Showing papers in "Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in 2005"

Synthesis and antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles.

Abstract: Nanometer sized silver particles were synthesized by inert gas condensation and co-condensation techniques. Both techniques are based on the evaporation of a metal into an inert atmosphere with the subsequent cooling for the nucleation and growth of the nanoparticles. The antibacterial efficiency of the nanoparticles was investigated by introducing the particles into a media containing Escherichia coli. The antibacterial investigations were performed in solution and on petri dishes. The silver nanoparticles were found to exhibit antibacterial effects at low concentrations. The antibacterial properties were related to the total surface area of the nanoparticles. Smaller particles with a larger surface to volume ratio provided a more efficient means for antibacterial activity. The nanoparticles were found to be completely cytotoxic to E. coli for surface concentrations as low as 8 microg of Ag/cm2.

Zinc oxide nanostructures: synthesis and properties.

Abstract: This article provides a comprehensive review of the current research activities that focus on the ZnO nanostructure materials and their physical property characterizations. It begins with the synthetic methods that have been exploited to grow ZnO nanostructures. A range of remarkable characteristics are then presented, organized into sections describing the mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic, and chemical sensing properties. These studies constitute the basis for developing versatile applications of ZnO nanostructures.

Biosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Emblica Officinalis fruit extract, their phase transfer and transmetallation in an organic solution.

Abstract: The design, synthesis and characterization of biologically synthesized nanomaterials have become an area of significant interest. In this paper, we report the extracellular synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Emblica Officinalis (amla, Indian Gooseberry) fruit extract as the reducing agent to synthesize Ag and Au nanoparticles, their subsequent phase transfer to an organic solution and the transmetallation reaction of hydrophobized silver nanoparticles with hydrophobized chloroaurate ions. On treating aqueous silver sulfate and chloroauric acid solutions with Emblica Officinalis fruit extract, rapid reduction of the silver and chloroaurate ions is observed leading to the formation of highly stable silver and gold nanoparticles in solution. Transmission Electron Microscopy analysis of the silver and gold nanoparticles indicated that they ranged in size from 10 to 20 nm and 15 to 25 nm respectively. Ag and Au nanoparticles thus synthesized were then phase transferred into an organic solution using a cationic surfactant octadecylamine. Transmetallation reaction between hydrophobized silver nanoparticles and hydrophobized chloroaurate ions in chloroform resulted in the formation of gold nanoparticles.

Clay-based polymer nanocomposites: research and commercial development.

Abstract: This paper reviews the recent research and development of clay-based polymer nanocomposites. Clay minerals, due to their unique layered structure, rich intercalation chemistry and availability at low cost, are promising nanoparticle reinforcements for polymers to manufacture low-cost, lightweight and high performance nanocomposites. We introduce briefly the structure, properties and surface modification of clay minerals, followed by the processing and characterization techniques of polymer nanocomposites. The enhanced and novel properties of such nanocomposites are then discussed, including mechanical, thermal, barrier, electrical conductivity, biodegradability among others. In addition, their available commercial and potential applications in automotive, packaging, coating and pigment, electrical materials, and in particular biomedical fields are highlighted. Finally, the challenges for the future are discussed in terms of processing, characterization and the mechanisms governing the behaviour of these advanced materials.

Nitrogen doping in carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Nitrogen doping of single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes is of great interest both fundamentally, to explore the effect of dopants on quasi-1D electrical conductors, and for applications such as field emission tips, lithium storage, composites and nanoelectronic devices. We present an extensive review of the current state of the art in nitrogen doping of carbon nanotubes, including synthesis techniques, and comparison with nitrogen doped carbon thin films and azofullerenes. Nitrogen doping significantly alters nanotube morphology, leading to compartmentalised 'bamboo' nanotube structures. We review spectroscopic studies of nitrogen dopants using techniques such as X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy and Raman studies, and associated theoretical models. We discuss the role of nanotube curvature and chirality (notably whether the nanotubes are metallic or semiconducting), and the effect of doping on nanotube surface chemistry. Finally we review the effect of nitrogen on the transport properties of carbon nanotubes, notably its ability to induce negative differential resistance in semiconducting tubes.

