Abstract: An indicator composition for determining a thermal or chronological history during shipping or storage of a product. The composition includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed throughout a matrix. The nanoparticles turn color while dispersed in the matrix as a function at least one of time and temperature.

Abstract: An indicator composition for determining a thermal or chronological history during shipping or storage of a product. The composition includes a plurality of nanoparticles dispersed throughout a matrix. The nanoparticles turn color while dispersed in the matrix as a function at least one of time and temperature.

Abstract: Multiple-layer hydrogels and methods of forming hydrogels having multiple layers are disclosed. The hydrogels are formed of prepolymerization solutions comprising monomers or macromers, particularly polyethylene glycol. The layers are covalently bonded, and the hydrogels may comprise two or more layers.

Abstract: A method for preparing an adsorbent composition for removal of mercury from an environment. A quantity of activated carbon is treated with a protein having a net negative charge to obtain a negative surface charge. Gold is plated on a treated portion of the quantity of activated carbon to form an adsorbent for the removal of mercury. The gold is plated on the activated carbon by electroless gold plating. The electroless gold plating includes adsorbing tin ions onto the treated portion of the quantity of activated carbon, adsorbing silver atoms onto the adsorbed tin, and substituting gold atoms for the adsorbed silver. The gold forms a chemical amalgam with mercury and thereby can be used to remove mercury from industrial emissions.