Journal Description
Applied Nano
Applied Nano
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of application of nanoscience and nanotechnology, published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 23.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Applied Nano is a companion journal of Nanomaterials.
Latest Articles
Concurrent Thermal Reduction and Boron-Doped Graphene Oxide by Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition for Ultraviolet Sensing Application
Appl. Nano 2024, 5(1), 1-13; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano5010001 - 28 Dec 2023
Abstract
We synthesized a boron-doped reduced graphene oxide (BrGO) material characterized by various electrical properties, through simultaneous thermal reduction and doping procedures, using a metal–organic chemical vapor deposition technique. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study the impact of the doping level on
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We synthesized a boron-doped reduced graphene oxide (BrGO) material characterized by various electrical properties, through simultaneous thermal reduction and doping procedures, using a metal–organic chemical vapor deposition technique. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to study the impact of the doping level on the B bonding in the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layer that is influenced by the annealing temperature. The synthesized BrGO layer demonstrated a high B concentration with a considerable number of O-B bonds, that were altered by annealing temperatures. This resulted in a decreased work function and the formation of a Schottky contact between the BrGO and n-type Si substrate. Due to the higher proportion of B-C and B-C3 bonding in the BrGO/Si device than that in the rGO/Si, the decreased Schottky barrier height of the BrGO/n-Si vertical junction photodetector resulted in a higher responsivity. This study showcases a promise of a simple B-doping method in use to alter the electrical characteristics of graphene materials.
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Oral Delivery of mRNA by Liposomes Functionalized with Cell-Penetrating Peptides
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(4), 293-308; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4040017 - 09 Nov 2023
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles, including liposomes, have emerged as promising vehicles for the delivery of a variety of therapeutics. Several formulations have been approved and are used in medical practice—the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines represent the most recent milestone. Achieving effective oral delivery would elevate the
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Lipid nanoparticles, including liposomes, have emerged as promising vehicles for the delivery of a variety of therapeutics. Several formulations have been approved and are used in medical practice—the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines represent the most recent milestone. Achieving effective oral delivery would elevate the potential of these formulations. Therefore, this study investigates the oral application of mRNA using liposomes as a nanocarrier system. A cyclic cell-penetrating peptide was coupled to the liposomal surface to allow uptake into the intestinal mucosal cells. The liposomes were loaded with mRNA (up to 112 µg/mL) and characterized in terms of their size (Z-average; 135.4 nm ± 1.1 nm), size distribution (polydispersity index (PDI); 0.213 ± 0.007 nm), surface charge (2.89 ± 0.27 mV), structure, lamellarity (multilamellar liposomes), and cargo capacity (>90%). The impact of freeze-drying and long-term storage of liposomal formulations was examined, and in vitro experiments on Caco-2 cells were conducted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the liposomal formulations and demonstrate the uptake of the liposomes into cells. The efficiency of the formulations could be proven in vitro. When compared to control liposomes and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP)-liposomes, the new formulations exhibited significantly enhanced uptake in Caco-2 cells, an immortalized epithelial cell line. Moreover, the cytocompatibility of the formulations could be proven by the absence of cytotoxic effects on the viability of Caco-2 cells. Hence, this liposomal drug delivery system holds significant promise for the oral delivery of mRNA.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Bioactive Nanomaterials for Antimicrobial and Antiviral Applications)
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Magnetron Sputter Deposition of Nanostructured AlN Thin Films
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, , , , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(4), 280-292; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4040016 - 05 Oct 2023
Abstract
Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a material of growing interest for power electronics, fabrication of sensors, micro-electromechanical systems, and piezoelectric generators. For the latter, the formation of nanowire arrays or nanostructured films is one of the emerging research directions. In the current work, nanostructured
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Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a material of growing interest for power electronics, fabrication of sensors, micro-electromechanical systems, and piezoelectric generators. For the latter, the formation of nanowire arrays or nanostructured films is one of the emerging research directions. In the current work, nanostructured AlN films manufactured with normal and glancing angle magnetron sputter depositions have been investigated with scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and optical spectroscopy. Growth of the nanostructures was realized utilizing metal seed particles (Ag, Au, and Al), allowing the control of the nucleation and following growth of AlN. It was demonstrated how variations of seed particle material and size can be used to tune the parameters of nanostructures and morphology of the AlN films. Using normal angle deposition allowed the growth of bud-shaped structures, which consisted of pillars/lamellae with wurtzite-like crystalline structures. Deposition at a glancing angle of 85° led to a film of individual nanostructures located near each other and tilted at an angle of 33° relative to the surface normal. Such films maintained a high degree of wurtzite-like crystallinity but had a more open structure and higher roughness than the nanostructured films grown at normal incidence deposition. The developed production strategies and recipes for controlling parameters of nanostructured films pave the way for the formation of matrices to be used in piezoelectric applications.
