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Nanomaterials
Volume 9
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Nanomaterials, Volume 9, Issue 1 (January 2019) – 131 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Difficulties in characterizing nanomaterials as nanoparticles extend beyond the definition of a single size threshold. Determining the accurate size of nanoparticles is challenging. This work describes the unexpected consequence of measurement protocols, called operational aspects, on the size of nanoparticles. The cover figure presents two challenges: the denaturation of nanoparticles of silver during atomic force microscopy imaging and the presence of non-homogeneous populations of PVP-coated silver nanoparticles observed by transmission electron microscopy. Other artefacts and limitations in biophysical techniques are described in the article, and practical suggestions are compiled in the supplementary materials. View this paper.
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10 pages, 2775 KiB  
Article
Nitrogen-Doped Hierarchically Porous Carbons Derived from Polybenzoxazine for Enhanced Supercapacitor Performance
by Yanhui Wang, Liyan Dong, Guiping Lai, Meng Wei, Xingbi Jiang and Lizhong Bai
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010131 - 21 Jan 2019
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 3810
Abstract
Nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbons (HPCs), which are synthesized from benzoxazine resins, were successfully prepared following the processes of polymerization, carbonization, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation. As the key factor, the KOH activation temperature influences the pore structure and surface functionality, which are crucial [...] Read more.
Nitrogen-doped hierarchically porous carbons (HPCs), which are synthesized from benzoxazine resins, were successfully prepared following the processes of polymerization, carbonization, and potassium hydroxide (KOH) activation. As the key factor, the KOH activation temperature influences the pore structure and surface functionality, which are crucial for the excellent performance. The HPC-800 material, with the highest activation temperature (800 °C), displays a hierarchical pore structure, a high specific surface area (1812.4 m2·g−1), large total pore volume (0.98 cm3·g−1), high nitrogen content (1.27%), and remarkable electrical conductivity. It has also presented an excellent electrochemical performance of high specific capacitance of 402.4 F·g−1 at 0.1 A·g−1, excellent rate capability of 248.6 F·g−1 at 10 A·g−1, and long-term cycling stability with >99.0% capacitance retention after 500 cycles at 1 A·g−1 in 6 M KOH aqueous solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Nanoporous Functional Materials)
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24 pages, 5099 KiB  
Review
Biomarkers-based Biosensing and Bioimaging with Graphene for Cancer Diagnosis
by Hui Gu, Huiling Tang, Ping Xiong and Zhihua Zhou
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010130 - 21 Jan 2019
Cited by 51 | Viewed by 7577
Abstract
At the onset of cancer, specific biomarkers get elevated or modified in body fluids or tissues. Early diagnosis of these biomarkers can greatly improve the survival rate or facilitate effective treatment with different modalities. Potential nanomaterial-based biosensing and bioimaging are the main techniques [...] Read more.
At the onset of cancer, specific biomarkers get elevated or modified in body fluids or tissues. Early diagnosis of these biomarkers can greatly improve the survival rate or facilitate effective treatment with different modalities. Potential nanomaterial-based biosensing and bioimaging are the main techniques in nanodiagnostics because of their ultra-high selectivity and sensitivity. Emerging graphene, including two dimensional (2D) graphene films, three dimensional (3D) graphene architectures and graphene hybrids (GHs) nanostructures, are attracting increasing interests in the field of biosensing and bioimaging. Due to their remarkable optical, electronic, and thermal properties; chemical and mechanical stability; large surface area; and good biocompatibility, graphene-based nanomaterials are applicable alternatives as versatile platforms to detect biomarkers at the early stage of cancer. Moreover, currently, extensive applications of graphene-based biosensing and bioimaging has resulted in promising prospects in cancer diagnosis. We also hope this review will provide critical insights to inspire more exciting researches to address the current remaining problems in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanoscale Materials for Cancer Diagnostic and Therapy)
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18 pages, 3012 KiB  
Article
Tin, The Enabler—Hydrogen Diffusion into Ruthenium
by Chidozie Onwudinanti, Ionuţ Tranca, Thomas Morgan and Shuxia Tao
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010129 - 21 Jan 2019
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5869
Abstract
Hydrogen interaction with ruthenium is of particular importance for the ruthenium-capped multilayer reflectors used in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. Hydrogen causes blistering, which leads to a loss of reflectivity. This problem is aggravated by tin. This study aims to uncover the mechanism via [...] Read more.
Hydrogen interaction with ruthenium is of particular importance for the ruthenium-capped multilayer reflectors used in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. Hydrogen causes blistering, which leads to a loss of reflectivity. This problem is aggravated by tin. This study aims to uncover the mechanism via which tin affects the hydrogen uptake, with a view to mitigation. We report here the results of a study of hydrogen interaction with the ruthenium surface in the presence of tin using Density Functional Theory and charge density analyses. Our calculations show a significant drop in the energy barrier to hydrogen penetration when a tin atom or a tin hydride molecule (SnHx) is adsorbed on the ruthenium surface; the barrier has been found to drop in all tested cases with tin, from 1.06 eV to as low as 0.28 eV in the case of stannane (SnH4). Analyses show that, due to charge transfer from the less electronegative tin to hydrogen and ruthenium, charge accumulates around the diffusing hydrogen atom and near the ruthenium surface atoms. The reduced atomic volume of hydrogen, together with the effect of electron–electron repulsion from the ruthenium surface charge, facilitates subsurface penetration. Understanding the nature of tin’s influence on hydrogen penetration will guide efforts to mitigate blistering damage of EUV optics. It also holds great interest for applications where hydrogen penetration is desirable, such as hydrogen storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling of Complex Interfaces: From Surface Chemistry to Nano Chemistry)
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14 pages, 501 KiB  
Article
Engineering Planar Transverse Domain Walls in Biaxial Magnetic Nanostrips by Tailoring Transverse Magnetic Fields with Uniform Orientation
by Mingna Yu, Mei Li and Jie Lu
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010128 - 20 Jan 2019
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3131
Abstract
Designing and realizing various magnetization textures in magnetic nanostructures are essential for developing novel magnetic nanodevices in the modern information industry. Among all these textures, planar transverse domain walls (pTDWs) are the simplest and the most basic, which make them popular in device [...] Read more.
