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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 451 records · Page 25
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Interactions of 1D- and 2D-layered inorganic nanoparticles with fibroblasts and human mesenchymal stem cells

Here, this study investigates the effects of tungsten disulfide nanotubes (WSNTs) and molybdenum disulfide nanoplatelets (MSNPs) on fibroblasts (NIH-3T3) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to determine safe dosages for potential biomedical applications. Cytotoxicity of MSNPs and WSNTs (5–300 μg/ml) on NIH-3T3 and MSCs was assessed at 6, 12 or 24 h. MSC differentiation to adipocytes and osteoblasts was assessed following treatment for 24 h. Only NIH-3T3 cells treated with MSNPs showed dose or time dependent increase in cytotoxicity. Differentiation markers of MSCs in treated groups were unaffected compared with untreated controls. In conclusion, MSNPs and WSNTs at concentrations less than 50 μg/ml are potentially safe for treatment of fibroblasts or MSCs for up to 24 h.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2026

Photochemically Triggered Para-Hydrogen-Induced Polarization in a Diplatinum Trihydride Complex

Transition metal complexes containing platinum(II) are of substantial interest for their rich photophysics, biomedical applications, and catalytic function. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of the spin-1/2 isotope, 195Pt, offer detailed insights into the molecular structures of closed-shell Pt(II) complexes, including solvent effects. However, the sensitivity of 195Pt NMR is mediocre, and its NMR spectra are typically complex. As a result, 1H NMR spectra are used as the primary characterization tool for Pt(II)-based molecules, relying on J-coupling to the 195Pt nucleus to provide structural information from the resulting satellite peaks. In efforts to significantly improve the information content from 1H NMR spectroscopy in a Pt(II)-containing molecule, we utilize [Pt2H2(μ-H)(μ-dppm)2]PF6, where dppm is bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, and leverage its established photoactivity with UV light and H2 for para-hydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) to enhance the resultant NMR signals, revealing numerous 195Pt J-couplings. Moreover, we investigate direct solvent hyperpolarization effects, as well as the indirect effects of solvent on the various observed J-coupling constants in the Pt species, demonstrating correlations with both Lewis basicity and dielectric constant.

Brown, Emily E. [Department of Chemistry; North Ca↗
DOE OSTI2014

Recent Advances in Carbon Nanotube-Based Enzymatic Fuel Cells

This review summarizes recent trends in the field of enzymatic fuel cells. Thanks to the high specificity of enzymes, biofuel cells can generate electrical energy by oxidation of a targeted fuel (sugars, alcohols, or hydrogen) at the anode and reduction of oxidants (O{sub 2}, H{sub 2}O{sub 2}) at the cathode in complex media. The combination of carbon nanotubes (CNT), enzymes and redox mediators was widely exploited to develop biofuel cells since the electrons involved in the bio-electrocatalytic processes can be efficiently transferred from or to an external circuit. Original approaches to construct electron transfer based CNT-bioelectrodes and impressive biofuel cell performances are reported as well as biomedical applications.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗
DOE OSTI2020

Theoretical Analysis of Fractional Viscoelastic Flow in Circular Pipes: General Solutions

Fractional calculus is a relatively old yet emerging field of mathematics with the widest range of engineering and biomedical applications. Despite being an incredibly powerful tool, it, however, requires promotion in the engineering community. Rheology is undoubtedly one of the fields where fractional calculus has become an integral part of cutting-edge research. There exists extensive literature on the theoretical, experimental, and numerical treatment of various fractional viscoelastic flows in constraint geometries. However, the general theoretical approach that unites several most commonly used models is missing. Here we present exact analytical solutions for fractional viscoelastic flow in a circular pipe. We find velocity profiles and shear stresses for fractional Maxwell, Kelvin–Voigt, Zener, Poynting–Thomson, and Burgers models. The dynamics of these quantities are studied with respect to normalized pipe radius, fractional orders, and elastic moduli ratio. Three different types of behavior are identified: monotonic increase, resonant, and aperiodic oscillations. The models developed are applicable in the widest material range and allow for the alteration of the balance between viscous and elastic properties of the materials.

