Nanoscale Level Research Articles

Preparation and properties of Janus nanoparticles at pickering emulsion interface

Janus nanomaterials are characterized by their anisotropic structural properties, wherein two distinct chemical compositions or polarities coexist inside the same structure. These materials are typically observed at the nanoscale or micrometer level and are mostly synthesized through chemical modification or organized assembly facilitated by intermolecular interactions. The preparation process of Janus material is contingent upon the intricacy of its structural complexity. Various preparation methods have been devised to address important aspects such the composition of components, control over size and morphology, and localized alteration of functionality such as interface protection, phase separation, microfluidic control, self-assembly, among others. The Pickering emulsion templating method is widely recognized as a highly effective approach for the synthesis of Janus particles. On the other hand, the structural composition and straightforward fabrication of Janus nanoparticles play a crucial role in facilitating the interface catalysis of Pickering emulsions. The paper employed literature review and literature analysis as research methods to investigate the assembly of Janus nanoparticles at the Pickering emulsion interface. Additionally, the study aimed to examine the properties and potential uses of Janus particles across different domains. The utilization of Janus materials has demonstrated promising potential in several applications such as emulsification, encapsulation, catalysis, drug delivery, battery separators, and the creation of superstructure materials.

Impressive spectrofluorimetric framework for determination of newly approved anti-coagulant betrixaban using silver-nanoparticles; with assessment of blueness, whiteness and greenness.

A straight-forward, affordable, sensitive and ecologically friendly spectrofluorimetric method was introduced for the determination of the newly approved direct oral anticoagulant drug betrixaban (BXN) at the nano-scale level. The approach is based on turning on the fluorescence of BXN using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was based on the reduction capability of BXN in response to silver nitrate using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilizing agent, and sodium hydroxide solution for promoting the continuity of the nucleation and growth processes of AgNPs. The synthesized AgNPs were recognized and characterized using UV/visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Zeta Potential, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The fabricated AgNPs were found to enhance the fluorescence intensity of BXN, allowing its sensitive and precise quantitative determination at an emission wavelength of 369 nm after excitation at 303 nm. The proposed approach, verified in compliance with International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines, achieved linearity over a concentration range of 0.20–1.5 μg/mL with quantification and detection limits of 0.097 and 0.032 μg/mL, respectively. BXN was estimated in its pure form with a high percentage recovery of 100.52 % and a correlation coefficient of 0.9997. The studied approach was successfully applied for the assay of BXN in newly approved pharmaceutical dosage form with a high percentage of recovery (%Recovery = 100.20 %) and a low percentage of error (%Error = 0.96). Integration of white analytical chemistry was our emphasis in this study to provide sustainable analytical insight. Blueness (BAGI), whiteness (RGB Algorithm) and greenness (GABI and AGREE) of the evolved method were evaluated. An excellent white and green profile with satisfactory results and scores indicated the sustainability and impressive applicability of the evolved approach in pharmaceutical companies and quality control laboratories.

Highly radiation-stable DLC coatings for a new class of detectors: Structural and morphological features

Within the framework of the FTM-NEXT INFN (Fast Time Micropattern gaseous detectors - next of Nuclear Physics National Institute) experiment, we produced hydrogen-free diamond-like carbon films through pulsed-laser deposition to serve as resistive layers in modern resistive micro-pattern gaseous detectors that must work in extreme radiation environments at future colliders. To obtain homogeneous diamond-like carbon coatings, over medium-to-large size (3 cm × 3 cm), with excellent adhesion to the substrate and with typical surface resistivity values in the range of 1–100 MOhm/sq, growth conditions had to be optimized. In this paper we report on the stability of resistive diamond-like carbon layers subjected to increasing doses of irradiation with proton beams accelerated to an energy of 2 MeV. The morphological, structural, and electrical properties, also at the nanoscale level, of diamond-like carbon coatings following ion irradiation were studied by electron microscopy, electron diffraction, electrical transport characterization and scanning tunneling spectroscopy.