Recent advances in biodegradable nanocomposites.

Abstract: There is growing interest in developing bio-based products and innovative process technologies that can reduce the dependence on fossil fuel and move to a sustainable materials basis. Biodegradable bio-based nanocomposites are the next generation of materials for the future. Renewable resource-based biodegradable polymers including cellulosic plastic (plastic made from wood), corn-derived plastics, and polyhydroxyalkanoates (plastics made from bacterial sources) are some of the potential biopolymers which, in combination with nanoclay reinforcement, can produce nanocomposites for a variety of applications. Nanocomposites of this category are expected to possess improved strength and stiffness with little sacrifice of toughness, reduced gas/water vapor permeability, a lower coefficient of thermal expansion, and an increased heat deflection temperature, opening an opportunity for the use of new, high performance, lightweight green nanocomposite materials to replace conventional petroleum-based composites. The present review addresses this green material, including its technical difficulties and their solutions.

Recent advances in functionalization of mesoporous silica

Abstract: Mesoporous silica with regular geometries have been recently paid much attention owing to their scientific importance and great potentials in practical applications such as catalysis, adsorption, separation, sensing, medical usage, ecology, and nanotechnology. Especially, applications often require immobilization of the related functional groups in the mesopores. In order to achieve desire applications, modification of these mesoporous silica are indispensable. In this review, recent progresses of functionalization of mesoporous silica are comprehensively summarized. In the first parts, advances in three major methods, grafting (post-synthetic modification), co-condensation (direct synthesis), and techniques related with periodic mesoporous organosilicates, are explained. In the latter parts, new concepts for functionalization of mesoporous silica including functional template method and lizard template method are introduced. Most of the examples described here have been published in a new millennium.

Water-photolysis properties of micron-length highly-ordered titania nanotube-arrays.

Abstract: We report the water photoelectrolysis and photoelectrochemical properties of the titania nanotube arrays as a function of nanotube crystallinity, length (up to 6.4 microm), and pore size. Most noteworthy of our results, under 320-400 nm illumination (98 mW/cm2) the titania nanotube-array photoanodes (area 1 cm2), pore size 110 nm, wall thickness 20 nm, and 6 microm length, generate hydrogen by water photoelectrolysis at a rate of 7.6 mL/hr, with a photoconversion efficiency of 12.25%. The energy-time normalized hydrogen evolution rate is 80 mL/hrW, the largest reported hydrogen photoelectrolysis generation rate for any material system by a factor of four. The highly-ordered nanotubular architecture appears to allow for superior charge separation and charge transport, with a calculated quantum efficiency of over 80% for incident photons with energies larger than the titania bandgap.

Synthesis of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes play a fundamental role in the rapidly developing field of nanoscience and nanotechnology because of their unique properties and high potential for applications. In this article, the different synthesis methods of carbon nanotubes (both multi-walled and single-walled) are reviewed. From the industrial point of view, the chemical vapor deposition method has shown advantages over laser vaporization and electric arc discharge methods. This article also presents recent work in the controlled synthesis of carbon nanotubes with ordered architectures. Special carbon nanotube configurations, such as nanocoils, nanohorns, bamboo-shaped and carbon cylinder made up from carbon nanotubes are also discussed.

A comparative study of EMI shielding properties of carbon nanofiber and multi-walled carbon nanotube filled polymer composites.

