3D Nano Research Articles

Novel 3D porous aerogels engineered at nano scale from cellulose nano fibers and curcumin: An effective treatment for chronic wounds

Traditional cotton gauze derived from cellulose has many limitations in the processes of wound healing. To overcome these hassles, we used cellulose nanofibers (CNF) incorporated with curcumin for the fabrication of wound healing 3D porous aerogel. Cellulose nanofibers synthesized from plant waste are promising sustainable nanomaterials due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Ionic cross linking with sodium alginate was performed to maintain the mechanical strength. SEM results revealed highly porous architecture that effectively promoted wound healing, as a result of macro- and micro-porous architecture and curcumin. In-vitro drug release studies showed a slow and steady release pattern. The 3D porous nano bio aerogel with curcumin significantly promoted the migration of fibroblast cells and had excellent antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms. In-vivo studies showed angiogenesis without rejection or inflammation of the scaffold. From the observations, we can conclude that this novel 3D porous aerogel can be used to treat chronic wounds.

Fabric Investigation of Natural Sensitive Clay from 3D Nano- and Microtomography Data

Fabric Investigation of Natural Sensitive Clay from 3D Nano- and Microtomography Data

Analytical characterisation of 3D nano scale ultra-thin film surrounding gate MOSFET

Analytical characterisation of 3D nano scale ultra-thin film surrounding gate MOSFET

Theoretical probing of 3d nano metallic clusters as next generation non-linear optical materials

The excess electron containing compounds have exceptional initial hyper polarizabilities (σ), making them promising nominees for next generation non-linear optical materials. We investigated the geometric, thermodynamic, electrical, and nonlinear optical aspects of a highly strained, theoretically designed metallic cluster (MC), (Fe3Se2(CO)8, in this paper. The designed MC was thermally stable. Estimated ionization energy was used to characterize electrical stability nature (IE). Moreover, the significantly reduced EH–L values reflected the MC with its outstanding characteristics. The maximum absorption (λmax) for computed absorption of electronic transitions was estimated between 327 nm and 340 nm and HOMO → LUMO transitions were found to be the dominant electronic transition band in the UV–Vis spectral region. When comparing to theexcited spectrum, thestimulated spectrum appearedto be substantially blue-shifted, with a wide band between 400 and 700 nm. It had the hyperpolarizability values of up to 4.3 × 104 au, resulting in a significant drop in excited state and higher hyperpolarizability values. Using the traditional two-level model, the resulting first hyperpolarizability was also explained. In this MC, the projections of hyperpolarizability on dipole moment coincided with overall hyperpolarizability, showing unidirectional charge transfer with polarizability at four basis sets (B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, WB97XD and PBEPBE). The static second hyperpolarizability (β) value of the examined MC was higher. The recent discovery, we feel, can provide inspiration for further research into alternative excess electron first row transition MC for NLO applications.

Analytical characterisation of 3D nano scale ultra-thin film surrounding gate MOSFET

Analytical characterisation of 3D nano scale ultra-thin film surrounding gate MOSFET

Design, Development and Commissioning of 3D Nano Image Beamline at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Design, Development and Commissioning of 3D Nano Image Beamline at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Morphological Analysis of Fabricated 5.0 μM Interdigitated Electrode (IDE)

The aim of this research is to study the morphological analysis of fabricated Interdigitated Electrode (IDE). This device electrode was physically characterized using 3D nano profiler, scanning electrode microscope (SEM), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). Based on this analysis, IDE pattern was analyzed thoroughly based on the IDE pattern specifications with 5 μM finger gap and this research significantly will stand as a platform quantify the biomolecules in further analysis.

