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[Display omitted] • A fundamental understanding of Prussian blue and its analogues for superior capacitive deionization is provided. • The advantages and challenges of Prussian blue and its analogues for capacitive deionization are explained. • The directions for future research and development are determined from a perspective of nanoarchitectonics. Capacitive deionization (CDI) offers an appealing electrochemical solution for water treatment, where electrode materials play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency of CDI devices. The quest for novel electrode materials is driven by the need to enhance desalination capacity, cycling stability, ion selectivity, and energy efficiency, given that traditional carbon materials relying on electric double layer electrosorption principle often exhibit subpar desalination capabilities. Among the standout options, Prussian blue (Fe 4 [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3) and its analogs (PB/PBAs) have stood out in CDI systems due to their superior performance and durability as coordination polymers. Nevertheless, challenges persist in leveraging their full potential for CDI, stemming from issues like low desalination capacity, slow kinetics, poor conductivity, structural vulnerability, and limited electrochemical activity. Recent years have witnessed the emergence of innovative strategies aimed at addressing these obstacles, particularly through advancements in structural and compositional manipulation. This review seeks to consolidate the latest advancements in the nanoarchitectonics of PB/PBAs, exploring their classification, and synthesis methodologies, and delving into the fundamental principles governing their utility in CDI applications—anchored in considerations of thermodynamics, kinetics, and mechanisms. Notably, the review underscores the prevailing challenges faced by PB/PBAs in CDI deployment, prompting the discussion of proactive approaches to guide future material innovation and usage. By shedding light on the ongoing efforts to enhance PB/PBAs for CDI, this review anticipates that advancements in nanoarchitectonics will unlock fresh possibilities in the realm of high-performance CDI material design and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spectral analysis is an important tool that is widely used in scientific research and industry. Although the performance of benchtop spectrometers is very high, miniaturization and portability are more important indicators in some applications, such as on-site detection and real-time monitoring. Since the 1990s, micro spectrometers have emerged and developed. Meanwhile, with the development of nanotechnology, nanomaterials have been applied in the design of various micro spectrometers in recent years, further reducing the size of the spectrometers. In this paper, we review the research progress of micro spectrometers based on nanomaterials. We also discuss the main limitations and perspectives on micro spectrometers.

