Recent Advance in Biological Responsive Nanomaterials for Biosensing and Molecular Imaging Application

In recent decades, as a subclass of biomaterials, biologically sensitive nanoparticles have attracted increased scientific interest. Many of the demands for physiologically responsive nanomaterials in applications involving the human body cannot be met by conventional technologies. Due to the field’s importance, considerable effort has been expended, and biologically responsive nanomaterials have achieved remarkable success thus far. This review summarizes the recent advancements in biologically responsive nanomaterials and their applications in biosensing and molecular imaging. The nanomaterials change their structure or increase the chemical reaction ratio in response to specific bio-relevant stimuli (such as pH, redox potentials, enzyme kinds, and concentrations) in order to improve the signal for biologically responsive diagnosis. We use various case studies to illustrate the existing issues and provide a clear sense of direction in this area. Furthermore, the limitations and prospects of these nanomaterials for diagnosis are also discussed.     

基于二维纳米材料的水处理功能膜研究进展

二维纳米材料是制备膜材料中一类重要的掺杂材料或膜构筑单元,也是新型水处理功能膜的研究热点。已有许多研究报道了二维纳米材料通过有序的堆叠和自组装在膜内构建出规整的水通道,可以赋予膜可调控的分离性能,进而实现trade-off效应的突破,被认为是“下一代膜材料”（next-generation membranes）。同时,二维纳米材料的独特片层结构、催化性能及可修饰性可使膜材料获得新的功能,如导电性能、光/电催化性能等。本文综述了近年来基于二维纳米材料的水处理功能膜研究进展,重点介绍了共混法、自组装等制备方法,并总结了此类功能膜在抗污染、膜通量恢复、强化污染物去除、调控盐截留及污染物监测领域的应用。最后对基于二维纳米材料的水处理功能膜发展方向,如限域催化、调控盐分离、监测传感等新兴领域进行了分析和展望。     

Functional finishing and coloration of textiles with nanomaterials

Global demand for functional textiles is continually increasing for both conventional as well as advanced technical applications. Nanomaterials have the potential to transform the textile industry by imparting multifunctional properties such as physical, chemical and biological self‐cleaning, ultraviolet (UV) protection, wrinkle resistance and coloration to textiles without compromising the inherent characteristics of the substrate. This review highlights some of the major applications of nanomaterials to textile substrates to obtain different functional properties. Possible side effects of the nanomaterials on textiles are also reviewed, along with potential hazards to humans and the environment.     

Preparation, properties and applications of polysaccharide nanocrystals in advanced functional nanomaterials: a review

Intensive exploration and research in the past few decades on polysaccharide nanocrystals, the highly crystalline nanoscale materials derived from natural resources, mainly focused originally on their use as a reinforcing nanophase in nanocomposites. However, these investigations have led to the emergence of more diverse potential applications exploiting the functionality of these nanomaterials. Based on the construction strategies of functional nanomaterials, this article critically and comprehensively reviews the emerging polysaccharide nanocrystal-based functional nanomaterials with special applications, such as biomedical materials, biomimetic optical nanomaterials, bio-inspired mechanically adaptive nanomaterials, permselective nanostructured membranes, template for synthesizing inorganic nanoparticles, polymer electrolytes, emulsion nano-stabilizer and decontamination of organic pollutants. We focus on the preparation, unique properties and performances of the different polysaccharide nanocrystal materials. At the same time, the advantages, physicochemical properties and chemical modifications of polysaccharide nanocrystals are also comparatively discussed in view of materials development. Finally, the perspective and current challenges of polysaccharide nanocrystals in future functional nanomaterials are outlined.     

Universal water-soluble cyclodextrin polymer–carbon nanomaterials with supramolecular recognition

Functionalization of carbon nanomaterials (including fullerenes, single-walled carbon nanotubes, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and graphene sheets) dispersed in water with macromolecules was achieved by a one-step strategy using β-cyclodextrin polymer (CDP). CDP-carbon nanomaterials were characterized by ultraviolet–visible, Raman, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, and thermogravimetric analysis. These nanomaterials showed high solubility and stability in water because of the noncovalent interaction between carbon nanomaterials and CDP. The supramolecular recognition abilities of CDP-carbon nanomaterials were studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV). CDP-MWCNTs were also decorated by p-aminothiophenol (PATP) which formed inclusion complexes with the CDP. The conjugates (PATP-CDP-MWCNTs) were ideal templates for the highly efficient assembly of noble metal nanoparticles (Au and Pt) with dramatically different properties. Methanol oxidation of Pt-decorated PATP-CDP-MWCNTs in CV analyses indicated its potential application in direct methanol fuel cells, facilitating the feasibility of metal-decorated CDP-carbon nanomaterials in real technological applications. This universal method of producing carbon nanomaterials functionalized with macromolecules is beneficial for investigating the structure–performance relationship of carbon nanomaterials for designing compounds with specialized functions.     

