Review

Open AccessReview

Mixed Copolymer Micelles for Nanomedicine

by

Angelica M. Gerardos

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Anastasia Balafouti

and

Stergios Pispas

Nanomanufacturing 2023, 3(2), 233-247; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing3020015 - 26 May 2023

Viewed by 776

Abstract

Mixed micelles from copolymers in aqueous media have emerged as a valuable tool for producing functional polymer nanostructures with applications in nanomedicine, including drug delivery and bioimaging. In this review, we discuss the basics of mixed copolymer micelles’ design, structure, and physicochemical properties. [...] Read more.

Mixed micelles from copolymers in aqueous media have emerged as a valuable tool for producing functional polymer nanostructures with applications in nanomedicine, including drug delivery and bioimaging. In this review, we discuss the basics of mixed copolymer micelles’ design, structure, and physicochemical properties. We also focus on their utilization in biomedical applications using examples from recent literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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Open AccessReview

Nanoemulsion in Management of Colorectal Cancer: Challenges and Future Prospects

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Bhupendra G. Prajapati

Nanomanufacturing 2023, 3(2), 139-166; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing3020010 - 18 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1346

Abstract

The second most significant cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity in the United States is colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most diagnosed malignancy. People over 50 have an increased risk of CRC everywhere in the world. Genetic and environmental risk factors significantly influence [...] Read more.

The second most significant cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity in the United States is colorectal cancer (CRC), the third most diagnosed malignancy. People over 50 have an increased risk of CRC everywhere in the world. Genetic and environmental risk factors significantly influence CRC development. Early detection is critical in the treatment and prevention of CRC. The population’s incidence rate of CRC is currently reduced by screening techniques and medicines, although recurrence of the disease may result from the cancer’s ability to spread locally. Consequently, the difficulty is in finding a different treatment for CRC. Nanotechnology is crucial for cancer treatment because it allows for the delivery of targeted chemotherapies to cancer cells directly and with greater therapeutic potency. Nanoemulsions have broad application in pharmaceutics, cosmetics, and food; their outstanding properties include enhanced dispersion of active hydrophobic components, small size, high surface area per unit volume, and improved absorption in cancer treatment. The present review highlights formulation aspects, preparation methods, and characterization techniques. We also provide a critical analysis of recent developments in nanoemulsions in colorectal cancer treatment that hold promise in delivering nanoemulsions in colorectal treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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Open AccessReview

Diverse Methods to Nanomanufacture Colloidal Dispersions of Polyaniline without Templates

by

Cesar A. Barbero

Nanomanufacturing 2023, 3(1), 57-90; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing3010005 - 07 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1287

Abstract

Different methods which could be used to produce colloidal dispersions of polyaniline (PANI) nano-objects without templates are described. While the methods are non-deterministic, different nano-objects (nanospheres, nanofibers, nanobelts, nanorice, nanotubes, nanorods, nanodisks, etc.) can be produced. Those most used are: (i) solution polymerization [...] Read more.

Different methods which could be used to produce colloidal dispersions of polyaniline (PANI) nano-objects without templates are described. While the methods are non-deterministic, different nano-objects (nanospheres, nanofibers, nanobelts, nanorice, nanotubes, nanorods, nanodisks, etc.) can be produced. Those most used are: (i) solution polymerization with steric stabilizers (SPS) to produce nanospheres, (ii) interfacial polymerization (IP) to produce nanofibers and (iii) solution polymerization in the presence of additives (SPA) to produce nanotubes. Oxidation of aniline in aqueous solution could produce nanotubes, nanofibers and other shapes by controlling mass transport/concentration of reactants, pH, and the presence of oligomers/additives. The different models proposed to explain the formation of various nano-objects are discussed. Mechanochemical polymerization (MCP) could produce nanofibers or nanospheres by controlling the aniline/oxidant ratio. PANI nanospheres of tunable sizes can also be produced by nanoprecipitation (NPT) of preformed PANI from its solutions using an antisolvent. The geometrical constraints to the small nano-objects made of high-molecular-weight rigid polymers are described. The conditions to produce nanostructures also affect the intrinsic properties of PANI (conductivity, crystallinity, and electroactivity). Selected technological applications of PANI nano-objects manufactured as colloidal dispersions without templates are discussed. Based on the reviewed work and models, future lines of work are proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Graphene Nanofoam Based Nanomaterials: Manufacturing and Technical Prospects

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Nanomanufacturing 2023, 3(1), 37-56; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing3010004 - 01 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1360

Abstract

This article fundamentally reviews progress in the design and manufacturing of three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based nanocomposites for technical applications. The 3D graphene nanostructures have been manufactured using techniques like the template method, chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel, freeze-drying, hydrothermal technique, and other approaches. The nanofoam [...] Read more.

This article fundamentally reviews progress in the design and manufacturing of three-dimensional (3D) graphene-based nanocomposites for technical applications. The 3D graphene nanostructures have been manufactured using techniques like the template method, chemical vapor deposition, sol-gel, freeze-drying, hydrothermal technique, and other approaches. The nanofoam has been reinforced in polymers to achieve superior structural, morphological, and physical characteristics of the ensuing polymer/graphene nanofoam nanocomposites. The polymer/graphene nanofoam nanocomposites have been manufactured using the approaches like direct template method, in situ technique, infiltration process, and other methods. The 3D nanofoam- and polymer-based nanostructures have shown high specific surface area, suppleness, electron transport, thermal conduction, mechanical resilience, and other physical properties. The technical applications of hierarchical graphene nanofoams have been observed in the fields of radiation shielding, solar cells, supercapacitors, fuel cells, and other applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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Open AccessReview

Manufacturing Strategies for Graphene Derivative Nanocomposites—Current Status and Fruitions

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Nanomanufacturing 2023, 3(1), 1-19; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing3010001 - 17 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1439

Abstract

This review article highlights essential manufacturing strategies for the formation of graphene reinforced polymeric nanocomposites. For graphene reinforced thermoplastic, thermosetting and conducting matrix nanomaterials have been manufactured using solution casting, melt blending, in situ polymerization, electrospinning, 3D printing, and several other techniques. Solution [...] Read more.