Designing and realizing various magnetization textures in magnetic nanostructures are essential for developing novel magnetic nanodevices in the modern information industry. Among all these textures, planar transverse domain walls (pTDWs) are the simplest and the most basic, which make them popular in device physics. In this work, we report the engineering of pTDWs with arbitrary tilting attitude in biaxial magnetic nanostrips by transverse magnetic field profiles with uniform orientation but tuneable strength distribution. Both statics and axial-field-driven dynamics of these pTDWs are analytically investigated. It turns out that, for statics, these pTDWs are robust against disturbances which are not too abrupt, while for dynamics, it can be tailored to acquire higher velocity than Walker’s ansatz predicts. These results should provide inspiration for designing magnetic nanodevices with novel one-dimensional magnetization textures, such as 360 ° walls, or even two-dimensional ones, such as vortices and skyrmions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ferromagnetic and Magnetic Properties of Nanostructures)
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17 pages, 4949 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Highly Efficient Dye Removal Characterization of Beta-Cyclodextrin-Based Composite Polymer Fibers by Electrospinning
by Rong Guo, Ran Wang, Juanjuan Yin, Tifeng Jiao, Haiming Huang, Xinmei Zhao, Lexin Zhang, Qing Li, Jingxin Zhou and Qiuming Peng
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010127 - 20 Jan 2019
Cited by 86 | Viewed by 6085
Abstract
Dye wastewater is one of the most important problems to be faced and solved in wastewater treatment. However, the treatment cannot be single and simple adsorption due to the complexity of dye species. In this work, we prepared novel composite fiber adsorbent materials [...] Read more.
Dye wastewater is one of the most important problems to be faced and solved in wastewater treatment. However, the treatment cannot be single and simple adsorption due to the complexity of dye species. In this work, we prepared novel composite fiber adsorbent materials consisting of ε-polycaprolactone (PCL) and beta-cyclodextrin-based polymer (PCD) by electrospinning. The morphological and spectral characterization demonstrated the successful preparation of a series of composite fibers with different mass ratios. The obtained fiber materials have demonstrated remarkable selective adsorption for MB and 4-aminoazobenzene solutions. The addition of a PCD component in composite fibers enhanced the mechanical strength of membranes and changed the adsorption uptake due to the cavity molecular structure via host–guest interaction. The dye removal efficiency could reach 24.1 mg/g towards 4-aminoazobenzene. Due to the admirable stability and selectivity adsorption process, the present prepared beta-cyclodextrin-based composite fibers have demonstrated potential large-scale applications in dye uptake and wastewater treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Behavior of Nanomaterials in Water Treatment)
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14 pages, 4520 KiB  
Article
Sol-gel Syntheses of Photocatalysts for the Removal of Pharmaceutical Products in Water
by Artium Belet, Cédric Wolfs, Julien G. Mahy, Dirk Poelman, Christelle Vreuls, Nathalie Gillard and Stéphanie D. Lambert
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 126; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010126 - 20 Jan 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4733
Abstract
A screening study on seven photocatalysts was performed to identify the best candidate for pharmaceutical products degradation in water. Photocatalysts were deposited as thin films through a sol-gel process and subsequent dip-coating on glass slides. The efficiency of each photocatalyst was assessed through [...] Read more.
A screening study on seven photocatalysts was performed to identify the best candidate for pharmaceutical products degradation in water. Photocatalysts were deposited as thin films through a sol-gel process and subsequent dip-coating on glass slides. The efficiency of each photocatalyst was assessed through the degradation of methylene blue first, and then, through the degradation of 15 different pharmaceutical products. Two main types of synthesis methods were considered: aqueous syntheses, where the reaction takes place in water, and organic syntheses, where reactions take place in an organic solvent and only a stoichiometric amount of water is added to the reaction medium. Photocatalysts synthesized via aqueous sol-gel routes showed relatively lower degradation efficiencies; however, the organic route required a calcination step at high temperature to form the photoactive crystalline phase, while the aqueous route did not. The best performances for the degradation of pharmaceuticals arose when Evonik P25 and silver nanoparticles were added to TiO2, which was synthesized using an organic solvent. In the case of methylene blue degradation, TiO2 modified with Evonik P25 and TiO2 doped with MnO2 nanoparticles were the two best candidates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nano‐Photocatalytic Materials: Possibilities and Challenges)
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25 pages, 9814 KiB  
Article
Functionalized Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanocomposite Membranes with Controlled Interfacial Transport for Improved Reverse Osmosis Performance
by Ethan D. Smith, Keith D. Hendren, James V. Haag IV, E. Johan Foster and Stephen M. Martin
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 125; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010125 - 20 Jan 2019
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 6404
Abstract
Thin-film nanocomposite membranes (TFNs) are a recent class of materials that use nanoparticles to provide improvements over traditional thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membranes by addressing various design challenges, e.g., low flux for brackish water sources, biofouling, etc. In this study, TFNs were [...] Read more.