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Revealing the Effects of Three Different Antimicrobial Agents on E. coli Biofilms by Using Soft-Probe Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
by
and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(3), 260-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4030015 - 04 Sep 2023
Abstract
This paper evaluated the use of soft-probe scanning electrochemical microscopy complementarily with confocal laser scanning microscopy to study the effects of different antimicrobial agents and treatments on E. coli DH5α biofilm. The antimicrobial agents were sodium azide, silver nanoparticles, and a flashlight. The
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This paper evaluated the use of soft-probe scanning electrochemical microscopy complementarily with confocal laser scanning microscopy to study the effects of different antimicrobial agents and treatments on E. coli DH5α biofilm. The antimicrobial agents were sodium azide, silver nanoparticles, and a flashlight. The effects of these agents were monitored by measuring the change in biofilm properties, such as biofilm biomass, live/dead studies, and surface activity. The results showed that sodium azide, silver nanoparticles, and the flashlight effectively killed E. coli biofilms and explained the mode of action for each treatment. Sodium azide was more effective in killing the biofilm after a short treatment time by blocking the ATPase, while silver nanoparticles were more effective at killing the biofilm after longer treatment times through several antibiofilm actions. This work showed that scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) is a very valuable tool for studying the effects of antimicrobial agents on biofilms. SECM is a sensitive technique that can be used to monitor the changes in biofilm properties in real-time. Additionally, SECM does not require any sample preparation, which makes it a convenient and efficient technique. Overall, the results of this study could be used to develop new strategies for treating E. coli biofilm infections and provide valuable insights into the use of SECM to study the effects of antimicrobial agents on E. coli biofilms.
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Fe3O4 Nanoparticles to Optimize the Co-Digestion of Vinasse, Filter Cake, and Deacetylation Liquor: Operational Aspects and Microbiological Routes
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(3), 240-259; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4030014 - 30 Aug 2023
Abstract
The present work proposes the optimization of the co-digestion of vinasse, filter cake, and deacetylation liquor in a continuous reactor by adding iron(III) oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs), comparing the results with a previous reactor operation without NPs. Initially, tests
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The present work proposes the optimization of the co-digestion of vinasse, filter cake, and deacetylation liquor in a continuous reactor by adding iron(III) oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (NPs), comparing the results with a previous reactor operation without NPs. Initially, tests were carried out in batches with different NP concentrations, resulting in 5 mg L−1 as the best concentration to be added in the continuous reactor along the increments of the applied organic load rate (OLR). Methane (CH4) production reached a maximum value of 2.8 ± 0.1 NLCH4 gVS−1 (normal liter methane per gram of volatile solids), and the organic matter removal reached 71 ± 0.9% in phase VI (OLR of 5.5 gVS L−1 day−1). This production was 90% higher than the reactor co-digestion operation without NPs. The anaerobic digestion (AD) development was stable with stable organic acid (OA) concentrations, indicating the predominance of the propionic acid route to produce CH4. The main methanogenic Archaea identified was Methanoculleus, indicating that the predominant metabolic route was that of acetate (SAO) coupled with hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. The use of Fe3O4 NPs managed to improve the AD from the first-generation and second-generation (1G2G) ethanol production residues and stimulated microbial community growth, without modifying the preferable metabolic pathways.
