Using cinema and video game industry tools for scientific communication.

Mechanochemically activated Biginelli reaction

This illustration visualizes the outcome of a Biginelli multicomponent reaction (MCR) under mechanochemical conditions. The study, led by Christina Koumpoura, PhD, Marc Sotiropoulos, Michel Baltas, and colleagues (CNRS-IPREM & CNRS-LCC), reveals the high-yield formation and characterization of unprecedented non-cyclized Biginelli-linear compounds, believed to be the last intermediate before cyclization into dihydropyrimidones (DHPMs).

Supported by DFT theoretical studies, these findings open new possibilities for designing novel building blocks in organic synthesis.

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Nanoscale View of Amyloid Photodynamic Damage

The image illustrates the impact of a light-activated molecule (ROS-ThT), effectively breaking the targeted amyloid fiber. In the context of biomedicine, this study holds crucial importance, as it explores new strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. The artwork was created for Cristina Flors’ research group, it holds particular significance as it forms the main focus of my thesis and marks the occasion of my first published cover, representing a significant milestone in my academic and illustrator journey.

This research is the result of a collaborative effort between IMDEA Nanoscience and Tokyo University.

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 Interaction between capillary printed eutectic gallium alloys and gold electrodes

The cover art was inspired by the work of Navid Hussain, Michael Hirtz, and their team. It delves into the world of gold/liquid metal contacts, which are vital components in flexible electronics and other advanced technologies. With a keen focus on understanding the behavior of these contacts, the researchers employ a combination of cutting-edge chemical and morphological characterization techniques. The results  shows new details on how these contacts evolve over time. Such insights are crucial for enhancing the performance and reliability of flexible electronics and hold the potential to drive innovations in a wide range of applications

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Interfacial exchange phenomena driven by ferromagnetic domains 

This cover illustrates the work of José Manuel Díez, Julio Camarero and coworkers in the field of magnetism. It centers around a phenomenon known as “exchange bias” in antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic (AFM/FM) heterostructures. They found a new general mechanism that controls exchange bias, its temperature dependence. Surprisingly, it all comes down to the magnetic texture of the ferromagnetic layer during reversal. This newfound understanding not only allows for enhancing existing devices that rely on exchange bias but also opens up possibilities for designing innovative magnetic devices.

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Innovative Cu3NbX4 nanocrystals enhance solar and photocatalytic performance.

The cover artwork is inspired by the research of Daniela R. Radu (Florida International University) and her collages. The artwork portrays the transformation of a 2D-TMDC nanosheet into niobium sulvanite nanocubes, denoted as Cu3NbX4 (where X = S or Se). These nanocubes exhibit immense potential as candidates for solar photovoltaics and photocatalytic water splitting, promising a sustainable energy future.

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Tuning electronic and magnetic properties of lanthanide 2D networks via metal exchange.

This artwork illustrates a remarkable study on lanthanide multinuclear networks performed by Sofia O. Parreiras, David Écija, and their team (IMDEA Nanoscience). They showcase the ability to finely adjust the electronic and magnetic properties of these networks by exchanging the metal centers while keeping the same structural framework intact. By swapping the metallic centers from Erbium (Er) to Dysprosium (Dy), they observed a shift in the energy level alignment, which allowed them to tailor both the intensity and orientation of magnetic anisotropy. This breakthrough offers exciting prospects for designing advanced materials with tunable magnetic characteristics, presenting promising opportunities in the field of materials science and beyond.

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Synthesis and Characterization of peri-Heptacene on a Metallic Surface

This cover in Angewandte represents the research of , José I. Urgel, David Écija, (IMDEA Nanoscience) and their co-workers on synthesizing the precursor 4,5,9,10-tetrakis(3-methylnaphthalen-2-yl)pyrene in a solution. Subsequently, they sublimed it on an Au(111) substrate under ultrahigh vacuum conditions and converted it into the peri-heptacene molecule through thermal activation, utilizing surface-assisted oxidative ring-closure and cyclodehydrogenation reactions. This work sheds light on innovative approaches to creating complex molecules on surfaces, offering exciting prospects in the field of surface chemistry and materials science.