Thin-film nanocomposite membranes (TFNs) are a recent class of materials that use nanoparticles to provide improvements over traditional thin-film composite (TFC) reverse osmosis membranes by addressing various design challenges, e.g., low flux for brackish water sources, biofouling, etc. In this study, TFNs were produced using as-received cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals (TOCNs) as nanoparticle additives. Cellulose nanocrystals are broadly interesting due to their high aspect ratios, low cost, sustainability, and potential for surface modification. Two methods of membrane fabrication were used in order to study the effects of nanoparticle dispersion on membrane flux and salt rejection: a vacuum filtration method and a monomer dispersion method. In both cases, various quantities of CNCs and TOCNs were incorporated into a polyamide TFC membrane via in-situ interfacial polymerization. The flux and rejection performance of the resulting membranes was evaluated, and the membranes were characterized via attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The vacuum filtration method resulted in inconsistent TFN formation with poor nanocrystal dispersion in the polymer. In contrast, the dispersion method resulted in more consistent TFN formation with improvements in both water flux and salt rejection observed. The best improvement was obtained via the monomer dispersion method at 0.5 wt% TOCN loading resulting in a 260% increase in water flux and an increase in salt rejection to 98.98 ± 0.41% compared to 97.53 ± 0.31% for the plain polyamide membrane. The increased flux is attributed to the formation of nanochannels at the interface between the high aspect ratio nanocrystals and the polyamide matrix. These nanochannels serve as rapid transport pathways through the membrane, and can be used to tune selectivity via control of particle/polymer interactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials)
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10 pages, 2803 KiB  
Article
Linear and Nonlinear Intersubband Optical Properties of Direct Band Gap GeSn Quantum Dots
by Mourad Baira, Bassem Salem, Niyaz Ahmad Madhar and Bouraoui Ilahi
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010124 - 19 Jan 2019
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4181
Abstract
Intersubband optical transitions, refractive index changes, and absorption coefficients are numerically driven for direct bandgap strained GeSn/Ge quantum dots. The linear, third-order nonlinear and total, absorption coefficients and refractive index changes are evaluated over useful dot sizes’ range ensuring p-like Γ-electron energy [...] Read more.
Intersubband optical transitions, refractive index changes, and absorption coefficients are numerically driven for direct bandgap strained GeSn/Ge quantum dots. The linear, third-order nonlinear and total, absorption coefficients and refractive index changes are evaluated over useful dot sizes’ range ensuring p-like Γ-electron energy state to be lower than s-like L-electron energy state. The results show strong dependence of the total absorption coefficient and refractive index changes on the quantum dot sizes. The third order nonlinear contribution is found to be sensitive to the incident light intensity affecting both total absorption coefficient and refractive index changes, especially for larger dot sizes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-Linear Optical Effects in Nanomaterials)
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21 pages, 7901 KiB  
Article
Titania Nanotubes/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites Produced with the Use of the Atomic Layer Deposition Technique: Estimation of Bioactivity and Nanomechanical Properties
by Aleksandra Radtke, Michalina Ehlert, Tomasz Jędrzejewski, Beata Sadowska, Marzena Więckowska-Szakiel, Jani Holopainen, Mikko Ritala, Markku Leskelä, Michał Bartmański, Marek Szkodo and Piotr Piszczek
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 123; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010123 - 19 Jan 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4789
Abstract
Titanium dioxide nanotubes/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were produced on a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V/TNT/HA) and studied as a biocompatible coating for an implant surface modification. As a novel approach for this type of nanocomposite fabrication, the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method with an extremely low number [...] Read more.
Titanium dioxide nanotubes/hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were produced on a titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V/TNT/HA) and studied as a biocompatible coating for an implant surface modification. As a novel approach for this type of nanocomposite fabrication, the atomic layer deposition (ALD) method with an extremely low number of cycles was used to enrich titania nanotubes (TNT) with a very thin hydroxyapatite coating. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used for determination of the structure and the surface morphology of the fabricated nanocoatings. The biointegration activity of the layers was estimated based on fibroblasts’ proliferation on the TNT/HA surface. The antibacterial activity was determined by analyzing the ability of the layers to inhibit bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Mechanical properties of the Ti6Al4V/TNT/HA samples were estimated by measuring the hardness, Young’s module, and susceptibility to scratching. The results revealed that the nanoporous titanium alloy coatings enriched with a very thin hydroxyapatite layer may be a promising way to achieve the desired balance between biofunctional and biomechanical properties of modern implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design of Nanostructured Materials by Atomic Layer Deposition and Its Applications)
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13 pages, 2875 KiB  
Article
Impaired Liver Size and Compromised Neurobehavioral Activity are Elicited by Chitosan Nanoparticles in the Zebrafish Embryo Model
by Haissam Abou-Saleh, Nadin Younes, Kashif Rasool, Manaf H. Younis, Rafael M. Prieto, Hadi M. Yassine, Khaled A. Mahmoud, Gianfranco Pintus and Gheyath K. Nasrallah
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010122 - 19 Jan 2019
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 6252
Abstract
The use of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) in various biological and environmental applications is attracting great interest. However, potential side effects related to ChNP toxicity remain the major limitation hampering their wide application. For the first time, we investigate the potential organ-specific (cardiac, hepatic, [...] Read more.
The use of chitosan nanoparticles (ChNPs) in various biological and environmental applications is attracting great interest. However, potential side effects related to ChNP toxicity remain the major limitation hampering their wide application. For the first time, we investigate the potential organ-specific (cardiac, hepatic, and neuromuscular) toxicity of ChNPs (size 100–150 nm) using the zebrafish embryo model. Our data highlight the absence of both acute and teratogenic toxic effects of ChNPs (~100% survival rate) even at the higher concentration employed (200 mg/L). Although no single sign of cardiotoxicity was observed upon exposure to 200 mg/L of ChNPs, as judged by heartbeat rate, the corrected QT interval (QTc, which measures the time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave in the heart's electrical cycle), maximum cardiac arrest, and ejection fraction assays, the same dosage elicited the impairment of both liver size (decreased liver size, but without steatosis and lipid yolk retention) and neurobehavioral activity (increased movement under different light conditions). Although the observed toxic effect failed to affect embryo survival, whether a prolonged ChNP treatment may induce other potentially harmful effects remains to be elucidated. By reporting new insights on their organ-specific toxicity, our results add novel and useful information into the available data concerning the in vivo effect of ChNPs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Nanotechnology)
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8 pages, 5854 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Efficiency of MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with FAPbX3 Perovskite Quantum Dots
by Lung-Chien Chen, Ching-Ho Tien, Zong-Liang Tseng and Jun-Hao Ruan
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010121 - 19 Jan 2019
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 8434
Abstract
We describe a method to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE) of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cell by inserting a FAPbX3 perovskite quantum dots (QD-FAPbX3) layer. The MAPbI3 and QD-FAPbX3 layers were prepared using a simple, rapid spin-coating method [...] Read more.
