Cover Picture: Nanoparticulate Functional Materials (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 8/2010)

Abstract

Nanoscientists boldly go to the frontiers of the smallest solids in basic science and their technical application. In their Review on H. Goesmann and C. Feldmann point to the visionary potential of nanoparticulate functional materials. After a general introduction of the topic, the optical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic properties of nanoparticles as well as their potential for upgrading materials are summarized. Moreover, fundamentally novel shapes and compositions of matter are presented.

Radionuclide-labeled nanostructures for In Vivo imaging of cancer

“…SPECT imaging uses gamma emitting radioisotopes such as Nanostructures, which range in size from 1 to 100 nm, have a high surface area to volume ratio and strong, controllable binding capacity for specific molecules. This allows for varied surface modification and the multivalent binding of targets, which suggests new applications in molecular imaging and nanomedicine [38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48]. While active targeting is advantageous, the most important factor of nanostructure development for bioimaging is the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect due to the leakage of neovasculature in tumor.…”

Phytoextraction as a tool for green chemistry

“…In this field, the unique properties of nanoparticles enable reactions that were not possible or significantly low yielding when using conventional catalysts [141]. Plant synthesized Au nanoparticles have offered exciting possibilities in catalysis for pollution reduction.…”

“…Work has demonstrated that TiO 2 nanoparticles are excellent catalysts for applications including photocatalysis, dye-sensitized solar cells and photovoltaic cells [143]. While bulk TiO 2 is relatively non-conducting and therefore ineffective in these processes, efficient electron transport is achieved through the large surface area of nanoparticles [141]. Mahmood et al [144] have shown the potential for use of plant synthesized TiO 2 nanoparticles, formed by phytoextraction using water hyacinth, as effective photocatalysts for the production of syngas.…”

“…Mahmood et al [144] have shown the potential for use of plant synthesized TiO 2 nanoparticles, formed by phytoextraction using water hyacinth, as effective photocatalysts for the production of syngas. This work may lead to other applications of plant-synthesized TiO 2 nanoparticles, for example, in the production of hydrogen by the photolytic dissociation of water, where TiO 2 continues to be the most promising material for use in this area [141].…”

Amino covalent binding approach on iron oxide nanoparticle surface: Toward biological applications

“…However, to meet the requirements for cellular delivery, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have to be subjected to chemical modification, such as strong affinity between the carriers and biomolecules, as well as a good biocompatibility, amongst others, for example to allow for targeting or to enhance circulation times. Surface modification of these NPs can improve the interaction between NPs and biomolecules 9,10 . Modified NPs as carriers for drugs and biomolecules have several advantages, such as the grafting of specific biomolecules onto NPs able to provide site specific delivery into cells 11 .…”