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3D Imaging and Quantitative Subsurface Dielectric Constant Measurement Using Peak Force Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

The illustration is based on the exciting work of Khaled Kaja and co-workers. Their study presents a novel method for measuring the dielectric constants of buried structures and interfaces. This technique combines peak force tapping quantitative Nano-mechanical mapping (PF QNM) with frequency-modulated Kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM). This innovative approach opens up new possibilities for 3D imaging, enabling detailed exploration of the dielectric constants in composite materials and heterostructures.

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On-Surface Covalent Synthesis of Carbon Nanomaterials by Harnessing Carbon gem-Polyhalides

This image is inspired by the review by Nazario Marin, David Ecija, and their colleagues at IMDEA Nanoscience, showcasing the versatile capabilities of carbon geminal-polyhalides 🧬 in generating π-conjugated products on surfaces under distinct stimuli. It illustrates how the same molecular precursor can form different reaction products:  deposition on a room-temperature🌡️ substrate is followed by annealing and creates molecular wires, while direct sublimation onto a hot substrate 🔥 yields unique non-benzenoid compounds.

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Turning sunlight into hydrogen energy 

Wahid Ullah, mohamed nawfal Ghazzal and his team have downsized the graphdiyne (GDY) network to shape quantum dots (QDs), unlocking its optical properties! ✨These tiny GDYO-QDs absorb light across a wide range, making them perfect for converting sunlight into hydrogen fuel, a clean energy source 🌍. By combining GDYO-QDs with TiO2, the team tremendously boosts the photocatalytic performance, opening new doors for using GDYO-QDs in future energy technologies. 

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⭐Empowering CO2 Eco-refrigeration⭐

Did you know that the traditional refrigeration processes contribute significantly to global warming?🌡️This illustration represents recent research where scientists have proven that MOF-508b is an excellent material for eco-friendly🌿 cooling and heating systems. Currently, 20% of our electricity goes to refrigeration and 50% to heating. This study shows how MOF-508b, a revolutionary material, uses CO2 as an eco-friendly refrigerant. At low CO2 pressures, it can heat up to 56°C and cool down to -10°C, making it ideal for space heating, air-conditioning, and food refrigeration. This cover was created with Agata Communications. 

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🔓Unlocking microalgae potential! 🌿✨

This image is inspired by the research of Nicolas Lesniewska, Audrey Beaussart and co-workers. They study the physicochemical surface properties of microalgae, a key to unleashing its potential in biotechnological industries and green energy. 🌱 By using electrophoretic analysis, the team has shed light on how microalgae interact within various environments, revealing the dynamic nature of their surfaces. In the illustration, the 🔵 and 🔴 spots represent the negative and positive electrodes, respectively, which create an electric field. This field provokes the migration of algae, providing insights into their surface charge characteristics.🔬👀 To get a close-up view, the authors used Atomic Force Microscopy (represented by the golden tip), unveiling the heterogeneity on the surface of individual algae cells. 

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Today’s science is the boat that sails us into tomorrow’s future

The image features a boat formed by mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) and materials (MIMats), sailing towards a futuristic skyline. This visual metaphor captures the essence of the book, illustrating how these advanced materials are navigating us towards new horizons in science and technology. This artwork was commissioned by Emilio M. Pérez to illustrate the book “Mechanically Interlocked Materials: Polymers, Nanomaterials, MOFs and more”

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Innovative strategy for synthesizing antiaromatic compounds

Face to face, the precursor and its future self – an antiaromatic polycyclic conjugated hydrocarbon – gaze upon each other. A depiction of ‘what is’ and ‘what will be’ as soon as the precursor meets the hot metal surface.

An artwork commissioned by David Écija and his team to illustrate their new publication on Nature Synthesis.

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Hybrid metrology revolutionizes the analysis of nanostructured metasurfaces.

The image illustrates a cylindrical array of TiO2 nanostructures used as a model system for developing a hybrid metrology strategy. It integrates synchrotron-based and lab-scale analytical techniques, providing new insights into the optical properties of metasurfaces. This work was inspired by the research of Irdi Murataj, Eleonora Cara, and their colleagues of the Istituto Nazionale Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM),

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What’s similar between a butterfly and molecular orbital configuration?