Enzymes/Nanoparticles (NPs) bioconjugates are massively used nowadays to develop thin films for optical and electrochemical biosensors. Nevertheless, their full characterization as a thin coating onto electrodes remains little discussed, in particular the influence of NPs size and enzyme/NPs ratio used in the electrodeposition solution. In this study, GOx (160 kDa) and HRP (44 kDa) were used in association with tannic acid capped gold NPs (a series with sizes from 7 to 40 nm) to electrodeposit biosensor coatings, sensitive towards glucose and H2O2, respectively. The electrodeposition process was based on a mussel-inspired electro-crosslinking between gallol moieties of tannic acid (at the surface of NPs) and amine moieties of the enzymes. On one hand, the sensitivity of the GOx/NPs coatings depends strongly on the NP size and the enzyme/NPs molar ratio of the electrodeposition solution. An optimal sensitivity was obtained by electrodeposition of 11 nm NPs at a GOx/NPs molar ratio close to the theoretical value of the enzyme monolayer. On the other hand, a modest influence of the NPs size was found on the sensitivity in the case of the electrodeposited HRP/NPs coatings, reaching a plateau at the HRP/NPs molar ratio close to the value of the theoretical enzyme monolayer. In both cases, the enzyme/NPs molar ratio played a role in the sensitivity. To fully understand the parameters driving the biosensor sensitivity, a comprehensive evaluation of the colloidal state of the bioconjugates is proposed here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical stimuli have rather ambiguous and less‐specific features among various physical stimuli, but most materials exhibit a certain level of responses upon mechanical inputs. Unexplored sciences remain in mechanical responding systems as one of the frontiers of materials science. Nanoarchitectonics approaches for mechanically responding materials are discussed as mechano‐nanoarchitectonics in this review article. Recent approaches on molecular and materials systems with mechanical response capabilities are first exemplified with two viewpoints: i) mechanical control of supramolecular assemblies and materials and ii) mechanical control and evaluation of atom/molecular level structures. In the following sections, special attentions on interfacial environments for mechano‐nanoarchitectonics are emphasized. The section entitled iii) Mechanical Control of Molecular System at Dynamic Interface describes coupling of macroscopic mechanical forces and molecular‐level phenomena. Delicate mechanical forces can be applied to functional molecules embedded at the air–water interface where operation of molecular machines and tuning of molecular receptors upon macroscopic mechanical actions are discussed. Finally, the important role of the interfacial media are further extended to the control of living cells as described in the section entitled iv) Mechanical Control of Biosystems. Pioneering approaches on cell fate regulations at liquid–liquid interfaces are discussed in addition to well‐known mechanobiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoarchitectonics is a widespread concept to construct functional materials from nanoscale building units. Based on this concept, fabrications of KMgSO4Cl:Eu phosphor with hierarchical structural motifs and their photo-physical properties after γ-ray exposure from 60Co source are described in this manuscript. The photo-physical properties of γ-ray-exposed KMgSO4Cl:Eu phosphor such as oxidation state of Eu ion, thermoluminescence (TL) kinetic parameters and fading response have been evaluated and reported herein. The KMgSO4Cl:Eu phosphor was synthesized using wet-chemistry method and the nanoarchitectonics concept behind the nanostructured fabrication has been illustrated. The formation of the compound was reported using X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and the presence of individual elements using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The spherical but faceted highly agglomerated morphology of KMgSO4Cl nano-crystallite was shown using NanoSAM analysis. The bandgap (Eg) value of KMgSO4Cl was reported to be 3.4 ± 0.1 eV from diffused reflectance spectrum analysis. Photoluminescence (PL) analysis reveals that Eu is present in both divalent (Eu2+) and trivalent (Eu3+) oxidation states. The two oxidation states were detected as EuCl2+ and EuCl3+ species using XPS analysis, essentially Eu(II) and Eu(III) oxidation states, respectively. The TL glow curve consists of major broadband at 450 K and a minor peak at 542 K. The TL glow curve was deconvoluted to calculate the kinetic parameters and quasi-continuous distribution of trap levels. The kinetic parameters of the TL glow curve were estimated using Chen peak shape method, Ilich's method and Initial Rise method, respectively. The fading response indicates that TL intensity over 30 days of storage period was reduced to 25‒30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin films sustaining plasmonic circular dichroism (PCD) have acquired high scientific relevance and a great potential for applications. While most efforts in PCD thin film structures focus on lithographically fabricated static metasurfaces, the bottom‐up fabrication of active chiral plasmonic films constitutes an alternative approach. Herein, the preparation of PCD thin films by melting and freezing a mixture of liquid crystal (LC), a chiral dopant, and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs), serving as helical matrix, symmetry breaking inducer, and plasmonic component, respectively is reported. UV–vis and circular dichroism spectroscopies, as well as theoretical modeling are used to disclose the interactions among thin film components, toward maximizing the PCD dissymmetry factor (g‐factor). Variation of substrate temperature affords reversible off/on switching of the chiroptical response. The soft nature of LC matrix enables patterning of the films via a thermal nanoimprinting method, using a polydimethylsiloxane mold for transfer‐printing onto a flexible substrate, leading to stretchable PCD films. The PCD wavelengths can be readily tuned by varying the geometry of the Au NPs. This work provides an efficient technique to produce PCD thin films with active plasmonic properties and mechanical tunability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activated carbon is the most widely used electrode material in electrochemical double‐layer capacitors. The rational utilization of biomass energy waste to prepare porous carbon supercapacitor electrodes has effectively realized both the use of biomass waste and the industrial production of high‐performance supercapacitor electrodes. A simple method to employ roselle waste as the precursor of porous carbon supercapacitor electrodes is described. Electrochemical characterization confirmed that an electric double layer with high specific capacitance was formed in the system. The HCF‐3 supercapacitor electrode proved to have good cycle stability. Roselle‐based porous carbon has great potential as a low‐cost, environmentally friendly, and high‐efficiency supercapacitor electrode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A post-nanotechnology concept has been assigned to an emerging concept, nanoarchitectonics. Nanoarchitectonics aims to establish a discipline in which functional materials are fabricated from nano-scale components such as atoms, molecules, and nanomaterials using various techniques. Nanoarchitectonics opens ways to form a more unified paradigm by integrating nanotechnology with organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, material chemistry, microfabrication technology, and biotechnology. On the other hand, biological systems consist of rational organization of constituent molecules. Their structures have highly asymmetric and hierarchical features that allow for chained functional coordination, signal amplification, and vector-like energy and signal flow. The process of nanoarchitectonics is based on the premise of combining several different processes, which makes it easier to obtain a hierarchical structure. Therefore, nanoarchitectonics is a more suitable methodology for creating highly functional systems based on structural asymmetry and hierarchy like biosystems. The creation of functional materials by nanoarchitectonics is somewhat similar to the creation of functional systems in biological systems. It can be said that the goal of nanoarchitectonics is to create highly functional systems similar to those found in biological systems. This review article summarizes the synthesis of biomimetic and biological molecules and their functional structure formation from various viewpoints, from the molecular level to the cellular level. Several recent examples are arranged and categorized to illustrate such a trend with sections of (i) synthetic nanoarchitectonics for bio-related units, (ii) self-assembly nanoarchitectonics with bio-related units, (iii) nanoarchitectonics with nucleic acids, (iv) nanoarchitectonics with peptides, (v) nanoarchitectonics with proteins, and (vi) bio-related nanoarchitectonics in conjugation with materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of the cell surface by the methods of nanoarchitectonics allows changing the physical and chemical properties of cells. Thus, it is possible to get imprinted colloid particles based on template cells that are able to recognize and selectively attach to cells. Application of nanomaterials in the inorganic coating composition expands their biomedical potential. For example, doping of cell imprints with magnetic nanoparticles allows manipulating the cells associated with shell fragments by the external magnetic field. In this work, we developed colloidal cell imprints based on silicon dioxide doped with iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles capable of binding to HeLa cells. The method of chemical coprecipitation was used to synthesize iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles. The hydrodynamic size and ζ-potential of nanoparticles were measured by the dynamic light scattering method. The morphology of magnetic nanoparticles was analyzed with the help of transmission electron microscopy and dark-field microscopy. The sol-gel process was used to coat HeLa cells by silicic acid derivatives doped with magnetic nanoparticles. Coating formation on cells was observed with scanning electron microscopy. Colloid cell imprints were obtained after the breakage of the inorganic coating by the ultrasonic treatment. Subsequently, colloid particles were cultivated with the HeLa cell line and observed with bright-field microscopy. Additionally, the morphology of the coating and cell imprints was visualized by the atomic force microscopy. Spherical magnetic nanoparticles with a diameter of about 110 nm were obtained. Silica coating formation on the HeLa cells was demonstrated. Furthermore, it was established that colloid imprints obtained after the decomposition of the silica-based shell are capable of binding to cells. Therefore, we successfully manipulated the cells coated with the silica-based shell doped with magnetic nanoparticles.

