Nanotechnology Research Research Articles

Analytical Modelling and Performance Characterization of Single Electron Transistor

One important component of the present nanotechnology research field is single electron transistor (SET) which has unrealized quality to operate at breakneck speeds with ultralow power consumption. The single electron transistor is a novel nanoscale switching device that can regulate the motion of a single electron in addition to maintaining its scalability down to the atomic level. In this context, scalability refers to the ability of electronic device to function better as their dimensions get smaller. The basic device properties that this single electron transistor (SET) operates on "quantized current-voltage (I-V) characteristic," "single electron tunneling effect," and "Coulomb blockade," are also covered. This study presents some of the key SET-related topics, such as modelling and simulation methods. Simulation of Nanostructures Method (SIMON) is circuit simulator for tunneling device with just a single electron device based on Monte Carlo approach. It enables simulation of any kind of circuits with voltage source, junctions in tunnels and capacitors in quasi stationary mode and transient mode. The most significant feature of SET that is applied in the research work is Coulomb blockade oscillation, so at the conclusion of this paper, a number of simulations utilizing the SIMON simulator are shown. The simulation results show that for gate capacitance CG = 2af, C∑ = 3af, IBIAS = 2nA, tunnel barrier resistance RT > 4.1KΩ and operating temperature T=21K the model reflects real SET characteristic with maximum voltage gain.

Nanotechnological Research for Regenerative Medicine: The Role of Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear, anionic, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan occurring in almost all body tissues and fluids of vertebrates including humans. It is a main component of the extracellular matrix and, thanks to its high water-holding capacity, plays a major role in tissue hydration and osmotic pressure maintenance, but it is also involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, inflammation, immunomodulation, and angiogenesis. Based on multiple physiological effects on tissue repair and reconstruction processes, HA has found extensive application in regenerative medicine. In recent years, nanotechnological research has been applied to HA in order to improve its regenerative potential, developing nanomedical formulations containing HA as the main component of multifunctional hydrogels systems, or as core component or coating/functionalizing element of nanoconstructs. This review offers an overview of the various uses of HA in regenerative medicine aimed at designing innovative nanostructured devices to be applied in various fields such as orthopedics, dermatology, and neurology.

Preface

This book collects papers selected from the 25th Annual Conference & 14th International Conference of the Chinese Society of Micro-Nano Technology (CSMNT2023).CSMNT2023 took place in the city of Shenzhen, China, from the 20th to the 23rd of October, 2023, which was hosted by Chinese Society of Micro-Nano Technology, and organized by Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Peking University ShenZhen Graduate School, Harbin Institute of Technology and Shenzhen Society of Micro-Nano Technology.With the topic “Magical Micro-Nano • Wonderful World”, CSMNT2023 invited scientists in micro-nano technology all over the world to discuss the state-of –the-art and the development of the micro-nano technology. The conference set up a variety of activities such as general report, session report, poster exchanging and technical exhibition. CSMNT2023 focused on new technologies, new achievements, new breakthroughs and new trends in the fields of micro and nano technology and related frontiers. Topics include, but are not limited to: Design, simulation and analysis of micro/nano devices; Micro/nanomaterials; Fabrication technologies and processes; Micro/nano detection and characterization; Micro/nano sensors; Intelligent micro-systems and so on.There are 12 top level MEMS and NANO technology researchers were invited to make plenary presentations. Also 320 invited talks were given in 33 sessions. Thanks to all the staff and CSMNT Secretary for the efforts they have made, and thanks all honored participants. Their contributions in all aspects are indispensable to the conference’s success.Thanks to IOP Publishing for their work on publishing the special volume for the selected papers of the conference. We have good experience for cooperation, and hope that we can continue this cooperation in coming conferences in the future.The 26th Annual Conference of the Chinese Society of Micro/Nano Technology and 15th International Conference of the Chinese Society of Micro/Nano Technology (CSMNT2024) will be held in September 2024, Taiyuan, China.List of Conference organising committee is available in the pdf

