Review Papers for Applied Nano Science and Technology
A topical collection in Applied Nano (ISSN 2673-3501).
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Editor
Prof. Dr. Johann Michael Köhler
Prof. Dr. Johann Michael Köhler
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Guest Editor
Institute of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Department of Physical Chemistry and Microreaction Technology, Technische Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
Interests: microfluidic synthesis of metal nanoparticles; electrical properties of nanoparticles; non-spherical and composite nanoparticles; nanoparticles in sensing and labelling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Topical Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
Despite the fact that nanotechnology is well established in different fields of applications, crucial expectations surrounding nanotechnology remain an important challenge for future developments. These challenges include, for example, (1) a generally usable building-block strategy for hierarchically organized functional molecular architectures in addition to the natural systems of DNA and proteins; (2) the shrinking of machines and reactors to the nanoscale; (3) a general concept for integration of nanomaterials and nanomachines and devices into natural material cycles; (4) a self-sustainable time-scale and life-time management for operation, re-use, and recycling of nanosystems; (5) construction and operation of autonomous nanosystems with balanced freedom and external control; and (6) realization of nanosystems with autonomous entropy management. These problems have not yet been solved, but the progress in nanosciences and nanotechnologies in recent years has supplied us with a lot of detailed results which might be helpful for finding general solutions in the future. Important parts of this accumulated knowledge will be reflected in a collection of review articles, progress reports and mini reviews in this Special Issue.
Prof. Dr. Johann Michael Köhler
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- nanomachines
- powered nanosystems
- functional nanomaterials
- renewable nanodevices
- nanotechnology for renewable fuels
- environmental nanosystems
- autonomous nanosystems, hierarchical bottom–up
- biomimetic nanodesign
- nanoreactors
Published Papers (7 papers)
Open AccessReview
Nano-Encapsulation and Conjugation Applied in the Development of Lipid Nanoparticles Delivering Nucleic Acid Materials to Enable Gene Therapies
by
Linh Dinh, Lanesa Mahon and Bingfang Yan
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1487
Abstract
Nano-encapsulation and conjugation are the main strategies employed for drug delivery. Nanoparticles help improve encapsulation and targeting efficiency, thus optimizing therapeutic efficacy. Through nanoparticle technology, replacement of a defective gene or delivery of a new gene into a patient’s genome has become possible.
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Nano-encapsulation and conjugation are the main strategies employed for drug delivery. Nanoparticles help improve encapsulation and targeting efficiency, thus optimizing therapeutic efficacy. Through nanoparticle technology, replacement of a defective gene or delivery of a new gene into a patient’s genome has become possible. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) loaded with genetic materials are designed to be delivered to specific target sites to enable gene therapy. The lipid shells protect the fragile genetic materials from degradation, then successfully release the payload inside of the cells, where it can integrate into the patient’s genome and subsequently express the protein of interest. This review focuses on the development of LNPs and nano-pharmaceutical techniques for improving the potency of gene therapies, reducing toxicities, targeting specific cells, and releasing genetic materials to achieve therapeutic effects. In addition, we discuss preparation techniques, encapsulation efficiency, and the effects of conjugation on the efficacy of LNPs in delivering nucleic acid materials.
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Open AccessReview
Syntheses, Properties, and Applications of ZnS-Based Nanomaterials
by
Amartya Chakrabarti and Emily Alessandri
Viewed by 1987
Abstract
ZnS is a II-VI semiconductor with a wide bandgap. ZnS-based nanomaterials have been produced in a variety of morphologies with unique properties and characteristic features. An extensive collection of research activities is available on various synthetic methodologies to produce such a wide variety
[...] Read more.
ZnS is a II-VI semiconductor with a wide bandgap. ZnS-based nanomaterials have been produced in a variety of morphologies with unique properties and characteristic features. An extensive collection of research activities is available on various synthetic methodologies to produce such a wide variety of ZnS-based nanomaterials. In this comprehensive review, we thoroughly covered all the different synthetic techniques employed by researchers across the globe to produce zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional ZnS-based nanomaterials. Depending on their morphologies and properties, ZnS-based nanomaterials have found many applications, including optoelectronics, sensors, catalysts, batteries, solar cells, and biomedical fields. The properties and applications of ZnS-based nanostructures are described, and the scope of the future direction is highlighted.
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Open AccessReview
Synthesis and Characterization of Various Bimetallic Nanoparticles and Their Application
by
Nkosinathi Goodman Dlamini, Albertus Kotze Basson and Viswanadha Srirama Rajasekhar Pullabhotla
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 7895
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
[...] Read more.
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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Open AccessReview
Emerging Trends in Curcumin Embedded Electrospun Nanofibers for Impaired Diabetic Wound Healing
by
Ganesan Padmini Tamilarasi, Manikandan Krishnan, Govindaraj Sabarees, Siddan Gouthaman, Veerachamy Alagarsamy and Viswas Raja Solomon
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4131
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
[...] Read more.
