Abstract: In the present invention, a method of producing a colourant-incorporated silk fibroin is provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: i) decrystallizing a degummed silk fibroin in the presence of an acidic solution or a metal salt solution (i.e. lithium bromide); ii) mixing one or more colourants with the decrystallized silk fibroin and iii) recrystallizing the decrystallized silk fibroin containing the colourants such that it forms a recrystallized region encapsulating the colourants, thereby obtaining the colourant-incorporated silk fibroin. In addition, a cosmetic product comprising the colourant-incorporated silk fibroin is provided.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing transition metal phosphide comprising the step of mixing a solution of a transition metal precursor and a phosphorous precursor under conditions to form the transition metal phosphide. There is also provided a transition metal phosphide particle made according to the method as defined herein. There is additionally provided a method of preparing a transition metal phosphide-based electrode used for producing hydrogen in the electrolysis of water.

Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing transition metal phosphide comprising the step of mixing a solution of a transition metal precursor and a phosphorous precursor under conditions to form the transition metal phosphide. There is also provided a transition metal phosphide particle made according to the method as defined herein. There is additionally provided a method of preparing a transition metal phosphide-based electrode used for producing hydrogen in the electrolysis of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence or amount of a compound in a sample by interparticle distance-dependent sensing, comprising: (a) contacting the sample suspected of containing the compound with rare earth doped metal oxide nanoparticles; and (b) detecting the compound by determining the change in luminescent properties of the rare earth doped metal oxide nanoparticles upon contact with the sample.