Recent Patents on Nanotechnology - Volume 14, Issue 2, 2020

Recent advances in nanotechnology make it possible to create nanomaterials based on γ-alumina with novel hierarchical structure and physicochemical properties. Hierarchical γ-alumina can be synthesized using chemical or physical methods. The nanostructures based on γ-alumina exhibit unique properties, which are utilized in the design of efficient applications. These superior properties are often due to their hierarchical organizations from the nanosize scale to the macroscopic level. The present review is devoted to the contemporary state of the studies on the methods to produce hierarchical γ-alumina. We tried to summarize herein the literature data on the methods of synthesis of hierarchical γ-AlOOH and γ-Al2O3 with controlled morphology and the application of these methods for the synthesis of hierarchical γ-AlOOH and γ-Al2O3 nanocomposites.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the skin which is characterized by the reoccurring episodes of inflammatory lesions with a worldwide occurrence of around 2-5%. Psoriasis can be categorized as mild, moderate and severe conditions. In mild psoriasis, there is the formation of rashes, and when it becomes moderate, the skin turns scaly. In severe conditions, the red patches can be seen on the skin surface and the skin becomes itchy. The different treatment approaches include phototherapy, topical, oral and other systemic drug deliveries. Dermal treatment is now highly endorsed in topical indications for psoriatic patients, due to its higher penetration which can be achieved using pharmaceutical carriers. Objective: Though various conventional formulations are there, therapeutic benefits can be provided only to a limited extent. The objective of this review was to highlight newer biocompatible and biodegradable materials like phospholipids, and forefront drug delivery methods like liposomes, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, niosomes, ethosomes, etc. which has increased the possibility to improve the efficacy and safety of the topical products. Apart from this, many medicinal plants are available in nature that are used for treating skin diseases like psoriasis. Conclusion: The new trends in nanotechnology are marked by subsequent changes in the pharmaceutical research field. To safeguard the research works in the research field, various patents have been introduced, such as Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK 2981278) – RORγ antagonist, etc. The causes, pathophysiology and the herbal plants that are used in treating the disease are also discussed.

Background: Efavirenz, an anti-HIV agent, has a noticeable place in the HAART regimen for the treatment and maintenance therapy of AIDS. However, its poor water solubility accounts for hindered absorption and bio-distribution upon administration. This results in its low and variable bioavailability. To circumvent these limitations, various novel formulations of Efavirenz have been investigated in order to mitigate its drawbacks and draw out its maximum therapeutic effect. Methods: Numerous formulations explored to overcome the drawbacks of Efavirenz include modified/ controlled-release tablets, solid dispersions, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, surface-engineered nanoparticles and various other nanoformulations. Moreover, combinatorial formulations of Efavirenz with other Anti-HIV drugs have also been reported to overcome the problem of Drug-Resistance. Results: The nanoformulation based strategies, owing to their ability to provide controlled release profile and targeted drug delivery were found to augment bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy and reduce the side effects of the Efavirenz. Conclusion: This review pivots around the challenges and recent advances in the delivery of Efavirenz with particular emphasis on novel formulations including its patents.

Background: The health area in its most diverse fields has progressively incorporated nanotechnology into its products, such as in dermatology. In this sector, nanoparticles are one of the strategies that allow improvements, both in terms of value-added, as well as the efficacy, safety and stability of products for cosmetic or therapeutic purposes. Objective: To understand the scenario of development and innovation of dermatological products with nanoparticles, through a patent prospection, evaluating the annual evolution, the main technology investors countries, the profile of the depositors, besides the uses and purposes of the products. Methods: The Espacenet® database was used for consultation, using the search term "nanoparticle and skin". A total of 285 patents were found, of which 208 were available and 89 were based on the scope. Results: There was a progressive evolution in the number of patents after the year 2000, with South Korea, the United States, China and Japan as the main depositor countries. Private companies and Education and Research Institutions were the entities with the largest amount of deposits. The cosmetic purpose was the predominant use compared to the therapeutic one. The most prominent nanoparticles were polymeric, metallic and lipid, while the therapeutic area presented a larger number of the functionalized ones. Conclusion: The market for dermatological products has been innovating and growing over the years through the use of nanoparticles, evidencing a prominent development of nanotechnology-based cosmetics. Countries investing in nanotechnology and major developers of innovative products are highlighted in this scenario.