Stimuli‐Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticles for Nanomedicine

Nature continues to be the ultimate in nanotechnology, where polymeric nanometer‐scale architectures play a central role in biological systems. Inspired by the way nature forms functional supramolecular assemblies, researchers are trying to make nanostructures and to incorporate these into macrostructures as nature does. Recent advances and progress in nanoscience have demonstrated the great potential that nanomaterials have for applications in healthcare. In the realm of drug delivery, nanomaterials have been used in vivo to protect the drug entity in the systemic circulation, ensuring reproducible absorption of bioactive molecules that do not naturally penetrate biological barriers, restricting drug access to specific target sites. Several building blocks have been used in the formulation of nanoparticles. Thus, stability, drug release, and targeting can be tailored by surface modification. Herein the state of the art of stimuli‐responsive polymeric nanoparticles are reviewed. Such systems are able to control drug release by reacting to naturally occurring or external applied stimuli. Special attention is paid to the design and nanoparticle formulation of these so‐called smart drug‐delivery systems. Future strategies for further developments of a promising controlled drug delivery responsive system are also outlined.     

Two-dimensional nanomaterials for photocatalytic water disinfection: recent progress and future challenges

Photocatalysis has received ever-growing attention as a promising alternative to traditional water treatment technologies for waterborne biohazard inactivation. Due to unique optical, electronic, physicochemical properties and feasibility of functional architecture assembly, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have become important in developing novel photocatalysts. This review summarizes the recent progress in configuring nanostructures with 2D materials as building blocks for photocatalytic water disinfection. In this review, five categories of 2D nanomaterials, that is, graphene, graphitic carbon nitride, 2D metal oxides and metallates, metal oxyhalides and transition metal dichalcogenides, for photocatalytic pathogen inactivation are introduced. First, the synthesis process, nanostructure engineering and disinfection performance of 2D-based photocatalysts are reviewed in categories. In the following section, the bacteria destruction mechanism based on the generation and roles of reactive species (RSs) is presented. Moreover, the effects of the chemical characteristics of the water matrix on photocatalytic bactericidal performance are discussed. Finally, the challenges regarding the development and application of 2D-based photocatalysts for highly efficient water sterilization are highlighted. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

一维贵金属纳米材料的控制合成与应用

一维纳米材料具有优良的尺寸效应,一维贵金属材料表现出不同于相应块体材料的特殊物理化学性能。本文以一维贵金属纳米结构的合成方法和机理为探讨重点,总结了近年来国内外用于控制合成一维贵金属纳米材料的主要方法,包括模板法、多元醇还原法、化学电沉积法以及金属催化还原法。着重以金属银、钯为例,介绍了其形状可控的一维纳米结构的生长机理,并以金、银等一维纳米材料为例介绍了其一维纳米结构在功能材料以及生物医学等领域的应用前景。指出建立一维金属纳米结构制备科学的新理论、新方法及其成核生长动力学模型是进一步研究的方向。     

纳米材料改性水性聚氨酯研究进展

综述了近几年纳米材料对水性聚氨酯的改性研究,包括天然高分子纳米材料改性、黏土矿石类纳米材料改性、纳米碳素材料改性、金属与金属氧化物纳米材料改性。化学改性能提高纳米材料与聚合物基质间的相容性,有利于得到稳定的复合乳液。物理共混改性能更好地将纳米材料的优异特性赋予复合材料。在水性聚氨酯中均匀分散的纳米粒子可以显著提高复合材料的热稳定性与力学性能。开发高效实用的纳米材料有机化改性技术和优化复合材料的制备工艺将是未来制备高性能水性聚氨酯纳米复合材料的发展趋势。     

