Abstract: A nucleic acid cleavage complex is disclosed, which includes: a nanoparticle, a nucleic acid cleavage reagent, and a polynucleotide chain specifically recognizing a sequence of a target nucleic acid and having a first terminal and a second terminal opposite to the first terminal, wherein the first terminal is connected to the nanoparticle, the second terminal is connected to the nucleic acid cleavage reagent, and the first terminal sequence and the second terminal sequence are base-paired to make the polynucleotide chain form a hairpin. Also, a method for using the nucleic acid cleavage complex is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a methodology of incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into an epoxy matrix and thereby producing epoxy-based CNT nanocomposites. Both the pristine and ozonized CNTs are almost homogeneously dispersed into the resin by this approach. Compared with the pristine CNTs (p-MWCNTs), the ozonized ones (f-MWCNTs) offer considerable improvements on mechanical properties within the epoxy resin.

Abstract: A method of making cerium-containing metal oxide nanoparticles in non-polar solvent eliminates the need for solvent shifting steps. The direct synthesis method involves: (a) forming a reaction mixture of a source of cerous ion and a carboxylic acid, and optionally, a hydrocarbon solvent; and optionally further comprises a non-cerous metal ion; (b) heating the reaction mixture to oxidize cerous ion to ceric ion; and (c) recovering a nanoparticle of either cerium oxide or a mixed metal oxide comprising cerium. The cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles thus obtained have cubic fluorite crystal structure and a geometric diameter in the range of about 1 nanometer to about 20 nanometers. Dispersions of cerium-containing oxide nanoparticles prepared by this method can be used as a component of a fuel or lubricant additive.

Abstract: Embodiments of a composition for stabilizing fluorescent signal of nanoparticles and methods for its use are disclosed. In some embodiments, the composition has a pH from 7 to 10 and includes borate, protein and/or protein hydrolysate, an amine, a preservative, and a nonionic surfactant. In particular embodiments, the amine is an N-ethanol substituted amine, such as ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, N-methyldiethanolamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, a fluorescent particle solution, such as a quantum dot solution or quantum dot conjugate solution, is diluted in the composition and stored at 4° C. In certain embodiments, the fluorescence intensity of the diluted fluorescent particle remains substantially the same when stored at 4° C. for at least one month or at least three months. In particular embodiments, a diluted quantum dot conjugate is used to detect a hybridized probe or a protein antigen.

Abstract: This invention provides an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotube and has a height of not less than 10 ?m, and an aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure which comprises an assembly of a plurality of aligned single-layer carbon nanotubes and has been patterned in a predetermined form. This structure is produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of carbon nanotubes in the presence of a metal catalyst in a reaction atmosphere with an oxidizing agent, preferably water, added thereto. An aligned single-layer carbon nanotube bulk structure, which has realized high purify and significantly large scaled length or height, its production process and apparatus, and its applied products are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting and/or measuring scattering effects due to the aggregating metallic nanostructures or the interaction of plasmonic emissions from approaching metallic nanoparticles. The scattering effects may be measured at different angles, different wavelengths, changes in absorption and/or changes in polarization relative to changes in the distances between nanoparticles.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a target molecule is disclosed which includes a conductive nanostructure, a non-conductive polymer coating on at least a portion of the nanostructure, and a cavity formed in the polymer coating having a shape corresponding to the shape of the target molecule. A property of the nanostructure depends on the presence of the target molecule at the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon nanotube-metal particle complex composition prepared by: a) a step of preparing a carbon nanotube solution in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed; b) a step of performing acid treatment on the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation a); c) a step of neutralizing the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation b); and d) a step of mixing the carbon nanotube solution prepared in operation c) and a metal solution containing metal particles, in order to bond said metal particles to the surfaces of said carbon nanotubes. The present invention also relates to a heated steering wheel including a carbon nanotube heating coating layer formed from the composition.

Abstract: A circuit board includes a substrate, a polar molecular layer pattern and a nonpolar molecular layer pattern, which are disposed on the substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, which are disposed on the substrate, and one or more channels disposed on the polar molecular layer pattern and including linear nanostructures. The one or more channels facilitate to electrically couple the first electrode to the second electrode.

