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Category: nanotechnology

A deep look into the unique structure and behavior of confined water

Despite being one of the most familiar substances on Earth, water holds many secrets that scientists are still working to understand. When confined to extremely small spaces—such as within certain proteins, minerals, or artificial nanomaterials—water behaves in ways that are drastically different from its bulk liquid form.

These confinement effects are critical for many natural and technological processes, including regulating the flow of ions through cell membranes and the properties of nanofluidic systems.

One intriguing yet poorly understood state of confined water is called the “premelting state.” In this unique phase, water behaves as if it were on the cusp of freezing and melting at the same time, thus defying simple liquid or solid classifications. However, it has proven difficult to study the premelting state and other confined water dynamics in detail.

AI-Validated Brain Targeted mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles with Neuronal TropismClick to copy article linkArticle link copied!

Targeting therapeutic nanoparticles to the brain poses a challenge due to the restrictive nature of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Here we report the development of mRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) functionalized with BBB-interacting small molecules, thereby enhancing brain delivery and gene expression. Screening brain-targeted mRNA-LNPs in central nervous system (CNS) in vitro models and through intravenous administration in mice demonstrated that acetylcholine-conjugated LNPs achieved superior brain tropism and gene expression, outperforming LNP modifications with nicotine, glucose, memantine, cocaine, tryptophan, and other small molecules. An artificial intelligence (AI)-based model designed to predict the BBB permeability of small-molecule ligands showed strong alignment with our experimental results, providing in vivo validation of its predictive capacity. Cell-specific biodistribution analysis in Cre-reporter Ai9 mice showed that acetylcholine-functionalized LNPs preferentially transfected neurons and astrocytes following either intravenous or intracerebral administration. Mechanistic studies suggest that acetylcholine-LNP uptake is mediated by the functional engagement of acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) followed by endocytosis, which synergistically enhances intracellular mRNA delivery. Moreover, acetylcholine-LNPs successfully crossed a human BBB-on-a-chip model, enabling transgene expression in human iPSC-derived neurons. Their effective penetration and transfection in human brain organoids further support their potential activity in human-based systems. These findings establish a predictive and modular framework for engineering CNS-targeted LNPs, advancing precision gene delivery for brain disorders.

Lasers just made atoms dance, unlocking the future of electronics

Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered how to use ultrafast lasers to wiggle atoms in exotic materials, temporarily altering their electronic behavior. By combining cutting-edge microscopes with quantum simulations, they created a nanoscale switch that could revolutionize smartphones, laptops, and even future quantum computers.

‘Drop-printing’ shows potential for constructing bioelectronic interfaces that conform to complex surfaces

With the rapid development of wearable electronics, neurorehabilitation, and brain-machine interfaces in recent years, there has been an urgent need for methods to conformally wrap thin-film electronic devices onto biological tissues to enable precise acquisition and regulation of physiological signals.

Conventional methods typically rely on external pressure to force devices onto conformal contact. However, when applied to uneven three-dimensional surfaces such as skin, brain, or nerves, they generate significant internal stress which can easily damage fragile metal circuits and inorganic chips. This is an obstacle to the advancement of flexible electronics.

In a study published in Science, Prof. Song Yanlin’s team from the Institute of Chemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, along with collaborators from Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Nanyang Technological University, and Tianjin University, propose a new film transfer strategy named as drop-printing, which has potential applications in bioelectronics, flexible displays, and micro-/nano-manufacturing.

Quantum scars boost electron transport and drive the development of microchips

Quantum physics often reveals phenomena that defy common sense. A new theory of quantum scarring deepens our understanding of the connection between the quantum world and classical mechanics, sheds light on earlier findings and marks a step forward toward future technological applications.

Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of matter and energy at microscopic scales, where randomness seems to prevail. Yet even within seemingly chaotic systems, hidden order may lie beneath the surface. Quantum scars are one such example: they are regions where prefer to travel along specific pathways instead of spreading out uniformly.

