Nanoscale Materials Research Articles

Nanosensors: Unveiling the Invisible-Advancement in Drug Detection

Introduction Nanotechnology represents the designing, synthesis, characterization, and application of materials and devices whose size ranges in nanoscale is 1-100nm1. Which can be defined by the term, technology on the nanoscale. With the change in structure and size nanoscale material possesses distinct enhanced physiochemical properties due to dramatic changes from the bulk material to reduced material of size below 100nm2. Nanotechnology applications were first observed in Lycurgus glass and Medieval church windows which changed color in different lighting conditions due to nanoparticles with size ranges from 50-100nm. However, laureate Richard Feynman, an American physicist is considered the father of nanotechnology3. The nanoscale development has various importance involving possessing a high surface area which makes it suitable for drug delivery and other applications, it possesses numerous microscopic and macroscopic properties, and they form the combination of material science with biology, other than all the mentioned importance of nanotechnology the macroscopic materials made up of the nanoscale material possess high density which makes the nanomaterial batter conductor4. Different methods have been adopted to synthesize nanomaterials such as Top-Down Approach, Bottom-Up Approach, and Hybrid Approach3-5.

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The relevance of obtaining new samples of nanoscale materials and researching ways to control these processes is supported by constant progress in the fields of nanotechnology, semiconductors, biomedicine, wastewater treatment etc. The Fe0(Steel3)-H2O-O2 system, which is considered promising for use in the specified industries, allows both obtaining a number of nanoscale phases of iron oxygen-containing compounds (IOCs), in particular magnetite, cobalt ferrous ferrite, iron(III) hydroxide oxides, and controlling these processes due to changes in the physicochemical conditions of the process. Taking into account the permanent change in the specified system of phase composition on the metal surface, the method of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was applied using the created additional device for the goniometric attachment GP-13 for the in situ study of IOCs formation processes on the surface of a steel disc in the system Fe0(St3)-H2O-O2. This made it possible to investigate the mechanisms and optimal conditions for the formation of individual ultradisperse and nanosized phases of IOCs under a number of physicochemical conditions. By calculating the area under the characteristic peaks on the in situ XRD patterns, quantitative ratios of IOCs formed under certain physicochemical conditions were found, and the average size of crystallites was calculated according to Scherer's formula, which provided additional information for the analysis of IOCs formation mechanisms. Along with this, the method of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the XRD without an additional in situ device were used. Based on the analysis of the obtained kinetic regularities, conclusions were made about the formation of IOCs by the formation of iron (II-III) hydroxycarbonate and hydroxysulfate layered double hydroxides I and II types, followed by their transformation to the final nanoscale phases of magnetite, cobalt ferrous ferrite, and iron(III) hydroxide oxides. The formation and accumulation of ferrous hydroxide phase was not recorded by the XRD in situ, however, in the Fe0(St3)-H2O-O2 system, the formation of iron (II-III) layered double hydroxides based on its monolayers is not excluded. The preference of carbonate anions over chloride anions in the formation processes of iron layered double hydroxides is shown.

Effect of Precursors Concentration on The Optical and Photoelectrochemical Properties of Bi₂S₃/TiO₂ Nanotubes Arrays Photoanode Synthesized by the SILAR Technique

The use of robust solar energy-driven photocatalysis materials to address the global energy and environmental crisis has gained significant attention in recent years. However, the wide band gaps in many robust semiconductor photocatalysts hinder their absorption of visible light from the solar spectrum. To address this issue, the modification of the large band gap semiconductor with the lower band gap material using the Successive Ionic Layers Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) technique has emerged as an economical, accessible, and reproducible method for depositing nanoscale materials onto semiconductor substrates. This research aims to know how the concentration variation of cation and anion precursors in the SILAR technique affects the optical and photoelectrochemical properties of the resulting composite materials. Bi₂S₃ serves as a modifier for TiO₂ nanotube arrays (NTAs). The result shows that the cation-anion concentration ratio of 1:1.5 mM with five SILAR cycles gives the best photoelectrochemical performance, with a stable current density of 0.12 mA/cm², compared to pristine TiO₂ NTAs the current density of Bi₂S₃/TiO₂ NTAs is 15-fold. In addition, at each variation, the concentration ratio of cation and anion precursors decreases bandgap energy with each increase in the SILAR cycle.

