Articles tagged with Nanoparticles
A Swiss study found most silver nanoparticles released during washing come out of fabrics in the first wash, posing a risk to aquatic life. The release varied from 1.3% to 35% of total nanosilver in fabric, highlighting the need for manufacturers and consumers to minimize nanoparticle distribution.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a method to control the assembly of nanoparticles into complex arrays using small molecules, enabling precise spatial distribution over multiple length scales. The technique uses block copolymers as a platform and can be directed by external stimuli such as light or heat.
Researchers are developing an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion, enabling faster travel and reduced propellant use. The technology has the potential to revolutionize nanosatellite and larger spacecraft propulsion.
Canadian engineers warn that current safety equipment may not be sufficient to protect workers from nanoprotection risks. The growing field of nanotechnology manufacture poses unknown hazards, and urgent research is needed to develop appropriate protective measures.
Engineers at North Carolina State University have developed a comprehensive understanding of nanostructural control during nanoparticle formation. They created hollow, solid, and amorphous nanoparticles of nickel phosphide with controlled structures using specific reactant ratios and temperatures.
The team found that the particles' interactions allow them to heat up better when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, destroying cancer cells without harming surrounding tissue. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatment methods and design of better nanoparticles.
Biomimetic nanoparticles are degraded by cathepsin L when entering human cells, compromising their potential to deliver therapeutic proteins. Researchers have developed methods to measure nanoparticle location and state, aiding the design of nanodevices that overcome this degradation.
A new drug-delivery system using nanoparticles encapsulating nitric oxide or prescription drugs could significantly lessen side effects associated with oral erectile dysfunction medications. The treatment showed improved erectile function in rats and held promise for safer and more effective ED therapy for millions of men.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new vaccine adjuvant using lecithin nanoparticles, which showed improved immune response and reduced toxicity compared to existing alum-based adjuvants. The new adjuvant could potentially become a universal carrier for vaccines and help tackle various diseases more effectively.
A new study by an international team of researchers argues that the current definition of nanoparticles is not specific enough to determine their potential impact on human health and the environment. The study suggests that only particles smaller than 30 nanometers should be scrutinized for their unique properties.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has received a $2.7 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study nanomaterials and their biomedical applications. The research will focus on six areas, including rare earth-based nanoparticles, medical applications, and new materials in biology and neuroscience.
Scientists have developed nanoparticles that can target and destroy glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain cancer cells using light-sensitive titanium dioxide material. The 'nanobio hybrids' killed up to 80% of brain cancer cells after exposure to focused white light, making them a promising part of brain cancer therapy.
Researchers have developed a 'NanoPen' that solves the challenge of creating patterns of nanoparticles for nanotech applications. The device can deposit nanoparticles in seconds, unlike current techniques which take minutes or hours.
Using silk templates, researchers have created composite structures with unique properties. The bio-enabled approach mimics natural material growth processes, allowing precise control over particle size and spacing. The resulting films exhibit high tensile strength, elasticity, and toughness.
Researchers at MIT have successfully grown carbon nanotubes without a metal catalyst, using zirconium oxide instead, which could improve electronic performance and material strength
Nanobees, nano-sized spheres carrying the toxic melittin from bee venom, successfully delivered and killed tumor cells in mice. By targeting cancerous tissue with precision, nanobees showed promise in treating established and early-stage cancers.
Researchers found that adult fruit flies died after being exposed to carbon nanoparticles, while larvae showed no effects. The particles seemed to cause physical harm, such as clogging breathing holes and coating compound eyes.
Researchers found that insects can transfer nanoparticles to each other, raising concerns about environmental impact. Exposure to certain nanoparticles caused locomotor impairment and mortality in adult fruit flies.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed nanoparticles that cross the blood-brain barrier, illuminating brain tumors and improving MRI and optical imaging. This breakthrough could lead to more precise surgery and earlier cancer detection.
A new gene therapy technique using nanoparticles has shown promise in suppressing ovarian tumor growth in mice, offering a potential treatment for late-stage ovarian cancer. The nanoparticles deliver a killer gene that kills cells by disrupting protein production, avoiding toxic side effects common with traditional chemotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a novel method for creating high-tech armored foams using an 'ice-templating' process. This approach enables the creation of structured foams with promising results as low-power gas sensors, which can operate at room temperature.
