In this Rapid Communication we propose to use GaN-based quantum dots as building blocks for solid-state quantum-computing devices. The existence of a strong built-in electric field induced by the spontaneous polarization and by the piezoelectricity is exploited to generate entangled few-exciton states in coupled quantum dots without resorting to external fields. More specifically, we shall show how the built-in field induces intrinsic exciton-exciton coupling, which can be used to realize basic quantum information processing on a sub-picosecond time scale.

A bottom-up approach is a promising alternative to build nanodevices and/or nanomachines starting from molecular building blocks. The idea of molecular electronics comes from a farsighted paper by Aviram and Ratner, predicting that single molecules with a donor-spacer-acceptor structure would have rectifying properties when placed between two electrodes. Today, molecular electronics is emerging as an alternative to Si-nanoelectronics for building integrated devices. This review aims to give an overview of this emerging field, analysing the concepts, the key results and the perspectives.

The wide use of engineered nanomaterials in many fields, ranging from biomedical, agriculture, environment, cosmetic, urged the scientific community to understand the processes behind their potential toxicity, in order to develop new strategies for human safety. As a matter of fact, there is a big discrepancy between the increased classes of nanoparticles and the consequent applications versus their toxicity assessment. Nanotoxicology is defined as the science that studies the effects of engineered nanodevices and nanostructures in living organisms. This chapter analyzes the physico-chemical properties of the most used nanoparticles, the way they enter the living organism and their cytoxicity mechanisms at cellular exposure level. Moreover, the current state of nanoparticles risk assessment is reported and analyzed.

LY2157299 (LY), which is very small molecule bringing high cancer diffusion, is a pathway antagonist against TGFβ. LY dosage can be diluted by blood plasma, can be captured by immune system or it might be dissolved during digestion in gastrointestinal tract. The aim of our study is to optimize a “nano-elastic” carrier to avoid acidic pH of gastrointestinal tract, colon alkaline pH, and anti-immune recognition. Polygalacturonic acid (PgA) is not degradable in the gastrointestinal tract due to its insolubility at acidic pH. To avoid PgA solubility in the colon, we have designed its conjugation with Polyacrylic acid (PAA). PgA-PAA conjugation has enhanced their potential use for oral and injected dosage. Following these pre-requisites, novel polymeric nano-micelles derived from PgA-PAA conjugation and loading LY2157299 are developed and characterized. Efficacy, uptake and targeting against a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HLF) have also been demonstrated.