Preface

Preface Third International Conference on Physics of Materials & Nanotechnology (ICPN-2023) On behalf of Organizing committee, it’s my great pleasure to bring this beautiful collection of research articles which were presented in the Third International Conference on Physics of Materials and Nanotechnology (ICPN-2023) which was organized by Department of Physics, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri, Mangalore (Karnataka), India during September 21st to 23rd, 2023. This conference will serve as an ideal platform for young researchers, academician and students from all over the country as well as from the globe to share their ideas and experiences in Physics, Nanotechnology and Nano science research. This conference provided meaningful platform for young researchers to update and upgrade themselves. The main themes of the conferences Advanced Energy and Solar Materials, 1-D, 2-D and Quantum dot Materials, Advanced Electronic Materials, Polymers, Conducting Polymer and Thin films, Solid State Materials and their properties, Sensors and actuators, Carbon related materials, Metal Oxide & Sulphide Materials, Ferroelectrics and dielectric materials, Soft, Magnetic and smart materials, Nano Material, Nanotechnology, Chemistry of Materials, Alloys, Semiconductor and optical Materials and Crystal growth & applications etc. I am glad that experts in the various field of Nanotechnology are here to present and discussed their ideas and latest development in the field. ICPN 2023 has received a great response throughout the country and globe. It includes 14 invited talks, 11 oral presentations and more than 120 poster presentations. We have received more than 130 papers for the publications in this issue, after reviewing and editing processes, 47 papers were accepted for the publication out of 74 submitted papers. We thank the authors for their contribution and the reviewers for their comments to improve the quality of article. I would like to express my gratitude to all members of organizing committee, staff, research scholars and postgraduate students of the institute for their willingness, commitment, dedication and relentless efforts in ensuring that conference was successful.List of Editorial Board is available in this pdf.

Abstract 3166: Lipid nanoparticles as an efficient transfection method for the delivery of elephant TP53 and retrogene9 into osteosarcoma cells

Abstract Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) continue to be at the forefront of nanotechnology research due to their versatile and effective ability to deliver DNA, RNA, and small molecules through the cell membrane. Since LNPs are formulated with lipids found naturally in cells, they generate a lower risk for immunogenic response and cause significantly less cell death than traditional transfection methods, such as electroporation. Our microfluidics assembled LNPs have shown transfection efficiencies over 80%, substantially higher than observed with other transfection techniques, and continues to increase over the first 72 hours. We previously reported that elephant TP53 (EP53) induces apoptosis in cancer cells at higher rates than human TP53 (huTP53), and elephant TP53 RETROGENE9 (EP53-R9) contributes to apoptosis through transcription independent mechanisms. To further characterize the effectiveness of these genes, osteosarcoma cell lines were transfected with huTP53, EP53, and EP53-R9 nanoplasmid and mRNA loaded LNPs. Cells treated with EP53 and huTP53 nanoplasmid-loaded LNPs had significantly increased caspase activity and cell death compared to those treated with the empty vector control (P<.0001), with over 90% of all cells treated with either type of p53 dead after 72 hours. Immunocytochemistry was performed to image cells using confocal microscopy, which showed a 36-fold increase in TP53 signal in the nucleus of nanoplasmid LNP treated cells after 72 hours as compared to untreated osteosarcoma cells. In contrast, cells treated with the mRNA LNPs had a 7-fold increase in TP53 signal over 72 hours, though the transfection efficiency was equivalent to the nanoplasmid treated cells. Future studies will assess the efficacy of EP53 and EP53-R9 LNPs in vivo in osteosarcoma mouse models. These results demonstrate the potential of LNP mediated delivery of EP53 and EP53-R9 to be developed as a new treatment approach for cancer patients. Citation Format: Madison Sanborn, Aaron Rogers, Gareth Mitchell, Ryan Kennington, Miranda Sharp, Joshua D. Schiffman, Lisa M. Abegglen. Lipid nanoparticles as an efficient transfection method for the delivery of elephant TP53 and retrogene9 into osteosarcoma cells [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 3166.

