Author Archive

HOT articles for October!

 
Magneto-optic and converse magnetoelectric effects in a ferromagnetic liquid crystal
Alenka Mertelj, Natan Osterman, Darja Lisjak and Martin Čopič 

 Graphical abstract: Magneto-optic and converse magnetoelectric effects in a ferromagnetic liquid crystal
 
Trajectories of probe spheres in generalized linear viscoelastic complex fluids
Manas Khan and Thomas G. Mason  

Graphical abstract: Trajectories of probe spheres in generalized linear viscoelastic complex fluids

These articles will be free until 29th October 2014


Capillary tube wetting induced by particles: towards armoured bubbles tailoring
Farzam Zoueshtiagh, Michael Baudoin and David Guerrin

Graphical abstract: Capillary tube wetting induced by particles: towards armoured bubbles tailoring

 
Measuring cellular forces using bis-aliphatic hydrazone crosslinked stress-relaxing hydrogels
D. D. McKinnon, D. W. Domaille, T. E. Brown, K. A. Kyburz, E. Kiyotake, J. N. Cha and K. S. Anseth

Graphical abstract: Measuring cellular forces using bis-aliphatic hydrazone crosslinked stress-relaxing hydrogels

These articles will be free until 13th November 2014


Chiral random grain boundary phase of achiral hockey-stick liquid crystals
Dong Chen, Haitao Wang, Min Li, Matthew A. Glaser, Joseph E. Maclennan and Noel A. Clark

Graphical abstract: Chiral random grain boundary phase of achiral hockey-stick liquid crystals
 
Self-assembly of hard helices: a rich and unconventional polymorphism
Hima Bindu Kolli, Elisa Frezza, Giorgio Cinacchi, Alberta Ferrarini, Achille Giacometti, Toby S. Hudson, Cristiano De Michele and Francesco Sciortino

Graphical abstract: Self-assembly of hard helices: a rich and unconventional polymorphism

These articles will be free until 19th November 2014


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HOT articles for September!

Engineering entropy in soft matter: the bad, the ugly and the good
Fernando A. Escobedo 

Graphical abstract: Engineering entropy in soft matter: the bad, the ugly and the good

3D Viscoelastic traction force microscopy
Jennet Toyjanova, Erin Hannen, Eyal Bar-Kochba, Eric M. Darling, David L. Henann and Christian Franck

Graphical abstract: 3D Viscoelastic traction force microscopy

These articles will be free until 10th October 2014


 
Approach to universal self-similar attractor for the levelling of thin liquid films
Michael Benzaquen, Paul Fowler, Laetitia Jubin, Thomas Salez, Kari Dalnoki-Veress and Elie Raphaël  

Graphical abstract: Approach to universal self-similar attractor for the levelling of thin liquid films
 
Discovery of a tetracontinuous, aqueous lyotropic network phase with unusual 3D-hexagonal symmetry
Gregory P. Sorenson, Adam K. Schmitt and Mahesh K. Mahanthappa  

Graphical abstract: Discovery of a tetracontinuous, aqueous lyotropic network phase with unusual 3D-hexagonal symmetry

These articles will be free until 15th October 2014


Extracting the dynamic correlation length of actin networks from microrheology experiments
Adar Sonn-Segev, Anne Bernheim-Groswasser and Yael Roichman

Graphical abstract: Extracting the dynamic correlation length of actin networks from microrheology experiments

Tuning the surface properties of hydrogel at the nanoscale with focused ion irradiation
Y. Kim, A. Y. Abuelfilat, S. P. Hoo, A. Al-Abboodi, B. Liu, Tuck Ng, P. Chan and J. Fu  

Graphical abstract: Tuning the surface properties of hydrogel at the nanoscale with focused ion irradiation 
 

These articles will be free until 22nd  October 2014


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Top 10 most-read Soft Matter articles – Q2 2014

This month sees the following articles in Soft Matter that are in the top ten most accessed from April – June:

Edible nanoemulsions: Fabrication, properties, and functional performance
David Julian McClements
Soft Matter, 2011,7, 2297-2316
DOI: 10.1039/C0SM00549E

Amphiphilic Janus Particles at Fluid Interfaces
Ankit Kumar, Bum Jun Park, Fuquan Tu and Daeyeon Lee
Soft Matter, 2013,9, 6604-6617
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM50239B

Control of Mesogen Configuration in Colloids of Liquid Crystalline Polymers
Sönke Haseloh, Paul van der Schoot and Rudolf Zentel
Soft Matter, 2010,6, 4112-4119
DOI: 10.1039/C0SM00125B

