Nanoscale Research Letters最新文献

Carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNTFET) based multivalued logic (MVL) circuits capable of delivering high computational efficiency are required in contemporary digital systems for resolving data transfer issues. Quaternary logic can lead to the reduction of interconnections, as more information can be transferred by using four logic levels in high-speed and high-density. This work proposes novel standard quaternary inverter, SQNAND and SQNOR logic gates based on the stacking technique. These novel gates have been used in the design of a quaternary half adder. The simulation results for proposed quaternary circuits have been obtained using HSPICE with the 32 nm CNTFET Stanford model. The proposed designs of SQI, SQNAND, and SQNOR circuits are operated at a supply voltage of 0.9 V and show power delay product (PDP) of 0.776, 1.523, and 2.746 aJ, respectively. The area consumed by SQI, SQNAND, and SQNOR circuits is 7636, 16,456, 16,864 λ², respectively. Further, the power consumption and PDP for the proposed QHA are 1.01 µW and 0.806 10^–16 J, respectively. The proposed QHA shows improvement in PDP in contrast to other QHA designs reported earlier and is anticipated to be used for futuristic computing systems.

The emerging paradigm of cell-to-cell communication represents a transformative shift from device-mediated contact to bio-integrated, emotion-driven interactions. This article introduces a novel, multi-layered framework for enabling biologically integrated communication between cells, devices, and computational systems using the paradigm of Molecular Communication (MC). Moving beyond traditional digital interfaces, the proposed architecture, comprising in-body, on-chip, and external communication layers, models and processes intercellular signaling via molecular emissions, implantable biosensors, and nano-electronic processors. Theoretical foundations are extended to fractional-order diffusion systems and neuromorphic decoding, capturing complex behaviors in realistic biological environments. We further propose a cross-layer molecular digital twin model for context-aware interpretation and feedback. The framework’s applications are grounded in the molecular underpinnings of emotion, where neurotransmitters like oxytocin and serotonin mediate prosocial behaviors and affective states through cell-to-cell signaling. For instance, remote emotional interfacing leverages MC to modulate oxytocin release, mimicking natural empathy circuits, while consensual telepathy draws from BCI-mediated neural pattern sharing, extending molecular-level decoding to cognitive-emotional relays. These are not mere metaphors but extensions of established neurochemical pathways, as evidenced by recent studies showing serotonin fluctuations amplify context-specific emotions. This work thus bridges cellular mechanisms to higher-order phenomena, ensuring scientific rigor in bio-digital systems .

The Ni-doped oxide electrodes were prepared by the span-60 sol–gel route for the electrochemical formation of oxygen in an alkaline medium. The prepared oxides were characterized physicochemically by the FTIR, P-XRD, and SEM techniques to study their formation, structure, and morphology. The prepared oxide electrodes were tested for their electrochemical performance for oxygen evolution reaction by the cyclic voltammetry and the Tafel polarization techniques. The voltammograms of each oxide electrode showed two redox peaks, one cathodic peak (E_pa = 170–245 mV) and another anodic peak (E_pa = 541–603 mV). The electrocatalytic performance of oxide electrodes in 1 M KOH at 25°C was investigated using the Tafel polarization method. Doping nickel in the oxide matrix greatly enhanced the electrocatalytic activity for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The most active electrode in the current study was the 0.8-mol nickel substituted oxide electrode, which demonstrated a Tafel slope (b) of 88 mVdec⁻¹ and a current density (j) of 50 mA cm⁻² at 331 mV oxygen over potential. It followed a first-order reaction mechanism regarding the change in [OH⁻] concentration. The temperature-dependent kinetics of the oxide electrode were also investigated at various temperatures, revealing thermodynamic characteristics including the standard entropy of reaction ((Delta {S}_{el}^{0ne })) for the OER ranging from 232 to 303 J deg⁻¹ mol⁻¹ and the standard electrochemical activation energy (Ea) ranging from 10 to 30 kJ mol⁻¹. A high negative reaction entropy value indicates that the adsorption of reaction intermediate species at the surface electrode is the mechanism by which OER takes place.

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Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common chronic neurodegenerative diseases and dementia, with about 46 million cases worldwide and going to become tripled by 2050. It is characterized by formation and aggregation of amyloid-β plaques, tau tangles, and inflammatory mediators. The treatment protocol poses challenging obstacles particularly, effectiveness drug delivery to the brain. However, the available therapies with low potency and blood-brain barrier (BBB) are most challenges for developing novel treatments. New delivery systems that interact with biological systems at the molecular level, such as nanotechnology can overcome these problems and open new therapeutic avenues. Nanoparticles showed different applications in medicine due to its bioavailability, transport and low toxicity. This review explored the therapeutic potential of natural phytochemical nanomedicine that important in AD treatment through improving drug delivery system across BBB, increasing bioavailability and minimizing neurotoxicity.