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Biosynthesis and Characterization of Copper Nanoparticles Using a Bioflocculant Produced by a Yeast Pichia kudriavzevii Isolated from Kombucha Tea SCOBY
by
, , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(3), 226-239; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4030013 - 11 Aug 2023
Abstract
Over recent years, the ‘green’ chemistry approach to synthesizing nanoparticles has made significant developments. Because of their unique features, nanoparticles have received a lot of attention. The use of a bioflocculant to promote the environmentally friendly synthesis of copper nanoparticles is described in
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Over recent years, the ‘green’ chemistry approach to synthesizing nanoparticles has made significant developments. Because of their unique features, nanoparticles have received a lot of attention. The use of a bioflocculant to promote the environmentally friendly synthesis of copper nanoparticles is described in this paper. Copper nanoparticles were biosynthesized using bioflocculant which was produced from a yeast, Pichia kudriavzevii. The chemical reduction approach was used to synthesize copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) using a bioflocculant as a capping agent. Characterization of the as-synthesized copper nanoparticles was conducted using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The FT-IR spectra revealed characteristic peaks at 3267, 2956, 1656, 1059, and 511 cm−1 for the bioflocculant, while for the bioflocculant passivated CuNPs, the characteristic peaks were at 3482 (-OH), 3261, 1640, 1059, 580, and 519 cm−1 (Cu-O). These peaks revealed that functional groups such as hydroxyls, amines, and copper oxide bonds were present. The UV-Vis analysis showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) at an absorbance range of 500–600 nm, with peak maxima at 555 and 575 nm for the as-synthesized CuNPs. The XRD pattern revealed planes such as (200) and (220) at 2θ = 43 and 52°, and the particle size (30 nm) was determined by the Debye–Scherrer equation. The transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed a spherical-shaped particle with an average size of 20 nm. The EDX analysis of the as-synthesized CuNPs revealed the presence of the element Cu, which was not present in the EDX image of the bioflocculant used in the synthesis of the CuNPs; this indicated the success of biosynthesis.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Bioactive Nanomaterials for Antimicrobial and Antiviral Applications)
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Effect of the Cross-Section Morphology in the Antimicrobial Properties of α-Ag2WO4 Rods: An Experimental and Theoretical Study
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, , , , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(3), 213-225; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4030012 - 31 Jul 2023
Abstract
In this work, α-Ag2WO4 particles with different cross-sections were obtained using the co-precipitation method at different synthesis temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity was analyzed
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In this work, α-Ag2WO4 particles with different cross-sections were obtained using the co-precipitation method at different synthesis temperatures. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The antimicrobial activity was analyzed using the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) methods against the Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial tests against Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. indicated that concentrations of 2.5–5 mg/mL and 5 mg/mL completely inhibit its growth, respectively. The antimicrobial activity was analyzed employing band-edge positions for ROS generations and the superficial distribution of Ag+ species that contribute to antimicrobial activity. Quantum-chemical calculations were used at the DFT level to investigate the surface-dependent reactivity of α-Ag2WO4, and we demonstrated how the antimicrobial properties could be tailored by the geometry and electronic structure of the exposed surfaces, providing guidelines for the morphology design.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Bioactive Nanomaterials for Antimicrobial and Antiviral Applications)
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Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles from the Shells of Freshwater Mussel L. fortunei and Marine Mussel P. perna
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, , , , , , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(3), 191-212; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4030011 - 10 Jul 2023
Cited by 1
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Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were extracted from the shells of freshwater Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) and marine Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758) mussels, followed by full physical and chemical characterization using ICP-OES, UV–Vis, EDX, Raman, and XRD spectroscopy, VSM magnetometry, and
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Magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were extracted from the shells of freshwater Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker 1857) and marine Perna perna (Linnaeus 1758) mussels, followed by full physical and chemical characterization using ICP-OES, UV–Vis, EDX, Raman, and XRD spectroscopy, VSM magnetometry, and SEM and TEM techniques. Considering their spatial distribution, the ferrimagnetic particles in the shells had low concentration and presented superparamagnetic behavior characteristics of materials of nanometric size. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM, especially HRTEM) indicated round magnetic particles around 100 nm in size, which were found to be aggregates of nanoparticles about 5 nm in size. The TEM data indicated no iron oxide particles at the periostracum layer. Nevertheless, roughly round iron (hydr)oxide nanoparticle aggregates were found in the nacre, namely, the aragonite layer. As the aragonite layer is responsible for more than 97% of the shell of L. fortunei and considering the estimated size of the magnetic nanoparticles, we infer that these particles may be distributed homogeneously throughout the shell.
