Relative parameter contributions for encapsulating silica-gold nanoshells by poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogels

Nano-silver hydroxyapatite based antibacterial 3D scaffolds of gelatin/alginate/poly (vinyl alcohol) for bone tissue engineering applications

In the present study macroporous three dimensional spongy scaffolds composed of gelatin, alginate, and poly (vinyl alcohol) were prepared by cryogelation technique and silver hydroxyapatite was reinforced into the 3 D matrix. The polymer nanocomposite materials were characterized by analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The nanocomposite scaffolds were studied for their porous nature, water sorption capacity, and mechanical behavior. The suitability of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering applications was judged by evaluating their antibacterial and cytotoxic nature against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, and MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cells, respectively. The scaffolds were also studied for release of silver ions and the influence of various experimental conditions on the release profiles of silver ions was investigated.

Hollow and inward-bumpy gold nanoshells fabricated using expanded silica mesopores as templates

Hollow and inward-bumpy Au nanoshells showing efficient Raman enhancement have been fabricated using expanded silica mesopores as templates.

Novel biocompatible nanoreactor for silica/gold hybrid nanoparticles preparation

A new approach to the preparation of PEGylated [PEG: poly(ethylene glycol)] SiO(2)/Au hybrid nanoparticles was investigated. The synthesis of a PEGylated nanogel containing SiO(2)/Au hybrid nanoparticles was performed using matrix-catalyzed hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate, followed by the reduction of HAuCl(4). UV-vis absorption of the prepared hybrid particles was obtained at 618 nm, which is a much longer wavelength than that of a nanogel containing only Au nanoparticles (523 nm). High-angle annular dark field images of the prepared particles observed using transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the coexistence of Si and Au in the same particle. The presence of Si and Au in the prepared particles was also confirmed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Dynamic light-scattering measurements of the particles in a highly ionic medium showed that they have high stability in both acidic and basic regions.

Thermal energy transfer by plasmon-resonant composite nanoparticles at pulse laser irradiation

Heating of composite plasmon-resonant nanoparticles (spherical gold nanoshells) under pulse laser illumination is considered. The numerical solution of the time-dependent heat conduction equation accounting for spatial inhomogeneities of absorbed laser radiation is performed. Important features of temperature kinetics and thermal flux inside nanoparticles are analyzed. Possible applications of the observed effects in nanotechnology and medicine are discussed.