Abstract: Globular microstructures comprising a liquid core and a solid shell that envelops the core comprising polymeric micro- or nanofibers, preferably obtained by electrospinning, comprising a hydrophobic polymer or a mixture of hydrophobic polymer with polymers derived from cellulose or with polyacrylates; the microstructures may have a further coating of nanoparticles or polymeric coating. The microstructures have applications similar to those of “liquid marbles” with improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Composition in the form of a shaped device, for use as a fiducial marker in tissues in the animal body, in radiotherapy and/or radiosurgery, characterized in that it comprises:—a core consisting of a colloidal dispersion of metal nanoparticles and/or oxides or metal salts having X-ray-contrast properties, where said nanoparticles are stabilized with surfactants, polymers or capping agents in a liquid vehicle, and—a polymeric casing that encapsulates the core, said device having a minimum size of not less than 500 microns and a maximum size not greater than 3000 microns.

Abstract: Composition in the form of a shaped device, for use as a fiducial marker in tissues in the animal body, in radiotherapy and/or radiosurgery, characterized in that it comprises: —a core consisting of a colloidal dispersion of metal nanoparticles and/or oxides or metal salts having X-ray-contrast properties, where said nanoparticles are stabilized with surfactants, polymers or capping agents in a liquid vehicle, and —a polymeric casing that encapsulates the core, said device having a minimum size of not less than 500 microns and a maximum size not greater than 3000 microns.

Abstract: Globular microstructures comprising a liquid core and a solid shell that envelops the core comprising polymeric micro- or nanofibres, preferably obtained by electrospinning, comprising a hydrophobic polymer or a mixture of hydrophobic polymer with polymers derived from cellulose or with polyacrylates; the microstructures may have a further coating of nanoparticles or polymeric coating. The microstructures have applications similar to those of “liquid marbles” with improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing branched gold nanoparticles is described, starting from an aqueous solution of gold nanoparticle spherical seeds, which is subjected to a growth treatment with an aqueous solution comprising hydroxylamine or a salt thereof as a reducing agent and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) as an agent that directs the shape of the nanostructure, and by subsequent addition of an aqueous solution of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4). The structural features and the properties of the branched gold nanoparticles obtained by the method of the invention are also described.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing branched gold nanoparticles is described, starting from an aqueous solution of gold nanoparticle spherical seeds, which is subjected to a growth treatment with an aqueous solution comprising hydroxylamine or a salt thereof as a reducing agent and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) as an agent that directs the shape of the nanostructure, and by subsequent addition of an aqueous solution of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4). The structural features and the properties of the branched gold nanoparticles obtained by the method of the invention are also described.