Researchers at Tampere University and Harvard University previously demonstrated in their article published in “Quantum Lissajous Scars” that quantum scars can form strong, distinctive patterns in nanostructures, and that their shapes can even be controlled. Now, the Quantum Control and Dynamics research group at Tampere University’s Physics Unit is taking these findings further. In their new article, the researchers report that quantum scars significantly enhance electron transport in open quantum dots connected to electrodes. The work is published in the journal Physical Review B.

‘Quantum squeezing’ a nanoscale particle for the first time

Researchers Mitsuyoshi Kamba, Naoki Hara, and Kiyotaka Aikawa of the University of Tokyo have successfully demonstrated quantum squeezing of the motion of a nanoscale particle, a motion whose uncertainty is smaller than that of quantum mechanical fluctuations.

As enhancing the measurement precision of sensors is vital in many modern technologies, the achievement paves the way not only for basic research in fundamental physics but also for applications such as accurate autonomous driving and navigation without a GPS signal. The findings are published in the journal Science.

The physical world at the macroscale, from to planets, is governed by the laws of discovered by Newton in the 17th century. The physical world at the microscale, atoms and below, is governed by the laws of quantum mechanics, which lead to phenomena generally not observed at the macroscale.

Shocked quartz at the Younger Dryas onset (12.8 ka) supports cosmic airbursts/impacts contributing to North American megafaunal extinctions and collapse of the Clovis technocomplex

Shocked quartz grains are an accepted indicator of crater-forming cosmic impact events, which also typically produce amorphous silica along the fractures. Furthermore, previous research has shown that shocked quartz can form when nuclear detonations, asteroids, and comets produce near-surface or “touch-down” airbursts. When cosmic airbursts detonate with enough energy and at sufficiently low altitude, the resultant relatively small, high-velocity fragments may strike Earth’s surface with high enough pressures to generate thermal and mechanical shock that can fracture quartz grains and introduce molten silica into the fractures. Here, we report the discovery of shocked quartz grains in a layer dating to the Younger Dryas (YD) onset (12.8 ka) in three classic archaeological sequences in the Southwestern United States: Murray Springs, Arizona; Blackwater Draw, New Mexico; and Arlington Canyon, California. These sites were foundational in demonstrating that the extinction or observed population bottlenecks of many megafaunal species and the coeval collapse/reorganization of the Clovis technocomplex in North America co-occurred at or near the YD onset. Using a comprehensive suite of 10 analytical techniques, including electron microscopy (TEM, SEM, CL, and EBSD), we have identified grains with glass-filled fractures similar to shocked grains associated with nuclear explosions and 27 accepted impact craters of different ages (e.g., Meteor Crater, 50 ka; Chesapeake Bay, 35 Ma; Chicxulub, 66 Ma; Manicouagan, 214 Ma) and produced in 11 laboratory shock experiments. In addition, we used hydrocode modeling to explore the temperatures, pressures, and shockwave velocities associated with the airburst of a 100-m fragment of a comet and conclude that they are sufficient to produce shocked quartz. These shocked grains co-occur with previously reported peak concentrations in platinum, meltglass, soot, and nanodiamonds, along with microspherules, similar to those found in ~28 microspherule layers that are accepted as evidence for cosmic impact events, even in the absence of a known crater. The discovery of apparently thermally-altered shocked quartz grains at these three key archaeological sites supports a cosmic impact as a major contributing factor in the megafaunal extinctions and the collapse of the Clovis technocomplex at the YD onset.

Citation: Kennett JP, LeCompte MA, Moore CR, Kletetschka G, Johnson JR, Wolbach WS, et al. (2025)PLoS One 20: e0319840. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.

Editor: Talaat Abdel Hamid, National Research Centre, EGYPT

World-first discovery harnesses mRNA in the search for an HIV cure

Australian researchers have made a major breakthrough in HIV research by repurposing the same mRNA delivery system used in COVID-19 vaccines, not to prevent infection, but as a potential strategy to find a cure.

