Search

The spectral properties of trivalent erbium ions (Er3+) are systematically studied in a melt-quenched germanate glass (60 GeO2-20PbO-10BaO-10K2O-0.1Ag2O) containing silver (Ag) particles. Thermal treatment of the material leads to the precipitation of Ag particles as observed by transmission electron microscopy and confirmed by absorption spectrum for the obvious surface plasmon resonance peak of Ag particles. The fluorescence from Er3+ in the 10-min-annealed sample with Ag particles is found to be 4.2 times enhanced compared with the unannealed sample excited by 488-nm Ar+ laser. A comparison is made between a spectral study performed on the unannealed Er3+-doped sample and the one annealed for 20 min. The data of absorption cross section and Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters show the agreement between the two samples no matter whether there are Ag particles, indicating that the introduction of Ag particles by post-heat treatment has no effect on the crystal field environment of Er3+ ions. The fluorescence enhancement is attributed to the surface plasmon oscillations of Ag particles in germanate glass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melt quenching method is used to prepare erbium-doped silver nanoparticle (NP) embedded phosphate glass. The effect of annealing on the glass on the formation of silver NPs produced by the reduction of silver (Ag+ →Ago) is studied. The glass samples are characterized by x-ray diffraction, UV-vis-NIR absorption, photoluminescence spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. The absorption spectra reveal not only the peaks due to Er3+ ions, but also the surface plasmon resonance band of silver NPs located around ~442 nm. The TEM imaging shows the homogeneous distribution of silver NPs of almost spherical shape with an average diameter of ~5 nm. Upconversion luminescence spectra show two major emissions at 550 and 638 nm, originating from the 4S3/2 and 4F9/2 energy levels of the Er3+ ions, respectively. The enhancement in the luminescence intensity of both the green and red bands is found to be due to the effective local field of the silver NPs as well as the energy transfer from the nanoclusters, comprised of centers with silver ions bound to silver atoms in dimers or trimers to Er3+ ions, whereas quenching occurred due to the energy transfer from erbium ions to silver NPs (Er3+ →Ago). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel nontoxic, magnetic, and luminescent nanoprobe is prepared by using complex nanoparticles, which are composed of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs). The nanocomposite probe can provide visible optical and magnetic resonance images simultaneously. Compared with the previously toxic cadmium and mercury based QDs, the superiority of the Mn-doped ZnS QDs is little virulence. The structure and the properties of the particles are characterized by energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic-fluorescent bifunctional Fe3O4/SiO2-CdTeS nanocomposites are synthesized. Fe3O4 superparamagnetic nanoparticles are firstly prepared through the thermal decomposition of Fe oleate precursors and coated with a mesoporous silica shell using the Stöber method, and the silica surface is then modified with positively charged amino groups by adding 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. Finally, negatively charged CdTeS quantum dots are linked and assembled onto the positively charged surface of Fe3O4/SiO2 through electrostatic interactions. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and magnetometry are applied to characterize the nanocomposites. The results show that the bifunctional nanocomposites combine the optical properties of near-infrared CdTeS quantum dots with the superparamagnetic properties of Fe3O4 perfectly, expressing the potential application as a biocompatible magnetofuorescent nanoprobe for in vivo labelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we report on the fabrication of regular arrays of silica nanoneedles by deposition of a thin layer of silica on patterned arrays of polymer nanowires (or polymer nanohair). An array of high-aspect-ratio nanoscale diameter holes of depths greater than 10 &mgr;m was produced at the surface of a fused silica wafer by an amplified femtosecond laser system operated in single-pulse mode. Cellulose acetate (CA) film was imprinted into the nanoholes and peeled off to form a patterned array of standing CA nanowires, a negative replica of the laser machined nanoholes. The cellulose acetate replica was then coated with silica in a chemical vapor deposition process using silicon tetrachloride vapor at 65 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, focused ion beam sectioning, energy dispersive x-ray analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the silica nanoneedles. Precisely patterned, functionalized arrays of standing silica nanoneedles are useful for a number of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, it is presented that electromyography (EMG) is a shot noise based on the generation of EMG. A novel filter is proposed by applying a neural network (NN) ensemble where the noisy input signal and the desired one are the same in a learning process. Both incremental and batch mode are applied in the learning process of NNs that is better than generalized NN filters. This NN ensemble filter not only reduces additive and multiplicative white noise inside signals, but also preserves the signals' characteristics. In clinical EEG and