Nanotechnology Industry Research Articles

Insights into nanoparticle toxicity against aquatic organisms using multivariate regression, read-across, and ML algorithms: Predictive models for Daphnia magna and Danio rerio

The production of nanoparticles (NPs) has recently become more prevalent owing to their numerous applications in the fast-growing nanotechnology industry. Although nanoparticles have growing applications, there is a significant concern over their environmental impact due to their inevitable release into the environment. With the increasing risk to aquatic organisms, D. magna and zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been preferred as important freshwater model organisms for risk assessment and ecotoxicological studies on metal oxide-based nanoparticles (MeOxNPs) in aquatic environments. It is unfeasible to assess the risks associated with every single NP through in vivo or in vitro experiments. As an alternative, in silico approaches are employed to evaluate the NP toxicity. To evaluate such performance, we have collected data from databases and literature reviews to develop models based on multivariate regression, read-across approach (RA), and machine learning (ML) algorithms following the principles of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) for QSAR modeling. This work has aimed to investigate which features are important drivers of nanotoxicity in D. magna and Danio rerio using simple periodic table-derived descriptors. Further, we have examined the effectiveness of read-across-derived similarity measures compared to traditional QSAR models. The results obtained from model 1 infers that nanoparticles' size, the number of metals, the core environment of the metal present in the metal oxide, and the oxidation number of the metal play a key role in the final expression of toxicity of nanoparticles to D. magna. On the other hand, the presence of higher molecular weight, the core of the metal, and the presence of oxygen influence the enzyme inhibition activity. The enzyme inhibition is correlated with the ability of zebrafish embryos to hatch, and therefore, the inhibition of ZHE1 seems to be the factor driving hatch delay. The study emphasized the importance of developing transferable, reproducible, and easily interpretable models for the early identification of nanoparticle features contributing to aquatic toxicity.

Schottky Diode Leakage Current Fluctuations: Electrostatically Induced Flexoelectricity in Silicon.

Nearly four decades have passed since IBM scientists pioneered atomic force microscopy (AFM) by merging the principles of a scanning tunneling microscope with the features of a stylus profilometer. Today, electrical AFM modes are an indispensable asset within the semiconductor and nanotechnology industries, enabling the characterization and manipulation of electrical properties at the nanoscale. However, electrical AFM measurements suffer from reproducibility issues caused, for example, by surface contaminations, Joule heating, and hard-to-minimize tip drift and tilt. Using as experimental system nanoscale Schottky diodes assembled on oxide-free silicon crystals of precisely defined surface chemistry, it is revealed that voltage-dependent adhesion forces lead to significant rotation of the AFM platinum tip. The electrostatics-driven tip rotation causes a strain gradient on the silicon surface, which induces a flexoelectric reverse bias term. This directional flexoelectric internal-bias term adds to the external (instrumental) bias, causing both an increased diode leakage as well as a shift of the diode knee voltage to larger forward biases. These findings will aid the design and characterization of silicon-based devices, especially those that are deliberately operated under large strain or shear, such as in emerging energy harvesting technologies including Schottky-based triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs).

Molecular dynamics and experimental analysis of energy behavior during stress relaxation in magnetorheological elastomers

The diverse applications of magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) drive efforts to understand consistent performance and resistance to failure. Stress relaxation can lead to molecular chain deterioration, degradation in stiffness and rheological properties, and ultimately affect the life cycle of MRE. However, quantifying the energy and molecular dynamics during stress relaxation is challenging due to the difficulty of obtaining atomic-level insights experimentally. This study employs molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to elucidate the stress relaxation in MRE during constant strain. Magnetorheological elastomer models incorporating silicone rubber filled with varying magnetic iron particles (50–80 wt%) were constructed. Experimental results from an oscillatory shear rheometer showed the linear viscoelastic region of MRE to be within 0.001–0.01% strain. The simulation results indicated that stress relaxation has occurred, with stored energies decreased by 8.63–52.7% in all MRE models. Monitoring changes in energy components, the highest final stored energy (12,045 kJ) of the MRE model with 80 wt% Fe particles was primarily attributed to stronger intramolecular and intermolecular interactions, revealed by higher potential energy (3262 kJ) and van der Waals energy (− 2717.29 kJ). Stress relaxation also altered the molecular dynamics of this MRE model as evidenced by a decrease in kinetic energy (9362 kJ) and mean square displacement value (20,318 Å2). The MD simulation provides a promising quantitative tool for elucidating stress relaxation, preventing material failure and offering insights for the design of MRE in the nanotechnology industry.

