Abstract: The cellulose nanofiber production method of the present invention comprises an oxidation treatment step for oxidizing native cellulose in a neutral or acidic reaction solution containing an N-oxyl compound and an oxidizing agent that oxidizes aldehyde groups, and a dispersion step for dispersing the native cellulose in a medium following the oxidation treatment step. According to the production method of the present invention, a cellulose nanofiber is provided that has long fibers and demonstrates high strength.

Abstract: A new method to control the dispersibility of dried nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) by controlling solution pH and ionic strength is provided; when stable, non-reswellable acid-form NCC (H-NCC) films are placed in concentrated sodium hydroxide solutions, they swell but do not disperse; while sodium-form NCC (Na-NCC) or other NCC films having neutral monovalent counterions readily disperse in pure water, Na-NCC films placed in hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride as well as sodium hydroxide solutions of sufficient ionic strength swell, but do not disperse; similar properties are observed for freeze-dried NCC products. The dispersibility of these NCC films is a function of the ionic strength and the identity of the electrolyte solutions to which they are exposed. NCC films are envisaged that have barrier properties in an electrolyte solution but that disintegrate or disperse when rinsed with pure water at the end of their useful lifespan.

Abstract: Dermal delivery is best suited for the various skin diseases or disorders. However, the stratum corneum limits the permeation of number of suitable pharmaceutical agents for dermal delivery. Certain embodiments of the present invention include surface modified multilayered nanostructures. The modification was completed by using fatty acids enabling delivery of a significant amount of one or more pharmaceutical agent(s) into deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis to treat skin diseases or disorders. Each active pharmaceutical agent can be encapsulated into the separate layers of the nanostructures.

Abstract: Dermal delivery is best suited for the various skin diseases or disorders. However, the stratum corneum limits the permeation of number of suitable pharmaceutical agents for dermal delivery. Certain embodiments of the present invention include surface modified multilayered nanostructures. The modification was completed by using fatty acids enabling delivery of a significant amount of one or more pharmaceutical agent(s) into deeper layers of the epidermis and dermis to treat skin diseases or disorders. Each active pharmaceutical agent can be encapsulated into the separate layers of the nanostructures.

Abstract: Cellulose nanofibers are produced using a 4-hydroxy TEMPO derivative by treating a cellulosic material with an oxidizing agent in water in the presence of a cellulose oxidation catalyst containing an N-oxyl compound to prepare oxidized cellulos, and microfibrillating the oxidized cellulose.

Abstract: Presents novel hollow fiber shaped organic nanotubes that can be easily produced in a short time span and also have a broad range of utility. An N-glycoside type glycolipid represented by the general formula (1) shown below. G-NHCO—R??(1) (In the formula, G represents a saccharide radical other than a hemiacetal hydroxyl group bonded to the anomer carbon atom of the saccharide, and R represents an unsaturated hydrocarbon group containing ten to 39 carbon atoms.) This molecule self-aggregates and forms hollow fiber shaped organic nanotubes in water when this N-glycoside type glycolipid is dissolved, allowed to cool gradually and allowed to stand undisturbed at room temperature. The average external diameter of the nanotubes is from 70 nm to 500 nm and the average internal diameter (average diameter of the cavity) is from 40 nm to 300 nm.

Abstract: A nanoengineered membrane for controlling material transport (e.g., molecular transport) is disclosed. The membrane includes a substrate, a cover defining a material transport channel between the substrate and the cover, and a plurality of fibers positioned in the channel and connected to and extending away from a surface of the substrate. The fibers are aligned perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, and have a width of 100 nanometers or less. The diffusion limits for material transport are controlled by the separation of the fibers. In one embodiment, chemical derivatization of carbon fibers may be undertaken to further affect the diffusion limits or affect selective permeability or facilitated transport. For example, a coating can be applied to at least a portion of the fibers. In another embodiment, individually addressable carbon nanofibers can be integrated with the membrane to provide an electrical driving force for material transport.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition for preparing a nanoporous material. The composition comprises i) a cyclodextrin derivative, ii) a thermostable matrix precursor, and iii) a solvent for dissolving the components i) and ii). The composition enables the preparation of a low dielectric constant film in which nanopores with a size of 20 ? or less are uniformly distributed.