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Electrochemical Synthesis and Application of Ge-Sn-O Nanostructures as Anodes of Lithium-Ion Batteries
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, , , , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(2), 178-190; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4020010 - 07 Jun 2023
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This work demonstrates the possibility of electrochemical formation of Ge-Sn-O nanostructures from aqueous solutions containing germanium dioxide and tin (II) chloride at room temperature without prior deposition of fusible metal particles. This method does not require complex technological equipment, expensive and toxic germanium
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This work demonstrates the possibility of electrochemical formation of Ge-Sn-O nanostructures from aqueous solutions containing germanium dioxide and tin (II) chloride at room temperature without prior deposition of fusible metal particles. This method does not require complex technological equipment, expensive and toxic germanium precursors, or binding additives. These advantages will make it possible to obtain such structures on an industrial scale (e.g., using roll-to-roll technology). The structural properties and composition of Ge-Sn-O nanostructures were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The samples obtained represent a filamentary structure with a diameter of about 10 nm. Electrochemical studies of Ge-Sn-O nanostructures were studied by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. Studies of the processes of lithium-ion insertion/extraction showed that the obtained structures have a practical discharge capacity at the first cycle ~625 mAh/g (specific capacity ca. 625 mAh/g). However, the discharge capacity by cycle 30 was no more than 40% of the initial capacity. The obtained results would benefit the further design of Ge-Sn-O nanostructures formed by simple electrochemical deposition.
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Production and Properties of Quercetin-Loaded Liposomes and Their Influence on the Properties of Galactomannan-Based Films
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, , , , , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(2), 159-177; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4020009 - 31 May 2023
Abstract
The objective of this work was to prepare different concentrations of liposomes based on lecithin containing quercetin, and evaluate their effect on the properties of galactomannan films obtained from Cassia grandis seeds. Quercetin-loaded lecithin liposomes (QT-LL) were obtained by the ethanol injection method
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The objective of this work was to prepare different concentrations of liposomes based on lecithin containing quercetin, and evaluate their effect on the properties of galactomannan films obtained from Cassia grandis seeds. Quercetin-loaded lecithin liposomes (QT-LL) were obtained by the ethanol injection method by incorporating quercetin in different concentrations in a previously prepared suspension of lecithin liposomes in water. Following characterization of QT-LLs by zeta potential and dynamic light scattering, QT-LL with 75 µg quercetin/mL suspension was incorporated at different concentrations in galactomannan films. The films obtained were characterized for color, solubility, moisture content (MC), water vapor permeability (WVP), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The size of lecithin liposomes with no quercetin was statistically than those containing quercetin above 50 µg/mL. All the QT-LLs presented a low polydispersity index, even considering their significant differences and similar values for zeta potential. The films displayed a rough surface and the galactomannan structure was confirmed by FTIR. Additionally, the amorphous nature of the polysaccharide was observed by XRD. The films were luminous, with a predominant yellow tendency and low opacity. The incorporation of QT-LL in galactomannan films did not lead to statistical differences for solubility and MC, while significant differences were observed for WVP. Galactomannan films were shown to be a promising structure for the incorporation of lecithin liposomes loaded with quercetin, pointing at promising applications for different applications.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Preparation and Application of Polymer Nanocomposites)
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Corrosion-Resisting Nanocarbon Nanocomposites for Aerospace Application: An Up-to-Date Account
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(2), 138-158; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4020008 - 12 May 2023
Abstract
The design and necessity of corrosion-resisting nanocarbon nanocomposites have been investigated for cutting-edge aerospace applications. In this regard, nanocarbon nanofillers, especially carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanodiamond, etc. have been used to fill in various polymeric matrices (thermosets, thermoplastics, and conducting polymers) to develop anti-rusting
