Current Nanoscience - Volume 18, Issue 3, 2022

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) has become the main tool for observation and manipulation in nanotechnology research due to its nano-meter high resolution, but the slow imaging speed is one of the important reasons hindering the further development of AFM. This article first introduces the applications of AFM in cell biology in recent years, expresses the importance of rapid imaging in cell biology, and then summarizes the reasons affecting the imaging speed of AFM from three aspects: the limited bandwidth of system mechanical components, obvious inherent characteristics of piezoelectric scanners, and complex image processing algorithms. The improvement and optimization methods of mechanical parts or structure, control algorithm and image processing are reviewed for different influence reasons. Then, the advantages and of different improvement methods, as well as the improved imaging speed and imaging quality improvement effects, are compared. Imaging speed and resolution are both several to dozens of times higher than before, while ensuring image quality and without damaging the samples. The aim of this review is to enable students, the public and even experts of different knowledge backgrounds to learn directly, and select realizable improvement methods according to realistic conditions. Finally, the future development trend and further prospects of high-speed AFM are discussed.

Background: Nanocrystals have been found as potent, beneficial, and advantageous nanocarrier systems for ameliorating the solubility, bioavailability and permeability of those drug candidates that are less water-soluble and permeable. Such an approach possesses many complications that require more research work. Objective: The main objective of the manuscript is to prepare a review on all the aspects of nanocrystals that includes their advantages, recent advancements, preparation methods, recent patents, marketed products, and some patents related to their characterization techniques. Methods: This manuscript has been accrued through the help of online and offline journals, books, and other accessible sources. This field involves new developments or inventions in the novel nanocarrier system. Results: Nanocrystals have been found to exhibit better potentiality to sort out different problems like poor drug absorption, drug-associated side effects, targeted drug delivery. In the last decade, these nanocarriers have been opted for resolving the problem produced due to less soluble drugs. By conducting more research, this field can be more beneficial to the health sector. Conclusion: Nanocrystals contribute significantly to deliver several drugs via different routes like topical, oral ophthalmic, pulmonary and parenteral. This manuscript substantially shows the applicability and importance of nanocrystals as a drug delivery carrier to treat various health issues.

Background: Platelets are sensitive to chilling, so the optimal storage temperature for maintaining normal function and structure in platelets is 22-24 °C up to 3-5 days. Introduction: Platelets are important blood cells involved in immunity, inflammation, and thrombosis. Today, platelet products are widely used to prevent bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy disorders. As a result, maintaining the quality of these products is very important. Methods: In this review study, the reported influences of various dendrimers on platelets from 2001 to 2020 were investigated. Results: The results showed that positively charged dendrimers can cause platelet aggregation and activation during platelet storage time through their amine residues. In addition to surface charge, high generations, molecular weight and concentration are not recommended in the field of platelet storage and treatment. In contrast, negatively charged dendrimers, usually used at lower generations with proper molecular weight, lower size (less than 100 nm) and their carboxyl residues, cannot induce adverse effects on platelets during storage time. In addition, the results of this study revealed that PEGylation of dendrimers and platelets can improve platelet storage conditions. Conclusion: As anionic dendrimers can improve platelet storage time without inducing significant changes in morphology and function of platelets, they are recommended in the field of platelet storage and treatment.

Nanotechnology in the textile industry has gained popularity in the commercial market over the years. It is based on utilizing the characteristic properties of nanomaterials to improve the functionality of the textile. The present article focuses on different types of nano moieties, their properties, such as water repellence, self-cleaning, UV-protection, anti-microbial and flame retardancy, and their applications in various sectors. We also discuss smart textiles, operating mechanisms, and their economic importance. We conclude that the successful application of nanotechnology in the textile industry lies in producing sustainable and multifunctional fabrics to meet the increasing customer demand.

The investigation of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) as an alternative approach to the conventional photovoltaic cell (silicon-based) is attracting remarkable attention recently. This stems from the excellent optical properties of graphene, such as impressive transparency, conductance in near-infrared and visible light spectrums, along with its thermochemical stability, as reported in the literature. However, the main limitation of graphene production is the lack of suitable methods for its industrial-scale synthesis. Consequently, the research on industrial applications of graphene development and understanding of how to pragmatize existing theoretical approaches are still ongoing in the related research domain. This is exemplified in single, few, and adhesive layer mechanical cleavage graphene methods, which are not yet practicable, as these methods will restrict the chance for scaling up. These limitations and inadequate reviews on graphene development impelled the authors to compile the advances in graphene synthesis, properties, recent applications, and future directions. The mechanical exfoliation synthesis technique delivers quality graphene films sized from 5 to 10 μm. Graphene-TiO2 hybridization was also found to possess efficiency acclivity as high as 39%. This review provides significant implications for a better understanding of graphene performance indicators and insight for future research in photovoltaic or optical modulation devices.

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a thin film fabrication process in the semiconductor industry. This review paper discusses the different types of PVD methods such as sputtering, cathodic arc deposition, pulsed laser deposition, and ion plating that could be employed in order to fabricate nanoscale thin films. This paper focuses on reviewing Zr-based nanoscale thin film properties, including the transformation of Zr to ZrO2 based nanofilms as high-k gate dielectrics. Additionally, its corrosion, mechanical and degradation resistance were thoroughly analysed. These properties are affected by gas flow rate changes, temperature, and crystallinity and are further discussed in each section. Thus, this review paper informs researchers of the thin films progress to date. Understanding the influence of PVD process parameters in fabricating Zr-based nanoscale thin film is vital for its long-term continuous improvement.