This image was created to illustrate the work of Saül Garcia-Orrit , Matteo Tommasini, Juan Cabanillas and co-workers. Their research reveals the photophysics of a nanographene metalloporphyrin. It was very inspiring to work with Saül Garcia-Orrit, who came up with the beautiful concept of linking the movement of the butterfly wings of Rafael Araujo with the different open and close positions of the molecular orbital configurations.

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Alhambra-style mosaics

Matteo Jugovac, Paolo Perna, and their team discovered a single spin-polarized flat band in monolayer graphene, capable of unlocking exotic electronic and magnetic states like unconventional superconductivity and quantum phases. By doping graphene on cobalt with europium, they achieved spin-polarized flat bands that resemble Alhambra-style Fermi surfaces. This innovative approach combines spintronics with graphene’s unique properties, revealing new avenues for advanced spin-based electronic devices and highlighting europium’s crucial role in modifying graphene’s structure and enhancing interlayer magnetic coupling for topological materials.

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AFM reveals the interaction and nanoscale effects imposed by squalamine on Staphylococcus epidermidis

This coverart illustrates the research conducted by Sofiane EL-Kirat-Chatel, Audrey Beaussart and coworkers at CNRS. Their study focused on exploring the antimicrobial effects of squalamine, a natural compound derived from dogfish sharks, on the troublesome Gram-positive bacterium, Staphylococcus epidermidis. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), the researchers revealed the binding mechanism of squalamine to the bacterial cell surface, driven by electrostatic interactions. This work demonstrated the utility of AFM and microbiological assays in unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying squalamine’s antibacterial properties.

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Experimental demonstration of a magnetically induced warping transition in a topological insulator mediated by rare-earth surface dopants

Beatriz Muñiz Cano, Miguel A. Valbuena, and their colleagues from IMDEA Nanoscience have spearheaded research into magnetic topological insulators, a special type of material with unique properties. These materials exhibit a fascinating interplay between surface states and magnetic order. This combination leads to a change in the symmetry of these materials, predicted to alter their shape from a hexagon to a triangle when a certain energy gap is opened.

The cover art illustrates this transition, which was observed in a specific type of these materials, called Bi2Se2Te, when doped with rare-earth elements like Erbium (Er) and Dysprosium (Dy). The authors also noticed that by increasing the amount of these rare-earth elements, the properties of the surface states can be controlled, allowing to gradually adjust the energy level towards the opened gap.

These findings open up new ways to control the interaction of magnetic fields with these surface states, and could potentially lead to the realization of a quantum phenomenon known as the quantum anomalous Hall effect.

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Ultrafast X-ray imaging of the light-induced phase transition in VO2

What unfolds when we delve into the very early stages of phase transitions? This is the intriguing question that Simon Wall and his coauthors sought to answer using ultrafast techniques. The cover art provides a visual narrative of their research into the intermediate states of photo-excited phase transitions. Conventionally, these states are expected to be inhomogeneous, but their research paints a different picture. Employing a spatially resolved ultrafast X-ray imaging technique, they discovered that the initial stages of the metal-insulator transition in VO2 are, in fact, homogeneous. The anticipated inhomogeneity only emerges after a few hundred femtoseconds. This unexpected revelation challenges traditional paradigms and paves the way for novel explorations in the field of phase transitions.

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Characterizing sequential infiltration synthesis in polymers through X-ray analysis.

This cover art illustrates Dr. Eleanora Cara and her co-author’s research. It shows the ex-situ grazing incidence X-ray fluorescence quantification technique applied to polymers and block copolymers infiltrated with inorganic compounds during the sequential infiltration synthesis process. The illustration depicts how the X-ray beam, upon impinging on the materials, excites fluorescence in a specific target atom, such as aluminum atoms in alumina deposited using trimethyl aluminum and water as gas-phase precursors. This fluorescence can then be harnessed for the absolute quantification of the mass concentration of the compound.