Symmetry and curvature effects on spin waves in vortex-state hexagonal nanotubes

Analytic and numerical studies on curved magnetic nano-objects predict numerous exciting effects that can be referred to as magneto-chiral effects, which do not originate from intrinsic Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction or interface-induced anisotropies. In constrast, these chiral effects stem from isotropic exchange or dipole-dipole interaction, present in all magnetic materials, which acquire asymmetric contributions in case of curved geometry of the specimen. As a result, for example, the spin-wave dispersion in round magnetic nanotubes becomes asymmetric, namely spin waves of the same frequency propagating in opposite directions along the nanotube exhibit different wavelenghts. Here, using time-resolved scanning transmission X-ray microscopy experiments, standard micromagntic simulations and a dynamic-matrix approach, we show that the spin-wave spectrum undergoes additional drastic changes when transitioning from a continuous to a discrete rotational symmetry, i.e. from round to hexagonal nanotubes, which are much easier to fabricate. The polygonal shape introduces localization of the modes both to the sharp, highly curved corners and flat edges. Moreover, due to the discrete rotational symmetry, the degenerate nature of the modes with azimuthal wave vectors known from round tubes is partly lifted, resulting in singlet and duplet modes. For comparison with our experiments, we calculate the microwave absorption from the numerically obtained mode profiles which shows that a dedicated antenna design is paramount for magnonic applications in 3D nano-structures. To our knowledge these are the first experiments directly showing real space spin-wave propagation in 3D nano objects.

Direct laser writing of liquid crystal elastomers oriented by a horizontal electric field.

Background: The ability to fabricate components capable of performing actuation in a reliable and controlled manner is one of the main research topics in the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). However, the development of these technologies can be limited in many cases by 2D lithographic techniques employed in the fabrication process. Direct Laser Writing (DLW), a 3D microprinting technique based on two-photon polymerization, can offer novel solutions to prepare, both rapidly and reliably, 3D nano- and microstructures of arbitrary complexity. In addition, the use of functional materials in the printing process can result in the fabrication of smart and responsive devices. Methods: In this study, we present a novel methodology for the printing of 3D actuating microelements comprising Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) obtained by DLW. The alignment of the mesogens was performed using a static electric field (1.7 V/µm) generated by indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes patterned directly on the printing substrates. Results: When exposed to a temperature higher than 50°C, the printed microstructures actuated rapidly and reversibly of about 8% in the direction perpendicular to the director. Conclusions: A novel methodology was developed that allows the printing of directional actuators comprising LCEs via DLW. To impart the necessary alignment of the mesogens, a static electric field was applied before the printing process by making use of flat ITO electrodes present on the printing substrates. The resulting microelements showed a reversible change in shape when heated higher than 50°C.

A 3D nano scale IGA for free vibration and buckling analyses of multi-directional FGM nanoshells

This article explores a three-dimensional solid isogeometric analysis (3D-IGA) approach based on a nonlocal elasticity theory to investigate size effects on natural frequency and critical buckling load for multi-directional functionally graded (FG) nanoshells. The multi-directional FG material uses a power law rule with three power exponent indexes concerning three parametric coordinates. Nanoshell’s geometries include the square plate, cylindrical and spherical panels with the side length considered in a nanoscale with various thickness ratios. Because 3D-IGA utilizes an approximation of NURBS basic functions to integrate from geometry modeling to discretized domain, it does not require any hypotheses for deformations distribution and stress component through the plate’s thickness. Therefore, the results from the 3D solution are obtained accurately with any thickness ratio of the shells. The numerical solutions are verified by those published in several pieces of literature to determine the current approach’s accuracy and reliability. After a convergence solution is examined, a quartic NURBS basic function can yield ultra-converged and high-accurate results with a low computational cost. The findings show the size effect parameters which significantly impact the frequencies and the critical buckling factors of the multi-directional FG nanoshells. Generally, increases in the size effect parameters will cause declines in the frequencies and the critical buckling factors of the nanoshells.