EMG signals processing, the filter is capable of reducing EMG in the clinical EEG, and it is proved that there is randomness in EMG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, through a simple and fast electroless metal deposition route, gold dendritic nanostructures are synthesized in aqueous conditions. The gold dendrites with a threefold symmetric characteristic were built up of numerous nanoparticles roughly 5-10nm in size. The aggregated nanoparticles spontaneously experience a self-assembly process along crystallographic orientations and finally form a monocrystalline dendrite. An oriented attachment mechanism can be used to explain the nanoparticle-aggregated self-assembly process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prototyped the solid-state photon generator composed of silica-coated quantum dot (QD) and metamaterial element using the scanning probe microscope lithography. The metamaterial element acts as an optical resonator and controls the emission of QD. For prototyping the device, QDs were trapped in a nanohole formed, and then, a metamaterial element was set around it. We succeeded in observing fine photon emission peak from the prototyped devices by the micro photoluminescence measurement. The temperature-independent wavelength of the emission peak suggested the resonance of the QD emission and the induced current in the metamaterial element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a single photon generating device composed of one quantum dot (QD) and one metamaterial element. Simulation by finite-difference time-domain method confirmed that the emission of the QD is controlled by the interaction with the localized surface plasmon of the metamaterial. A metamaterial element of double split ring structure was prototyped using electron beam lithography. We successfully trapped a silica-coated QD of 70 nm in diameter at the center of the double split ring. The emission peak wavelength of the device with a small number of QDs on the metamaterial element hardly changed between 160 K and 280 K as compared with the case of a QD ensemble. Significantly enhanced emission was observed at 220 K. The results can be explained as the emission of the device being dominated by the localized surface plasmon resonance of the metamaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Europium-doped gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3:Eu3+) nanoparticles (NPs) with favorable properties for use in fluorescence imaging (FI) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dual-modal contrast agent has attracted intense attention in biomedical applications. However, limited information is available on balancing FI and MRI by adjusting doping concentrations. In this study, Gd2O3:Eu3+ NPs with various Eu3+ doping concentrations were prepared by the facile and general technique of laser ablation in liquid (LAL). The influence of Eu3+-doping concentration on fluorescence properties and longitudinal relaxivity were investigated. The optimum Eu3+-doping concentration with both high fluorescence properties and longitudinal relaxivity was determined to be 5%. The characterization of the structure, morphology, and composition shows that these NPs possess good crystallinity and excellent dispersibility. These results show that Gd2O3:Eu3+ NPs prepared by LAL are promising candidates for highly efficient FI and MRI dual-modal contrast agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anisotropic nanostructures of noble metals are of great interest for plasmonic applications, due to the possibility of tuning the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) across the UV–visible–near infrared (UV–vis-NIR) without sacrificing the linewidth, as well as achieving larger local field enhancement. Here, we report a simple and promising fabrication method of anisotropic gold nanostructures film using polystyrene-b-poly(2vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymers (BCPs) as a template. In this approach, PS-b-P2VP spherical micelles were first synthesized as a template, followed by selective deposition of an Au precursor inside the P2VP core of the micelles, using an ethanol solution of Au salt. Subsequently, heat treatment of the precursor deposited BCP films followed by the removal of the BCP template produced anisotropic gold nanostructures of various shapes, such as octahedron, decahedron, tetrahedron, triangles, and triangular prism. A temperature and time dependent study during heat treatment shows the formation of clusters at a higher temperature. Furthermore, measurements of the ensemble extinction spectra of the anisotropic Au nanoparticle films showed two broad distinct LSPR peaks; one in the visible range (∼660 nm), and the other in the NIR range (∼875 nm). The electrodynamic simulation showed that octahedron and decahedron nanoparticles are responsible for the LSPR response in the visible; whereas the triangular shapes are responsible for the LSPR response in the NIR. Our work is expected to open up a new direction for the synthesis of anisotropic nanostructures of noble metals, that can be utilized to tune the LSPR response across the UV–vis-NIR range, using a simple BCP template-based method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study focuses on the utilization of green silver nanoparticles, as they are preferred for sensing applications due to their environmentally friendly nature. We have examined the optical and electrochemical sensing behavior of silver nanoparticles from Agaricus bisporus (AgNP-AB) towards Hg(II) ions. The AgNP-AB was prepared by microwave reactor. The synthesized AgNP was used for the sensing of Hg(II) ions without the use of modifiers or further sophisticated instrumentation. The synthesized nanoparticles were successfully characterized by different techniques. AgNP-AB leads to aggregation with the addition of Hg(II) ions in aqueous medium, and develops a color change from brown to black which leads to the formation of AgNP-AB-Hg(II) complex. Moreover, the metal sensing ability of AgNP has been explored using electrochemical studies. AgNP-AB modified platinum electrode (AgNP-AB/PE) was developed for the fast sensing of toxic Hg(II) ions. The sensor exhibits a good limit of detection at 2.1 × 10−6 M. The sensitivity of AgNP-AB/PE towards Hg(II) ions was analyzed with various metal ions. The sensing skill of the developed system was successfully checked with real water samples from Vembanade Lake, Kumarakom, Kerala. AgNP from A. bisporus is highly versatile and promising for different environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles—both natural and engineered—are ubiquitous in their interactions with cells and especially their membranes. Beneficial aspects of such interactions range from targeted drug delivery to imaging applications while the major concern in terms of the potential hazards of such interactions is to understand their cytotoxic effects. It is well documented that of the various classes of nanoparticles, charged nanoparticles, especially cationic, have a significantly higher penetrating capability of cell membranes and in most cases also lead to enhanced cytotoxicity. However, a microscopic physical understanding of the mechanism of interaction, membrane re-organization and penetration by such charged nanoparticles is absent. Recently, we have initiated a concerted effort towards achieving this goal by studying various classes of charged nanoparticles interacting with model lipid bilayer membranes of varied composition using various real and reciprocal space high-resolution techniques as well as atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. In this article, we describe the process of membrane re-organization and pattern formation due to interaction of charged polymer capped quantum dots and dendrimers with single component lipid bilayer membranes. The size of the nanoparticles, as well as their concentration, determines the nature of membrane re-organization and shape of these patterns formed. Depending on the nanoparticle size, smaller particles generate membrane-bound disc like complexes whereas comparatively larger particles drive the formation of loosely bound aggregates ranging from discs to tubules. Diffusion studies on these structures suggest the presence of fluidized aggregates in the former case whereas fluidized membrane surround these structures in case of the latter. A consequence of this membrane re-organization is reflected through calcein leakage experiments. Understanding of these processes would go a long way in delineating the pathways for cytotoxicity or their efficacy in drug delivery and imaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We succeeded in controlling the apparent size of a colloidal PbS quantum dot (QD) in the range of 20 to 140 nm by coating with silica and trapping the coated QDs in a nanohole prepared by scanning probe microscope lithography. Photoluminescence intensity was improved by controlling the process of adding the silica source material of tetraethoxysilane for the coating. Nanoholes of different sizes were formed on a single substrate by scanning probe oxidation with the combination of SF6 dry etching and KOH wet etching. QDs having an arbitrary energy structure can be arranged at an arbitrary position on the semiconductor substrate using this technique, which will aid in the fabrication of future nanosize solid devices such as quantum information circuits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on highly fluorescent and superparamagnetic bimodal nanoparticles (BNPs) obtained by a simple and efficient method as probes for fluorescence analysis and/or contrast agents for MRI. These promising BNPs with small dimensions (ca. 17 nm) consist of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) covalently bound with CdTe quantum dots (ca. 3 nm). The chemical structure of the magnetic part of BNPs is predominantly magnetite, with minor goethite and maghemite contributions, as shown by Mössbauer spectroscopy, which is compatible with the x-ray diffraction data. Their size evaluation by different techniques showed that the SPION derivatization process, in order to produce the BNPs, does not lead to a large size increase. The BNPs saturation magnetization, when corrected for the organic content of the sample, is ca. 68 emu g−1, which is only slightly reduced relative to the bare nanoparticles. This indicates that the SPION surface functionalization does not change considerably the magnetic properties. The BNP aqueous suspensions presented stability, high fluorescence, high relaxivity ratio (r2/r1 equal to 25) and labeled efficiently HeLa cells as can be seen by fluorescence analysis. These BNP properties point to their applications as fluorescent probes as well as negative T2-weighted MRI contrast agents. Moreover, their potential magnetic response could also be used for fast bioseparation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report enhanced photoluminescence (PL) of both band edge and trap state emissions in Ho3+ or Eu3+ ion doped