Although gold is the subject of one of the most ancient themes of investigation in science, its renaissance now leads to an exponentially increasing number of publications, especially in the context of emerging nanoscience and nanotechnology with nanoparticles and self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). We will limit the present review to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), also called gold colloids. AuNPs are the most stable metal nanoparticles, and they present fascinating aspects such as their assembly of multiple types involving materials science, the behavior of the individual particles, size-related electronic, magnetic and optical properties (quantum size effect), and their applications to catalysis and biology. Their promises are in these fields as well as in the bottom-up approach of nanotechnology, and they will be key materials and building block in the 21st century. Whereas the extraction of gold started in the 5th millennium B.C. near Varna (Bulgaria) and reached 10 tons per year in Egypt around 1200-1300 B.C. when the marvelous statue of Touthankamon was constructed, it is probable that “soluble” gold appeared around the 5th or 4th century B.C. in Egypt and China. In antiquity, materials were used in an ecological sense for both aesthetic and curative purposes. Colloidal gold was used to make ruby glass 293 Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 293−346

Gold nanoparticles: assembly, supramolecular chemistry, quantum-size-related properties, and applications toward biology, catalysis, and nanotechnology.

Nanomaterials are engineered structures with at least one dimension of 100 nanometers or less. These materials are increasingly being used for commercial purposes such as fillers, opacifiers, catalysts, semiconductors, cosmetics, microelectronics, and drug carriers. Materials in this size range may approach the length scale at which some specific physical or chemical interactions with their environment can occur. As a result, their properties differ substantially from those bulk materials of the same composition, allowing them to perform exceptional feats of conductivity, reactivity, and optical sensitivity. Possible undesirable results of these capabilities are harmful interactions with biological systems and the environment, with the potential to generate toxicity. The establishment of principles and test procedures to ensure safe manufacture and use of nanomaterials in the marketplace is urgently required and achievable.

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Toxic Potential of Materials at the Nanolevel

Synthesis and surface engineering of iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Rapid growth in nanotechnology is increasing the likelihood of engineered nanomaterials coming into contact with humans and the environment. Nanoparticles interacting with proteins, membranes, cells, DNA and organelles establish a series of nanoparticle/biological interfaces that depend on colloidal forces as well as dynamic biophysicochemical interactions. These interactions lead to the formation of protein coronas, particle wrapping, intracellular uptake and biocatalytic processes that could have biocompatible or bioadverse outcomes. For their part, the biomolecules may induce phase transformations, free energy releases, restructuring and dissolution at the nanomaterial surface. Probing these various interfaces allows the development of predictive relationships between structure and activity that are determined by nanomaterial properties such as size, shape, surface chemistry, roughness and surface coatings. This knowledge is important from the perspective of safe use of nanomaterials.

Understanding biophysicochemical interactions at the nano–bio interface

http://sistemas.eel.usp.br/docentes/arquivos/2166002/1234Nb/Geetha-review2009.pdf

Ti based biomaterials, the ultimate choice for orthopaedic implants – A review

Foreword. Table of Contents. Executive Summary. 1. Introduction and Overview R.W. Siegel. 2. Synthesis and Assembly E.L. Hu, D.T. Shaw. 3. Dispersions and Coatings J. Mendel. 4. High Surface Area Materials D.M. Cox. 5. Functional Nanoscale Devices H. Goronkin, et al. 6. Bulk Behavior of Nanostructured Materials C. Koch. 7. Biologically Related Aspects of Nanoparticles, Nanostructured Materials, and Nanodevices L. Jelinski. 8. Research Programs on Nanotechnology in the World M.C. Roco. Appendices.

WTEC panel report on nanostructure science and technology : R & D status and trends in nanoparticles, nanostructured materials, and nanodevices

https://www.benicewiczgroup.com/UserFiles/benigroup/Documents/BB89.pdf

Bulk transparent epoxy nanocomposites filled with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) brush-grafted TiO2 nanoparticles

The interface thermal resistance (ITR) of the native interface between vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube arrays and the SiO2/Si substrate was investigated. Experimental results obtained by a photothermoelectric technique are compared with theoretical predictions for the ITR across nanoconstrictions. The model considers classical constriction effects and contributions due to diffuse mismatch thermal resistance. Experimental values of the ITR are much larger than the model predictions. The observed discrepancy may be due to the imperfect mechanical contact between the tubes and substrate or additional contributions to the ITR due to the presence of a catalyst layer at the interface.

Thermal resistance of the native interface between vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube arrays and their SiO2/Si substrate

Enhanced Surface and Mechanical Properties of Nanophase Ceramics to Achieve Orthopaedic/Dental Implant Efficacy

http://research.me.udel.edu/~dlburris/papers/JA15.pdf

Richard W. Siegel

Papers

WTEC panel report on nanostructure science and technology : R & D status and trends in nanoparticles, nanostructured materials, and nanodevices

Bulk transparent epoxy nanocomposites filled with poly(glycidyl methacrylate) brush-grafted TiO2 nanoparticles

Thermal resistance of the native interface between vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube arrays and their SiO2/Si substrate

Enhanced Surface and Mechanical Properties of Nanophase Ceramics to Achieve Orthopaedic/Dental Implant Efficacy

Tribological investigation of the effects of particle size, loading and crystallinity on poly(ethylene) terephthalate nanocomposites