Gritsenko, Dmitry (ORCID:0000000248181512)↗
DOE OSTI2025

Signal Differentiation of Moving Magnetic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Biodetection and Diagnostics

Magnetic nanoparticles are extensively utilized as markers/signal labelling in various biomedical applications. Detecting and distinguishing magnetic signals from similarly sized moving magnetic nanoparticles in microfluidic systems is crucial yet challenging for biosensing. In this study, we have developed an original method to detect and differentiate magnetic signals from moving superparamagnetic (SPM) and ferrimagnetic (FM) nanoparticles of comparable sizes. Our approach utilizes a highly sensitive magnetic-coil-based sensor that harnesses the combined effects of giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) and an LC-resonance circuit, offering performance superior to that of conventional GMI sensors. Iron oxide nanoparticles, which have similar particle sizes but differing coercivities (zero for SPM and non-zero for FM) or similar zero coercivities but differing particle sizes, flow through the magnetic coil at controlled velocities. Their distinct effects are analyzed through changes in the complex impedance of the sensing system. Our findings provide a unique pathway for utilizing SPM and FM nanoparticles as innovative magnetic markers to identify specific biological entities, thereby expanding their potential applications.

Hwang, Kee Young↗
DOE OSTI2024

Tailoring the Magnetic and Hyperthermic Properties of Biphase Iron Oxide Nanocubes through Post-Annealing

Tailoring the magnetic properties of iron oxide nanosystems is essential to expanding their biomedical applications. In this study, 34 nm iron oxide nanocubes with two phases consisting of Fe3O4 and α-Fe2O3 were annealed for 2 h in the presence of O2, N2, He, and Ar to tune the respective phase volume fractions and control their magnetic properties. X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements were carried out post-treatment to evaluate changes in the treated samples compared to the as-prepared samples, showing an enhancement of the α-Fe2O3 phase in the samples annealed with O2 while the others indicated a Fe3O4 enhancement. Furthermore, the latter samples indicated enhancements in crystallinity and saturation magnetization, while coercivity enhancements were the most significant in samples annealed with O2, resulting in the highest specific absorption rates (of up to 1000 W/g) in all the applied fields of 800, 600, and 400 Oe in agar during magnetic hyperthermia measurements. The general enhancement of the specific absorption rate post-annealing underscores the importance of the annealing atmosphere in the enhancement of the magnetic and structural properties of nanostructures.

Crystallography↗
DOE OSTI2018

Ionically Paired Layer-by-Layer Hydrogels: Water and Polyelectrolyte Uptake Controlled by Deposition Time

Despite intense recent interest in weakly bound nonlinear (“exponential”) multilayers, the underlying structure-property relationships of these films are still poorly understood. This study explores the effect of time used for deposition of individual layers of nonlinearly growing layer-by-layer (LbL) films composed of poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and quaternized poly-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (QPC) on film internal structure, swelling, and stability in salt solution, as well as the rate of penetration of invading polyelectrolyte chains. Thicknesses of dry and swollen films were measured by spectroscopic ellipsometry, film internal structure—by neutron reflectometry (NR), and degree of PMAA ionization—by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results suggest that longer deposition times resulted in thicker films with higher degrees of swelling (up to swelling ratio as high as 4 compared to dry film thickness) and stronger film intermixing. The stronger intermixed films were more swollen in water, exhibited lower stability in salt solutions, and supported a faster penetration rate of invading polyelectrolyte chains. These results can be useful in designing polyelectrolyte nanoassemblies for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery coatings for medical implants or tissue engineering matrices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

X-ray Characterization of Conformational Changes of Human Apo- and Holo-Transferrin

Human serum transferrin (Tf) is a bilobed glycoprotein whose function is to transport iron through receptor-mediated endocytosis. The mechanism for iron release is pH-dependent and involves conformational changes in the protein, thus making it an attractive system for possible biomedical applications. In this contribution, two powerful X-ray techniques, namely Macromolecular X-ray Crystallography (MX) and Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), were used to study the conformational changes of iron-free (apo) and iron-loaded (holo) transferrin in crystal and solution states, respectively, at three different pH values of physiological relevance. A crystallographic model of glycosylated apo-Tf was obtained at 3.0 Å resolution, which did not resolve further despite many efforts to improve crystal quality. In the solution, apo-Tf remained mostly globular in all the pH conditions tested; however, the co-existence of closed, partially open, and open conformations was observed for holo-Tf, which showed a more elongated and flexible shape overall.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Preparation of Highly Crystalline Silk Nanofibrils and Their Use in the Improvement of the Mechanical Properties of Silk Films