Directed Self-Assembly of Block Copolymers: A Tutorial Review of Strategies for Enabling Nanotechnology with Soft Matter
Hanqiong Hu, Manesh Gopinadhan and Chinedum O. Osuji
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 3867-3889
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52607K

Manipulation of micro- and nanostructure motion with magnetic fields
Roger S. M. Rikken, Roeland J. M. Nolte, Jan C. Maan, Jan C. M. van Hest, Daniela A. Wilson and Peter C. M. Christianen
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 1295-1308
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52294F

Polyelectrolyte adsorption, interparticle forces, and colloidal aggregation
Istvan Szilagyi, Gregor Trefalt, Alberto Tiraferri, Plinio Maroni and Michal Borkovec
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 2479-2502
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52132J

Bioinspired materials that self-shape through programmed microstructures
André R. Studart and Randall M. Erb
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 1284-1294
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM51883C

Traction Force Microscopy in Physics and Biology
Robert W. Style, Rostislav Boltyanskiy, Guy K. German, Callen Hyland, Christopher W. MacMinn, Aaron F. Mertz, Larry A. Wilen, Ye Xu and Eric R. Dufresne
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 4047-4055
DOI: 10.1039/C4SM00264D

Gel architectures and their complexity
Walter Richtering and Brian R. Saunders
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 3695-3702
DOI: 10.1039/C4SM00208C

Self-assembly of poly(benzyl methacrylate)-block-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer films at the air/water interface and deposition on solid substrates via Langmuir-Blodgett transfer: aggregation behavior, morphological characteristics and subphase pH effects
P. Cecilia dos Santos Claro, Marcos E. Coustet, Carolina Diaz, Eliana Maza, M. Susana Cortizo, Félix G. Requejo, Lía I. Pietrasanta, Marcelo Ceolín and Omar Azzaroni
Soft Matter, 2013,9, 10899-10912
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52336E

Why not take a look at the articles today and blog your thoughts and comments below.

Fancy submitting an article to Soft Matter? Then why not submit to us today!

To keep up-to-date with all the latest research, sign up for the Soft Matter e-Alert or RSS feeds or follow Soft Matter on Twitter or Facebook

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Colloidal caterpillars get a wiggle on

Researchers have devised a new method to transport micro cargo – by attaching it to chains of colloidal particles that wiggle their way through liquid crystals.

The research team, led by Hiroshi Orihara from Hokkaido University, Japan, and Christian Bahr from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization, Germany, created colloidal ‘caterpillars’ from surface-modified silica particles which self-assemble into chains when placed in a liquid crystal medium. To make them move, the team exploit an effect called electrohydrodynamic convection (EHC), where the application of an electric field creates a convective pattern of parallel rolls within the medium. The caterpillars travel in an undulating motion across successive rolls, driven by a combination of hydrodynamic flow and electric field effects. Excitingly, the caterpillars can be attached to and used to transport larger particles and liquid droplets, which are in themselves too big to be moved by the EHC rolls.

To read the full article visit Chemistry World.

Colloidal Caterpillars for Cargo Transportation
Yuji Sasaki, Yoshinori Takikawa, VSR Jampani, Hikaru Hoshikawa, Takafumi Seto, Christian Bahr, Stephan Herminghaus, Yoshiki Hidaka and Hiroshi Orihara  
Soft Matter, 2014, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C4SM01354A, Paper

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Soft matter goes digital

Already used in everything from paints to optical materials, colloids have found an entirely new application: as computing elements capable of high density information storage.

US collaborators Sharon Glotzer from University of Michigan and David Pine from New York University have designed a system of reconfigurable colloidal clusters which show potential for performing computational functions in unconventional environments. The team’s ‘digital colloids’ are based on specially designed dimpled particles, which, through entropic interactions, can be made to assemble onto a central sphere and explore various configurations on the sphere’s surface.

To read the full article please visit Chemistry World.

Carolyn L. Phillips, Eric Jankowski, Bhaskar Jyoti Krishnatreya, Kazem V. Edmond, Stefano Sacanna, David G. Grier, David J. Pine and Sharon C. Glotzer
Soft Matter, 2014, Advance Article DOI: 10.1039/C4SM00796D
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HOT articles for July!

