Tongji University

About: Tongji University is a education organization based out in Shanghai, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Population. The organization has 76116 authors who have published 81176 publications receiving 1248911 citations. The organization is also known as: Tongji & Tóngjì Dàxué.

Effect of alkali treatment on interfacial bonding in abaca fiber-reinforced composites

Abstract: Abaca fibers demonstrate enormous potential as reinforcing agents in composite materials. In this study, abaca fibers were immersed in 5, 10 or 15 wt.% NaOH solutions for 2 h, and the effects of the alkali treatments on the mechanical characteristics and interfacial adhesion of the fibers in a model abaca fiber/epoxy composite system systematically evaluated. After 5 wt.% NaOH treatment, abaca fibers showed increased crystallinity, tensile strength and Young’s modulus compared to untreated fibers, and also improved interfacial shear strength with an epoxy. Stronger alkali treatments negatively impacted fiber stiffness and suitability for composite applications. Results suggest that mild alkali treatments (e.g. 5 wt.% NaOH for 2 h) are highly beneficial for the manufacture of abaca fiber-reinforced polymer composites.

Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells overexpressing Nrf2 accelerate cutaneous wound healing by promoting vascularization in a diabetic foot ulcer rat model

Abstract: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) increase the risks of infection and amputation in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). The impaired function and senescence of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and high glucose-induced ROS likely exacerbate DFUs. We assessed EPCs in 60 patients with DM in a hospital or primary care setting. We also evaluated the therapeutic effects of exosomes secreted from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) on stress-mediated senescence of EPCs induced by high glucose. Additionally, the effects of exosomes and Nrf2 overexpression in ADSCs were investigated in vitro and in vivo in a diabetic rat model. We found that ADSCs that secreted exosomes promoted proliferation and angiopoiesis in EPCs in a high glucose environment and that overexpression of Nrf2 increased this protective effect. Wounds in the feet of diabetic rats had a significantly reduced ulcerated area when treated with exosomes from ADSCs overexpressing Nrf2. Increased granulation tissue formation, angiogenesis, and levels of growth factor expression as well as reduced levels of inflammation and oxidative stress-related proteins were detected in wound beds. Our data suggest that exosomes from ADSCs can potentially promote wound healing, particularly when overexpressing Nrf2 and therefore that the transplantation of exosomes may be suitable for clinical application in the treatment of DFUs.

Tailoring Electronic Properties of Graphene by π–π Stacking with Aromatic Molecules

Abstract: Intrinsic graphene is a semimetal or zero bandgap semiconductor, which hinders its applications for nanoelectronics. To develop high-performance nanodevices with graphene, it is necessary to open the bandgap and precisely control the charge carrier type and density. In this perspective, we focus on tailoring the electronic properties of graphene by noncovalent stacking with aromatic molecules through π–π interaction. Different types of molecules (functioning as either an electron donor or acceptor when stacked with graphene) as reported in recent literature are presented regarding surface patterning, bandgap engineering, surface doping, as well as applications in nanodevices, particularly the field-effect transistors (FETs). On the basis of the current progress along this research line, future issues and challenges are also briefly discussed.