[Display omitted] Nanocarbon/polymeric 3D porous composites have been widely developed as piezoresistive sensors due to their improved performances. Functionalized nanocarbon is usually used to allow its adsorption on the surface of porous polymeric material. However, both the functionalization and the surface localized distribution of the nanomaterial can limit the nanocarbon effect on conductivity and mechanical stability of the material thus affecting piezoresistive performances. A novel nanoarchitectonics strategy to prepare an elastomeric/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) 3D porous piezoresistive nanocomposite is developed. The fabrication route does not require complex apparatus and CNTs chemical functionalization. Moreover, foams of any shape and dimensions can be produced with neither complex machinery and procedures nor wastes production. The obtained material is characterized by the presence of well dispersed pristine CNTs on both surface and bulk of the polymeric matrix. The foam exhibited improved piezoresistive properties with excellent compressive stress (>150 kPa), sensitivity at low displacement (29 kPa−1) and limit of detection for both pressure (2 Pa) and extension (130 nm). These excellent features could allow the use of the as prepared nanocomposite in different applications ranging from wearable devices to robotic or infrastructure monitoring with outstanding flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pure and varying weigh ratio of Sm2O3-TiO2 modified polyaniline nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized using in situ polymerization of aniline solution with Sm2O3-TiO2 binary oxide. The nanocomposite have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-photoelectron microscopy (XPS), Field emission-scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and LCR meter. The XRD results show synthesis anatase TiO2 phase with tetragonal structure and (monoclinic and cubic) mixture structure of Sm2O3. The FE-SEM and TEM measurements appear preparing spherical nanoparticles that covered fiber morphology of polyaniline and successfully in situ polymerization process. The TGA measurements are obtain high thermal stability for polyaniline after incorporation by Sm2O3-TiO2 binary oxide nanoparticles. LCR measurement is obtained that the DC conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss of nanocomposite is larger than pure polyaniline and the electric properties increase with increasing the concentration of nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A scalable and efficient photocatalyst is a key factor for sustainable hydrogen production. For the first time, clay nanotube-templated mesoporous silica of MCM-41 type was used as an efficient carrier for photocatalytic nanoparticles. 4–5 nm CdS quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in situ on the surface of this hierarchical aluminosilicate. The influence of the QD composition on the structural, spectral, and photocatalytic properties was investigated. A series of photocatalysts with various QD sizes (3.2–4.8 nm) and band gaps (2.46–2.66 eV) were obtained. Optimization of the CdS and cocatalyst (Ru) concentration resulted in an efficient visible light photocatalyst for hydrogen production. The photocatalytic activity was tested in an aqueous solution of Na2S/Na2SO3 under 30 W 450 nm diode illumination. The hydrogen evolution rate reached 2600 μmol/gcat·h (apparent quantum efficiency of 15%) for the system with 15.0 wt % of CdS doped with 0.2 wt % of Ru, which corresponds to the rate of hydrogen production of 17.1 mmol per hour counting on the active phase. The material demonstrated almost 100% efficiency of the catalytically active phase. It showed better catalytic activity in comparison to MCM-41 due to the hierarchical structure and presence of Al that stimulated electron transfer during the photocatalytic reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoarchitectonics has been recently proposed as a post-nanotechnology concept. It is the methodology to produce functional materials from nanoscale units. Carbon-based materials are actively used in nanoarchitectonics approaches. This review explains several recent examples of energy and related applications of carbon materials from the viewpoint of the nanoarchitectonics concept. Explanations and discussions are described according to the classification of carbon sources for nanostructured materials: (i) carbon nanoarchitectonics from molecules and supramolecular assemblies; (ii) carbon nanoarchitectonics from fullerenes; (iii) carbon nanoarchitectonics from biomass; and (iv) carbon nanoarchitectonics with composites and hybrids. Functional carbon materials can be nanoarchitected through various processes, including well-skilled organic synthesis with designed molecular sources; self-assembly of fullerenes under various conditions; practical, low-cost synthesis from biomass; and hybrid/composite formation with various carbon sources. These examples strikingly demonstrate the enormous potential of nanoarchitectonics approaches to produce functional carbon materials from various components such as small molecules, fullerene, other nanocarbons, and naturally abundant biomasses. While this review article only shows limited application aspects in energy-related usages such as supercapacitors, applications for more advanced cells and batteries, environmental monitoring and remediation, bio-medical usages, and advanced devices are also expected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on renewable energy is actively looking into electrocatalysts based on transition metal chalcogenides because nanostructured electrocatalysts support the higher intrinsic activity for both the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A major technique for facilitating the conversion of renewable and sustainable energy is electrochemical water splitting. The aim of the review is to discuss the revelations made when trying to alter the internal and external nanoarchitectures of chalcogenides-based electrocatalysts to enhance their performance. To begin, a general explanation of the water-splitting reaction is given to clarify the key factors in determining the catalytic performance of nanostructured chalcogenides-based electrocatalysts. To delve into the many ways being employed to improve the HER’s electrocatalytic performance, the general fabrication processes utilized to generate the chalcogenides-based materials are described. Similarly, to enhance the OER performance of chalcogenides-based electrocatalysts, the applied complementary techniques and the strategies involved in designing the bifunctional water-splitting electrocatalysts (HER and OER) are explained. As a conclusive remark, the challenges and future perspectives of chalcogenide-based electrocatalysts in the context of water splitting are summarized.