CdS (II-VI semiconductor) nanoparticles (NPs) containing glass nanocomposites. These glass nanocomposites were synthesized by the conventional melt-quench technique. The sizes of CdS NPs are found to increase from 5–15 nm to 40–80 nm with the increase in thermal treatment. Band edge emission (green emission, peak around 495 nm) of CdS NPs is controlled by their size and enhanced about three to nine-fold by Ho3+ ions on excitation at 446 nm by a diode laser. Under the same excitation, twelve to fifty-fold enhanced trap state emission (orange and red emissions about 550–900 nm) of CdS NPs is obtained by Eu3+-doping compared to undoped CdS NPs containing glass nanocomposites. The predominant mechanism of PL enhancement is the energy transfer from rare earth ions to CdS NPs. Enhanced PL of these nanocomposites enables their applications in efficient solar concentrators, green and red light emitting component for white light emission devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid nanomaterials comprised of well-organized arrays of colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) in close proximity to metal nanoparticles (NPs) represent an appealing system for high-performance, spectrum-tunable photon sources with controlled photoluminescence. Experimental realization of such materials requires well-defined QD arrays and precisely controlled QD–metal interspacing. This long-standing challenge is tackled through a strategy that synergistically combines lateral confinement and vertical stacking. Lithographically generated nanoscale patterns with tailored surface chemistry confine the QDs into well-organized arrays with high selectivity through chemical pattern directed assembly, while subsequent coating with a monolayer of close-packed Au NPs introduces the plasmonic component for fluorescence enhancement. The results show uniform fluorescence emission in large-area ordered arrays for the fabricated QD structures and demonstrate five-fold fluorescence amplification for red, yellow, and green QDs in the presence of the Au NP monolayer. Encapsulation of QDs with a silica shell is shown to extend the design space for reliable QD/metal coupling with stronger enhancement of 11 times through the tuning of QD–metal spatial separation. This approach provides new opportunities for designing hybrid nanomaterials with tailored array structures and multiple functionalities for applications such as multiplexed optical coding, color display, and quantum transduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many possible biomedical applications for titania nanoparticles (NPs) doped with rare earth elements (REEs), from dose enhancement and diagnostic imaging in radiotherapy, to biosensing. However, there are concerns that the NPs could disintegrate in the body thus releasing toxic REE ions to undesired locations. As a first step, we investigate how accurately the Ti/REE ratio from the NPs can be measured inside human cells. A quantitative analysis of whole, unsectioned, individual human cells was performed using proton microprobe elemental microscopy. This method is unique in being able to quantitatively analyse all the elements in an unsectioned individual cell with micron resolution, while also scanning large fields of view. We compared the Ti/REE signal inside cells to NPs that were outside the cells, non-specifically absorbed onto the polypropylene substrate. We show that the REE signal in individual cells co-localises with the titanium signal, indicating that the NPs have remained intact. Within the uncertainty of the measurement, there is no difference between the Ti/REE ratio inside and outside the cells. Interestingly, we also show that there is considerable variation in the uptake of the NPs from cell-to-cell, by a factor of more than 10. We conclude that the NPs enter the cells and remain intact. The large heterogeneity in NP concentrations from cell-to-cell should be considered if they are to be used therapeutically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present quantum algorithms to efficiently perform discriminant analysis for dimensionality reduction and classification over an exponentially large input data set. Compared with the best-known classical algorithms, the quantum algorithms show an exponential speedup in both the number of training vectors M and the feature space dimension N. We generalize the previous quantum algorithm for solving systems of linear equations (2009 Phys. Rev. Lett.103 150502) to efficiently implement a Hermitian chain product of k trace-normalized N ×N Hermitian positive-semidefinite matrices with time complexity of . Using this result, we perform linear as well as nonlinear Fisher discriminant analysis for dimensionality reduction over M vectors, each in an N-dimensional feature space, in time , where ϵ denotes the tolerance error, and p is the number of principal projection directions desired. We also present a quantum discriminant analysis algorithm for data classification with time complexity . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A porous membrane filter is one of the key components for sample preparation in lab-on-a-chip applications. However, most of the membranes reported to date have only been used for size-based separation since it is difficult to provide functionality to the membrane or improve the performance of the membrane. In this work, as a method to functionalize the membrane filter, controlling the shape of the membrane pores is suggested, and a convenient and mass-producible fabrication method is provided. With the proposed method, membrane filters with round, conical and funnel shape pores were successfully fabricated, and we demonstrated that the sidewall slope of the conical shape pores could be precisely controlled. To verify that the membrane filter can be functionalized by controlled pore shape, we investigated filtration and trapping performance of the membrane filter with conical shape pores. In a filtration test of 1000 cancer cells (MCF-7, a breast cancer cell line) spiked in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, 77% of the total cancer cells were retained on the membrane, and each cell from among 99.3% of the retained cells was automatically isolated in a single conical pore during the filtration process. Thanks to its engineered pore shape, trapping ability of the membrane with conical pores is dramatically improved. Microparticles trapped in the conical pores maintain their locations without any losses even at a more than 30 times faster external flow rate com-pared with those mounted on conventional cylindrical pores. Also, 78% of the cells trapped in the conical pores withstand an external flow of over 300 μl min−1 whereas only 18% of the cells trapped in the cylindrical pores remain on the membrane after 120 μl min−1 of an external flow is applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnFe2O4 nanoparticles (NPs) with various sizes and tight size-distribution were synthesized by a chemical solution-phase method. The as-synthesized NPs were coated with a silica shell of 4 nm–5 nm in thickness, enabling the water-solubility and biocompatibility of the NPs. The MnFe2O4 NPs with a size of less than 18 nm exhibit superparamagnetic behavior with high saturated magnetization. The capacity of the heat production was enhanced by increasing particle sizes and radio frequency (RF) field strengths. MnFe2O4/SiO2 NPs with 18-nm magnetic cores showed the highest heat-generation ability under an RF field. These MnFe2O4/SiO2 NPs have great potentiality to cancer treatments, controlled drug releases, and remote controls of single cell functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progress in surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is summarized with regard to organic molecules, macromolecules and inorganic materials. Many researchers are now devoted to synthesizing new types of multi-functional MNPs, which show great application potential in both diagnosis and treatment of disease. By employing an ever-greater variety of surface modification techniques, MNPs can satisfy more and more of the demands of medical practice in areas like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescent marking, cell targeting, and drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic sorting using magnetic beads has become a routine methodology for the separation of key cell populations from biological suspensions. Due to the inherent ability of magnets to provide forces at a distance, magnetic cell manipulation is now a standardized process step in numerous processes in tissue engineering, medicine, and in fundamental biological research. Herein we review the current status of magnetic particles to enable isolation and separation of cells, with a strong focus on the fundamental governing physical phenomena, properties and syntheses of magnetic particles and on current applications of magnet-based cell separation in laboratory and clinical settings. We highlight the contribution of cell separation to biomedical research and medicine and detail modern cell-separation methods (both magnetic and non-magnetic). In addition to a review of the current state-of-the-art in magnet-based cell sorting, we discuss current challenges and available opportunities for further research, development and commercialization of magnetic particle-based cell-separation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoacoustic signal generated from particles when irradiated by light is determined by attributes of the particle such as the size, speed of sound, morphology and the optical absorption coefficient. Unique features such as periodically varying minima and maxima are observed throughout the photoacoustic signal power spectrum, where the periodicity depends on these physical attributes. The frequency content of the photoacoustic signals can be used to obtain the physical attributes of unknown particles by comparison to analytical solutions of homogeneous symmetric geometric structures, such as spheres. However, analytical solutions do not exist for irregularly shaped particles, inhomogeneous particles or particles near structures. A finite element model (FEM) was used to simulate photoacoustic wave propagation from four different particle configurations: a homogeneous particle suspended in water, a homogeneous particle on a reflecting boundary, an inhomogeneous particle with an absorbing shell and non-absorbing core, and an irregularly shaped particle such as a red blood cell. Biocompatible perfluorocarbon droplets, 3–5 μm in diameter containing optically absorbing nanoparticles were used as the representative ideal particles, as they are spherical, homogeneous, optically translucent, and have known physical properties. The photoacoustic spectrum of micron-sized single droplets in suspension and on a reflecting boundary were measured over the frequency range of 100–500 MHz and compared directly to analytical models and the FEM. Good agreement between the analytical model, FEM and measured values were observed for a droplet in suspension, where