Themed collection Celebrating the 10th anniversary of INST Mohali
Introduction to celebrating the 10th anniversary of INST Mohali
Amitava Patra and Umesh Waghmare introduce this collection collating some of the latest research published in Nanoscale in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 20372-20373
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR90181A
Substrate-induced phase transition within liquid condensates reverses the catalytic activity of nanoparticles
Substrate concentration induced modulation of reaction rates inside catalytic condensates.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14730-14733
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01402B
Ultrathin MOF nanosheets and their mixed-matrix membranes for ammonia and aliphatic amine sensing in water
Ultrathin Ni-btc MOF NS showed “turn-on” fluorescence in presence of NH3 and aliphatic amines in water. Different dipole-dipole interactions between MOF NS and analytes, resulted in different fluorescence behaviour in order NH3 > MA > DIPA > TEA.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 8836-8842
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00546E
Uncovering metabolic signatures in cancer-derived exosomes: LC-MS/MS and NMR profiling
Understanding the intricate interplay between cancer metabolism and intercellular communication within the tumour microenvironment (TME) is crucial for advancing cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 287-303
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03454F
Design of a new process for the stabilization of FeS–Bi2S3 hybrid nanostructure and its application as a field emitter
Design of a new process for the fabrication of FeS–Bi2S3 anisotropic nanostructure for field emission application.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 21847-21855
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04138K
Electrically and magnetically readable memory with a graphene/1T-CrTe2 heterostructure: anomalous Hall transistor
The graphene/1T-CrTe2 heterostructure shows electron transfer, exchange, and crystal field effects that shift and split graphene Dirac points, enabling an anomalous Hall transistor, spin-charge storage via spin-polarized anomalous Hall conductivity.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02528H
Single-use polyethylene terephthalate bottle-derived nanoplastics propagate antibiotic resistance in bacteria via transformation and outer membrane vesicle secretion
Graphical representation showing nanoplastics' role in horizontal gene transfer (HGT). They modulate permeability, carry plasmids with ARGs, induce ROS, and trigger OMV release, aiding the spread of ARGs between bacterial species.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 21360-21378
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02613F
CD56-targeted in vivo genetic engineering of natural killer cells mediates immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia
Schematic representation of the synthesis of pEzH2@CsNPs@CD56 and its anti-AML efficacy.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 19743-19755
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02692F
Metals in nanomotion: probing the role of extracellular vesicles in intercellular metal transfer
Metals are essential for cellular homeostasis, and extracellular vesicles facilitate the transfer of these metals between cells.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 19730-19742
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02841D
Design of multi-responsive and actuating microgels toward on-demand drug release
Colloidal microgels exhibit multi-stimuli-responsive behaviour and photoresponsive reversible actuation manifested in fluid flow patterning for the stimuli-responsive on-demand release of ciprofloxacin.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 19254-19265
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02728K
Energy-efficient resistive switching synaptic devices based on patterned Ag nanotriangles with tunable gaps fabricated using plasma-assisted nanosphere lithography
Devices composed of planar silver nanotriangles with tunable sharp features are fabricated through nanosphere lithography resulting in localized electric field thereby minimizing the threshold switching voltage for synaptic functionalities.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18365-18374
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02748E
First Cu-nanostar as a sustainable catalyst realized through synergistic effects of bowl-shaped features and surface activation of sporopollenin exine
The bowl-shaped outer surface of biomass-derived sporopollenin has been combined with polyethyleneimine functionalization to develop CuO nanostars for the first time that show efficient triazole formation under sustainable conditions.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18356-18364
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00390J
Laser-synthesized plasmonic HfN-based nanoparticles as a novel multifunctional agent for photothermal therapy
HfN nanoparticles exhibiting a tunable plasmonic feature in the near-IR were synthesized by laser ablation in liquids. A strong photothermal therapeutic effect yielding 100% cells death under 808 nm irradiation of nanoparticles was reported.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 17893-17907
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02311K
Alternating vs. random amphiphilic polydisulfides: aggregation, enzyme activity inhibition and redox-responsive guest release
This paper reports an alternating copolymer (ACP) with a bio-reducible amphiphilic polydisulfide backbone and highlight the impact of the alternating monomer connectivity on the self-assembly and biological activities.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 17886-17892
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02494J
Effective cerebral tuberculosis treatment via nose-to-brain transport of anti-TB drugs using mucoadhesive nano-aggregates
Enhanced treatment for CNS-TB: Intranasal chitosan nano-aggregates with Anti-TB drugs overcome the blood–brain barrier and reduce mycobacterial load.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 16485-16499
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02621G
Encapsulation of 4-oxo-N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide in human serum albumin nanoparticles promotes EZH2 degradation in preclinical neuroblastoma models