Direct laser writing of liquid crystal elastomers oriented by a horizontal electric field

Background: The ability to fabricate components capable of performing actuation in a reliable and controlled manner is one of the main research topics in the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). However, the development of these technologies can be limited in many cases by 2D lithographic techniques employed in the fabrication process. Direct Laser Writing (DLW), a 3D microprinting technique based on two-photon polymerization, can offer novel solutions to prepare, both rapidly and reliably, 3D nano- and microstructures of arbitrary complexity. In addition, the use of functional materials in the printing process can result in the fabrication of smart and responsive devices. Methods: In this study, we present a novel methodology for the printing of 3D actuating microelements comprising Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) obtained by DLW. The alignment of the mesogens was performed using a static electric field (1.7 V/µm) generated by indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes patterned directly on the printing substrates. Results: When exposed to a temperature higher than 50°C, the printed microstructures actuated rapidly and reversibly of about 8% in the direction perpendicular to the director. Conclusions: A novel methodology was developed that allows the printing of directional actuators comprising LCEs via DLW. To impart the necessary alignment of the mesogens, a static electric field was applied before the printing process by making use of flat ITO electrodes present on the printing substrates. The resulting microelements showed a reversible change in shape when heated higher than 50 °C.

Time-dependent growth of CaO nano flowers from egg shells exhibit improved adsorption and catalytic activity

Succulent shaped CaO 3D nano flowers have been synthesized by time growth morphological evaluation from bud-to-blossom using dumped egg shells. A comparative study between commercially available calcium oxide and synthesized CaO nano flowers for adsorptive removal of used engine oil and aldol condensation was conducted. The as-synthesized nano particles were characterized by hydrodynamic particle size analyser, surface area by (BET) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, XRD (X-ray Diffraction) for crystal structural and SEM-EDX (Scanning Electron Microscopy - Energy Dispersive X-ray) and HR-TEM (High-Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy) for morphological examinations. The average size distribution calculated using W-H analysis (1.28–1.38 µm) and morphological studies (1.26–1.30 µm) were in good agreement. The CaOnsf showed higher adsorption activity for spill oil remediation by dispersion-adsorption method with an extent of separation capacity upto 18 times its weight (18.31 gg−1 of CaOnsf) in comparison to CaOcm (8.4 gg−1). The as-synthesized nano flowers displayed excellent catalytic activity for aldol condensation between acetophenone and benzaldehyde. The nano flowers comprising of succulent petals, are formed from many irregular elongated nanospheres. Higher surface area availability leads to higher catalytic activity for production of chalcone with a yield of about 76.3%. This study paves a way for development of CaO based 3D nanostructures, possessing higher adsorption efficiency for oil and an efficient catalyst for base catalysed reactions.

Three dimensional printed nanostructure biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.

The suffering from organ dysfunction due to damaged or diseased tissue/bone has been globally on the rise. Current treatment strategies for non-union bone defects include: the use of autografts, allografts, synthetic grafts and free vascularized fibular grafts. Bone tissue engineering has emerged as an alternative for fracture repair to satisfy the current unmet need of bone grafts and to alleviate the problems associated with autografts and allografts. The technology offers the possibility to induce new functional bone regeneration using synergistic combination of functional biomaterials (scaffolds), cells, and growth factors. Bone scaffolds are typically made of porous biodegradable materials that provide the mechanical support during repair and regeneration of damaged or diseased bone. Significant progress has been made towards scaffold materials for structural support, desired osteogenesis and angiogenesis abilities. Thanks for innovative scaffolds fabrication technologies, bioresorbable scaffolds with controlled porosity and tailored properties are possible today. Despite the presence of different bone scaffold fabrication methods, pore size, shape and interconnectivity have not yet been fully controlled in most of the methods. Moreover, scaffolds with tailored porosity for specific defects are still difficult to manufacture. Nevertheless, such scaffolds can be designed and fabricated using three dimensional (3D) printing approaches. 3D printing technology, as an advanced tissue scaffold fabrication method, offers the opportunity to produce complex geometries with distinct advantages. The technology has been used for the production of various types of bodily constructs such as blood vessels, vascular networks, bones, cartilages, exoskeletons, eyeglasses, cell cultures, tissues, organs and novel drug delivery devices. This review focuses on 3D printed scaffolds and their application in bone repair and regeneration. In addition, different classes of biomaterials commonly employed for the fabrication of 3D nano scaffolds for bone tissue engineering application so far are briefly discussed.