Synthesis of NiCrAlY nano-scale powder by high-energy ball milling process for thermal spray coating application

These days, during the issues of climate change, there has been a shift in the energy industry from using fossil fuels to more environmentally friendly fuels such as biomass fuels. Biomass fuel is considered CO2 neutral because the carbon produced during combustion in the form of CO2 emissions can be used for new plant growth. However, besides the advantages of using biomass fuel, a problem arises when biomass fuel contains a high concentration of corrosive agents, which can be released along with hot fuel gas. These corrosive agents can damage the boiler components. Coating technology is one of the solutions to protect components that work at high temperatures against the corrosion threat. One type of coating that can be used in high-temperature applications is NiCrAlY coating by the high-velocity oxide (HVOF) process. One interesting topic that people are developing is using nano-scale coating to increase the coating’s resistance against hot corrosion and cracking. Nano-scale powder feedstock is needed to produce nano-scale coating material. In this research, top-down method is used to synthesis nano-scale powder. One of top down method, the high-energy ball milling processs, is a promising method to synthesize nano-scale powder material. Therefore, in this research, the ball milling process is used to prepare nano-scale product. The results showed that this method was successful to make the nano-scale powder. The nano-scale powder was characterized by several methods to investigate the morphology and properties of the powders. However, there are still many challenges in producing nano-scale powder that meets HVOF feedstock powder requirements. In the long run, it is expected that this research can answer those challenges so that at the end, the good quality of nano-scale powder can be achieved

Nano-Based Approaches in Surface Modifications of Dental Implants: A Literature Review.

Rehabilitation of fully or partially edentulous patients with dental implants represents one of the most frequently used surgical procedures. The work of Branemark, who observed that a piece of titanium embedded in rabbit bone became firmly attached and difficult to remove, introduced the concept of osseointegration and revolutionized modern dentistry. Since then, an ever-growing need for improved implant materials towards enhanced material-tissue integration has emerged. There is a strong belief that nanoscale materials will produce a superior generation of implants with high efficiency, low cost, and high volume. The aim of this review is to explore the contribution of nanomaterials in implantology. A variety of nanomaterials have been proposed as potential candidates for implant surface customization. They can have inherent antibacterial properties, provide enhanced conditions for osseointegration, or act as reservoirs for biomolecules and drugs. Titania nanotubes alone or in combination with biological agents or drugs are used for enhanced tissue integration in dental implants. Regarding immunomodulation and in order to avoid implant rejection, titania nanotubes, graphene, and biopolymers have successfully been utilized, sometimes loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and extracellular vesicles. Peri-implantitis prevention can be achieved through the inherent antibacterial properties of metal nanoparticles and chitosan or hybrid coatings bearing antibiotic substances. For improved corrosion resistance various materials have been explored. However, even though these modifications have shown promising results, future research is necessary to assess their clinical behavior in humans and proceed to widespread commercialization.

Iron Oxide-Doped Carbon Nanoparticles Stabilised with Functionally Modified Hyperbranched Polyglycerol for Cd2+ Sensing and Photodynamic Antibacterial Therapeutic Applications.

Nanoscale materials are being developed from individual particles to multi-component assemblies, with carbon nanomaterials being particularly useful in bioimaging, sensing, and optoelectronics due to their unique optical properties, enhanced by surface passivation and chemical doping. Noble metals are commonly used in conjunction with carbon-based nanomaterials for the synthesis of nanohybrids. Carbon-based materials can function as photosensitizers and effective carriers in photodynamic therapy, enabling the use of combined treatment approaches. The hydrophobicity and agglomeration tendency of carbon nanoparticles pose a drawback. This study is an attempt to overcome these limitations, which involved the synthesis of iron oxide-doped carbon nanoparticles through the carbonisation of citric acid and hexamethylene tetramine, followed by doping them with iron oxide. The as synthesized iron oxide-doped carbon nanoparticles were stabilised with fluorescently modified hyperbranched polyglycerol. The efficacy of these nanoparticles in photodynamic antibacterial therapy and Cd (II) ion sensing was investigated. The selectivity of stabilised nanoparticles against Cd2+ ion is presented in the current study. The current study also compares the antibacterial efficacy of undoped, iron oxide-doped and stabilised nanoparticle systems. The possible toxic effects of the synthesised nanosystems were investigated in order to assess their suitability for biomedical applications and establish their safety profile.

Diffusion-Mediated Superelongation in Metal Nanorods.