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The design and necessity of corrosion-resisting nanocarbon nanocomposites have been investigated for cutting-edge aerospace applications. In this regard, nanocarbon nanofillers, especially carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanodiamond, etc. have been used to fill in various polymeric matrices (thermosets, thermoplastics, and conducting polymers) to develop anti-rusting space-related nanocomposites. This review fundamentally emphases the design, anti-corrosion properties, and application of polymer/nanocarbon nanocomposites for the space sector. An electron-conducting network is created in the polymers with nanocarbon dispersion to assist in charge transportation, and thus in the polymers’ corrosion resistance features. The corrosion resistance mechanism depends upon the formation of tortuous diffusion pathways due to nanofiller arrangement in the matrices. Moreover, matrix–nanofiller interactions and interface formation play an important role in enhancing the corrosion protection properties. The anticorrosion nanocomposites were tested for their adhesion, contact angle, and impedance properties, and NaCl tests and scratch tests were carried out. Among the polymers, epoxy was found to be superior corrosion-resisting polymer, relative to the thermoplastic polymers in these nanocomposites. Among the carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanodiamond, the carbon nanotube with a loading of up to 7 wt.% in the epoxy matrix was desirable for corrosion resistance. On the other hand, graphene contents of up to 1 wt.% and nanodiamond contents of 0.2–0.4 wt.% were desirable to enhance the corrosion resistance of the epoxy matrix. The impedance, anticorrosion, and adhesion properties of epoxy nanocomposites were found to be better than those of the thermoplastic materials. Despite the success of nanocarbon nanocomposites in aerospace applications, thorough research efforts are still needed to design high-performance anti-rusting materials to completely replace the use of metal components in the aerospace industry.
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Growth of New, Optically Active, Semi-Organic Single Crystals Glycine-Copper Sulphate Doped by Silver Nanoparticles
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, , , , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(2), 115-137; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4020007 - 18 Apr 2023
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to modify all physicochemical properties of glycine–copper sulphate single crystals, such as crystal habits, molar mass, thermal stability, optical activity, and electrical properties. The novelty of this study is growth of glycine–copper sulphate single crystals doped by
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The purpose of this study is to modify all physicochemical properties of glycine–copper sulphate single crystals, such as crystal habits, molar mass, thermal stability, optical activity, and electrical properties. The novelty of this study is growth of glycine–copper sulphate single crystals doped by a low concentration of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) that improved both crystal habits and physicochemical properties. The originality of this work is that trace amounts of SNPs largely increased the crystal size. Crystals have molar stoichiometric formula [glycine]0.95, [CuSO4·5H2O]0.05 in the absence and presence of silver nanoparticles (SNPs) in different concentrations: 10 ppm, 20 ppm, and 30 ppm. The crystals’ names and abbreviations are: glycine–copper sulphate (GCS), glycine–copper sulphate doped by 10 ppm SNPs (GCSN1), glycine–copper sulphate doped by 20 ppm SNPs (GCSN2), and glycine–copper sulphate doped by 30 ppm SNPs (GCSN3). Dopant silver nanoparticles increased: crystallinity reflecting purity, transparency to UV-Vis. electromagnetic radiation, thermal stability, and melting point of glycine–copper sulphate single crystal. GCSN3 is a super conductor. High thermal conductivity of crystals ranging from 1.1 W·min−1·K−1 to 1.6 W·min−1·K−1 enabled attenuation of electromagnetic radiation and rapid heat dissipation due to good dielectric and polar properties. On rising temperature, AC electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of perfect crystal GCSN3 increased confirmed attenuation of thermal infrared radiation.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Electronic and Optical Properties of Nanostructures)
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Potential Applications of Core-Shell Nanoparticles in Construction Industry Revisited
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(2), 75-114; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4020006 - 07 Apr 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
The demand of high performance and environmentally sustainable construction materials is ever-increasing in the construction industry worldwide. The rapid growth of nanotechnology and diverse nanomaterials’ accessibility has provided an impulse for the uses of smart construction components like nano-alumina, nano-silica, nano-kaolin, nano-titanium, and
