The effect of size and shape of gold nanoparticles on thin film properties

This work describes the properties of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) thin film on silicon (Si) substrates. The AuNPs can be divided into two major shapes: gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and gold nanorods (AuNRs). Two sizes of AuNSs (15 nm and 30 nm) and three aspect ratios of AuNRs (3.12, 3.39 and 3.60) were synthesised using the seeding-growth method. The AuNPs produced were deposited on Si substrates by using a spin-coating method followed by heat treatment at 200 °C. The number of AuNPs coatings varied as one, three and five coating depositions, respectively. From the field emission scanning electron microscopy, the AuNPs were uniformly distributed on the Si substrate surface. The AuNPs distribution increased with increasing number of AuNPs coating. Various deposited AuNPs with different shapes and sizes were analysed using current–voltage (I–V) measurement in light–dark conditions. The results showed that the resistance of samples became lower under light condition as the number of AuNPs coatings increased on the Si substrate due to the large amount of AuNPs particles, which had better properties in absorbing and scattering the light intensity. Among these samples, five-coating depositions of 15 nm AuNSs and 3.12 aspect ratio of AuNRs thin films gave the best sensitivity in light–dark condition. The higher sensitivity implied the better sensing and recovery properties since it can amplify a small signal from the same light source power/intensity.     

Preparation,characterization, in vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic studies of donepezil-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for brain targeting

Objective: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder manifested by cognitive, memory deterioration and variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Donepezil is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor used for the treatment of AD. The purpose of this work is to prepare a nanoparticulate drug delivery system of donepezil using poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) for sustained release and efficient brain targeting.

Materials and methods: PLGA nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by the solvent emulsification diffusion–evaporation technique and characterized for particle size, particle-size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug loading and interaction studies and in vivo studies using gamma scintigraphy techniques.

Results and discussion: The size of drug-loaded NPs (drug polymer ratio 1:1) was found to be 89.67?±?6.43?nm. The TEM and SEM images of the formulation suggested that particle size was within 20–100?nm and spherical in shape, smooth morphology and coating of Tween-80 on the NPs was clearly observed. The release behavior of donepezil exhibited a biphasic pattern characterized by an initial burst release followed by a slower and continuous sustained release. The biodistribution studies of donepezil-loaded PLGA NPs and drug solution via intravenous route revealed higher percentage of radioactivity per gram in the brain for the nanoparticulate formulation as compared with the drug solution (p?Conclusion: The high concentrations of donepezil uptake in brain due to coated NPs may help in a significant improvement for treating AD. But further, more extensive clinical studies are needed to check and confirm the efficacy of the prepared drug delivery system.     

Recent progress on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: synthesis,surface functional strategies and biomedical applications

Abstract

This review focuses on the recent development and various strategies in the preparation, microstructure, and magnetic properties of bare and surface functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs); their corresponding biological application was also discussed. In order to implement the practical in vivo or in vitro applications, the IONPs must have combined properties of high magnetic saturation, stability, biocompatibility, and interactive functions at the surface. Moreover, the surface of IONPs could be modified by organic materials or inorganic materials, such as polymers, biomolecules, silica, metals, etc. The new functionalized strategies, problems and major challenges, along with the current directions for the synthesis, surface functionalization and bioapplication of IONPs, are considered. Finally, some future trends and the prospects in these research areas are also discussed.     

Recent progress on magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles: synthesis,surface functional strategies and biomedical applications

This review focuses on the recent development and various strategies in the preparation, microstructure, and magnetic properties of bare and surface functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs); their corresponding biological application was also discussed. In order to implement the practical in vivo or in vitro applications, the IONPs must have combined properties of high magnetic saturation, stability, biocompatibility, and interactive functions at the surface. Moreover, the surface of IONPs could be modified by organic materials or inorganic materials, such as polymers, biomolecules, silica, metals, etc. The new functionalized strategies, problems and major challenges, along with the current directions for the synthesis, surface functionalization and bioapplication of IONPs, are considered. Finally, some future trends and the prospects in these research areas are also discussed.     

Synthesis,characterization and gas sensitivity of MoO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanoparticles

Nanoparticles of molybdenum oxide were synthesized using the citrate sol-gel method and characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. The sensitivity of the material to the presence of various gases was analysed and the particles showed higher sensitivity towards NO₂ gas.     

