Development of Gelled-Oil Nanoparticles for the Encapsulation and Release of Berberine.

In this study, a new drug carrier based on gelled-oil nanoparticles (GNPs) was designed and synthesized for the encapsulation and release of the model hydrophobic drug, berberine chloride (BCl). Two compositions with different oil phases were examined, sesame oil (SO) and cinnamaldehyde (Cin), which were emulsified with water, stabilized with Tween 80 (Tw80), and gelled using an N-alkylated primary oxalamide low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) to give stable dispersions of GNPs between 100 and 200 nm in size. The GNP formulation with Cin was significantly favored over SO due to (1) lower gel melting temperatures, (2) higher gel mechanical strength, and (3) significantly higher solubility, encapsulation efficiency, and loading of BCl.

Porous Nanophotonic Optomechanical Beams for Enhanced Mass Adsorption.

We have developed a porous silicon nanocantilever for a nano-optomechanical system (NOMS) with a universal sensing surface for enhanced sensitivity. Using electron beam lithography, we selectively applied a VO/HF stain etch to the mechanical elements while protecting the silicon-on-insulator photonic ring resonators. This simple, rapid, and electrodeless approach generates tunable device porosity simultaneously with the mechanical release step.

Nano-Optomechanical Systems for Gas Chromatography.

Microgas chromatography (GC) is promising for portable chemical analysis. We demonstrate a nano-optomechanical system (NOMS) as an ultrasensitive mass detector in gas chromatography. Bare, native oxide, silicon surfaces are sensitive enough to monitor volatile organic compounds at ppm levels, while simultaneously demonstrating chemical selectivity.