Current Nanoscience - Volume 20, Issue 6, 2024

Using computer vision technology to obtain the position and trajectory data of particle probe microspheres from microscope images has significance and value in the molecular field. However, most of the existing microsphere measurement methods are based on transmission, which can only be measured under transparent samples and substrates and are not suitable for the application scenario of living cell measurement. In this paper, a method based on reflectivity imaging is proposed to measure the three-dimensional position of the dark microspheres in the bright field. Based on the outermost ring radius method, the relationship between the inner ring radius of the microsphere spot and the out-of-focus distance was explored to measure the coordinates in the Z direction. Cardiomyocytes were combined with 10 um size silica microspheres. Experiments show that in a bright field with a high perturbation environment, it can achieve high precision measurement of dark microspheres and achieve three-dimensional position measurement with an accuracy of 50 nm in XY direction and 100 nm in Z direction.

In order to address environmental issues, polymer nanocomposites are becoming more and more popular because of their remarkable functionality. Their use in various fields is highlighted by their special physicochemical features (i.e., stability, high reactivity, robustness, regenerability, etc.), conductivity, electronic compatibility, quick interfacial contacts, simplicity of functionalization, simplicity of synthesis, interface-to-volume ratio, and low cost. Green polymer nanocomposites have drawn a lot of attention for use in a variety of applications to preserve the environment. Because they are made of eco-friendly materials, they are frequently utilised in the automobile, building, packaging, and medical industries. Eco-friendly solutions to the problems caused by plastic trash are biodegradable polymers produced from renewable sources (microbes, plants, and animals). Plant fibres and natural resins are combined to create green composite materials. These fibres and resins used in green composites can be broken down by bacteria. The mixing of natural fillers and organic polymers results in green polymer nanocomposites with distinct characteristics. This review is anticipated to be comprehensive, compelling, and practical for the scientists and business professionals who collaborate to address a variety of environmental problems on a global scale using green polymer nanocomposites.

Micro/nanofluidic devices and systems have gained increasing interest in healthcare applications over the last few decades because of their low cost and ease of customization, with only a small volume of sample fluid required. Many biological queries are now being addressed using various types of single-molecule research. With this rapid rise, the disadvantages of these methods are also becoming obvious. Micro/nanofluidics-based biochemical analysis outperforms traditional approaches in terms of sample volume, turnaround time, ease of operation, and processing efficiency. A complex and multifunctional micro/nanofluidic platform may be used for single-cell manipulation, treatment, detection, and sequencing. We present an overview of the current advances in micro/nanofluidic technology for single-cell research, focusing on cell capture, treatment, and biochemical analyses. The promise of single-cell analysis using micro/ nanofluidics is also highlighted.

With the development of science and technology, microrobots have been used in medicine, biology, rescue, and many other fields. However, the microrobots have problems such as energy and motion due to miniaturization. In order to solve the problem of the energy supply of microrobots, researchers have provided more drive schemes for microrobots. Inspired by the biological cilia, the biomimetic cilia have been developed and applied to microrobots to achieve propulsion, liquid pumping, liquid mixing, and particle manipulation. This review summarizes the different driving modes of microrobots, focusing on the application of magnetic drive and optical drive in the field of micro-robots. The structure and function of biological cilia and biomimetic cilia are introduced. The application of biomimetic cilia microrobots in various fields is discussed, and the current challenges and future development trends of biomimetic cilia microrobots are summarized. This review hopes to provide useful help for researchers of biomimetic cilia microrobots.

Background: Polymersomes (PS), self-assembled nanostructures formed by amphiphilic block copolymers, have garnered significant attention in recent years due to their unique properties and versatile applications in the fields of drug delivery and biomedicine. They are being prepared for a wide range of complex medicinal compounds, including nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes. Polymersomes have lately been used as vehicles for delivering varied therapeutic substances and regulating ROS (reactive oxygen species). Due to their immunogenic features, polymersomes could play a critical role in enhancing subunit vaccine and drug delivery against COVID-19 infection. Objective: The prime purpose of this manuscript is to furnish an extensive overview of polymersomes, highlighting their recent advances, fabrication methods, characterization techniques, and pharmaceutical applications. Methods: The article has been amassed using several online and offline manuscripts from reputed journals, books, and other resources. Besides this, various user-friendly interfaces, like Pubmed, Google Scholar, etc, have been utilized to gather the latest data about polymersomes. This domain encompasses recent advancements in the realm of innovations about the delivery of drugs through polymeric vesicles. This field involves innovations or developments in nanocarrier systems as they are efficaciously employed to deliver the desired moiety to the targeted site. Results: PS have been discovered to exhibit remarkable promise in addressing various challenges associated with inadequate bioavailability, targeted drug delivery, dosing frequency, and diminished toxic effects. Over the past decade, such nanovesicles have been effectively employed as a complementary approach to address the issues arising from poorly soluble medications. However, this domain still requires further focus on novel breakthroughs. Conclusion: Polymersomes demonstrate unparalleled potential as innovative carriers, exhibiting remarkable versatility and exceptional biocompatibility. This concise review underscores their extraordinary prospects in diverse fields, accentuating their distinctive attributes and opening new avenues for groundbreaking applications.

