Effect of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane on dissolution of silica nanoparticles synthesized reverse micro emulsion.

Silica nanomaterials have been studied based on their potential applications in a variety of fields, including biomedicine and agriculture. A number of different molecules have been condensed onto silica nanoparticles' surfaces to present the surface chemistry needed for a given application. Among those molecules, (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APS) is one of the most commonly applied silanes used for nanoparticle surface functionalization to achieve charge reversal as well as to enable cargo loading.

Silica Nanoparticle Dissolution Rate Controls the Suppression of of Watermelon ().

Projected population increases over the next 30 years have elevated the need to develop novel agricultural technologies to dramatically increase crop yield, particularly under conditions of high pathogen pressure. In this study, silica nanoparticles (NPs) with tunable dissolution rates were synthesized and applied to watermelon () to enhance plant growth while mitigating development of the Fusarium wilt disease caused by f. sp.

Microstructures and pharmaceutical properties of ferulic acid agglomerates prepared by different spherical crystallization methods.

Spherical agglomerates of an active pharmaceutical ingredient, ferulic acid (FA), were prepared using four different spherical crystallization methods, i.e., quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion (QESD), anti-solvent, pH shift, and the direct method.

Preparation of Colloidally Stable Positively Charged Hollow Silica Nanoparticles: Effect of Minimizing Hydrolysis on ζ Potentials.

Silica nanoparticles have received great attention as versatile nanomaterials in many fields such as drug delivery, sensing, and imaging due to their physical and chemical flexibility. Specifically, the silanol groups at the surface of silica nanoparticles have enabled various surface modifications and functionalization to tailor the nanoparticles for each application. Chemical tailoring to switch from negative to positive surface charge has been one important strategy to enhance cell internalization and biodistribution of the nanoparticles.

Effect of Silica Supports on Plasmonic Heating of Molecular Adsorbates as Measured by Ultrafast Surface-Enhanced Raman Thermometry.

Plasmonic materials show great potential for selective photocatalysis under relatively mild reaction conditions. However, the catalytic activity of these plasmonic catalysts can also depend upon the support material that stabilizes the catalysts, where the composition of the catalytic support may change the overall photocatalytic efficiency and yield. It is unknown how changes in the support material may change the plasmon-driven photocatalysis, which may be initiated by plasmon-derived hot carriers, localized heating, or enhanced electromagnetic fields.

Stabilization of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles: Preservation and Improvement of Plasmonic Functionalities.

Noble metal nanoparticles have been extensively studied to understand and apply their plasmonic responses, upon coupling with electromagnetic radiation, to research areas such as sensing, photocatalysis, electronics, and biomedicine. The plasmonic properties of metal nanoparticles can change significantly with changes in particle size, shape, composition, and arrangement. Thus, stabilization of the fabricated nanoparticles is crucial for preservation of the desired plasmonic behavior.

Molecular Affinity Agents for Intrinsic Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Sensors.

Research at the interface of synthetic materials, biochemistry, and analytical techniques has enabled sensing platforms for applications across many research communities. Herein we review the materials used as affinity agents to create surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensors. Our scope includes those affinity agents (antibody, aptamer, small molecule, and polymer) that facilitate the intrinsic detection of targets relevant to biology, medicine, national security, environmental protection, and food safety.

Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Biological Matrices.

This Feature describes several methods for the characterization of magnetic nanoparticles in biological matrices such as cells and tissues. The Feature focuses on sample preparation and includes several case studies where multiple techniques were used in conjunction.