We report insitu electron microscopy observation of the superelongation deformation of low-melting-point metal nanorods. Specifically, metal nanorods with diameters as small as 143nm can undergo uniform stretching by an extraordinary 786% at ∼0.87T_{m} without necking. Moreover, the corresponding fracture stress exhibits a pronounced size effect. By combining experimental observations with molecular dynamic simulations, a crystal-core-liquid-shell structure is revealed, based on which a constitutive model that incorporates diffusion creep mechanism and surface tension effect is developed to rationalize the findings. This study not only establishes a pioneering reference for comprehending the diffusion-dominated constitutive response of nanoscale materials but also has substantial implications for strategic design and processing of metals in high-temperature applications.

Energy-Conserving Surface Hopping for Auger Processes.

Auger-type processes are ubiquitous in nanoscale materials because quantum confinement enhances Coulomb interactions, and there exist large densities of states. Modeling Auger processes requires the modification of nonadiabatic (NA) molecular dynamics algorithms to include transitions caused by both NA and Coulomb couplings. The system is split into quantum and classical subsystems, e.g., electrons and vibrations, and as a result, energy conservation becomes nontrivial. In surface hopping, an electronic transition induced by NA coupling is accompanied by a classical velocity readjustment to ensure conservation of the total quantum-classical energy. A different treatment is needed for Auger transitions driven by Coulomb interactions. We develop a nonadiabatic molecular dynamics methodology that meticulously differentiates the energy redistribution accompanying hops induced by the NA coupling and the Coulomb interaction and correctly conserves the total energy at each transition. If the transition is driven by a Coulomb interaction, the hop energy is redistributed within the quantum electronic subsystem only. If the transition is NA, the energy is redistributed between the quantum and classical subsystems. Properly maintaining energy conservation for both types of transitions is crucial to generate a correct order of events, obtain accurate transition times, maintain a proper statistical distribution of state populations, and reach thermodynamic equilibrium. We test the method with biexciton annihilation and Auger-assisted hot electron relaxation in a CdSe quantum dot. The sequence of Auger and phonon-driven processes and the calculated time scales are in excellent agreement with the experimental results. The developed approach can be coupled with any surface-hopping method and provides a crucial practical advance to study charge-carrier dynamics in the nanoscale and condensed matter systems.

Design and Optimization of Mechano transduction Sensors for effective analysis of proteins with Robotic interference

Méchano transduction sensors convert mechanical inputs into electrical signals, allowing robots to detect and interact with their environments in various bio-imaging applications. Current bio-sensor systems have some drawbacks that prevent them from being widely used in robotic applications. These include low sensitivity, short durability, and expensive manufacturing costs regarding picture prediction and categorization. To overcome these obstacles and improve robotic mechanotransduction sensors for efficient protein analysis, this work suggests Unique Sensor Fabrication Techniques (USFT). These methods enhance sensor performance in protein analysis while keeping costs low and scalability high via integrating complex micro- and nano-scale materials and architectures. In comparison to traditional sensor designs, comprehensive evaluations based on predefined parametric criteria show significant improvements in areas such as sensitivity, response time, and predictability in protein biomolecules. In addition, assessments of scalability and manufacturability point to the possibility of widespread use in robotic systems for protein categorization and prediction. In bioimaging applications, this study helps advance sensor technology for reliable and efficient robot-environment interaction.

Unveiling Trends: Nanoscale Materials Shaping Emerging Biomedical Applications.

The realm of biomedical materials continues to evolve rapidly, driven by innovative research across interdisciplinary domains. Leveraging big data from the CAS Content Collection, this study employs quantitative analysis through natural language processing (NLP) to identify six emerging areas within nanoscale materials for biomedical applications. These areas encompass self-healing, bioelectronic, programmable, lipid-based, protein-based, and antibacterial materials. Our Nano Focus delves into the multifaceted utilization of nanoscale materials in these domains, spanning from augmenting physical and electronic properties for interfacing with human tissue to facilitating intricate functionalities like programmable drug delivery.