The fabrication of various sensing devices and the ability to harmonize materials for a higher degree of organization is essential for effective sensing systems. Materials with hierarchically micro- and mesopore structures can enhance the sensitivity of sensors. Nanoarchitectonics allows for atomic/molecular level manipulations that create a higher area-to-volume ratio in nanoscale hierarchical structures for use in ideal sensing applications. Nanoarchitectonics also provides ample opportunities to fabricate materials by tuning pore size, increasing surface area, trapping molecules via host–guest interactions, and other mechanisms. Material characteristics and shape significantly enhance sensing capabilities via intramolecular interactions, molecular recognition, and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This review highlights the latest advancements in nanoarchitectonics approaches to tailor materials for various sensing applications, including biological micro/macro molecules, volatile organic compounds (VOC), microscopic recognition, and the selective discrimination of microparticles. Furthermore, different sensing devices that utilize the nanoarchitectonics concept to achieve atomic-molecular level discrimination are also discussed.

The development of science and technology of advanced materials using nanoscale units can be conducted by a novel concept involving combination of nanotechnology methodology with various research disciplines, especially supramolecular chemistry. The novel concept is called ‘nanoarchitectonics’ where self-assembly processes are crucial in many cases involving a wide range of component materials. This review of self-assembly processes re-examines recent progress in materials nanoarchitectonics. It is composed of three main sections: (1) the first short section describes typical examples of self-assembly research to outline the matters discussed in this review; (2) the second section summarizes self-assemblies at interfaces from general viewpoints; and (3) the final section is focused on self-assembly processes at interfaces. The examples presented demonstrate the strikingly wide range of possibilities and future potential of self-assembly processes and their important contribution to materials nanoarchitectonics. The research examples described in this review cover variously structured objects including molecular machines, molecular receptors, molecular pliers, molecular rotors, nanoparticles, nanosheets, nanotubes, nanowires, nanoflakes, nanocubes, nanodisks, nanoring, block copolymers, hyperbranched polymers, supramolecular polymers, supramolecular gels, liquid crystals, Langmuir monolayers, Langmuir–Blodgett films, self-assembled monolayers, thin films, layer-by-layer structures, breath figure motif structures, two-dimensional molecular patterns, fullerene crystals, metal–organic frameworks, coordination polymers, coordination capsules, porous carbon spheres, mesoporous materials, polynuclear catalysts, DNA origamis, transmembrane channels, peptide conjugates, and vesicles, as well as functional materials for sensing, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, photovoltaics, charge transport, excitation energy transfer, light-harvesting, photocatalysts, field effect transistors, logic gates, organic semiconductors, thin-film-based devices, drug delivery, cell culture, supramolecular differentiation, molecular recognition, molecular tuning, and hand-operating (hand-operated) nanotechnology.

This review will focus on micromachines and microrobots, which are objects at the micro-level with similar machine functions, as well as nano-level objects such as molecular machines and nanomachines. The paper will initially review recent examples of molecular machines and microrobots that are not limited to interfaces, noting the diversity of their functions. Next, examples of molecular machines and micromachines/micro-robots functioning at the air-water interface will be discussed. The behaviors of molecular machines are influenced significantly by the specific characteristics of the air-water interface. By placing molecular machines at the air-water interface, the scientific horizon and depth of molecular machine research will increase dramatically. On the other hand, for microrobotics, more practical and advanced systems have been reported, such as the development of microrobots and microswimmers for environmental remediations and biomedical applications. The research currently being conducted on the surface of water may provide significant basic knowledge for future practical uses of molecular machines and microrobots.

