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Sweet nanoparticles trick kidney

Scientists at the University of Freiburg created nanoparticles with polysaccharides, which allow them to pass through the kidneys and be excreted in urine. This breakthrough enables the combination of tumor accumulation and kidney clearance in a single nanoparticle, paving the way for safer nanomedicine administration.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 4, 2020

A megalibrary of nanoparticles

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to produce over 65,000 different types of nanoparticles, each containing up to six different materials. This breakthrough allows for the creation of complex particles with precise interfaces, opening up new possibilities for electrical and optical applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateJan 23, 2020

Dialing up the heat on nanoparticles

Metallic nanotechnology is advancing rapidly, with applications in renewable energy harvesting, cancer treatment, and climate solutions. On-command drug delivery and photothermal therapy are promising areas of research, showing promising results in animal trials.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJan 20, 2020

Copper-based nanomaterials can kill cancer cells in mice

Researchers have successfully used copper-based nanomaterials to eliminate tumour cells in mice, combining with immunotherapy for long-lasting immune effects. The breakthrough offers a novel approach to treating lung and colon cancers without the use of chemotherapy.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 9, 2020

High-performance anode for all-solid-state Li batteries is made of Si nanoparticles

A new study by NIMS researchers reveals that a Si anode composed of commercial Si nanoparticles in solid electrolytes exhibits excellent electrode performance, approaching that of film electrodes. This breakthrough enables low-cost and large-scale production of high-capacity anodes for all-solid-state Li batteries.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateDec 23, 2019

Providing safe, clean water

Researchers introduce a new water purification method using magnetic nanoparticles coated with an ionic liquid, effectively removing organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants. The nanoparticles can be easily removed with magnets, making them a promising starting point for decentralized water purification systems.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 29, 2019

Study points to new weapon in fight against lethal fungi

Researchers have gained insights into how nanoparticles can be used to identify invasive microbes and deliver targeted treatments, potentially preventing deadly diseases contracted on medical equipment. The study, conducted by Monash University researchers, found that nanoparticles bound to fungal cells but were non-toxic to them.

SourceMonash University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 9, 2019

SMART discovers breakthrough way to look at the surface of nanoparticles

Researchers from SMART have discovered a new method called Molecular Probe Adsorption (MPA) that enables the exploration of nanoparticle surfaces without damaging them. This breakthrough technique is substantially faster and cheaper than existing chemical methods, allowing for universal characterization of nanoparticles with any geomet...

Tethered chem combos could revolutionize artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a new approach to artificial photosynthesis that improves the efficiency of capturing light and splitting water molecules to produce hydrogen fuel. The system uses molecular tethers to attach chromophores to catalysts, allowing for stable and efficient electron transfer and ge...

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 4, 2019

Nanoceramics from the ball mill

Researchers have found a way to produce corundum nanoparticles using simple mechanochemistry in a ball mill, which could lead to more robust and easier-to-manufacture automotive catalysts and ceramics. The production method involves grinding lumps of boehmite in a ball mill for 3 hours and then heating them briefly.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateOct 30, 2019

An amazingly simple recipe for nanometer-sized corundum

Scientists developed a simple method for producing nanometer-sized corundum with high porosity at room temperature. The process involves milling a powder in a ball mill for a few hours, resulting in thermodynamically stable nanoparticles. This breakthrough reduces energy and costs associated with traditional production methods.

Immune system upgrade

Researchers develop copper telluride nanoparticles that mimic enzymes, inducing oxidative stress and triggering inflammatory processes in tumor cells. This triggers an immune response, allowing the body to defend against metastasis and relapses.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 25, 2019

New treatment may reverse celiac disease

A new phase 2 clinical trial shows that technology can induce immune tolerance to gluten in individuals with celiac disease, reducing inflammation and protecting the small intestine. The treatment, called CNP-101, is a biodegradable nanoparticle containing gluten that convinces the immune system it's safe.