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2015
Larguinho, M, Capelo {JL}, Baptista {PV}.  2015.  Nanoparticles for mass spectrometry applications, sep. Handbook of Nanoparticles. :1371–1396., Switzerland: Springer International Publishing AG Abstract

Nanotechnology has led to the development of new and improved materials, and particular emphasis has been directed toward nanoparticles and their multiple bio-applications. Nanoparticles exhibit size-, shape-, and compositiondependent properties, e.g., surface plasmon resonance and photothermal properties, which may potentially enhance laser desorption/ionization systems for mass spectrometry-based analysis of biomolecules. Also, nanoparticles possess high surface to volume ratio that can be easily derivatized with a wide range of ligands with different functional groups. Surface modification makes nanoparticles advantageous for sample preparation procedures prior to detection by mass spectrometry. Moreover, it allows the synthesis of affinity probes, which promotes interactions between nanoparticles and analytes, greatly enhancing the ionization efficiency. This chapter provides a comprehensive discussion on the use of nanoparticles for mass spectrometry-related applications, from sample preparation methodologies to ionization surfaces. Applications will focus on nanoparticle size, composition, and functionalization, as a comparative point of view on optimal characteristics toward maximization of bioassay efficiency.

De Schutter, A, Correia HD, Freire DM, Rivas MG, Rizzi A, Santos-Silva T, González PJ, Van Doorslaer S.  2015.  Ligand Binding to Chlorite Dismutase from Magnetospirillum sp, October. The journal of physical chemistry. B. 119:13859—13869., Number 43 AbstractWebsite
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Andrade, MS, Silva VS, Lourenco AM, Lobo AM, Rzepa HS.  2015.  Chiroptical Properties of Streptorubin B: The Synergy Between Theory and Experiment, OCT. CHIRALITY. 27:745-751., Number 10 Abstract
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Larguinho, M, Canto R, Cordeiro M, Pedrosa P, Fortuna A, Vinhas R, Baptista {PMRV}.  2015.  Gold nanoprobe-based non-crosslinking hybridization for molecular diagnostics, oct. Expert Review Of Molecular Diagnostics. 15:1355–1368., Number 10: Expert Reviews Abstract

Non-crosslinking (NCL) approaches using DNA-modified gold nanoparticles for molecular detection constitute powerful tools with potential implications in clinical diagnostics and tailored medicine. From detection of pathogenic agents to identification of specific point mutations associated with health conditions, these methods have shown remarkable versatility and simplicity. Herein, the NCL hybridization assay is broken down to the fundamentals behind its assembly and detection principle. Gold nanoparticle synthesis and derivatization is addressed, emphasizing optimal size homogeneity and conditions for maximum surface coverage, with direct implications in downstream detection. The detection principle is discussed and the advantages and drawbacks of different NCL approaches are discussed. Finally, NCL-based applications for molecular detection of clinically relevant loci and potential integration into more complex biosensing platforms, projecting miniaturization and portability are addressed.

Veigas, B, Portugal C, Valério R, Fortunato E, Crespo {JG }, Baptista P.  2015.  Scalable approach for the production of functional DNA based gold nanoprobes, oct. Journal of Membrane Science. 492:528–535.: Elsevier Abstract

Nanoparticle based systems, in particular gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), provide for simple calorimetric detection of molecular biomarkers, such as DNA, RNA. These systems rely on the functionalization of AuNPs with ssDNA oligonucleotides requiring strenuous laboratory centrifugation steps not compatible with industrial scale up. Here, we demonstrate the potential of dia-ultrafiltration for purification of Au-nanoprobes. We show that dia-ultrafiltration can be regarded as better alternative to centrifugation, allowing for a less intensive sample manipulation, easier transposable to the industrial scale. The purification of AuNPs was performed by dia-ultrafiltration using membranes of regenerated cellulose with a nominal molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 10 kDa and a processing strategy which combined subsequent AuNPs cleaning and concentration steps. instead of the permeation flux decline typically found in ultrafiltration processes operated under concentration modes, purification of Au-nanoprobes by dia-ultrafiltration was followed by a subtle increase of the permeation fluxes. This effect was ascribed to improved external mass transfer conditions near the membrane surface, prompted by the decrease of the overall solute concentration in the retentate over the process Lime. This strategy allowed for the total retention of the AuNPS, yielding nanoprobes capable of higher signal to noise ratios. Proof-of-concept was directed at the synthesis of Au-nanoprobes for identification of members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex that cause tuberculosis in humans. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

