Synthesis, Radiolabelling and In Vitro Imaging of Multifunctional Nanoceramics.

Molecular imaging has become a powerful technique in preclinical and clinical research aiming towards the diagnosis of many diseases. In this work, we address the synthetic challenges in achieving lab-scale, batch-to-batch reproducible copper-64- and gallium-68-radiolabelled metal nanoparticles (MNPs) for cellular imaging purposes. Composite NPs incorporating magnetic iron oxide cores with luminescent quantum dots were simultaneously encapsulated within a thin silica shell, yielding water-dispersible, biocompatible and luminescent NPs.

Copper-catalyzed one-pot synthesis of N-aryl oxazolidinones from amino alcohol carbamates.

An efficient sequential intramolecular cyclization of amino alcohol carbamates followed by Cu-catalyzed cross-coupling with aryl iodides under mild conditions has been developed. The reaction occurred in good yields and tolerated aryl iodides containing functionalities such as nitriles, ketones, ethers, and halogens. Heteroaryl iodides and substituted amino alcohol carbamates were also well tolerated.

Comparative assessment of technologies for extraction of artemisinin.

This paper describes results of a multiobjective comparative assessment of several established and emerging technologies for extraction of a natural antimalarial substance, artemisinin. Extractions by hexane, supercritical carbon dioxide, hydrofluorocarbon HFC-134a, ionic liquids, and ethanol were considered. Hexane extraction is an established technology and appears to be the most cost-effective.

Reversible storage of molecular hydrogen by sorption into multilayered TiO2 nanotubes.

The sorption of hydrogen between the layers of the multilayered wall of nanotubular TiO2 was studied in the temperature range of -195 to 200 degrees C and at pressures of 0 to 6 bar. Hydrogen can intercalate between layers in the walls of TiO2 nanotubes forming host-guest compounds TiO2 x xH2, where x < or = 1.5 and decreases at higher temperatures.