A review of coated nano- and micro-lattice materials

Emerging additive manufacturing methods have enabled the fabrication of novel 3D nano- and micro-architected lattice materials, allowing researchers to investigate previously unexplored phenomena and property spaces. This new class of materials, which are mainly made from polymers, can be further functionalized through the deposition of ceramic and metallic coatings opening up even more property spaces as a result of unprecedented mechanical behaviors and functionalities. By leveraging an expansive material workspace, architectural hierarchy, and materials size effects, these structures have been shown to achieve high strength, low density, and exceptional recoverability with promise in applications ranging from cell and tissue growth to energy storage. This review addresses the current development space of coated nano- and micro-lattice structures and highlights important considerations that influence their behavior and functionality. Discussing deposition methods and present challenges, this review offers foundational insight on generating new advanced coated lattice systems.

Computational analysis of the effects of nitrogen source and sin1 knockout on biosilica morphology in the model diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana

Morphogenesis of the silica based cell walls of diatoms, a large group of microalgae, is a paradigm for the self-assembly of complex 3D nano- and microscale patterned inorganic materials. In recent years, loss-of-function studies using genetic manipulation were successfully applied for the identification of genes that guide silica morphogenesis in diatoms. These studies revealed that the loss of one gene can affect multiple morphological parameters, and the morphological changes can be rather subtle being blurred by natural variations in morphology even within the same clone. Both factors severely hamper the identification of morphological mutants using subjective by-eye inspection of electron micrographs. Here we have developed automated image analysis for objectively quantifying the morphology of ridge networks and pore densities from numerous electron micrographs of diatom biosilica. This study demonstrated differences in ridge network morphology and pore density in diatoms growing on ammonium rather than nitrate as the sole nitrogen source. Furthermore, it revealed shortcomings in previous by-eye evaluation of the biosilica phenotype of the silicanin-1 knockout mutant. We anticipate that the computational methods established in the present work will be invaluable for unraveling genotype–phenotype correlations in diatom biosilica morphogenesis.

A 1D–3D interconnected δ-MnO2 nanowires network as high-performance and high energy efficiency cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have received significant research attention and widely investigated because of their high intrinsic safety and cost effectiveness. Manganese dioxide has been regarded as a promising cathode material for AZIBs, attributed to its friendliness, abundant resources, high theoretical capacity, and high working voltage. Herein, a unique one-dimensional–three-dimensional (1D–3D) hybrid network with interconnected δ-MnO2 nanowires was reported as a cathode material for AZIBs. A distinctive 3D nano network structure resulted in enhancement of electrolyte osmosis and significant increase in contact between electrode and electrolyte, and also provided more active sites and convenient rapid ion transport routes. Moreover, the fine nanowire structure and the optimum layer spacing resulted in easier insertion/deinsertion of ion in the active material. Taking advantage of this feature, the δ-MnO2 cathode provides high reversible capacity, fast rate capability and good longevity for cycling. Further kinetic experiments revealed that Zn/δ‐MnO2 system constitutes an electrochemical reaction regulated by the combination of ionic diffusion and pseudo-capacitance; and shows high energy efficiency during the charge/discharge states. This research may provide an advanced cathode material for AZIB development.

Application of 3D biological nano scaffold materials in the health treatment of foot and ankle sports

Bone tissue is an important part of the human body and plays an indispensable physiological function. Damage to bone tissue will have a serious impact on the health of patients. Three types of MGPC scaffolds were prepared using 3D printing technology. The macroscopic, microstructure, and histology of the three scaffolds were observed under an electron microscope. The cells grew normally and spread well. Rat L-929 fibroblasts were cultured in three scaffold extracts, and the cells were cultured with DMEM as a control. Cell proliferation was detected by cell counting. Scanning electron microscopy of the cell-scaffold complex revealed that a large number of chondrocytes adhered and grew on the surface of the MGPC scaffold. With the increase of culture time, the number of cells in each group showed an increasing trend. MGPC has no cytotoxicity, excellent physical and chemical properties, and is expected to become a biological scaffold material.