We describe a method to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE) of MAPbI3 perovskite solar cell by inserting a FAPbX3 perovskite quantum dots (QD-FAPbX3) layer. The MAPbI3 and QD-FAPbX3 layers were prepared using a simple, rapid spin-coating method in a nitrogen-filled glove box. The solar cell structure consists of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/MAPbI3/QD-FAPbX3/C60/Ag, where PEDOT:PSS, MAPbI3, QD-FAPbX3, and C60 were used as the hole transport layer, light-absorbing layer, absorption enhance layer, and electron transport layer, respectively. The MAPbI3/QD-FAPbX3 solar cells exhibit a PCE of 7.59%, an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.9 V, a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 17.4 mA/cm2, and a fill factor (FF) of 48.6%, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perovskite Materials and Devices–– Progress and Challenges)
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12 pages, 2187 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Gelatin Methacrylate (GelMA) Scaffolds with Nano- and Micro-Topographical and Morphological Features
by Ana Agustina Aldana, Laura Malatto, Muhammad Atiq Ur Rehman, Aldo Roberto Boccaccini and Gustavo Abel Abraham
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 120; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010120 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 9707
Abstract
The design of biomimetic biomaterials for cell culture has become a great tool to study and understand cell behavior, tissue degradation, and lesion. Topographical and morphological features play an important role in modulating cell behavior. In this study, a dual methodology was evaluated [...] Read more.
The design of biomimetic biomaterials for cell culture has become a great tool to study and understand cell behavior, tissue degradation, and lesion. Topographical and morphological features play an important role in modulating cell behavior. In this study, a dual methodology was evaluated to generate novel gelatin methacrylate (GelMA)-based scaffolds with nano and micro topographical and morphological features. First, electrospinning parameters and crosslinking processes were optimized to obtain electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds. GelMA mats were characterized by SEM, FTIR, DSC, TGA, contact angle, and water uptake. Various nanofibrous GelMA mats with defect-free fibers and stability in aqueous media were obtained. Then, micropatterned molds produced by photolithography were used as collectors in the electrospinning process. Thus, biocompatible GelMA nanofibrous scaffolds with micro-patterns that mimic extracellular matrix were obtained successfully by combining two micro/nanofabrication techniques, electrospinning, and micromolding. Taking into account the cell viability results, the methodology used in this study could be considered a valuable tool to develop patterned GelMA based nanofibrous scaffolds for cell culture and tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedical Applications)
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14 pages, 2551 KiB  
Article
Computational Investigation of Tuning the Electron-Donating Ability in Metal-Free Organic Dyes Featuring an Azobenzene Spacer for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
by Md Al Mamunur Rashid, Dini Hayati, Kyungwon Kwak and Jongin Hong
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 119; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010119 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5048
Abstract
A series of donor–π-conjugated spacer–acceptor (D–π–A) organic dyes featuring an azobenzene spacer were designed as chromic dyes and investigated computationally. The electron-donating strength was modified by introducing electron-donating units to the donor side. In particular, the trans–cis isomerization of the azobenzene-based [...] Read more.
A series of donor–π-conjugated spacer–acceptor (D–π–A) organic dyes featuring an azobenzene spacer were designed as chromic dyes and investigated computationally. The electron-donating strength was modified by introducing electron-donating units to the donor side. In particular, the trans–cis isomerization of the azobenzene-based dyes and its effect on the optical and electronic properties were further scrutinized. In both trans and cis conformers, a gradual increase in electron-donating strength promoted the natural charge separation between donor and acceptor moieties, thereby allowing the absorption of a longer wavelength of visible light. Importantly, the conformational change of the azobenzene bridge resulted in different absorption spectra and light-harvesting properties. The azobenzene-based dyes will open up a new research path for chromic dye-sensitized solar cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computational Materials Design for Renewable Energy Applications)
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14 pages, 5807 KiB  
Article
Composite Magnetic Photocatalyst Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4: Hydrothermal-Roasting Preparation and Excellent Photocatalytic Activity
by Hailong Wang, Longjun Xu, Chenglun Liu, Yuan Lu, Qi Feng, Tingzeng Wu and Ruiqi Wang
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010118 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3284
Abstract
A new composite magnetic photocatalyst, Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4, prepared by a hydrothermal-roasting method was studied. The photocatalytic properties of Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4 were evaluated [...] Read more.
A new composite magnetic photocatalyst, Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4, prepared by a hydrothermal-roasting method was studied. The photocatalytic properties of Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4 were evaluated by degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) under simulated sunlight irradiation, and the structures and properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible light (UV-Vis) diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), and a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The results indicated that Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4 was an orthorhombic crystal, which was similar to that observed for Bi5O7I. Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4 consisted of irregularly shaped nanosheets that were 40–60 nm thick. The most probable pore size was 24.1 nm and the specific surface area was 7.07 m2/g. Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4 could absorb both ultraviolet and visible light, and the energy gap value was 3.22 eV. The saturation magnetization, coercivity and residual magnetization of Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4 were 3.9 emu/g, 126.6 Oe, and 0.7 emu/g respectively, which could help Bi5O7I/MnxZn1−xFe2O4 be separated and recycled from wastewater under the action of an external magnetic field. The recycling experiments revealed that the average recovery rate of the photocatalyst was 90.1%, and the photocatalytic activity was still more than 81.1% after five cycles. Full article
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9 pages, 1532 KiB  
Article
ZIF-8-Derived Hollow Carbon for Efficient Adsorption of Antibiotics
by Hongmei Tang, Wenyao Li, Haishun Jiang, Runjia Lin, Zhe Wang, Jianghong Wu, Guanjie He, Paul Robert Shearing and Dan John Leslie Brett
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010117 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 59 | Viewed by 6889
Abstract
The harmful nature of high concentrations of antibiotics to humans and animals requires the urgent development of novel materials and techniques for their absorption. In this work, CTAB (Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide)-assisted synthesis of ZIF-8 (zeolitic imidazolate framework)-derived hollow carbon (ZHC) was designed, prepared, [...] Read more.