Abstract: Electromagnetic interference shielding properties of carbon nanofiber- and multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled polystyrene composites were investigated in the frequency range of 8.2-12.4 GHz (X-band). It was observed that the shielding effectiveness of composites was frequency independent, and increased with the increase of carbon nanofiber or nanotube loading. At the same filler loading, multi-walled carbon nanotube-filled polystyrene composites exhibited higher shielding effectiveness compared to those filled with carbon nanofibers. In particular, carbon nanotubes were more effective than nanofibers in providing high EMI shielding at low filler loadings. The experimental data showed that the shielding effectiveness of the composite containing 7 wt% carbon nanotubes could reach more than 26 dB, implying that such a composite can be used as a potential electromagnetic interference shielding material. The dominant shielding mechanism of carbon nanotube-filled polystyrene composites was also discussed.

Nanophononics: phonon engineering in nanostructures and nanodevices.

Abstract: Phonons, i.e., quanta of lattice vibrations, manifest themselves practically in all electrical, thermal and optical phenomena in semiconductors and other material systems. Reduction of the size of electronic devices below the acoustic phonon mean free path creates a new situation for phonon propagation and interaction. From one side, it complicates heat removal from the downscaled devices. From the other side, it opens up an exciting opportunity for engineering phonon spectrum in nanostructured materials and achieving enhanced operation of nanodevices. This paper reviews the development of the phonon engineering concept and discusses its device applications. The review focuses on methods of tuning the phonon spectrum in acoustically mismatched nano- and heterostructures in order to change the phonon thermal conductivity and electron mobility. New approaches for the electron-phonon scattering rates suppression, formation of the phonon stopbands and phonon focusing are also discussed. The last section addresses the phonon engineering issues in biological and hybrid bio-inorganic nanostructures.

RNA nanotechnology: engineering, assembly and applications in detection, gene delivery and therapy.

Abstract: Biological macromolecules including DNA, RNA, and proteins, have intrinsic features that make them potential building blocks for the bottom-up fabrication of nanodevices. RNA is unique in nanoscale fabrication due to its amazing diversity of function and structure. RNA molecules can be designed and manipulated with a level of simplicity characteristic of DNA while possessing versatility in structure and function similar to that of proteins. RNA molecules typically contain a large variety of single stranded loops suitable for inter- and intra-molecular interaction. These loops can serve as mounting dovetails obviating the need for external linking dowels in fabrication and assembly. The self-assembly of nanoparticles from RNA involves cooperative interaction of individual RNA molecules that spontaneously assemble in a predefined manner to form a larger two- or three-dimensional structure. Within the realm of self-assembly there are two main categories, namely template and non-template. Template assembly involves interaction of RNA molecules under the influence of specific external sequence, forces, or spatial constraints such as RNA transcription, hybridization, replication, annealing, molding, or replicas. In contrast, non-template assembly involves formation of a larger structure by individual components without the influence of external forces. Examples of non-template assembly are ligation, chemical conjugation, covalent linkage, and loop/loop interaction of RNA, especially the formation of RNA multimeric complexes. The best characterized RNA multiplier and the first to be described in RNA nanotechnological application is the motor pRNA of bacteriophage phi29 which form dimers, trimers, and hexamers, via hand-in-hand interaction. phi29 pRNA can be redesigned to form a variety of structures and shapes including twins, tetramers, rods, triangles, and 3D arrays several microns in size via interaction of programmed helical regions and loops. 3D RNA array formation requires a defined nucleotide number for twisting and a palindromic sequence. Such arrays are unusually stable and resistant to a wide range of temperatures, salt concentrations, and pH. Both the therapeutic siRNA or ribozyme and a receptor-binding RNA aptamer or other ligands have been engineered into individual pRNAs. Individual chimeric RNA building blocks harboring siRNA or other therapeutic molecules have been fabricated subsequently into a trimer through hand-in-hand interaction of the engineered right and left interlocking RNA loops. The incubation of these particles containing the receptor-binding aptamer or other ligands results in the binding and co-entry of trivalent therapeutic particles into cells. Such particles were subsequently shown to modulate the apoptosis of cancer cells in both cell cultures and animal trials. The use of such antigen-free 20-40 nm particles holds promise for the repeated long-term treatment of chronic diseases. Other potentially useful RNA molecules that form multimers include HIV RNA that contain kissing loop to form dimers, tecto-RNA that forms a "jigsaw puzzle," and the Drosophila bicoid mRNA that forms multimers via "hand-by-arm" interactions. Applications of RNA molecules involving replication, molding, embossing, and other related techniques, have recently been described that allow the utilization of a variety of materials to enhance diversity and resolution of nanomaterials. It should eventually be possible to adapt RNA to facilitate construction of ordered, patterned, or pre-programmed arrays or superstructures. Given the potential for 3D fabrication, the chance to produce reversible self-assembly, and the ability of self-repair, editing and replication, RNA self-assembly will play an increasingly significant role in integrated biological nanofabrication. A random 100-nucleotide RNA library may exist in 1.6 x 10(60) varieties with multifarious structure to serve as a vital system for efficient fabrication, with a complexity and diversity far exceeding that of any current nanoscale system. This review covers the basic concepts of RNA structure and function, certain methods for the study of RNA structure, the approaches for engineering or fabricating RNA into nanoparticles or arrays, and special features of RNA molecules that form multimers. The most recent development in exploration of RNA nanoparticles for pathogen detection, drug/gene delivery, and therapeutic application is also introduced in this review.

Mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes and their polymer nanocomposites.

Abstract: More than 10 years have passed since carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been found during observations by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Since then, one of the major applications of the CNT is the reinforcements of plastics in processing composite materials, because it was found by experiments that CNT possessed splendid mechanical properties. Various experimental methods are conducted in order to understand the mechanical properties of varieties of CNT and CNT-based composite materials. The systematized data of the past research results of CNT and their nanocomposites are extremely useful to improve processing and design criteria for new nanocomposites in further studies. Before the CNT observations, vapor grown carbon fibers (VGCF) were already utilized for composite applications, although there have been only few experimental data about the mechanical properties of VGCF. The structure of VGCF is similar to that of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), and the major benefit of VGCF is less commercial price. Therefore, this review article overviews the experimental results regarding the various mechanical properties of CNT, VGCF, and their polymer nanocomposites. The experimental methods and results to measure the elastic modulus and strength of CNT and VGCF are first discussed in this article. Secondly, the different surface chemical modifications for CNT and VGCF are reviewed, because the surface chemical modifications play an important role for polymer nanocomposite processing and properties. Thirdly, fracture and fatigue properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites are reviewed, since these properties are important, especially when these new nanocomposite materials are applied for structural applications.

A Special Issue on Diatom Nanotechnology

Abstract: Until only very recent times, diatomists and nano-technologists could be said to constitute what C. P. Snow called \" The Two Cultures \". 1 Diatomists studied their unicellular organisms from a \" classical \" biological perspective in order to make sense of the daunting species diversity by tracing diatom genealogy over millions of years or by applying the results to dating and ecological characterization of deposits. On the other hand, the more recent development of synthetic nanotechnology has, to a large degree, been driven by the nearly insatiable global demand for ever smaller structures for electronic, optical, chemical, or biomedical devices (e.g., memory chips, tiny sensors, or—at the brink of science fantasy—nanorobots). It would have been logical to suppose that the phrase \" ne'er the twain shall meet \" would continue to apply to the apparently disparate research areas of diatom biology and synthetic nanotechnology. When advanced imaging tools like scanning electron and transmission electron microscopes became available , diatomists were confronted with a structural complexity even more bewildering and awe-inspiring than had been revealed by the light microscope. In addition , the cellular engines driving the unique silicification process of these organisms—like the silica deposition vesicle—became accessible to investigation. To interpret the images, diatomists had to develop at least an intuitive feeling for engineered structures and become more familiar with concepts like shear or elastic moduli. At the same time, the spectacular images that began to appear in the diatom literature could not fail to draw the attention of a more technologically inclined fraternity of researchers. This was epitomized by a fairly hefty publication 2 — probably the first formal podium for both diatomists and \" engineers \" —which focused mainly on the architectural analogies between diatoms and man-made structures but also included a concise introduction 3 to the silica deposi-tion process in diatoms. New venues are needed in the present times to explore nonconventional interdisciplinary synergies between the fields of diatom biology and nanotechnology. The biannual North American Diatom Symposium has acquired a reputation for nonconventional approaches to diatom-related scientific and technical issues. Indeed, Evelyn Gaiser, the organizer of the recent NADS 2003 conference, embraced the embryonic idea of adding a workshop on Diatoms and Nanotechnology to the NADS 2003 portfolio. Proposals for contributions came in rapidly and the workshop agenda was quickly filled. The symposium, which was held October 22–26, 2003, was preceded by a bit of …