Calcium hydroxide nanoparticles synthesized with medicinal plants extract as surface coating for titanium alloy bone implants using a simple method: Characterization and biomechanical evaluation

Advanced techniques have been developed to enhance the bioactivity and efficacy of biomedical titanium implants by modifying their surfaces. One such approach involves coating the titanium surface with biomaterials at the nanoscale level. In recent times, medicinal plant extracts have generated attention for nanoparticle synthesis due to their advantageous biomedical properties. Greenly synthesized carob-mediated calcium hydroxide nanoparticles exhibited promising results concerning both anti-inflammatory and osteogenic potentials during in vitro investigations. This study aimed to deposit these nanoparticles onto titanium-alloy bone implants through modifications to the established eco-friendly drop-casting method, characterize the surface, and biomechanically test it on rabbit tibias using torque removal analysis. Surface characterization utilizing scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis successfully coated titanium implants with this material. A biomechanical study conducted on New Zealand rabbits revealed significantly higher peak torque removal values of the coated implants compared to uncoated implants (p < 0.01), suggesting enhanced osseointegration. The drop-casting method employed in this study is a straightforward, cost-efficient, and simple technique for coating various biomaterials onto titanium surfaces. This research lays the groundwork for further exploration of the potential benefits of using calcium hydroxide nanoparticles as titanium bone implant coatings, including their impact on bone healing, bactericidal capabilities, hemostatic potentials, and cellular activities.

Photocatalysis and irradiative TL defect center analysis studies of Cu2+ ionic ZnO nano lattice

The objective of the study is to create a series of ZnO nano powders doped with CuO using sol–gel technology in order to look into their photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation and cleaning process. XRD, BET surface area, surface morphology, chemical analysis, and FT-IR measurements have all been used to look at the nano powders' structure from this point of view. The results suggest that the materials were made at the nanoscale level, and their hexagonal shape makes them good as catalytic nano resources. Photoluminescence and UV–visible diffusion reflection spectroscopy were also used to test the nano powders. The results show that the nano powders that were made are visually active. To find out how photocatalytic the nanoparticles are, they were used to break down CR (10 ppm) and MV (10 ppm) dyes when exposed to light. The nano powder with 1.0 mol% of CuO doped ZnO nanoparticles had the highest photocatalytic efficiency (86 %). It had a band gap energy of 3.15 eV and reacted with both dyes for 90 min. Researchers looked at radical scavengers and the effect of catalyst dose on how well they broke down substances. The reaction that broke down had pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the rate of the reaction was four times faster when 1.0 mol% Cu was added to the ZnO catalyst. The degradation efficiency only dropped by 1 % after three rounds of the process. Because of this, the 1.0 mol% Cu-ZnO was used as a photocatalyst that broke down textile dyes well and had a lot of promise to be used again. The samples were also checked for thermoluminescence while they were exposed to 25 kGy of gamma radiation. Samples were tested for their trap depth characteristics, indicating the test samples' potential for TL activity.

Molecular insights into oil detachment from hydrophobic quartz surfaces in clay-hosted nanopores during steam–surfactant co-injection

Thermal recovery techniques for producing oil sands have substantial environmental impacts. Surfactants can efficiently improve thermal bitumen recovery and reduce the required amount of steam. Such a technique requires solid knowledge about the interaction mechanism between surfactants, bitumen, water, and rock at the nanoscale level. In particular, oil sands ores have extremely complex mineralogy as they contain many clay minerals (montmorillonite, illite, kaolinite). In this study, molecular dynamics simulation is carried out to elucidate the unclear mechanisms of clay minerals contributing to the bitumen recovery under a steam–anionic surfactant co-injection process. We found that the clay content significantly influenced an oil detachment process from hydrophobic quartz surfaces. Results reveal that the presence of montmorillonite, illite, and the siloxane surface of kaolinite in nanopores can enhance the oil detachment process from the hydrophobic surfaces because surfactant molecules have a stronger tendency to interact with bitumen and quartz. Conversely, the gibbsite surfaces of kaolinite curb the oil detachment process. Through interaction energy analysis, the siloxane surfaces of kaolinite result in the most straightforward oil detachment process. In addition, we found that the clay type presented in nanopores affected the wettability of the quartz surfaces. The quartz surfaces associated with the gibbsite surfaces of kaolinite show the strongest hydrophilicity. By comparing previous experimental findings with the results of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we observed consistent wetting characteristics. This alignment serves to validate the reliability of the simulation outcomes. The outcome of this paper makes up for the lack of knowledge of a surfactant-assisted bitumen recovery process and provides insights for further in-situ bitumen production engineering designs.