Ring-opening polymerization-induced crystallization-driven self-assembly of poly-L-lactide-block-polyethylene glycol block copolymers (ROPI-CDSA)

The self-assembly of block copolymers into 1D, 2D and 3D nano- and microstructures is of great interest for a wide range of applications. A key challenge in this field is obtaining independent control over molecular structure and hierarchical structure in all dimensions using scalable one-pot chemistry. Here we report on the ring opening polymerization-induced crystallization-driven self-assembly (ROPI-CDSA) of poly-L-lactide-block-polyethylene glycol block copolymers into 1D, 2D and 3D nanostructures. A key feature of ROPI-CDSA is that the polymerization time is much shorter than the self-assembly relaxation time, resulting in a non-equilibrium self-assembly process. The self-assembly mechanism is analyzed by cryo-transmission electron microscopy, wide-angle x-ray scattering, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and turbidity studies. The analysis revealed that the self-assembly mechanism is dependent on both the polymer molecular structure and concentration. Knowledge of the self-assembly mechanism enabled the kinetic trapping of multiple hierarchical structures from a single block copolymer.

Critical properties of superconducting nano-sized sample placed on the top of a dipole

We deal with the nanoscale superconductivity. Vortex configurations of superconducting 3D nano disk and square placed on the top of a dipole are studied by phenomenological Ginzburg-Landau (GL) formalism. Gibbs free energy is observed to identify the stability range of different vortex state. Effect of the confinement to the vortex flow is investigated by time dependent GL equation. Amount of flux is determined by the potential difference and only giant vortex state are observed for the dipole. In the presence of transport current and magnetic field, voltage-current characteristics of nano-sized disk and square are obtained. Depairing current of the sample are studied with applied field. Maximum dissipation-less current of disk/square has shown the Quantum oscillation.

3D porous nickel nanosheet arrays as an advanced electrode material for high energy hybrid supercapacitors

3D porous nickel nanosheet arrays (Ni-NSAs@Ni foam) are prepared by a facile hydrothermal process followed by an annealing treatment. The synthesized Ni-NSAs@Ni foam offered a mesoporous nano structure. First, Ni(OH)2 nanosheet arrays on Ni foam are synthesized by a hydrothermal process. Then, the Ni(OH)2 nanosheet arrays are transformed to Ni-NSAs@Ni foam via horizontal furnace tube. The Ni-NSAs@Ni foam electrode shows a high areal capacitance 4683.6 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2, a capacitance retention of 80.8% at 10 mA cm−2, low internal resistance Rs~0.75 Ω and a retention ratio of 95.8% after 20,000 charge/discharge cycles. The capacitance of Ni-NSAs@Ni foam is much higher than that of the Ni(OH)2 nanosheet arrays. The outstanding electrochemical characteristic performances of the Ni-NSAs@Ni foam can be ascribed to the 3D porous nano structures of Ni-NSAs@Ni foam, which can offer short diffusion routes for charge carriers (electrons and ions), large active areas between the interface of the electrode/electrolyte and the low internal resistance between grown Ni-NSAs@Ni foam and the conductive current collector. Its hybrid supercapacitor device is assembled by using the Ni-NSAs@Ni foam as the positive electrode and activated carbon AC@Ni foam as the negative electrode. The hybrid supercapacitor device reaches an ultra-high energy density of 141.04 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 226.14 W kg−1 at 1 mA cm−2. The remarkable pseudocapacitive performance of Ni-NSAs@Ni foam electrode shows its great potential in applications of energy storage and conversion devices.