The research work presented throughout this thesis focuses on the development of novel organic-inorganichybrid materials for applications in nanotechnology, nanomedicine and diagnostics. In such a context, porous zeolite-L crystals have been used as nanocarriers to deliver either DNA or PNA in live cells, in combination with the release of guest molecules placed into the pores. Multifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles have been designed to treat glioblastoma, combining gene therapy with the sustained delivery of a chemotherapy agent. Biodegradable hybrid nano-shells have been furthermore created to encapsulate proteins and release them in living cells upon degradation of the outer structure in reductive environment. In the field of nucleic acid detection, photonic crystal fibers, functionalized with specific PNA probes, have been exploited as optical sensing devices to perform ultra-sensitive detection of DNA oligonucleotides or genomic DNA. Eventually, the PNA backbone has served as scaffold to synthesize fluorescent switching probes able to recognize and to detect the presence of specific target sequences.

Das erste Handbuch und gut zugängliche Referenzwerk zu diesem zunehmend wichtigen Thema erläutert in einem anwendungsorientierten Ansatz Synthese, Design, Charakterisierung und Simulation von Grenzflächen bei hybriden organisch-anorganischen Materialien.

Hybrid organic-inorganic materials and the rational design of their interfaces open up the access to a wide spectrum of functionalities not achievable with traditional concepts of materials science. This innovative class of materials has a major impact in many application domains such as optics, electronics, mechanics, energy storage and conversion, protective coatings, catalysis, sensing and nanomedicine. The properties of these materials do not only depend on the chemical structure, and the mutual interaction between their nano-scale building blocks, but are also strongly influenced by the interfaces they share. This handbook focuses on the most recent investigations concerning the design, control, and dynamics of hybrid organic-inorganic interfaces, covering: (i) characterization methods of interfaces, (ii) innovative computational approaches and simulation of interaction processes, (iii) in-situ studies of dynamic aspects controlling the formation of these interfaces, and (iv) the role of the interface for process optimization, devices, and applications in such areas as optics, electronics, energy and medicine.

This book provides a practical guide to the use and applications of inorganic biomaterials. It begins by introducing the concept of inorganic biomaterials, which includes bioceramics and bioglass. This concept is further extended to hybrid biomaterials consisting of inorganic and organic materials to mimic natural biomaterials. The book goes on to provide the reader with information on biocompatibility, bioactivity and bioresorbability. The concept of the latter is important because of the increasing role resorbable biomaterials are playing in implant applications. The book also introduces a new concept on mechanical compatibility - 'mechacompatibility'. Almost all implant biomaterials employed to date, such as metal and ceramic implants, do not meet this biological requirement as they have far higher modulus than any biomaterials in the body. The practical techniques that are used in the characterization of biomaterials, including chemical, physical, biological, microscopy and mechanical characterization are described. Some specialised techniques are also introduced such as Synchrotron Micro-Computed Tomography (u-CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The reader is given important information on new biomaterials development for orthopaedic and other areas, including controlled release technology, hydroxyapatite and hybrid bioresorbable materials. Finally the book provides a guide to regulatory considerations, an area which is often overlooked, but is an important part of R&D and manufacturing of medical materials and devices.

Heterostructured nanoparticles have the capability for a broad range of novel and enhanced properties, which leads to appealing biomedical and environmental applications. This timely new book addresses the design and preparation of multiphase nanomaterials with desired size, shape, phase composition, and crystallinity, as well as their current applications. It emphasizes key examples to motivate deeper studies, including nanomaterial-based hyperthermia treatment of cancer, nanohybrids for water purification, nanostructures used in the removal or detection of bioagents from waste water, and so on. Features Presents state of the art research on heterostructured nanomaterials, from their synthesis and physiochemical properties to current environmental and biological applications. Includes details on toxicity and risk assessment of multifunctional nanomaterials. Discusses recent developments and utilization in healthcare by leading experts. Introduces the main features of functionalization of nanomaterials in terms of desired size, shape, phase composition, surface functionalization/coating, toxicity, and geometry. Emphasizes practical applications in the environmental and biomedical sectors.