Nano Revolution: Smart Therapeutics Unleash with Nanomaterials

Nanotechnology explores substances and technologies organized at the nanoscale level, measuring one billionth of a meter in at least one dimension. This field of study encompasses both science and engineering1. At these scales, the individual molecules and interacting groups of molecules play a crucial role in determining the bulk macroscopic properties of materials or devices. The ability to manage the fundamental molecular structure grants control over the macroscopic chemical and physical properties2. In the realms of physiology and medicine, there are intriguing applications involving substances and tools designed to precisely interact with the body at subcellular or molecular dimensions. These advancements hold promise for targeted interventions and therapies, ushering in a new era of precision medicine. This may result in tailored, tissue- and cell-specific clinical applications that aim to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse consequences. The scientific and technological dimensions of nanotechnology, are accompanied by an exploration of potential therapeutic applications. It is essential to recognize that nanotechnology does not exist in isolation; rather, it emerges from the synergistic convergence of established disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, and materials science. This interdisciplinary approach provides the foundational knowledge necessary for advancing these cutting-edge technologies.

Compact homogeneous Si/SiC/C in-situ nanocomposite microspheres as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Compact homogeneous Si/SiC/C in-situ nanocomposite microspheres are synthesized by a procedure consisted of sol-gel, air calcination and magnesiothermic reduction processes. The components of Si, C, and SiC are all generated in situ and have the advantages of high dispersion and uniform distribution at the nanoscale level, which can maximize the conductivity and structural stability of nanocomposite microspheres when used as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. A series of samples with different compositions and morphologies are obtained by controlling the temperature in the air calcination step. Electrochemical tests reveal that the sample with the best comprehensive performance delivers an initial coulombic efficiency of 79.1 %, a reversible specific capacity of 1513 mAh g−1, and a capacity retention of 87.8 % after 200 cycles. The significantly enhanced electrochemical performance relative to the pure Si sample composed of irregular nanoparticles confirms that the method of synthesizing compact homogeneous materials through in-situ means is highly effective and promising for the fabrication of high-performance electrode materials.

Abstract 3759: First clinical evidence of the tissue nanomechanical signature as a novel diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer

Abstract Introduction: Complex structural remodelling of cells and extracellular matrix during cancer initiation and progression elicit substantial biomechanical alterations, which can be measured by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) at the nanoscale level. Clinical and translational evidence indicates that tissue nanomechanical signature (NS) can be a useful tool for rapid cancer diagnosis, and assessment of cancer aggressiveness. We demonstrated that the AFM-based Automated and Reliable Tissue Diagnostics (ARTIDIS) platform represents a valid method for rapid diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment response assessment in patients with breast cancer. Here we aimed to use this platform to examine tumour biopsies from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients for the first time. Methods: This is an ongoing, single center study at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and University of Barcelona (UHB) Spain, aiming to enroll 75 patients by January 2024 in the first phase, followed by 200 patients in the expansion phase. To date, 54 matching tumor and non-tumor fresh tissue biopsies were taken by experienced pathologists from fresh surgical resection specimens from 27 patients with previously diagnosed NSCLC. Tissue biopsies were measured with the ARTIDIS device in a blinded manner, without knowing the malignancy status of the biopsy. Routine clinico-pathologic parameters have been collected. The multiparametric nanomechanical signature has been analyzed in an automated manner using the proprietary AI-based ARTIDISNET software platform together with available clinico-pathologic parameters. Results: In total, the NSCLC tissue samples included 16 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 6 Adenocarcinoma (ADC), 1 large cell carcinoma (LCC) and 4 other histological subtypes. Non-tumor tissues exhibited significantly varied composition, including normal lung parenchyma, bronchial tissues, fibrosis and inflammatory changes. Among the 27 patients, 5 patients developed distant progression within 12 months after ARTIDIS measurements. Results analysis showed that the ARTIDIS NS can reliably differentiate malignant NSCLC lesions from non-tumor lung tissue, with a sensitivity of 0.84, specificity of 0.81, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.79, negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.86 and accuracy of 0.82. In addition, the ARTIDIS NS can differentiate patients with and without distant progression with a sensitivity of 0.62, specificity of 0.81, PPV of 0.42, NPV of 0.90 and accuracy of 0.77. Conclusions: Here we demonstrated first clinical evidence of the ARTIDIS tissue NS as a novel diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with NSCLC. This study aims to establish the diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive NS in patients NSCLC. In addition to local expansion at the UHB, study results will be further validated in ARTIDIS clinical program at MD Anderson Cancer Centre, USA. Citation Format: Jordi Alcaraz, Héctor Sanz-Fraile, Elba Marin, Paula Gausa Busquets, Kate Neal, Marselina Arshakyan, Marc Rico, Marc Boada, David Sanchez, Reinier Oropesa Nunez, Gitika Srivastava, Ahmed Jizawi, Sara Nizzero, Tobias Appenzeller, Mariam Gachechiladze, Marko Loparic, Marija Plodinec, Noemi Reguart. First clinical evidence of the tissue nanomechanical signature as a novel diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3759.