the spectral minima agreed to within a 3.3 MHz standard deviation. For a droplet on a reflecting boundary, spectral features were correctly reproduced using the FEM but not the analytical model. The photoacoustic spectra from other common particle configurations such as particle with an absorbing shell and a biconcave-shaped red blood cell were also investigated, where unique features in the power spectrum could be used to identify them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic-fluorescent particles with targeting functionalities were fabricated by a modified Stöber method and two shapes (spherical and beanpod-like) were obtained by simply tuning the reaction temperature. The two multifunctional probes combined the useful functions of magnetism, fluorescence and FA (folic acid)-targeting recognition into one entity. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, by a superconducting quantum interference device and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The experimental results show that the products possessed rapid magnetic response, relatively strong fluorescent signal, higher photostability and FA-targeting recognition as well as good water-dispersibility, suggesting that they would have potential medical applications in biolabeling and bioimaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have demonstrated a novel and simple way to prepare transparent composite fluorescent films by using poly (acrylic acid) co-polymer as a matrix and silica coated photoluminescence (PL) quantum dots (QDs) as light-emitting materials. The strategies include preparing aqueous amphiphilic oligomer (polymaleic acid n-hexadecanol ester, PMAH) modified QDs, encapsulating the aqueous QDs in silica with a modified Stöber method and fabricating the QD–PMAH–SiO2–polymer composite fluorescent films with a spin-coating method. The obtained light-emitting thin films were transparent under room light and showed bright red, green and deep-blue light under the irradiation of UV light. The PL intensity of the composite films increased incrementally with the number of layers and the concentration of QD–PMAH–SiO2 within each film. A white light emitting film was also fabricated by combining the silica coated red, green and deep-blue QDs in a proper ratio. Moreover, the photochemical stability of the QD–PMAH–SiO2 in composite film was enhanced significantly compared with PMAH coated QDs, because of a thicker and compact passivating silica layer formed on the surfaces of the PL QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, PbS semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with near-infrared (NIR) photoluminescence were synthesized in oleic acid and paraffin liquid mixture by using an easily handled and ‘green’ approach. Surface functionalization of the QDs was accomplished with a silica and polyethylene glycol (PEG) phospholipid dual-layer coating and the excellent chemical stability of the nanoparticles is demonstrated. We then successfully applied the ultrastable PbS QDs to in vivo sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping of mice. Histological analyses were also carried out to ensure that the intravenously injected nanoparticles did not produce any toxicity to the organism of mice. These experimental results suggested that our ultrastable NIR PbS QDs can serve as biocompatible and efficient probes for in vivo optical bioimaging and has great potentials for disease diagnosis and clinical therapies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new type of dual modal nanoprobe to combine optical and magnetic resonance bioimaging. A simple reverse microemulsion method and coating process was introduced to synthesize silica-coated Gd2(CO3)3:Tb nanoparticles, and the particles, with an average diameter of 16 nm, can be dispersed in water. As in vitro cell imaging of the nanoprobe shows, the nanoprobe accomplishes delivery to gastric SGC7901 cancer cells successfully in a short time, as well as NCI-H460 lung cancer cells. Furthermore, it presents no evidence of cell toxicity or adverse affect on kidney cell growth under high dose, which makes the nanoprobe’s optical bioimaging modality available. The possibility of using the nanoprobe for magnetic resonance imaging is also demonstrated, and the nanoprobe displays a clear T1-weighted effect and could potentially serve as a bimodal T1-positive contrast agent. Therefore, the new nanoprobe formed from carbonate nanoprobe doped with rare earth ions provides the dual modality of optical and magnetic resonance imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead selenide nanoparticles (PbSe NPs) have been obtained through an easy and low cost route using colloidal synthesis in aqueous solution. The synthesis was carried out at room temperature using Extran (Na5P3O10, NaOH and H2O) as surfactant. Hydrochloric acid (HCl) was used to eliminate the generated by-products. The size of PbSe NPs was varied by changing the Pb:Se molar concentration. The PbSe NPs were characterized by powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDAX), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The XRD measurements showed that the PbSe NPs have the face-centered cubic phase structure. The crystal size was found to be between 14 and 20 nm as calculated from the XRD patterns and these values were corroborated with SEM and TEM. Additionally, HRTEM micrographs showed crystalline planes at (200), (220) and (111) of the PbSe NPs, in agreement with the XRD results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fast