McCully, M, Hernandez Y, Conde J, Baptista {PMRV}, {de la Fuente} {JM }, Hursthouse A, Stirling D, Berry {CC }.  2015.  Significance of the balance between intracellular glutathione and polyethylene glycol for successful release of small interfering RNA from gold nanoparticles, oct. Nano Research. 8:3281–3292., Number 10: Tsinghua University Press | Springer Abstract

The therapeutic promise of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for specific gene silencing is dependent on the successful delivery of functional siRNAs to the cytoplasm. Their conjugation to an established delivery platform, such as gold nanoparticles, offers tremendous potential for treating diseases and advancing our understanding of cellular processes. Their success or failure is dependent on both the uptake of the nanoparticles into the cells and subsequent intracellular release of the functional siRNA. In this study, utilizing gold nanoparticle siRNA-mediated delivery against C-MYC, we aimed to determine if we could achieve knockdown in a cancer cell line with low levels of intracellular glutathione, and determine the influence, if any, of polyethylene glycol (PEG) ligand density on knockdown, with a view to determining the optimal nanoparticle design to achieve C-MYC knockdown. We demonstrate that, regardless of the PEG density, knockdown in cells with relatively low glutathione levels can be achieved, as well as the possible effect of steric hindrance of PEG on the availability of the siRNA for cleavage in the intracellular environment. Gold nanoparticle uptake was demonstrated via transmission electron microscopy and mass spectroscopy, while knockdown was determined at the protein and physiological levels (cells in S-phase) by in-cell westerns and BrdU incorporation, respectively.

Veigas, B, Baptista {PMRV}, Fortunato E.  2015.  Field Effect Sensors for Nucleic Acid Detection: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives, may. Sensors. 15:10380–10398., Number 5: MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute Abstract

In the last decade the use of field-effect-based devices has become a basic structural element in a new generation of biosensors that allow label-free DNA analysis. In particular, ion sensitive field effect transistors (FET) are the basis for the development of radical new approaches for the specific detection and characterization of DNA due to FETs' greater signal-to-noise ratio, fast measurement capabilities, and possibility to be included in portable instrumentation. Reliable molecular characterization of DNA and/or RNA is vital for disease diagnostics and to follow up alterations in gene expression profiles. FET biosensors may become a relevant tool for molecular diagnostics and at point-of-care. The development of these devices and strategies should be carefully designed, as biomolecular recognition and detection events must occur within the Debye length. This limitation is sometimes considered to be fundamental for FET devices and considerable efforts have been made to develop better architectures. Herein we review the use of field effect sensors for nucleic acid detection strategiesfrom production and functionalization to integration in molecular diagnostics platforms, with special focus on those that have made their way into the diagnostics lab.

Pedrosa, P, Baptista {PV}.  2015.  Gold and Silver Nanoparticles for Diagnostics of Infection, may. Nanotechnology in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prophylaxis of Infectious Diseases. :1–18., Netherlands: Elsevier Abstract

The use of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs), particularly gold and silver, in biomolecular applications has surged, ranging from innovative strategies for molecular diagnostics to radical new ways of treatment. Taking advantage of the particular optical-chemical characteristics of these metal NPs, every year new methods of molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases are reported providing higher analytical capability, sensitivity, and throughput at lower costs and with the possibility to be used where needed. Gold and silver NPs, or a combination of both, possess amazing optical/spectral properties, such as the intense localized surface plasmon resonance that, together with the ease of surface modification and functionalization with biomolecules capable of specific molecular recognition, have provided new strategies for molecular analysis, extending the detection limit of current nucleic acid and protein-based assays.This chapter focuses on the methods used for diagnostic of infectious diseases that take advantage of noble metal NPs. It discusses their use in biomolecular recognition and their most promising approaches, and it compares their advantages and disadvantages.

