F. Nastase

Bio: F. Nastase is an academic researcher from University of Bucharest. The author has contributed to research in topics: Thin film & Graphene. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 42 publications receiving 332 citations.

The biocompatibility microorganisms‐carbon nanostructures for applications in microbial fuel cells

Abstract: Bionanocomposites Staphylococcus aureus/carbon nanotubes were prepared and their biocompatibility with different species of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) evaluated in terms of their incorporation into a microbial fuel cell (MFC) anodic design. Multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) with various morphologies and structures, as received, and synthesized by the pyrolysis of novolac with ferrocene addition were used. MWNTs were characterized by TEM and FT-IR spectroscopy. Optical microscopy with fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) have been used for bio-labeling, microorganisms-CNTs biocompatibility and rapid identification of the colonies developed. Designed BNCs are good culture cells media and the electrodes based on synthesized CNTs could be used with good effects in MFCs, from the point of view of bacteria biocompatibility.

Thin film composites of nanocarbons-polyaniline obtained by plasma polymerization technique

Abstract: We report a cheap and reliable method to produce thin films nanocomposites with a novel method of plasma polymerization having coupled an atomizer head. In particular, Polyaniline-nanocarbons (PPAniNC) were deposited on silicon substrate aiming at nanocomposites with functional gradient properties, proton exchange membranes with catalytic effect, electronic transport with charge accumulation and electromagnetic shielding. Combining the aniline with dispersed nanocarbons (NC) and polymerized in plasma is one of the alternatives do match these requirements. The insertion of the nanometric carbons into polyaniline films has been accomplished by the simultaneous injection in the plasma reactor. The films were characterized by FT-IR, Raman, AFM, and electrical measurements. The measurements show specific features, which demonstrate that the composites consisting of nano-sized carbon particles functionalized by chemical bonded between the polymer chains.

Polymer/carbon based composites as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials

Abstract: The extensive development of electronic systems and telecommunications has lead to major concerns regarding electromagnetic pollution. Motivated by environmental questions and by a wide variety of applications, the quest for materials with high efficiency to mitigate electromagnetic interferences (EMI) pollution has become a mainstream field of research. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art research in the design and characterization of polymer/carbon based composites as EMI shielding materials. After a brief introduction, in Section 1, the electromagnetic theory will be briefly discussed in Section 2 setting the foundations of the strategies to be employed to design efficient EMI shielding materials. These materials will be classified in the next section by the type of carbon fillers, involving carbon black, carbon fiber, carbon nanotubes and graphene. The importance of the dispersion method into the polymer matrix (melt-blending, solution processing, etc.) on the final material properties will be discussed. The combination of carbon fillers with other constituents such as metallic nanoparticles or conductive polymers will be the topic of Section 4. The final section will address advanced complex architectures that are currently studied to improve the performances of EMI materials and, in some cases, to impart additional properties such as thermal management and mechanical resistance. In all these studies, we will discuss the efficiency of the composites/devices to absorb and/or reflect the EMI radiation.

Nanodiamond Particles: Properties and Perspectives for Bioapplications

Abstract: Nanodiamonds (NDs) are members of the diverse structural family of nanocarbons that includes many varieties based on synthesis conditions, post-synthesis processes, and modifications. First studied in detail beginning in the 1960s in Russia, NDs have now gained world-wide attention due to their inexpensive large-scale synthesis based on the detonation of carbon-containing explosives, small primary particle size (∼ 4 to 5 nm) with narrow size distribution, facile surface functionalization including bio-conjugation, as well as high biocompatibility. It is anticipated that the attractive properties of NDs will be exploited for the development of therapeutic agents for diagnostic probes, delivery vehicles, gene therapy, anti-viral and anti-bacterial treatments, tissue scaffolds, and novel medical devices such as nanorobots. Additionally, biotechnology applications have shown the prospective use of NDs for bioanalytical purposes, such as protein purification or fluorescent biolabeling. This review critically e...

Graphene oxide: a nonspecific enhancer of cellular growth.

Abstract: There have been multiple conflicting reports about the biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity of graphene oxide. To address this, we conducted a study to characterize the antimicrobial properties of graphene oxide (GO) and its biocompatibility with mammalian cells. When GO was added to a bacterial culture at 25 μg/mL, the results showed that bacteria grew faster and to a higher optical density than cultures without GO. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that bacteria formed dense biofilms in the presence of GO. This was shown by a large mass of aggregated cells and extracellular polymeric material. Bacterial growth on filters coated with 25 and 75 μg of GO grew 2 and 3 times better than on filters without GO. Closer analysis showed that bacteria were able to attach and proliferate preferentially in areas containing the highest GO levels. Graphene oxide films failed to produce growth inhibition zones around them, indicating a lack of antibacterial properties. Also, bacteria were able to grow on GO films to 9.5 × 10(9) cells from an initial inoculation of 1.0 × 10(6), indicating that it also lacks bacteriostatic activity. Thus, silver-coated GO films were able to produce clearing zones and cell death. Also, graphene oxide was shown to greatly enhance the attachment and proliferation of mammalian cells. This study conclusively demonstrates that graphene oxide does not have intrinsic antibacterial, bacteriostatic, and cytotoxic properties in both bacteria and mammalian cells. Furthermore, graphene oxide acts as a general enhancer of cellular growth by increasing cell attachment and proliferation.

Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposite-Based Gas Sensors for Environmental Monitoring

Abstract: Environmental Monitoring Ajeet Kaushik,*,†,‡ Rajesh Kumar,*,‡,§ Sunil K. Arya, Madhavan Nair,† B. D. Malhotra, and Shekhar Bhansali‡ †Center for Personalized Nanomedicine, Institute of Neuroimmune Pharmacology, Department of Immunology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199, United States ‡Bio-MEMS Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33174, United States Department of Physics, Panjab University, Chandigarh 160014, India Bioelectronics Program, Institute of Microelectronics, A*Star, 11 Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Shahbad Daulatpur, Delhi 110042, India