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Infrared-activated bactericide: rhenium disulfide (ReS2)-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles

This cover artwork illustrates the research of Cheng-Yu Lai and coworkers (Florida International University) exploring the potential of multifunctional nanomaterials in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The study highlights the synergetic effect of combining antibiotic chemotherapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) in combating bacterial infections. It shows the antimicrobial power of rhenium disulfide (ReS2)-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) under near-infrared laser illumination. The MSN-ReS2 nanoparticles, with their enhanced photothermal efficiency and controlled drug delivery capability, demonstrate over 99% bactericidal efficiency against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria upon laser irradiation. Remarkably, when loaded with tetracycline hydrochloride, these nanoparticles achieve a 100% bactericidal effect against E. coli.

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Chiral materials enhance light capture for better hydrogen production

This cover illustrated the research of Mohamed Nawfal Ghazzal and his team (Institut de Chimie Physique-CNRS) about hydrogen generation. They designed a material called black TiO2−x/CuxO with chiral-like structures, where a single Pt atom was successfully deposited on both black TiO2−x and CuxO to enable visible-light hydrogen production. This innovative work offers valuable insights into the rational construction of nanostructured materials featuring chiral nematic structures, which have the potential to greatly enhance light harvesting capabilities. The study opens new possibilities for advancing the field of renewable energy through efficient hydrogen generation using sunlight.

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Design and manipulation of a nanocar

This artwork depicts the winning nanocar of the Nanocar Race II competition. Created as a cover for Angewandte Chemie, it celebrates the remarkable research of Emilio M. Pérez, D. Écija and co-workers. The nanocar of the illustration is inspired by the molecule of Nanohispa Team, whose design propelled them to victory in the Nanocar Race II. The paper details the molecular design and construction of this cutting-edge nanocar, featuring an anthracene chassis and four benzene derivative wheels. Sublimated and adsorbed on an Au(111) surface, the nanocar demonstrates controlled and agile manipulation using the tip of a scanning tunneling microscope (STM).

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Do you want to drive it? click to play the video game!

Twisting polymers to boost stimulated emission properties in lasers

Researchers led by Juan Cabanillas-González present an exciting study on how the properties of conjugated polymer blends can be enhanced. They found that by disrupting exciton transport, the spontaneous and stimulated emission of these polymers is significantly improved. The cover art showcases two polymer assemblies, one on the right with two phenyl twisting units. These units reduce the planarity of the polymer backbone and hinder the packing, leading to a decrease in both exciton diffusion and annihilation losses. This shows the different ways in which molecular arrangements can influence the behavior of polymers, offering exciting prospects for advancing optoelectronic technologies. The research provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of conjugated polymer materials, which will help to develop new applications in energy-efficient light-emitting devices and other cutting-edge technologies.

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Exploring the anticancer potential of reactive osmium CN complexes

Sonia Infante, Ana Pizarro, and her team at IMDEA Nanoscience have achieved a significant breakthrough. By employing an innovative strategy, they developed highly potent anticancer Os-arenes by chelating anionic C,N-phenylpyridine ligands. This contrasts strikingly with previously reported analogues featuring N,N-bipyridine ligands. The outstanding intracellular reactivity of these Os-arenes can be attributed to two crucial factors: the facile aquation of the Os–Z bond and the elevated basicity of the Os-coordinated water molecule. This discovery, which served as inspiration for the cover artwork, sheds light on the unique mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of these Os-arenes. These findings open opportunities for potential therapeutic innovations with enhanced efficacy.

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Bacterial degrons in synthetic circuits

The research led by Javier Buceta, Arantxa Urchueguía, and their colleagues at South Dakota State University delves into the promising realm of bacterial proteases in synthetic circuits, which inspired this cover art. Bacterial proteases (Pac-Man), which recognize specific amino acid degradation tags known as “degrons” (in blue), offer a promising strategy for post-translational regulation. These degrons can be fine-tuned to control the degradation levels of tagged proteins, making them a focal point in recent research endeavors. The team’s work provides a comprehensive review of the latest applications of degradation tags for circuit engineering in bacteria.

