayer films were prepared using chitosan (CHI) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) polysaccharides by the layer-by-layer (LbL) method. By using chemical cross-linking to change the inner structure of the assembled multilayer, we could control the extent of drug loading and release. The cross-linked multilayer film had a porous structure and enhanced water wettability. Interestingly, more of the small-molecule drug was loaded into and released from the non-cross-linked multilayer film, whereas more of the macromolecular drug was loaded into and released from the cross-linked multilayer film. These results indicate that drug loading and release can be easily controlled according to the molecular weight of the desired drug by changing the structure of the film.

Consensus statement of the Movement Disorder Society on tremor

Abstract: This is a proposal of the Movement Disorder Society for a clinical classification of tremors. The classification is based on the distinction between rest, postural, simple kinetic, and intention tremor (tremor during target-directed movements). Additional data from a medical history and the results of a neurologic examination can be combined into one of the following clinical syndromes defined in this statement: enhanced physiologic tremor, classical essential tremor (ET), primary orthostatic tremor, task- and position-specific tremors, dystonic tremor, tremor in Parkinson's disease (PD), cerebellar tremor, Holmes' tremor, palatal tremor, drug-induced and toxic tremor, tremor in peripheral neuropathies, or psychogenic tremor. Conditions such as asterixis, epilepsia partialis continua, clonus, and rhythmic myoclonus can be misinterpreted as tremor. The features distinguishing these conditions from tremor are described. Controversial issues are outlined in a comment section for each item and thus reflect the open questions that at present cannot be answered on a scientific basis. We hope that this statement provides a basis for better communication among clinicians working in the field and stimulates tremor research.

An overview of photocatalytic degradation: photocatalysts, mechanisms, and development of photocatalytic membrane

Abstract: Photocatalysis is an ecofriendly technique that emerged as a promising alternative for the degradation of many organic pollutants. The weaknesses of the present photocatalytic system which limit their industrial applications include low-usage of visible light, fast charge recombination, and low migration ability of the photo-generated electrons and holes. Therefore, various elements such as noble metals and transition metals as well as non-metals and metalloids (i.e., graphene, carbon nanotube, and carbon quantum dots) are doped into the photocatalyst as co-catalysts to enhance the photodegradation performance. The incorporation of the co-catalyst which alters the photocatalytic mechanism was discussed in detail. The application of photocatalysts in treating persistent organic pollutants such as pesticide, pharmaceutical compounds, oil and grease and textile in real wastewater was also discussed. Besides, a few photocatalytic reactors in pilot scale had been designed for the effort of commercializing the system. In addition, hybrid photocatalytic system integrating with membrane filtration together with their membrane fabrication methods had also been reviewed. This review outlined various types of heterogeneous photocatalysts, mechanism, synthesis methods of biomass supported photocatalyst, photocatalytic degradation of organic substances in real wastewater, and photocatalytic reactor designs and their operating parameters as well as the latest development of photocatalyst incorporated membrane.

Separation Mechanism and Construction of Surfaces with Special Wettability for Oil/Water Separation.

Abstract: Oil leakage and the discharge of oil/water mixtures by domestic and industrial consumers have caused not only severe environmental pollution and a threat to all species in the ecosystem but also a huge waste of precious resources. Therefore, the separation of oil/water mixtures, especially stable emulsion, has become an urgent global issue. Recently, materials containing a special wettability feature for oil and water have drawn immense attention because of their potential applications for oil/water separation application. In this paper, we systematically summarize the fundamental theories, separation mechanism, design strategies, and recent developments in materials with special wettability for separating stratified and emulsified oil/water mixtures. The related wetting theories that unveil the physical underlying mechanism of the oil/water separation mechanism are proposed, and the practical design criteria for oil/water separation materials are provided. Guided by the fundamental design criteria, various porous materials with special wettability characteristics, including those which are superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic, superhydrophobic/superoleophilic, and superhydrophilic/in-air superoleophobic, are systemically analyzed. These superwetting materials are widely employed to separate oil/water mixtures: from stratified oil/water to emulsified ones. In addition, the materials that implement the demulsification of emulsified oil/water mixtures via the ingenious design of the multiscale surface morphology and construction of special wettability are also discussed. In each section, we introduce the design ideas, base materials, preparation methods, and representative works in detail. Finally, the conclusions and challenges for the oil/water separation research field are discussed in depth.

Clinicopathological investigation of vascular parkinsonism, including clinical criteria for diagnosis

Abstract: Vascular parkinsonism (VP) is difficult to diagnose with any degree of clinical certainty. We investigated the importance of macroscopic cerebral infarcts and pathological findings associated with microscopic "small vessel disease" (SVD) in the aetiology of VP. The severity of microscopic SVD pathology (perivascular pallor, gliosis, hyaline thickening, and enlargement of perivascular spaces) and the presence of macroscopically visible infarcts were assessed in 17 patients with parkinsonism and no pathological evidence of either Parkinson's disease or any histopathological condition known to be associated with a parkinsonian syndrome, and compared with age-matched controls. Microscopic SVD pathology was significantly more severe in the parkinsonian brains. Most patients presented with bilateral bradykinesia and rigidity together with a gait disorder characterised predominantly by a shuffling gait. Four patients presented acutely with hemiparesis and then progressed to develop a parkinsonian syndrome. They could be distinguished from the remaining VP patients by the presence at autopsy of macroscopically visible lacunar infarcts in regions where contralateral thalamocortical drive might be reduced. The clinical features at presentation varied according to the speed of onset and the underlying vascular pathological state. New clinical criteria for a diagnosis of VP are proposed based on the clinicopathological findings of this study.