Abstract 6394: Tissue nanomechanical signature predicts response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer

Abstract Background: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is increasingly used in patients with breast cancer. However, predicting response to NACT remains a challenge in everyday clinical practice. Increasing (pre)- and clinical evidence demonstrate the importance of cancer biomechanics in mediating therapy response. We and others have previously demonstrated that complex biomechanical alterations in cancer tissues, can be measured by the Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) at the nanoscale level. Incorporating AFM measurements of clinical biopsies within standard of care is thus a promising avenue to leverage tissue mechanics as prognostic and predictive biomarker for solid cancers. Methods: Fresh clinical biopsy samples from 545 breast cancer patients were measured using the AFM-based Automated and Reliable Tissue Diagnostics (ARTIDIS) investigational device - ART-1. Measurements were performed on baseline biopsies within routine clinical workflow in the Breast Clinic, University Hospital Basel. This cohort comprises 30 patients who received NACT including: anthracycline and/or taxane based chemo (n=17), and anthracycline and/or taxane with platinum chemo (n=13). Study endpoints were radiological complete response (rCR) prior and pathological complete response (pCR) after surgery. Multiparametric nnanomechanical signature data has been analyzed in an automated manner using the proprietary ARTIDISNET software platform. Results: From the 30 patients who received NACT, 12 patients presented with rCR, 17 patients presented with rPR, and 1 patient presented with rNR. pCR has been achieved only in 9 patients. In this study, he ARTIDIS nanomechanical signature of response to NACT in breast cancer showed 100% negative predictive value (NPV) and 89% positive predictive value (PPV), with 93% of accuracy for patients receiving chemotherapy, independent of molecular subtype or treatment regimen. Sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 85% (AUC=0.91). Conclusion: ARTIDIS nanomechanical signature can be seamlessly integrated within clinical settings to predict response to standard of care NACT in patients with breast cancer in a prospective manner. These results are currently being validated in a global, multicentre prospective study in breast cancer (ANGEL, NCT06085833), enrolling in total 2706 patients, with the aim to support implementation of the ARTIDIS nanomechanical signature into routine clinical practice. Citation Format: Mariam Gachechiladze, Sara Nizzero, Tobias Appenzeller, Leonie Briner, Rosemarie Burian, Sabine Schädelin, Simone Muenst-Soysal, Tatjana Vlaijnic, Ellen Obermann, Sophie Dellas, Serafino Forte, Zlatko Marušić, Ahmed Jizawi, Papa Diogop Ndiaye, Philipp Oertle, Gregory Zaugg, Marko Loparic, Marija Plodinec. Tissue nanomechanical signature predicts response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6394.

Revolutionizing Technology with Spintronics: Devices and Their Transformative Applications

The scaling of metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) for data storing and logic circuit operation has reached a critical point, beyond which further scaling poses various secondary issues. These problems include short channel effects, hot carrier effects (HCEs), and reliability concerns. However, a promising alternative called spintronics has recently emerged as a highly exciting technology. Spintronics considers both the charge and spin of electrons in device operations and offers superior properties compared to MOSFETs.Researchers have reported numerous spintronics devices that exhibit significant potential in memory and logic circuits when integrated with complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. These devices not only possess excellent scalability but also consume less power than MOSFETs at the nano-scale level. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current state, future prospects, and challenges associated with spintronics devices.