Photothermal conversion of light into heat energy is an intrinsic optical property of metal nanoparticles when irradiated using near-infrared radiation. However, the impact of size and shape on the photothermal behaviour of gold nanomakura particles possessing optical absorption within 600-700 nm as well as on incorporation in hydrogels is not well reported. In this study, nanomakura-shaped anisotropic gold nanoparticles (AuNMs) were synthesized via a surfactant-assisted seed-mediated protocol. Quaternary cationic surfactants having variable carbon tail length ( n = 16, 14, 12) were used as capping for tuning the plasmon peak of gold nanomakura within a 600-700 nm wavelength. The aspect ratio as well as anisotropy of synthesized gold nanomakura can influence photothermal response upon near-infrared irradiation. The role of carbon tail length was evident via absorption peaks obtained from longitudinal surface plasmon resonance analysis at 670, 650, and 630 nm in CTAB-AuNM, MTAB-AuNM, and DTAB-AuNM, respectively. Furthermore, the impact of morphology and surrounding milieu of the synthesized nanomakuras on photothermal conversion is investigated owing to their retention of plasmonic stability. Interestingly, we found that photothermal conversion was exclusively assigned to morphological features (i.e., nanoparticles of higher aspect ratio showed higher temperature change and vice versa irrespective of the surfactant used). To enable biofunctionality and stability, we used kappa-carrageenan- (k-CG) based hydrogels for incorporating the nanomakuras and further assessed their photothermal response. Nanomakura particles in association with k-CG were also able to show photothermal conversion, depicting their ability to interact with light without hindrance. The CTAB-AuNM, MTAB-AuNM, and DTAB-AuNM after incorporation into hydrogel beads attained up to ≈17.2, ≈17.2, and ≈15.7 °C, respectively. On the other hand, gold nanorods after incorporation into k-CG did not yield much photothermal response as compared to that of AuNMs. The results showed a promising platform to utilize nanomakura particles along with kappa-carrageenan hydrogels for enabling usage on nanophotonic, photothermal, and bio-imaging applications., (Copyright © 2024, Das et al.)

Hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces or saddle‐shaped materials can exist in two equilibrium shapes when the saddle shape reverses on itself and, therefore, can be used as structural elements of new stimuli‐responsive and shape‐changing materials. Here we propose a new fast and easy approach to the nanoarchitectonics of graphene oxide nanosheets to form curved interfaces. Our technology involves computer‐aid design, three dimensional (3D) printing, and casting curved templates for the assembly of two‐dimensional (2D) nanosheets. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach for the nanoarchitectonics of graphene oxide flakes, though it can be expanded to include the whole family of 2D materials. The prepared free‐standing saddle‐shaped graphene oxide membranes show highly ordered nanostructure, typical for flat 2D multilayered materials. We optimize the preparation conditions to construct robust two‐dimensional membranes with nanostructured architecture and controllable thickness and curvature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanorod Zinc stannate Zn2SnO4 were studied and synthesized by ammonia with cubic spinel structure. The study of crystallography and optical properties were observed using Xray diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The study of morphology of the nanoparticles was perceived using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The effect of antibacterial of Zn2SnO4 nanoparticle was tested against gram-positive and gram-negative and pathogenic bacteria have also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation of cells has been an active area of research. Among various methods for encapsulation, Layer-by-Layer (LbL) offers extensive flexibility in the design of surfaces and their interfacial nanoarchitectonics. A diverse range of functionalities have been recently demonstrated for cell encapsulation including protection and improved circulation. Here, we present a new strategy of cell encapsulation in a hybrid coating containing LbL assembly functionalized with gold nanoparticle aggregates. The effect of this hybrid coating on cell viability was assessed. Subsequently, upon laser illumination the encapsulated cells undergo immediate necrosis caused by the localized heat generated by the laser beam on gold nanoparticle aggregates. Similarly to affecting polyelectrolyte multilayer capsules, one envisions controlling surface properties of cells remotely by a laser beam. Further applications of the proposed approach are expected to be in biomedicine.

In this work, the nanoarchitectonics approach to synthesize a new functional material with certain configurations and hierarchical motifs of the multifunctional initiators of surface-initiated radical polymerization (MPIs) on surface of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was realized. The presence of covalently-linked MPIs on the surfaces of amine functionalized MWCNTs was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Nanocomposites of polybutylene terephthalate – poly(tetramethylene oxide) – (PBT/PTMO) with modified nanotubes show higher values of Young's modulus, elongation at break, and crystallization temperature in comparison to non-modified ones.