Abstract: A phase change ink including (a) a phase change ink carrier and (b) a colorant comprising a carbon allotrope.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of forming methanol by combining a mixture of methane, water and carbon dioxide under specific reaction conditions sufficient to form a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide which are then reacted under conditions sufficient to form methanol. The molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is at least two moles of hydrogen to one mole of carbon monoxide and the overall molar ratio between methane, water and carbon dioxide is about 3:2:1. Methane, carbon dioxide and water are bi-reformed over a catalyst. The catalyst includes a single metal, a metal oxide, a mixed catalyst of a metal and a metal oxide or a mixed catalyst of at least two metal oxides.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid emulsion includes a heat transfer fluid, and liquid droplets dispersed within the heat transfer fluid, where the liquid droplets are substantially immiscible with respect to the heat transfer fluid and have dimensions that are no greater than about 100 nanometers. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid emulsion is greater than the thermal conductivity of the heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a near-field photocatalyst using a ZnO (ZnO) nanowire. The photocatalyst is advantageous in that low-priced zinc is used instead of titanium, conventionally used as a photocatalyst to reduce expenses, and that it is possible to obtain overvoltage which is sufficient to generate hydrogen using an optical near field formed around an end of a ZnO nanowire without the application of additional external voltage, thus the use of a costly electrode, such as platinum, is avoided and a process is simplified.

Abstract: The invention describes novel polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes. These comprise a carbon nanotube, a first polymer that is adsorbed on the outer surface of a carbon nanotube and comprises amino groups, and a second polymer covalently bonded to the first polymer. The bond between the second polymer and the first polymer is formed by the reaction of amino groups from the first polymer with groups from the second polymer that are reactive with respect to amino groups. The invention further relates to a method for the production thereof, wherein carbon nanotubes are provided in an aqueous solution of a first polymer comprising amino groups and then a solution of a second polymer comprising groups that are reactive with respect to amino groups is added. The invention also relates to the use of the carbon nanotubes in dispersions, polymers and surface coatings.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous bleaching solution for substrate treatment. The aqueous bleaching solution features a source of oxidant and a plurality of optically functional nanoparticles. The optically functional nanoparticles are nanoparticles in the range of about 0.1 nanometers to about 400 nanometers in size. The aqueous bleaching solution may optionally include one or more an oxidant-stable surfactants and optionally, one or more oxidant-stable polymers, and adjuncts. The optically functional nanoparticles are extremely stable in the aqueous bleaching solution and remain substantially suspended in the aqueous bleaching solution due to their extremely small size despite having an average density greater than that of the bleaching solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to hybrid materials comprising polymers which envelop nanoscale, superparamagnetic, ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic or paramagnetic powders, to a process for producing these materials and to their use.