This review article highlights essential manufacturing strategies for the formation of graphene reinforced polymeric nanocomposites. For graphene reinforced thermoplastic, thermosetting and conducting matrix nanomaterials have been manufactured using solution casting, melt blending, in situ polymerization, electrospinning, 3D printing, and several other techniques. Solution processing has been well thought-out as an advantageous technique, relative to melt mixing, in terms of graphene dispersion in polymeric matrices. An in situ polymerization process has also been considered valuable to form homogeneously dispersed polymer/graphene nanocomposites having superior physical characteristics. Nevertheless, the manufacturing techniques for polymer/graphene nanocomposites have relative advantages and disadvantages to be considered for graphene-based nanocomposites. Moreover, numerous challenges need to be overcome to optimize the processing parameters for the fabrication of high-performance polymer/graphene nanocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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Open AccessReview

Industrial Manufacturing Applications of Zinc Oxide Nanomaterials: A Comprehensive Study

by

Md Abdus Subhan

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Newton Neogi

and

Kristi Priya Choudhury

Nanomanufacturing 2022, 2(4), 265-291; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing2040016 - 05 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3054

Abstract

Nanomaterials (NMs) that are created with zinc oxide are very valuable for a wide variety of applications. There is a present interest in ZnO nanoparticles in a wide range of industries. This interest may be attributed to the fact that ZnO NPs have [...] Read more.

Nanomaterials (NMs) that are created with zinc oxide are very valuable for a wide variety of applications. There is a present interest in ZnO nanoparticles in a wide range of industries. This interest may be attributed to the fact that ZnO NPs have many important features. It will be necessary for ZnO NPs to possess certain qualities in order for them to rapidly find uses in industry and for these applications to have an effect on the expansion of the economy. A large surface area, a large bandgap, photocatalytic property, biosensing, bioimaging, and other qualities are included in this list. In this article, the extraordinary characteristics of ZnO NPs, as well as their novel applications in industrial settings and the challenges that come along with their utilization, will be discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Manufacturing Functional Polymer Surfaces by Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP): A Polymer Science View

by

Cesar Alfredo Barbero

and

Diego Fernando Acevedo

Nanomanufacturing 2022, 2(4), 229-264; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing2040015 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1930

Abstract

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) involves the formation of patterns of light intensity using coherent laser light beams that interfere between them. Light on the ultraviolet (<350 nm) and NIR (800–2000 nm) is absorbed in chromophores present in the polymer structure or in [...] Read more.

Direct laser interference patterning (DLIP) involves the formation of patterns of light intensity using coherent laser light beams that interfere between them. Light on the ultraviolet (<350 nm) and NIR (800–2000 nm) is absorbed in chromophores present in the polymer structure or in loaded absorbing species (dyes, polymers, nanoparticles). The absorbed light induces photothermal/photochemical processes, which alter permanently the topography of the polymer surface. The success of DLIP at different wavelengths is discussed in relation to the optical/thermal properties of the polymers and previous data on laser ablation of polymers. The size of the pattern is related directly to the wavelength of the light and inversely to the sine of the angle between beams and the refractive index of the external medium. In that way, nanometric structures (<100 nm) could be produced. Since the patterning occurs in a single short pulse (<10 ns), large surfaces can be modified. Both bacterial biofilm inhibition and human cell differentiation/orientation have been achieved. Large improvements in technological devices (e.g., thin film solar cells) using DLIP structured surfaces have also been demonstrated. Prospective application of DLIP to common polymers (e.g., Teflon^®) and complex polymeric systems (e.g., layer-by-layer multilayers) is discussed on the basis of reported polymer data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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Open AccessReview

A Review on Metasurface Beam Splitters

by

Zhe Shen

and

Dingxin Huang

Nanomanufacturing 2022, 2(4), 194-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/nanomanufacturing2040014 - 01 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2543

Abstract

Beam splitters are widely used in various optical systems, but traditional beam splitters are bulky and heavy, which are not conducive to the integrated utilization of optical devices. Metamaterials have attracted extensive attention as a kind of miniature artificial materials, and there have [...] Read more.

Beam splitters are widely used in various optical systems, but traditional beam splitters are bulky and heavy, which are not conducive to the integrated utilization of optical devices. Metamaterials have attracted extensive attention as a kind of miniature artificial materials, and there have been many works on the design of metasurface beam splitters. Using metasurfaces, multiple functions of traditional beam splitters can be achieved. Meanwhile, metasurface beam splitters have the advantages of small size, easy integration, flexible design of beam-splitting performance, and tunable functions. This review surveys the current work on metasurface beam splitters and provides a classification and introduction to metasurface beam splitters. Metasurface beam splitters are expected to play a huge role in interferometers, multiplexing, multi-beam communications, and more. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Featured Reviews in Nanomanufacturing)

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