NEWSWORTHY
Nano and transferring for cancer therapy
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that attaching transferrin (the fourth most common protein in the human body) with biocompatible nanoparticles can result in elimination of B-cell lymphoma cells (found in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). The group used PRINT (Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates) technology to produce biocompatible nanoparticles that, along with transferrin, could target and kill a broad range of cancerous cells (B-cell lymphoma cells, lung, ovarian, liver and prostate cancer cells). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Journal of the American Chemical Society.
Breath test for cancer detection
Researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology have developed a nanosensor that can detect lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers with one exhaled breath. The gold nanoparticles in the sensors can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released into the blood stream by cancer cells. The sensor was tested with 177 volunteers (96 of them were cancer patients who had not received any treatment) and its results were cross-checked with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (a reliable method). Comparing the two techniques demonstrated the accuracy of the nanosensor. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and British journal of cancer.
MSN to deliver chemo drugs
Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles have found that mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can be used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in vivo and effectively treat tumors in mice. The team exposed mice with camptothecin-loaded MSNs that reduced and regressed the xenograft tumors. The mice experienced minimal side effects and the nanoparticles were excreted from the body after delivering the drugs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Small.
Simplified testing using nanoparticles
Arizona State University researchers have devised a method to assess patients with infectious diseases and/or unhealthy proteins. The team used a superhydrophobic surface with a small depression. In this they placed a drop of nanoparticles (or microparticles) on the patient’s fluid sample. The nanoparticles and the patient sample bonded quickly for affected samples. They also observed that the infectious agent moved to the center of the drop. They estimate the cost of this testing device (which they refer to as Integrascope) to be about $1 to $2 dollars, making it extremely affordable. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Precedings.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Multi-functional nanoparticle for imaging
A research team at the University of Washington developed a better imaging technique, eliminating noise, using multi-functional nanoparticles. The 30nm particles are made up of iron-oxide with a gold shell that does not touch the core. They produced magnetic vibrations in the nanoparticles using a pulsing magnetic field. A photoacoustic image was taken and everything except the vibrating pixels were eliminated during image processing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Communications.
Nanoparticle suspension to aid algae growth
Researchers at Syracuse University have devised a method to enhance the growth of algae using nanoparticle suspension, which can aid in the production of biofuels. The team built a mini bioreactor by placing algae in a dish that was situated on top of another dish containing silver nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and concentration of the nanoparticles, they produced a selective blue light scattering that enhanced the metabolism (growth) of algae by 30 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature.
Nanocoating to improve heat transfer
A research team from Oregon State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has found that using nanoscale zinc oxide coating on aluminum or copper substrates improved heat transfer characteristics. The coating results in a textured surface with active boiling sites. The findings of this study could aid in devising cooling devices for advanced electronics. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.
Metal nanosheet color filter
A research group from the University of Michigan developed color filters from thin, nanoscale sheets of metal. The sheets also act as a polarizer eliminating the need for extra sheets. The sliced metal-dielectric-metal stacks act as resonators that capture and transmit light of a particular wavelength. The smallest image the researchers were able to develop was 12 microns by 9 microns. The results of this research can be applied in projection displays and used to develop bendable or extremely compact displays. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Communications.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Wednesday, August 18, 2010
NEWSWORTHY
Nano “fingerprints” to tell us about nano-bio interaction
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method that can predict nanoparticle behavior in biological entities. A screening process is performed where the size and surface characteristics of the nanoparticle are studied through a series of chemical tests. After analysis, researchers can create a “fingerpint” for each interaction between the particle and a biological molecule. The findings of this research will help identify which particles are best suited for drug delivery and which are harmful to humans and the environment. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
NanoFETs that probe inside cells
A research team of chemists and engineers at Harvard University have devised a method to use nano field effect transistors (nanoFETs) to probe inside cells. They found that coating nanoFETs with the same material as that of the cell membranes (phospholipid bilayer) allows for easy insertion of these structures into the cells. They also found that introducing two 120º kinks to the 1D nanowire creates a 60º single V-shaped, two-pronged nanoFET. The two arms can then be connected to wires to allow current flow through the nano transistor, making it a small, sensitive probing instrument. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Science.
