Topic Review
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) respond to the characteristics of their surrounding microenvironment, i.e., their extracellular matrix (ECM). The possibility of mimicking the ECM offers the opportunity to elicit specific cell behaviors. The control of surface properties of a biomaterial at the scale level of the components of the ECM has the potential to effectively modulate cell response. Ordered nanoscale silicon pillar arrays were fabricated using reverse micelles of block copolymers on full wafers, with standard deviations lower than 15%. Bioactive synthetic peptides were covalently grafted on nanoarrays to evaluate possible synergies between chemistry and topography on osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs. Functionalization with RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) and BMP-2 (bone morphogenetic protein-2) mimetic peptides lead to an enhancement of osteogenic differentiation. Bare nanopillar arrays of reduced pitch were found to promote faster hMSC differentiation. These findings highlight the relevance of investigating possibilities of engineering in vitro systems which can be fine-tuned according to the envisaged cell response. 
  • 387
  • 07 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Marine Verongiid Demosponge Lanthella Basta
Marine sponges were among the first multicellular organisms on our planet and have survived to this day thanks to their unique mechanisms of chemical defense and the specific design of their skeletons, which have been optimized over millions of years of evolution to effectively inhabit the aquatic environment. Ianthella basta (Pallas, 1766) is one of the largest, fan-shaped marine demosponges that can reach up to 2.5 m both in height; and the body of which is a micro-reticular, durable structure that determines the ideal filtration function of this organism. Calcite biomineral is responsible for nano-tuning the chitinous skeletal fibers of this sponge species.
  • 623
  • 07 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Carbonation of Concrete
As one of the major causes of concrete deterioration, the carbonation of concrete has been widely investigated over recent decades. In recent years, the effect of mechanical load on carbonation has started to attract more attention. The load-induced variations in crack pattern and pore structure have a significant influence on CO2 transport which determines the carbonation rate. 
  • 1.4K
  • 07 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Manganese-Zinc Ferrite Nanoparticles
A suitable amount of an addition of zinc, manganese, cobalt or nickel to the ferrite nucleus of the Nanoparticles (NPs) results in a higher magnetic resonance imaging contrast and an increase of saturation magnetization (Ms), which can lead to more efficient magnetic targeting. In particular, the introduction of zinc and manganese into the crystalline structure of the magnetic particle generates some changes in the material properties, enhancing their potential use in theranostic applications. 
  • 591
  • 07 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Sesquiterpenoids Specially Produced by Fungi
Fungi are widely distributed in the terrestrial environment, freshwater, and marine habitat. Only approximately 100,000 of these have been classified although there are about 5.1 million characteristic fungi all over the world. These eukaryotic microbes produce specialized metabolites and participate in a variety of ecological functions, such as quorum detection, chemical defense, allelopathy, and maintenance of symbiosis. Fungi therefore remain an important resource for the screening and discovery of biologically active natural products. Sesquiterpenoids are arguably the richest natural products from plants and micro-organisms. The rearrangement of the 15 high-ductility carbons gave rise to a large number of different skeletons. At the same time, abundant structural variations lead to a diversification of biological activity. 
  • 888
  • 06 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Supercritical Fluid Applications in Novel Antimicrobial Materials
The extraordinary properties of supercritical fluids such as high density, near-zero surface tension, and high diffusivities enable the uniqueness and numerous advantages of the materials obtained.  The application of supercritical fluids is a powerful tool in the development of novel materials with antimicrobial activity desperately needed in the time of increasing bacterial resistance to antibiotics and the dramatic appearance and spread of not only multidrug-resistant (MDR) but also pandrug-resistant (PDR) bacterial strains. MDR is defined as the resistance to at least one antibiotic from at least three different categories, while PDR is defined as non-susceptibility to all drugs in all antimicrobial categories.
  • 511
  • 06 Dec 2021
Topic Review
SPR Biosensing of SARS-CoV-2 Entry Inhibitors
This work compiles recent advancements on the discovery of SARS-CoV2 inhibitors by SPR analysis. One of the major benefits of SPR biosensing is the possibility of easily investigating molecular interactions. Owing to this quality, SPR biosensor technology has become a first-line tool for analyzing the binding properties of potential drug candidates against COVID-19. Overall, SPR biosensors seem to offer a single methodology for attaining full kinetic profiles while providing the screening of fragment libraries and the validation of fragment hits.
  • 497
  • 06 Dec 2021
Topic Review
PbS Quantum Dots
Quantum dots are very interesting materials for different opto-electronic applications.  Among the different quantum dots available, semiconductor quantum dots of PbS became very popular and are extensively studied. This chapter focuses on the current understanding of the superlattice formation process induced via self-assembly of PbS quantum dots as probed by the Grazing incidence small angle X-ray scattering techniques (GISAXS/GIWAXS).
  • 1.3K
  • 06 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Shape Memory Materials of Rubbers
Smart materials are much discussed in the current research scenario. The shape memory effect is one of the most fascinating occurrences in smart materials, both in terms of the phenomenon and its applications. Many metal alloys and polymers exhibit the shape memory effect (SME).
  • 1.2K
  • 06 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Paper-Based Analytical Devices for Colorimetric
The so-called paper-based analytical devices (PADs) have arisen as an efficient, affordable, user-friendly, rapid, and equipment-free technology that is available to citizens. The development of PADs in areas such as clinical diagnostics, food safety and environmental monitoring, etc., as well as fabrication methods, target analytes and analytical performance, has been extensively reviewed during the last decade, with the scientific community showing great interest toward these appealing analytical approaches.
  • 1.0K
  • 06 Dec 2021
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