In a significant advancement for renewable energy, a new photocatalyst that efficiently produces hydrogen from sunlight has been developed by researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya—BarcelonaTech (UPC) and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2). This development paves the way for new methods of harnessing solar energy to generate clean hydrogen, crucial for sustainable energy advancements. Hydrogen is vital for a sustainable energy future, mainly derived from renewable sources. The ability of certain semiconductors to initiate chemical reactions under su ..read more

Scientists have achieved a significant breakthrough by utilising the noni plant, known as Morinda citrifolia, widespread in Asia, to develop an eco-friendly process for creating copper oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are notable for their ability to kill bacteria, and their antibacterial strength is influenced by several factors, including their size, structure, and the concentration of copper oxide present. This study area has captivated biochemists who are investigating various methods to produce these particles. Traditional techniques have depended on chemical and physical processe ..read more

Catalysts are essential for enabling chemical reactions to proceed at accelerated rates and with improved efficiency, offering alternative pathways crucial for developing green energy solutions. This attribute of catalysts is particularly significant in the ongoing transition towards greener energy solutions. A notable advancement in this field has been made by the laboratory at Rice University, led by the renowned nanotechnology expert Naomi Halas. This team has made a breakthrough in utilising the catalytic potential of aluminium nanoparticles. This development could have far-reaching implic ..read more

The shift towards renewable energy sources is sparking significant technological advancements that rely on catalysis, a critical process for generating clean energy by manipulating chemical bonds. This growing interest in renewable energy is part of a global movement towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions. In the field of catalysis, there's a particular focus on how core-shell nanoparticles, which are tiny particles composed of a core and a shell made from different metals, can enhance the efficiency of catalytic systems. These systems typically use metal cataly ..read more

When harmful bacteria amass on teeth or in wounds, they often create a tough, slimy barrier known as a biofilm, making them a formidable opponent against conventional treatments. These biofilms act like microscopic fortresses, protecting the bacteria from the effects of antibiotics, making eliminating the infection challenging. However, a pioneering approach developed by scientists from Stanford University and the University of Pennsylvania is showing promise in tackling this issue head-on without the need for antibiotics. This innovative method involves using gold nanoparticles, which are tin ..read more

The challenge of finding practical, safe medications for pregnant women has been a longstanding issue, often leading to the prescription of drugs off-label or the avoidance of treatment altogether. A groundbreaking study has now presented a promising approach for creating safe gene therapies for pregnant individuals, potentially transforming the landscape of prenatal care. The revolutionary use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), which gained widespread attention through their application in COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, is at the forefront of this research. These LNPs have been administered to hundreds ..read more

The innovative realm of cosmetic science has recently spotlighted lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) for their exceptional potential in fortifying sun protection measures within skincare products. These nanoparticles are celebrated for their superior ability to block harmful UV rays, a critical feature that outshines the capabilities of their soluble counterparts, the lignin oligomers. Despite these promising attributes, the intricate relationship between the chemical makeup of these LNPs and their particle size distribution remains a subject of ongoing research. A notable challenge in this field has ..read more

Nanotechnology’s enormous potential across various sectors has long attracted the eye of investors, keen to capitalise on its commercial potency. Yet the initial propulsion provided by traditional venture capital avenues was reined back when the reality of long development timelines, regulatory hurdles, and difficulty in translating scientific advances into commercially viable products became apparent. While the initial flurry of activity declined in the early part of the 21st century, a new kid on the investing block has proved an enticing option beyond traditional funding methods. Corporate ..read more

Discovering the optimal strategy for administering chemotherapy to cancer cells presents a significant challenge. The ideal scenario involves treatments explicitly targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy ones. This is where immunoliposomes come into play, offering a promising solution. These specialised carriers can attach to specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells, thanks to their surface-targeting ligands. This capability allows cancer cells ample opportunity to absorb the therapeutic agents contained within the immunoliposomes, effectively delivering the "poison" directly to t ..read more

Genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss present significant challenges in the medical field, affecting thousands worldwide. These conditions, caused by genetic mutations, lead to severe symptoms and a decreased quality of life for those affected. Addressing these disorders requires innovative treatment approaches that directly target and correct the underlying genetic errors. In response, a collaborative research effort between Oregon State University College of Pharmacy and Oregon Health & Science University has led to a promising development. The team, led by ..read more