The harmful nature of high concentrations of antibiotics to humans and animals requires the urgent development of novel materials and techniques for their absorption. In this work, CTAB (Cetyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide)-assisted synthesis of ZIF-8 (zeolitic imidazolate framework)-derived hollow carbon (ZHC) was designed, prepared, and used as a high-performance adsorbent, and further evaluated by Langmuir and Freundlich isothermal adsorption experiments, dynamic analysis, as well as theoretical calculation. The maximum capacities of ZHC for adsorbing tetracycline (TC), norfloxacin (NFO), and levofloxacin (OFO) are 267.3, 125.6, and 227.8 mg g−1, respectively, which delivers superior adsorptive performance when compared to widely studied inorganic adsorbates. The design concept of ZIF-8-derived hollow carbon material provides guidance and insights for the efficient adsorbent of environmental antibiotics. Full article
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17 pages, 3564 KiB  
Article
Facile Preparation of Self-Assembled Polydopamine-Modified Electrospun Fibers for Highly Effective Removal of Organic Dyes
by Cuiru Wang, Juanjuan Yin, Ran Wang, Tifeng Jiao, Haiming Huang, Jingxin Zhou, Lexin Zhang and Qiuming Peng
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010116 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 82 | Viewed by 6824
Abstract
Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles can be used as an adsorbent with excellent adsorption capacity. However, nanosized adsorbents are prone to aggregation and thus are severely limited in the field of adsorption. In order to solve this problem, we utilized polydopamine in-situ oxidation self-polymerization on [...] Read more.
Polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles can be used as an adsorbent with excellent adsorption capacity. However, nanosized adsorbents are prone to aggregation and thus are severely limited in the field of adsorption. In order to solve this problem, we utilized polydopamine in-situ oxidation self-polymerization on the surface of polycaprolactone (PCL)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) electrospun fiber after solvent vapor annealing (SVA) treatment, and successfully designed and prepared a PCL/PEO@PDA composite membrane. The SVA treatment regulated the microscopic morphology of smooth PCL/PEO electrospun fibers that exhibited a pleated microstructure, increasing the specific surface area, and providing abundant active sites for the anchoring of PDA nanoparticles. The PCL/PEO@PDA composite obtained by chemical modification of PDA demonstrated numerous active sites for the adsorption of methylene (MB) and methyl orange (MO). In addition, the PCL/PEO@PDA composites were reusable several times with good reutilization as adsorbents. Therefore, we have developed a highly efficient and non-agglomerated dye adsorbent that exhibits potential large-scale application in dye removal and wastewater purification. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Behavior of Nanomaterials in Water Treatment)
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16 pages, 3265 KiB  
Article
Facile Electrochemical Sensor for Nanomolar Rutin Detection Based on Magnetite Nanoparticles and Reduced Graphene Oxide Decorated Electrode
by Quanguo He, Yiyong Wu, Yaling Tian, Guangli Li, Jun Liu, Peihong Deng and Dongchu Chen
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010115 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 111 | Viewed by 7163
Abstract
A new electrochemical sensor for nanomolar rutin detection based on amine-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (NH2-Fe3O4 NPs-ErGO/GCE) was fabricated through a simple method, and the X-ray diffraction [...] Read more.
A new electrochemical sensor for nanomolar rutin detection based on amine-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (NH2-Fe3O4 NPs-ErGO/GCE) was fabricated through a simple method, and the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and electrochemical technique were used to characterize the modified electrode. The electrochemical behavior of rutin on the Fe3O4 NPs-ErGO/GCE was studied in detail. The electrochemical response of rutin at this modified electrode was remarkably higher than that of the bare GCE or other modified GCE (GO/GCE, Fe3O4 NPs-GO/GCE, and ErGO/GCE). Under the optimum determination conditions, Fe3O4 NPs-ErGO/GCE provided rutin with a broader detection range of 6.0 nM–0.1 µM; 0.1–8.0 µM and 8.0–80 µM, a minimum detectable concentration of 4.0 nM was obtained after 210 s accumulation. This novel method was applied in determination of rutin in pharmaceutical tablets and urine samples with satisfactory results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon-Based Nanostructures and Nanocomposites for Health and Environmental Applications)
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14 pages, 1686 KiB  
Article
Bio-Preparation and Regulation of Pyrrole Structure Nano-Pigment Based on Biomimetic Membrane
by Jixian Gong, Jiayin Liu, Xueqiang Tan, Zheng Li, Qiujin Li and Jianfei Zhang
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010114 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4394
Abstract
Microbial pigments, regarded as the most potential biomass pigments, have lately attracted increasing attention in textile dyeing due to their sustainability and cleaner production. The pyrrole structure microbial pigment, called prodigiosin, recently have become a research hotspot for its bright colors and antibacterial [...] Read more.
Microbial pigments, regarded as the most potential biomass pigments, have lately attracted increasing attention in textile dyeing due to their sustainability and cleaner production. The pyrrole structure microbial pigment, called prodigiosin, recently have become a research hotspot for its bright colors and antibacterial function. However, in most case the extraction and preparation are time-consuming and expensive processes since these kinds of microbial pigments are intracellular metabolites. In order to promote the application of microbial pigments in textile dyeing, a novel idea of preparing dye liquid of pyrrole structure pigments based on fermentation broth was put forward via increasing the proportion of extracellular pigments. A model membrane platform was established with a planar lipid bilayer to investigate transmembrane transport of microbial pigments and permeability barrier of cell membrane. The nano-dispersion of pigments was produced as the dye liquor owing to high-throughput transmembrane transfer of intracellular pigments and the increase of extracellular pigments proportion. The results indicated that the size and surface electrical properties of the pigments had contributed much to the mass transfer. It is also showed that transmembrane transmission of the intracellular pigments could be regulated by physical and chemical methods. With the improvement of transmembrane transfer efficiency of microbial pigments and the proportion of extracellular pigments, the complicated biological separation process could be avoided and the application of microbial pigments in textile dyeing can be promoted. Full article
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9 pages, 2211 KiB  
Article
Effect of Zr Doping on the Magnetic and Phase Transition Properties of VO2 Powder
by Jing Xu, Haiying Wang, Zhihong Lu, Zhenhua Zhang, Zhaorui Zou, Ziyang Yu, Ming Cheng, Yong Liu and Rui Xiong
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010113 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4061
Abstract
In this work, V1−xZrxO2 powder (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04) was synthesized by two step hydrothermal method. The micro-topography, magnetic and phase transition properties have been investigated using various measurement techniques. All prepared V1−xZrx [...] Read more.