How to optimize the immune checkpoint blockade therapy for cancers?

Abstract The realm of cancer therapy has been profoundly altered with the emergence of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, providing improved survival prospects for many patients with some cancers. However, the challenge of achieving efficient or sustained therapeutic benefits underscores the critical imperative to optimize ICB strategies. This review elucidates the pivotal role of predictive biomarkers in optimizing precision ICB therapy, deciphering the intricate dynamics associated with the response heterogeneity. Furthermore, it critically examines the application of nanotechnology-driven drug delivery as a promising avenue to amplify ICB efficacy, facilitating controlled and targeted drug release. Recognizing the comprehensive and dynamic interplay among tumor cells, immune cells, and stromal cells has catalyzed the transformative advances in reverse translational research. This approach enables researchers to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of ICB therapy, therapeutic responses, and resistance mechanisms. The convergence of predictive biomarkers, revolutionary nanotechnology, and reverse translational research emerges as an indispensable focal point, propelling the frontiers of precision oncology within the complex landscape of ICB therapy.

Recent Advances in the Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease

In the last decade, significant advancements in CAD treatment have been made. The existing treatment is medical, surgical, or a combination of both depending on the extent, severity, and clinical presentation of CAD. The collaboration between different science disciplines such as biotechnology and tissue engineering has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies such as stem cells, nanotechnology, robotic surgery, and other advancements (3-D printing and drugs). These treatment modalities show promising effects in managing CAD and associated conditions. Research on stem cells focuses on studying the potential for cardiac regeneration, while nanotechnology research investigates nano-drug delivery and percutaneous coronary interventions including stent modifications and coatings.

Graphene oxide: Synthesis and laser spectroscopy approach

Nanotechnology research offers advancements in materials and industrial uses such as nano-electronics, medical sciences, fuel, biology, and technological innovation. The most often employed nanomaterial is Graphene oxide (GO), which has been regarded as a dominant progenitor for many specialized industries. The current work aims to establish a new, cost-effective, easy, and straightforward GO synthesis method. Laser spectroscopy and even traditional tools have been utilized for characterization. The prepared GO has been confirmed by XRD and FT-IR spectroscopy. Laser spectroscopy based on confocal microscopes like Raman micro-spectroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) has been used to ensure the synthesis of GO. Also, it could help in the detection of the prepared layer thickness. Raman spectroscopy detects the number of GO layers, which is one on average, while the Raman mapping shows a good distribution of GO on the substrate. Based on excitation with a 445 nm pulsed laser, FLIM shows that mono GO layers cover most of the surface while only a tiny area contains more than a single layer. The novel aspect of this work is the method of preparation and the way of utilizing both FLIM and Raman to detect the number of GO layers. The prepared GO could be used in many applications like solar cells and filtration.

Sustaining University-Industry Collaborations in Nanotechnology Research: The Malaysian Case

University-Industry (U-I) collaborations during the course of technology development – commercialization cycle needs to be “symbiotically mutual” to both academia and industry. Based on this principle, this paper aims to determine the obstacles in sustaining U-I collaborations. By referring to the qualitative case study of nanotechnology research in Malaysia, it is evident that the two-way opposite directional priorities are what disables the mere fortification of U-I collaborations. Results from ten in-depth interview sessions have highlighted five main barriers to U-I collaborations, namely the issues of distinct logics and priorities, patent and commercialization, time factor, product safety, and product functionality and capabilities. The findings also suggest that the expected yield derived from U-I collaborations are to be the product of continuous re-engineering performed iteratively rather than “fast track” results.

The Emerging Role of Cell Membrane-coated Nanomaterials in Cancer Therapy.

