Nano Trends最新文献

Although the flourishing of the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence has accelerated the development of wearable smart bioelectronics, heavy reliance on external power remains a problem that needs to be solved. Thermoelectric materials have emerged as a promising solution, efficiently converting body heat into electrical energy to provide a stable and unrestricted power supply for wearables. Moreover, in the field of wearable thermoelectric biosensing, where flexibility is highly demanded, hydrogels with excellent electrical conductivity, flexibility and biocompatibility through structural and compositional optimization have become ideal materials for constructing biosensors and meet the diverse application needs of wearable bioelectronics. This article systematically reviews the latest research progress on thermoelectric gels for self-powered wearable biosensing, including the principles of thermoelectric operation, as well as the preparation, design, and application of thermoelectric hydrogels. The current state of thermoelectric gel-based wearable applications in the fields of temperature sensing, strain sensing, temperature-strain synergistic sensing, respiratory monitoring, and sweat analysis are displayed in the article. Finally, the paper summarizes the current challenges and prospects of thermoelectric gels in self-powered wearable bioelectronics, encouraging the rapid application and realization of thermoelectric gel-based smart wearables.

The escalating demand for versatile and precise diagnostic tools across various biomedical applications has led to the development of an advanced assay utilizing a fluorescent metal-organic framework (MOF). Our novel approach centers on the synthesis of a controlled-explosive NH₂-MIL-53(Fe) MOF, composed of trivalent iron ions and 2-aminoterephthalic acid. This framework possesses the unique capability to produce explosively enhanced fluorescence upon environmental triggers such as phosphate conditions, where it disintegrates to release intensely fluorescent molecules. The surface of NH₂-MIL-53(Fe) MOF was further functionalized with poly(acrylic acid-co-maleic acid) polymers (PAAcoMA) to form PAAcoMA@MIL-53(Fe) MOF, thereby enhancing its stability. The presence of phosphate ions is detected by the degree of fluorescence resulting from the unquenching of PAAcoMA@MIL-53(Fe) MOF. This system demonstrates not only high sensitivity but also a broad dynamic range, making it suitable for phosphate ion detection. This innovative technology holds promise for significant advancements in the field of phosphate indicator-based biosensing, with potential applications in the development of PCR kits, thereby supporting a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The electronic features of chemically functionalized graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The fabrication of nanoscale devices needs to enhance- the electronic performance of customized GQDs, which is crucial in many applications. GQDs can be used as a model with the molecule C₂₄H₁₂. We investigated the effects of adding metalloid impurities) boron B, silicon Si, germanium Ge, and arsenic As) on the structure and electronic properties of the dots at the B3LYP/6–31 level using the Gaussian 09 program package. The obtained results show efficient adding impurities B, Si, Ge, and As on the structure and electronic properties of GQDs, where it is noted that the energy gap change with -3.085, -12.340, -13.907, and -66.846 %, respectively.These results not only advance our knowledge of the mechanisms behind chemical doping, which may change the electronic features of quantum dots, but they also provide support for the development of nanodevices that have better electronic performance. As observed with As/GQD, it is anticipated that this system, which has the lowest possible chemical hardness values, will function as an effective corrosion inhibitor.

Breast cancer is a complex and diverse disease that requires accurate diagnostic methods and customized treatment approaches to enhance patient outcomes. In this study, we investigate the potential of nylon-11 nanoparticles (nylon NPs) for both imaging and therapy of breast cancer. Nylon NPs possess excellent photoacoustic properties, which enable them to detect and locate drug delivery to the tumor with high sensitivity. This suggests that nylon NPs may be a valuable tool for improving breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Comprehensive characterization has been performed, including morphological analysis and spectroscopic studies. Further modification with diagnostic and therapeutic agents, such as trastuzumab, sorafenib, and nutlin-3a, enhances their specificity and efficacy in targeting breast cancer cells. The drug-loaded nanoparticles exhibit controlled release profiles under various pH conditions, mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Cytocompatibility studies reveal the biocompatibility of bare nylon NPs, while drug-loaded nanoparticles show concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects, indicating their potential as therapeutic agents. Moreover, cellular internalization studies confirm the efficient uptake by breast cancer cells. Overall, this research lays the groundwork for the development of novel nanomedicine approaches aimed at addressing the challenges associated with breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, offering promising avenues for precise cancer management.

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an essential thin film fabrication technique widely used in electronic and energy systems, but avoiding ALD in untargeted areas has been a long-standing challenge that excludes the possibility of creating patterns through bottom-up processes. We present a liquid sealing strategy to prevent unwanted ALD by combining shadow masks with viscous perfluoropolyether oil that conformally fulfills all gaps between the mask and substrate down to the molecular level. Due to the anti-adsorption and non-defective nature of the liquid sealant, ALD molecules are forced away from the masking areas, resulting in order-of-magnitude improvements in the patterning resolution compared with conventional shadow masks. The liquid sealant does not change the growth rate and film properties of ALD oxides and can be easily removed by solvents. This liquid sealing strategy applies to a variety of shadow masks (e.g., curved mask and anodic aluminum oxide), substrates (e.g., silicon, plastic, and elastomer), patterning materials (e.g., oxide and metal), and deposition methods (e.g., sputtering and thermal evaporation), providing new insights for bottom-up pattern fabrications.