The conductivity effect of the top coating on optical properties of thin Cu(Ag)-layered structures

This study examines the optical properties of thin Cu (Ag)-layered structures covered with protective layers based on graphene, titanium (TiO2), or aluminium (Al2O3) oxides. The objective is to investigate the impact of these coatings on the optical behaviors of underlying metallic layers, specifically in the spectral range of excitation of surface plasmon resonances. Combining the methods of spectroreflectometry and spectro-ellipsometry was used to analyze the optical characteristics of the hybrid metal-oxide-graphene films. The study shows that graphene, due to its exceptional electrical conductivity and unique optoelectronic properties, significantly modifies the optical behavior of investigated structures. It includes notable changes in refractive and absorption indices, and optical conductivity indicating potential for enhancing light-matter interactions in plasmonic-graphene layered structures with the aim to apply as biosensor. It is important that addition of TiO2 and Al2O3 layers has also strong effects on the optical properties, which are relevant to their respective applications in the fields of optoelectronics and microelectronics. Employing the effective medium approximation and the Tauc–Lorentz model promotes deeper understanding the interplay between interband and intraband electronic transitions at the nanoscale level. It was revealed that the layer thickness of constituted materials and their individual dielectric functions together with addition of a graphene monolayer commit the significance for altering the optical properties of hybrid layered structures. The obtained results are important for the fields of plasmonics and nanotechnology, providing insights for designing sensors and devices with improved optical characteristics.

Molecular mapping of neuronal architecture using STORM microscopy and new fluorescent probes for SMLM imaging.

Imaging neuronal architecture has been a recurrent challenge over the years, and the localization of synaptic proteins is a frequent challenge in neuroscience. To quantitatively detect and analyze the structure of synapses, we recently developed free SODA software to detect the association of pre and postsynaptic proteins. To fully take advantage of spatial distribution analysis in complex cells, such as neurons, we also selected some new dyes for plasma membrane labeling. Using Icy SODA plugin, we could detect and analyze synaptic association in both conventional and single molecule localization microscopy, giving access to a molecular map at the nanoscale level. To replace those molecular distributions within the neuronal three-dimensional (3D) shape, we used MemBright probes and 3D STORM analysis to decipher the entire 3D shape of various dendritic spine types at the single-molecule resolution level. We report here the example of synaptic proteins within neuronal mask, but these tools have a broader spectrum of interest since they can be used whatever the proteins or the cellular type. Altogether with SODA plugin, MemBright probes thus provide the perfect toolkit to decipher a nanometric molecular map of proteins within a 3D cellular context.

Azolla Pinnata: Sustainable Floating Oil Cleaner of Water Bodies.

Various plant-based materials effectively absorb oil contaminants at the water/air interface. These materials showcase unparalleled efficiency in purging oil contaminants, encompassing rivers, lakes, and boundless oceans, positioning them as integral components of environmental restoration endeavors. In addition, they are biodegradable, readily available, and eco-friendly, thus making them a preferable choice over traditional oil cleaning materials. This study explores the phenomenal properties of the floating Azolla fern (Azolla pinnata), focusing on its unique hierarchical leaf surface design at both the microscale and nanoscale levels. These intricate structures endow the fern with exceptional characteristics, including superhydrophobicity, high water adhesion, and remarkable oil or organic solvent absorption capabilities. Azolla's leaf surface exhibits a rare combination of dual wettability, where hydrophilic spots on a superhydrophobic base enable the pinning of water droplets, even when positioned upside-down. This extraordinary property, known as the parahydrophobic state, is rare in floating plants, akin to the renowned Salvinia molesta, setting Azolla apart as a natural wonder. Submerged in water, Azolla leaves excel at absorbing light oils at the air-water interface, demonstrating a notable ability to extract high-density organic solvents. Moreover, Azolla's rapid growth, doubling in the area every 4-5 days, especially in flowing waters, positions it as a sustainable alternative to traditional synthetic oil-cleaning materials with long-term environmental repercussions. This scientific lead could pave the way for more environmentally friendly approaches to mitigate the negative impacts of oil spills and promote a cleaner water ecosystem.

