SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Tuesday, February 02, 2010

NEWSWORTHY

NOMFETs
Researchers from CNRS (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique) and CEA (Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique) have devised an organic transistor called the Nanoparticle Organic Memory Field Effect Transistor (NOMFET). In this device gold nanoparticles are placed in the channel of the transistor and then coated with pentacene. This gives the system a memory element similar to the one that exists between two neurons while transmitting information. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire,Nanotechweb, Nanovip, Nanowerk,and Advanced Functional Materials.

Nano pattern transfer
Researcher at Rice University developed a method to transfer pattern of single walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs) from a substrate to any surface within minutes. The nanotubes are grown and then etched with hydrogen gas and water vapor to weaken the bonds between catalyst and metal. When “stamped” the nanotubes are attached to the surface through van der waals force with no trace of catalyst. If the substrate and catalyst remain intact, then they can be used to grow more nanotubes. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.

Magnetic nanoparticles for cancer
Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology in collaboration with the Ovarian Cancer Institute developed and tested magnetic nanoparticles on samples of human cancer cells. Images of brown nanoparticles being attached to violet cancer cells in the human abdominal cavity were disclosed. They claim the next step in their research will be to test the magnetic nanoparticles on live animals followed by human beings. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nanomedicine.

Nanocorals to report status
Scientists from the University of California, Berkley developed nanoprobes called “nanocorals” capable of attaching themselves to cancer cells, delivering drugs, and reporting status of the local molecular environment. One side is designed to detect cancer cells whereas the other side is intended to access the surrounding chemical particles in the environment and report status back to researchers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Nanowerk.


HONORABLE MENTION

Nanorods for faulty valves
Scientists from University of Southern California in collaboration with other researchers are developing a method to use gold nanorods to treat faulty cardiac valves that otherwise would need surgical treatment. Researchers plan on learning the positive effects these nanorods have on the affected valves by measuring the mechanical properties of the collagen-fibroblast-nanoparticle. See Nanotech Wire.

Solder magnetic nanocomposites
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University in collaboration with Intel Corporation developed new material called solder magnetic nanocomposites. The magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) composites heat solders and causes reflow; this in a regular oven is performed by a computer chip. The time taken to heat the solder can be controlled through manipulating the concentration and composition of the composites. See Nanotech Wire and Nanowerk.

Early detection of cancer
Biofunctionalized nanoparticles, developed by the researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Würzburg, can detect cancer using a single molecule of tumor maker (substance found in blood, urine, or in body tissues that can be increased in cancer) in blood. They placed antibody-occupied nanoparticles on the sensor electrode and allowed blood to flow across it. An electrical distribution shift was picked up by the electrode every time there was a tumor maker or a relevant protein passing through it. The researchers called it the “nanoparticle fishing rod” for cancer. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.

Power generating rubber films
Researchers from the Princeton University developed power-generating rubber films consisting of nanoribbons capable of converting mechanical power to electrical power. They combined nanoribbons with silicone and placed them in a piezoelectric (generates electric voltage when pressure is applied on it) ceramic material. These nanoribbons generated electricity when a mechanical action such as flexing the film was performed. See Nanowerk and ACS Nano.