Background: The metal alkoxides undergo the sol-gel process leads to highly dense polymer networks in nano range size particles. Template-mediated nanomaterial fabrication involves functional monomers, cross binders, catalysis, and other favorable thermal conditions optimized to prepare thermal, mechanical, and chemo-stable tailor-made complimentary recognition sites ceramic materials. Methods: The present study is focused on imprinting of caffeine by sol-gel method, wherein functional monomer as (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), crosslinker as tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and ammonium hydroxide solution as catalyst were considered to prepare materials, and those materials characterized. The catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation were carried with a wide range of composition mixtures in acetonitrile optimized at 60 °C. The imprinted polymers (MIPs) and Non-Imprinted Polymers (NIPs) characterized by FTIR, GC-MS, SEM, and EDS techniques. Further post-polymerization studies were carried to investigate recognizing capacity specificity and the binding capacity of the caffeine and its structurally similar analogs with imprinted / non-imprinted polymers. Results: The studies revealed that efficiency in the template removal was high in the imprinted polymers in which low concentration of crosslinker and whereas the selectivity of the template was observed to be high compared with polymers with higher concentrations. Conclusion: In conclusion, high binding affinity was observed in imprinted polymers to that of non- Imprinted polymers.

Background: Natural and living systems are dynamical systems that demonstrate complex behavior, which appears to be deterministic chaotic, characterized and governed by entropy increase and loss of information throughout their entire lifespan. Lipidic nanoparticles, such as liposomes, as artificial biomembranes, have long been considered appropriate models for studying various membrane phenomena that cell systems exhibit. By utilizing these models, we can better comprehend cellular functions, stability, as well as factors that might alter the cell physiology, leading to severe disease states. In addition, liposomes are well-established drug and vaccine delivery nanosystems, which are present in the market, playing a significant role; therefore, due to their importance, issues concerning their effectiveness and stability are research topics that are constantly investigated and updated. Methods: In this study, the emergent deterministic chaotic behavior of liposomes is described, while evaluation in accordance to their colloidal physical stability, by utilizing established nonlinear dynamics tools, is presented. Two liposomes of different composition and physical stability were developed and a chaotic evaluation on the time series of their size and polydispersity was conducted. Results: The utilized models revealed instability, loss of information and order loss for both liposomes in due time, with important differentiations. An initial interpretation of the results is apposed, whereas the foundations for further investigating possible exploitation of the demonstrated nonlinearity and adaptability of artificial biomembranes is laid, with projection on biosystems. Conclusion: The present approach is expected to impact the application of lipidic nanoparticles and liposomes in various crucial fields, such as drug and vaccine delivery, providing useful information for both the academia and industry.

Background: Monitoring of the chemical synthesis of black titanium. Objective: In this study, we prepared a black titanium nanomaterial by chemical reduction (NaBH4 treatment). Control of the black TiO2 nanomaterial synthesis followed by a thermal analysis from 100°C to 400°C under azote atmosphere is presented. We used a commercial dye, Reactive Bezactiv Yellow (RBY) degradation, to examine the photocatalytic activity of the black titanium. Methods: The thermal analysis of WT and a mixture of treated TiO2(WT+NaBH4) was examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained nanoparticle is analyzed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), UV–visible spectrophotometry, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: A deformation of the crystalline lattice is extended beyond the entire visible spectrum. The thermal property reveals that the black titanium is more stable than the white titanium, and BT indicated a more photocatalytic performance than WT. Conclusion: We have successfully synthesized black titanium via chemical reduction employing a synthesis of white titanium. The thermal analysis reveals that BT has a high resistance than WT that offers a promising opportunity for several photocatalytic applications.

Background: Transition metal sulfide, especially Nickel cobalt sulfide (NiCo2S4), has been widely studied as electrode material based on its excellent electrochemical properties. It is found that increasing the conductivity and stability of the electrode material can greatly improve the performance of the supercapacitor. Methods: Three-dimensional (3D) NiCo2S4 and NiCo2S4/rGO composite material are synthesized via two-step hydrothermal method for high-performance supercapacitor electrode material. Besides, the electrochemical properties of NiCo2S4/rGO have been analyzed by many characterization methods. Results: The experiment shows that pure NiCo2S4 samples exhibit a cubic spinel structure, and their morphologies are 3D flower-like structures. The ultra-pasteurized NiCo2S4 nanospheres have been successfully inserted into the surface of graphene through a hydrothermal method. A large specific surface of NiCo2S4/rGO has been observed from morphology and structure analysis. The specific electric capacity of the NiCo2S4/rGO electrode has reached 1002.9 F/g, when the current density is 1 A/g. Conclusion: It has been found that the capacitance retention rate of NiCo2S4/rGO composite electrode material has increased from 59.6% to 88.5% compared to NiCo2S4 after 2000 cycles at 5 A/g. Moreover, experiments denote that NiCo2S4/rGO electrode material has a larger ion diffusion rate and lesser solution resistance from the Electrochemical Independence Spectrum (EIS).