This review investigates the revolutionary application of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) as a promising avenue for cancer therapy within the embryonic landscape of nanotechnology. Nanoparticles, pivotal in cancer treatment, are systematically examined for their diverse physicochemical structures, categorized as organic (lipid-based, protein-based, and polymer-assisted) and inorganic (carbon-based and metal) varieties. A significant focus is placed on CMNPs, which serve as an innovative drug delivery vehicle, overcoming limitations associated with conventional nanoparticle therapies. This manuscript accurately explores the advantages and challenges of various cell membranes, including those derived from cancer cells, red blood cells, platelets, stem cells, and white blood cells. Importance is placed on their roles in enhancing drug delivery precision, immune system circumvention, and targeted recognition. Detailed insights into the crafting of CMNPs are provided, elucidating membrane extraction and fusion techniques, such as sonication, extrusion, co-extrusion, and microfluidic electroporation. Maintaining membrane integrity during extraction and the benefits of coating techniques in augmenting biocompatibility and targeted drug delivery are underscored. This comprehensive resource consolidates the latest advancements in targeted drug delivery, positioning itself at the forefront of nanotechnology and biomedicine research. Encapsulating various methodologies like membrane extrusion, electrospray, and chemical conjugation, this manuscript showcases the expanding toolbox available to researchers in this dynamic field. Focusing on the unique characteristics of CMNPs, this review explores their multifaceted applications in biomedical research, particularly in tumour therapy. It provides an indepth analysis of the biocompatibility of CMNPs, their stability, immune evasion capabilities, targeted drug delivery precision, increased payload capacity, and retained biological functionality. The manuscript outlines current applications and future prospects of CMNPs in targeted chemotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and innovative therapeutic methods. It concludes by highlighting the advantages of CMNPs in tumour therapy and their transformative potential in reshaping the landscape of cancer treatment.

Isotherm and Kinetic Studies on Adsorption of Yellow Azo Dyes (Sunset Yellow, Tartrazine) using <i>Kigelia africana</i> (Lam.) Benth., Leaf Extract Mediated Iron Nanoparticles

Sunset yellow and tartrazine are commonly used azo dyes extensively employed in beverages and food products such as soda, fruit juices, confectionery, and cakes. These dyes hold the distinction of being the second and third most frequently utilized colour additives in a wide array of beverage products. The discharge of these synthetic food dyes into industrial wastewater can lead to significant environmental and health issues. Due to its aromatic structure, this dye is resistant to breaking down into harmless compounds, and its removal through effective adsorption presents an economical and efficient solution. The use of renewable bioresources for the eco-friendly production of metallic nanoparticles represents a recent and growing trend in nanotechnology research, offering enhanced environmental safety. In this current research, we achieved the green and cost-effective synthesis of monodispersed Iron Nanoparticles (FeNPs) with exceptional stability by utilizing an aqueous extract of Kigelia africana (Lam.) Benth is the primary bioresource for this synthesis. The FeNPs were noticed to be uniformly distributed spherical-shaped particles having smooth surfaces with a 26-34 nm size range and an average particle size of 28 ± 0.86 nm. The XRD results confirm that the FeNPs were rhombohedral phase structures with 71.43% of elemental iron. These synthesized nanoparticles were applied for the removal of sunset yellow and tartrazine dyes were investigated and more than 90% were removed. The adsorption isotherm study was best fitted with the Langmuir model, and the maximal adsorption capacity was found to be 76.29 and 47.22 mg/g for sunset yellow and tartrazine respectively. The adsorption reaction follows pseudo-first-order kinetics with a high correlation coefficient. Repeated cycles of regeneration, reuse and stability showed very high removal efficiency and stability. In conclusion, the biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles demonstrates substantial promise for applications in environmental protection.