Schematic represents 4O4HPR loaded HSANPs directing the proteasomal degradation of the polycomb group of the protein, EZH2, by triggering oxidative stress and PKC-δ activation, leading to the killing of neuroblastoma cancer cells.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 16075-16088
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00642A
Highly stable two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite-based resistive switching memory devices
Two-dimensional Ruddlesden–Popper perovskites (TEA)2PbBr4- and (TEA)2PbI4-based resistive switching random-access memory devices exhibit high ON/OFF ratio, excellent data retention, and good endurance along with remarkable environmental stability.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 16159-16171
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01395F
DNA origami-templated gold nanorod dimer nanoantennas: enabling addressable optical hotspots for single cancer biomarker SERS detection
Label-free detection of single molecule of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is achieved through surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) utilizing precisely engineered DNA origami-templated gold nanorod (Au NR) dimers.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 15128-15140
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01110D
Probing surface interactions in CdSe quantum dots with thiocyanate ligands
Our study explores quantum dots, specifically CdSe, using FTIR and 2D-IR spectroscopy. Findings reveal surface passivation of SCN− ions. Combined with computational calculations, these insights impact quantum dots' performance optimization.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14922-14931
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01507J
Sculpting liquid metal stabilized interfaces: a gateway to liquid electronics
Sculpting of Ga NPs stabilized droplet is achieved here by interfacial jamming of metal–phenolate network at oil–water interface for low-voltage electronic applications.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14350-14357
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01836B
Shielding against breast tumor relapse with an autologous chemo-photo-immune active Nano–Micro-Sera based fibrin implant
An ‘all-in-one’ autologous intraoperative implant is demonstrated to deliver localized chemo-photothermal immunotherapy with significant inhibition of residual cancer cells and improved survival in preclinical triple negative breast tumor model.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 14006-14019
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01076K
Expanding the range of graphene energy transfer with multilayer graphene
Each additional graphene layer leads to stronger fluorescence quenching, indicating enhanced GET efficiency and a potential extension of the dynamic working range of GET.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13464-13470
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01723D
Orchestration of ferro- and anti-ferromagnetic ordering in gold nanoclusters
The unpaired electron in the odd gold clusters is solely responsible for the magnetic behaviour of the Au nano-clusters. These magnetic clusters can be ordered ferro- and antiferro-magnetically through an organic spacer.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13445-13456
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00856A
Dynamics of terminal fraying–peeling and hydrogen bonds dictates the sequential vs. cooperative melting pathways of nanoscale DNA and PNA triplexes
Two-step melting of DNA–DNA–DNA triplex vs. one-step cooperative melting of PNA–DNA–PNA triplex.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 13029-13040
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01104J
Simple fluorochromic detection of chromium with ascorbic acid functionalized luminescent Bio-MOF-1
Ascorbic acid functionalized Bio-MOF-1 selectively captures and detects Cr(VI). The presence of Cr(VI) induces a fluorescence recovery and this method can detect Cr(VI) of up to 0.01 ng mL−1.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12523-12533
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00768A
A novel GO hoisted SnO2–BiOBr bifunctional catalyst for the remediation of organic dyes under illumination by visible light and electrocatalytic water splitting
A novel GO-hoisted SnO2–BiOBr bifunctional catalyst for the remediation of organic dyes under illumination by visible light and electrocatalytic water splitting.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12445-12458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01154F
BODIPY directed one-dimensional self-assembly of gold nanorods
Self-assembly of gold nanorods is facilitated by plasmon–molecule interactions between gold and BODIPY, and the chemical structure of BODIPY plays a crucial role in forming a linear chain.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12127-12133
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02161D
Electronic redistribution through the interface of MnCo2O4–Ni3N nano-urchins prompts rapid In situ phase transformation for enhanced oxygen evolution reaction
In this study, the in situ electrochemical phase transformation of MnCo2O4–Ni3N into MnCo2O4–NiOOH is described. The catalyst has an exceptional overpotential of 224 mV to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Strong contact between MnCo2O4 and Ni3N is responsible for the phase trasformation.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 10663-10674
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00560K
Sensing nature's alarm: SnO2/MXene gas sensor unveils methyl jasmonate signatures of plant insect stress
A chemoresistive sensor is developed that selectively identify stress signature volatile methyl jasmonate.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 10675-10681
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00825A
Exceptional behavior of a high-temperature superconductor in proximity to a ferromagnet in a bilayer film, La0.67Sr0.33MnO3/YBa2Cu3O7
We studied the electronic properties of a high-temperature superconductor in proximity to a ferromagnetic material in a bilayer film of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO)/YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO).
