Fabrication of high-resolution nanostructures of complex geometry by the single-spot nanolithography method

Self-organization and FORC-based magnetic characterization of ultra-high aspect ratio epitaxial Co nanostrips produced by oblique deposition on an ordered step-bunched silicon surface

Further development of microelectronics requires novel or improved technological approaches for device nanofabrication and functional properties characterization. In this paper, we studied the crystal structure and magnetic properties of epitaxial Co nanostrips with the average width of 32.6, 45.3, and 62.6 nm grown on a step-bunched Si(111)5.55 × 5.55-Cu/Cu surface. Technological conditions, under which the ultra-high aspect ratio (∼10⁴) structurally solid, straight nanostrips of hcp-Co with crystallographic axis [0001] oriented along their long side can be grown, were determined. The dependence of the coercive force on the width of the nanostrips was demonstrated. Magnetization reversal through the transverse domain-wall nucleation and propagation in a Co nanostrip was defined with an analytical approach based on the Stoner-Wohlfarth model. Using the first-order reversal curve method, we analyzed the effect of nanostrip uniformity degree on magnetic behavior and the influence of the magnetostatic interactions on the coercive force of individual nanostrips.

A Review of Current Regenerative Medicine Strategies that Utilize Nanotechnology to Treat Cartilage Damage

BACKGROUND

Cartilage is an important tissue found in a variety of anatomical locations. Damage to cartilage is particularly detrimental, owing to its intrinsically poor healing capacity. Current reconstructive options for cartilage repair are limited, and alternative approaches are required. Biomaterial science and Tissue engineering are multidisciplinary areas of research that integrate biological and engineering principles for the purpose of restoring premorbid tissue function. Biomaterial science traditionally focuses on the replacement of diseased or damaged tissue with implants. Conversely, tissue engineering utilizes porous biomimetic scaffolds, containing cells and bioactive molecules, to regenerate functional tissue. However, both paradigms feature several disadvantages. Faced with the increasing clinical burden of cartilage defects, attention has shifted towards the incorporation of Nanotechnology into these areas of regenerative medicine.

METHODS

Searches were conducted on Pubmed using the terms "cartilage", "reconstruction", "nanotechnology", "nanomaterials", "tissue engineering" and "biomaterials". Abstracts were examined to identify articles of relevance, and further papers were obtained from the citations within.

RESULTS

The content of 96 articles was ultimately reviewed. The literature yielded no studies that have progressed beyond in vitro and in vivo experimentation. Several limitations to the use of nanomaterials to reconstruct damaged cartilage were identified in both the tissue engineering and biomaterial fields.

CONCLUSION

Nanomaterials have unique physicochemical properties that interact with biological systems in novel ways, potentially opening new avenues for the advancement of constructs used to repair cartilage. However, research into these technologies is in its infancy, and clinical translation remains elusive.