Differential toxic effects of nano-titanium dioxide on clams (Meretrix meretrix) with various individuality

Nano-TiO2 is inevitably released into aquatic environment with increasing of nanotechnology industries. Study pointed that different individuality showed divergent behavioral and physiological response when facing environmental stress. However, the effects of nano-TiO2 on tolerance of bivalves with different individualities remain unknown. In the study, clams were divided into two types of individuality - proactive and reactive by post-stress recovery method. It turned out that proactive individuals had quicker shell opening level, stronger burrowing behavior, faster feeding recovery, higher standard metabolic rate and more rapid ammonia excretion ability than reactive individuals after exposed to air. Then, the survival rate, hemocytes response and oxidase activity of classified clams were evaluated after nano-TiO2 exposure. Results showed that after 30 d exposure, proactive individuals accelerated burrowing behavior with higher survival rate. Moreover, proactive clams had better adaptability and less hemocytes response and oxidative damage than reactive clams. The study highlights the individualities of marine shell fish determine individual capacity to adapt to environmental changes, play important roles in aquaculture and coastal ecosystem health.

Green Synthesis: An Alternative Sustainable Route for Nanotechology

With the advancements and technological innovation in the past few decades, there has been an exponential increase in the nanotechnology industry. It has come to become one of the most exciting forefront fields in the 21st century. Nanotechnology is the science that deals with particulate matter at nanoscale (1-100 nm). Nanomaterials at nanoscale tend to exhibit unique properties than their bulk counterparts. The rising demand for nanoparticles and nano based products also brings in huge concerns, as the chemical and physical methods for synthesis of nanoparticles require a lot of investment and also involve toxic agents, which result it some serious after effects hazardous to both environment and the living entities. This is when green chemistry comes into the picture, green synthesis approach was found to counter the problems posed by the previous synthesis methods. The mechanism involved in green synthesis, factors affecting the synthesis and the popular techniques used in characterization of the synthesized nanoparticles are discussed in this review paper. Green synthesis has the potential to be an effective approach in minimizing the risks encountered in the traditional methods of synthesis, yet the field is new and more is to be explored and continuous research with follow up is required to adopt green synthesis at a commercial level.

Business Communication Strategies and their Impact on Organizational Performance in the Nanotechnology Industry

Business Communication Strategies and their Impact on Organizational Performance in the Nanotechnology Industry

Understanding Ergonomics in Nanotechnology Workspaces: Ergonomics in Nanotechnology

The success of ergonomics in the future will be determined by how well the field handles the difficulties posed by new fields that call for scientific study and how successfully the findings are applied in real-world settings. The field of nanotechnology has advanced more quickly than our understanding of the potential consequences of such advancements. As a result, many of the same questions that surround any new technology are also raised by nanotechnology, such as toxicity and the effects of nanomaterials on the environment. Employees in businesses connected to nanotechnology may be exposed to materials that are specifically manufactured with nanoscale sizes, shapes, and physicochemical qualities. At this time, nothing is known about the main pathways of exposure, the possible exposure thresholds, and the material toxicity of nanomaterials. This finding suggests that both our understanding of nanomaterials and our capacity to guard against the risks associated with nanotechnology are lacking. The employee's brain or other organs may get infected with the nanoparticles due to the nanomaterial's incredibly tiny sizes and properties. Hence, accurate hazard assessment of the relevant work areas should be a part of effective exposure control systems. This review explains about managing nanotechnology exposures in the workplace, as well as other important controls as handling or working with nanotechnologies and nanomaterials, ergonomic approaches which would be effective to improve safety and health issues in the nanotechnology industry.

Nanotechnology in Food Industry: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Nanotechnology in Food Industry: Current Trends and Future Prospects

Review on Medical Applications of Manganese Oxide (Mn2+, Mn3+, and Mn4+) Magnetic Nanoparticles

Apart from our imagination, the nanotechnology industry is rapidly growing and promises that the substantial changes that will have significant economic and scientific impacts be applicable to a wide range of areas, such as aerospace engineering, nanoelectronics, environmental remediation, and medical healthcare. In the medical field, magnetic materials play vital roles such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hyperthermia, and magnetic drug delivery. Among them, manganese oxide garnered great interest in biomedical applications due to its different oxidation states (Mn2+, Mn3+, and Mn4+). Manganese oxide nanostructures are widely explored for medical applications due to their availability, diverse morphologies, and tunable magnetic properties. In this review, cogent contributions of manganese oxides in medical applications are summarized. The crystalline structure and oxidation states of Mn oxides are highlighted. The synthesis approaches of Mn-based nanoparticles are outlined. The important medical applications of manganese-based nanoparticles like magnetic hyperthermia, MRI, and drug delivery are summarized. This review is conducted to cover the future impact of MnOx in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

