Volume 6, Issue 2

Synthetic nanosized hydroxyapatite (HA) particles (<120 nm) were prepared using a co-precipitation technique by adopting two different routes – one from an aqueous solution of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate at pH 10 and the other by using calcium hydroxide and phosphoric acid as precursors at pH 8.5 and reaction temperature of 50°C. The lattice parameters of HA nanopowder were analogous to reference [Joint Committee on Powdered Diffraction Standards (JCPDS)] pattern no. 09-432. No decomposition of HA into other phases was observed even after heating at 1000°C in air for 1 h. This observation revealed the high-temperature stability of the HA nanopowder obtained using co-precipitation route. The effects of preliminary Ca/P molar ratio, precipitation, pH and temperature on the evolution of phase and crystallinity of the nanopowder were systematically examined and optimized. The product was evaluated by techniques such as X-ray-diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy analyses. The chemical structural analysis of the as-prepared HA sample was performed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). After heat treatment at 1000°C for 1 h and ageing for 15 h, the product was obtained as a phase-pure, highly crystalline HA nanorods.

The European Union has included nanotechnology in the Key Enabling Technologies helping countries to tackle current and future societal challenges thanks to their applications in multiple industries. Furthermore, one theme named “Nanosciences, Nanotechnologies, Materials and New Production Technologies” was included in the Sixth and Seventh Framework Programmes with the purpose of financing organizations specifically involved in nanotechnology activities. The empirical analysis presented in this paper aims to reconstruct the participation of the Italian private, public and public-private organizations at the regional level in the European Union nanotechnology network. The hypothesis is that a high share of private organizations and a well-balanced proportion of private and public entities are beneficial for knowledge circulation potentially leading to innovation. This paper confirms the findings of other recent studies by revealing that the participation of private, public and public-private organizations at the European Union level overlaps the distribution of the nanotechnology activities in Italy and the regional disparities in the country. More in general, this paper strengthens the concept that the interdisciplinary nature of nanotechnology and the collaborations fostered by the Framework Programmes enable researchers to capture regional economic development from a global viewpoint.

Antimicrobial resistance is still a crucial global problem related to the overuse of antibiotics and natural microorganism capability for rapid horizontal evolution. Even new generations of drugs are not able to overcome bacterial defence mechanisms. A novel solution for this immense medical challenge can be nanomaterials. Researchers indicate that modern nanoforms can effectively support and perhaps in the long-term replace traditional bactericidal agents. Because of their unique physicochemical properties, nanotechnology products can exert multiple actions against bacteria, which might be efficient against even multidrug-resistant pathogens. In this review, we discuss the documented achievements and concerns associated with broad potential applications of nanoforms in the fight against microorganisms.

Gelatin is a protein obtained from the hydrolysis of collagen. Gelatin is an attractive biodegradable material for use in nano-biotechnology and nano-pharmaceutics. Gelatin nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely used as drug and gene carrier to targeted sick tissues including cancer, tuberculosis, HIV infection along with the treatment of vasospasm and restenosis, due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. For instance, coating with gelatin lowers the cytotoxicity of quantum dots. Moreover, gelatin NPs have the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, hence proven as a promising candidate to target brain disorders. Macrophage targeting with gelatin NPs for remedy of different diseases is repeatedly reported in previous years. In tissue engineering gelatin is actively utilized for construction of biological and life-long 3D scaffolds for bio-artificial tissues and organ production. Gelatins have a wide range of potential applications which needs to be unraveled in more detail. This review is mainly focused on the applications of gelatin NPs in biomedical sciences.

With the increasing interest in polymeric nanoparticles for biomedical applications, there is a need for continuous flow methodologies that allow for the precise control of nanoparticle synthesis. Poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles with diameters of 220–250 nm were synthesized using a lab-on-a-chip, exploiting the precise flow control offered by a millifluidic platform. The association and the effect of PLGA nanoparticles on red blood cells (RBCs) were compared for fluorescent PLGA nanoparticles made by this novel continuous flow process using a millifluidic chip and smaller PLGA nanoparticles made by a batch method. Results indicated that all PLGA nanoparticles studied, independent of the synthesis method and size, adhered to the surface of RBCs but had no significant hemolytic effect at concentrations lower than 10 mg/ml.

Magnetic force microscopy (MFM) represents a versatile technique within the manifold methods of scanning probe microscopy (SPM), focusing on the investigation of magnetic phenomena at the nanoscale. Although magnetism is a fundamental element of physics education, educational content at the cutting edge of actual scientific topics and techniques in magnetism, like MFM, is lacking. Therefore, we present a scaled teaching model imparting the core principles of MFM, implementing a macroscopic model operating in dynamic mode. The experimental configuration of the model is based on popular bricks by LEGO and drivers based on LEGO Mindstorms (Lego, Billund, Denmark), as well as on further off the shelf components being easily accessible for schools and universities. Investigations of macroscopic magnetic structures reveal numerical, visual and auditory information based on magnetic forces between an oscillating cantilever and ferromagnetic samples allowing a sensual experience of force microscopy for students. Along these lines, students obtain multiple representations to study the precision measurement process of SPM in general and MFM in particular at a scale that allows experiencing micro- and nanoscopic effects. The magnetic force gradients and spatial resolution of the macroscopic model are in agreement with those of an authentic microscopic magnetic force microscope.

Fluorescent labeling is a widely used indispensable tool in biology. Conventional downconversion fluorescence labels with ultraviolet or short-wavelength excitation suffer from autofluorescence, low signal-to-noise ratio, and incident photo damage to living organisms. However, upconverting fluorescent nanoparticles emit detectable photons of higher energy in the near-infrared (NIR) or visible range upon irradiation with a NIR light in a process termed upconversion. They overcome some of the disadvantages faced by conventional downconversion labels with the advantages including very low autofluorescence, absence of photo damage to living organisms, high detection sensitivity, and high depth of light penetration, thus making them an ideal fluorescent label for bioimaging. The present review focuses on the features of upconversion nanoparticles, the applications of upconversion nanoparticles in bioimaging, and the bioimaging equipments and methods and discusses the obstacles and development trend of upconversion nanoparticles in bioimaging; we hope this work will provide insights into the study of relevant fields. Upconversion nanoparticles have special photoluminescent properties. Substantial advancements have been made in the field of upconversion nanoparticles for bioimaging. A large number of modifications of upconversion nanoparticles are studied to make them more hydrophilic and biocompatible. At the same time, the safety and toxicity of nanoparticles have caused wide public concern.

Nanotechnology allows for the development of new types of materials containing antimicrobial properties. Nanocomposite-based products are increasingly applied in medicine, industry and everyday life. Antibacterial features allow the use of nanoproducts in filters for water and air purification, textiles, food packages, medical materials and devices, ceramics, glass, plastics, paints, cosmetics and personal care products. Numerous studies concern the synthesis of novel antimicrobial nanoproducts as well as modification of already existing nanomaterials in order to supply them with antibacterial activity. However, some problems related to the potential emission of nanocomponents into the environment can appear and should be considered.