Chemically functionalized water soluble single-walled carbon nanotubes modulate neurite outgrowth.

Abstract: We report the use of chemically-functionalized water soluble single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) graft copolymers for modulation of outgrowth of neuronal processes. The graft copolymers were prepared by the functionalization of SWNTs with poly-m-aminobenzene sulphonic acid and polyethylene glycol. When added to the culturing medium, these functionalized water soluble SWNTs were able to increase the length of various neuronal processes.

Uptake of silica-coated nanoparticles by HeLa cells

Abstract: Nanoparticles have seen wide applications in cellular research and development. One major issue that is unclear is the uptake of nanoparticles by cells. In this study, we have investigated the uptake of silica-coated nanoparticles by HeLa cells, employing rhoadime 6G isothiocyanate (RITC)-doped nanoparticles as a synchronous fluorescent signal indicator. These nanoparticles were synthesized with reverse microemulsion. A few factors, such as nanoparticle concentration, incubation time and temperature, and serum and inhibitors in culture medium were assessed on the nanoparticle's cellular uptake. The experimental results demonstrated that uptake was maximum after a 6 h incubation and was higher at 37 degrees C than that at 4 degrees C. Nanoparticle uptake depended on the nanoparticle concentration and was inhibited by hyperosmolarity, K+ depletion. In addition, serum in culture medium decreased the cellular uptake of nanoparticles. The results indicated that the uptake of silica-coated nanoparticles by HeLa cells was a concentration-, time-, and energy-dependent endocytic process. Silica-coated nanoparticles could be transported into HeLa cells in part through adsorptive endocytosis and in part through fluid-phase endocytosis.

Syntheses and applications of Mn-doped II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals.

Abstract: Luminescent Mn-doped II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals have been intensively investigated over the last ten years. Several semiconductor host materials such as ZnS, CdS, and ZnSe have been used for Mn-doped nanocrystals with different synthetic routes and surface passivation. Beyond studies of their fundamental properties including photoluminescence and size, these luminescent nanocrystals have now been tested for practical applications such as electroluminescent displays and biological labeling agents (biomarkers). Here, we first review ZnS:Mn, CdS:Mn/ZnS core/shell, and ZnSe:Mn nanocrystal systems in terms of their synthetic chemistries and photoluminescent properties. Second, based on ZnS:Mn and CdS:Mn/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals as electroluminescent components, direct current electroluminescent devices having a hybrid organic/inorganic multilayer structure are reviewed. Highly luminescent and photostable CdS:Mn/ZnS nanocrystals can further be used as the luminescent biomarkers and some preliminary results are also discussed here.

Synthesis of gold nanospheres and nanotriangles by the Turkevich approach.

Abstract: Gold nanoparticles of triangular morphology possess interesting optical properties with potential application in medicine and infrared absorbing coatings, however, little is known about conditions that favor their growth. In this paper, we have reinvestigated a time-tested recipe for the formation of gold nanospheres by citrate reduction of aqueous gold ions under boiling conditions (Turkevich recipe). Our principle findings are that gold nanotriangle formation is kinetically controlled and is highly favored at low temperatures. Furthermore, the presence of chloride ions from the precursor chloroaurate ions plays a major role in promoting the growth of oriented triangular/truncated triangular particles. The presence of bromide and iodide ions that possess the ability to replace surface-bound chloride ions inhibits triangle formation to varying degrees.