Flow and irreversible mechanism of pure and hybridized non-Newtonian nanofluids through elastic surfaces with melting effects

Abstract The significance of nanofluid research in nanotechnology, pharmaceutical, drug delivery, food preparation, and chemotherapy employing single- and two-phase nanofluid models has drawn the attention of researchers. The Tiwari–Das model does not capture the diffusion and random movement of nanoparticles (NPs) when they are injected into complex functional fluids. In order to fix the peculiar behavior of NPs, more complex models like the Buongiorno model are coupled with the single-phase model. To examine the heat-mass transfer attributes of nanofluids, a single- and two-phase mixture model is coupled for the first time. The effect of hybrid NPs on the hemodynamic properties of the blood flow through a stretched surface with interface slip in the neighborhood of the stagnation point is examined. Due to their significance in medicinal uses and nominal toxicity, blood is loaded with zinc–iron ( ZnO − F e 2 O 3 ) {\rm{ZnO}}\left-{\rm{F}}{{\rm{e}}}_{2}{{\rm{O}}}_{3}) NPs. However, blood is speculated to have the hematocrit viscosity of the Powell–Eyring fluid. The single-phase model predicts an improvement in heat transport due to an increased volumetric friction of NPs, while the two-phase models provide closer estimates of heat-mass transfer due to Brownian and thermophoretic phenomena. Entropy evaluation predicts the details of irreversibility. The mathematical structures are effectively solved with a Runge–Kutta fourth-order algorithm along with a shooting mechanism. The Eyring–Powell parameters decrease the drag coefficient and mass/thermal transport rate. A higher estimation of the slip, material, and magnetic parameters decreases the flow behavior. The Bejan number increases with the diffusion parameter and decreases as the magnetic and Brinkman numbers increase. The effect of iron oxide ( F e 2 O 3 ) \left({\rm{F}}{{\rm{e}}}_{2}{{\rm{O}}}_{3}) is observed to be dominant.

Cereal β-d-Glucans in Food Processing Applications and Nanotechnology Research

Cereal (1,3)(1,4)-β-d-glucans, known as β-d-glucans, are cell wall polysaccharides observed in selected plants of grasses, and oats and barley are their good natural sources. Thanks to their physicochemical properties β-d-glucans have therapeutic and nutritional potential and a specific place for their functional characteristics in diverse food formulations. They can function as thickeners, stabilizers, emulsifiers, and textural and gelation agents in beverages, bakery, meat, and extruded products. The objective of this review is to describe the primary procedures for the production of β-d-glucans from cereal grains, to define the processing factors influencing their properties, and to summarize their current use in the production of novel cereal-based foods. Additionally, the study delves into the utilization of β-d-glucans in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology, exploring potential applications within this technological realm.

The application of peroxidase mimetic nanozymes in cancer diagnosis and therapy

In recent decades, scholarly investigations have predominantly centered on nanomaterials possessing enzyme-like characteristics, commonly referred to as nanozymes. These nanozymes have emerged as viable substitutes for natural enzymes, offering simplicity, stability, and superior performance across various applications. Inorganic nanoparticles have been extensively employed in the emulation of enzymatic activity found in natural systems. Nanoparticles have shown a strong ability to mimic a number of enzyme-like functions. These systems have made a lot of progress thanks to the huge growth in nanotechnology research and the unique properties of nanomaterials. Our presentation will center on the kinetics, processes, and applications of peroxidase-like nanozymes. In this discourse, we will explore the various characteristics that exert an influence on the catalytic activity of nanozymes, with a particular emphasis on the prevailing problems and prospective consequences. This paper presents a thorough examination of the latest advancements achieved in the domain of peroxidase mimetic nanozymes in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment. The primary focus is on their use in catalytic cancer therapy, alongside chemotherapy, phototherapy, sonodynamic therapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The primary objective of this work is to offer theoretical and technical assistance for the prospective advancement of anticancer medications based on nanozymes. Moreover, it is anticipated that this will foster the investigation of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at achieving efficacious tumor therapy.

Less-advanced regions in EU innovation networks: Could nanotechnology represent a possible trigger for path upgrading?