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 9819-9826
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06636C
Fabrication of water-resistant fluorescent ink using the near-unity photoluminescence quantum yield of CsPbBr3 doped with NiBr2
In this study, we report on the synthesis of CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) doping with transition metal ion Ni2+ with high photoluminescence. The fabricated fluorescent ink of Ni2+ doped NCs showsthe water resistivity and thermal stability.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 9811-9818
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00668B
Strategic design of VO2 encased in N-doped carbon as an efficient electrocatalyst for the nitrogen reduction reaction in neutral and acidic media
Strategic design of VO2 encapsulated in N-doped carbon shows efficient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction to ammonia under both acidic and neutral pH, with very high faradaic efficiency.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 9426-9435
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00640B
Biomaterial-based combinatorial approach of aescin-comprised zein-coated gelatin nanoparticles alleviates synovial inflammation in experimental inflammatory arthritis
A schematic representation of collagen-induced rheumatoiad arthritis (RA) before and after treatment.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 7965-7975
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06476J
Enhanced thermoelectric performance of a wide-bandgap twisted heterostructure of graphene and boron nitride
The twisted structure of two-dimensional heterostructure improved thermoelectric properties by enhancing electrical properties and reducing thermal conductivity.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 7951-7957
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00095A
First-principles study of the oxidation susceptibility of WS2, WSe2, and WTe2 monolayers
The environmental stability of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers is of great importance for their applications in electronic, photonic, and energy storage devices.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 7437-7442
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06089F
Self-assembled nanomicelles for oral delivery of luteolin utilizing the intestinal lymphatic pathway to target pancreatic cancer
Schematic representation of pathway for the drug loaded nanomicelles through the intestinal lymphatic system.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 7453-7466
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06638J
Er3+-activated Ba2V2O7 upconversion nanosheets for dual-mode temperature sensing
Downshifting and upconversion photoluminescence properties of Ba2V2O7:Er3+ nanosheets are investigated. Temperature-dependent luminescence intensity ratios of thermally coupled as well as non-thermally coupled levels are used for temperature sensing.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 7443-7452
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06401H
Manipulating ultrafast magnetization dynamics of ferromagnets using the odd–even layer dependence of two-dimensional transition metal di-chalcogenides
Odd–even WS2 layer number dependent ultrafast demagnetization and damping are studied by varying the pump fluence.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 4105-4113
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06197C
Insights of the efficient hydrogen evolution reaction performance in bimetallic Au4Cu2 nanoclusters
The bimetallic nanocluster catalyst (Au4Cu2/MoS2) exhibits remarkable efficiency and durability with enhanced charge transfer, highlighting the structure–property relationship crucial for atomic-level understanding of electrocatalysis.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 1758-1769
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05445D
About this collection
The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) is the first Nano-research institute in India, which was established in 2013 for cutting-edge research in nanoscience and nanotechnology with an interdisciplinary nature in the domains of energy, environment, agriculture, health care, and quantum materials, etc. Scientists at INST with training in physics, chemistry, biology, pharmacy, engineering, and agriculture work together to develop nanotechnology to address scientific issues. In a very short time span, INST has made significant scientific contributions as evidenced from research publications. In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the institute, INST has organised an international conference Trends in Emerging Nano Science: Energy, Healthcare & Quantum Materials (TENS-2023) from 5th to 8th November 2023 for the growth of existing collaboration and foster new ones and explore opportunities for students. The collection aims to bring together some of the latest research from members of the INST and speakers at the conference to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the institute and to showcase some of the exciting developments in nanoscience.