Due to their commendable biocompatibility, regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) films have attracted considerable research interest. However, the poor mechanical properties of RSF films have limited their use in various biomedical applications. In this study, a novel, highly crystalline silk fibril was successfully extracted from silk by combining degumming with ultrasonication. Ultrasonication accelerated the development of silk nanofibrils measuring 130–200 nm on the surface of the over-degummed silk fibers, which was confirmed via scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, the crystallinity index of silk fibril was found to be significantly higher (~68%) than that of conventionally degummed silk (~54%), as confirmed by the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results. Furthermore, the breaking strength and elongation of the RSF film were increased 1.6 fold and 3.4 fold, respectively, following the addition of 15% silk nanofibrils. Thus, the mechanical properties of the RSF film were remarkably improved by the addition of the silk nanofibrils, implying that it can be used as an excellent reinforcing material for RSF films.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

Protein-Nanoparticle Interactions Govern the Interfacial Behavior of Polymeric Nanogels: Study of Protein Corona Formation at the Air/Water Interface

Biomedical applications of nanoparticles require a fundamental understanding of their interactions and behavior with biological interfaces. Protein corona formation can alter the morphology and properties of nanomaterials, and knowledge of the interfacial behavior of the complexes, using in situ analytical techniques, will impact the development of nanocarriers to maximize uptake and permeability at cellular interfaces. In this study we evaluate the interactions of acrylamide-based nanogels, with neutral, positive, and negative charges, with serum-abundant proteins albumin, fibrinogen, and immunoglobulin G. The formation of a protein corona complex between positively charged nanoparticles and albumin is characterized by dynamic light scattering, circular dichroism, and surface tensiometry; we use neutron reflectometry to resolve the complex structure at the air/water interface and demonstrate the effect of increased protein concentration on the interface. Surface tensiometry data suggest that the structure of the proteins can impact the interfacial properties of the complex formed. These results contribute to the understanding of the factors that influence the bio-nano interface, which will help to design nanomaterials with improved properties for applications in drug delivery.

Traldi, Federico (ORCID:0000000161251012)↗
DOE OSTI2018

Fabrication of Titanium-Niobium-Zirconium-Tantalium Alloy (TNZT) Bioimplant Components with Controllable Porosity by Spark Plasma Sintering

Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is used to fabricate Titanium-Niobium-Zirconium-Tantalum alloy (TNZT) powder—based bioimplant components with controllable porosity. The developed densification maps show the effects of final SPS temperature, pressure, holding time, and initial particle size on final sample relative density. Correlations between the final sample density and mechanical properties of the fabricated TNZT components are also investigated and microstructural analysis of the processed material is conducted. A densification model is proposed and used to calculate the TNZT alloy creep activation energy. The obtained experimental data can be utilized for the optimized fabrication of TNZT components with specific microstructural and mechanical properties suitable for biomedical applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Unraveling Nanoscale Magnetic Ordering in Fe3O4 Nanoparticle Assemblies via X-rays

Understanding the correlations between magnetic nanoparticles is important for nanotechnologies, such as high-density magnetic recording and biomedical applications, where functionalized magnetic particles are used as contrast agents and for drug delivery. The ability to control the magnetic state of individual particles depends on the good knowledge of the magnetic correlations between particles when assembled. Inaccessible via standard magnetometry techniques, nanoscale magnetic ordering in self-assemblies of Fe3O4 nanoparticles is here unveiled via X-ray resonant magnetic scattering (XRMS). Measured throughout the magnetization process, the XRMS signal reveals size-dependent inter-particle magnetic correlations. Smaller (5 nm) particles show little magnetic correlations, even when packed close together, yielding to magnetic disorder in the absence of an external field, i.e., superparamagnetism. In contrast, larger (11 nm) particles tend to be more strongly correlated, yielding a mix of magnetic orders including ferromagnetic and anti-ferromagnetic orders. These magnetic correlations are present even when the particles are sparsely distributed.