Plastic for nanoscale patterns
Researchers at the Northwestern University developed a method called Solvent-Assisted Nanoscale Embossing (SANE) to create nanopatterns. Using flexible plastic sheets, the team was able to generate an easy and inexpensive nanopatterning method that can be used in any laboratory. This method uses a starting nanoscale master pattern and creates multiple new nanoscale masters with unique spacings and feature sizes. SANE can be used to create different programmable array densities, lessen critical feature sizes, and design reconfigurable lattice symmetries over large areas. This method can aid biologists, chemists and physicists in their research at the nano level. Applications can also be extended to solar energy, data storage and plasmonics.See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Light-Matter interaction
Physicists from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), the Walther-Meissner-Institute for Low Temperature Research of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (WMI), and Augsburg University, in collaboration with partners from Spain found a stronger than usual interaction between microwave photons and the atoms of a nano-structured circuit. Researchers replaced the previously used cavity resonator (which captures one light particle and one atom inside it) with a microwave resonator, a Josephson junction, and an aluminum nano-structured circuit, which on proper configuration behaves as a single atom. Findings of this research can be used in manufacturing quantum computers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Physics.
Nano and bio for DNA sequencing
A research team from the University of Washington has devised a method to sequence DNA at a small scale using a nanopore taken from Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A. They placed the pore in a membrane surrounded by potassium chloride solution and applied a small voltage to allow current to flow through it. Each time a nucleotide passed through the pore, a different signal was registered. The pore size was maintained such that only one nucleotide passed through it at any given time. A double stranded DNA was attached between two consecutive nucleotides, giving each nucleotide enough time in the pore for proper registration. The results of this research can help in making DNA sequencing as cheap as $1000. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Protection for degenerative eye disorders
Researchers from Tufts University found a solution to delay the onset of certain eye diseases and preserve vision. The team treated a set of mice with nanoparticles carrying a gene for GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and found that less photoreceptor cells were damaged in comparison to the control group mice. This led to better eye sight for the treatment group mice, which were tested seven days after the treatment. However, the protection lasted for less than fourteen days. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Molecular Therapy.
Chitosan nanoparticles to control tumor growth
Scientists at the University of Texas developed a nanoparticle-based system to curb the growth of new blood vessels in the tumor, thereby reducing tumor burden on mice suffering from ovarian cancer. The method works on silencing the EZH2 gene that promotes tumor growth through affecting the genes that block the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor. Making the EZH2 inactive in the tumor’s endothelial cells (through small interfering RNA packaged in chitosan nanoparticles) reactivates the vasohibin1 gene which reduces the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor and ovarian cancer in mice. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Nicotine + Ozone = harmful nanoparticles
Research conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that nicotine from secondhand smoke in combination with ozone resulted in nanosized ultrafine particles that could threaten asthma patients. The ultrafine secondary organic aerosols (produced by the transformation of organic gases in the atmosphere), less than 100 nanometers in size, can deposit harmful chemicals deep in the respiratory tract to cause oxidative stress. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Nanotube and enzyme combine to kill MRSA
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a nanocoating that could eliminate any methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which is responsible for antibiotic resistant infections. The coating is a combination of carbon nanotubes and a naturally occurring enzyme called lysostaphin, and is only toxic to MRSA. It does not release any chemicals into the environment during its reaction. The coated area (usually a surgical equipment or hospital walls) does not lose its effectiveness after repeated washings. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
Nano “fingerprints” to tell us about nano-bio interaction
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method that can predict nanoparticle behavior in biological entities. A screening process is performed where the size and surface characteristics of the nanoparticle are studied through a series of chemical tests. After analysis, researchers can create a “fingerpint” for each interaction between the particle and a biological molecule. The findings of this research will help identify which particles are best suited for drug delivery and which are harmful to humans and the environment. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nature Nanotechnology.