This paper examines whether nanotechnology projects funded under the European Union (EU) Framework Programmes (FPs) are a possible trigger for path upgrading (i.e., infusion of new technologies in existing traditional sectors) in less-advanced regions. First, the adoption of cluster analysis and a set of key indicators (i.e., technological intensity, scientific excellence, human capital, and research and development expenditure) allowed us to distinguish between 79 more-advanced and 127 less-advanced EU regions. Subsequently, through social network analysis and nonparametric testing we were able to demonstrate how the less-advanced EU regions (average degree centrality: 40.5) play a marginal role compared with the more-advanced ones (average degree centrality: 98.5) in the nanotechnology network created within Horizon 2020-i.e., the EU programming cycle implemented in the 2014-2020 period. Despite this, we observed that a few less-advanced regions (33 out of 127) were able to score higher than the EU median in terms of participation in the targeted nanotechnology network, thus benefiting from relevant knowledge flows potentially leading to re-industrialization processes. The adoption of qualitative comparative analysis allowed us to determine which combinations of key innovation, scientific and socioeconomic factors could facilitate such beneficial interregional interactions and related knowledge exchange in these types of regions (i.e., primarily what we defined as "relative innovativeness," excellence in nanotechnology research and a comparatively high level of gross domestic product per capita). Our empirical results provided some clear policy implications. For instance, the necessity to I) remove the barriers impeding a more balanced participation to promote a widespread renewal of traditional industries in less-advanced regions and II) implement coordinated EU and domestic actions designed to encourage the involvement of the great majority of the less-advanced regions, which remain marginal in the periodically launched FPs.

The smallest Schwarzite carbon with only heptagonal carbon rings.

Carbon materials with full sp2-hybridized buckling is a major challenge pervading fundamental nanoscience and nanotechnology research. Carbon atoms that are sp2 hybridized prefer to form hexagonal rings, such as in carbon nanotubes and graphene, which are low-dimensional materials. The incorporation of heptagonal, octagonal, and/or larger rings into a hexagonal sp2 carbon meshwork has been identified as a strategy for assembling three-dimensional (3D) sp2 carbon crystals, and one of the typical representatives are Schwarzite carbons, which possess a negative surface Gaussian curvature as well as unique physical properties. Herein, a 3D Schwarzite carbon consisting of only sp2-buckled heptagonal carbon rings, which is referred to as Hepta-carbon, is proposed based on first-principles calculations. Hepta-carbon is mechanically and thermodynamically stable, and energetically more favourable than experimental graphdiyne, fullerene C20 and most Schwarzite carbons under ambient conditions. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that Hepta-carbon exhibits high-temperature thermostability up to 1500 K. Band structure and mechanical property simulations indicate that Hepta-carbon is a semi-metallic material with electron conduction and exhibits impressive mechanical properties such as high strength with quasi-isotropy, high incompressibility similar to diamonds, elastic deformation behaviour under uniaxial stress, and high ductility. Hepta-carbon presents a porous network with a low mass density of 1.84 g cm-3 and connected channels with diameters of 3.3-6.1 Å. Theoretical simulations of gas adsorption energy demonstrate that Hepta-carbon can effectively adsorb and stabilize greenhouse gases, including N2O, CO2, CH4, and SF6.

Thermo-electro-rheological properties of graphene oxide and MXene hybrid nanofluid for vanadium redox flow battery: Application of explainable ensemble machine learning with hyperparameter optimization

