sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAGs) are vital molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the nervous system known to regulate proliferation, migration, and differentiation of neurons mainly through binding relevant growth factors. Alginate sulfate (AlgSulf) mimics sGAGs and binds growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Here, thin films of biotinylated AlgSulf (b-AlgSulfn) are engineered with sulfation degrees (DS = 0.0 and 2.7) the effect of polysaccharide concentration on FGF-2 and nerve growth factor (β-NGF) binding and subsequent primary neural viability and neurite outgrowth is assessed. An increase in b-AlgSulfn concentration results in higher FGF-2 and β-NGF binding as demonstrated by greater frequency and dissipation shifts measured with quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D). Primary neurons seeded on the 2D b-AlgSulfn films maintain high viability comparable to positive controls grown on poly-d-lysine. Neurons grown in 3D AlgSulf hydrogels (DS = 0.8) exhibit a significantly higher viability, neurite numbers and mean branch length compared to neurons grown in nonsulfated controls. Finally, a first step is made toward constructing 3D neuronal networks by controllably patterning neurons encapsulated in AlgSulf into an alginate carrier. The substrates and neural networks developed in the current study can be used in basic and applied neural applications.

Zinc ferrite nano-crystals were successfully synthesized from its stoichiometric metal nitrates and glycine mixtures, using a microwave assisted combustion method. The as prepared sample was subjected to high energy ball milling for different periods of time. Structural and magnetic properties have been investigated by VSM and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Results revealed that the as-prepared sample is a monophase zinc ferrite possesses high crystallinity. A minor of α-Fe₂O₃ phase is detected after milling. The room temperature Mössbauer spectra of the samples are representing the coexistence of both ferrimagnetic ordering    and superparamagnetic phases. the data obtained indicate that the Isomer shift falls to the Fe3+ range. The highest average magnetic hyperfine field Bhf was found where the inversion parameter is maxima. The saturation magnetization value of the as prepared ZnFe₂O₄ is 47 emu/g was observed and its value decreases to 29 emu/g after 330 min of mill.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most popular secondary batteries for consumer electronics and, lately, for electric vehicles application. Their main advantages over other rechargeable batteries are high energy density, good cycle life, high coulombic efficiency, low self-discharge rate, low maintenance and high cell voltage. The increasing demand for high performance LIBs entails large number of scientific researches focused on developing new electrode materials with better cyclability and high-energy storage capacity.

In terms of capacity enhancement, the most promising material for the anode is silicon which theoretical capacity is 4200 mAhg^-1 (in comparison to 372 mAhg^-1 for the commercially most widely used graphite). Unfortunately, its implementation is limited due to the safety issue related to the huge volume expansion that takes place during charge/discharge cycle. One approach that addresses the mentioned problem is nanotechnology. Recently, in situ HRTEM observation of Si nanoparticles during lithiation process showed that there is a critical particle size for which the mechanical fracturing of the SEI layer can be avoided.

Graphene, a single layer of hexagonally arranged sp² carbon atoms, attracts a great interest as a material that can replace graphite as an active material in anodes of LIBs. Its properties like high theoretical specific surface area, intrinsic carrier mobility, great mechanical strength could significantly increase performance of batteries. In this research graphene-based nanocomposite was synhtesized for application as the anode active materials in lithium-ion battery. Three methods were employed: (a) mechanical mixing of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) powder with silicon nanopowder, (b) mixing of rGO with Si nanopowder in isopropyl alcohol and (c) spatial functionalization of graphene oxide using hydrazine. The molecular systems with variable silicon content and, in the case of cross-linked structures, variable hydrazine content were produced. FTIR, Raman, SEM, TEM investigations as well as galvanostatic charge/discharge and cyclic voltammetry measurements.

Green chemistry started for the search of benign methods for the development of nanoparticles from nature and their use in the field of antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumor applications. Bio wastes are eco-friendly starting materials to produce typical nanoparticles with well-defined chemical composition, size, and morphology. Cellulose, starch, chitin and chitosan are the most abundant biopolymers around the world.   All are under the polysaccharides family in which cellulose is one of the important structural components of the primary cell wall of green plants. Cellulose nanoparticles(fibers, crystals and whiskers) can be extracted from agrowaste resources such as  jute, coir, bamboo, pineapple leafs, coir etc. Chitin is the second most abundant biopolymer after cellulose, it is a characteristic component of the cell walls of fungi, the exoskeletons of arthropods and nanoparticles of chitin (fibers, whiskers) can be extracted from shrimp and crab shells. Chitosan is the derivative of chitin, prepared by the removal of acetyl group from chitin (Deacetylation).  Starch nano particles can be extracted from tapioca and potato wastes. These nanoparticles can be converted into smart and functional biomaterials by functionalisation through chemical modifications (esterification, etherification, TEMPO oxidation, carboxylation and hydroxylation etc) due to presence of large amount of hydroxyl group on the surface. The preparation of these nanoparticles include both series of chemical as well as mechanical treatments; crushing, grinding, alkali, bleaching and acid treatments. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used to investigate the morphology of nanoscale biopolymers. Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FTIR) and x ray diffraction (XRD) are being used to study the functional group changes, crystallographic texture of nanoscale biopolymers respectively. Since large quantities of bio wastes are produced annually, further utilization of cellulose, starch and chitins as functionalized materials is very much desired. The cellulose, starch and chitin nano particles are currently obtained as aqueous suspensions which are used as reinforcing additives for high performance environment-friendly biodegradable polymer materials.

Cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites are widely used in electronic packaging and electrical contacts. However, the conductivity and strength of the interfacial layer are not fit for the demands. So CeO2 nanoparticles 24.3 nm in size, coated on Al2O3 ceramic, promote a novel CeO2–Cu2O–Cu system to improve the interfacial bonded strength. Results show that the atom content of O is increased to approximately 30% with the addition of CeO2 nanoparticles compared with the atom content without CeO2 in the interfacial layer of Cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites. CeO2 nanoparticles coated on the surface of Al2O3 ceramics can easily diffuse into the metallic Cu layer. CeO2 nanoparticles can accelerate to form the eutectic liquid of Cu2O–Cu as they have strong functions of storing and releasing O at an Ar pressure of 0.12 MPa. The addition of CeO2 nanoparticles is beneficial for promoting the bonded strength of the Cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites. The bonded strength of the interface coated with nanoparticles of CeO2 is increased to 20.8% compared with that without CeO2; moreover, the electric conductivity on the side of metallic Cu is 95% IACS. The study is of great significance for improving properties of Cu/Al2O3 ceramic clad composites.