Band 1, Heft 3

No abstract available

Our study of biological systems increasingly depends on our ability to dynamically and quantitatively measure the molecular processes with high sensitivity, speed, flexibility, multiplexity, throughput, and reproducibility, usually within the context of a complex biological and chemical mixture of tiny amount. To address these major challenges, plasmon-resonant nanostructure biomolecule hybrids (nano-bio hybrids), so-called plasmonic nanobiosensors, are being developed and viewed as one key breakthrough area for real-time and parallelized biomedical analysis with high sensitivity and selectivity. Hereby, we present a solution of integrated plasmonic system by synergizing three core techniques: (i) nanoplasmonics that manipulates electromagnetic radiation (light) at dielectric-metal interfaces by tuning properties of nanomaterials, (ii) nanofabrication and controlled synthesis of nanomaterials containing noble metals (e.g., Au, Ag, Pt, and Cu), and (iii) bioconjugates techniques that modify surface of nanomaterials with various bioprobes (e.g., antibodies, enzymes, aptamers, and molecular imprint polymers). Applications of these plasmonic nano-bio hybrid structures are also discussed.

Rapid developments in the field of nanotechnology are generating enormous interest in prospecting the potential of multifunctional therapeutic nanovectors in the field of personalized medicine. Although the nanomaterials are of same dimensions to many cellular machineries, their interaction with cells, tissues and organs of the body are not well understood. This in turn forms the rationale for a comprehensive study of these nanoplatforms in various disease models in terms of their toxicity, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenetics. Such a study will significantly aid in our quest in translating its application from bench to bedside.

We undertake an in-depth analysis of the magnetotransport properties in mesoscopic single-channel rings and multichannel cylinders within a tight-binding (TB) formalism. The main focus of this review is to illustrate how the long-standing anomalies between the calculated and measured current amplitudes carried by a small conducting ring upon the application of a magnetic flux ϕ can be removed. We discuss two different cases. First, we examine the combined effect of second-neighbor hopping integral and Hubbard correlation on the enhancement of persistent current in the presence of disorder. A significant change in current amplitude is observed compared to the traditional nearest-neighbor hopping model, and the current amplitude becomes quite comparable to experimental realizations. In the other case, we verify that in the presence of spin-orbit interaction, a considerable enhancement of persistent current amplitude takes place, and the current amplitude in a disordered ring becomes almost comparable to that of an ordered one. In addition to these, we also present the detailed band structures and some other related issues to get a complete picture of the phenomena at the microscopic level.

The Swedish Medical Nanoscience Center is an integrative research hub located at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. In this highly reputed medical research institute, our mission is to establish the area of nanomedicine as a means to advance this new research area to meet the demands of future innovative health care solutions. Using interdisciplinary basic research, often referred to as ‘curiosity-driven’ research, as our driving force, we promote the integration of cutting-edge nanotechnology and biomedical research. As new concepts and technologies mature, focus of our projects is gradually shifted towards clinically relevant problems. Advancement of the area of nanomedicine requires engagement of a new breed of scientist with the enthusiasm, devotion and competence to communicate and work across many disciplines. Together, they help generate a highly multidisciplinary scientific environment, producing new knowledge that ultimately becomes the stepping-stone towards novel therapies for the benefit of the patient.

A novel nanotechnology laboratory experiment for a required junior/senior undergraduate engineering course, Engineering of Manufacturing Processes, is described and implemented. The experiment demonstrates a process of manufacturing carbon nanotubes using a method representing a variation on arc discharge. Carbon nanotubes are synthesized in oil by electric discharge machining using two graphite electrodes. The results are compared to a known empirical formula for material removal rate in electric discharge machining. A cost analysis of the process, determining the cost of as produced carbon nanotubes is performed. This 2-h experiment is complemented with a single 2-h lecture on nanotechnology creating a lecture-experiment nanotechnology module. Student learning outcomes for the module are developed, assessed, and analyzed. The results show a significant improvement in students’ knowledge. Student perceptions about nanotechnology, carbon nanotube manufacturing, and the need for life-long learning are assessed. Pedagogical justifications and sustainability of the nanotechnology lecture-experiment module within an undergraduate engineering curriculum are addressed.

With the recent major changes to the patent law system, it is more important than ever for nanotechnology-based companies to reevaluate their patent strategy. The changing patent law landscape presents not only new challenges but also new opportunities. Nanotechnology-based companies will have to find resources to not only quickly innovate but also quickly file for patent protection to beat their competitors. However, the race to the Patent Office should be carefully planned, because haphazard and rushed filings may cost a company worthwhile patent protection. Nanotechnology companies will have to work closely with their patent attorneys to file patents that are carefully drafted to avoid known pitfalls, while making sure the patent disclosure is comprehensive enough to provide the desired patent protection. This article covers (1) challenges and opportunities presented by the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act, (2) how to avoid patentable subject matter pitfalls, and (3) how to draft patent disclosures to enable broad patent protection.

No abstract available