In vitro and in vivo degradability,biocompatibility and antimicrobial characteristics of Cu added iron-manganese alloy

In recent years,iron(Fe)based degradable metal is explored as an alternative to permanent fracture fixation devices.In the present work,copper(Cu)is added in Fe-Mn system to enhance the degradation rate and antimicrobial properties.Fe-Mn-xCu(x=0.9,5 and 10 wt.％)alloys are prepared by the melting-casting-forging route.XRD analysis confirms austenite phase stabilization due to the presence of Mn and Cu.As predicted by Thermo-Calc calculations,Cu rich phase precipitations are noticed along the austen-ite grain boundaries.Degradation behaviours of Cu added Fe-Mn alloys are investigated through static immersion and electrochemical polarization where enhanced degradation is found for higher Cu added alloys.When challenged against E.Coli bacteria,the Fe-Mn-Cu alloy media extract shows a significant bac-tericidal effect compare to the base alloy.In vitro cytocompatibility studies,as determined using MG63 and MC3T3-E1 cell lines,indicate increased cell density as a function of time for all the alloys.When implanted in rabbit femur,the newly developed alloy does not show any kind of tissue necrosis around the implants.Better osteogenesis and higher new bone formation are observed with Fe-Mn-10Cu alloy as evident from micro-computed tomography(μ-CT)and fluorochrome labelling.     

HEC-cysteamine particles: influence of particle size,zeta potential,morphology and sulfhydryl groups on permeation enhancing properties

Within this study, the influence of particle size and zeta potential of hydroxyethyl cellulose–cysteamine particles on permeation enhancing properties was investigated. Particles were prepared by four different methods namely ionic gelation, spray drying, air jet milling and grinding. Particles prepared by grinding were additionally air jet milled. All particles were characterized in terms of particle size and zeta potential. The transport of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran 4 (FD4) across Caco-2 cell monolayers in the presence of these particles and the decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) was evaluated. The cytotoxic effect of the particles was investigated using resazurin assay. Nanoparticles displaying a zeta potential of 3.3?±?1.3 mV showed the highest enhancement of FD4 transport among all particles with a 5.83-fold improvement compared to buffer only. Due to the larger particle size, particles generated by grinding exhibited a lower capability in opening of tight junctions compared to smaller particles generated by air jet milling. In addition, the results of the transport studies were supported by the decrease in the TEER. All particle formulations tested were comparatively non-cytotoxic. Accordingly, the zeta potential and particle size showed a significant impact on the opening of tight junctions and hence could play an important role in the design of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)-cysteamine-based nano- and micro-particles as drug delivery systems.     

Effect of the preparation route,PEG and annealing on the phase stability of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and their magnetic properties

Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are synthesised via two different methods: (1) co-precipitation of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions and (2) oxidative alkaline hydrolysis of Fe²⁺ ions under atmospheric pressure using different protective agents (PEG 200 and PEG 3000) and urea as a base. The preparation method and the polyethylene glycol (PEG) used are concurrently affecting the phase stability of the formation of the iron oxides: the co-precipitation method using PEG 200 (E4a) or PEG 3000 (E4b) leads to the formation of different ratios of Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄, whereas the oxidative hydrolysis of Fe²⁺ using PEG 200 gives Fe₃O₄ (E2) powder as a major product. The average crystallites size of E4a and E4b is almost identical, i.e. around 19?nm but the saturation magnetisation of E4b is three times larger than that of E4a. The sample E2 shows the highest saturation magnetisation value 74?emu/g, with an average crystallites size of 71?nm. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that the E2 sample shows the presence of needles crystals with typical sizes around 10 and 50?nm and its selected area diffraction (SAD) shows a typical diffraction of the spinel structure of magnetite. On the other hand, E4b sample shows elongated nanoparticles with typical sizes around 24?nm and its SAD confirmed the presence of a mixture of Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄ as many dispersed spots were obtained.     