Cu/Mo/NGs composites: Multilayer interconnected spatial net structure enhanced the mechanical properties

This study addresses the urgent problem of developing high-performance metal-based conductor materials capable of adapting to complex working environments. A novel method, called Accumulative Hot Pressing Roll Bonding (AHRB), is proposed for fabricating Cu/Mo/NGs multilayer composite materials. Through repetitive cold rolling and hot-pressing operations, nanoscale metal-based layered materials with thicknesses in the range of hundreds of nanometers are successfully obtained. This material features a multilayered interconnected net structure with Mo2C as the core and CuMo alloy as the framework. The layers are dislocated and connected to each other. The mechanical properties of the materials are significantly improved due to heterogeneous strengthening and grain refinement. The material achieves a tensile strength of 854 MPa, while the conductivity remains stable between 55% ∼ 60% IACS. The reaction between NGs and Mo leads to the formation of an Mo2C interface, while the hot-pressing operation promotes the formation of a CuMo diffusion interface. These two interfaces enhance the interlayer forces of the composites, thereby improving the material's integrity. The investigation of Cu/Mo/NGs multilayer composite materials presents a novel approach for alloying refractory metals Mo and Cu, offering promising prospects for future engineering applications.

A Series of Endohedral Metallo-BN Fullerene Superatomic Structures.

Superatoms are crucial in the assembly of functional and optoelectronic materials. This study investigates the endohedral metallo-boron nitride [boron nitride (BN)] fullerenes U@B12N12, Cm@B12N12, and U@B16N16 in theory. Our findings confirm that U@B12N12, Cm@B12N12, and U@B16N16 are superatoms and their electronic configurations are 1P61S21D101F142P62S22D102F123P6, 1P61S21D101F141G161H162S22P62D102F12, and 1P61S21D101F142P62S22D102F14, respectively. Notably, the orbital energy levels in these superatoms exhibit a flipping phenomenon, deviating from those of previous superatom studies. Further, the orbital composition analyses reveal that superatomic orbitals 1S, 1P, 1D, and 1F mainly originate from BN cages, whereas the 2S, 2P, 2D, 2F, and 3P superatomic orbitals arise from hybridizations between BN cage orbitals and the 7s, 7p, 6d, and 5f orbitals of actinide atoms. And the energy gap of endohedral metallo-BN fullerene superatoms is reduced by introducing actinide atoms. Additionally, the analyses of ionization potentials and electron affinities show that U@B12N12, Cm@B12N12, and U@B16N16 have lower ionization potentials and higher electron affinities, suggesting decreased stability compared to that of pure BN cages. This instability may be linked to the observed flipping of the superatomic orbital energy levels. These insights introduce new members to the superatom family and offer new building blocks for the design of nanoscale materials with tailored properties.

Au@AgPt core/cage nanoframes as photothermal catalyst for enhanced NIR-induced 4-nitrophenol reduction

The selection and optimization of catalysts have been a subject of considerable research interest in recent decades. Bimetallic and multimetallic nanocatalysts, comprised of plasmonic and catalytic components, have recently emerged as a promising approach to achieving high catalytic performance due to synergistic effects. In this study, an Au@AgPt core/cage nanoframe has been successfully fabricated. It features a controllable hollow silver-platinum alloy nanoframe with an in-built plasmonic gold nanorod, serving as a plasmon-enhanced photothermal catalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). This well-designed trimetallic nanostructure exhibits a unique core-cage nanoframes structure and surface roughness, offering advantages in both composition and structure. The LSPR-excited local heating effect and hot-electron generation, as well as the intrinsic catalytic active sites, work synergistically and are highly beneficial for temperature-sensitive reaction of 4-NP reduction. Experimental results have shown that the optimized nanocatalysts of Au@AgPt-4, featuring an optimal Pt content and robust photothermal performance, display stable photothermal catalytic properties and the best photothermal catalytic performance compared with other nanostructures, completing the reduction reaction within approximately one minute. This study provides a rational design of nanoscale materials with plasma-enhanced properties, which can help to inspire further catalyst design and optimization.

In Situ Generation of Nanoparticles on and within Polymeric Materials.

