Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a method for producing nanoparticles, as well as the nanoparticles produced by this method. In one embodiment, the nanoparticles produced by the disclosed method have a high defect density.

Abstract: A catalytic sorbent material includes a porous support composed of a hydroxylated metal oxide, preferably hydroxylated zirconia, and catalytic metal nanoparticles, preferably gold nanoparticles, loaded on the porous support. These catalysts can be utilized to convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a catalyst comprising catalytic nanoparticles and a catalyst support, wherein the catalytic nanoparticles are embedded in the catalyst support, comprising forming the catalytic nanoparticles on carbon particle, dispersing the carbon particle in a solution comprising precursors of the catalyst support to form a suspension, heating the suspension to form a gel, subjecting the gel to incineration to form a powder, and sintering the powder to form the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to decontaminating composites, and methods, compositions, and kits comprising the same. In some aspects, the invention relates to a decontaminating composite, comprising a perhydrolase associated with a carbon nanotube, that is useful for producing peracids.

Abstract: A nanostructure array is disclosed. The nanostructure array comprises a plurality of elongated organic nanostructures arranged generally perpendicularly to a plane.

Abstract: Methods for introducing a functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecule of interest into a plant cell comprising a cell wall include use of nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the cell comprising a cell wall is a cultured plant cell. Methods include genetically or otherwise modifying plant cells and for treating or preventing disease in any plant, especially crop plants. Transgenic plants include a nucleic acid molecule of interest produced by regeneration of whole plants from plant cells transformed with functionalized linear nucleic acid cassette molecules.

Abstract: We disclose novel metallic nanoparticles coated with a thin protective carbon shell, and three-dimensional nano-metallic sponges; methods of preparation of the nanoparticles; and uses for these novel materials, including wood preservation, strengthening of polymer and fiber/polymer building materials, and catalysis.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a particulate composition formed from a conductive polymer bound to magnetic nanoparticles. The particulate composition can be formed into a biologically enhanced, electrically active magnetic (BEAM) nanoparticle composition by further including a binding pair member (e.g., an antibody or a fragment thereof that specifically recognizes a virus strain or a virus surface protein) bound to the conductive polymer of the particulate composition. The disclosure further provides compositions, kits, detection apparatus, and methods for detecting specific viral strains including those with pandemic potential. In the various embodiments, a triplex including the BEAM nanoparticle, a virus or virally derived material (e.g. strain- and/or strain subtype specific viral surface protein or fragments thereof), and a viral strain subtype-specific binding pair member (e.g., a glycan that recognizes a specific virus strain subtype) is formed and detected, such as by use of a biosensor.

Abstract: Compositions, methods and related apparatus, as can be used for selective pathogen detection and identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the method of producing concentric carbon nanospheres from the pyrolytic combustion of a carbonaceous material such as plant material. The material can be carboxylated and then optionally metallated to produce nanospheres capable of filtering a liquid such as water.

Abstract: There is provided a mixed antibacterial glass which stably controls the silver ion elution amount from the antibacterial glass into the drain water in an air conditioning system, thereby effectively preventing the occurrence of microorganisms in the drain water. The mixed antibacterial glass achieves antibacterial effect by releasing silver ions, and contains an antibacterial glass which shows alkalinity when dissolved, and another antibacterial glass which shows acidity when dissolved, the silver ion elution amounts from the antibacterial glasses showing alkalinity or acidity being within certain ranges as measured under certain conditions, the compounding amount of the antibacterial glass showing alkalinity being from 10 to 100 parts by weight with reference to 100 parts by weight of the antibacterial glass showing acidity, and the total silver ion elution amount being within a certain range as measured under certain conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides metal nanoparticles (e.g., aluminum, chromium, iron and magnesium) having an epoxide-based oligomer coating, compositions thereof, method of making the same, and methods of use thereof, including for energy related applications.