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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Open AccessReview
Zeolites as Carriers of Nano-Fertilizers: From Structures and Principles to Prospects and Challenges
by
Vinayak Sharma, Bilal Javed, Hugh Byrne, James Curtin and Furong Tian
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6957
Abstract
The world is facing immense challenges in terms of food security, due to the combined impacts of the ever-increasing population and the adversity of climate change. In an attempt to counteract these factors, smart nutrient delivery systems, including nano-fertilizers, additives, and material coatings,
[...] Read more.
The world is facing immense challenges in terms of food security, due to the combined impacts of the ever-increasing population and the adversity of climate change. In an attempt to counteract these factors, smart nutrient delivery systems, including nano-fertilizers, additives, and material coatings, have been introduced to increase food productivity to meet the growing food demand. Use of nanocarriers in agro-practices for sustainable farming contributes to achieving up to 75% nutrient delivery for a prolonged period to maintain nutrient availability in soil for plants in adverse soil conditions. In this context, sieve-like zeolites and the diversity in their structural morphologies have attracted increasing interest over recent years. Engineered nano-porous zeolites, also called aluminosilicates, are defined based on the presence of micro- (<2 nm), meso- (2–50 nm), and macropores (>50 nm), which can be employed as carriers of fertilizers due to their enhanced ion-exchange properties and adsorption capabilities. In this study, we provide a detailed overview of the production and optimization of hierarchical zeolite structures within the size range from micro- to nanometers, as well as the various top-down and bottom-up approaches which have been used to synthesize zeolites with a large surface area, tunable pore size, and high thermal stability, which make them an excellent candidate to be used in agronomy. The delivery of pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers by loading them into nano-zeolites to manage the crop production without disrupting the soil health is discussed, as well as future perspectives of zeolites in the perpetual maintenance of soil productivity.
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Open AccessReview
Applications of Environmental Nanotechnologies in Remediation, Wastewater Treatment, Drinking Water Treatment, and Agriculture
by
Ramona Kuhn, Isaac Mbir Bryant, Robert Jensch and Jörg Böllmann
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8459
Abstract
Today, nanotechnologies (NTs) are well established in both private households and commercial markets. NTs are fully accepted in several sectors, such as medicine and pharmacy, and in industries, such as chemistry, electricity, food production, military, and other commercial branches, due to their unique
[...] Read more.
Today, nanotechnologies (NTs) are well established in both private households and commercial markets. NTs are fully accepted in several sectors, such as medicine and pharmacy, and in industries, such as chemistry, electricity, food production, military, and other commercial branches, due to their unique properties. With regard to the growing demands for environmental resources caused by the still-growing global population, the application of NTs is an extremely important new branch in the environmental sector, delivering several advantages. Our review provides a comprehensive overview of the current developments in environmental remediation, wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, and agriculture. More specifically, in the section on environmental remediation, we review the application of NTs towards enhanced reductive dechlorination, removal of heavy metals and remediation of oil spills. In the section on wastewater treatment, we highlight developments in the adsorption of heavy metals and persistent substances, advanced photocatalytic degradation of common wastewater pollutants, and improvements in membrane filtration processes. In the section on drinking water treatment, we discuss applications for the enhanced disinfection of pathogens, removal of heavy metals, point-of-use treatments, and the removal of organic matter. In the final section, on agriculture, we provide an overview of precision farming and the current state of the art concerning nanofertilisers, nanopesticides, nanoherbicides, and nano(bio)sensors.
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Open AccessReview
DNA Flow-Stretch Assays for Studies of Protein-DNA Interactions at the Single-Molecule Level
by
Aurimas Kopūstas, Mindaugas Zaremba and Marijonas Tutkus
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5043
Abstract
Protein-DNA interactions are the core of the cell’s molecular machinery. For a long time, conventional biochemical methods served as a powerful investigatory basis of protein-DNA interactions and target search mechanisms. Currently single-molecule (SM) techniques have emerged as a complementary tool for studying these
[...] Read more.
Protein-DNA interactions are the core of the cell’s molecular machinery. For a long time, conventional biochemical methods served as a powerful investigatory basis of protein-DNA interactions and target search mechanisms. Currently single-molecule (SM) techniques have emerged as a complementary tool for studying these interactions and have revealed plenty of previously obscured mechanistic details. In comparison to the traditional ones, SM methods allow direct monitoring of individual biomolecules. Therefore, SM methods reveal reactions that are otherwise hidden by the ensemble averaging observed in conventional bulk-type methods. SM biophysical techniques employing various nanobiotechnology methods for immobilization of studied molecules grant the possibility to monitor individual reaction trajectories of biomolecules. Next-generation in vitro SM biophysics approaches enabling high-throughput studies are characterized by much greater complexity than the ones developed previously. Currently, several high-throughput DNA flow-stretch assays have been published and have shown many benefits for mechanistic target search studies of various DNA-binding proteins, such as CRISPR-Cas, Argonaute, various ATP-fueled helicases and translocases, and others. This review focuses on SM techniques employing surface-immobilized and relatively long DNA molecules for studying protein-DNA interaction mechanisms.
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