Hybrid micro-/nano-silica architectures made of bacterial-body-templated silica shell attached with fimbriae-templated silica nanotubes were prepared by using living fimbriaed bacteria E. Coli TG1 as templates, which can function as individual bioreactors to catalyze the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl-beta-d-galactopyranoside to form p-nitrophenol due to the presence of an intracellular enzyme.

In nature, cells perform a variety of complex functions such as sensing, catalysis, and energy conversion which hold great potential for biotechnological device construction. However, cellular sensitivity to ex-vivo environments necessitates development of bio-nano interfaces which allow integration of cells into devices and maintain their desired functionality. In order to develop such an inte...

A novel generic method of silica supported catalyst system generation from a fluid state is presented. The technique is based on the combined flow and radiation (such as microwave, thermal or UV) induced co-assembly of the support and catalyst precursors forming nano-reactors, followed by catalyst precursor decomposition. The transformation from the precursor to supported catalyst oxide state c...

Polyester silica nanocomposite fabrics were prepared by incorporating different concentrations of silica nano particles to the fabric by pad-dry-cure method. The prepared composite fabrics were analyzed in terms of change in their mechanical, structural as well as their functional properties. The surface morphology showed the uniform distribution of silica nano particles on fabric through SEM, ...

two  simple  protocols  for  the  synthesis  of  1,  2,  4,  5-  tetrasubstitutedimidazoles  using  nano-spa  as  a  reusable,  eco-  friendly,  inexpensive,  and  efficient  catalyst  are  reported.  short   reaction  times,  high  yields,  scale-up  and  easy  workup  are  the   advantages of these protocols.

The synthesis of polymer brush decorated silica nano-particles is demonstrated by activator regeneration by electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) grafting of poly(tert-butyl methacrylate). ATRP initiator decorated silica nano-particles were obtained using a novel trimethylsiloxane derivatised ATRP initiator obtained by click chemistry. Comparison of de-grafted poly...

Nano silica sulfuric acid as a solid acid, was described to be an effective catalyst for one-pot three-component reaction of kojic acid, aryl aldehydes and indoles for the preparation of 2-substituted aryl (indolyl) kojic acid derivatives. The catalyst was prepared by combination of chlorosulfonic acid to nano silica gel. The size of nanoparticles were observed with SEM.All prepared compounds w...

We report a unique approach in which living cells direct their integration into 3D solid-state nanostructures. Yeast cells deposited on a weakly condensed lipid/silica thin film mesophase actively reconstruct the surface to create a fully 3D bio/nano interface, composed of localized lipid bilayers enveloped by a lipid/silica mesophase, through a self-catalyzed silica condensation process. Remar...

Polyurethane-based micro- and nano-hybrid composites were produced with controlled porosity to be used as obturation materials. In addition to hydroxyapatite (HAp) micro-particles in the composites, two different ceramics particle types were also added: alumina micro-particles and silica nano-particles. Particles of different sizes provide the materials with improved mechanical properties: the ...