Abstract: A method of electrophoretic deposition of adsorbent media onto an electrically conducting substrate. The adsorbent media may include one or more porous coordination polymers and/or one or more secondary adsorbing particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for producing carbon materials which are modified at least on their surface with pyridinic, pyrrolic and/or quaternary nitrogen groups starting out from carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A biodelivery system has been found which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of introducing antimicrobial compounds into complex biofilm matrices through the use of liposome carriers, thereby removing the biofouling in industrial water bearing systems, including piping, heat exchanges, condensers, filtration systems and fluid storage tanks. According to one embodiment of the invention, antimicrobial compound containing liposomes are added to water systems prone to biofouling and biofilm formation. The liposomes, being similar in composition to microbial membranes or cells, are readily incorporated into the existing biofilm. Once the antimicrobial compound containing liposomes become entrained with the biofilm matrix, the decomposition or disintegration of the liposome proceeds. Thereafter the biocidal core is released to react directly with the biofilm encased microorganisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the identification and use of aptamers and photoaptamers having slower dissociation rate constants than those obtained using previously described methods. Specifically, the present disclosure describes methods for the identification and use of aptamers to one or more targets within a histological or cytological sample, which have slow rates of dissociation. The aptamers may be used to assess localization, relative density, and presence or absence of one or more targets in cytological and histological samples. Targets may be selected that are specific and diagnostic of a given disease state for which the sample was collected. The aptamers may also be used to introduce target specific signal moieties. In addition to target identification, the aptamers may be used to amplify signal generation through a variety of methods.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polymer nanoparticle by a photoinduced emulsion polymerization includes preparing an emulsion comprising at least one surfactant, a dispersed phase and a continuous phase. The dispersed phase comprises at least one polymerizable monomer and the continuous phase comprises water and at least one photoinitiator. The at least one polymerizable monomer is polymerized by exposing the emulsion to an electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength so as to induce a generation of radicals from the at least one photoinitiator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the dispersion of synthetic or natural nanoparticles and nanocomposite materials and to the use thereof in different sectors including those of ceramics, coatings, polymers, construction, paints, catalysis, pharmaceuticals and powdered materials in general.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of nano-fibrillar cellulose gels by providing cellulose fibres and at least one filler and/or pigment; combining the cellulose fibres and the at least one filler and/or pigment; and fibrillating the cellulose fibres in the presence of the at least one filler and/or pigment until a gel is formed, as well as the nano-fibrillar cellulose gel obtained by this process and uses thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and compositions for removing contaminants from streams and is particularly concerned with methods and compositions for removing contaminants from municipal wastewaters, municipal drinking waters and recreational waters. The present disclosure is to particulate cerium, more particularly to particulate cerium (IV) formed by an in situ oxidative process and to a method for removing target materials from a target material-containing stream using particulate cerium formed in situ.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for nucleic acid-mediated control of a nanoparticle shape are disclosed. In some embodiments, one or more nucleic acid oligomers are adsorbed to a metal nanoseed, and additional metal is deposited onto the nanoseed to produce a shaped nanoparticle. In certain embodiments, the nanoseed is gold and the oligomers are 5-100 nucleotides in length. The nanoparticle shape is determined at least in part by the nucleic acid sequence of the oligomer(s). Shaped nanoparticles produced by embodiments of the method include nanoflowers, nanospheres, nanostars, and nanoplates. Embodiments for using the shaped nanoparticles also are disclosed.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, the present invention provides a system and method for supporting a carbon nanotube array that involve an entangled carbon nanotube mat integral with the array, where the mat is embedded in an embedding material. The embedding material may be depositable on a carbon nanotube. A depositable material may be metallic or nonmetallic. The embedding material may be an adhesive material. The adhesive material may optionally be mixed with a metal powder. The embedding material may be supported by a substrate or self-supportive. The embedding material may be conductive or nonconductive. The system and method provide superior mechanical and, when applicable, electrical, contact between the carbon nanotubes in the array and the embedding material. The optional use of a conductive material for the embedding material provides a mechanism useful for integration of carbon nanotube arrays into electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods using microwave accelerated surface plasmonics for the detection of target species, wherein the system has a metallic surface and the system is exposed to microwave energy for increasing detection time and/or the reaction kinetics of the target species and other interacting participants in the system and wherein plasmonic emissions from the metallic surface alone or coupled with emissions from a luminescing entity are detected.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates use of encapsulated aqueous and non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents and their use in laboratory procedures. These encapsulated aqueous or non-aqueous reagents, solutions and solvents can be completely contained or encapsulated in microcapsules or nanocapsules that can be added to an aqueous or non-aqueous carrier solution or liquid required for medical and research laboratory testing of biological or non-biological specimens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a fluid by passing fluid through a treatment structure, the fluid containing undesirable living things, the treatment structure containing electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver, flowing an electric current in the fluid in the treatment structure via the electrically conductive nanomaterial with silver or silver material to kill undesirable living things in the treatment structure, and killing undesirable things in the treatment structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for synthesising a block copolymer alloy including at least one rigid polyamide block PA, including the steps of: a) producing said block copolymer; b) adding, during step a) and to at least a portion of said block copolymer, 0.1 to 30 wt % of at least one organic salt in the molten state relative to the total weight of the alloy, so that the alloy thus obtained has improved antistatic properties and identical mechanical properties when compared to the same polymer produced without adding an organic salt. The invention also relates to a block copolymer alloy having improved antistatic properties and obtained by said method, to the use thereof in a polymer matrix, and to a composition containing same.