In this work, V1−xZrxO2 powder (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04) was synthesized by two step hydrothermal method. The micro-topography, magnetic and phase transition properties have been investigated using various measurement techniques. All prepared V1−xZrxO2 powder samples exhibit monoclinic structure at room temperature. With the Zr4+ ions doping concentration increased, the shapes of VO2 particles change from spherical to rectangular slice. Besides, the saturation magnetic moment of the samples decrease with the increase of doped Zr4+ ions concentration, while their phase transition temperature increase gradually with Zr ions doping at a rate of around 2 °C/at% on average. We investigated the Zr doping effects on V-V dimers and confirmed the role of V-V dimers in phase transition. We speculate that more V-V dimers form with Zr doping by magnetic measurements, which result in the monoclinic phase of Zr-doped VO2 sample is more stable than rutile phase. Therefore the phase transition temperature is elevated by Zr doping in our experiment. We further consider that the VO2 phase transition should be ascribed to Peierls transition caused by the changing of V-V dimers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Nanoporous Functional Materials)
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11 pages, 6346 KiB  
Article
Bi-Metal Phosphide NiCoP: An Enhanced Catalyst for the Reduction of 4-Nitrophenol
by Lijie Sun, Xia Xiang, Juwei Wu, Chao Cai, Dongyi Ao, Jinling Luo, Chengxiang Tian and Xiaotao Zu
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 112; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010112 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5350
Abstract
Porous phosphide NixCoyP composite nanomaterials are successfully synthesized at different Ni/Co ratios (=0, 0.5, 1, and 2) to reduce 4-nitrophenol. The X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results demonstrate that the products are CoP, NiCoP/CoP, NiCoP, and NiCoP/Ni2 [...] Read more.
Porous phosphide NixCoyP composite nanomaterials are successfully synthesized at different Ni/Co ratios (=0, 0.5, 1, and 2) to reduce 4-nitrophenol. The X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results demonstrate that the products are CoP, NiCoP/CoP, NiCoP, and NiCoP/Ni2P when the Ni/Co ratio is 0, 0.5, 1, and 2, respectively. The products exhibit different catalytic performance for reduction of 4-nitrophenol at room temperature. Among them, the pure NiCoP delivers a better catalytic efficiency with k app = 677.4 × 10 − 2   min − 1 and k = 338.7   ( Lg − 1 min − 1 ) , due to the synergy between Ni and Co atoms. The sequence of catalytic efficiency of different samples is CoP < NiCoP/CoP < NiCoP/Ni2P < NiCoP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Dimensional Materials for Environmental and Biomedical Applications)
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10 pages, 2189 KiB  
Article
Quantum Dot Doping-Induced Photoluminescence for Facile, Label-Free, and Sensitive Pyrophosphatase Activity Assay and Inhibitor Screening
by Yishen Tian, Lijie Hao, Chao Wang, Xiaoyan Yang and Shufeng Liu
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010111 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3395
Abstract
Development of simple, convenient, and sensitive assay methods for pyrophosphatase (PPase) activity is of importance, for disease diagnosis and drug discovery. Herein, a simple, rapid, label-free, and sensitive fluorescence sensor for PPase activity assay is developed, using Cu2+ doping-induced quantum dot (QD) [...] Read more.
Development of simple, convenient, and sensitive assay methods for pyrophosphatase (PPase) activity is of importance, for disease diagnosis and drug discovery. Herein, a simple, rapid, label-free, and sensitive fluorescence sensor for PPase activity assay is developed, using Cu2+ doping-induced quantum dot (QD) photoluminescence as a signal reporter. The Cu2+ doping of ZnSe QD can induce a dopant-dependent emission response, which will be inhibited after the premixing of Cu2+ with pyrophosphate (PPi), to form a Cu2+-PPi complex. Then, the hydrolysis of PPi into phosphate (Pi), specifically catalyzed by PPase, liberates the free Cu2+ to regain the QD doping for the fluorescence response, which is highly dependent on the PPase activity. The PPase can be sensitively and selectively assayed, with a detection limit of 0.1 mU/mL. The developed sensing strategy can be also employed for the PPase inhibitor screening. Thus, the current QD doping-based sensing strategy offers an efficient and promising avenue for Cu2+, PPi, or PPase-related target analysis, and might hold great potential for the further applications in the clinical disease diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Quantum Dots)
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20 pages, 3689 KiB  
Article
Non-Isothermal Crystallisation Kinetics of Carbon Black- Graphene-Based Multimodal-Polyethylene Nanocomposites
by Ibrahim A. Ahmad, Hyun-Kyung Kim, Suleyman Deveci and R. Vasant Kumar
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 110; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010110 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4105 | Correction
Abstract
The effect of carbon black (CB) and microwave-induced plasma graphene (g) on the crystallisation kinetics of the multimodal high-density polyethylene was studied under non-isothermal conditions. The non-isothermal crystallisation behaviour of the multimodal-high-density polyethylene (HDPE), containing up to 5 wt.% graphene, was compared with [...] Read more.