Abstract: A methodology is provided for making UV-curable, wear resistant and antistatic coating filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The composition consists of a mixture of CNTs, an acrylate-based monomer, a urethane-acrylate oligomer and a photoinitiator. The present invention provides a coating of which the wear resistance and antistatic properties are dramatically improved in comparison with the polymer substrate. This coating is suitable for protecting a variety of polymer substrates from scratch and electrostatic accumulation.

Abstract: Provided is a braking system which can enhance the power generation efficiency of a thermoelectric conversion element by efficiently recovering the heat generated during braking, or by increasing the temperature difference between a heat source and the thermoelectric conversion element. A brake pad body in a brake pad is provided with a thermoelectric conversion element. The thermoelectric conversion element includes an n-type semiconductor layer and a p-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer and the p-type semiconductor layer are provided in a recess formed in the back surface of the brake pad body.

Abstract: A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.

Abstract: Nanoscale ZnO particles are used in aqueous binder systems for increasing the blocking resistance, for reducing the drying time and/or for increasing the resistance to chemicals, detergents, heat, weathering or biological assault on the dried or cured systems. Described further more are nanoscale zinc oxide particles surface-modified with phosphonocarboxylic acid, and their use.

Abstract: A process for producing a natural rubber nanocomposite containing exfoliated organically modified montmorillonite and maleic anhydride grafted elastomer in a dispersion of natural rubber and reinforcing filler/inert filler wherein the cured nanocomposite has improved mechanical properties compared to conventional rubber compound containing a mixture of the reinforcing filler, carbon black and the inert filler, CaCO3.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for concentrating microorganisms with concentration agents in a sampling device and the sampling device described herein. More specifically, methods for concentrating microorganisms from large volume samples with concentration agents in a sampling device can provide for rapid, low cost, simple (involving no complex equipment or procedures), and/or effective processes under a variety of conditions.

Abstract: A chemical sensor based on an indicator dye wherein a light transmissive element containing the indicator dye is made of a hygroscopic polymer. The polymer may be, for example, a polyimide or PMMA or other polymer. In an alternative embodiment the light transmissive element is doped with metal nanocolloidal particles. One embodiment may include a reference photodiode and differential amplifier to compensate for the fluctuations of the intensity of the light source. The light source may be pulse modulated. The sensor may include calibration means comprising a reference sample of the chemical to be detected and a precision delivery means. A method of fabricating the polymer and metal nanocolloid is disclosed wherein the nanocolloid is produced by generating a pulsed laser plasma in a suspension of metal particles and an organic solvent and adding the resulting solvent colloid to a solution containing the polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-precious metal fuel cell cathode catalysts, fuel cells that contain these catalysts, and methods of making the same. The fuel cell cathode catalysts are highly nitrogenated carbon materials that can contain a transition metal. The highly nitrogenated carbon materials can be supported on a nanoparticle substrate.

Abstract: A nanoalloy catalyst, dual catalyst and methods for improving the efficiency and output of a biomass gasification process are provided where the catalysts comprise a volatile organometallic compound(s) and/or a nanoalloy catalyst. The subject nanoalloy catalyst cracks and gasifies lignin, which is generally inert in conventional gasification, at relatively low gasification temperatures. The subject disclosure also provides a means to increase gas yields and lower lignin content in the resulting product relative to conventional gasification. Alternatively, oil production may be increased, if desired. Moreover, the resulting gas may achieve a Fischer-Tropsch reactor favorable H2:CO ratio of up to about 9:1. The energy input to the gasification is correspondingly reduced to reduce costs and the environmental impact associated with the gasification process.

Abstract: Particles and particle films are provided. In certain examples, particles produced from a single phase process may be used to provide industrial scale synthesis of particles for use in devices such as printed wiring boards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fabricating a composite material comprising nano carbon and metal or ceramic, in more detail, a method for fabricating a composite material in which metallic or ceramic particles are uniformly dispersed on a nano carbon surface, the method including (1) coating a metal layer on nano carbon, (2) fabricating composite nano powders by performing a thermal treatment for the nano carbon coated with the metal layer, and (3) sintering the composite nano powders, whereby the composite nano powders, in which metallic or ceramic nano powders are uniformly mixed on the surface of the nano carbon, can be easily fabricated, and such composite nano powders can be sintered so as to fabricate the composite material, in which the nano carbon and the metallic or ceramic powders are uniformly dispersed.