在氧化铁表面沉积热解炭及其气化与还原

采用流动反应器研究了丙烯热解和在铁黄颗粒表面生成热解炭的化学热力学以及化学气相沉积（CVD）过程。发现在600oC之前丙烯热解发生的化学气相沉积基本为表面反应过程；在热解炭沉积过程中铁黄颗粒的比表面积迅速减少，同时由于脱去水分而发生失重；随着温度的升高，Fe2O3逐渐被还原为Fe3O4和FeO，在800℃以上Fe2O3完全被还原为Fe3C。在化学气相沉积过程中，500℃以前铁黄可以保持大长径比形貌，在600℃～700℃之间则生成长径比较小的哑铃型颗粒。非球形氧化铁颗粒在氢气还原过程中能够保持原有形状，同时被还原成为单质铁。上述化学气相沉积和气化过程可以用于制备热解炭包覆的或者纯净的非球形铁颗粒材料。     

Lattice mismatch and surface morphology studies of In x Ga1−x As epilayers grown on GaAs substrates

In _x Ga_1−x As (0·06≤x≤0·35) epilayers were grown on GaAs substrates by atmospheric pressure metal organic chemical vapour deposition technique. Surface morphology and lattice mismatch in the InGaAs/GaAs films of different compositions were studied. Cross-hatched patterns were observed on the surface of the epilayers for bulk alloy composition up tox≈0·25. Forx>0·3, a rough textured surface morphology was observed.     

Synthesis of large area, homogeneous, single layer graphene films by annealing amorphous carbon on Co and Ni

The synthesis of large area, homogenous, single layer graphene on cobalt (Co) and nickel (Ni) is reported. The process involves vacuum annealing of sputtered amorphous carbon (a-C) deposited on Co/sapphire or Ni/sapphire substrates. The improved crystallinity of the metal film, assisted by the sapphire substrate, proves to be the key to the quality of as-grown graphene film. The crystallinity of the Co and Ni metal films was improved by sputtering the metal at elevated temperature as was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). After sputtering of a-C and annealing, large area, single layer graphene that occupies almost the entire area of the substrate was produced. With this method, 100 mm²-area single layer graphene can be synthesized and is limited only by the substrate and vacuum chamber size. The homogeneity of the graphene film is not dependent on the cooling rate, in contrast to syntheses using polycrystalline metal films and conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) growth. Our facile method of producing single layer graphene on Co and Ni metal films should lead to large scale graphene-based applications.     

The impact of preparation parameters on typical attributes of chitosan-heparin nanohydrogels: particle size,loading efficiency,and drug release

Today, developing an optimized nanoparticle (NP) preparation procedure is of paramount importance in all nanoparticulate drug delivery researches, leading to expanding more operative and clinically validated nanomedicines. In this study, a one-at-a-time experimental approach was used for evaluating the effect of various preparation factors on size, loading, and drug release of hydrogel NPs prepared with ionotropic gelation between heparin and chitosan. The size, loading efficiency (LE) and drug release profile of the NPs were evaluated when the chitosan molecular weight, chitosan concentration, heparin addition time to chitosan solution, heparin concentration, pH value of chitosan solution, temperature, and mixing rate were changed separately while other factors were in optimum condition. The results displayed that size and LE are highly influenced by chitosan concentration, getting an optimum of 63?±?0.57 and 75.19?±?2.65, respectively, when chitosan concentration was 0.75?mg/ml. Besides, heparin addition time of 3?min leaded to 74.1?±?0.79 % LE with no sensible effect on size and release profile. In addition, pH 5.5 showed a minimum size of 63?±?1.87, maximum LE of 73.81?±?3.13 and the slowest drug release with 63.71?±?3.84 % during one week. Although LE was not affected by temperature, size and release reduced to 63?±?0 and 74.21?±?1.99% when temperature increased from 25°C to 55°C. Also, continuous increase of mixer rate from 500 to 3500?rpm resulted in constant enhancement of LE from 58.3?±?3.6 to 74.4?±?2.59 as well as remarkable decrease in size from 148?±?4.88 to 63?±?2.64.     