Vinhas, R, Cordeiro M, Carlos {FF}, Mendo S, Fernandes {AR}, Figueiredo S, Baptista {PV}.  2015.  Gold nanoparticle-based theranostics: disease diagnostics and treatment using a single nanomaterial, may. Nanobiosensors in Disease Diagnosis. 4:11–23.: Dove Medical Press Abstract

Nanotheranostics takes advantage of nanotechnology-based systems in order to diagnose and treat a specific disease. This approach is particularly relevant for personalized medicine, allowing the detection of a disease at an early stage, to direct a suitable therapy toward the target tissue based on the molecular profile of the altered phenotype, subsequently facilitating disease monitoring and following treatment. A tailored strategy also enables to reduce the off-target effects associated with universal treatments and improve the safety profile of a given treatment. The unique optical properties of gold nanoparticles, their ease of surface modification, and high surface-to-volume ratio have made them central players in this area. By combining imaging, targeting, and therapeutic agents in a single vehicle, these nanoconjugates are (ought to be) an important tool in the clinics. In this review, the multifunctionality of gold nanoparticles as theranostics agents will be highlighted, as well as the requirements before the translation of these nanoplatforms into routine clinical practice.

Barquinha, P, Pereira S, Pereira LÍ, Wojcik P, Grey P, Martins R, Fortunato E.  2015.  {Flexible and Transparent WO 3 Transistor with Electrical and Optical Modulation}, may. Advanced Electronic Materials. 1:n/a–n/a., Number 5 AbstractWebsite
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Rodrigues, J, Mata D, Pimentel A, Nunes D, Martins R, Fortunato E, Neves AJ, Monteiro T, Costa FM.  2015.  {One-step synthesis of ZnO decorated CNT buckypaper composites and their optical and electrical properties}, may. Materials Science and Engineering: B. 195:38–44. AbstractWebsite
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Bernacka-Wojcik, I, Águas H, Carlos {FF}, Lopes P, Wojcik {PJ}, Costa {MN}, Veigas B, Igreja R, Fortunato E, Baptista P, Martins R.  2015.  Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection Using Gold Nanoprobes and Bio-Microfluidic Platform With Embedded Microlenses, jun. Biotechnology and Bioengineering. 112:1210–1219., Number 6: Wiley-Blackwell Abstract

The use of microfluidics platforms combined with the optimal optical properties of gold nanopartides has found plenty of application in molecular biosensing. This paper describes a biotnicrofluidic platform coupled to a non-cross-linking colorimetric gold nanoprobe assay to detect a single nucleotide polymorphism associated with increased risk of obesity fat-mass and obesity-associated (FTO) rs9939609 (Carlos et al., 2014). The system enabled significant discrimination between positive and negative assays using a target DNA concentration of 5 ng/mu l below the limit of detection of the conventionally used microplate reader (i.e., 15 ng/mu l) with 10 times lower solution volume (i.e., 3 mu l.). A set of optimization of our previously reported bio-microfluidic platform (Bemacka-Wojcik et al., 2013) resulted in a 160% improvement of colorimetric analysis results. Incorporation of planar microlenses increased 6 times signal-to-loss ratio reaching the output optical fiber improving by 34% the colorimetric analysis of gold nanopartides, while the implementation of an optoelectronic acquisition system yielded increased accuracy and reduced noise. The microfluidic chip was also integrated with a miniature fiber spectrometer to analyze the assays' cobrimetric changes and also the LEDs transmission spectra when illuminating through various solutions. Furthermore, by coupling an optical micmscope to a digital camera with a long exposure time (30s), we could visualise the different scatter intensities of gold nanoparticles within channels following salt addition. These intensities correlate well to the expected difference in aggregation between FTO positive (none to small aggregates) and negative samples (large aggregates). (C) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Kiazadeh, A, Salgueiro D, Branquinho R, Pinto J, Gomes HL, Barquinha P, Martins R, Fortunato E.  2015.  {Operational stability of solution based zinc tin oxide/SiO2 thin film transistors under gate bias stress}, jun. APL Materials. 3:062804., Number 6 AbstractWebsite

In this study, we report solution-processed amorphous zinc tin oxide transistors exhibiting high operational stability under positive gate bias stress, translated by a recoverable threshold voltage shift of about 20{%} of total applied stress voltage. Under vacuum condition, the threshold voltage shift saturates showing that the gate-bias stress is limited by trap exhaustion or balance between trap filling and emptying mechanism. In ambient atmosphere, the threshold voltage shift no longer saturates, stability is degraded and the recovering process is impeded. We suggest that the trapping time during the stress and detrapping time in recovering are affected by oxygen adsorption/desorption processes. The time constants extracted from stretched exponential fitting curves are ≈106 s and 105 s in vacuum and air, respectively.