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Bioinspired nanocone surfaces offer a new strategy to combat bacteria 

Researchers from IMDEA Nanoscience, led by María Teresa Alameda and Isabel Rodríguez, have unveiled a powerful strategy for combating bacteria using a “fakir” surface. The cover artwork represents how bacteria undergo deformation upon attaching to bioinspired bactericidal nanocone surfaces. The researchers devised an innovative and straightforward method by flipping the bacteria over, enabling them to observe and measure the indentation caused by the attachment using cutting-edge techniques like atomic force microscopy and stereometric analysis of scanning electron microscopy images. Through this approach, valuable insights into the interaction between bacteria and the nanocone surfaces were gained, setting the stage for potential applications in the design of highly effective bactericidal materials. This research significantly advances our understanding of bacterial behavior and holds promise for creating novel antimicrobial strategies and improving bioinspired surfaces for diverse practical uses.

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Interplay between π-conjugation and exchange magnetism in one-dimensional porphyrinoid polymers

The cover artwork showcases a new research breakthrough performed by José I. Urgel and colleagues from IMDEA Nanoscience. In this study, scientists successfully formed one-dimensional porphyrinoid polymers by connecting individual units through a unique process called [3 + 3] cycloaromatization using isopropyl substituents. What’s interesting is that these connected units showed intriguing magnetic behavior. Specifically, the spins of adjacent porphyrinoid units interacted in a way called “antiferromagnetic coupling,” where the closest spins had opposite magnetic effects. This finding highlights the importance of a special type of molecular arrangement, called π-conjugation, in influencing how the magnetic properties of these materials are interconnected. These discoveries provide valuable insights into the behavior of these molecular structures and their potential applications in future technologies.

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How Much Force Is Needed To Kill a Single Bacterium?

The illustration was crafted for Cristina Flors’ research group at IMDEA Nanoscience. It was the centerpiece of the thesis of my dear colleague, Adrian del Valle. It portraits the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) as a needle, deftly piercing through the bacterium’s membrane. This breakage of the bacterial membrane facilitates the entry of a fluorescence dye, which exhibits red fluorescence when it binds to DNA and is illuminated with green light. As a result, the optical microscope can detect damaged bacteria through this fluorescence response.

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A catalyst is not Natural, but who’s going to say which is which?

This cover art draws inspiration from the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland. In this illustration, two distinct molecules are depicted gazing at each other through a mirror—one natural and the other chemically synthesized. Remarkably, their properties are so strikingly similar that they become indistinguishable. This image captures the essence of Julio Lloret-Fillol and his team’s research at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ).

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Unraveling peroxiredoxin-sulfiredoxin interaction dynamics

This illustration of Nanoscale Horizons showcases a multiscale strategy employed by Audrey Beaussart, Sophie Rahuel-Clermont, (Université de Lorraine, CNRS) and their team. Their innovative approach combines Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), native mass spectrometry, and bulk solution techniques to investigate the intricate multivalent interaction between a decameric protein and its partner. By correlating data on affinity, kinetics, and single molecules, they gain a comprehensive understanding of this molecular interaction.

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Tuning the Magnetic Anisotropy of Lanthanides on a Metal Substrate by Metal–Organic Coordination

This coverart is based on the research of Sofia Parreiras, Paolo Perna, David Écija (IMDEA Nanoscience) and coworkers. The magnetism of lanthanide-directed nanoarchitectures on surfaces can be drastically affected by small structural changes. In this paper, the authors report the effect of the coordination environment in the reorientation of the magnetic easy axis of dysprosium-directed metal-organic networks on Cu(111). They show that the magnetic anisotropy of lanthanide elements on surfaces can be tailored by specific coordinative metal–organic

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Nanoscale View of Amyloid Photodynamic Damage

The image illustrates the impact of a light-activated molecule (ROS-ThT), effectively breaking the targeted amyloid fiber. In the context of biomedicine, this study holds crucial importance, as it explores new strategies for treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. The artwork was created for Cristina Flors’ research group, it holds particular significance as it forms the main focus of my thesis and marks the occasion of my first published cover, representing a significant milestone in my academic and illustrator journey.

This research is the result of a collaborative effort between IMDEA Nanoscience and Tokyo University.

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