The organization of microporous space in zeolites is discussed. A new step-by-step model is proposed that explains the principles of organizing the hierarchy of microporous space at the stage of assembling zeolites from elements of minimal size: a primary building unit, secondary building units, tertiary building units or building polyhedra, a sodalite cage, and a supercage. To illustrate the stepwise hierarchical porous structure of nanomaterials, the following zeolites with small and large micropores have been selected as the model objects: sodalite (SOD, the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.3 nm) and zeolites of type A (LTA, the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.41 nm), type X, Y (FAU, the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.75 nm), and type BETA (the maximum diameter of a sphere that can enter the pores is 0.67 nm). Two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling in 3Ds Max software was used. We believe that such an approach will be useful for developing ways to create complex zeolite compositions for specific applications, such as catalysis, where the geometry of the pores determines the size of the molecules entering the voids and computer modeling can play an important predictive role. This work takes a look at specific aspects of using the heat desorption method to study mesoporous materials with a BETA zeolite as an example and presents the results of experimental research into the characteristics of the porous structure of hierarchically structured zeolite materials (specific surface area 180–380 m2/g, external surface area 120–200 m2/g, micropore volume 0.001–0.1 mL/g).

Polymeric-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials have emerged as novel multifunctional platforms because they combine the intrinsic characteristics of both materials with unexpected properties that arise from synergistic effects. In this work, hybrid nanogels based on mesoporous silica nanoparticles, oligo (ethylene glycol) methacrylates, and acidic moieties were developed employing ultrasound-assisted free radical precipitation/dispersion polymerization. Chemical structure was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Hydrodynamic diameters at different temperatures were determined by dynamic light scattering, and cloud point temperatures were determined by turbidimetry. Cell viability in fibroblast (NIH 3T3) and human prostate cancer (LNCaP) cell lines were studied by a standard colorimetric assay. The synthetic approach allows covalent bonding between the organic and inorganic components. The composition of the polymeric structure of hybrid nanogels was optimized to incorporate high percentages of acidic co-monomer, maintaining homogeneous nanosized distribution, achieving appropriate volume phase transition temperature values for biomedical applications, and remarkable pH response. The cytotoxicity assays show that cell viability was above 80% even at the highest nanogel concentration. Finally, we demonstrated the successful cell inhibition when they were treated with camptothecin-loaded hybrid nanogels.

Exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicles, have attracted considerable attention due to their ability to provide valuable insights into the pathophysiological microenvironment of the cells from which they originate. This characteristic implicates their potential use as diagnostic disease biomarkers clinically, including cancer, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Aptasensors, which are electrochemical aptamers based biosensing devices, have emerged as a new class of powerful detection technology to conventional methods like ELISA and Western analysis, primarily because of their capability for high performance bioanalysis. This review covers the current research landscape on the detection of exosomes utilizing nanoarchitectonics strategy for the development of electrochemical aptasensors. Strategies involving signal amplification and biofouling prevention are discussed, with an emphasis on nanoarchitectonics-based bio-interfaces, showcasing their potential to enhance sensitivity and selectivity through optimal conduction and mass transport properties. The ongoing challenges to broaden the clinical applications of these biosensors are also highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an in situ sol-gel technique, new nanoarchitectonics of propolis loaded zinc oxide nanoarchitectonics (PP/ZnO–NPs) were developed in order to improve the in vivo outcomes of collagen–chitosan gel in wounded rats. The obtained nanoarchitectonics were fully characterized. The XRD results indicate the presence of a Zincite phase for ZnO–NPs and Zincite accompanied by a minor amount of zinc hydroxide for PP/ZnO–NPs samples. While the TEM findings illustrate the transfer of the ZnO–NPs from agglomerated spheres with an average particle size of 230 ± 29 nm to needle–like NPs of 323 ± 173 nm length (PP1/ZnO–NPs) and to a sheet–like NPs of 500 ± 173 nm diameter (PP2/ZnO–NPs). In addition, the incorporation of PP results in an increase in the surface negativity of ZnO–NPs to −31.4 ± 6.4 mV for PP2/ZnO–NPs. The antimicrobial activities of the nanocomposite gel loaded with 10%PP1/ZnO–NPs (G6) revealed the highest inhibition zone against E. coli (26 ± 2.31 mm). Remarkably, the in vivo outcomes showed that the nanocomposite gel (G6) has exceptional collagen deposition, quick wound closure rates, and re-epithelization. The outcomes demonstrate the nanocomposite gel encouraging biological properties for the treatment of damaged and infected wounds. The functionalized nanocomposite gel offers a favorable microenvironment to accelerate the wound healing process such as antibacterial activity, diminished inflammation response, vascular regeneration, and rapid wound cluster. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of cancer using electroanalytical methods can be achieved at low cost and in rapid assays, but this may require the combination with data treatment for determining biomarkers in real samples. In this paper, we report an immunomagnetic nanoparticle-based microfluidic sensor (INμ-SPCE) for the amperometric detection of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) biomarker, the data of which were treated with information visualization methods. The INμ-SPCE consists of eight working electrodes, reference and counter electrodes. On the working electrodes, magnetic nanoparticles with secondary antibodies with the enzyme horseradish peroxidase were immobilized for the indirect detection of PSA in a sandwich-type procedure. Under optimal conditions, the immunosensor could operate within a wide range from 12.5 to 1111 fg·L−1, with a low detection limit of 0.062 fg·L−1. Multidimensional projections combined with feature selection allowed for the distinction of cell lysates with different levels of PSA, in agreement with results from the traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The approaches for immunoassays and data processing are generic, and therefore the strategies described here may provide a simple platform for clinical diagnosis of cancers and other types of diseases.