A crossover study of antimicrobial capacity and biotoxicity of silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a primordial role in the nanotechnology industry since they have great antimicrobial effects against diverse pathogens. AgNP production, use, and discard have been increasing; still, there is debate about the consequences of exposure to AgNPs for animals and humans. The bioaccumulation and toxicity of AgNPs depend on several factors, including AgNP concentration, physicochemical characteristics, and aggregation. So, complete activity and toxicity profiles for each silver nanoparticle synthesized must be performed. The present work aimed to characterize the behavior of specific AgNPs, then crossover of their antimicrobial capacity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with their potential in vitro cytotoxic effects in murine fibroblasts (3T3) and human keratinocytes (HaCat) cell lines, and in vivo general and organ‐specific toxicity in zebrafish embryos and larvae. A high susceptibility of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus to low concentrations of AgNPs was observed, yet a cytotoxic effect was also detected in 3T3 and HaCat cells. Moreover, these concentrations delayed embryonic development in zebrafish embryos and presented morphological abnormalities, neurotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. The results highlight the importance of jointly evaluating the antimicrobial activity and the toxicological profile of each nanoparticle manufactured; this study presents a suitable platform for such crossover assessment.

The influence of proximity and knowledge base on recombination innovation in R&D collaboration.

Recombination innovation invented during organizations' research and development (R&D) collaborations is a vital mechanism for creating new technological knowledge for organizations. This study aims to reveal the contribution mechanism of different dimensions of proximity to the recombination innovation at the collaborative dyad level and how this mechanism depends on the characteristics of organizations' knowledge base structuration. We conceptualize that the interdependence among knowledge elements in the knowledge base forms the knowledge space of the organization and build a theoretical framework to explain the interactive effect of proximity and organizations' knowledge base characteristics on collaborative recombination innovation. We validated the theoretical hypotheses using Logit regression models based on the longitudinal data of 150 organizations in the global nanotechnology industry. As demonstrated by our findings, technological proximity exerts a negative effect, while geographic proximity exerts an inverted U-shaped effect on collaborative organizations' joint recombination innovation. Organizations' knowledge base decomposability plays a negative role in moderating the effect of technological proximity and plays a positive role in regulating the effect of geographic proximity. In contrast, the degree centrality of the knowledge elements positively moderates the effect of both technological and geographic proximity.

Key success factors for stability of asymmetric technological collaborations: a bionic engineering approach

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the importance and effect of asymmetric technological collaborations’ key success factors in developing countries. The number of collaborations between large enterprises and SMEs, known as asymmetric technological collaborations (ATC) is growing considerably. But this asymmetry in itself can increase the number and intensity of collaboration challenges. So far, limited studies have been conducted on the stability of ATCs, and most of them have been in the context of developed countries. Meanwhile, studying the strength and stability of collaboration in the nano industry with growing market value and increasing newcomers is of particular importance.Design/methodology/approachHere, with bionic engineering approach, we used chemistry for the first time to identify the main stability factors of ATCs and build our hypotheses and research model. To this end, we introduced the factors affecting the stability of the dative chemical bond as a bionic counterpart of corporate venture capital (CVC), which is a type of ATC, and proposed 4 hypotheses. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) with partial least squares (PLS) method to examine the hypothesized relationships.FindingsThe analysis of survey questionnaire data from 26 asymmetric collaborations in Iran’s nanotechnology industry shows that “learning of the acceptor company” with a negative effect, “network ties” and “development of the collaboration host region” with a positive effect and “diversity in the collaboration portfolio” with an inverted U-shaped effect are the most influential factors in the stability and continuity of CVCs, respectively.Originality/valueThe findings of this research can be the beginning of a broad path leading to exploring and getting inspiration from chemistry to analyze management issues.