This study describes the fabrication of extremely sensitive piezoresistive composite sensors designed to detect human motion and speech. Starting out, a solution of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was formed in dimethyl formamide (DMF) with a concentration of 35 % weight to volume. The solution was subsequently spun using a custom-built centrifugal spinning setup to produce TPU fibers. Following their fabrication through spinning, TPU fibers were immersed in a solution of carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) dispersed in tetra hydrofuran (THF), having a concentration of 25 %w/v, for dip coating TPU fibers with CNPs. This resulted in the formation of highly piezoresistive fibers having strain sensing capability. These fibers were then spun into the form of a yarn and tested as a strain sensor for proprioceptive applications. The composite sensors exhibited exceptional repeatability in tests involving continuous stretching and relaxing for more than 5000 cycles. The composite strain sensor demonstrated remarkable extensibility as well. The composite strain sensor was attached to different body parts such as the elbow, knees, fingers, and ankles to detect and track motion. It was found that the sensor could measure and track the angle, position, and frequency of motion in all of these scenarios. The sensor's remarkable sensitivity allowed it to detect different spoken words and letters, in addition to recognizing the action of swallowing in humans. The results show that the newly developed composite strain sensors are suitable for proprioceptive and speech recognition applications in soft robotics, wearable devices, and human-machine interactions.

Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) of amorphous silicon nitride (SiN_x) thin films is a critical procedure in microelectronics serving as a surface passivation layer and dielectric barrier. However, intrinsic film stress continuously builds up along with PECVD growth, leading to film cracking. How to achieve crack-free PECVD amorphous SiN_x film within a large thickness range remains a critical unresolved challenge in semiconductor industry. In this study, we revealed that high residual NH ligands from the NH₃ precursor could induce excessive tensile strain at the SiN_x/Si wafer interface and consequently aggravate SiN_x film crack formation. With a heating pretreatment on the wafer, residual H ligands were effectively reduced to achieve homogenous chemical composition in SiN_x film. As a result, the crack number declined ∼42% and the remaining crack length was substantially shorter in contrast to the original SiN_x film. This work demonstrates the crucial role of residual ligands on internal strain regulation and points out a pathway to achieve crack-free PECVD SiN_x films in industrial manufacturing.

Solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) are regarded as crucial materials, thus determining the comprehensive properties of solid-state lithium batteries (SSLBs). However, the existing issues of ion transport and interface limit their further development and application. As the inorganic solid-state electrolytes (ISEs) and polymer solid-state electrolytes (PSEs) both present obvious advantages and defects, the strategy of preparing composite solid-state electrolytes (CSEs) by incorporating inorganic components in polymer matrix is considered an effective way to overcome the above-mentioned problems. Nanowires with high aspect ratios are widely used in CSEs. Moreover, nanowires can not only effectively enhance the mechanical properties and ion transport efficiency of SSEs, but also boost the contact between electrolyte and electrode interface, thereby improving the cycle stability and safety of SSLBs. This review systematically categorized nanowires according to their morphology, function, and Li⁺ conductivity, and discussed their structural properties and synthesis strategies in detail. Moreover, application examples and mechanisms of nanowires in different polymer matrices are also introduced. In the summary and prospect section, we anticipate the existing challenges and future objectives of nanowires in the future research of CSEs.

Piezoelectric nanogenerators have emerged as a pivotal platform technology in bioengineering, advancing cardiac healthcare. Unlike common pacemakers, these devices capitalize on the mechanical energy derived from cardiac movements to power themselves, presenting a sustainable alternative to the battery constraints faced by current implantable cardiac devices. This review explores the advances in piezoelectric nanogenerators for cardiac monitoring and therapy, highlighting their capabilities to not only track cardiac activity but also provide therapeutic interventions and reliable energy for pacemakers. It also discusses the electrical stimulation effects and biocompatible integration with human biology, positioning piezoelectric nanogenerators at the forefront of healthcare solutions. This enhances the effectiveness, durability, and personalization of cardiac care.

Quercetin (QUE), tannic acid (TA) and ascorbic acid (AA) are among the antioxidants that have demonstrated efficacy in the treatment and prevention of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the optimal method of administering these compounds for therapeutic purposes is not well understood, especially when considering their differences in size and solubility. In this context, nanoencapsulation rises as a promising strategy, since this technology could protect active ingredients and maximize their absorption. In this study, the aforementioned antioxidants were encapsulated in a lipid mixture with the objective of developing nontoxic and effective materials for antitumor therapy. The results demonstrated that the compounds were satisfactorily encapsulated in Large Unilamellar Vesicles (LUVs) composed of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). The formulations exhibited good homogeneity in average size as well as stability, as investigated by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The encapsulation efficiency was as follows: QUE (78.76%) > TA (61.93%) > AA (47.13%). The Korsmeyer-Peppas model was employed to analyze the release kinetics, illustrating that the delivery of antioxidants follows Fick's law. Biological tests using bioactive-loaded LUVs demonstrated that the encapsulation of these antioxidants resulted in low-toxicity formulations. Quercetin-loaded LUVs (QUE-LUVs) stood out among the formulations studied, as tumor cell viability was significantly reduced after treatment with QUE-LUVs when compared to untreated cells. Furthermore, QUE-LUVs exhibited a differential cytotoxic effect between tumor cells and non-tumor cells, suggesting potential applications in anticancer therapy. Aligned with the demand for innovative treatments as well as drug delivery methods that show less toxicity and adverse effects, the approach developed in the present study resulted in formulations with significant potential and versatility, and could serve as a potential mixed lipid-based delivery system in tumor management using antioxidant therapy.