Drug delivery in human subjects has been the most difficult task since the ancient time of the medical sector. An ideal drug delivery system is, one that minimizes the adverse effects and maximizes the desired effects of the drug candidate. Various drug delivery systems have been developed that may have some kind of advantages and disadvantages, among them targeted drug delivery system is more preferable and convenient which may employ various nanoparticles or other materials for the drug delivery at the specified site of action. In this, the authors elaborately and comprehensively explained the role of recent carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in targeted drug delivery systems (specifically for targeting cancerous cells). The authors also described the methods of preparation of CNTs, characterization techniques for CNTs, cellular penetration of, CNTs, and the associated toxicities with CNTs. Carbon nanotubes are preferable to other nanoparticles because they are more electrically, mechanically, and organically stable than others, they can carry more amount of drug in comparison to other nanoparticles and their functionalization property makes them more attractive as a carrier molecule for targeting any root cause of the disease.

Due to the high need for sustainable energy sources, there has been a tremendous increase in SC (solar cell) production and research in recent years. Despite the fact that inorganic SC has led the SC consumer market due to its exceptional efficiency, its expensive and difficult manufacture method makes it unaffordable. Hence alternative technology for SC has been explored by researchers to overcome the draw backs of inorganic SC fabrication. OSC (organic solar cell) alternatively known as polymer SC has the advantage of having lightweight, low production cost, and simple device structure. During the last few years, significant attention has been given in order to overcome the material and technological barriers in OSC devices to make them commercially viable. Buffer layers play a significant part in improving the power conversion efficiencies in OSCs, thus it is necessary to comprehend the underlying microscopic mechanisms that underlie the advancements in order to support the current qualitative knowledge. In this review article, we have studied extensively the impact of different BLs (buffer-layer) in enhancing the PCE (power conversion efficiency) and absorption capabilities of OSCs.

Background: Cobalt oxide nanocubes have garnered significant attention as potential supercapacitor electrodes due to their unique structural and electrochemical properties. The spent lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are considered as zero-cost source for cobalt oxide production. Objectives: The aim of this work is to recover cobalt oxide from spent LiBs and study its electrochemical performance as a supercapacitor electrode material. Methods: This study uses an electrodeposition method to obtain cobalt oxide honeycomb-like anodes coated on Ni foam substrates from spent Li-ion batteries for supercapacitors applications. The effect of annealing temperature on the cobalt oxide anode has been carefully investigated; 450ºC annealing temperature results in nanocubes on the surface of the cobalt oxide electrode. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of the Co-3O-4-NiO electrode. Results: The Co3O4-NiO nanocubes electrode has shown a high specific capacitance of 1400 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 and high capacitance retention of ~96 % after 2250 cycles at a constant current density of 10 A g^-1 compared to 900 F g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 as for prepared Co3O4 honeycomb. Conclusion: This strategy proves that the paramount importance of Co3O4-NiO nanocubes, meticulously synthesized at elevated temperatures, as a supremely effective active material upon deposition onto transition metal foam current collectors, establishing their indispensability for supercapacitor applications.

Background: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of hybrid nanocatalysts, which amalgamate attributes of both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. Aim: To achieve a holistic understanding of the topic, we embarked on a meticulous exploration across multiple databases. Methods: The Web of Science repository yielded 239 pertinent documents, while the Scopus database offered a more exhaustive collection of 1,887 documents. Although Google Scholar suggested a staggering 25,000 articles, its unclear selection criteria raised questions about the precision and dependability of its data. Hence, our study primarily relied on the Scopus database to ensure an extensive sample and analytical rigor. Using the Python-boosted visualization of Similarities methodology, we illuminated interconnections among various terminologies, identifying burgeoning areas within hybrid nanocatalyst research. Results: Our findings emphasized the ascending trajectory toward innovating materials with superior properties in hybrid nanocatalysis. This trajectory accentuated the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration and sustainable methodologies. Advanced analytical techniques, notably X-ray diffraction, emerged as quintessential in delineating the nuanced relationship between hybrid nanocatalysts' structural and functional attributes. We also spotlighted Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy's capability in fine-tuning hybrid nanocatalysts' properties, enhancing their catalytic efficacy and selectivity. An intriguing trend our study unearthed was the surge in interest toward integrating natural enzymes as potential catalysts within hybrid nanocatalysts, positioning them as beacons for sustainable and cost-efficient catalyst development. Conclusion: By synthesizing these insights, this research underlines the significance of diverse characterization techniques and the ethos of interdisciplinary collaboration. The derived knowledge offers a repository for fellow researchers, guiding further inquiries, especially regarding integrating natural enzymes in hybrid nanocatalyst innovation.