Bernacka-Wojcik, I, Aguas H, Carlos FF, Lopes P, Wojcik PJ, Costa MN, Veigas B, Igreja R, Fortunato E, Baptista PV, Martins R.  2015.  {Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Detection Using Gold Nanoprobes and Bio-Microfluidic Platform With Embedded Micro lenses}, jun. BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING. 112:1210–1219., Number 6 Abstract
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G-Berasategui, E, Zubizarreta C, Bayón R, Barriga J, Barros R, Martins R, Fortunato E.  2015.  {Study of the optical, electrical and corrosion resistance properties of AZO layers deposited by DC pulsed magnetron sputtering}, jun. Surface and Coatings Technology. 271:141–147. AbstractWebsite

Aluminium-doped zinc oxide (AZO) is a common material used as a front contact layer on chalcopyrite CuInGaSe2 (CIGS)-based thin-film solar cells since it combines optimum optical and electrical properties with low cost and abundant elemental availability. Low-resistivity and high-transmission front contacts are required to develop high-performance CIGS solar cells. However, the durability of the cells is highly influenced by the corrosion resistance behaviour of the AZO layers. In this work, an exhaustive study of the aluminium-doped zinc oxide layers (AZO) deposited by pulsed DC magnetron sputtering (MS) has been performed. The optical, electrical and electrochemical corrosion resistance properties of the AZO layers have been evaluated as a function of the deposition pressure. The results show that adjusting the deposition pressure could develop AZO layers with very high electrochemical corrosion resistance in chlorinated aqueous media combined with optimum electrical and optical properties. Layers grown at 3×10−3mbar pressure present very high corrosion resistance values (in the order of 106 {\$}Ømega{\$}) and very high electrochemical stability, indicating no tendency for electrochemical corrosion degradation. Besides, these layers are highly transparent with an average transmittance in the visible range above 90{%} and with a low resistivity of 6.8×10−4 {\$}Ømega{\$}cm for a 1000nm films thickness, making them optimum candidate front contact for high-performance and high durability CIGS solar cells.

Aguas, H, Mateus T, Vicente A, Gaspar D, Mendes MJ, Schmidt WA, Pereira L, Fortunato E, Martins R.  2015.  {Thin Film Silicon Photovoltaic Cells on Paper for Flexible Indoor Applications}, jun. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS. 25:3592–3598., Number 23 Abstract
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Moniz, A.  2015.  Assessing Technologies: Global Patterns of Trust and Distrust. Report on one session at the XVIII World Congress of Sociology, jan. Technikfolgenabschätzung –{} Theorie und Praxis. 24, Number 1 119-121, Karlsruhe: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology AbstractWebsite

Technology assessment (TA) had never been treated as a relevant topic within the International Sociological Association (ISA) before. The first steps towards establishing this association were taken in 1948, at the initiative of the Social Science Department of UNESCO. Its formal foundation was in 1949. The World Congress of Sociology in Japan was hopefully the beginning of continuous integration of TA into the thematic sessions within the ISA.

Veigas, B, Fortunato E, Baptista {PV }.  2015.  Mobile based gold nanoprobe TB diagnostics for point-of-need, jan. Mobile Health Technologies: Methods and Protocols. Part 1(Rasooly, {Avraham }, Herold, {Keith E. }, Eds.).:41–56., United States: Humana Press Abstract

