Patterned fluorescence films with reversible thermal response based on the host–guest superarchitecture: A patterned fluorescence film that shows reversible thermal and fluorescent behaviour in the temperature range 20–130 °C has been created by a team at the Beijing University of Chemical Technology, China. The team say that the transformation of an organic chromophore from irreversible to reversible thermal response material upon incorporation into a 2D layered matrix is the most distinct feature in this work. Combining the patterning technique with the thermal responsive photoluminescence nature of the chromophore–layered double hydroxide composites could be applicable to the development of a wide selection of intelligent devices and display systems. (J. Mater. Chem., 2011, DOI: 10.1039/C1JM11249J, Advance Article)
Tailoring hybrid glyco-nanolayers composed of chitohexaose and cellohexaose for cell culture applications: In this Hot Paper, Yuka Yoshiike and Takuya Kitaoka from Kyushu University, Japan, show that human carcinoma cells can adhere to self-assembled hybrid nanolayers of chitohexaose–thiosemicarbazide and cellohexaose–thiosemicarbazide. The surface density of bioactive chitohexaose is a key factor in cell adhesion efficiency, morphological variation and some cellular responses. Yoshiike and Kitaoka say that the Architectural design of carbohydrate-based hybrid nanolayers via the vectorial chain immobilization method is expected to provide a new concept for the functional development of glyco-decorated biointerfaces. (J. Mater. Chem., 2011, Advance Article DOI:10.1039/C1JM11448D)
Superparamagnetic magnetite nanocrystal clusters as potential magnetic carriers for the delivery of platinum anticancer drugs: A magnetic drug carrier that can increase the cellular uptake of platinum drugs while maintaining the inherent cytotoxicity of the drug cargo has been developed by Chinese scientists. The drug carrier is based on superparamagnetic magnetite nanocrystal clusters modified by carboxymethylcellulose and is conjugated to the anit-cancer drug cisplatin. The advantages of this drug delivery system include the simplicity of preparation, multifunctionality of the particles, and high loading capacity of the carrier. The team led by Zijian Guo at Nanjing University, China, say that this approach may be further developed into a promising strategy for targeted delivery of other drugs or biofunctional molecules. (J. Mater. Chem., 2011, Advance Article DOI:10.1039/C1JM11369K)
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