It is well-established that the structural, morphological and performance characteristics of nanoscale materials critically depend upon the dispersion state of the nanofillers that is, in turn, largely determined by the preparation protocol. In this report, we review synthetic strategies that capitalise on the in situ generation of nanoparticles on and within polymeric materials, an approach that relies on the chemical transformation of suitable precursors to functional nanoparticles synchronous with the build-up of the nanohybrid systems. This approach is distinctively different compared to standard preparation methods that exploit the dispersion of preformed nanoparticles within the macromolecular host and presents advantages in terms of time and cost effectiveness, environmental friendliness and the uniformity of the resulting composites. Notably, the in situ-generated nanoparticles tend to nucleate and grow on the active sites of the macromolecular chains, showing strong adhesion on the polymeric host. So far, this strategy has been explored in fabrics and membranes comprising metallic nanoparticles (silver, gold, platinum, copper, etc.) in relation to their antimicrobial and antifouling applications, while proof-of-concept demonstrations for carbon- and silica-based nanoparticles as well as titanium oxide-, layered double hydroxide-, hectorite-, lignin- and hydroxyapatite-based nanocomposites have been reported. The nanocomposites thus prepared are ideal candidates for a broad spectrum of applications such as water purification, environmental remediation, antimicrobial treatment, mechanical reinforcement, optical devices, etc.

Nanofabrication and Sensing Technology: from the Interface‐Mediated Mechanism Point‐of‐View

AbstractIn recent years, the field of sensing technology has experienced notable advancements, where sensing devices have emerged as pivotal tools in enhancing operational efficiency, cutting costs, and bolstering security across diverse sectors. In this context, the preparation of nanoscale materials and structures, including colloidal particle synthesis and lithographic structure fabrication will be discussed. The significance of managing the interface environment in sensor designs, with nanofabrication advancements enabling the development of innovative sensing devices, is highlighted. Control over the interface environment is argued not only dictates the capability of sensor designs but also opens avenues for next‐generation sensor fabrication and integration. By focusing on the interface‐mediated mechanism, this approach offers a comprehensive roadmap of this research area, its challenges and potential solutions, and prospective opportunities.

Current Aspects of Nanotechnology Based Healing Approaches for Diabetic Wounds

Abstract: Diabetic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge due to their chronic nature, slow healing rates, and susceptibility to infections, often leading to severe complications. Nanotechnology plays a transforming role in advancing diabetic wound repair therapies. The field of nanotechnology has shown great promise in the medical field in recent years, offering precise tools and materials at the nanoscale to address the complexities of diabetic wound management. The latest breakthroughs in nanomaterial design and fabrication showcase nanoparticles, nanofibers, and hydrogels tailored to enhance tissue regeneration, promote angiogenesis, and modulate the wound microenvironment. These engineered materials serve as versatile systems for the regulated release of cytokines and antimicrobial agents, offering a multifaceted approach to diabetic wound healing. Nanotechnology enables the growth of smart medication delivery technologies with accurate targeting and sustained delivery of medicinal substances right to the location of the wound. Prolonged injuries in hyperglycemic patients are particularly prone to infections, leading to prolonged healing times and increased morbidity. Some of the nanoscale antimicrobial agents, such as nanozyme-chitosan-derived hydrogel, silver nanoparticles, and antimicrobial peptides that exhibit potent bactericidal properties, reduce the risk of infections and associated complications. Nanosensors and advanced imaging techniques enable real-time monitoring of wound healing progress. These tools provide clinicians with valuable insights into tissue viability, inflammation levels, and treatment efficacy, facilitating timely adjustments to therapeutic regimens. This is an inclusive overview of the current state of nanotechnology for the treatment of diabetic wounds, offering insights into the promise and challenges of this innovative approach, by harnessing the unique properties of nanoscale materials and technologies.

Photocatalytic Performance of the BaSn-based Nanoscale Materials for the Organic Pollutants Enhanced by Sm (Er) Doping

Background: Sm (Er) doping is an effective strategy for enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants. BaSnbased nanorods possess wide band gap energy, which limits the photocatalytic application. It is important to research the feasibility of the improved photocatalytic performance of the BaSnbased nanorods by doping with Sm (Er). Objective: The aim is to synthesize Sm (Er)-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials through a simple hydrothermal process and research the photocatalytic performance of the Sm (Er)-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials for the gentian violet degradation. Methods: Sm (Er)-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials with a polycrystalline structure were synthesized through a simple hydrothermal process. The Sm (Er)-doped composites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, solid diffuse reflectance spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results: Sm (Er) doping induces the morphological evolution of the BaSn-based nanoscale materials from the nanorods to irregular nanoscale particles. Sm (Er) in the doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials exists in the form of the cubic Sm2Sn2O7 and orthorhombic ErF3 phases. The band gap value is decreased with increasing the Sm (Er) dopant contents. Sm (Er)-doped BnSnbased nanoscale materials with the Sm (Er) content of 8wt.% have the lowest band gap and show the strongest light absorption ability. Compared with the un-doped BaSn-based nanoscale materials, the Sm (Er)-doped BnSn-based nanoscale materials exhibit higher photocatalytic activity for the gentian violet degradation. 8wt.% Sm-doped BnSn-based nanoscale materials show the highest photocatalytic activity for the degradation of the gentian violet. 20 mL gentian violet solution (concentration of 10 mg·L-1) can be totally degraded using 20 mg 8wt.% Sm-doped BnSnbased nanoscale materials under UV light illumination for 150 min. Conclusion: The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the Sm (Er)-doped BnSn-based nanoscale materials can be attributed to the decreased band gap, enhanced light absorption ability, and decreased recombination of the photo-generated electron-hole pairs.