Spectral pyrometry of non-metallic materials at plasma heating, melting and cooling (Tomsk)

Spectral pyrometry of non-metallic materials under plasma heating, melting and cooling is used in nanotechnology, medicine, energy, metallurgy and other industries, where accurate temperature control is required during processing various materials. Purpose: The aim of this work is to create new spectral pyrometry technique for temperature measurement in difficult conditions of material processing and synthesis, such as plasma heating, melting and cooling of non-metallic materials. Methodology/approach: Small-sized spectrometers for diagnostics of heating, melting and cooling of the quartz target using the plasma jet. HPCS300 Mini Spectrometer with the wavelength range of 380 to 780 nm is used to determine the color temperature of the reference radiation source and for fiber optic calibration. The STS-VIS Microspectrometer based on a 1024×1 element CCD photodetector array with the wavelength range of 350 to 800 nm is used to record the emission spectrum of the object. Research findings: Improvement of production processes, fuel and material cost reduction, increase in the efficiency of plants and equipment, reliability and quality improvement of the final product. Value: During the plasma jet and quartz target interaction, three stages are observed: surface deformation, stable temperature of heating, and cooling of the condensed material with phase-transition points of liquid–pyroplastic–solid states.

An updated overview of some factors that influence the biological effects of nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles (NPs) can be extremely effective in the early diagnosis and treatment of cancer due to their properties. The nanotechnology industry is developing rapidly. The number of multifunctional NPs has increased in the market and hundreds of NPs are in various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Thus, the mechanism underlying the effects of NPs on biological systems has received much attention. After NPs enter the body, they interact with plasma proteins, tumour cell receptors, and small biological molecules. This interaction is closely related to the size, shape, chemical composition and surface modification properties of NPs. In this review, the effects of the size, shape, chemical composition and surface modification of NPs on the biological effects of NPs were summarised, including the mechanism through which NPs enter cells, the resulting oxidative stress response, and the interaction with proteins. This review of the biological effects of NPs can not only provide theoretical support for the preparation of safer and more efficient NPs but also lay the foundation for their clinical application.

Recent advancements in nanotechnology application on wood and bamboo materials: A review

Abstract Wood and bamboo are the greenest renewable materials used for construction, furniture, and decor from the ancient ages. However, wood and bamboo have intrinsic faults like durability, ductility, physical and mechanical strength, and stability, limiting their applications in the industry. On the other hand, nanotechnology is a popular technology having numerous applications in different fields, resulting in a significant increase in expectations among academics, investors, the government, and industries. In contrast, nanotechnology can protect wood and bamboo from extreme conditions (bacteria, climate, etc.) by improving physicochemical characteristics because of its unique features. Nowadays, the trend of merging nanotechnology and forest industries to overcome the limitations mentioned above and get economically sustainable materials for construction, furniture manufacturing, flexible sensors developments, energy storage, battery manufacturing, and many more is increasing. Presently, several reviews on wood and bamboo modification by nanoparticles and nanomaterials have already been published. But, at this time, this study is essential because it aims to provide a brief guide about the recently developed eco-friendly sustainable materials from wood and bamboo, their uses, and how they can affect people’s daily life and helps to point out the gap of the current knowledge. In addition, we briefly describe the conventional and modern modification methods, including the influence of nanomaterials on wood and bamboo structures. This article is outlined as follows: The first phase of the review deals with wood and bamboo modification methods. The second phase explains how the modification method improves the properties of wood and bamboo materials, and the last step will describe the recent innovation of wood and bamboo materials.

Electrical Resistance Evolution of Graphite and Talc Geological Heterostructures under Progressive Metamorphism

The electrical properties of isolated graphene established precedents for studies of electrical superconducting materials at room temperature. After the discovery of stabilized graphene and graphite nanoplatelets in a geological context, the interest in characterizing the properties of these minerals arose. This work evaluates the electrical resistance evolution of mineral graphite and talc heterostructures under progressive metamorphism simulated in the laboratory. The experiments were conducted on an end-loaded piston-cylinder apparatus. This equipment allows for the application of equal pressure in all sample directions (lithostatic pressure) and heating, simulating geological phenomena. The behavior of two sets of mineral samples were compared: graphite and talc in billets and powder. Samples in billets were submitted to treatments at 400 °C and 4 kbar; 400 °C and 6 kbar; and 700 °C and 9 kbar. The powder samples were subjected to 700 °C and 9 kbar, with two ways of disposing the mineral powders (mixed and in adjacent contact) beyond 900 °C and 9 kbar (in adjacent contact). The results show that the samples in billets had lower electrical resistance when compared to the powder samples. The lowest electrical resistance was observed in the sample treated at 400 °C and 6 kbar, conditions that are consistent with metamorphic mineral assemblage observed in the field. Powdered samples showed better cleavage efficiency during the experiment, resulting in thinner flakes and even graphene, as pointed out by Raman spectroscopy. However, these flakes were not communicating, which resulted in high electrical resistance, due to the need for an electrical current to pass through the talc, resulting in a Joule effect. The maximum electrical resistance obtained in the experiment was obtained in the sample submitted to 900 °C, in which talc decomposed into other mineral phases that were even more electrically insulating. This work demonstrates that electrical resistance prospecting can be an efficient tool to identify potential target rocks with preserved mineral nanometric heterostructures that can form an important raw material for the nanotechnology industry.