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The demand of high performance and environmentally sustainable construction materials is ever-increasing in the construction industry worldwide. The rapid growth of nanotechnology and diverse nanomaterials’ accessibility has provided an impulse for the uses of smart construction components like nano-alumina, nano-silica, nano-kaolin, nano-titanium, and so forth Amongst various nanostructures, the core-shell nanoparticles (NPs) have received much interests for wide applications in the field of phase change materials, energy storage, high performance pigments, coating agents, self-cleaning and self-healing systems, etc., due to their distinct properties. Through the fine-tuning of the shells and cores of NPS, various types of functional materials with tailored properties can be achieved, indicating their great potential for the construction applications. In this perception, this paper overviewed the past, present and future of core-shell NPs-based materials that are viable for the construction sectors. In addition, several other applications of the core-shell NPs in the construction industries are emphasized and discussed. Considerable benefits of the core-shell NPs for pigments, phase change components, polymer composites, and self-cleaning glasses with enhanced properties are also underlined. Effect of high performance core-shell NPs type, size and content on the construction materials sustainability are highlighted.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Core-Shell Nanostructures for Functional Applications)
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The Effects of Surfactant and Metal Ions on the Stability and Rheological Properties of Nanoemulsions Loaded with Gardenia Yellow Pigment
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(2), 61-74; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4020005 - 04 Apr 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
The present work reports the preparation of gardenia yellow pigment containing paraffin oil nanoemulsions stabilized by Span80 and Tween80. The preparation of the required nanoemulsions was optimized by testing different conditions, such as varying the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB), the emulsifier concentration
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The present work reports the preparation of gardenia yellow pigment containing paraffin oil nanoemulsions stabilized by Span80 and Tween80. The preparation of the required nanoemulsions was optimized by testing different conditions, such as varying the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB), the emulsifier concentration (EC), the oil–water ratio (OWR), and the temperature (T), as determined by the average droplet diameter (ADD) and polydispersity index (PDI). Our results indicated that a minimum ADD of 65.9 nm and PDI of 0.116 were obtained at an optimum HLB value of 6.0, EC of 10% (w/w), OWR of 2:1, and T of 40 °C. Both the steady-state and dynamic rheological parameters were further investigated, revealing that the emulsions exhibited pseudoplastic behaviors. The long-term stabilities of the nanoemulsions after the addition of inorganic salts were monitored by observing their visual appearances. It was found that the emulsions containing pure water or 0.1 M CaCl2 and AlCl3 became slightly separated, while the emulsions containing 0.1 M KCl and NaCl showed no separation after 30 days of storage at room T. This difference among different salts could be related to the number of valence electrons of their cations. The spatial electrostatic effects of the monovalent cationic (KCl and NaCl) and the nonionic surfactants were greater than the delamination/sedimentation forces of the system, which was better than the salt based on the cations with valences greater than one (CaCl2 and AlCl3). In conclusion, the present work illustrated the formation, rheological properties, and stability of water containing gardenia yellow pigment in paraffin oil nanoemulsions, which can be of great significance for the application of gardenia-yellow-pigment-based formulations.
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Wild-Type and SOD1-G93A SH-SY5Y under Oxidative Stress: EVs Characterization and Topographical Distribution of Budding Vesicles
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, , , , , , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(1), 45-60; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4010004 - 15 Mar 2023
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of intercellular communication in several physiopathological conditions. Oxidative stress alters EVs release and cargo composition depending on the cell type and stimulus. Recently, most of the EVs studies have focused on the characterization of their cargo, rather
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Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of intercellular communication in several physiopathological conditions. Oxidative stress alters EVs release and cargo composition depending on the cell type and stimulus. Recently, most of the EVs studies have focused on the characterization of their cargo, rather than on the morphological features (i.e., size distribution, shape, and localization on the cell surface). Due to their high heterogeneity, to fully characterize EVs both the functional and morphological characterization are required. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), introduced for cell morphological studies at the nanoscale, represents a promising method to characterize in detail EVs morphology, dynamics along the cell surface, and its variations reflecting the cell physiological status. In the present study, untreated or H2O2-treated wild-type and SOD1-G93A SH-SY5Y cells have been compared performing a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and AFM morpho-quantitative analysis of budding and released vesicles. Intriguingly, our analysis revealed a differential EVs profiling, with an opposite behavior and implying different cell areas between WT and SOD1-G93A cells, on both physiological conditions and after H2O2 exposure. Our results empower the relationship between the morphological features and functional role, further proving the efficacy of EM/AFM in giving an overview of the cell physiology related to EVs trafficking.