Nearly 40 million people live with HIV worldwide. While antiretroviral therapy can suppress the virus to undetectable levels, it cannot eliminate it. HIV has a unique ability to hide in a type of white blood cells, resting CD4+ T cells, ready to re-emerge if treatment is stopped. This HIV “reservoir” has long been one of the greatest challenges in the search for a cure.

Using the same technology behind mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, researchers, led by the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute), have discovered a new way to deliver mRNA to the elusive HIV reservoir and coax HIV out of hiding. In a laboratory-based study published in Nature Communications, the team packaged mRNA inside an entirely novel microscopic fat-like bubbles, known as lipid nanoparticles, and successfully transported it into HIV-infected cells, where it prompted the cells to expose the dormant virus.

Researchers from Professor Sharon Lewin’s laboratory at the Doherty Institute have made a major breakthrough in HIV research by repurposing the same mRNA delivery system used in COVID-19 vaccines, not to prevent infection, but as a potential strategy to find a cure.

Nanobiotechnology Unveils the Power of Probiotics: A Comprehensive Review on the Synergistic Role of Probiotics and Advanced Nanotechnology in Enhancing Geriatric Health

The geriatric population, comprising ages 65 and above, encounters distinct health obstacles because of physiological changes and heightened vulnerability to diseases. New technologies are being investigated to tackle the intricate health requirements of this population. Recent advancements in probiotics and nanotechnology offer promising strategies to enhance geriatric health by improving nutrient absorption, modulating gut microbiota, and delivering targeted therapeutic agents. Probiotics play a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis, reducing inflammation, and supporting metabolic functions. However, challenges such as limited viability and efficacy in harsh gastrointestinal conditions hinder their therapeutic potential. Advanced nanotechnology can overcome these constraints by enhancing the efficacy of probiotics through nano-encapsulation, controlled delivery, and improvement of bioavailability. This review explores the synergistic potential of probiotics and advanced nanotechnology in addressing age-related health concerns. It highlights key developments in probiotic formulations, nano-based delivery systems, and their combined impact on gut health, immunity, and neuroprotection. The convergence of probiotics and nanotechnology represents a novel and transformative approach to promoting healthy aging, paving the way for innovative therapeutic interventions.

Advanced Membrane Science and Technology for Water and Wastewater Treatment

The pressing need for clean and affordable drinking water is intensifying as global populations rise and pollutants increasingly compromise available water sources. Traditional methods of water purification, while effective, are often insufficient to address the complex array of contaminants now present in water, including microorganisms, organic compounds, and heavy metals. Over the past four decades, significant breakthroughs in water and wastewater treatment have been achieved through the application of nanotechnology, particularly in the development of nanomaterials and nanomembranes. These science and technology advancements have revolutionized membrane-based water and wastewater treatment, offering new levels of efficiency and precision in removing a wide range of pollutants.

This Collection aims to advance our understanding of membrane-based water and wastewater treatment, underlining the challenges and opportunities within this rapidly evolving field, e.g., the limitations of conventional ultrafiltration and microfiltration membrane systems, such as their reduced effectiveness in removing certain trace organic compounds (TrOCs) and the persistent issues of membrane fouling and salinity build-up. The Collection seeks to explore innovative solutions, e.g., high-retention membrane bioreactors (HR-MBRs) and advanced pre-treatment options like advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), which have the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness and sustainability of water and wastewater treatment processes.

Moreover, the Collection emphasizes the importance of developing sustainable materials, such as biopolymers, which can replace traditional synthetic polymers in membrane fabrication. While these materials offer eco-friendly alternatives with unique adsorption properties, their performance can vary based on source and processing methods, presenting challenges in terms of durability and scalability. The Collection also aims to showcase advancements in PVDF-based membranes, which are gaining popularity due to their superior mechanical and chemical properties, and to examine the integration of these materials in innovative membrane technologies, e.g., membrane distillation (MD) and hybrid systems.

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