In the preparation of oxide powders, specific surface area is a very important indicator, which directly affects the performance and application of the powder. However, the specific surface area is influenced by many factors, the most important of which is the preparation method. Different preparation methods can lead to differences in the size, shape, and porosity of powder particles, which in turn affect their specific surface area. Therefore, when choosing a preparation method, it is necessary to select the appropriate process based on specific application requirements.
Iron oxide nanoparticles are extensively studied for their use in medical applications due to their unique magnetic properties. However, one of the major concerns with the use of inorganic nanoparticles is their potential biotoxicity. Inorganic nanoparticles have a slow clearance kinetics that can pose a potential threat to their in vivo application. The clearance of nanoparticles from the body largely depends on the surface physicochemical properties rather than their size and shape.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent disease characterized by subchondral bone fracture, and there is no accurate and specific treatment yet available. Recently, the research team has synthesized a new multifunctional scaffold that can potentially solve this problem. Using photo-polymerized modified hyaluronic acid (GMHA) as a substrate and hollow porous magnetic microspheres (HAp-Fe3O4) as the base, they designed a scaffold with optimum properties for subchondral bone repair.
The accurate diagnosis and treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) require high sensitivity and resolution imaging technologies. Unfortunately, such technologies are still lacking in the field. However, on July 4th, 2024, Small reported the development of a Contrast-Enhanced Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (CE-SWI) technique that is capable of meeting high-precision imaging needs. The technique employs Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified by Dextran (Fe3O4@Dextran NPs), which allows for high sensitivity and resolution imaging of AIS at 9.4T.
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.