Research found that maternal exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles affects gene expression related to the central nervous system in developing mice. This may have implications for diseases such as autistic disorder, epilepsy, and learning disorders, as well as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have developed a novel silver nanoparticle skin gel that effectively kills harmful bacteria, including drug-resistant microbes, while promoting wound healing without causing harm to healthy skin. The gel contains 30 times less silver than traditional antimicrobial agents, making it a safer option for burn patients.
A research team has used single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to follow magnetic nanoparticles as they transport genes or drugs into target cells in real-time. The study reveals bottlenecks in nanoferry transport and provides insights into optimizing existing systems, potentially leading to breakthroughs in gene therapy.
IBN researchers have developed a simple, room-temperature process to synthesize nanoparticles inexpensively. The new chemical synthesis uses an aqueous solution and an organic solvent, allowing metal ions to be extracted from water without producing toxic chemicals.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new synthesis method to create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that can track the uptake of drugs by cells. The nanoparticles, containing just a few hundred silicon atoms, show stable fluorescence over three months and have potential applications in biomedical sensors.
Researchers have developed novel peptide nanoparticles that effectively seek out and destroy bacteria and fungal cells causing fatal brain infections. The nanoparticles can traverse the blood-brain barrier, offering a superior alternative to existing treatments for brain infections.
Scientists have developed a nano-sized agent that kills bacteria on implanted devices by penetrating their defensive wall and eliminating the threat. The discovery holds promise for treating infected implants with no effective antidote.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have successfully produced cadmium sulphide particles in microscopically small membrane bubbles, achieving control over nanoparticle size for the first time. The method uses biomimetic compartments similar to cell membranes to synthesize nanoparticles, offering a new approach to optical informati...
The review article examines various ways nanomaterials interact with biological systems, highlighting the importance of understanding physical and chemical properties for safe use. It presents a roadmap for designing nanoparticle drug-delivery systems with targeted delivery and reducing potential hazardous interactions.
New studies by NIST scientists show that changing the shape of cobalt nanoparticles from spherical to cubic fundamentally changes their behavior. The research reveals distinct differences in how these particles interact under external magnetic fields and when exposed to heat.
UCF researcher J. Manuel Perez's nanoparticles could potentially replace chemotherapy with targeted cancer treatment. The nanoparticles, carrying Taxol and other molecules, selectively target cancer cells while leaving healthy tissue intact.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism by which nanoparticles cause lung damage, triggering programmed cell death through autophagy. They also found that blocking this process with an autophagy inhibitor can counteract the damage, providing a promising lead for developing safety strategies for nanotechnology.
Vanderbilt physicists have developed a method to create freestanding nanoparticle films without additives, revolutionizing semiconductor fabrication and flexible display technology. The films exhibit high cohesion and resistance to cracking, making them ideal for applications in transistors and flat panel screens.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara and the Burnham Institute for Medical Research have created a nanoparticle that can detect and attack plaque in arteries, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. The treatment shows promise for developing therapies to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers in France and Germany have successfully produced homogeneous samples of pure and very small fluorescent diamond nanoparticles with high yield. The novel process involves irradiating micron-size diamonds, milling, and purification steps.
A novel approach estimates that titanium dioxide nanoparticles are produced in increasing amounts, posing potential environmental and health risks. The study's findings suggest that up to 2.5 million metric tons of nanomaterial could be released into the environment by 2025.
Delivery of antibiotics via nanoparticles has shown promise in treating pulmonary infections. Treated mice had a significant survival advantage, decreased lung bacterial burden, and spread compared to control mice. The once-daily dosing regimen increased compliance, offering a potential means to improve patient outcomes.
Scientists at Eindhoven University of Technology have made a groundbreaking discovery in biomineralization, the process that forms bones, teeth, and shells. They were able to capture three-dimensional images of nanoparticles using the world's most modern electron microscope, revealing the earliest stages of this complex process.
Scientists have developed nanoparticles that release nitric oxide to combat drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus skin infections, improving wound healing and reducing bacterial counts. The therapy has shown promise in treating MRSA and other infections, with plans for clinical trials.