Abstract: Poly(anilineboronic acid)/phosphate nanoparticle dispersions are produced in high yields using the reactivity of the boronic acid moiety with phosphate in the presence of fluoride. The poly(anilineboronic acid)/phosphate dispersions have been characterized using spectroscopic, microscopic and electrochemical techniques. According to 11B NMR studies, the formation of anionic tetrahedral boronate group in phosphoric acid in the presence of fluoride forms the basis of self-doped, stabilized PABA nanoparticle dispersion. Transmission electron microscope images show that 25-50 nm diameter PABA nanoparticles are formed under these conditions. UV-vis, FT-IR-ATR spectroscopic and cyclic voltammetric results confirm the formation of the conducting form of PABA.

Abstract: The present invention provides for replacement of conventionally-used metal electrodes in NEMS devices with electrodes that include non-metallic materials comprised of diamond-like carbon or a dielectric coated metallic film having greater electrical contact resistance and lower adhesion with a contacting nanostructure. This reduces Joule heating and stiction, improving device reliability.

Abstract: A method of preparing a silicone resin film, the method comprising coating a release liner with a nanomaterial-filled silicone composition comprising a condensation-curable silicone composition and a carbon nanomaterial, and curing the silicone resin of the coated release liner; a silicone resin film prepared according to the preceding method, and a nanomaterial-filled silicone composition.

Abstract: An electric component contains an electric conductor, wherein inside the electric conductor a current path having a current flow direction is specified because of the ends of the electric conductor being connected to two electric connection points inside the electric component. By using a mixture made of carbon nanostructures having a preferred orientation with respect to the electric conductivity along the current flow direction, and a mixture made of nanostructures having a preferred orientation with respect to the thermal conductivity on at least one of the outside surfaces of the electric component, the electric component, in particular a transformer coil, can be produced in a more compact fashion, wherein at the same time sufficient thermal conductivity of the electric component is ensured. A method for producing the electric component having such a conductor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface plasmon resonance spectrometer comprising a radiation source that emits substantially monochromatic radiation, a sensor surface, an optical arrangement for lighting the sensor surface by the radiation emitted from the radiation source such that surface plasmons can be created in the sensor surface, a detector having a plurality of image elements and observation optics for depicting the radiation reflected by the sensor surface on the detector, characterized in that the resolution capability of the observation optics and of the detector is larger than the resolution that can be obtained by the deflection-limited radiation source.

Abstract: Nanosilver porous material particles and method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The nanosilver porous material particles include nanosilver particles distributed on the surface thereof. First, a nanosilver precursor is dissolved in water and a proper quantity of a fixation agent is added to form a solution. Next, a proper quantity of the porous material particles is added into the solution and that is mixed well to form a suspension. Next, the suspension is allowed to stand for a predetermined period of time, and then the suspension is filtered to separate the porous material particles from the solution. Finally, the resulting porous material particles are baked and dried.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions comprising: (a) protamine sulfate and (b) benzalkonium chloride or a silver containing particle; or (a) sodium metaperiodate and (b) 5-fluorouracil or chlorhexidine and uses thereof for the preparation of devices, and in particular medical devices, susceptible to colonization by biofilm forming bacteria.

