Fracture healing is a well-organized process between several molecules and mediators. As known from other diseases, genetic polymorphisms may exhibit different expression patterns in these mediators. Concerning fracture healing, this may lead to an extended healing process or non-union. We investigated the incidence of polymorphisms in patients with aseptic non-unions after femoral and tibial shaft fractures as compared to patients with uneventful healing. Exclusion criteria were smoking, diabetes, bilateral fractures, systemic corticoid therapy, and septic non-unions. Analysis of allele frequencies and genotype distribution of various mediators were carried out following PCR. Clinical parameters such as injury severity and in-hospital were analyzed. Fifty patients following non-union (group NU) were enrolled, the control group consisted of 44 patients (group H). A significant association of a PDGF haplotype and non-unions following fracture could be observed. There was a significantly increased in-hospital time and amount of surgical procedures in group NU. Polymorphisms within the PDGF gene seem to be a genetic risk factor for the development of nonunions of the lower extremity following fracture. The early identification of high risk patients could result in an adapted therapeutical strategy and might contribute to a significant decrease of posttraumatic non-unions. ß

Herein, the synthesis and characterization of the first polymeric nanocomposite based on silicon nanosheets (SiNSs) are reported. In a one‐step reaction, the formation of the polymeric matrix material and simultaneous functionalization of the SiNSs with polymers occur via radical polymerization of organic monomers such as styrene, methyl methacrylate, and acrylic acid. Depending on the purification method used, a covalently linked nanocomposite or the functionalized SiNSs are obtained. SiNSs decompose when exposed to basic conditions or to UV light. The UV‐light‐based decomposition is briefly investigated. In the nanocomposite, the stability of the 2D nanomaterial enhances significantly against these external influences, while the optoelectronic properties (e.g., photoluminescence) of the SiNSs and the processing characteristics of the polymeric matrix are preserved.

Additive manufacturing techniques are known for their impressive possibilities in shaping complex structures, which would be beneficial in the production of alumina‐based catalyst shaped bodies. 3D printing of dense ceramics, especially Al2O3, is known for various printing systems. However, only little effort was done to produce pure alumina parts with increased BET surface areas and sufficient mechanical strength to be used as catalyst carriers. The applicability of four different printing techniques is evaluated and discussed to determine possibilities, strategies and limitations of each technique.

Silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) are abundant and exhibit exquisitely tailorable optoelectronic properties. The incorporation of SiNCs into highly porous and lightweight substrates such as aerogels leads to hybrid materials possessing the attractive features of both materials. This study describes the covalent deposition of SiNCs on and intercalation into silica aerogels, explores the properties, and demonstrates a prototype sensing application of the composite material. SiNCs of different sizes were functionalized with triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS) via a radical grafting approach and subsequently used for the synthesis of photoluminescent silica hybrids. The resulting SiNC-containing aerogels possess high porosities, SiNC-based size-dependent photoluminescence, transparency, and a superhydrophobic macroscopic surface. The materials were used to examine the photoluminescence response toward low concentrations of 3-nitrotoluene (270 μM), demonstrating their potential as a sensing platform for high-energy materials.

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