Layer-by-Layer assembly of TiO2 nanoparticles for stable hydrophilic biocompatible coatings.

Abstract: Stable, super-hydrophilic (water contact angle approximately equal to 0 degrees) titanium dioxide nanoparticle thin films have been obtained on substrates with different initial wettability such as glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(dimethyl siloxane) using layer-by-layer nano-assembly method. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles were alternated with poly(styrene sulfonate) to form films of thickness ranging from 11 nm to 220 nm. The hydrophilicity of these thin films increases with increasing number of deposited PSS/TiO2 bilayers. It was found that 2, 5 and 20 layers were needed to form super-hydrophilic TiO2 coating on glass, PMMA and PDMS respectively. Oxygen plasma treatment of substrate surfaces enhanced the formation of homogeneous TiO2 films and accelerated the formation of hydrophilic layers. Super-hydrophilicity has been shown to be unique to PSS/TiO2 films as compared with other polyelectrolyte/nanoparticle layers, and UV irradiation may restore hydrophilicity even after months of storing of the samples. Biocompatibility of TiO2 nanoparticle films has been demonstrated by the successful cell culture of human dermal fibroblast.

Effect of cobalt doping on the phase transformation of TiO2 nanoparticles.

Abstract: Co-doped TiO2 nanoparticles containing 0.0085, 0.017, 0.0255, 0.034, and 0.085 mol % Co(III) ion dopant were synthesized via sol-gel and dip-coating techniques. The effects of metal ion doping on the transformation of anatase to the rutile phase have been investigated. Several analytical tools, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) were used to investigate the nanoparticle structure, size distribution, and composition. Results obtained revealed that the rutile to anatase concentration ratio increases with increase of the cobalt dopant concentration and annealing temperature. The typical composition of Co-doped TiO2 was Ti(1-x)Co(x)O2, where x values ranged from 0.0085 to 0.085. The activation energy for the phase transformation from anatase to rutile was measured to be 229, 222, 211, and 195 kJ/mole for 0.0085, 0.017, 0.0255, and 0.034 mol % Co in TiO2, respectively.

Doped semiconductor nanomaterials.

Abstract: The development and properties of doped nanomaterials including doped titanium dioxide, doped silicon, and doped cadmium telluride are reviewed, as well as their ultrafast dynamics. Doping nanomaterials provides a flexible way to tune to the properties of the materials while maintaining their high surface areas. The electronic, optical, photochemical, photoelectrochemical, photocatalytic and photoexcited relaxation properties can be tuned towards the desired direction by doping different elements. The materials can be engineered towards specific applications through careful selection of the dopants.

Physical factors affecting kinesin-based transport of synthetic nanoparticle cargo.

Abstract: Recently, kinesin biomolecular motors and microtubules filaments (MTs) were used to transport metal and semiconductor nanoparticles with the long-term goal of exploiting this active transport system to dynamically assemble nanostructured materials. In some cases, however, the presence of nanoparticle cargo on MTs was shown to inhibit transport by interfering with kinesin-MT interactions. The primary objectives of this work were (1) to determine what factors affect the ability of kinesin and MTs to transport nanoparticle cargo, and (2) to establish a functional parameter space in which kinesin and MTs can support unimpeded transport of nanoparticles and materials. Of the factors evaluated, nanoparticle density on a given MT was the most significant factor affecting kinesin-based transport of nanoparticles. The density of particles was controlled by limiting the number of available linkage sites (i.e., biotinylated tubulin), and/or the relative concentration of nanoparticles in solution. Nanoparticle size was also a significant factor affecting transport, and attributed to the ability of particles < 40 nm in diameter to bind to the "underside" of the MT, and block kinesin transport. Overall, a generalized method of assembling and transporting a range of nanoparticle cargo using kinesin and MTs was established.

