Abstract: Metal nanoparticles were incorporated into wood. Ionic liquids were used to expand the wood cell wall structure for nanoparticle incorporation into the cell wall structure. Nanoparticles of elemental gold or silver were found to be effective surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) imaging contrast or sensing agents. Nanoparticles of elemental iron were found to be efficient microwave absorbers and caused localized heating for disrupting the integrity of the lignocellulosic matrix. Controls suggest that the localized heating around the iron nanoparticles reduces losses of cellulose in the form of water, volatiles and CO2. The ionic liquid is needed during the incorporation process at room temperature. The use of small amounts of ionic liquid combined with the absence of an ionic liquid purification step and a lower energy and water use are expected to reduce costs in an up-scaled pretreatment process.

Abstract: Metal nano articles were incorporated into wood. Ionic liquids were used to expand the wood cell wall structure for nanoparticle incorporation into the cell wall structure. Nanoparticles of elemental gold or silver were found to be effective surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) imaging contrast or sensing agents. Nanoparticles of elemental iron were found to be efficient microwave absorbers and caused localized heating for disrupting the integrity of the lignocellulosic matrix. Controls suggest that the localized beating around the iron nanoparticles reduces losses of cellulose in the form of water volatiles and CO2. The ionic liquid is needed during the incorporation process at room temperature. The use of small amounts of ionic liquid combined with the absence of an ionic liquid purification step and a lower energy and water use are expected to reduce costs in an up-scaled pretreatment process.

Abstract: Nanoparticle composites and method of use thereof for simultaneously sensing and probing a biological system, comprising providing a nanoparticle composite comprising a nanoparticle comprising a core and a shell; a first ligand bound to the nanoparticle, said first ligand capable of sensing pH; a second ligand bound to the nanoparticle, said second ligand distinct from said first ligand and capable of binding to a target; and bringing the nanoparticle composite into contact with the biological system to produce a first and a second pH-dependent signal; and analyzing the first or the second signal by means of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.