Recent research has extensively focused on 2D materials such as graphene oxide (GO) and MXene due to their intriguing properties, significantly advancing nanotechnology and materials research. This experimental study explores the use of a vanadium electrolyte-based hybrid nanofluid (HNF) composed of GO and MXene (90:10) to enhance vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). The synthesis and characterization of GO and Mxene nanoparticles (NPs) were conducted using various techniques. The HNF, produced at different weight concentrations, underwent analysis for stability, rheology, thermal conductivity (TC), and electrical conductivity (EC) within a temperature range of 10–45 °C. The results indicate that the HNF exhibits favorable stability and Newtonian behavior in the specified temperature range. At 45 °C, the HNF achieves a maximum enhancement of 20.5 % in EC and 6.81 % in TC for 0.1 wt% compared to the vanadium electrolyte. Subsequently, a prognostic model was developed using an explainable ensemble LSBoost-based machine learning approach, employing a test dataset and applying 5-fold cross-validation to prevent overfitting. Hyperparameter optimization was achieved using the Bayesian technique. The LSBoost-based prognostic models created for TC, EC, and viscosity (VST) demonstrated high effectiveness, with R2 values of 0.9981, 0.99, and 0.9954, respectively. The prediction errors were minimal, with RMSE values of 0.00089255, 5.553, and 0.09391 for the TC, EC, and VST models, respectively. Similarly, the MAE values were low, at 0.00068948, 4.0919, and 0.06129.

Quantifying particle concentration via AI-enhanced optical coherence tomography.

Efficient and robust quantification of the number of nanoparticles in solution is not only essential but also insufficient in nanotechnology and biomedical research. This paper proposes to use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to quantify the number of gold nanorods, which exemplify the nanoparticles with high light scattering signals. Additionally, we have developed an AI-enhanced OCT image processing to improve the accuracy and robustness of the quantification result.

Safe nanomaterials: from their use, application, and disposal to regulations.

Nanomaterials are structures with a wide range of applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, food, textile, and electronic industries, reaching more customers worldwide. As a relatively new technological field, the information about the associated risk of nanomaterials in environmental and human health must be addressed and consolidated to develop accurate legislations, frameworks, and guidelines to standardise their use in any field. This review aims to display and context the global applications of nanomaterials, their final disposal, as well as the perspective of the current efforts formulated by various countries (including Mexico and Latin American countries), international official departments and organisations directed to implement regulations on nanomaterials, nanotechnology, and nanoscience matters. In addition, the compiled information includes the tools, initiatives, and strategies to develop regulatory frameworks, such as life cycle assessments, risk assessments, technical tools, and biological models to evaluate their effects on living organisms. Finally, the authors point out the importance of implementing global regulations to promote nanotechnological research according to a precautionary principle focused on an environmental and health protection approach to ensure the use and application of nanotechnologies safely, and responsibly.

ДИСПОЗИЦІЯ УКРАЇНИ НА РИНКУ НАНОТЕХНОЛОГІЙ

The article examines the current issues of leadership of countries in the field of nanotechnology, and it is argued that the pace of development of the national system of nanotechnology standardization and certification in Ukraine is far from encouraging, especially taking into account global progress in this area. The positions of Ukraine in the global rankings of the effectiveness of innovative activity were evaluated and the possession of our state with a fairly developed scientific, technical and educational potential as a basis for conducting fundamental nanotechnological research was confirmed, but they also demonstrate the presence of a number of deep structural problems in the domestic economy. Significant inhibiting factors in the development of the nanotechnology segment of the national innovation system are also the preservation of significant bureaucratic and financial restrictions in the internationalization of Ukrainian R&D, which not only repel international partners from this process, but also largely demotivate domestic scientific research institutions to develop international innovation cooperation and involvement in of foreign infrastructural capacities. An immanent feature of the national field of research and development is also the significant problems of international scientific and technical cooperation of domestic institutions and the insufficient level of their integration into the global and European research space. It has been proven that despite the transformation of nanotechnology into a leading scientific and technological priority of global innovative progress in recent decades, nanoproduction still has not gained significant distribution in Ukraine. In the context of successfully overcoming the scientific and technical backwardness of our country in the field of development of the nanotechnological segment of the domestic innovation market and increasing the scale of production of new nanomaterials, the issue of ensuring a deep convergence of fundamental and applied research and development of the nanotechnological profile, as well as organizational, economic and institutional training of domestic sub enterprises to the introduction of nanotechnology in their production activities.