Nano-devitrification of glassy alloys.

Abstract: This overview paper summarizes a large number of data connected with nano-devitrification of metallic glassy and amorphous alloys on heating which form nanoscale crystalline or quasicrystalline particles. In some alloys this effect leads to formation of the nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties compared to fully glassy and crystalline alloys.

Packaging of gold particles in viral capsids.

Abstract: In-vitro self-assembly conditions known to result in generating infectious virions have been used in vitro to reassemble bromovirus capsid proteins around negatively charged gold nanoparticles cores. We discuss here the optical properties (elastic light scattering) and the influence of the core size and of the functional moiety on the resulting virus-like particles. Our results indicate that the formation of a closed shell, as opposed to an amorphous protein coat, does occur and that the shell/core interactions can be tuned using different coatings on the nanoparticle core. Such studies may lead to real-time monitoring of viral traffic on the scale of a single virus, as well as to the possibility of chemical sensing along the intracellular and intercellular viral pathways and contribute to a better understanding of the virus transport and cellular compartmentalization.

Folate conjugated fluorescent silica nanoparticles for labeling neoplastic cells.

Abstract: We describe a novel technique of using fluorescent silica nanoparticles (FSNPs) to detect over-expressed folate receptors, as typical for certain malignancies (metastatic adenocarcinoma, pituitary adenoma and others). Using Stober's method with some modification, 135 nm size FSNPs were synthesized by a hydrolysis and co-condensation reaction of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS), fluorescein labeled (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTS) and a water-dispersible silane reagent, (3-trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (THPMP) in the presence of ammonium hydroxide catalyst. Folic acid (folate) was covalently attached to the amine modified FSNPs by a carbodiimide coupling reaction. The characterization of folate-FSNPs was performed using a variety of spectroscopic (UV-VIS and fluorescence), microscopic (transmission electron microscopy, TEM) and light scattering techniques. Folate conjugated FSNPs were then targeted to human squamous cancer cells (SCC-9). Laser scanning confocal images successfully demonstrated the labeling of SCC-9 cells and the efficacy of FSNP based detection system.

Peptide-assisted synthesis of gold nanoparticles and their self-assembly.

Abstract: A novel gold nanoparticle-tripeptide (GNP-tripeptide) conjugate was prepared by peptide in-situ redox technique at ambient temperatureusing a newly designed tripeptide. This new tripeptide was nso designed that it has a C-terminus tyrosine residue, which reduced Au+3 to Au, and the terminally located free amino group was bound to the gold nanoparticle (GNP) surface resulting in highly stable Au colloids. The average diameter of the tripeptide-stabilized GNP is 8.7 +/- 2.3 nm. Tripeptide bound gold nanoparticles formed three-dimensional assemblies in the presence of an excess of similar or disimilar tripeptides. The aggregation of GNPs results in a red shift in the surface plasmon resonance from lambda max = 527 to 556 nm. The effect of the solvent, concentration, and nature of the tripeptides on the assembly process were investigated by TEM and UV-visible spectroscopy.

Diatom bionanotribology--biological surfaces in relative motion: their design, friction, adhesion, lubrication and wear.