Letting the Market Decide? The Rise – and Regulatory Risks – of the Australian Nanotechnology Industry

In 2022, the European Union moved to ban the use of titanium dioxide as a food additive after it had been on the market for over four decades, due to safety concerns related to the additive’s nanoparticulate nature. Marking a significant backflip in the international regulatory approach to consumer products containing nano-objects, the global shifting of regulatory gears following the decision has already begun to filter through to domestic policymaking, with regulator Food Standards Australia New Zealand forced to reconsider their regulatory approach to the additive, which remains largely permissive. In view of the evolving understanding that technologies and objects at the nanoscale present new risks to humans and the environment, it is argued that a more precautionary approach should be considered by Australian regulators to fill the significant gaps in existing regulatory frameworks and safeguard stakeholders.

Biological synthesis of zinc-oxide nanoparticle using wide-spread Lentinus sajor-caju extract as a carrier for natural-compounds

The use of nanotechnology in industry and medicine has recently become a hot topic of research. This study focused on synthesizing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) using Lentinus sajor-caju extract, followed by applying the nanoparticle as a carrier for natural compounds. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Filed-emission transmission electron microscopy (FETEM), and zeta potential measurements were used to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles. The synthesis of ZnONPs was also confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy. The ZnONPs had a spherical shape with an average size of 28 nm in diameter, according to FETEM and FESEM. X-ray powder diffraction and selected area electron diffraction showed that the ZnONPs were crystalline in structure. The active components of the L. sajor-caju extracts were found to cap the ZnONPs, according to FTIR analysis. Additionally, EDX analysis revealed test showed the elemental composition of ZnONP's. The performance of the L. sajor-caju-capped ZnONP conjugated with a drug was studied in terms of inhibition of microbial growth against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria through the disc diffusion method. The results demonstrated a considerable inhibition of both bacteria, demonstrating ZnONP's potential for use in biomedicine.

A Delphi Study on Technical and Socio-Economic Perspectives of Nanotechnology and ICT Industries Relations

By using the Delphi technique and a case study on Malaysia’s nanotechnology research and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industries, this paper aims to determine the development and convergence of nanotechnology and ICT innovation systems from the perspective of science-industry relations. A total of 25 experts have provided their opinions and consensus on the present stage and possible future scenarios of nanotech-ICT development from four dimensions: technology landscape, economic viability, governance, and social acceptance. Results from two survey rounds indicate that the Malaysian ICT innovation system is presently economically viable and easily accepted by the market. The best-case scenario can be achieved with the help of nanotechnology. This would also require the implementation of policies and regulations from government. Although industrial and social adoption and the acceptance of nanotechnology are already strong, government is responsible for creating various programs to ensure greater awareness and development of knowledge.

Thermal cloaking phenomenon in the convex structure silicon film

Silicon thin films have important applications in the electronics and nanotechnology industries, and with the miniaturization of electronic devices, the importance of thermal protection for electronic devices is increasing. The researchers have successfully constructed thermal cloaks based on silicon films through amorphization, perforation, and concave to achieve heat flux regulation. The key to designing a thermal cloak is to use appropriate means to construct a functional region with low thermal conductivity. Our recent research has found that the thermal conductivity of periodically convex silicon films is lower than that of perfect silicon films, and no thermal cloaks have been constructed using this method. Therefore, in this paper, a thermal cloak is constructed using a periodically convex structure and compared with a thermal cloak of the same concave depth. By calculating the ratio of thermal cloaking (RTC), we find that cloaking can be produced using the convex structure, but is less effective compared to the concave structure, mainly because the base film is a perfect silicon film, which does not affect the heat flux transmission. Finally, we use phonon localization theory to explore the underlying mechanism. By calculating the mode participation rate (MPR), we find that phonon localization in the functional region is the main reason for cloaking, and the low-frequency phonon modes contribute more to the cloaking efficiency. Our study can provide experience for the design of nanoscale thermal cloaks.