Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of producing a ferroelectric memory which method comprises: a) providing ferroelectric particles, b) providing a substrate, c) orientating at least a subset of said ferroelectric particles such that there is an axis of said particles along which axis a dipole moment may be directed in the ferroelectric state, said axis having an orientation the average of which is in at least one predetermined direction with regard to a surface of said substrate, d) allowing said ferroelectric particles to attach to said substrate, and to a method of storing information on a substrate, and to a memory device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a nanowire crossbar structure, comprising: (a) providing a substrate; (b) depositing thereon a composite structure comprising a nucleic acid-block copolymer having equidistant nucleic acid-catalyst binding sites and at least one catalyst nanoparticle functionalized to bind specifically to nucleic acid segments of the copolymer; (c) applying a directed gas flow and/or an alternating electric field onto the composite structure; and (d) applying chemical vapor deposition techniques, a use of such a structure and a structure obtainable by such a method.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of attaching hydrophilic species to hydrophilic macromolecules and immobilizing the hydrophilic macromolecules on a hydrophobic surface, to a nano-assembly and to uses of the nano-assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7), said cathode (3) comprising a metal complex, ML, where M represents a metal and L represents an organic or inorganic ligand, said complex being capable of forming the hydroxyl radical by a reaction wherein the metal in the complex is oxidised and acquires an additional positive charge, said anode (5) creating positive ions and electrons, said electrolyte (7) allowing the transfer of a positive charges, said cathode being arranged such that the fluid to be purified can come into contact with the metal complex on the cathode. The invention also provides a related electrode and a related electrochemical cell as well as a corresponding method for purifying fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for defect and conductivity engineering of an individual part in a conducting nanoscaled structure by generating heat-induced migration, melting, sputtering and/or evaporation of conductive material of the nanoscaled structure by directing a focussed electron beam on this individual part of the structure to be engineered. The invention further relates to the use of a secondary electron microscope having a filter for detecting back scattered electrons for such a method and a respective secondary electron microscope having such a filter for detecting back scattered electrons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the metallisation of nucleic acids, comprising providing tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine-Au (THP-Au) particles or derivatives thereof, binding said THP-Au particles to a nucleic acid to produce a metal nanoparticle-nucleic acid composite, and treatment of the metal nanoparticle-nucleic acid composite with an electroless plating solution. The invention further relates to a metallized nucleic acid obtainable according to such a method and a nanowire including a method for the manufacture of a nanowire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanoparticle film comprising a nanoparticle network formed of nanoparticles interlinked by linker molecules. The linker molecules have at least two linker units that can bind to the surface of the nanoparticles. By introducing selectivity-enhancing units in the linker molecule, the selectivity of the nanoparticle film towards target analytes can be enhanced. A fine-tuning of the selectivity can be achieved by including a fine-tuning unit in the vicinity of the selectivity-enhancing unit. The nanoparticle film can be used to produce chemical sensors which are selective and stable in their performance.

Abstract: The invention relates to tuned multifunctional linker molecules for charge transport through organic-inorganic composite structures. The problem underlying the present invention is to provide multifunctional linker molecules for tuning the conductivity in nanoparticle-linker assemblies which can be used in the formation of electronic networks and circuits and thin films of nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for immobilization of nucleic acid molecules on a substrate, wherein the substrate is treated with atomic oxygen plasma prior to immobilizing the nucleic acid molecules thereon. The invention is further related to immobilized nucleic acid molecules and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the linker molecules comprising one or more nucleic acid binding group and one or more nanoparticle binding group which are connected covalently by a spacer group. The problem underlying the present invention is to provide methods for the controlled and selective metallization of nucleic acids, the production of nanowires which may be used, e.g., in the formation of electronic networks and circuits allowing a high density arrangement, and the components of devices that may be incorporated in such networks and circuits. This problem is solved by a linker molecule which comprises one or more nucleic acid binding group(s) and one or more nanoparticle binding group(s) which are connected covalently by a spacer group. Such linkers can be used for the manufacture of nucleic acid/linker conjugates, nanoparticle/linker conjugates, and nanoparticle/linker/nucleic acid composites and further nanowires, electronic networks, electronic circuits and junctions comprising said nanowires.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of producing a ferroelectric memory which method comprises:

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the direct and selective metallisation of nucleic acids via metal nanoparticles produced in-situ in which a nucleic acid specific metal complex is reacted with a nucleic acid to produce a metal complex-nucleic acid conjugate, non-conjugated metal complex and/or non-conjugated by-products are removed, and the metal complex-nucleic acid conjugate is reacted with a reducing agent to produce a metal nanoparticle-nucleic acid composite. The metal nanoparticle-nucleic acid composites may be used, e. g., in the formation of nanowires, for electronic networks and circuits allowing a high density arrangement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for purifying fluids comprising at least one electrochemical cell having a cathode (3), an anode (5) and an electrolyte (7),