Abstract: Tribology is the branch of engineering that deals with the interaction of surfaces in relative motion (as in bearings or gears): their design, friction, adhesion, lubrication and wear. Continuous miniaturization of technological devices like hard disc drives and biosensors increases the necessity for the fundamental understanding of tribological phenomena at the micro- and nanoscale. Biological systems show optimized performance also at this scale. Examples for biological friction systems at different length scales include bacterial flagella, joints, articular cartilage and muscle connective tissues. Scanning probe microscopy opened the nanocosmos to engineers: not only is microscopy now possible on the atomic scale, but even manipulation of single atoms and molecules can be performed with unprecedented precision. As opposed to this top-down approach, biological systems excel in bottom-up nanotechnology. Our model system for bionanotribological investigations are diatoms, for they are small, highly reproductive, and since they are transparent, they are accessible with different kinds of optical microscopy methods. Furthermore, certain diatoms have proved to be rewarding samples for mechanical and topological in vivo investigations on the nanoscale. There are several diatom species that actively move (e.g. Bacillaria paxillifer forms colonies in which the single cells slide against each other) or which can, as cell colonies, be elongated by as much as a major fraction of their original length (e.g. Ellerbeckia arenaria colonies can be reversibly elongated by one third of their original length). Therefore, we assume that some sort of lubrication of interactive surfaces is present in these species. Current studies in diatom bionanotribology comprise techniques like atomic force microscopy, histochemical analysis, infrared spectrometry, molecular spectroscopy and confocal infrared microscopy.

Engineering thermal stability in RNA phage capsids via disulphide bonds.

Abstract: The RNA bacteriophages, a group that includes phages Qbeta and MS2, have a number of potential bionanotechnological applications, including cell specific drug delivery and as substrates for the formation of novel materials. Despite extensive sequence identity between their coat protein subunits, and an almost identical three-dimensional fold, Qbeta and MS2 capsids have dramatically different thermal stabilities. The increased stability of Qbeta has been correlated with the inter-subunit disulphide bonds present in that capsid and not present in MS2. We have tested this hypothesis directly using mass spectrometry. Analysis of the dissociated coat protein subunits suggests that inter-molecular disulphides are formed at the capsid five-fold but may not be at the three-fold axes. This conclusion has been tested by engineering disulphide cross-links into either the five-fold or three-fold positions of the recombinant MS2 capsid. Five-fold cross-linking results in a mutant with stability properties similar to those of Qbeta. Three-fold cross-linking results in a mutant unable to assemble T = 3 shells, implying that five-fold structures are on pathway to capsid assembly in these phages. The results demonstrate how it is possible to redesign the physical properties of phage shells and may be of general relevance to future applications of viruses and virus-like particles.

Electrophoretic and dynamic light scattering in evaluating dispersion and size distribution of single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: We have introduced both electrophoretic and dynamic light scattering to evaluate the polydispersity, nanodispersity, and stability of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in distilled water with surfactants. By controlling the sodium dodecyl sulfate composition and some pretreatment by sonication, we were able to achieve nanodispersion (dispersion into individual nanotubes). The polydispersity was well described by combining both methods. We further showed that the nanodispersion and length distribution observed in the dynamic light scattering spectra were clearly identified by atomic force microscopy. Although surfactants with aliphatic groups can nanodisperse SWNT bundles, the dispersivity and stability depended seriously on the sample preparation process. Our measurements showed that a combination of electrophoretic and dynamic light scattering can provide a convenient and robust means of measuring polydispersity, nanodispersity, and stability of SWNTs in various solutions.

Fabrication of optically enhanced ZnO nanorods and microrods using novel biocatalysts.

Abstract: We developed a straightforward method to produce hexagonal ZnO nanorods and microrods using a novel biocatalyst, Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum. ZnO nanorods were synthesized homogeneously on growth substrates when the bacterial catalysts were deposited uniformly on substrates whereas ZnO microrods were formed when the catalysts were introduced to selective areas of growth substrates using microcontact printing. X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that these ZnO structures exhibit Wurtzite structures with preferential growth along [0001] direction. Room-temperature photoluminescence spectra of the as-synthesized ZnO nanorods and microrods show extremely strong and sharp UV emission at 390 nm and negligible green emission at 510 nm. Our results demonstrate that Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum is an effective catalyst for the growth of nanometer- and micrometer-sized ZnO structures with exceptionally high-quality optical properties. These defect-free ZnO nano-and micro-materials, when combined with microcontact printing techniques to achieve patterned growth over large areas of substrates, can facilitate their photonic-based applications as optoelectronic devices and chemical/biological sensors.