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Latent fingerprint (LFP) visualisation remains a cornerstone method in forensic science, with ongoing developments aimed at enhancing clarity, sensitivity, and substrate compatibility. Due to their ability to tailor surface chemistry and optical properties, nanoparticles present a promising avenue for fingerprint development, especially on various types of surfaces. However, there has been a lack of understanding regarding the comparative behaviour of nanoparticles across different substrates. This review aims to address this gap by critically comparing the surface-specific performance of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles. In which we consider common nanoparticles for LFP development, such as Gold, Silver, silica, zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide, iron oxide, Copper oxide, and Aluminium oxide. Our review examines how various nanoparticles influence fingerprint residue on porous and non-porous surfaces and assesses their effectiveness in terms of clarity, durability using these nanoparticles. Our key finding of comparative analysis highlights that gold nanoparticles yield promising outcomes even on historically challenging porous substrates due to their affinity for sweat and amino acids. Conversely, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide exhibit superior fluorescence-based contrast on non-porous surfaces such as glass and plastics, as well as some porous surfaces. The rest of the nanoparticles were able to achieve their success on porous and non-porous surfaces with some limitations. We also outline diverse methods employed by various researchers, including dusting, brushing, spraying, and fluorescence imaging, while emphasising the role of substrate texture and the functionalization of nanoparticles. The review provides insights using comparative tables on selecting effective nanoparticle-based methods for specific forensic contexts to achieve more stable and universal fingerprint recovery in criminal investigations.

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Illustration of various nanoparticles in forensic science for latent fingerprint Visualisation

The increasing resistance of insects to chemical-based pesticides is a critical challenge in crop production, demanding the urgent development of sustainable and effective pest control alternatives. In response, this study presents the insecticidal potential of graphene materials in the form of nanopowders as new chemical and resistance free grain protectants. The influence of the grain types such as rice, maize, and wheat and graphene nanopowder characteristics on insectidicial efficacy against common grain insects was evaluated against three most destructive grain insects including: the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae (L.) (Coleoptera; Curculionidae), the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Coleoptera; Curculionidae), and the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum Herbst (Coleoptera; Tenebrionidae). Three industrially produced graphene nanopowders with distinct physicochemical properties (particle size, surface chemistry, hydrophobicity) were used at two dosage rates (500 and 1000 ppm). Mortality of insects was assessed after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure, and progeny production was evaluated after 65 days. The results indicated that S. oryzae exhibited the highest susceptibility among the tested species, with rice grains experiencing the most significant insect mortality across all graphene concentrations (500 and 1000 ppm). Significant reductions in progeny with minor produced insects were observed, especially in maize, highlighting the long-term protective effects of graphene nanopowders. The insectidicial mode of action is attributed to a physical mechanism involving the adhesion of graphene particles to insect bodies, obstructing respiration and disrupting the cuticle. These findings suggest that graphene nanopowders, due to their unique structural, chemical and interfacial properties, have a strong potential to be used as new grain protectants, providing unique physical mode of action.

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This study systematically reviewed the construction strategies of pomegranate peel carrier-free self-assembled nanomedicines and their performance in practical applications, aiming to provide theoretical support and technical path for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine and the development of new drugs. Pomegranate peel is rich in polyphenols (such as ellagic acid and gallic acid), triterpenoids (such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid), flavonoids (such as quercetin and baicalein) and other active ingredients. These components can be self-assembled to form nanostructures without exogenous carriers through intermolecular synergy, including hydrogen bond network, π-π stacking and hydrophobic interaction. This technology not only effectively improves the water solubility, bioavailability and stability of the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, but also significantly enhances pharmacological activities including anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation etc. Compared with the traditional nanocarrier system, this method adopts the design concept of ‘active ingredient is carrier’, showing significant advantages in avoiding potential toxicity and improving drug loading efficiency, while retaining the structural integrity and synergistic effect of natural components. The study further pointed out that in the future, the self-assembly mechanism should be further explored, its application in precision medicine and individualized treatment should be optimized, and preclinical and clinical studies should be promoted to verify its safety and effectiveness. Combined with modern pharmaceutical engineering technology, promoting the large-scale production and industrialization of such carrier-free self-assembled nanomedicines will bring important impetus to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine and global health.