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Thin Film Deposition of MoP, a Topological Semimetal
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(1), 38-44; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4010003 - 24 Feb 2023
Abstract
MoP is a topological semimetal which has drawn attention due to its unique electrical and optical properties resulting from massless electrons. In order to utilize these properties for practical applications, it is necessary to develop a technique to produce high-quality, large-scale thin films
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MoP is a topological semimetal which has drawn attention due to its unique electrical and optical properties resulting from massless electrons. In order to utilize these properties for practical applications, it is necessary to develop a technique to produce high-quality, large-scale thin films of this 2D material. We report below our initial results of growth of MoP thin films using atomic layer deposition (ALD), where the film grows layer-by-layer. These films were grown on 5 cm × 5 cm silicon oxide coated Si wafers. Resistivity versus temperature measurements show that these films are metallic and includes a partial superconducting phase. The magnetoresistances of both the longitudinal and Hall currents measured at 1.8 K show a strong effect of the magnetic field on the resistivity. Density functional theory was employed to determine the lattice constants of the MoP crystal. These parameters were in good agreement with those obtained from the Rietveld fit to the XRD spectrum of the films.
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Polyacrylonitrile-Derived Carbon Nanocoating for Long-Life High-Power Phosphate Electrodes
by
, , , and
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(1), 25-37; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4010002 - 01 Feb 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Carbon-coating proved an efficient and reliable strategy to increase the power capabilities and lifetime of phosphate-based positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. In this work, we provide a systematic study on the influence of polyacrylonitrile-(PAN)-derived carbon coating on electrochemical properties of the nanosized
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Carbon-coating proved an efficient and reliable strategy to increase the power capabilities and lifetime of phosphate-based positive electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. In this work, we provide a systematic study on the influence of polyacrylonitrile-(PAN)-derived carbon coating on electrochemical properties of the nanosized Li-rich Li1+δ(Fe0.5Mn0.5)1−δPO4 (Li-rich LFMP) cathode material, as well as the characterization of carbon-coated composites by means of Raman spectroscopy for the determination of carbon graphitization degree, DF-STEM and STEM-EELS for the estimation of carbon layer thickness, uniformity and compositional homogeneity of the conductive layer respectively, and impedance spectroscopy for the determination of charge transfer resistances of the resulted composite electrodes in Li-based cells. Using PAN as a carbon coating precursor enables significantly enhancing the cycling stability of Li-rich LFMP/C compared to those conventionally obtained with the glucose precursor: up to 40% at high current loads of 5–10C retaining about 78 ± 2% of capacity after 1000 cycles. Varying the PAN-derived carbon content in the composites allows controlling the electrochemical response of the material triggering either a high-capacity or a high-power performance.