Background: The sustainable development of the building industry has drawn increasing attention around the world. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology play an important role in the processes of energy saving and reducing consumption in the building industry. Nanotechnology patents provide key technological support for the green development of the building industry. Based on patent data in China, this paper quantitatively analyzed the application of nanotechnology patents in the building industry and the time trend, regional differences, and evolution of China's nano-patent applications in the building field. Methods: In this study, the environmental total factor productivity of the building industry considering carbon constraints was determined and then used as the dependent variable to measure the green development of the building industry. On this basis, a panel data regression model was constructed to determine the impact of nano-patents on the green development of the building industry. Results: Nanotechnology patents in the building industry can significantly improve total factor productivity. From the perspective of patent composition, technology-based patents that focus on substantial innovation can significantly promote the green development of the building industry, whereas strategic patents show a significant inhibitory effect. Regionally, the western region of China has the advantage of being less developed and thus more efficient than the central and eastern regions in the application of new nano-products. Finally, the research also showed a significant lag in the application of China's nanotechnology patents and low implementation efficiency. Conclusion: Nano patents can promote green development in the building industry, but there is room for improvement in the speed with which laboratory inventions are transformed into building engineering applications.

Background: In this work, various carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthetized by the spray pyrolysis method. Resulting nanoforest-like and bamboo-like carbon nanotubes, as well as Yjunctions of carbon nanotubes, possess different shapes and morphology, depending on the kind of carbon source used and on the number of iron particles on the furnace tube surface, which derives from various concentrations of ferrocene catalyst. Methods: We used the spray pyrolysis method, using different carbon sources (n-pentane, n-hexane, nheptane, and acrylonitrile) as precursors and two different concentrations of ferrocene as a catalyst. Reactions of hydrocarbon decomposition were carried out at 800oC. The solution (hydrocarbon and catalyst) was introduced with a syringe, with a flow of 1 mL/min and the synthesis time of 20 min. Argon was used as carrier gas (1000 L/min). Preheater and oven temperatures were selected 180°C and 800°C, respectively, for each carbon source. The solution passed into a quartz tube placed in an oven. Results: According to the studies of carbon nanostructures, obtained from different precursors, it can be proposed that the structures synthesized from n-pentane, n-hexane and n-heptane are formed by the root growth method. The growth mechanism of MWCNTs was studied, confirming that the root growth formation of products takes place, whose parameters also depend on furnace temperature and gas flow rate. Dependence of interlayer distance (0.34-0.50 nm) in the formed MWCNTs on precursors and reaction conditions is also elucidated. The formation of carbon nanotubes does not merely depend on carbon precursors but also has strong correlations with such growth conditions as different catalyst concentrations, furnace temperature and gas flow rate. Such parameters as the amount of catalyst and synthesis time are also needed to be considered, since they are important to find minor values of these parameters in the synthesis of forest-like carbon nanotubes and other structures such as bamboo-like carbon nanotubes and Y-junctions in carbon nanotubes. Conclusion: As a result of the evaluation of interlayer distance in CNTs formed from different carbon sources, a standard value of interlayer distance normally for CNTs is 0.34 nm and for pentane A (0.5 wt.%), hexane B (1 wt.%), toluene A (0.5 wt.%) the range is from 0.33 to 0.35 nm. In case of pentane and acrylonitrile, under an increase of the catalyst concentration, an increase of the value of interlayer distance takes place from 0.35 and 0.4 to 0.4 and 0.5 nm, respectively, but for hexane, heptane and cyclohexane, an increase of the catalyst concentration maintains the same interlayer distance. This involves the use of lower quantities of raw materials and, therefore less cost for obtaining these materials.

Background: In this paper, the supercapacitor based on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) electrodes has been fabricated. Objective: The Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were used as a gel electrolyte. Methods: The electrodes and electrolytes thin films were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The specific Capacitance (Cs) of the CNTs-based supercapacitor has been measured using the cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic methods. For the scan rate, 20 mV s^-1 the Cs of the CNTs-based supercapacitor was 173 F g^-1. Results: Using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy the Nyquist curve has been plotted. The reactance capacitance and the equivalent series resistance of the CNTs-based supercapacitor with PVDF/PVA gel electrolytes were 90 Ω and 25 Ω respectively. Conclusion: Also, few patents for the CNTs-based supercapacitor have been reviewed and cited. The CNTs-based supercapacitor proposed a new structure solid-state and flexible supercapacitor with high performance.