Solids Go Bio: Inorganic Nanoparticles as Enzyme Mimics

Inorganic and Bio-inorganic Chemistry

BSA-templated MnO2 nanoparticles as both peroxidase and oxidase mimics.

Inorganic nanomaterials that mimic enzymes are fascinating as they potentially have improved properties relative to native enzymes, such as greater resistance to extremes of pH and temperature and lower sensitivity to proteases. Although many artificial enzymes have been investigated, searching for highly-efficient and stable catalysts is still of great interest. In this paper, we first demonst...

Base metal complexes as homogeneous catalysts and enzyme mimics.

This article is a short overview of some recent research activity in the Laboratory of Inorganic Synthesis and Catalysis (LSCI) at EPFL-ISIC. It summarizes the work on Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of non-activated alkyl halides. It then describes and discusses the work on the bio-mimetic chemistry of [Fe]-hydrogenase.

Determination of Bio-Oxidation Energy Released by Thermophiles in Secondary and Mixed Bio-Solids

Reaction constants and heat release during thermophilic aerobic digestion of typical secondary and mixed sludges were determined. Maximum reaction constant, determined by measuring the amounts of biodegradable volatile suspended solids (bVSS) removed, occurred in the temperature range of 55-60 ºC. Measurement of heat releases were carried out, at the same range, by the aid of a temperature ...

Inorganic Nanocrystals Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Fabrication and Enhanced Bio-applications

Mesoporous SiO2 nanoparticles (MSNs) are one of the most promising materials for bio-related applications due to advantages such as good biocompatibility, tunable mesopores, and large pore volume. However, unlike the inorganic nanocrystals with abundant physical properties, MSNs alone lack functional features. Thus, they are not sufficiently suitable for bio-applications that require special fu...