Nanostructuring of Ferritic Steel: A Review on Enhanced Surface Properties Using Ultrasonic Shot Peening

Nanostructuring of ferritic stainless steel refers to the process of intentionally reducing the grain size of the material at the nanoscale level. By manipulating the microstructure of the steel, it is possible to enhance its mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. Nanostructuring can significantly improve the strength, hardness, and wear resistance of ferritic stainless steel, while still maintaining its corrosion resistance. The increased density of grain boundaries and the complex dislocation network within the nanostructured material contribute to these improved properties. Moreover, the nanostructured ferritic stainless steel exhibits enhanced thermal stability, leading to better high-temperature performance and resistance to creep deformation. The small grain size also allows for increased precipitation of secondary phases, such as carbides, nitrides, or intermetallic compounds, which can further improve the material's properties. There are several methods to achieve nanostructuring in ferritic stainless steel, such as severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques like high-pressure torsion, equal channel angular pressing, and accumulative roll bonding. These techniques impose extreme plastic deformation on the material. Leading to grain refinement below the micrometre range. Also, a novel method of surface nanostructuring ultrasonic shot peening (USP) is discussed in detail. Shot peening is a process in which small, spherical media, typically made of steel or ceramic, called "shots," are propelled onto the surface of a material at high velocities. Ultrasonic shot peening enhances the traditional shot peening process by introducing high-frequency vibrations to the shots. These vibrations are generated by an ultrasonic transducer, which is immersed in a bath of shots and liquid. The vibrations are transmitted through the liquid to the shots, causing them to collide with the surface of the ferritic steel at even higher velocities and energy levels than in traditional shot peening. In summary, nanostructuring of ferritic stainless steel offers great potential for tailoring the material's properties to meet specific application requirements, including improved strength, hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance. USP is an effective surface treatment method for ferritic steel, offering advantages in terms of fatigue life, stress corrosion cracking resistance, surface hardness, and wear resistance.

BODIPY-Based NIR Trackers with Acidity-Driven Amphiphilicity for STED Super-Resolution Imaging of Lysosomal Membranes.

Although super-resolution imaging provides a great opportunity to disclose the structures of living cells at the nanoscale level, resolving the structural details of organelles is highly dependent on the targeting accuracy and photophysical properties of fluorescence trackers. Herein, we report a series of ultrabright and photostable trackers of lysosomal membranes for super-resolution imaging using stimulated emission depletion microscopy (STED). These trackers are composed of lipophilic NIR BODIPY derivatives and ionizable tertiary amines. This structural feature enables accurate targeting of the lysosomal membrane through the formation of transient amphiphilicity driven by the acidity in the lysosome. As a representative, Lyso-700 is applied for STED-based super-resolution imaging of the lysosomal membrane of living macrophages. By use of Lyso-700, the interaction details between lysosomes of macrophages and fungi are visualized. Overall, these trackers display great potential as advanced lysosome trackers and merit further evaluation for lysosome-related studies.

Insights into uranium sequestration by coal fly-ash-derived zeolites: Understanding via wet chemistry, and advanced spectroscopies

The operation of nuclear power plants requires a supply of nuclear fuel where uranium plays a substantial role as a primary fissile material. Its extraction from U-bearing minerals and handling may cause a leakage of heavily toxic radioactive pollution, which ends up in water bodies and soil. Therefore, tackling U-contaminated water is crucial to preserve water integrity and quality. Zeolites are known as profound ion exchangers with great affinity towards cationic species present in polluted waters. Various zeolite synthesis routes have made this group of aluminosilicates even more promising to be applied as water purification materials. Here, the synthetic gismondite, faujasite, and Linde type-A zeolites from coal fly-ash were synthesized via tailored, coupled fusion-hydrothermal method and applied to remove aqueous uranium (primarily as 238U) under varying pH, time (sorption kinetics), and initial U concentrations (sorption isotherms). The maximum U uptake was observed for Na–P1 (GIS) zeolite, which equals 48.72 mg U/g, the highest reported value on maximum U adsorption capacity for zeolitic materials. The U adsorption kinetics showed that equilibrium is reached after approximately 3 h of adsorption and that the removal process follows a Freundlich isothermal model for all zeolites, thus preferential adsorption onto heterogeneous surfaces. Advanced spectroscopic studies, including laboratory-scale X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy with synchrotron light X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure in High Energy Resolution Fluorescence Detection mode, revealed that at acidic pH, predominantly an ion exchange between Na+ ions with hexavalent uranyl species takes place. In contrast, in the neutral pH region, the U is immobilized via precipitation in the form of μm-scale mineral aggregates of Na-schoepite: Na[(UO2)4O2(OH)5](H2O)5↓. The outcomes of the research study has demonstrated that synthetic zeolites, obtained from industrial by-products such as coal fly-ash, can be successfully valorized to efficient U adsorbents while unveiling the insights to understand the zeolites/U interactions at the nanoscale level.

