Inclusion of Cu nano-cluster 1D arrays inside a C3-symmetric artificial oligopeptide via co-assembly

Peptide-metal nanohybrids (PMN): Promising entities for combating neurological maladies

Nanotherapeutics are gaining traction in the modern scenario because of their unique and distinct properties which separate them from macro materials. Among the nanoparticles, metal NPs (MNPs) have gained importance due to their distinct physicochemical and biological characteristics. Peptides also exhibit several important functions in humans. Different peptides have received approval as pharmaceuticals, and clinical trials have been commenced for several peptides. Peptides are also used as targeting ligands. Considering all the advantages offered by these two entities, the conjugation of MNPs with peptides has emerged as a potential strategy for achieving successful targeting, diagnosis, and therapy of various neurological pathologies.

1D Colloidal chains: recent progress from formation to emergent properties and applications

Integrating nanoscale building blocks of low dimensionality (0D; i.e., spheres) into higher dimensional structures endows them and their corresponding materials with emergent properties non-existent or only weakly existent in the individual building blocks. Constructing 1D chains, 2D arrays and 3D superlattices using nanoparticles and colloids therefore continues to be one of the grand goals in colloid and nanomaterial science. Amongst these higher order structures, 1D colloidal chains are of particular interest, as they possess unique anisotropic properties. In recent years, the most relevant advances in 1D colloidal chain research have been made in novel synthetic methodologies and applications. In this review, we first address a comprehensive description of the research progress concerning various synthetic strategies developed to construct 1D colloidal chains. Following this, we highlight the amplified and emergent properties of the resulting materials, originating from the assembly of the individual building blocks and their collective behavior, and discuss relevant applications in advanced materials. In the discussion of synthetic strategies, properties, and applications, particular attention will be paid to overarching concepts, fresh trends, and potential areas of future research. We believe that this comprehensive review will be a driver to guide the interdisciplinary field of 1D colloidal chains, where nanomaterial synthesis, self-assembly, physical property studies, and material applications meet, to a higher level, and open up new research opportunities at the interface of classical disciplines.

Circular assembly of colloidal nanoparticles at the liquid-air interface mediated by block copolymers

The self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles (NPs) mediated by block copolymers (BCPs) is an efficient way for fabricating nanocomposite superstructures with precise geometric control. Here we report a generalized liquid-air interfacial strategy by exploiting the versatility in tuning the specific affinities between the grafted polymeric ligands and BCPs, enabling the circular assembly of NPs on a liquid surface to afford unique ring-like superstructures. Fe3O4 NPs act as the model system; however, CoFe2O4 and Au NPs are also demonstrated using the proposed assembly method. Functionalizing NPs with a specific polymeric ligand is the key to achieve the circular assembly of NPs, while both the subphase and the solvent annealing temperature have profound influence on the microphase separation behaviors of BCPs and therefore the morphology of the resulting NP assemblies. Moreover, the co-assembly of two types of NPs grafted with distinct polymeric ligands enables unprecendented heterogeneous concentric rings, with each ring consisting of one type of NP.

Design, fabrication, and biomedical applications of bioinspired peptide–inorganic nanomaterial hybrids

We presented the design, composition, and typical biomedical applications of bioinspired peptide–inorganic nanomaterial hybrids.