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Papachristopoulou K, Vainos NA. Bioarchitectonic Nanophotonics by Replication and Systolic Miniaturization of Natural Forms. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:487. [PMID: 39194466 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9080487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The mimesis of biological mechanisms by artificial devices constitutes the modern, rapidly expanding, multidisciplinary biomimetics sector. In the broader bioinspiration perspective, however, bioarchitectures may perform independent functions without necessarily mimicking their biological generators. In this paper, we explore such Bioarchitectonic notions and demonstrate three-dimensional photonics by the exact replication of insect organs using ultra-porous silica aerogels. The subsequent conformal systolic transformation yields their miniaturized affine 'clones' having higher mass density and refractive index. Focusing on the paradigms of ommatidia, the compound eye of the hornet Vespa crabro flavofasciata and the microtrichia of the scarab Protaetia cuprea phoebe, we fabricate their aerogel replicas and derivative clones and investigate their photonic functionalities. Ultralight aerogel microlens arrays are proven to be functional photonic devices having a focal length f ~ 1000 μm and f-number f/30 in the visible spectrum. Stepwise systolic transformation yields denser and affine functional elements, ultimately fused silica clones, exhibiting strong focusing properties due to their very short focal length of f ~ 35 μm and f/3.5. The fabricated transparent aerogel and xerogel replicas of microtrichia demonstrate a remarkable optical waveguiding performance, delivering light to their sub-100 nm nanotips. Dense fused silica conical clones deliver light through sub-50 nm nanotips, enabling nanoscale light-matter interactions. Super-resolution bioarchitectonics offers new and alternative tools and promises novel developments and applications in nanophotonics and other nanotechnology sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Papachristopoulou
- Photonics Nanotechnology Research Laboratory-PNRL, Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
| | - Nikolaos A Vainos
- Photonics Nanotechnology Research Laboratory-PNRL, Department of Materials Science, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
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Michaloudis I, Kanamori K, Pappa I, Kehagias N. U(rano)topia: spectral skies and rainbow holograms for silica aerogel artworks. JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2023; 106:319-330. [PMID: 35283557 PMCID: PMC8896977 DOI: 10.1007/s10971-021-05676-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Micro/nano structuring in distinct chemical compositions has demonstrated added values which could be utilized in various modern applications and products through the lens of visual arts. Silica aerogel is a prominent example of such a nanostructure, with which we recently utilized to accommodate the unique design of high jewelry. Using its natural shades and transparent layers, silica aerogel can be described by the first author, a visual artist, as an extremely beautiful and ethereal material that closely resembles a piece of sky. Ultimately silica aerogel can be exploited as a sky-like material, and has been used in numerous collaborations amongst artists and scientists to bring to life concepts, like rainbow holograms on silica aerogel dried by high-temperature supercritical drying with methanol. In this short review, we show how such collaborations the authors have been proceeding are evoking developments in science and technology as well as in design, fashion and art industries. The series of the collaborative research has been contributing to the development of quality end products by merging new technologies, novel functional materials and innovative manufacturing processes with visual arts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Michaloudis
- Faculty of Arts & Humanities, American University of Cyprus (AUCY), Larnaca, Cyprus
| | - Kazuyoshi Kanamori
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ifigenia Pappa
- Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering, University of Aegean, Syros, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kehagias
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR Demokritos, Athens, Greece
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Eftekhari A, Maleki Dizaj S, Ahmadian E, Przekora A, Hosseiniyan Khatibi SM, Ardalan M, Zununi Vahed S, Valiyeva M, Mehraliyeva S, Khalilov R, Hasanzadeh M. Application of Advanced Nanomaterials for Kidney Failure Treatment and Regeneration. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14112939. [PMID: 34072461 PMCID: PMC8198057 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The implementation of nanomedicine not only provides enhanced drug solubility and reduced off-target adverse effects, but also offers novel theranostic approaches in clinical practice. The increasing number of studies on the application of nanomaterials in kidney therapies has provided hope in a more efficient strategy for the treatment of renal diseases. The combination of biotechnology, material science and nanotechnology has rapidly gained momentum in the realm of therapeutic medicine. The establishment of the bedrock of this emerging field has been initiated and an exponential progress is observed which might significantly improve the quality of human life. In this context, several approaches based on nanomaterials have been applied in the treatment and regeneration of renal tissue. The presented review article in detail describes novel strategies for renal failure treatment with the use of various nanomaterials (including carbon nanotubes, nanofibrous membranes), mesenchymal stem cells-derived nanovesicles, and nanomaterial-based adsorbents and membranes that are used in wearable blood purification systems and synthetic kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Eftekhari
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh 7815155158, Iran;
- Russian Institute for Advanced Study, Moscow State Pedagogical University, 1/1, Malaya Pirogovskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Solmaz Maleki Dizaj
- Dental and Periodontal Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614756, Iran;
| | - Elham Ahmadian
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614756, Iran; (S.M.H.K.); (S.Z.V.)
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (A.P.); (M.A.); (M.H.); Tel.: +48-81-448-7026 (A.P.)
| | - Agata Przekora
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 1 Street, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (A.P.); (M.A.); (M.H.); Tel.: +48-81-448-7026 (A.P.)
| | | | - Mohammadreza Ardalan
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614756, Iran; (S.M.H.K.); (S.Z.V.)
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (A.P.); (M.A.); (M.H.); Tel.: +48-81-448-7026 (A.P.)
| | - Sepideh Zununi Vahed
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614756, Iran; (S.M.H.K.); (S.Z.V.)
| | - Mahbuba Valiyeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Management, Azerbaijan Medical University, AZ 1022 Baku, Azerbaijan; (M.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Sevil Mehraliyeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Management, Azerbaijan Medical University, AZ 1022 Baku, Azerbaijan; (M.V.); (S.M.)
| | - Rovshan Khalilov
- Russian Institute for Advanced Study, Moscow State Pedagogical University, 1/1, Malaya Pirogovskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, Baku State University, AZ 1148 Baku, Azerbaijan
- Institute of Radiation Problems, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, AZ 1001 Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Mohammad Hasanzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166614756, Iran
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (A.P.); (M.A.); (M.H.); Tel.: +48-81-448-7026 (A.P.)
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