Abstract: Process for producing silica-comprising dispersions comprising a polyetherol or a polyether amine, which comprises the steps of (i) admixing an aqueous silica sol (K) having an average particle diameter of from 1 to 150 nm and a silica content, calculated as SiO2, of from 1 to 60% by weight and a pH of from 1 to 6 with at least one polyetherol (b1) and/or polyether amine (b2) based on ethylene oxide and/or propylene oxide and having an average OH or amine functionality of from 2 to 6 and a number average molecular weight of from 62 to 6000 g/mol, (ii) distilling off at least part of the water, (iii) admixing the dispersion with at least one compound (S) having at least one at least monoalkoxylated silyl group and at least one alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl substituent, where this substituent may have groups which are reactive toward an alcohol, an amine or an isocyanate in an amount of from 0.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-fluidic field effective device. The device includes a channel having a first side and a second side, a first set of electrodes adjacent to the first side, a second set of electrodes adjacent to the second side, a control unit for applying electric potentials to the electrodes and a fluid within the channel containing a charge molecule. The first set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials produces a spatially varying electric field that confines a charged molecule within a predetermined area of said channel. The second set of electrodes is disposed such that application of electric potentials relative to the electric potentials applied to the first set of electrodes creates an electric field that confines the charged molecule to an area away from the second side of the channel.

Abstract: Drilling, drill-in and completion fluids containing nanoparticles for use in hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes and methods related thereto are provided. The fluids also include a dual acting shield agent that shields the nanoparticles and also acts as a viscosifier. The fluids can be used in various types of hydrocarbon drilling and recovery processes, such as drilling, drill in, completion, and the like.

Abstract: A nanoparticle including a Group 3 atom-containing shell. In various embodiments, the nanoparticle includes a metal or metal catalyst-containing core, or a substantially metal-free core. In other embodiments, the nanoparticle shell is hollow. A method of preparing the nanoparticle and methods of using such particles are also provided.

Abstract: A tire friction device utilizes a sub-frame assembly with a length adjustment assembly to grip a tire. Grip members are used to grip a tire. The grip members attach to the tire tread and/or tire side walls utilizing friction components. The grip members have friction components on their outer surface to provide additional friction for vehicle (e.g., car or truck) tires on surfaces such as snow, ice, loose gravel and mud that is easy to apply and remove from a tire.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for making water-soluble nanoparticles comprising a core/shell nanocrystal that is coated with a surface layer comprising enough hydrophilic ligands to render the nanoparticle water soluble or water dispersable. Methods for crosslinking molecules on the surface of a nanoparticle, which methods can be used on the above water-soluble nanoparticles also are provided. Nanoparticle compositions resulting from these methods are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining histone modification or epigenetic status are provided.

Abstract: A method for promoting the retention of a stem cell phenotype in a population of stem cells. A biocompatible substrate is provided, e.g. in the form of cultureware. The substrate has an arrangement of topographical features arrayed in a pattern based on a notional symmetrical lattice in which the distance between nearest neighbour notional lattice points is between 10 nm and 10 ?m, and wherein the topographical features are either located in register with the respective notional lattice points or are locally misordered such that the centre of each topographical feature is at most 10% of the distance between nearest neighbour notional lattice points from its respective notional lattice point. A population of stem cells is provided in contact with said arrangement of topographical features. Culturing the population of stem cells under conditions that allow the stem cells to proliferate allows the retention of the stem cell phenotype in the population of stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for the detection of red blood cells antigens. The methods and compositions are based on antibodies, serving as primary antibodies or secondary antibodies, that are labeled with a rare-earth based crystal. Methods utilizing antibodies labeled with a rare-earth based crystal enhance the efficiency and accuracy of blood compatability tests and red blood cells phenotyping.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprised of platinum and gold. The catalysts are generally useful for the selective oxidation of compositions comprised of a primary alcohol group and at least one secondary alcohol group wherein at least the primary alcohol group is converted to a carboxyl group. More particularly, the catalysts are supported catalysts including particles comprising gold and particles comprising platinum, wherein the molar ratio of platinum to gold is in the range of about 100:1 to about 1:4, the platinum is essentially present as Pt(0) and the platinum-containing particles are of a size in the range of about 2 to about 50 nm. Also disclosed are methods for the oxidative chemocatalytic conversion of carbohydrates to carboxylic acids or derivatives thereof. Additionally, methods are disclosed for the selective oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid or derivatives thereof using catalysts comprising platinum and gold. Further, methods are disclosed for the production of such catalysts.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the removal of foreign matter, such as oil and dust, from the end faces of optical fiber and optical fiber connectors. Cleaning is effected by bringing carbon nanotube material into contact with an end face to create a differential adhesion in the proximity of the end face that more strongly attracts foreign matter residing on the end face to the carbon nanotube material than its attraction to the end face. The carbon nanotube material is applied with cleaning swabs or tapes that are used to clean end faces with swiping actions.

