Search

Gold nanoparticles have been the solution to various hurdles today's scientific fraternity faces. Interestingly, reducing its size (1–100 nm) shows potential improvement in its chemical, physical and optical properties, suggesting its remarkable application in biopharmaceuticals, biosensors, photothermal therapy and chemotherapy, optical imaging and theranostics. This review aims to summarise the nuances associated with the synthesis (physical and chemical) and application of this remarkable material for advanced technological development. Emphasis has been given to the existing green methods like synthesis from microorganisms (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli etc.) and plant extracts (grapes, cumin seeds, soybeans, garlic, mangosteen etc.). This review also summarises the main characterisation methods (qualitative and quantitative), their limitations, parameters and materials involved (chemicals, raw materials and process conditions) that play a significant role in preparing gold nanoparticles. Further, the various properties like optical, structural, electronic and chemical have been discussed, along with the detailed detection process mechanism to substantiate the capabilities of these engineered nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrostatic pressure is an essential physical parameter for studying the structure, dynamics, phase behavior, and free-energy landscape of biomolecular systems. High pressure is an important feature of certain natural environments, and pressure effects on biosystems are of increasing interest for biotechnological applications. Here, we focus on the pressure-dependent activity of enzymes in different environments, from bulk solution to various interfaces. Results were obtained using a high-pressure stopped-flow methodology and high-pressure total internal reflection fluorescence spectroscopy. We highlight that pressure can enhance enzyme activity in various environments, contributing to the fundamental understanding of life under extreme conditions, and elucidate new ways to optimize biotechnological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watson and Crick’s discovery of the structure of DNA in 1953 and the near-simultaneous advent of the first silicon transistor in 1954 spurred parallel historic advances over the following decades in molecular biology and materials technology. As these two expansive fields of research have progressed, important areas of overlap have included the extensive use of materials innovations in biological research, such as in microscopy and measurement systems, while materials research has benefited from efforts to mimic design principles utilized in nature. Until relatively recently, however, the molecular mechanisms that underpin nature’s biological orchestra have remained largely outside the purview of materials research. Now, with new abilities to harness and modify biomolecular and cellular systems, evidence is mounting that biology can be fruitfully utilized to directly engineer technological materials. This article aims to highlight the importance of DNA-driven routes to new materials while providing a brief overview of the genetic engineering platforms that make these routes possible. Emphasis is placed on the fact that it is now possible to genetically evolve materials technologies in a manner that mimics the genetic evolution of biominerals in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]