Chesnel, Karine↗
DOE OSTI2019

The Effect of Calcium on the Cohesive Strength and Flexural Properties of Low-Methoxyl Pectin Biopolymers

Pectin binds the mesothelial glycocalyx of visceral organs, suggesting its potential role as a mesothelial sealant. To assess the mechanical properties of pectin films, we compared pectin films with a less than 50% degree of methyl esterification (low-methoxyl pectin, LMP) to films with greater than 50% methyl esterification (high-methoxyl pectin, HMP). LMP and HMP polymers were prepared by step-wise dissolution and high-shear mixing. Both LMP and HMP films demonstrated a comparable clear appearance. Fracture mechanics demonstrated that the LMP films had a lower burst strength than HMP films at a variety of calcium concentrations and hydration states. The water content also influenced the extensibility of the LMP films with increased extensibility (probe distance) with an increasing water content. Similar to the burst strength, the extensibility of the LMP films was less than that of HMP films. Flexural properties, demonstrated with the 3-point bend test, showed that the force required to displace the LMP films increased with an increased calcium concentration ( p < 0.01). Toughness, here reflecting deformability (ductility), was variable, but increased with an increased calcium concentration. Similarly, titrations of calcium concentrations demonstrated LMP films with a decreased cohesive strength and increased stiffness. We conclude that LMP films, particularly with the addition of calcium up to 10 mM concentrations, demonstrate lower strength and toughness than comparable HMP films. These physical properties suggest that HMP has superior physical properties to LMP for selected biomedical applications.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology↗
DOE OSTI2020

Water-Dependent Blending of Pectin Films: The Mechanics of Conjoined Biopolymers

Biodegradable pectin polymers have been recommended for a variety of biomedical applications, ranging from the delivery of oral drugs to the repair of injured visceral organs. A promising approach to regulate pectin biostability is the blending of pectin films. To investigate the development of conjoined films, we examined the physical properties of high-methoxyl pectin polymer-polymer (homopolymer) interactions at the adhesive interface. Pectin polymers were tested in glass phase (10–13% w/w water content) and gel phase (38–41% w/w water content). The tensile strength of polymer-polymer adhesion was measured after variable development time and compressive force. Regardless of pretest parameters, the adhesive strength of two glass phase films was negligible. In contrast, adhesion testing of two gel phase films resulted in significant tensile adhesion strength (p < 0.01). Adhesion was also observed between glass phase and gel phase films—likely reflecting the diffusion of water from the gel phase to the glass phase films. In studies of the interaction between two gel phase films, the polymer-polymer adhesive strength increased linearly with increasing compressive force (range 10–80 N) (R 2 = 0.956). In contrast, adhesive strength increased logarithmically with time (range 10–10,000 s) (R 2 = 0.913); most of the adhesive strength was observed within minutes of contact. Fracture mechanics demonstrated that the adhesion of two gel phase films resulted in a conjoined film with distinctive physical properties including increased extensibility, decreased stiffness and a 30% increase in the work of cohesion relative to native polymers (p < 0.01). Scanning electron microscopy of the conjoined films demonstrated cross-grain adhesion at the interface between the adhesive homopolymers. These structural and functional data suggest that blended pectin films have emergent physical properties resulting from the cross-grain intermingling of interfacial pectin chains.

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗
DOE OSTI2025

Acoustic Sensing Fiber Coupled with Highly Magnetostrictive Ribbon for Small-Scale Magnetic-Field Detection

Fiber-optic sensing has shown promising development for use in detecting magnetic fields for downhole and biomedical applications. Coupling existing fiber-based strain sensors with highly magnetostrictive materials allows for a new method of magnetic characterization capable of distributed and high-sensitivity field measurements. This study investigates the strain response of the highly magnetostrictive alloys Metglas® 2605SC and Vitrovac® 7600 T70 using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) acoustic sensors and an applied AC magnetic field. Sentek Instrument’s picoDAS interrogated the distributed FBG sensors set atop a ribbon of magnetostrictive material, and the corresponding strain response transferred to the fiber was analyzed. Using the Vitrovac® ribbon, a minimal detectable field amplitude of 60 nT was achieved. Using Metglas®, an even better sensitivity was demonstrated, where detected field amplitudes as low as 3 nT were measured via the strain response imparted to the FBG sensor. Distributed FBG sensors are readily available commercially, easily integrated into existing interrogation systems, and require no bonding to the magnetostrictive material for field detection. The simple sensor configuration with nanotesla-level sensitivity lends itself as a promising means of magnetic characterization and demonstrates the potential of fiber-optic acoustic sensors for distributed measurements.

