Abstract: Stable, macroscopic single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions are described. The compositions include a single-crystal chiral liquid crystal material on a patterned surface. The patterned surface seeds a particular crystallographic orientation at the substrate-liquid crystal interface. Also described are methods of forming the single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: Synthetic two- or three-dimensional structures are described that include directional negative, near-zero, or zero Poisson ratio. Methods for forming the structures are also described. Disclosed structures mimic disclination networks as occur in soft cubic blue phase high chirality liquid crystals. Disclination networks can be based upon BPI or BPII phases and can include modifications as compared to an undistorted bulk blue phase crystal.

Abstract: Optically active formulations useful as inks in extrusion-based deposition techniques and solids formed of the formulations are described. Formulations include a cellulose derivative in a chiral nematic phase and a polyethylene glycol interspersed with the cellulose derivative as stabilization to the cholesteric pitch of the chiral nematic phase. The inks can be utilized in direct ink writing processes to produce printed films or three-dimensional structures with long-lasting colors that stem from the nanostructure of the chiral nematic phase. The ink can include reactive monomers which can be polymerized to create optically active solid elastomers.

Abstract: Stable, macroscopic single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions are described. The compositions include a single-crystal chiral liquid crystal material on a patterned surface. The patterned surface seeds a particular crystallographic orientation at the substrate-liquid crystal interface. Also described are methods of forming the single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: Stable, macroscopic single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions are described. The compositions include a single-crystal chiral liquid crystal material on a patterned surface. The patterned surface seeds a particular crystallographic orientation at the substrate-liquid crystal interface. Also described are methods of forming the single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions.

Abstract: Provided herein are polymer-stabilized CaP nanoparticle formulations and related methods of manufacture. In certain embodiments, the methods reliably and selectively form nanoparticles with homogenous size, charge, and morphology. The CaP nanoparticles include calcium ions and phosphate ions with an ionic polymer, thereby forming stable hybrid nanoparticles. The CaP nanoparticle formulations include powders, suspensions and injectable pastes. According to various embodiments, the polymer-stabilized CaP nanoparticles may be polycation-stabilized (CaP/polymer(+) nanoparticles) or polyanion-stabilized (CaP/polymer(-) nanoparticles). The CaP/polymer nanoparticles can be freeze-dried and stored for months with no loss of properties or changes to their morphology.

Abstract: Stable, macroscopic single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions are described. The compositions include a single-crystal chiral liquid crystal material on a patterned surface. The patterned surface seeds a particular crystallographic orientation at the substrate-liquid crystal interface. Also described are methods of forming the single-crystal chiral liquid crystal compositions.