Nanotechnology based diagnostics has provided improved tools for pathogen detection and sensitive and specific characterization of antibiotic resistance signatures. Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex (MTBC) and, according to the World Health Organization, is one of the most serious infectious diseases in the world. Recent advances in molecular diagnostics of TB have improved both the detection time and sensitivity but they still require specialized technical personnel and cumbersome laboratory equipment. Diagnostics at point-of-need is crucial to TB control as it may provide rapid identification of pathogen together with the resistance profile of TB strains, originated from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in different loci , allowing for a more accurate indication of the adequate therapy.Gold nanoparticles have been widely used in molecular diagnostics platforms. Here, we describe the use of gold nanoprobes (oligonucleotide functionalized gold nanoparticles) to be used in a non-crosslinking colorimetric method for the direct detection of specific DNA targets. Due to the remarkable optical properties of gold nanoparticles, this detection system provides colorimetric detection of the pathogen together with the potential of identification of several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in TB resistance to antibiotics. For point-of-need use, we adapted this strategy to a low-cost mobile scheme using a paper based revelation platform and where the spectral signature is transposed to RGB data via a smartphone device. This way, identification of pathogen and characterization of resistance signatures is achieved at point-of-need.

Veigas, B, Fortunato E, Baptista PV.  2015.  {Field Effect Sensors for Nucleic Acid Detection: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives}, jan. Sensors. 15:10380–10398., Number 5: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute AbstractWebsite

In the last decade the use of field-effect-based devices has become a basic structural element in a new generation of biosensors that allow label-free DNA analysis. In particular, ion sensitive field effect transistors (FET) are the basis for the development of radical new approaches for the specific detection and characterization of DNA due to FETs' greater signal-to-noise ratio, fast measurement capabilities, and possibility to be included in portable instrumentation. Reliable molecular characterization of DNA and/or RNA is vital for disease diagnostics and to follow up alterations in gene expression profiles. FET biosensors may become a relevant tool for molecular diagnostics and at point-of-care. The development of these devices and strategies should be carefully designed, as biomolecular recognition and detection events must occur within the Debye length. This limitation is sometimes considered to be fundamental for FET devices and considerable efforts have been made to develop better architectures. Herein we review the use of field effect sensors for nucleic acid detection strategies—from production and functionalization to integration in molecular diagnostics platforms, with special focus on those that have made their way into the diagnostics lab.

Marques, AC, Santos L, Costa MN, Dantas JM, Duarte P, Gonçalves A, Martins R, Salgueiro CA, Fortunato E.  2015.  {Office paper platform for bioelectrochromic detection of electrochemically active bacteria using tungsten trioxide nanoprobes.}, jan. Scientific reports. 5:9910. AbstractWebsite

Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) have the capability to transfer electrons to cell exterior, a feature that is currently explored for important applications in bioremediation and biotechnology fields. However, the number of isolated and characterized EAB species is still very limited regarding their abundance in nature. Colorimetric detection has emerged recently as an attractive mean for fast identification and characterization of analytes based on the use of electrochromic materials. In this work, WO3 nanoparticles were synthesized by microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis and used to impregnate non-treated regular office paper substrates. This allowed the production of a paper-based colorimetric sensor able to detect EAB in a simple, rapid, reliable, inexpensive and eco-friendly method. The developed platform was then tested with Geobacter sulfurreducens, as a proof of concept. G. sulfurreducens cells were detected at latent phase with an RGB ratio of 1.10 ± 0.04, and a response time of two hours.

Santos, L, Nunes D, Calmeiro T, Branquinho R, Salgueiro D, Barquinha P, Pereira LÍ, Martins R, Fortunato E.  2015.  {Solvothermal synthesis of gallium-indium-zinc-oxide nanoparticles for electrolyte-gated transistors.}, jan. ACS applied materials {&} interfaces. 7:638–46., Number 1 AbstractWebsite

Solution-processed field-effect transistors are strategic building blocks when considering low-cost sustainable flexible electronics. Nevertheless, some challenges (e.g., processing temperature, reliability, reproducibility in large areas, and cost effectiveness) are requirements that must be surpassed in order to achieve high-performance transistors. The present work reports electrolyte-gated transistors using as channel layer gallium-indium-zinc-oxide nanoparticles produced by solvothermal synthesis combined with a solid-state electrolyte based on aqueous dispersions of vinyl acetate stabilized with cellulose derivatives, acrylic acid ester in styrene and lithium perchlorate. The devices fabricated using this approach display a ION/IOFF up to 1 × 10(6), threshold voltage (VTh) of 0.3-1.9 V, and mobility up to 1 cm(2)/(V s), as a function of gallium-indium-zinc-oxide ink formulation and two different annealing temperatures. These results validates the usage of electrolyte-gated transistors as a viable and promising alternative for nanoparticle based semiconductor devices as the electrolyte improves the interface and promotes a more efficient step coverage of the channel layer, reducing the operating voltage when compared with conventional dielectrics gating. Moreover, it is shown that by controlling the applied gate potential, the operation mechanism of the electrolyte-gated transistors can be modified from electric double layer to electrochemical doping.

