The theme of our NIH Nanomedicine Development Center is design of biomimetic nanoconductors and devices utilizing nanoconductors. The model theoretical systems are native and mutant biological channels and other ion transport proteins and synthetic channels, and heterogenous membranes containing channels and transporters. The model experimental systems are engineered protein channels and synthe...

Nanotopographical features are found to have significant effects on bone behavior. In the present study, nanoporous aluminas with different pore sizes (20, 100 and 200 nm in diameter), were evaluated for their osteoinductive and drug eluting properties. W20-17 marrow stromal cells were seeded on nanoporous alumina with and without the addition of BMP-2. Although cell proliferation was not affec...

Conductometric gas sensors made of gas permeable metal oxide ultrathin membranes can combine the functions of a selective filter, preconcentrator, and sensing element and thus can be particularly promising for the active sampling of diluted analytes. Here we report a case study of the electron transport and gas sensing properties of such a membrane made of nanoporous Ta₂O₅. These membranes demo...

Chemical separations play an important role in most chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical processes. Membrane-based separations are potentially important because they can be less energy intensive and more economical than conventional separation methods [1]. By controlling the pore diameter of track-etched nanoporous polymer membranes, they can be used as nanofilters for the separation of ...

This review summarizes the importance of nanoporous materials and their fascinating structural properties with respect to the catalytic and photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methane, toward achieving a sustainable energy supply. The importance of catalysis as a bridge step for advanced energy systems and the associated environmental issues are stressed. A deep understanding of the fundamentals...

Nanoporous frameworks are polymeric materials built from rigid molecules, which give rise to their nanoporous structures with applications in gas sorption and storage, catalysis and others. Conceptually new applications could emerge, should these beneficial properties be manipulated by external stimuli in a reversible manner. One approach to render nanoporous frameworks responsive to external s...

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) appears to be uniquely suited for coating substrates with ultrahigh aspect ratios (> or similar 10(3)), including nanoporous solids. Here, we study the ALD of Cu and Cu3N on the inner surfaces of low-density nanoporous silica aerogel monoliths. Results show that Cu depth profiles in nanoporous monoliths are limited not only by Knudsen diffusion of heavier precursor...

The characteristics of nanoporous inorganic coatings on implants or on implantable devices are reviewed. The commonly used nanoporous materials, such as aluminum oxide (Al(2)O(3)), titanium oxide (TiO(2)) and porous silicon are highlighted with illustrative examples. The critical issues for sustained release systems are examined and the elution profiles of nanoporous coatings are discussed. The...

A novel highly sensitive optical NO2-selective sensor was developed using phthalocyaninato-iron(II) as a selective complexing agent. In order to solubilize the ironII+phthalocyanine and to obtain the monomer species, a N-donor ligand was used as a solvent. The membrane solution was deposited onto a novel aluminum oxide/hydroxide nanoporous material by a spin-coating technique. The chemical reac...

The ion flux dynamics across a straight nanoslot is imaged to understand the nonequilibrium phenomenon of overlimiting current density across a nanoporous membrane. With a slow ac field, an ion-depletion front is generated intermittently from one end of the nanochannel, and a vortex instability first predicted by Rubinstein, Staude, and Kedem [Desalination 69, 101 (1988).10.1016/0011-9164(88)80...