Theranostic aspects of palladium-based bimetallic nanoparticles in biomedical field: A state-of-the-art.

The exploration of newer antibacterial strategies is driven by antibiotic-resistant microbes that cause serious public health issues. In recent years, nanoscale materials have developed as an alternative method to fight infections. Despite the fact that many nanomaterials have been discovered to be harmful, numerous researchers have shown a keen interest in nanoparticles (NPs) made of noble metals like silver, gold and platinum. To make environmentally safe NPs from plants, green chemistry and nanotechnology have been combined to address the issue of toxicity. The study of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) has increased tremendously in the past 10 years. The production of BNPs mediated by natural extracts is straightforward, low cost and environmentally friendly. Due to their low toxicity, safety and biological stability, noble BNPs with silver, gold, platinum and palladium have the potential to be used in biomedical applications. They have a significant impact on human health and are used in medicine and pharmacy due to their biological characteristics, which include catalytic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective and regenerative activity.

Graph‐theoretical chirality measure and chirality–property relations for chemical structures with multiscale mirror asymmetries

AbstractChirality is an essential geometric property unifying small molecules, biological macromolecules, inorganic nanomaterials, biological microparticles, and many other chemical structures. Numerous chirality measures have attempted to quantify this geometric property of mirror asymmetry and to correlate these measures with physical and chemical properties. However, their utility has been widely limited because these correlations have been largely notional. Furthermore, chirality measures also require prohibitively demanding computations, especially for chiral structures comprised of thousands of atoms. Acknowledging the fundamental problems with quantification of mirror asymmetry, including the ambiguity of sign‐variable pseudoscalar chirality measures, we revisit this subject because of the significance of quantifying chirality for quantitative biomimetics and describing the chirality of nanoscale materials that display chirality continuum and scale‐dependent mirror asymmetry. We apply the concept of torsion within the framework of differential geometry to the graph theoretical representation of chiral molecules and nanostructures to address some of the fundamental problems and practical limitations of other chirality measures. Chiral gold clusters and other chiral structures are used as models to elaborate a graph‐theoretical chirality (GTC) measure, demonstrating its applicability to chiral materials with different degrees of chirality at different scales. For specific cases, we show that GTC provides an adequate description of both the sign and magnitude of mirror asymmetry. The direct correlations with macroscopic properties, such as chiroptical spectra, are enhanced by using the hybrid chirality measures combining parameters from discrete mathematics and physics. Taking molecular helices as an example, we established a direct relation between GTC and optical activity, indicating that this chirality measure can be applied to chiral metamaterials and complex chiral constructs.

Emerging trends in CDs@hydrogels composites: from materials to applications.

Carbon dots (CDs) are nanoscale carbon materials with unique optical properties and biocompatibility. Their applications are limited by their tendency to aggregate or oxidize in aqueous environments. Turning weakness to strengths, CDs can be incorporated with hydrogels, which are three-dimensional networks of crosslinked polymers that can retain large amounts of water. Hydrogels can provide a stable and tunable matrix for CDs, enhancing their fluorescence, stability, and functionality. CDs@hydrogels, known for their ease of synthesis, strong binding capabilities, and rich surface functional groups, have emerged as promising composite materials. In this review, recent advances in the synthesis and characterization of CDs@hydrogels, composite materials composed of CDs and various types of natural or synthetic hydrogels, are summarized. The potential applications of CDs@hydrogels in fluorescence sensing, adsorption, drug delivery, antibacterial activity, flexible electronics, and energy storage are also highlighted. The current challenges and future prospects of CDs@hydrogels systems for the novel functional materials are discussed.