Magnetic 99mTc- core-shell of polyethylene glycol/polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles: Radiation synthesis,characterization and biodistribution study in tumor bearing mice

Magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG), (Fe₃O₄/PEG), were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ salts by aqueous ammonia in PEG solution. Radiation polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer solution onto Fe₃O₄/PEG was performed at different doses to synthesize (Fe₃O₄/PEG)-pHEMA, namely FPH, nanocomposites. Properties of FPH nanocomposites were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, DLS, ESR and TGA techniques. The XRD of FPH nanocomposites showed all the peaks of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. SEM was used to assess the surface morphology of FPH. TEM showed that the average diameter of FPH nanocomposites was in the range of 9–40 nm. The thermal stability of FPH nanocomposites was higher than that of Fe₃O₄ and Fe₃O₄/PEG. Radio-labeling of (Fe₃O₄/PEG)-pHEMA nanocomposite irradiated at 10 kGy (FPH10) with ^99mTc was performed using stannous chloride as reducing agent. Factors affecting the labeling yield (%) such as the substrate amount, the amount of reducing agent, the pH of reaction medium, the reaction time and the reaction temperature were investigated. The maximum labeling yield was 93% using 0.25 mg of FPH10 at pH 6 and 20 min reaction time. The biodistribution study of ^99mTc-FPH10 was examined on two groups of ascites and solid tumor bearing mice. The biodistribution results referred that ^99mTc-FPH10 was rapidly uptake in tumor sites ascites or solid tumors. The results indicated that FPH nanocomposites could be potentially used for tumor imaging and therapy.     

Effect of metal (Al, Ga, and In)-dopants and/or Ag-nanoparticles on the optical and electrical properties of ZnO thin films

ZnO thin films were deposited by a sol-gel process using zinc acetate dihydrate and 2-methoxyethanol as starting precursor and solvent, respectively. Ag-nanoparticles were prepared with uniform size (4.4 nm) by the spontaneous reduction method of Ag 2-ethylhexanoate in Dimethyl sulfoxide. The optical and electrical characteristics of ZnO films with the introduction of 3A metal (Al, Ga, and In)-dopants and/or Ag-nanoparticles were evaluated. The optical and electrical properties of metal-doped ZnO films were improved and light scatter, charge emission and the scattering behavior of Ag-nanoparticles incorporated into the ZnO thin film were measured. The introduction of Ag-nanoparticles into metal-doped ZnO films induced a slight decrease in the optical transmittance but an increase in the electrical sheet resistance.     

热处理对羟基磷灰石涂层相组成、表面形貌与结合强度的影响

羟基磷灰石(HA)涂层的喷涂及其后处理工艺对其组织结构和结合强度具有重要影响.比较了热处理对不同粒度HA涂层相组成、表面形貌与结合强度的影响,为该类涂层制备工艺的优化提供实验依据.采用等离子喷涂法在纯钛表面制备了不同粒度的HA涂层,对其进行650℃不同保温时间的后热处理.利用X射线衍射仪、扫描电子显微镜和电子拉伸机检测了涂层的相组成、表面与断口形貌及剪切结合强度等.结果表明,涂层经650℃保温0.5h热处理后,非晶相和分解相基本全部转变为结晶HA.经热处理晶化后,涂层表面生成300nm以下的微粒子,双重涂层BC表面更易形成.粗粉末涂层CC和BC热处理后的剪切强度提高,而细粉末涂层FC则相反;HA涂层的剪切断裂主要是发生在涂层与基体间的界面上.     

The effect of composition on surface morphology, formation mechanism and pinhole generation of cosputtered ytterbium silicide

The surface morphology including pinhole and silicide formation mechanism of codeposited ytterbium silicide films are investigated with various compositions of Yb and Si. Film properties depend on the growth mode of the deposited films. At Si compositions more than half of the stable phase of ytterbium silicide, films have a rough surface with islands of ytterbium silicide formed by the Stranski-Krastanov and Volmer-Weber growth mode. At Si composition below half of the stoichiometic value, films grow in a layer by layer, Frank-van der Merwe mode, with a smooth surface. The transition of the formation mode is due to a trade-off in the dominance of the reaction between the internal atoms in the deposited films or between the deposited films and the substrates. A Si composition of 0.59 provides the smoothest surface with roughness of 1.13 nm in root mean square value and no observed pinholes. Ytterbium silicide films are deposited with a 5% composition tolerance by cosputtering and forming at 450 °C in a conventional furnace.     