Abstract: A sensor array is provided including a plurality of fibers being woven to form 3-D periodic fiber structures. A selective number of the fibers include gaseous sensing materials to detect selective gases. A plurality of spacing elements provides adequate spacing between successively arranged nano-fibers. The nano-fibers and spacing elements are arranged to form a 3-D scaffolding structure for detecting specific or combinations of gaseous analytes.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube film supporting structure is provided. The carbon nanotube film supporting structure is used for supporting a carbon nanotube film structure. The carbon nanotube film supporting structure includes a substrate and a number of protruding structures. The substrate has a surface defining a support region. The protruding structures are distributed on the support region. The carbon nanotube film structure can be peeled off completely after being in contact with the carbon nanotube film supporting structure. The present disclosure also relates to a method for using the carbon nanotube film supporting structure.

Abstract: An optical sensor and method for use with a visible-light laser excitation beam and a Raman spectroscopy detector, for detecting the presence chemical groups in an analyte applied to the sensor are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, a plasmon resonance mirror formed on a sensor surface of the substrate, a plasmon resonance particle layer disposed over the mirror, and an optically transparent dielectric layer about 2-40 nm thick separating the mirror and particle layer. The particle layer is composed of a periodic array of plasmon resonance particles having (i) a coating effective to binding analyte molecules, (ii) substantially uniform particle sizes and shapes in a selected size range between 50-200 nm (ii) a regular periodic particle-to-particle spacing less than the wavelength of the laser excitation beam. The device is capable of detecting analyte with an amplification factor of up to 1012-1014, allowing detection of single analyte molecules.

Abstract: A phase-adjusting element configured to provide substantially liquid-invariant extended depth of field for an associated optical lens. One example of a lens incorporating the phase-adjusting element includes the lens having surface with a modulated relief defining a plurality of regions including a first region and a second region, the first region having a depth relative to the second region, and a plurality of nanostructures formed in the first region. The depth of the first region and a spacing between adjacent nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures is selected to provide a selected average index of refraction of the first region, and the spacing between adjacent nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures is sufficiently small that the first region does not substantially diffract visible light.

Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials and methods of reversibly storing and generating hydrogen using sonication and hydrocarbon nanostructures are described.

Abstract: Fabrication of yarns or other shaped articles from materials in powder form (or nanoparticles or nanofibers) using carbon nanotube/nanofiber sheet as a platform (template). This includes methods for fabricating biscrolled yarns using carbon nanotube/nanofiber sheets and biscrolled fibers fabricated thereby.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluorescent gold nanocluster, comprising: a dihydrolipoic acid ligand (DHLA) on the surface thereof, wherein the fluorescent gold nanocluster generates fluorescence by the interaction between the dihydrolipoic acid ligand and the nanocluster and the particle diameter of the fluorescent gold nanocluster is between 0.5 nm and 3 nm, wherein the wavelength of the emission fluorescence of the fluorescent gold nanocluster is between 400 nm and 1000 nm. In addition, the fluorescent gold nanocluster is used as bioprobes and/or applied in fluorescent biological label, clinical image as contrast medium, clinical detection, clinical trace, and clinical treatment etc.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a catalyst being in the form of solid particles comprising the steps of preparing a solution of a complex of a metal which is selected from one of the groups 1 to 3 of the periodic table (IUPAC) and an electron donor by reacting a compound of said metal with said electron donor in an organic liquid reaction medium; adding to said solution solid material obtaining a suspension, said solid material does not comprise catalytically active sites, has a specific surface area below 500 m2/g, and has a mean particle size below 200 nm; combining said suspension at a temperature of at least 50° C.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for making a composite material is provided. The composite is able to be formed by mixing a binder and a physical property enhancing material to form a mixer. The binder is able to be pitch, such as mesophase pitch. The physical property enhancing material is able to be fiber glass. The mixer is able to be processed through a lamination process, stabilization/cross-link process, and carbonization. The composite material is able to be applied in the field of electronic components and green technology, such as a substrate of a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A nanocomposite, comprising single-wall and/or multi-wall one-dimensional nanomaterials, and at least one nanooxide of at least one transition metal, said nanooxide filling said nanotubes and covering their walls. A process for preparing such a nanocomposite and an optical limiting device comprising such a nanocomposite in suspension in a medium that is transparent to visible and infrared radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein and gene expression profiles indicative of whether a patient afflicted with non-small cell lung cancer is likely to be responsive to treatment with a therapeutic compound that is a EGFR-TK inhibitor. By identifying such responsiveness, a treatment provider may determine in advance those patients who would benefit from such treatment, as well as identify alternative therapies for non-responders. The present invention further provide methods of using the gene and protein expression profiles, and assays for identifying the presence of a gene or protein expression profile in a patient sample.