Modification of hydrogenated Bisphenol A epoxy adhesives using nanomaterials

Color-stable hydrogenated Bisphenol A (HBA) epoxy adhesives, containing organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, were prepared and their properties investigated. Poly(propylene glycol)bis(2-aminopropyl ether) (D230) was used as the room temperature curing agent, and functional organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, to tailor the adhesives, were prepared by a sol-gel reaction of 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and tetraethoxysilane. The commercial polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) having epoxy functional groups were also used. The concentration dependence of different nanomaterials, containing epoxy functional group for HBA/D230 adhesives, was studied. The tensile strength increased with the addition of nanomaterials having glycidyl epoxy group; however, the dependence varied with the size, the number of functional groups, and the amount of the addition. HBA/D230 adhesives containing different amounts of nanomaterials, whose compositions are similar to that of granite, were applied to the Korean granite and the results were compared with those obtained by using commercial adhesives, which have the problem of significant color change and high viscosity. The mechanical properties of HBA/D230 adhesives, containing POSS having glycidyl epoxy group, are found to be similar to those of commercial adhesives. Besides, it has low viscosity and long-term color stability.     

Aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials for bioanalysis and biotechnology applications

In recent years, nanomaterials have captured the attention of scientists from a wide spectrum of domains. With their unique properties, nanomaterials offer great promise for numerous applications, ranging from catalysis to energy harvesting and information technology. Functionalized with the desired biomolecules, nanomaterials can also be utilized for many biomedical applications. This paper summarizes recent achievements in the use of aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials for bioanalysis and biotechnology applications. First, we discuss the features and properties of aptamers and then illustrate the use of aptamer-conjugated nanomaterials as sensing platforms and delivery vehicles, emphasizing how such integration can result in enhanced sensitivity and selectivity.     

Surface-modified graphite nanomaterials for improved reinforcement efficiency in cementitious paste

Graphite nanomaterials can play multi-faceted roles towards enhancing the mechanical, physical and functional attributes of cementitious materials. Graphite nanoplatelets and carbon nanofibers, when compared with carbon nanotubes, offer desired mechanical and physical characteristics at reduced cost. However thorough dispersion of nanomaterials in the cementitious matrix is critical for effective use of their distinct geometric and engineering properties towards development of higher-performance cementitious nanocomposites. The dispersion and interfacial interaction of nanomaterials in the aqueous medium of cementitious matrix can benefit from proper surface treatment of nanomaterials. The surface modification techniques employed in this study emphasize introduction of hydrophilic groups on graphite nanomaterials to facilitate their dispersion in aqueous media. These include: (i) polymer wrapping of oxidized carbon nanofiber; and (ii) covalent attachment of functional groups. The effects of these surface modifications on the performance characteristics of cementitious nanocomposite were evaluated. It was found that wrapping of oxidized graphite nanomaterials with PAA, at polymer-to-nanofiber weight ratio of 10%, was particularly beneficial. With the addition of 0.13 wt.% (0.81 vol.%) of nanomaterials (with respect to anhydrous cementitious materials), up to 73% gain in the flexural strength of cementitious matrix was realized. Test results also indicated that oxidized of graphite nanoplatelets markedly lowered (by up to 50%) the moisture sorptivity.     

纳米材料介导微生物胞外电子传递过程的研究进展

微生物胞外电子传递（EET）过程在自然界中普遍存在,并且在能源利用和环境修复等方面具有广阔的应用前景,但是低效的电子传递一直是其在实际应用中的关键瓶颈。纳米材料具有独特的表面效应、体积效应、量子尺寸及宏观量子隧道效应等性质,引入纳米材料与电活性微生物相结合实现优势互补,可以缩短电荷转移路径,从而提高EET效率。本文综述了EET方式,以及纳米材料的电子转移能力、氧化还原电势、表面结构与性质、生物相容性及纳米材料-微生物的界面构筑对EET过程的影响,重点阐述了纳米材料与电活性微生物界面构筑的各种策略,并讨论了这些策略的适用性和局限性,最后展望了纳米材料强化电活性微生物EET的未来研究方向。     

自组装功能高分子材料表面的相互作用

分析了氢键作用、范德华能、静电作用能、交换排斥能等高分子材料表面的相互作用及其影响因素,综述了自组装纳米材料、自组装嵌段共聚物和自组装生物大分子材料等功能高分子材料表面的相互作用,讨论了表面的相互作用类型和强弱对其自组装机理、结构、性能的影响,展望了新型功能高分子材料的开发和发展方向。     

Synthesis and potential applications of silicon carbide nanomaterials / nanocomposites

The rapid development of nanotechnologies has accelerated the research in silicon carbide (SiC) nanomaterial synthesis and application. SiC nanomaterials have unique chemical and physical properties, such as distinctive electronic and optical properties, good chemical resistance, high thermal stability, and low dimensionality. These properties lead to a wide range of applications. The progress in SiC nanomaterials in recent years is significant, but a review of the progress is lacking. This article is designed to fill the gap. The review first summarizes various methods for preparing different SiC nanomaterials/nanocomposites, including the carbothermal method, chemical vapor deposition method, and other synthesis techniques using unconventional energy sources such as microwave, plasma, solar energy, and neutron irradiation. Discussion is then made on the significant applications of the SiC nanomaterials/nanocomposites, especially in sensors, catalyst supports, energy storage materials, structural reinforcement, and semiconductor materials. Finally, the conclusion of this review is made with the possible future development trends.     