Capillary bridge rupture in dip-pen nanolithography
Daniel J. Eichelsdoerfer, Keith A. Brown and Chad A. Mirkin  

 Graphical abstract: Capillary bridge rupture in dip-pen nanolithography
 
A universal scaling law of grain chain elasticity under pressure revealed by a simple force vibration method
Lichen Chai, Xuebang Wu and C. S. Liu    

Graphical abstract: A universal scaling law of grain chain elasticity under pressure revealed by a simple force vibration method

These papers are free to access until 3rd August 2014


Growth of equilibrium structures built from a large number of distinct component types
Lester O. Hedges, Ranjan V. Mannige and Stephen Whitelam   

 Graphical abstract: Growth of equilibrium structures built from a large number of distinct component types

Branched–linear polyion complexes investigated by Monte Carlo simulations
Daniel G. Angelescu and Per Linse  

Graphical abstract: Branched–linear polyion complexes investigated by Monte Carlo simulations

 
The adsorption–desorption behaviour and structure function relationships of bile salts
Roger Parker, Neil M. Rigby, Michael J. Ridout, A. Patrick Gunning and Peter J. Wilde  
Graphical abstract: The adsorption–desorption behaviour and structure function relationships of bile salts

Tiling patterns from ABC star molecules: 3-colored foams?
Jacob J. K. Kirkensgaard, Martin C. Pedersen and Stephen T. Hyde  
Graphical abstract: Tiling patterns from ABC star molecules: 3-colored foams?

These papers are free to access until 21st  August 2014


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A second look at dry eye syndrome

Measurements highlighting the different mechanical properties of healthy and diseased tear film could provide fresh understanding of the underlying causes of dry eye syndrome, and point to new treatments to ease the discomfort of millions of sufferers.

With risk factors including contact lens wear and extended periods in front of a computer screen, the discomfort and visual disturbance associated with dry eye syndrome (DES) is a growing public health concern.

To read the full article please visit Chemistry World.

Surface relaxations as a tool to distinguish the dynamic interfacial properties of films by normal and diseased meibomian lipids
Georgi As. Georgiev, Norihiko Yokoi, Slavyana Ivanova, Vesselin Tonchev, Yana Nencheva and Rumen Krastev  
Soft Matter, 2014,
DOI: 10.1039/C4SM00758A
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HOT articles for June!

Director/barycentric rotation in cholesteric droplets under temperature gradient
Jun Yoshioka, Fumiya Ito, Yuto Suzuki, Hiroaki Takahashi, Hideaki Takizawa and Yuka Tabe

Graphical abstract: Director/barycentric rotation in cholesteric droplets under temperature gradient

The force of impacting rain
Dan Soto, Aurélie Borel De Larivière, Xavier Boutillon, Christophe Clanet and David Quéré

Graphical abstract: The force of impacting rain

These papers are free to access until 2nd July 2014


Self-organizing microfluidic crystals
William E. Uspal and Patrick S. Doyle  

Graphical abstract: Self-organizing microfluidic crystals

Torque density measurements on vortex fluids produced by symmetry-breaking rational magnetic fields
Kyle J. Solis and James E. Martin 

Graphical abstract: Torque density measurements on vortex fluids produced by symmetry-breaking rational magnetic fields
A microscopic view of the yielding transition in concentrated emulsions
E. D. Knowlton, D. J. Pine and L. Cipelletti   

Graphical abstract: A microscopic view of the yielding transition in concentrated emulsions

These papers are free to access until 15th July 2014


Binding of amphiphilic and triphilic block copolymers to lipid model membranes: the role of perfluorinated moieties
Christian Schwieger, Anja Achilles, Sven Scholz, Jan Rüger, Kirsten Bacia, Kay Saalwaechter, Jörg Kressler and Alfred Blume  
Soft Matter, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C4SM00830H 

Graphical abstract: Binding of amphiphilic and triphilic block copolymers to lipid model membranes: the role of perfluorinated moieties 

Bending elastic properties of a block copolymer-rich lamellar phase doped by a surfactant: a neutron spin-echo study
H. Egger, G. H. Findenegg, O. Holderer, R. Biehl, M. Monkenbusch and T. Hellweg  
Soft Matter, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C4SM00494A

Graphical abstract: Bending elastic properties of a block copolymer-rich lamellar phase doped by a surfactant: a neutron spin-echo study 

These papers are free to access until 25th July 2014


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Top 10 most-read Soft Matter articles – Q1 2014

This month sees the following articles in Soft Matter that are in the top ten most accessed from January – March:

A new pathway for the re-equilibration of micellar surfactant solutions
I. M. Griffiths, C. J. W. Breward, D. M. Colegate, P. J. Dellar, P. D. Howell and C. D. Bain
Soft Matter, 2013,9, 853-863
DOI: 10.1039/C2SM27154K