Abstract: A nanoparticle of a decomposition product of a transition metal aluminum hydride compound, a transition metal borohydride compound, or a transition metal gallium hydride compound. A process of: reacting a transition metal salt with an aluminum hydride compound, a borohydride compound, or a gallium hydride compound to produce one or more of the nanoparticles. The reaction occurs in solution while being sonicated at a temperature at which the metal hydride compound decomposes. A process of: reacting a nanoparticle with a compound containing at least two hydroxyl groups to form a coating having multi-dentate metal-alkoxides.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analysis of polymers, e.g., polynucleotides, are provided. The systems are capable of analyzing a polymer at a specified rate. One such analysis system includes a structure having a nanopore aperture and a molecular motor, e.g., a polymerase, adjacent the nanopore aperture.

Abstract: Cancer-targeting peptides and uses thereof in cancer diagnosis.

Abstract: A molecular delivery system including a plurality of nanowires (e.g., Si NWs), each of the nanowires having a surface layer formed of a silicon-containing material and a covalently bound linker (e.g., silane linker) attached to the surface layer and optionally including a substrate to which the nanowires are adhered or a molecule to be delivered attached to the linker. Also disclosed is a method of delivering into a cell an exogenous molecule.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for detecting an analyte in a sample by multiplexing FRET (Förster Resonance Energy Transfer) analysis, the method comprising the following steps: providing a sample containing an energy transfer donor, several spectrally different quantum dot species, and an analyte, wherein the analyte is configured to mediate an energy transfer within a first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair provided by the energy transfer donor and a first quantum dot specie, the energy transfer donor is configured to act as energy transfer donor in the first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair, and the first quantum dot specie is configured to act as energy transfer acceptor in the first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair, irradiating excitation light from an excitation light source to the sample, in the first energy transfer donor-acceptor pair, transferring excitation energy from the energy transfer donor excited by the excitation light to the first quantum dot specie, the energy transfer being media

Abstract: In one embodiment, a biotag for targeting a cancer biomarker is provided. The biotag may include a cancer biomarker binding domain, an internalization domain, an endosomal escape domain, a lysosomal escape domain, a reporter binding domain, and a reporter, wherein the reporter is a diagnostic agent. In some aspects, the cancer biomarker is ERBB 1-4, EGFRvIII or Transferrin Receptor (TfR). In other aspects, the binding domain is an scFv, an sdFv, a CDR or an SDR modified CDR. In some aspects, the reporter binding domain is a metal binding domain, which may be chelated to a metal nanoparticle tag. In some aspects, the metal nanoparticle tag is a noble metal, a superparamagnetic metal, a core-shell nanoparticle, or a fluorescent agent. In another embodiment, a targeted contrast composition for use with a diagnostic imaging technique is provided, which includes a contrast agent and a biotag for targeting a cancer biomarker.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a death tag for targeting a cell death marker is provided, the death tag comprising a death marker binding domain; a reporter binding domain (RBD); and a reporter component that is associated with the reporter binding domain. In another embodiment, a method of determining the efficacy of a cancer treatment is provided. The method may comprise administering to a subject an effective dose of a death tag that targets apoptotic, necrotic or dead cells; exposing the subject to an imaging technique; determining that the cancer treatment is effective when the imaging technique detects the presence of the death tag. In another embodiment, an in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro method of determining the need for a treatment or determining the efficacy of a treatment in cell, tissue, and organ injuries.

Abstract: Binding an analyte can cause a change in fluorescence emission of a sensor. The change in fluorescence can be related to the amount of analyte present. The sensor can include a semiconductor nanocrystal linked to a fluorescent moiety. Upon excitation, the fluorescent moiety can transfer energy to the semiconductor nanocrystal, or vice versa.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting and quantitating one or more compounds or molecules in a sample. An aptamer-based point-of-care device (such as a strip) is described for rapid detection of target molecules such as the cancer marker p-glycoprotein (Pgp). Fluorescent molecules or gold nanoparticles may be used to detect the binding between a target molecule and the aptamer. By way of example, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) or Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) may be used for detecting the physical and/or chemical changes caused by the binding of the aptamers to the target molecules.