Abstract: A light enhancement device includes at least two layers disposed over the substrate, including an adhesion layer disposed closer to the substrate than a metallic layer. At least one nanocavity extends into the metallic layer. The thickness of the adhesion layer and the diameter of the cavity have a ratio that is in the range of approximately 1:4 to 1:100. Capture molecules can be disposed within the nanocavities.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalyst includes a catalytic layer containing a particle component A-1 and a particle component A-2 with different catalytic metal contents, each of which is composed of catalytic-metal-doped CeZr-based mixed oxide powder. The particle component A-1 having the lower catalytic metal content is supported on a particle component B composed of Zr-based-oxide-supported alumina powder, and the particle component A-2 having the higher catalytic metal content is supported on a particle component C composed of CeZr-based mixed oxide powder in which catalytic metal is not solid-dissolved.

Abstract: An exhaust gas purification catalyst includes a catalytic layer on a carrier, in which a particle component A and a particle component B are mixed. The particle component A is composed of catalytic-metal-doped CeZr-based mixed oxide powder, and has a particle size distribution with a peak in a particle size range of equal to or greater than 100 nm and equal to or less than 300 nm. A CeO2/(CeO2+ZrO2) mass ratio of CeZr-based mixed oxide is equal to or greater than 30% and equal to or less than 75%. The particle component B is composed of at least one selected from a group consisting of activated alumina powder, Zr-based-oxide-supported alumina powder, and catalytic-metal-undoped CeZr-based mixed oxide powder. At least a part of particles of the particle component B has a particle size larger than that of the particle component A.

Abstract: A system including a mold having a fluoropolymer wherein the mold defines a plurality of cavities having a predetermined shape and a cross-sectional dimension less than about 100 micrometers; a roller; a surface in cooperation with the roller to form a nip point configured to receive the mold, wherein the nip point is further configured to receive a substantially liquid composition and accelerate entry of the substantially liquid composition into the cavity.

Abstract: A method for sensing hydrogen includes the use of a transduction device with a sensing layer, and means for measuring a mass and/or conductivity change caused by an interaction of a gas with the sensing layer to provide a measure of an amount of hydrogen in the gas. The sensing layer includes polyaniline nanofiber material.

Abstract: Provided are integrated analysis devices having features of macroscale and nanoscale dimensions, and devices that have reduced background signals and that reduce quenching of fluorophores disposed within the devices. Related methods of manufacturing these devices and of using these devices are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a moisture barrier for the protection of internal environment of sensitive devices comprising a homogeneous dispersion of superficially functionalized containing surface modifying organic group belonging to the same chemical class of at least one functional group of the polymeric compound, to a process for the production of said barrier and to sensitive device comprising such barriers.

Abstract: A water distillation system includes a membrane distillation unit which produces desalinated water from feed water comprising salt water. The system also includes a primary water heater which raises a temperature of the feed water upstream of the feed water entering the membrane distillation unit. The system additionally includes an evaporative cooler which lowers a temperature of a coolant upstream of the coolant entering the membrane distillation unit.

Abstract: Provided is a label for an analyte, which label is attached to a magnetic or magnetisable substance, the label comprising: (a) a recognition moiety for attaching the label to the analyte; and (b) a moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetisable substance; wherein the moiety for binding or encapsulating the magnetic or magnetisable substance comprises a metal-binding protein, polypeptide, or peptide.