Many recent advances in sensor technology have been possible due to nanotechnological advancements together with contributions from other research fields. Such interdisciplinary collaborations fit well with the emerging concept of nanoarchitectonics, which is a novel conceptual methodology to engineer functional materials and systems from nanoscale units through the fusion of nanotechnology with other research fields, including organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, materials science and biology. In this review article, we discuss recent advancements in sensor devices and sensor materials that take advantage of advanced nanoarchitectonics concepts for improved performance. In the first part, recent progress on sensor systems are roughly classified according to the sensor targets, such as chemical substances, physical conditions, and biological phenomena. In the following sections, advancements in various nanoarchitectonic motifs, including nanoporous structures, ultrathin films, and interfacial effects for improved sensor function are discussed to realize the importance of nanoarchitectonic structures. Many of these examples show that advancements in sensor technology are no longer limited by progress in microfabrication and nanofabrication of device structures – opening a new avenue for highly engineered, high performing sensor systems through the application of nanoarchitectonics concepts.

Background: Mechanisms of self-assembly/self-organization are fundamental for the emergence of nanoarchitectonic systems composed by elemental units, and it is important to build a theoretical framework for them. Additionally, because the enhanced functionalities of these systems are related to their spatial morphologies, it is necessary to quantify the self-organized design through suited statistical analysis tools.Results: We have investigated the self-assembly bundling process of nanowires fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE). First, we have applied theoretical models in order to obtain a quantitative estimation of the driving forces leading to self-assembly. Then, we have studied the surfaces of the nanoarchitectures by means of multifractal analysis. We have found that these systems are not simple monofractals, but that the more complex paradigm of multifractality (different fractal dimensions across different scales) has to be applied to describe their morphology.Conclusion: The multifractal analysis approach has proven its ability to discriminate among different MACE nanoarchitectures. Additionally, it has demonstrated its capacity to measure the degree of homogeneity of these surfaces. Finally, a correlation between the growth conditions and the capacity dimension of the nanowires was obtained.

Peptide-based supramolecular hydrogels, as a new type of biological nanoarchitectonic structure, hold great promise for a wide range of biomedical and nanotechnological applications, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, and electronic and photonic energy storage. In this work, a cyclic dipeptide (CDP) cyclo-(Trp-Tyr) (C-WY), which has exceptional structural rigidity and high stability, is selected as a hydrogelator for the formation of supramolecular hydrogels. The unique hydrogen bonding in C-WY endows a high propensity for self-assembly and the resulting hydrogels are revealed to be crystalline. The crystalline hydrogels possess excellent mechanical capacity and superior tolerance to various harsh conditions, including in the presence of charged biopolymers, extreme acid/base environments, and changing thermal conditions. Such high tolerance enables the crystalline hydrogels to be applied in the complex and harsh environments of electrochemistry. In addition, this study demonstrates that the self-assembly of cyclic dipeptides results in highly robust hydrogels which can be applied for electrochemical applications such as electrochemical supercapacitors.

Crystalline poly- and oligosaccharides such as cellulose can form extremely robust assemblies, whereas the construction of self-assembled materials from such molecules is generally difficult due to their complicated chemical synthesis and low solubility in solvents. Enzyme-catalyzed oligomerization-induced self-assembly has been shown to be promising for creating nanoarchitectured crystalline oligosaccharide materials. However, the controlled self-assembly into organized hierarchical structures based on a simple method is still challenging. Herein, we demonstrate that the use of organic solvents as small-molecule additives allows for control of the oligomerization-induced self-assembly of cellulose oligomers into hierarchical nanoribbon network structures. In this study, we dealt with the cellodextrin phosphorylase-catalyzed oligomerization of phosphorylated glucose monomers from ᴅ-glucose primers, which produce precipitates of nanosheet-shaped crystals in aqueous solution. The addition of appropriate organic solvents to the oligomerization system was found to result in well-grown nanoribbon networks. The organic solvents appeared to prevent irregular aggregation and subsequent precipitation of the nanosheets via solvation for further growth into the well-grown higher-order structures. This finding indicates that small-molecule additives provide control over the self-assembly of crystalline oligosaccharides for the creation of hierarchically structured materials with high robustness in a simple manner.