Customizing the luminescent properties of compositionally disordered ceramics (Gd, Y, Yb, Tb, Ce)3Al2Ga3O12: From an ultra-fast scintillator to bright, wide-spectrum phosphor

A series of (Gd, Y, Yb, Tb, Ce)3Al2Ga3O12 compositionally disordered compounds with a garnet structure were prepared in the form of ceramics by sintering in oxygen at 1650 °C for 2 h and studied for the luminescent properties and interaction of ions entering the matrix host. The luminescence features of Ce3+ ions were found to be strongly dependent on the Yb concentration. Photoluminescence and scintillation kinetics are characterized by subnanosecond kinetics when the Yb index in the compound exceeds X = 0.3. It opens an opportunity to create an extremely fast and dense scintillation material emitting in a visible range. A further decrease in the Yb index in the compound leads to an increase in the intensity of Yb3+ infrared (IR) emission, whereas Ce3+ and Tb3+ ions contribute to the luminosity of the material by overlapping intra- and intereconfiguration luminescence bands in the spectral range of 300–700 nm. This finding opens an opportunity to create converter materials tolerant to the corpuscular radiation of isotope sources, providing a high efficiency of electric current production when coupled with a silicon photovoltaic element. The compounds were engineered at the nanoscale level, providing control over electronic excitation transfer between luminescent ions.

Review on Nanotechnology in Cosmetics and Dermatology

Nanotechnology is a cutting-edge technology that involves the manipulation of atoms and molecules on a microscopic scale. The cosmetic industry was the first to embrace this technology in their product development, and it has since become one of the most widely-used and capable technologies of the 21st century. It is a safe and effective method for creating innovative drug delivery systems. Nanomaterials, which contain active substances, carriers, and aids, are used in the development of haircare, oral care, and dermatological products that aim to enhance the user’s appearance. The cosmetic industry uses various types of nanomaterials, such as nanosomes, fullerenes, liposomes, ectosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles. Due to the superior qualities of atoms at the nanoscale level, nanotechnology is increasingly being utilized in the fields of cosmetics and dermatology. Overall, nanotechnology is an excellent option for improving the quality of cosmetic products. Its effectiveness and safety have been proven, making it an indispensable tool in modern product development.

Analyzing the Effect of Magnetic Drag Force on Carbon Nanotubes Suspended in Casson Fluid Within Parallel Surfaces with Heat Diffusion and Rate of Molar Reaction: An Analytical Approach

The study of hydromagnetic CNTs of Casson fluids in Poiseuille flow has significant implications for various industries and can provide valuable insights into the fundamental properties, such as viscosity and conductivity of these fluids. They can improve the heat transfer properties of fluids and enhance the overall efficiency of thermal systems and the presence of CNTs can induce a magnetic field in the fluid. The main goal of using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in Poiseuille flow is to enhance the fluid flow properties, such as viscosity, thermal conductivity, and heat transfer and the novelty of CNTs in Poiseuille flow lies in their ability to modify the fluid flow properties by altering the structure of the fluid at the nanoscale level. The use of CNTs in Poiseuille flow has gained attention due to their unique mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. An analytical approach to the investigation of heat transmission in hydro-magnetic forces of natural convective flow of Casson-fluid in a Poiseuille flow implanted by Darcian regime on Carbon Nanotubes with the impacts of magnetic field, heat generation, diffusion thermo, porosity, radiation and first order chemical reaction is presented. In this research, dual solutions are introduced for single-wall and multiple-wall carbon nanotubes over velocity and temperature of nanofluid by the application of various physical and they are elaborated via plane curves. The base fluid is considered for the CNTs as Engine oil. Validity of this model has established by comparing with the available previous literature and is found acceptable agreement with it. In the present study, it is found that the fluctuation in radiation and heat generation plays a significant role in CNTs. It is known that a rise in the Casson parameter and nanoparticle volume fraction enhances the fluid velocity. It is concluded that, the volume fraction of nanoparticles in Poiseuille flow can have a significant impact on the flow behaviour and properties of the fluid. This study has tremendous feasible applications in the areas related to biomedical sciences, water purification process, technology of fibers, nano-materials technology, storage of energy and various applications.