理论研究ZnO掺杂Al;Ga;In电子结构与光学属性(英文)

计算了Ga、Al、In掺杂对ZnO体系电子结构和光学性质的影响.所有计算都是基于密度泛函理论(DFT)框架下的第一原理平面波超软赝势方法.计算结果表明:Ga、AI、In掺杂在ZnO中占据了Zn位置,为n型浅施主掺杂,导带底引入了大量由掺杂原子贡献的导电载流子,明显提高了体系的电导率.同时,光学带隙展宽,且向低能方向漂移,可作为优良的透明导电薄膜材料.同时,计算结果为我们制备基于ZnO透明导电材料的设计与大规模应用提供了理论依据,也为监测和控制ZnO透明导电材料的生长过程提供了可能性.     

Natural and semi-natural field exposure testing and analysis,on optical degradation of a building integrated unglazed solar collector surface

Durability is of great importance when considering sustainable energy systems. In turn it lays emphasis on assessing performance over time of energy systems and components. This paper presents a study on optical degradation of a building-integrated Unglazed Solar Collector (USC) surface, by exposing USC specimens to a natural and semi-natural field exposure test. Particular interest is devoted to the semi-natural field exposure test method evaluation, and the degradation of optical properties. The study showed that about 11 months of field exposure testing did not cause any significant optical (total solar absorptance and IR emittance) or material (surface coating) degradation; although measurements revealed a decrease in specular reflectance as diffuse increased. It was likely due to surface pollution that predominantly consisted of quartz. The study also showed that it is possible to achieve a considerable increased moisture exposure on test surfaces (semi-natural field exposure test), through a relatively simple cooling device (Direct-Air Peltier-Element) and rough control strategy.     

In vitro biomechanical properties,fluorescence imaging,surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy,and photothermal therapy evaluation of luminescent functionalized CaMoO4:Eu@Au hybrid nanorods on human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells

Highly dispersible Eu³⁺-doped CaMoO₄@Au-nanorod hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) exhibit optical properties, such as plasmon resonances in the near-infrared region at 790 nm and luminescence at 615 nm, offering multimodal capabilities: fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection and photothermal therapy (PTT). HNPs were conjugated with a Raman reporter (4-mercaptobenzoic acid), showing a desired SERS signal (enhancement factor 5.0 × 10⁵). The HNPs have a heat conversion efficiency of 25.6%, and a hyperthermia temperature of 42°C could be achieved by adjusting either concentration of HNPs, or laser power, or irradiation time. HNPs were modified with antibody specific to cancer biomarker epidermal growth factor receptor, then applied to human lung cancer (A549) and mouse hepatocyte cells (AML12), and in vitro PTT effect was studied. In addition, the biomechanical properties of A549 cells were quantified using atomic force microscopy. This study shows the potential applications of these HNPs in fluorescence imaging, SERS detection, and PTT with good photostability and biocompatibility.     

Effects of adsorbent dose, its particle size and initial arsenic concentration on the removal of arsenic, iron and manganese from simulated ground water by Fe3+ impregnated activated carbon

This paper presents the observations of the study on arsenic removal from a contaminated ground water (simulated) by adsorption onto Fe³⁺ impregnated granular activated carbon (GAC-Fe). Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Mn²⁺ have also been considered along with arsenic species in the water sample. Similar study has also been done with untreated granular activated carbon (GAC) for comparison. The effects of adsorbent dose, particle size of adsorbent and initial arsenic concentration on the removal of As(T), As(III), As(V), Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Mn²⁺ have been discussed. Under the experimental conditions, the optimum adsorbent doses for GAC-Fe and GAC have been found to be 8 g/l and 24 g/l, respectively with an agitation time of 15 h. Particle size of the adsorbents (both GAC and GAC-Fe) has shown negligible effect on the removal of arsenic and Fe species. However, for Mn removal the effect of adsorbent particle size is comparatively more. Percentage removal of As(T), As(V) and As(III) increase with the decrease in initial arsenic concentration (As₀). However, the increase in percentage removal of all the arsenic species with decrease in As₀ are less for higher value of As₀ (3000–500 ppb) than those of the lower value of As₀ (500–10 ppb). The % removal of As(T), As(III), As(V), Fe, and Mn were 95%, 92.4%, 97.6%, 99% and 41.2%, respectively when 8 g/l GAC-Fe was used at the As₀ value of 200 ppb. However, for GAC these values were 55.5%, 44%, 71%, 98% and 97%. The pH and temperature of the study were 7 ± 0.1 and 30 ± 1 °C, respectively.