Advanced Materials

Hybrid nanoparticles (consisting of more than one type of nanostructure) for the detection and treatment of cancer are reviewed. Functional nanocomponents such as metal nanoparticles, magnetic nanocrystals, or quantum dots can be placed either on the surface of a structural nanocomponent (“barge”) or into its inner space (“tanker”). The structural components are classified based on the therapeutic function they deliver.

Neurotrophin-BDNF can be effectively encapsulated in nanoporous poly(L-glutamic acid) particles prepared via mesoporous silica templating. The loaded BDNF can be released in a sustained manner with retained biological activity. Animal experiments demonstrate the released BDNF can efficiently rescue the auditory neurons (as indicated by the arrows) in the cochlea of guinea pigs with sensorineural hearing loss.

A highly stretchable metal electrode is demonstrated by developing a solution processed very long (> 100 μm) metallic nanowire synthesis method and subsequent percolation network formation by a low temperature nanowelding process. The stretchable metal electrode from very long metal nanowires demonstrated high electrical conductivity (∼9 ohm sq⁻¹) and mechanical compliance (strain > 460%) at the same time. This method is expected to overcome the performance limitation of the current stretchable electronics such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, and buckled nanoribbons.