This book covers the latest advances in polymer-inorganic nanocomposites, with particular focus on high-added-value applications in fields including electronics, optics, magnetism and biotechnology. The unique focus of this book is on electronic, optical, magnetic and biomedical applications of hybrid nanocomposites. Coverage includes: Synthesis methods and issues and production scale-up; Characterization methods; Electronic applications; Optical applications and Photonics; Magnetic applications; and Biomedical applications. The book offers readers a solid grasp of the state of the art, and of current challenges in non-traditional applications of hybrid nanocomposites.

The volume "Nanocomposite and Nanohybrid Materials: Processing and Applications" is an outstanding resource for exploring the findings and recent trends of nanocomposites and nanohybrid materials. Herein, a full grasp of cutting-edge research, new technologies, and exciting opportunities linked with nanocomposites and nanohybrids. Nanomaterials, including their synthesis, development, and advanced properties, are thoroughly investigated. Several processes for preparing nanomaterials are presented to the reader, along with their characteristics and development phase. It offers the latest applications of nanoparticles for diagnosing and treating neurological disorders and their use in biological imaging and targeted cancer treatments. This provides a strong basis for future study and innovation in this intriguing issue that is very important to methodology, qualitative approaches, and applications.

This book provides a contemporary research-led overview of the applications of inorganic materials in biomedicine. It begins with a short introduction summarising key concepts in inorganic materials (layered materials, framework materials etc.), and explaining the need for new materials in medicine. It then discusses the key areas in which inorganic materials have been applied, considering: drug delivery; imaging; diagnostics and theranostics; hard matter restoration; and vaccines. Each chapter gives an overview of the major extant challenges in the research area, before presenting a systematic review of how inorganic materials have been applied to gain traction in the field. A clear focus is maintained on the fate of the applied materials in vivo, clinical considerations, and the path to translation from lab to clinic. With contributions from leading researchers, Biomedical Applications of Inorganic Materials will provide a comprehensive introduction for advanced undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers wishing to learn about the topic.

This book elaborates on the fabrication of organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, their advantages, self-assembly and their applications in diverse fields of energy, biotechnology, biomedical and environment. The contents provide insight into tools, tricks and challenges associated with techniques of fabrication and future challenges and risks. This book also discusses the properties of modern hybrid nanomaterials and their performance, durability, reproducibility and sensitivity. It will be useful for students and researchers in the area of nanotechnology, science, engineering and environmental chemistry. This volume will also be useful for researchers and professionals working on nanohybrid materials.

Biologically functional ceramic materials have been known about for several decades, like phosphate cements and gypsum, and they are within the zeroth generation. Modern and artificially synthesized bioceramics include amorphous materials in the Bioglass® family that were developed in the early 1970's and derivative glass ceramics such as Bioverit® and Cerabone A-W® that came in 1980's. They are from the 2nd generation of materials, and mostly applicable to bone replacement or bone defect fillers. Since the late 1990's, newer technologies have been introduced to the biologically functional material fields; they are the syntheses of organic-inorganic hybrids of micro- and macroscopic scales as well as nano-scales, organic fragment-covered ceramic particles of varied sizes, with light-controlling abilities to modify the frequency of light, in addition synthesis of high strength and high-tribological durability that had not been available before. With the advent of additive manufacturing technology employing lasers, electron beams, and printers, clinical materials of complicated porous structures are now easily prepared. These materials are of the 3rd generation. This book will cover almost all kinds of such 3rd generation ceramic and ceramic-related biomaterials. This book conveys the current state-of-the-art on the science and technology of bioceramics, from nano-size dots or particles to macro-scale architectures, of a wide range of constitutions including quantum dots with peptide fragments, meso-scale therapeutic particles designed to involve drugs or genes, mesoporous organic-inorganic hybrids, nano-structured oxide layers on metals and alloys. - Comprehensively covers all aspects (research/experimental and commercial products) related to the latest progresses in bioceramic science, technology and applications, with emphasis on nanobioceramics - Pulls together a broad range of materials, concepts, and technologies based on nanomaterials - Features novel preparation procedures like additive manufacturing (3-D printing and related techniques) that have also been introduced and practiced for forming complicated architectures - Features innovative 3rd generation ceramic and ceramic-related biomaterials