Do not tumble dry: Gadolinium-DOTA encapsulated into polysaccharide nanoparticles (GdDOTA⊂NPs) exhibited high relaxivity (r1=101.7 s−1 mM−1 per Gd3+ ion at 37 °C and 20 MHz). This relaxation rate is due to efficient Gd loading, reduced tumbling of the complex, hydrogel nature nanoparticles. The efficacy as a T1/T2 dual-mode contrast agent was studied in C6 cells (see picture). Detailed facts importance specialist readers are published "Supporting Information". Such documents peer-reviewed,...

We study the influence of surface passivating ligands on optical and structural properties zinc blende CdSe nanoplatelets.

The production of bio-based composites with enhanced characteristics constitutes a strategic action to minimize the use fossil fuel resources. mechanical performances these materials are related specific properties their components, as well quality interface between matrix and fibers. In previous research study, it was shown that polarity played key role in mechanisms fiber breakage during processing, on final composite. However, some questions remained unanswered, new investigations were...

Silicon nanowires were fabricated for the first time by electrochemical template synthesis at room temperature. This innovative, cheap, and simple process consists of electroreduction Si ions using a nonaqueous solvent insulating nanoporous membranes with average pore diameters from 400 to 15 nm which fix diameters. Characterization techniques such as scanning transmission electron microscopies, infrared absorption measurements, X-ray diffraction experiments, energy dispersive X-ray, Raman...

In this paper we report for the first time on room temperature template synthesis of germanium and silicon nanowires by potentiostatic electrochemical deposition from air- water stable ionic liquid 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide ([Py1,4]Tf2N) containing GeCl4 SiCl4 as a Ge Si source, respectively. Commercially-available track-etched polycarbonate membranes (PC) with an average nominal pore diameter 90–400 nm were used templates. corresponding to nanopores'...

Purple membrane (PM) from bacteria Halobacterium salinarum contains a photochromic protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR) arranged in 2D hexagonal nanocrystalline lattice (Figure 1 ). Absorption of light by the protein-bound chromophore retinal results pumping protons through PM creating an electrochemical gradient which is then used ATPases to energize cellular processes. Energy conversion, photochromism, and photoelectrism are inherent effects employed many bR technical applications. bR, along...

We present a route toward radical improvement in solar cell efficiency using resonant energy transfer and sensitization of semiconductor metal oxides with light-harvesting quantum dot (QD)/bacteriorhodopsin (bR) layer designed by protein engineering. The specific aims our approach are (1) controlled engineering highly ordered bR/QD complexes; (2) replacement the liquid electrolyte thin gold; (3) oriented deposition complexes on gold layer; (4) use Forster resonance coupling between bR QDs to...

A wide range of amorphous hydrogenated silicon nitride thin films with an excess was prepared by evaporation under a flow nitrogen and hydrogen ions. strong visible photoluminescence at room temperature observed for the as-deposited as well annealed up to 1100°C. The chemical composition structure were investigated using x-ray photoelectron, thermal desorption, Raman spectroscopies, infrared absorption measurements, grazing incidence diffraction experiments, transmission electron microscopy....

Abstract The elaboration, characterisation and efficiency of potential two‐photon‐excited photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatment new poly( d,l ‐lactide‐ co ‐glycolide) nanoparticles loaded with ruthenium(II) complexs are presented. materials based on the encapsulation Ru II complexes through an all‐biocompatible process. size is around 100 nm. internal concentration several orders magnitude higher than overall concentration, which leads to a more efficient targeted effect. therapeutic for PDT...

Due to an aging population, neurodegenerative diseases have become a major health issue, the most common being Alzheimer's disease. The mechanisms leading neuronal loss still remain unclear but recent studies suggest that soluble Aβ oligomers deleterious effects on membranes. Here, high-speed atomic force microscopy was used assess effect of oligomeric species variant Aβ1-42 amyloid peptide model membranes with various lipid compositions. Results showed does not interact composed...

Nanoparticles attract much interest as fluorescent labels for diagnostic and therapeutic tools, although their applications are often hindered by size- shape-dependent cytotoxicity. This cytotoxicity is related not only to the leak of toxic metals from nanoparticles into a biological solution, but also molecular effects determined formation protein corona, appearance an altered conformation leading exposure cryptic epitopes cooperative involved in interaction proteins peptides with...

Atomic force microscopy was used in the tapping mode for studying heterogeneities radiation-cured acrylate networks via phase imaging of local viscoelasticity. Film samples were prepared by UV- or electron beam-initiated polymerization a bisphenol-A-derived ethoxydiacrylate epoxydiacrylate analogue under nitrogen. The top surface samples, nearly flat at atomic level, probed moderate to hard conditions. images revealed heterogeneous character network that can be interpreted terms variations...

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments with functionalized tips are currently one of the most powerful tools to locally measure adhesion forces via single-molecule spectroscopy (SMFS) measurements. The main difficulty is precisely control attachment biomolecules cantilever. Different chemistry procedures have been developed including use spacer molecules. Even if a process works well for small such as antibodies, issues remain regarding nanoparticles or larger objects cellulose...

A series of hydrogel nanoparticles incorporating MRI contrast agents (GdDOTP and MS325) as potential cross-linkers were elaborated by an easy robust ionotropic gelation process.

Quantum dots (QDs) with the highest possible photoluminescence quantum yields are necessary for modern nanotechnology applications to biosensing and optoelectronics. To date, core-shell QDs best. We suggest demonstrate a novel approach enhancement of charge-carrier confinement in core CdSe by creating ZnS/CdS/ZnS shell staggered potential barrier. The CdS interlayer breaks ZnS-shell structure continuity, which allows combining benefits single ZnS-monolayer inner shell, potential, sufficient...

Abstract The physicochemical properties of plant fibres are determined by the fibre morphology and structural features cell wall, which is composed three main layers that differ in chemical composition architecture. This hierarchical structure responsible for many mechanical desirable industrial applications. As interactions between lignocellulosic polymers at molecular level factor governing final cohesion fibres, atomic force microscopy (AFM) well suited observation measurement their...

Due to an aging population, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) have become a major health issue. In the case of AD, Aβ1 - 42 peptides been identified one markers with formation senile plaques via their aggregation, and could play role in memory impairment other tragic syndromes associated disease. Many studies shown that not only morphology structure peptide assembly are playing important amyloid plaques, but also interactions between cellular membrane crucial...

The structural and mechanical properties of actin bundles are essential to eukaryotic cells, aiding in cell motility support the plasma membrane. Bundle formation occurs crowded intracellular environments composed various ions macromolecules. Although roles cations macromolecular crowding mechanics organization have been independently established, how changing both environmental conditions influence bundle at nanoscale has yet be established. Here we investigate electrostatics depletion...

Abstract Etoposide (VP‐16) is a hydrophobic anticancer agent inhibiting Topoisomerase II, commonly used in pediatric brain chemotherapeutic schemes as mildly toxic. Unfortunately, despite its appropriate solubilization vehicle solvents, poor bioavailability and limited passage of the blood–brain barrier concur to disappointing results requiring development new delivery system forms. In this study, etoposide formulated parenteral injectable solution (Teva®) was loaded into all‐biocompatible...

We present a new concept of combined scanning probe microscope (SPM)/ultramicrotome apparatus. It enables “slice-and-view” nanotomography measurements and 3D reconstruction the bulk sample nanostructure from series SPM images after consecutive ultrathin sections. The is fixed on flat XYZ piezostage mounted ultramicrotome arm. measuring head with cantilever tip laser-photodiode detection system approaches for block-face surface immediately sectioning performed. moved along guides that are...