Analysis, Development, and Scaling-Up of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) Biocomposites with Hazelnuts Shell Powder (HSP).

In this work, two different typologies of hazelnuts shell powders (HSPs) having different granulometric distributions were melt-compounded into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. Different HSPs concentration (from 20 up to 40 wt.%) were investigated with the aim to obtain final biocomposites with a high filler quantity, acceptable mechanical properties, and good melt fluidity in order to be processable.

Gold nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity in the alveolar type-II cell lines A549 and NCIH441.

Background: During the last years engineered nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively used in different technologies and consequently many questions have arisen about the risk and the impact on human health following exposure to nanoparticles. Nevertheless, at present knowledge about the cytotoxicity induced by NPs is still largely incomplete. In this context, we have investigated the cytotoxicity induced by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which differed in size and purification grade (presence or absence of sodium citrate residues on the particle surface) in vitro, in the human alveolar type-II (ATII)-like cell lines A549 and NCIH441.

Synthesis and coating of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: a first step toward the obtainment of new magnetic nanocarriers.

Monodisperse and stable cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles (5.4 nm) have been produced, coated with mono- and difunctional phosphonic and hydroxamic acids, and fully characterized (using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), IR spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) measurements). Cobalt leakage of the coated nanoparticles has been also studied.

Advances in single-molecule magnet surface patterning through microcontact printing.

We present an implementation of strategies to deposit single-molecule magnets (SMMs) using microcontact printing microCP). We describe different approaches of microCP to print stripes of a sulfur-functionalized dodecamanganese (III, IV) cluster on gold surfaces. Comparison by atomic force microscopy profile analysis of the patterned structures confirms the formation of a chemically stable single layer of SMMs.

Isolated single-molecule magnets on native gold.

The incorporation of thioether groups in the structure of a Mn12 single-molecule magnet, [Mn12(O12)(L)16(H2O)4] with L = 4-(methylthio)benzoate, is a successful route to the deposition of well-separated clusters on native gold surfaces and to the addressing of individual molecules by scanning tunnelling microscopy.

Site-specific ligation of anthracene-1,8-dicarboxylates to an Mn12 core: a route to the controlled functionalisation of single-molecule magnets.

A novel single-molecule magnet of the Mn12 family, [Mn12O12(O2CC6H5)8(L)4(H2O)4].8CH2Cl2, has been synthesised by site-specific ligand exchange using a tailor-made dicarboxylate (L2-), which leads to selective occupation of axial binding sites.