The effect of carbon black (CB) and microwave-induced plasma graphene (g) on the crystallisation kinetics of the multimodal high-density polyethylene was studied under non-isothermal conditions. The non-isothermal crystallisation behaviour of the multimodal-high-density polyethylene (HDPE), containing up to 5 wt.% graphene, was compared with that of neat multimodal-HDPE and its carbon black based nanocomposites. The results suggested that the non-isothermal crystallisation behaviour of polyethylene (PE)-g nanocomposites relied significantly on both the graphene content and the cooling rate. The addition of graphene caused a change in the mechanism of the nucleation and the crystal growth of the multimodal-HDPE, while carbon black was shown to have little effect. Combined Avrami and Ozawa equations were shown to be effective in describing the non-isothermal crystallisation behaviour of the neat multimodal-HDPE and its nanocomposites. The mean activation energy barrier (ΔE), required for the transportation of the molecular chains from the melt state to the growing crystal surface, gradually diminished as the graphene content increased, which is attributable to the nucleating agent effect of graphene platelets. On the contrary, the synergistic effect resulting from the PE-CB nanocomposite decreased the ΔE of the neat multimodal-HDPE significantly at the lowest carbon black content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Advanced Materials for Energy Storage and Beyond: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications)
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10 pages, 2087 KiB  
Article
Atomistic Study of Mechanical Behaviors of Carbon Honeycombs
by Huaipeng Wang, Qiang Cao, Qing Peng and Sheng Liu
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010109 - 18 Jan 2019
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3919
Abstract
With an ultralarge surface-to-volume ratio, a recently synthesized three-dimensional graphene structure, namely, carbon honeycomb, promises important engineering applications. Herein, we have investigated, via molecular dynamics simulations, its mechanical properties, which are inevitable for its integrity and desirable for any feasible implementations. The uniaxial [...] Read more.
With an ultralarge surface-to-volume ratio, a recently synthesized three-dimensional graphene structure, namely, carbon honeycomb, promises important engineering applications. Herein, we have investigated, via molecular dynamics simulations, its mechanical properties, which are inevitable for its integrity and desirable for any feasible implementations. The uniaxial tension and nanoindentation behaviors are numerically examined. Stress–strain curves manifest a transformation of covalent bonds of hinge atoms when they are stretched in the channel direction. The load–displacement curve in nanoindentation simulation implies the hardness and Young’s modulus to be 50.9 GPa and 461±9 GPa, respectively. Our results might be useful for material and device design for carbon honeycomb-based systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electronic and Thermal Properties of Graphene)
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24 pages, 293 KiB  
Editorial
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Nanomaterials in 2018
by Nanomaterials Editorial Office
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010108 - 17 Jan 2019
Viewed by 4142
Abstract
Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...] Full article
11 pages, 3240 KiB  
Article
Manufacture of Highly Transparent and Hazy Cellulose Nanofibril Films via Coating TEMPO-Oxidized Wood Fibers
by Weisheng Yang, Liang Jiao, Wei Liu and Hongqi Dai
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010107 - 16 Jan 2019
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 5024
Abstract
Traditionally, inorganic nanoparticles (SiO2, TiO2) have been utilized to tune the optical haze of optoelectronic devices. However, restricted to complex and costly processes for incorporating these nanoparticles, a simple and low-cost approach becomes particularly important. In this work, a [...] Read more.
Traditionally, inorganic nanoparticles (SiO2, TiO2) have been utilized to tune the optical haze of optoelectronic devices. However, restricted to complex and costly processes for incorporating these nanoparticles, a simple and low-cost approach becomes particularly important. In this work, a simple, effective, and low-cost method was proposed to improve optical haze of transparent cellulose nanofibril films by directly depositing micro-sized 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-oxidized wood fibers (“coating” method). The obtained films had a high total transmittance of 85% and a high haze of 62%. The film samples also showed a high tensile strength of 80 MPa and excellent thermal stability. Dual sides of the obtained films had different microstructures: one side was extremely smooth (root-mean-square roughness of 6.25 nm), and the other was extremely rough (root-mean-square roughness of 918 nm). As a reference, micro-sized TEMPO-oxidized wood fibers and cellulose nanofibrils were mixed to form a transparent and hazy film (“blending” method). These results show that hazy transparent films prepared using the “coating” method exhibit superior application performances than films prepared using the “blending” method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cellulose Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 2567 KiB  
Article
Lignin-Based Carbon Nanofibers as Electrodes for Vanadium Redox Couple Electrochemistry
by Jose Francisco Vivo-Vilches, Alain Celzard, Vanessa Fierro, Isabelle Devin-Ziegler, Nicolas Brosse, Anthony Dufour and Mathieu Etienne
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010106 - 16 Jan 2019
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5053
Abstract
Three different types of lignin (kraft, organosolv and phosphoric acid lignin) were characterized and tested as precursors of electrospun nanofibers. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) was added as a plasticizer and dimethyl formamide (DMF) employed as a solvent. It was found that the molecular weight [...] Read more.
Three different types of lignin (kraft, organosolv and phosphoric acid lignin) were characterized and tested as precursors of electrospun nanofibers. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) was added as a plasticizer and dimethyl formamide (DMF) employed as a solvent. It was found that the molecular weight of lignin was the key parameter to understand the differences of the mechanical stability of the resultant fiber mats. In the case of kraft lignin (KL), the influence of some changes in the synthetic process was also tested: applied voltage, pretreatment in air or not, and the addition of a small amount of Ketjen black. After pyrolysis in nitrogen flow, the obtained carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were characterized by different techniques to analyze their differences in morphology and surface chemistry. Vanadium electrochemistry in 3M sulfuric acid was used to evaluate the different CNFs. All fibers allowed electrochemical reactions, but we observed that the oxidation of V(II) to V(III) was very sensitive to the nature of the raw material. Materials prepared from kraft and phosphorus lignin showed the best performances. Nevertheless, when 1 wt.% of Ketjen black was added to KL during the electrospinning, the electrochemical performance of the sample was significantly improved and all targeted reactions for an all-vanadium redox flow battery were observed. Therefore, in this work, we demonstrated that CNFs obtained by the electrospinning of lignin can be employed as electrodes for vanadium electrochemistry, and their properties can be tuned to improve their electrochemical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Graphite, Graphene, Advanced Carbon Materials and Nanostructured Carbon-Based Composites and Selected Papers from Carbon 2018)
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16 pages, 1381 KiB  
Review
Vectors for Glioblastoma Gene Therapy: Viral & Non-Viral Delivery Strategies
by Breanne Caffery, Jeoung Soo Lee and Angela A. Alexander-Bryant
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010105 - 16 Jan 2019
Cited by 88 | Viewed by 11386
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Even with aggressive treatment including surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, patient outcomes remain poor, with five-year survival rates at only 10%. Barriers to treatment include inefficient drug delivery across the blood brain [...] Read more.