Researchers investigated a novel nanoparticle platform that releases therapeutic levels of nitric oxide, which aids in erection biology. Five out of seven rats treated with these nanoparticles experienced positive effects on erectile response, resulting in visible erections.
A new nanoparticle has been developed to deliver a tumor suppressor gene to cancer cells, restoring normal gene function and bypassing healthy tissue. This breakthrough method shows promise in reducing the probability of recurrent tumors.
University of Washington researchers found a combination of nanoparticles and chlorotoxin, a scorpion venom compound, cuts brain cancer cell spread by 98% compared to 45% with chlorotoxin alone. The additive treatment disables machinery that allows tumor cells to change shape, preventing further invasion.
Researchers created a 3D nanofluidic device using grayscale photolithography to separate nanoparticles by size and analyze DNA behavior. The device demonstrates versatility in manipulating rigid nanoparticles and deforming flexible DNA strands.
Researchers at Duke University have developed an approach using magnetism to manipulate human cells, forming chains that can promote the growth of blood vessels. The iron-containing nanoparticles used by the researchers are suspended within a liquid known as a ferrofluid, allowing them to readily manipulate the chain formation.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University, Duke and University of Massachusetts created magnetic particles that nudge free-floating human cells to form chains in response to external magnetic fields. These chains may accelerate the creation and growth of tiny blood vessels.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a DNA-based assembly line for predictable, high-precision nano-construction, enabling the rapid assembly of new biosensors and solar cells. By controlling DNA interactions, they can regulate interparticle distances and assemble nano-objects into complex structures.
Scientists have found nanoparticles in cosmetics and sunscreens can be toxic to microbes, reducing survival rates. A new biosensor has been developed to detect nanoparticles, warning of potential danger to aquatic life.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a method for coating metal surfaces with nanoparticles, rendering them resistant to corrosion and eliminating toxic chromium. The new coating is produced through a simple two-step process and can be applied to various metals, offering improved performance and efficiency.
Rice University scientists have developed a method to optimize the attack on cancer cells using laser-nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and composition of nanoparticles, researchers can create more uniform temperature profiles within tumors.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a novel approach to creating palladium nanoparticles with increased surface area, resulting in improved efficiency and stability. The breakthrough enables the production of fuel cell catalysts that are four times more stable and twice as active, making them ideal for future applications.
Researchers at Rice University have created a light-bending metamaterial using nanocups that can focus light from any direction. This material has potential applications in thermal solar power, superlenses, and invisibility cloaks.
Scientists have produced amphiphilic hybrid particles consisting of water-insoluble inorganic nanoparticles at the core surrounded by bristle-like layers of hydrophilic polymer chains. The nature of these aggregates depends on the density of polymer
Scientists developed a method to measure the transport of therapeutic genes through the body using magnetic nanoparticles. The technology significantly increases gene transfer efficiency compared to non-magnetic methods, with potential for targeted cell delivery.
Researchers at Duke University found that buckyballs can hinder bacterial accumulation on water membranes, leading to a potential cost savings of 50% in membrane replacements. This attribute makes buckyballs a promising anti-fouling agent for addressing one of the major problems and costs of treating water.
Case Western Reserve researchers have developed a new method for stimulating brain circuits wirelessly using light-activated semiconductor nanoparticles. This technology eliminates the need for cumbersome wiring and has potential applicability in treating nerve or brain impairments.
Researchers have created miniscule silicon flakes that glow brightly, slowly releasing cancer drugs before breaking down into harmless by-products. The particles showed promising results in mice, reducing tumor growth over several weeks.
Scientists at the University of Warwick found that tiny nanoparticles can stick to liquid-liquid interfaces with increased ease, deviating from the standard model. This discovery has significant implications for the design of materials and technologies such as composite materials, quantum dots, and polymer paints.
Researchers found that nanoparticle size doesn't affect biological responses for most genes, as measured by total surface area. The study suggests a better understanding of nanoscale effects on cells and tissues.
Researchers discuss the potential of nanotechnology in improving food nutrition and safety. Dutch scientist Frans Kampers presents his work on creating nanostructures in food to deliver nutrients efficiently. However, concerns about nanoparticles' migration into human cells and potential health risks are also raised.