Dejneka, Zach (ORCID:0000000179415708)↗
DOE OSTI2020

Coordination Chemistry in the Structural and Functional Exploration of Actinide-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks

The coordination chemistry between inorganic and organic species can be optimally exemplified by metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), whose structures and functionalities can be rationally designed from these highly tunable building blocks. The high porosity, stability, and versatile functionalities of MOFs have attracted wide-spread attention from energy-related research and pollution remediation to biomedical applications. A unique and underexplored subset of these materials are MOFs based on actinide nodes; these MOFs have distinguished themselves as a unique platform for investigating the versatile oxidation states, reactivity, and coordination chemistry of actinides. Herein, we will focus on the rational design and synthesis of actinide-based MOFs under the general guidelines of coordination chemistry for their structural and functional explorations. The dimensionality, topology, and structures of actinide-based MOFs can be controlled by selecting pre-designed building blocks of actinide-based nodes and organic linkers with certain desired coordination geometries and functionalities. Furthermore, these unique actinide-based MOFs have shown promise for applications in nuclear waste mitigation, pollution control, and catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2018

Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres as a Multifunctional Carrier for Cancer Theranostics

Optical nanomaterials with intense absorption in near-infrared (NIR) region hold great promise for biomedical applications such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). In this work, we report mesoporous carbon nanospheres (Meso-CNs) with broadband and intense absorption in the UV–Vis–NIR region (300–1400 nm) and explore their potential as a multifunctional platform for photoacoustic imaging and chemo-photothermal therapy. Methods: Meso-CNs were prepared by a “silica-assisted” synthesis strategy and characterized by transmission electron microscope and optical spectroscopy. We investigated the photothermal conversion and photoacoustic imaging of Meso-CNs in comparison with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), graphene and gold nanorods (GNRs). In vitro cellular assays and in vivo chemo-photothermal combination therapy were performed. Results: The absorption coefficients of Meso-CNs are 1.5–2 times higher than those of SWCNTs and graphene and are comparable to those of GNRs in both the first and the second near-infrared optical windows (NIR-I and NIR-II) of tissues. When exposed to an NIR laser, the photothermal and photoacoustic signal generation of Meso-CNs are also stronger than those of SWCNTs, graphene, and GNRs. DOX was loaded into Meso-CNs with a high efficiency (35 wt%) owing to the unique mesoporous structure. Particularly, the drug release from Meso-CNs is sensitive to both pH and NIR light stimulation. In vivo chemo-photothermal combination therapy demonstrates a remarkable inhibition effect on tumor growth under NIR laser treatment. Conclusions: We have developed Meso-CNs for photothermal conversion and photoacoustic imaging. The porous structure also serves as a drug carrier and the drug release can be controlled by pH and external light. The high drug loading capacity, superior photothermal and photoacoustic generation, together with the apparent chemo-photothermal therapeutic effect, make Meso-CNs a promising platform for cancer theranostics.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2021

Accurate in vivo tumor detection using plasmonic-enhanced shifted-excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS)

For the majority of cancer patients, surgery is the primary method of treatment. In these cases, accurately removing the entire tumor without harming surrounding tissue is critical; however, due to the lack of intraoperative imaging techniques, surgeons rely on visual and physical inspection to identify tumors. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is emerging as a non-invasive optical alternative for intraoperative tumor identification, with high accuracy and stability. However, Raman detection requires dark rooms to work, which is not consistent with surgical settings. Methods: Herein, we used SERS nanoprobes combined with shifted-excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) detection, to accurately detect tumors in xenograft murine model. Results: We demonstrate for the first time the use of SERDS for in vivo tumor detection in a murine model under ambient light conditions. We compare traditional Raman detection with SERDS, showing that our method can improve sensitivity and accuracy for this task. Conclusion: Our results show that this method can be used to improve the accuracy and robustness of in vivo Raman/SERS biomedical application, aiding the process of clinical translation of these technologies.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