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Even with aggressive treatment including surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy, patient outcomes remain poor, with five-year survival rates at only 10%. Barriers to treatment include inefficient drug delivery across the blood brain barrier and development of drug resistance. Because gliomas occur due to sequential acquisition of genetic alterations, gene therapy represents a promising alternative to overcome limitations of conventional therapy. Gene or nucleic acid carriers must be used to deliver these therapies successfully into tumor tissue and have been extensively studied. Viral vectors have been evaluated in clinical trials for glioblastoma gene therapy but have not achieved FDA approval due to issues with viral delivery, inefficient tumor penetration, and limited efficacy. Non-viral vectors have been explored for delivery of glioma gene therapy and have shown promise as gene vectors for glioma treatment in preclinical studies and a few non-polymeric vectors have entered clinical trials. In this review, delivery systems including viral, non-polymeric, and polymeric vectors that have been used in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) gene therapy are discussed. Additionally, advances in glioblastoma gene therapy using viral and non-polymeric vectors in clinical trials and emerging polymeric vectors for glioma gene therapy are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nucleic Acid Architectures for Therapeutics, Diagnostics, Devices and Materials)
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13 pages, 2087 KiB  
Article
Turn-On Fluorescence Aptasensor on Magnetic Nanobeads for Aflatoxin M1 Detection Based on an Exonuclease III-Assisted Signal Amplification Strategy
by Fuyuan Zhang, Linyang Liu, Shengnan Ni, Jiankang Deng, Guo-Jun Liu, Ryan Middleton, David W. Inglis, Shuo Wang and Guozhen Liu
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 104; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010104 - 16 Jan 2019
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4771
Abstract
In order to satisfy the need for sensitive detection of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), we constructed a simple and signal-on fluorescence aptasensor based on an autocatalytic Exonuclease III (Exo III)-assisted signal amplification strategy. In this sensor, the DNA hybridization on magnetic nanobeads could be [...] Read more.
In order to satisfy the need for sensitive detection of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), we constructed a simple and signal-on fluorescence aptasensor based on an autocatalytic Exonuclease III (Exo III)-assisted signal amplification strategy. In this sensor, the DNA hybridization on magnetic nanobeads could be triggered by the target AFM1, resulting in the release of a single-stranded DNA to induce an Exo III-assisted signal amplification, in which numerous G-quadruplex structures would be produced and then associated with the fluorescent dye to generate significantly amplified fluorescence signals resulting in the increased sensitivity. Under the optimized conditions, this aptasensor was able to detect AFM1 with a practical detection limit of 9.73 ng kg−1 in milk samples. Furthermore, the prepared sensor was successfully used for detection of AFM1 in the commercially available milk samples with the recovery percentages ranging from 80.13% to 108.67%. Also, the sensor performance was evaluated by the commercial immunoassay kit with satisfactory results. Full article
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13 pages, 1398 KiB  
Review
Sustainable Porous Carbon Materials Derived from Wood-Based Biopolymers for CO2 Capture
by Chao Xu and Maria Strømme
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 103; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010103 - 16 Jan 2019
Cited by 56 | Viewed by 7816
Abstract
Porous carbon materials with tunable porosities and functionalities represent an important class of CO2 sorbents. The development of porous carbons from various types of biomass is a sustainable, economic and environmentally friendly strategy. Wood is a biodegradable, renewable, sustainable, naturally abundant and [...] Read more.
Porous carbon materials with tunable porosities and functionalities represent an important class of CO2 sorbents. The development of porous carbons from various types of biomass is a sustainable, economic and environmentally friendly strategy. Wood is a biodegradable, renewable, sustainable, naturally abundant and carbon-rich raw material. Given these advantages, the use of wood-based resources for the synthesis of functional porous carbons has attracted great interests. In this mini-review, we present the recent developments regarding sustainable porous carbons derived from wood-based biopolymers (cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin) and their application in CO2 capture. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in CO2 Capture)
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9 pages, 2070 KiB  
Article
Notable Enhancement of Phase Transition Performance and Luminous Transmittance in VO2 Films via Simple Method of Ar/O Plasma Post-Treatment
by Jingcheng Jin, Dongping Zhang, Xiaonan Qin, Yu Yang, Ying Huang, Huan Guan, Qicong He, Ping Fan and Weizhong Lv
Nanomaterials 2019, 9(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9010102 - 16 Jan 2019
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3518
Abstract
Ar/O plasma irradiation is proposed for post-treatment of vanadium dioxide (VO2) films. Oxidation and surface migration were observed in the VO2 films following irradiation. This combined effect leads to an effective stoichiometry refinement and microstructure reconstruction in the interfacial area. [...] Read more.
Ar/O plasma irradiation is proposed for post-treatment of vanadium dioxide (VO2) films. Oxidation and surface migration were observed in the VO2 films following irradiation. This combined effect leads to an effective stoichiometry refinement and microstructure reconstruction in the interfacial area. A notable improvement in luminous transmittance and an enhancement in phase transition performance of the treated VO2 films were achieved. Compared with that of as-deposited VO2 films, the electrical phase transition amplitude of treated films increased more than two-fold. The relative improvement in luminous transmittance (380–780 nm) is 47.4% (from 25.1% to 37%) and the increase in solar transmittance is 66.9% (from 29.9% to 49.9%), which is comparable to or better than the previous work using anti-reflection (AR) coatings or doping methods. The interfacial boundary state proved to be crucial and Ar/O plasma irradiation offers an effective approach for further refinement of thermochromic VO2 films. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Design and Development of Nanostructured Thin Films)
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