多孔纳米材料改性水处理超滤膜的研究进展

基于压力驱动的超滤膜面临渗透性和选择性的制衡及膜污染问题。多孔纳米材料是高性能超滤膜改性制备中一类重要的添加剂,是新型水处理功能膜的研究热点之一。多孔纳米材料的添加为膜提供了额外水通道,其可调的孔尺寸又为在膜内构建出具有高度选择性的纳米通道提供了潜在有利条件,进而突破膜渗透性和选择性的Trade-off效应。同时,亲水性多孔纳米材料的添加有利于提升膜的抗污染性能。本文综述了近年来多孔纳米材料对超滤膜的改性方法,总结了微孔沸石分子筛、介孔炭、介孔二氧化硅、金属有机骨架材料和共价有机骨架材料对超滤膜的改性研究进展,着重评价了不同改性材料对超滤膜在亲水性、渗透性、污染物截留和抗污染能力等方面的影响。最后对未来多孔纳米材料改性超滤膜的研究及应用的发展趋势进行了展望。     

Inorganic-organic hybrid nanomaterials for therapeutic and diagnostic imaging applications

Nanotechnology offers outstanding potential for future biomedical applications. In particular, due to their unique characteristics, hybrid nanomaterials have recently been investigated as promising platforms for imaging and therapeutic applications. This class of nanoparticles can not only retain valuable features of both inorganic and organic moieties, but also provides the ability to systematically modify the properties of the hybrid material through the combination of functional elements. Moreover, the conjugation of targeting moieties on the surface of these nanomaterials gives them specific targeted imaging and therapeutic properties. In this review, we summarize the recent reports in the synthesis of hybrid nanomaterials and their applications in biomedical areas. Their applications as imaging and therapeutic agents in vivo will be highlighted.     

One-dimensional organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials

This feature article presents the current research activities that concentrate on one-dimensional (1D) organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructures such as nanowires, nanorods, and nanotubes. The combination of organic and inorganic components in a 1D manner has been an increasingly expanding research field because the synergistic behavior of organic-inorganic materials is bound directly to the charming characteristics of 1D nanomaterials. These are responsible for the many novel optical and electrical properties, hierarchical superstructures, functions, and versatile applications that have been achieved. In this article, after justifying the interest in developing 1D organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, we classify 1D hybrid nanostructures and review construction strategies that have been adopted, with a special focus on template-directed synthesis. In summary, we provide our personal perspectives on the future emphasis of the research on 1D organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructures.     

纳米四氧化三铁的化学制备方法研究进展

阐述了纳米四氧化三铁在磁性材料、多功能材料、催化材料以及医学领域的应用现状。对纳米四氧化三铁的制备方法如沉淀法、溶胶-凝胶法、微乳液法、水热与溶剂热法、热分解法、静电纺丝法等做了介绍。分析了各种纳米四氧化三铁材料的形态如纳米颗粒、纳米棒、纳米线、纳米膜、杂化、核壳结构纳米晶等的适用领域。总结了各种制备方法的研究进展,分析了其优缺点并结合作者课题组在纳米四氧化三铁制备方面的研究工作,对纳米四氧化三铁的今后的研究方向作了展望：制备特殊形貌的纳米四氧化三铁材料、减少纳米四氧化三铁的团聚和氧化、多种制备方法的结合以及如何实现大规模工业化生产。     

导电高分子纳米材料的制备方法研究现状

导电高分子纳米材料不仅具有一定的导电性能,而且兼具纳米材料的特殊性能,因而在很多领域具有广泛的应用前景。本文将导电高分子纳米材料的制备方法分为模板法和无模板法两大类进行探讨,模板法又分为硬模板和软模板法,主要以聚苯胺的制备进行举例,对每种方法的优缺点进行了分析,并对导电高分子纳米材料的未来发展进行了展望。