NanoFETs that probe inside cells
A research team of chemists and engineers at Harvard University have devised a method to use nano field effect transistors (nanoFETs) to probe inside cells. They found that coating nanoFETs with the same material as that of the cell membranes (phospholipid bilayer) allows for easy insertion of these structures into the cells. They also found that introducing two 120º kinks to the 1D nanowire creates a 60º single V-shaped, two-pronged nanoFET. The two arms can then be connected to wires to allow current flow through the nano transistor, making it a small, sensitive probing instrument. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Science.
Plastic for nanoscale patterns
Researchers at the Northwestern University developed a method called Solvent-Assisted Nanoscale Embossing (SANE) to create nanopatterns. Using flexible plastic sheets, the team was able to generate an easy and inexpensive nanopatterning method that can be used in any laboratory. This method uses a starting nanoscale master pattern and creates multiple new nanoscale masters with unique spacings and feature sizes. SANE can be used to create different programmable array densities, lessen critical feature sizes, and design reconfigurable lattice symmetries over large areas. This method can aid biologists, chemists and physicists in their research at the nano level. Applications can also be extended to solar energy, data storage and plasmonics.See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanovip, Nanowerk, and Nano Letters.
Light-Matter interaction
Physicists from the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), the Walther-Meissner-Institute for Low Temperature Research of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences (WMI), and Augsburg University, in collaboration with partners from Spain found a stronger than usual interaction between microwave photons and the atoms of a nano-structured circuit. Researchers replaced the previously used cavity resonator (which captures one light particle and one atom inside it) with a microwave resonator, a Josephson junction, and an aluminum nano-structured circuit, which on proper configuration behaves as a single atom. Findings of this research can be used in manufacturing quantum computers. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and Nature Physics.
Nano and bio for DNA sequencing
A research team from the University of Washington has devised a method to sequence DNA at a small scale using a nanopore taken from Mycobacterium smegmatis porin A. They placed the pore in a membrane surrounded by potassium chloride solution and applied a small voltage to allow current to flow through it. Each time a nucleotide passed through the pore, a different signal was registered. The pore size was maintained such that only one nucleotide passed through it at any given time. A double stranded DNA was attached between two consecutive nucleotides, giving each nucleotide enough time in the pore for proper registration. The results of this research can help in making DNA sequencing as cheap as $1000. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Protection for degenerative eye disorders
Researchers from Tufts University found a solution to delay the onset of certain eye diseases and preserve vision. The team treated a set of mice with nanoparticles carrying a gene for GDNF (Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) and found that less photoreceptor cells were damaged in comparison to the control group mice. This led to better eye sight for the treatment group mice, which were tested seven days after the treatment. However, the protection lasted for less than fourteen days. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Molecular Therapy.
Chitosan nanoparticles to control tumor growth
Scientists at the University of Texas developed a nanoparticle-based system to curb the growth of new blood vessels in the tumor, thereby reducing tumor burden on mice suffering from ovarian cancer. The method works on silencing the EZH2 gene that promotes tumor growth through affecting the genes that block the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor. Making the EZH2 inactive in the tumor’s endothelial cells (through small interfering RNA packaged in chitosan nanoparticles) reactivates the vasohibin1 gene which reduces the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor and ovarian cancer in mice. See AtoZ Nano and Nanowerk.
Nicotine + Ozone = harmful nanoparticles
Research conducted at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory revealed that nicotine from secondhand smoke in combination with ozone resulted in nanosized ultrafine particles that could threaten asthma patients. The ultrafine secondary organic aerosols (produced by the transformation of organic gases in the atmosphere), less than 100 nanometers in size, can deposit harmful chemicals deep in the respiratory tract to cause oxidative stress. See AtoZ Nano and First Science.
Nanotube and enzyme combine to kill MRSA
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a nanocoating that could eliminate any methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which is responsible for antibiotic resistant infections. The coating is a combination of carbon nanotubes and a naturally occurring enzyme called lysostaphin, and is only toxic to MRSA. It does not release any chemicals into the environment during its reaction. The coated area (usually a surgical equipment or hospital walls) does not lose its effectiveness after repeated washings. See First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and ACS Nano.
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