Heterogeneity of the electrostatic repulsion between colloids at the oil–water interface
Bum Jun Park, Jan Vermant and Eric M. Furst
Soft Matter, 2010,6, 5327-5333
DOI: 10.1039/C0SM00485E

Bioinspired materials that self-shape through programmed microstructures
André R. Studart and Randall M. Erb
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 1284-1294
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM51883C

Progess in superhydrophobic surface development
Paul Roach, Neil J. Shirtcliffe and Michael I. Newton
Soft Matter, 2008,4, 224-240
DOI: 10.1039/B712575P

Manipulation of micro- and nanostructure motion with magnetic fields
Roger S. M. Rikken, Roeland J. M. Nolte, Jan C. Maan, Jan C. M. van Hest, Daniela A. Wilson and Peter C. M. Christianen
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 1295-1308
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52294F

Multi-scale multi-mechanism design of tough hydrogels: building dissipation into stretchy networks
Xuanhe Zhao
Soft Matter, 2014,10, 672-687
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM52272E

Amphiphilic Janus particles at fluid interfaces
Ankit Kumar, Bum Jun Park, Fuquan Tu and Daeyeon Lee
Soft Matter, 2013,9, 6604-6617
DOI: 10.1039/C3SM50239B

Self-healing materials: a review
Richard P. Wool
Soft Matter, 2008,4, 400-418
DOI: 10.1039/B711716G

Cellulose nanowhiskers: promising materials for advanced applications
Stephen J. Eichhorn
Soft Matter, 2011,7, 303-315
DOI: 10.1039/C0SM00142B

Janus particles
Andreas Walther and Axel H. E. Müller
Soft Matter, 2008,4, 663-668
DOI: 10.1039/B718131K

Why not take a look at the articles today and blog your thoughts and comments below.

Fancy submitting an article to Soft Matter? Then why not submit to us today!

To keep up-to-date with all the latest research, sign up for the Soft Matter e-Alert or RSS feeds or follow Soft Matter on Twitter or Facebook

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Hot articles for May!

A particle based model to simulate microscale morphological changes of plant tissues during drying
H. C. P. Karunasena, W. Senadeera, R. J. Brown and Y. T. Gu

Graphical abstract: A particle based model to simulate microscale morphological changes of plant tissues during drying


Mapping amyloid-β(16-22) nucleation pathways using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Neil R. Anthony, Anil K. Mehta, David G. Lynn and Keith M. Berland

Graphical abstract: Mapping amyloid-β(16-22) nucleation pathways using fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy

These papers are free to access until 2nd June 2014


Evolving design rules for the inverse granular packing problem
Marc Z. Miskin and Heinrich M. Jaeger

Graphical abstract: Evolving design rules for the inverse granular packing problem


Ionic effects in self-propelled Pt-coated Janus swimmers
Aidan Brown and Wilson Poon

Graphical abstract: Ionic effects in self-propelled Pt-coated Janus swimmers

These papers are free to access until 16th June 2014


Saddle-splay screening and chiral symmetry breaking in toroidal nematics
Vinzenz Koning, Benjamin C. van Zuiden, Randall D. Kamien and Vincenzo Vitelli

Graphical abstract: Saddle-splay screening and chiral symmetry breaking in toroidal nematics


Emerging bioinspired polymers: glycopolypeptides
Kai-Steffen Krannig and Helmut Schlaad

Graphical abstract: Emerging bioinspired polymers: glycopolypeptides


Analysis of liquid metal foams through X-ray radioscopy and microgravity experiments
F. García-Moreno, S. T. Tobin, M. Mukherjee, C. Jiménez, E. Solórzano, G. S. Vinod Kumar, S. Hutzler and J. Banhart

Graphical abstract: Analysis of liquid metal foams through X-ray radioscopy and microgravity experiments

These papers are free to access until 20th June 2014


Destruction of cancer cells by laser-induced shock waves: recent developments in experimental treatments and multiscale computer simulations
Martin Oliver Steinhauser and Mischa Schmidt  

Graphical abstract: Destruction of cancer cells by laser-induced shock waves: recent developments in experimental treatments and multiscale computer simulations


Strong effect of weak charging in suspensions of anisotropic colloids
Sven Dorosz, Nikhilesh Shegokar, Tanja Schilling and Martin Oettel  

Graphical abstract: Strong effect of weak charging in suspensions of anisotropic colloids

These papers are free to access until 28th June 2014


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