Nanoparticles have been increasingly used in biomedical and clinical applications. However, their nonspecific interaction with proteins in biological media has posed challenges in their translation into clinical applications. In this regard, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have received significant attention due to their unique optical and electronic properties, leading to important applications in imaging, diagnostics, and therapy. This article will explore the impact of surface coating of AuNPs on the formation of protein corona, and the implications of the findings for the design of colloidal nanomaterials for biological applications.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that results in severe pain, impaired mobility, and even disability. An increasing body of evidence suggests that improving the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and increasing the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can further alleviate clinical symptoms and delay the progression of this disease.
Neural microelectrodes are implanted devices that are crucial for the exchange of information between internal biological systems and external devices. However, their long-term reliability and functionality depend on various factors such as biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and electrochemical stability, among others. To enhance the performance of neural electrodes, a team of researchers has explored a new approach that involves the modification of the electrode interface with conductive polymer modified gold nanoparticles. In this article, we'll discuss how they were able to achieve this and its potential impact on the development of next-generation neural electrodes.
Antibiotics refer to drugs that can inhibit bacterial growth, damage their living environment, and effectively and continuously exert their effects. Antibacterial agents are divided into two categories: organic antibacterial agents and inorganic antibacterial agents. Among them, organic antibacterial agents include natural and synthetic types, while inorganic antibacterial agents mainly include metals, metal ions, and oxides. The commonly referred to antibacterial measures include inhibition, killing, elimination of toxins secreted by bacteria, and prevention. Due to the strong thermal stability, long-lasting functionality, and safety and reliability of inorganic antibacterial agents, coupled with the development of ultra-fine technology in recent years, nanoscale inorganic antibacterial agents can be mass-produced and blended or composite into chemical fibers, ensuring the industrialization of antibacterial chemical fibers.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in the development of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced aluminum composites by utilizing ultra-short CNTs with unique intra-crystalline dispersibility. The nanoscale carbon nanotubes are uniformly distributed within the ultra-fine aluminum grains. When compared with typical CNT/Al composites with inter-granular CNT dispersion, this intra-crystalline carbon nanotube/aluminum composite has a stronger ability to anchor and maintain dislocations, resulting in enhanced strength and ductility. This innovative intra-crystalline dispersal strategy provides a new avenue for developing strong and tough nanocarbon reinforced metal-based composite materials. The research has been published recently in a prestigious academic journal.
Powder dispersion is an essential process in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. The dispersion quality of powders in liquid systems can affect their stability, performance, and functionality. Therefore, it is vital to characterize the dispersion effect of powder to ensure the quality of the final product. In this article, we will discuss different methods to characterize powder dispersion and their significance in assessing the quality of the dispersion.