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Synthesis and Characterization of Various Bimetallic Nanoparticles and Their Application
Appl. Nano 2023, 4(1), 1-24; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano4010001 - 03 Jan 2023
Cited by 3
Abstract
Bimetallic nanoparticles are a complex nanoscale combination of two metal constituents. The superior properties of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) compared with monometallic nanoparticles have attracted much attention from both scientific and technological perspectives. In recent years, many fabrication techniques have been proposed, and the
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Bimetallic nanoparticles are a complex nanoscale combination of two metal constituents. The superior properties of bimetallic nanoparticles (BNPs) compared with monometallic nanoparticles have attracted much attention from both scientific and technological perspectives. In recent years, many fabrication techniques have been proposed, and the detailed characterization of bimetallic nanoparticles has been made possible by the rapid advancement of nanomaterial analysis techniques. Metallic nanoparticles can be classified according to their origin, size, and structure, and their synthesis process can be physical, chemical, or biological. Bimetallic nanoparticles are more attractive than metal nanoparticles due to their unique mixing patterns and synergistic effects of two metal nanoparticles forming the bimetal. In this review, the different bimetallic synthesis methods and various characterization techniques are discussed. The paper will also discuss various applications for bimetallic nanoparticles. Different characterization techniques for bimetallic nanoparticles include X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate crystallinity and phase composition; the morphology and composition analysis of nanoparticles are studied using a scanning electron microscope fitted with an energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDX); transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis spectrum, FTIR, and TGA analysis are also among the characterization tools used. Finally, we report on the various applications of BNPs, which include antimicrobial activity, pollutant removal, and wastewater application.
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Complementary Photothermal Heating Effects Observed between Gold Nanorods and Conjugated Infrared-Absorbing Dye Molecules
Appl. Nano 2022, 3(4), 233-244; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano3040016 - 05 Dec 2022
Abstract
Due to their biocompatibility, ease of surface modification, and heating capabilities, gold nanomaterials are considered excellent candidates for the advancement of photothermal therapy techniques and related applications in cancer treatment. Various morphologies of gold nanomaterials have been shown to heat when exposed to
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Due to their biocompatibility, ease of surface modification, and heating capabilities, gold nanomaterials are considered excellent candidates for the advancement of photothermal therapy techniques and related applications in cancer treatment. Various morphologies of gold nanomaterials have been shown to heat when exposed to high-powered laser irradiation, especially that which is from the near-infrared (NIR) region. While these lasers work well and are effective, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) may offer a safe and low-powered alternative to these high energy lasers. We investigated the heating capability of NIR-dye conjugated gold nanorods when exposed to an 808 nm LED light source using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated gold nanorods as the control. In this way, since the rods exhibited a surface plasmon resonance peak between 795 and 825 nm for both the PEG-coated rods and the dye-conjugated rods, which are fairly close to the frequency of the 530 mW, 850 nm LED light source, we were able to reveal the heating effect of the dye modification. While both morphologies heat when irradiated with the LED light, we demonstrated that the addition of an NIR dye increases the rate of heating and cooling, compared to the PEGylated counterpart. To our knowledge, the complementary effect given by the conjugated NIR-dye has not been previously reported in the literature. The targeting abilities of the NIR-dye combined with the increased heating rate of the modified particles used in this proof-of-concept work suggests that these particles may be exceptional candidates for theranostic applications.
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Emerging Trends in Curcumin Embedded Electrospun Nanofibers for Impaired Diabetic Wound Healing
by
, , , , and
Appl. Nano 2022, 3(4), 202-232; https://doi.org/10.3390/applnano3040015 - 17 Nov 2022
Cited by 6
Abstract
Chronic wounds impose a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems all over the world. Through clinical and preclinical investigations, inflammation and oxidative damage have been established as the primary causes of chronic wounds. These skin sores are easily exposed to microorganisms, which
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Chronic wounds impose a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems all over the world. Through clinical and preclinical investigations, inflammation and oxidative damage have been established as the primary causes of chronic wounds. These skin sores are easily exposed to microorganisms, which in turn cause inflammation and hinder the healing process. Additionally, microorganisms may cause an infection that prevents collagen production and reepithelialization. Curcumin’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-infectious characteristics, among others, have been identified as useful for diabetic wound healing management. However, curcumin has a few disadvantages, such as limited bioavailability, pH-dependent instability, water insolubility, slow cell absorption, and fast intracellular metabolism. These constraints necessitates the development of a suitable transporter to improve curcumin’s stability, bioavailability, therapeutic efficacy, and solubility. In recent years, Electrospun nanofiber mats have been an excellent choice for drug delivery because of their numerous advantages and inherent properties. Electrospun nanofibers have shown considerable promise as wound dressing materials. This review highlights the potential properties and recent advancements in using curcumin-loaded nanofibers for diabetic wound healing.
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