Chiral nanostructures, such as α-helical proteins and double helix DNA, are widely found in biological systems and play a significant role in the biofunction of life. These structures are essentially fabricated through the covalent or noncovalent bonds between small chiral molecules. It is thus an important issue to understand how small chiral molecules can form chiral nanostructures. Here, using a series of isomeric nitrocinnamic amide derivatives, we have investigated the self-assembly behavior and the effect of the substituent position as well as the solvent on the formation of chiral nanostructures. It was found that totally different chiral nanostructures were formed due to the different positions of the nitro group on the cinnamic amide. Moreover, it was found that the chiral sense of the self-assembled nanostructures can be regulated by the solvent whereby helicity inversion was observed. This work provides a simple way to regulate the self-assembly pathway via molecular design and choice of solvent for the controlled creation of chiral nanostructures.

In this work, organic–inorganic hybrid nanoarchitectures were prepared in a single coprecipitation step by assembling magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxides (MgAl-LDH) and a sepiolite fibrous clay, with the simultaneous encapsulation of the herbicide 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (MCPA) as the MgAl-LDH retains its ion exchange properties. The synthetic procedure was advantageous in comparison to the incorporation of MCPA by ion exchange after the formation of the LDH/sepiolite nanoarchitecture in a previous step, as it was less time consuming and gave rise to a higher loading of MCPA. The resulting MCPA-LDH/sepiolite nanoarchitectures were characterized by various physicochemical techniques (XRD, FTIR and 29Si NMR spectroscopies, CHN analysis and SEM) that revealed interactions of LDH with the sepiolite fibers through the silanol groups present on the outer surface of sepiolite, together with the intercalation of MCPA in the LDH confirmed by the increase in the basal spacing from 0.77 nm for the pristine LDH to 2.32 nm for the prepared materials. The amount of herbicide incorporated in the hybrid nanoarchitectures prepared by the single-step coprecipitation method surpassed the CEC of LDH (ca. 330 mEq/100 g), with values reaching 445 mEq/100 g LDH for certain compositions. This suggests a synergy between the inorganic solids that allows the nanoarchitecture to exhibit better adsorption properties than the separate components. Additionally, in the release assays, the herbicide incorporated in the hybrid nanoarchitectures could be completely released, which confirms its suitability for agricultural applications. In order to achieve a more controlled release of the herbicide and to act for several days on the surface of the soil, the hybrid nanoarchitectures were encapsulated in a biopolymer matrix of alginate/zein and shaped into spheres. In in vitro tests carried out in bidistilled water, a continuous release of MCPA from the bionanocomposite beads was achieved for more than a week, while the non-encapsulated materials released the 100% of MCPA in 48 h. Besides, the encapsulation may allow for better handling and transport of the herbicide.

Much attention has been paid to the synthesis of low-dimensional materials from small units such as functional molecules. Bottom-up approaches to create new low-dimensional materials with various functional units can be realized with the emerging concept of nanoarchitectonics. In this review article, we overview recent research progresses on materials nanoarchitectonics at two-dimensional liquid interfaces, which are dimensionally restricted media with some freedoms of molecular motion. Specific characteristics of molecular interactions and functions at liquid interfaces are briefly explained in the first parts. The following sections overview several topics on materials nanoarchitectonics at liquid interfaces, such as the preparation of two-dimensional metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks, and the fabrication of low-dimensional and specifically structured nanocarbons and their assemblies at liquid–liquid interfaces. Finally, interfacial nanoarchitectonics of biomaterials including the regulation of orientation and differentiation of living cells are explained. In the recent examples described in this review, various materials such as molecular machines, molecular receptors, block-copolymer, DNA origami, nanocarbon, phages, and stem cells were assembled at liquid interfaces by using various useful techniques. This review overviews techniques such as conventional Langmuir–Blodgett method, vortex Langmuir–Blodgett method, liquid–liquid interfacial precipitation, instructed assembly, and layer-by-layer assembly to give low-dimensional materials including nanowires, nanowhiskers, nanosheets, cubic objects, molecular patterns, supramolecular polymers, metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks. The nanoarchitecture materials can be used for various applications such as molecular recognition, sensors, photodetectors, supercapacitors, supramolecular differentiation, enzyme reactors, cell differentiation control, and hemodialysis.

The construction of flexible electrochemical devices for energy storage and generation is of utmost importance in modern society. In this article, we report on the synthesis of flexible MoS2-based composite paper by high-energy shear force milling and simple vacuum filtration. This composite material combines high flexibility, mechanical strength and good chemical stability. Chronopotentiometric charge–discharge measurements were used to determine the capacitance of our paper material. The highest capacitance achieved was 33 mF·cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA·cm−2, demonstrating potential application in supercapacitors. We further used the material as a cathode for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with an onset potential of approximately −0.2 V vs RHE. The onset potential was even lower (approximately −0.1 V vs RHE) after treatment with n-butyllithium, suggesting the introduction of new active sites. Finally, a potential use in lithium ion batteries (LIB) was examined. Our material can be used directly without any binder, additive carbon or copper current collector and delivers specific capacity of 740 mA·h·g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A·g−1. After 40 cycles at this current density the material still reached a capacity retention of 91%. Our findings show that this composite material could find application in electrochemical energy storage and generation devices where high flexibility and mechanical strength are desired.