Pavan, M, Rühle S, Ginsburg A, Keller DA, Barad H-N, Sberna PM, Nunes D, Martins R, Anderson AY, Zaban A, Fortunato E.  2015.  {TiO2/Cu2O all-oxide heterojunction solar cells produced by spray pyrolysis}, jan. Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. 132:549–556. AbstractWebsite

Here we present for the first time a TiO2/Cu2O all-oxide heterojunction solar cell entirely produced by spray pyrolysis onto fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) covered glass substrates, using silver as a back contact. A combinatorial approach was chosen to investigate the impact of the TiO2 window layer and the Cu2O light absorber thicknesses. We observe an open circuit voltage up to 350mV and a short circuit current density which is strongly dependent of the Cu2O thickness, reaching a maximum of {\~{}}0.4mA/cm2. Optical investigation reveals that a thickness of 300nm spray pyrolysis deposited Cu2O is sufficient to absorb most photons with an energy above the symmetry allowed optical transition of 2.5eV, indicating that the low current densities are caused by strong recombination in the absorber that consists of small Cu2O grains.

Nunes, D, Santos L, Duarte P, Pimentel A, Pinto JV, Barquinha P, Carvalho PA, Fortunato E, Martins R.  2015.  {Room temperature synthesis of Cu₂O nanospheres: optical properties and thermal behavior.}, feb. Microscopy and microanalysis : the official journal of Microscopy Society of America, Microbeam Analysis Society, Microscopical Society of Canada. 21:108–19., Number 1 AbstractWebsite

The present work reports a simple and easy wet chemistry synthesis of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanospheres at room temperature without surfactants and using different precursors. Structural characterization was carried out by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with focused ion beam and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The optical band gaps were determined from diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photoluminescence behavior of the as-synthesized nanospheres showed significant differences depending on the precursors used. The Cu2O nanospheres were constituted by aggregates of nanocrystals, in which an on/off emission behavior of each individual nanocrystal was identified during transmission electron microscopy observations. The thermal behavior of the Cu2O nanospheres was investigated with in situ X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry experiments. Remarkable structural differences were observed for the nanospheres annealed in air, which turned into hollow spherical structures surrounded by outsized nanocrystals.

Santos, L, Wojcik P, Pinto JV, Elangovan E, Viegas J, Pereira LÍ, Martins R, Fortunato E.  2015.  {Structure and Morphologic Influence of WO 3 Nanoparticles on the Electrochromic Performance of Dual-Phase a -WO 3 /WO 3 Inkjet Printed Films}, feb. Advanced Electronic Materials. 1:n/a–n/a., Number 1-2 AbstractWebsite
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Pedrosa, P, Vinhas R, de Fernandes {MANCR}, Baptista {PMRV}.  2015.  Gold Nanotheranostics: Proof-of-Concept or Clinical Tool?, dec Nanomaterials. 5:1853–1879., Number 4: MDPI AG Abstract

Nanoparticles have been making their way in biomedical applications and personalized medicine, allowing for the coupling of diagnostics and therapeutics into a single nanomaterial-nanotheranostics. Gold nanoparticles, in particular, have unique features that make them excellent nanomaterials for theranostics, enabling the integration of targeting, imaging and therapeutics in a single platform, with proven applicability in the management of heterogeneous diseases, such as cancer. In this review, we focus on gold nanoparticle-based theranostics at the lab bench, through pre-clinical and clinical stages. With few products facing clinical trials, much remains to be done to effectively assess the real benefits of nanotheranostics at the clinical level. Hence, we also discuss the efforts currently being made to translate nanotheranostics into the market, as well as their commercial impact.

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