The combination of flexibility and elasticity makes elastic materials essential in a wide range of industries, including automotive, construction, and consumer goods. Moreover, they are increasingly attractive in emerging fields such as microfluidics, soft robotics, wearables, and medical devices. However, having sufficient mechanical strength is a prerequisite for any application. Thus, solving the seemingly contradictory attributes between softness and strength has always been an eternal pursuit.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been extensively used as a potent reagent to enhance the Raman scattering of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) due to their excellent stability and enhancing properties. In a recent publication by Nano Convergence, a more eco-friendly and efficient method of in-situ manufacturing of SERS substrates with AgNPs has been reported.
The use of silver-based materials for their strong antibacterial properties has long been recognized, but concerns about their potential toxicity have led to the need for alternative, safe, and effective antibacterial systems. Against this backdrop, a team of researchers has developed a novel synergistic antibacterial system using arginine-modified chitosan (ACS) composite silver-loaded MMT (AgNPs@MMT) for food preservation. This article explores this promising solution in detail.
The fusion of nanotechnology and textile engineering has led to the development and improved performance of multifunctional smart materials in various application fields. One recent breakthrough is the one-step synthesis of AgNPs/CNTs spray-coating solution, which is used to anchor silver nanoparticles on multi-walled carbon nanotubes and apply them onto nonwoven fabric to create multifunctional smart textiles.
Nanoparticles have been increasingly used in biomedical and clinical applications. However, their nonspecific interaction with proteins in biological media has posed challenges in their translation into clinical applications. In this regard, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have received significant attention due to their unique optical and electronic properties, leading to important applications in imaging, diagnostics, and therapy. This article will explore the impact of surface coating of AuNPs on the formation of protein corona, and the implications of the findings for the design of colloidal nanomaterials for biological applications.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease that results in severe pain, impaired mobility, and even disability. An increasing body of evidence suggests that improving the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and increasing the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) can further alleviate clinical symptoms and delay the progression of this disease.