advances in nanotechnology have raised increasing concerns related to the safety of nanomaterials when exposed to humans, animals and the environment. However, despite several years of research, the nanomaterials safety field is still in its infancy owing to the complexities of structural and surface properties of these nanomaterials and organism-specific responses to them. Recently, plasma-based technology has been demonstrated as a versatile and effective way for nanofabrication, yet its health and environment-benign nature has not been widely recognized. Here we address the environmental and occupational health and safety effects of various zero- and one-dimensional nanomaterials and elaborate the advantages of using plasmas as a safe nanofabrication tool. These advantages include but are not limited to the production of substrate-bound nanomaterials, the isolation of humans from harmful nanomaterials, and the effective reforming of toxic and flammable gases. It is concluded that plasma nanofabrication can minimize the hazards in the workplace and represents a safe way for future nanofabrication technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma nanoscience is an emerging multidisciplinary research field at the cutting edge of a large number of disciplines including but not limited to physics and chemistry of plasmas and gas discharges, materials science, surface science, nanoscience and nanotechnology, solid-state physics, space physics and astrophysics, photonics, optics, plasmonics, spintronics, quantum information, physical chemistry, biomedical sciences and related engineering subjects. This paper examines the origin, progress and future perspectives of this research field driven by the global scientific and societal challenges. The future potential of plasma nanoscience to remain a highly topical area in the global research and technological agenda in the age of fundamental-level control for a sustainable future is assessed using a framework of the five Grand Challenges for Basic Energy Sciences recently mapped by the US Department of Energy. It is concluded that the ongoing research is very relevant and is expected to substantially expand to competitively contribute to the solution of all of these Grand Challenges. The approach to controlling energy and matter at nano- and subnanoscales is based on identifying the prevailing carriers and transfer mechanisms of the energy and matter at the spatial and temporal scales that are most relevant to any particular nanofabrication process. Strong accent is made on the competitive edge of the plasma-based nanotechnology in applications related to the major socio-economic issues (energy, food, water, health and environment) that are crucial for a sustainable development of humankind. Several important emerging topics, opportunities and multidisciplinary synergies for plasma nanoscience are highlighted. The main nanosafety issues are also discussed and the environment- and human health-friendly features of plasma-based nanotech are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review paper presents historical perspectives, recent advances and future directions in the multidisciplinary research field of plasma nanoscience. The current status and future challenges are presented using a three-dimensional framework. The first and the largest dimension covers the most important classes of nanoscale objects (nanostructures, nanofeatures and nanoassemblies/nanoarchitectures) and materials systems, namely carbon nanotubes, nanofibres, graphene, graphene nanoribbons, graphene nanoflakes, nanodiamond and related carbon-based nanostructures; metal, silicon and other inorganic nanoparticles and nanostructures; soft organic nanomaterials; nano-biomaterials; biological objects and nanoscale plasma etching. In the second dimension, we discuss the most common types of plasmas and plasma reactors used in nanoscale plasma synthesis and processing. These include low-temperature non-equilibrium plasmas at low and high pressures, thermal plasmas, high-pressure microplasmas, plasmas in liquids and plasma-liquid interactions, high-energy-density plasmas, and ionized physical vapour deposition as well as some other plasma-enhanced nanofabrication techniques. In the third dimension, we outline some of the 'Grand Science Challenges' and 'Grand Socio-economic Challenges' to which significant contributions from plasma nanoscience-related research can be expected in the near future. The urgent need for a stronger focus on practical, outcome-oriented research to tackle the grand challenges is emphasized and concisely formulated as from controlled complexity to practical simplicity in solving grand challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) ZrO2:Tb3+ films on glass were successfully prepared using a polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystal template in combination with a sol–gel method. Microstructure of as-prepared 3DOM ZrO2:Tb3+ films were examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The results indicated that the material featured closely packed three-dimensional ordering of pores structure with (111) plane parallel to the surface of glass substrate. In addition, photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed a dominating green emission corresponding to 5D4–7FJ (J = 3, 4, 5, 6) transitions of Tb3+ under UV light excitation. Due to the presence of oxygen vacancies the PL peak from ZrO2 host matrix was also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]