Abstract: A system for forming ammonia including an anode, a cathode in electrical communication with the anode, and a catalyst material positioned in an electrical communication pathway between the cathode and the anode, the catalyst material including nanoparticles including at least one of a conductor and a semiconductor, the nanoparticles having an interior cavity, wherein the system is configured to use nitrogen and water to generate ammonia.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a system for forming ammonia, the system comprising: an anode; a cathode in electrical communication with the anode; and a catalyst material positioned in an electrical communication pathway between the cathode and the anode, the catalyst material comprising a plurality of nanoparticles comprising at least one of a conductor and a semiconductor, each of the nanoparticles comprising an interior cavity, wherein the system is configured to use nitrogen and water to generate ammonia.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting migration of a cancer cell of a tumor in a subject comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the tumor with a gold nanomaterial; and (b) irradiating the tumor with an irradiation source.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a system for forming ammonia, the system comprising: an anode; a cathode in electrical communication with the anode; and a catalyst material positioned in an electrical communication pathway between the cathode and the anode, the catalyst material comprising a plurality of nanoparticles comprising at least one of a conductor and a semiconductor, each of the nanoparticles comprising an interior cavity, wherein the system is configured to use nitrogen and water to generate ammonia.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting migration of a cancer cell of a tumor in a subject comprising the steps of: (a) contacting the tumor with a gold nanomaterial; and (b) irradiating the tumor with an irradiation source.

Abstract: Noble metal nanoparticles and methods of their use are provided. Certain aspects provided solid noble metal nanoparticles tuned to the near infrared. The disclosed nanoparticles can be used in molecular imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods for imaging cells are also provided.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to compositions and methods for the targeted cellular delivery of nanoparticles. More particularly, the various embodiments of the present invention are directed to the cellular delivery of nanoparticles tethered to a ligand by way of a poly(ethylene glycol) linkage, wherein the ligand demonstrates a binding specificity for a cellular target. In an exemplary embodiment, the ligand is tamoxifen and the cellular target is the estrogen receptor, which is upregulated in many breast cancer cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lasing complex comprising a room temperature solution containing cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots. Optical gain has been observed in CdS nanocrystal quantum dots in strong confinement regime in toluene solution at room temperature using femtosecond transient absorption techniques. The optical gain lifetime is measured to be 20 picoseconds under pump fluence of 0.77 mJ/cm2. The relative lower gain threshold compared to that of CdSe quantum dots is attributed to the long lifetime of fluorescence and biexcitons and the relatively sharp photoluminescence linewidth. The CdS nanocrystals are excellent gain media for semiconductor quantum dot based blue lasers.

Abstract: Noble metal nanoparticles and methods of their use are provided. Certain aspects provided solid noble metal nanoparticles tuned to the near infrared. The disclosed nanoparticles can be used in molecular imaging, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods for imaging cells are also provided.

Abstract: A method to analyze and diagnose specific bacteria in a biologic sample using spectroscopy is disclosed. The method includes obtaining the spectra of a biologic sample of a non-infected patient for use as a reference, subtracting the reference from the spectra of an infected sample, and comparing the fingerprint regions of the resulting differential spectrum with reference spectra of bacteria in saline. Using this diagnostic technique, specific bacteria can be identified sooner and without culturing, bacteria-specific antibiotics can be prescribed sooner, resulting in decreased likelihood of antibiotic resistance and an overall reduction of medical costs.

Abstract: A method for shape controlled synthesis of colloidal metal nanoparticles includes providing a solution of 8.times.10.sup.-5 M K.sub.2 PtCl.sub.4 and water in a reaction vessel and maintaining the vessel at a constant temperature of approximately 25.degree. C. 0.1 M sodium polyacrylate is then added to the solution. Thereafter, argon gas is bubbled through the solution for approximately 20 minutes, and then hydrogen gas is bubbled through the solution for approximately 5 minutes to saturate the solution and so that platinum ions in the solution are reduced. The reaction vessel is sealed and the solution is allowed to stand for approximately 12 hours, whereby platinum colloidal nanoparticles possessing a particular shape distribution and size distribution are formed. The shape and size distributions of produced nanoparticles can be manipulated by changing the ratio of the concentration of sodium polyacrylate to platinum ions in a subsequently formed solution while maintaining all other variables constant.