Bio-Inspired Nanotechnology

Over the past few years, much effort has been taken to explore the applications of nanoparticle-based structures in different fields such as nanomedicine, molecular imaging, etc.. Supramolecular analytical methods have attracted researchers due to their chemical formula, flexibility, convenience, and modularity for the synthesis of nanoparticles. The incorporation of functional ligands on the surface of supramolecular nanoparticles helps to improve their performance in many areas. Fabrication of supra molecular materials with uniform size gives more advantages of using them in different fields. Characterization techniques like positron emission tomography imaging (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence studies, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-Vis studies help to identify the molecular images and structure effectively. Supramolecular systems are used as an effective technique in the nano-design of supramolecular nano-systems. They enhance the solubility, modification of surface properties, bioconjugation of nanoparticles due to the supramolecular recognition properties, and supramolecular materials that are applied for the removal of targeted molecules. The designing process makes it able to function in complex matrices. This chapter discusses the design, synthesis and characterization of supramolecular nanostructures and their hybrids and also discusses their application in different fields. 

In this chapter, the low-cost, biodegradable absorbents are developed for wastewater treatment. At first, the modification of the procured nano ZSM-5 is executed by means of dealumination and ion exchange process to have de-laminated (D-ZSM-5), Cu-ZSM-5 and Fe-ZSM-5. Furthermore, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) are mixed with modified zeolites with varying concentrations (20 and 80 wt%) used for the fabrication of innovative composite films ((D-ZSM-5, Cu-ZSM-5 and Fe-ZSM-5). FTIR, XRD, BETCO2, TGA, and SEM type of characterization techniques are used for the analysis of composites. The prepared composite films are exploited for cationic Rhodamine B (Rh6B) and anionic Reactive Blue 4 (RB4) dye elimination by the activity of adsorption. The effect of contact time, initial dye concentration and pH on the dyes’ adsorption in aqueous buffer solutions is examined. The equilibrium adsorption data are estimated using Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin isotherm models. Langmuir isotherm is deemed to be the best-fitting model and the process (kinetics and mechanism) follows pseudo-second-order kinetics, yielding an uppermost adsorption capacity of 34 mg/g, and 16.55 mg/g which is comparable to plane CNF (8.7mg/g) and (0.243mg/g) for cationic Rh6B dye and anionic RB4 dye respectively. Maximum dye removal is observed for a higher amount of (80% ZSM-5) film. The study reveals that ZSM-5/ CNFs films can potentially be used for the removal of cationic and anionic dyes. 

The combination of polymer composite technology and nanotechnology leads to the design of polymer nanocomposites. They represent a novel alternative class of materials to traditional composites with versatile properties which are suitable for biomedical applications. The addition of nanofillers to polymer composites enhances their mechanical and biological characteristics. The enhancement in various properties depends on the polymer matrix, filler, and matrix-filler interaction. The major issue faced in biomedical research during product development is the lack of biocompatibility and biodegradability. The primary factor that has to be considered for composite development is the proper choice of materials. There is a growing demand for the design of personalized medicine with the outbreak of many chronic ailments and genetic disorders. The properties of polymer nanocomposites can be customized for various biomedical applications. The characteristic features of supramolecular nanocomposites which act as smart materials with tuned properties can be exploited for tissue engineering, responsive drug and hormone delivery, regenerative medicine, bioimaging, ocular, dental and orthopedic applications. Many hybrid biopolymer composites which exhibit promising biomedical applications are developed by researchers. Their properties can be tailored for making biomedical devices also. This chapter highlights a brief but focused overview of biomedical applications of bio-based polymer nanocomposites, carbon-based polymer nanocomposites, metal-organic framework/polymer nanocomposites, shape memory polymer nanocomposites, hydrogels, self-healing polymer nanocomposites and stimuli responsive polymer nanocomposites.

The design of materials for various biomedical applications is truly challenging since it demands exceptional characteristics such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-cytotoxicity, adequate strength, etc. Several strategies have been developed for the synthesis of nanoparticles based on chemical methods. However, the toxicity limits their applications in biological systems. So researchers are looking for materials that can fulfill green criteria in the sense that they should be renewable, harmless to human health, and environment friendly. Recently, the evolution of nanomedicine led to explore the possibilities of different types of nanomaterials in various applications. Nanoscale polymeric materials and polymer nanocomposites have already proved their versatility in various biomedical applications. This chapter presents a brief overview of the potential of biobased nanomaterials and nanofillers such as metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, hydroxyapatite, nanotubes, graphene, chitin whiskers, lignin, nano cellulose, etc. and their pros and cons when used in the biomedical field. Bio-based polymers are promising candidates for the next generation nanocomposite materials due to their multi-functionality, renewability, low toxicity and excellent biocompatibility. The chapter begins with the state of the art including the recent developments in the biomedical field and finally, the challenges and future potential of various nanoparticles and polymer nanocomposites are also discussed.

Nanotechnology is a perfect blend of science, engineering, and technology conducted on a nano-scale. Few nanomaterials can occur naturally, however, in recent times, we are interested in engineered nanomaterials which can be manufactured according to their applicability in a lot of commercial products and processes. For the synthesis of new nanomaterials, scientists mostly opt the bottom-up methods which are capable of offering various kinds of self-assembly of nanoscale species. Parallelly, topdown methods are also being investigated to yield desired nanomaterials and nanopatterns through state-of-art modern techniques like lithographic ablation and chemical etching. In this chapter, after providing an introduction to nanotechnology and nanomaterials, the various methods of nanomaterial synthesis were discussed. Nanotechnology is now being explored vastly to reach the next generation phase of many technologies and industrial sectors. Contributions of nanomaterials to some of such emerging technologies, like the food industry, agricultural science, medicinal science, and the power sector have been briefly overviewed. The rapidly developing sectors involving ultrafine nanoparticles introduced mankind to their hazardous side too. To avoid nanotoxicity, the awareness and related risk management approach are also a matter of utmost importance.

This revolutionary carbon nanomaterial has the potential to be used in a wide range of applications. Graphene was discovered to be the first two-dimensional crystalline carbon nanomaterial, as well as the most flexible, strongest, and toughest. The widespread application of graphene demonstrates its huge potential in a variety of industries, along with photovoltaic cells, electrochemical, optoelectronics, electronics, microelectronics, intelligent gadgets, extensible supercapacitor electrodes, aerospace, smart sensors, and analytical chemistry. The commercialization of graphene will be vital to the future of an industrially viable method of producing and processing graphene. Nanotechnologies based on graphene are gaining prominence in environmental and energy applications. Graphene has exceptional physicochemical properties, including high surface area, chemical resistance, heat capacity, mechanical characteristics, and charge transport. It might be used in environmental remediation, water purification, and desalination filters, as an electrocatalyst for contamination sensing. A broad literature collection will also be provided on graphene technology, including graphene characteristics, production processes, and uses. Graphene is the most popular carbon-based material, with excellent unique advantages such as high electrical conductivity, high tensile strength, high thermal conductivity, high carrier mobility, and transparency, making it a compelling candidate for a variety of applications such as sensors, transistors, energy storage, water purification membranes, solar cells, and elastomers. Although development in graphene-based nanomaterials for devices is encouraging, certain important issues such as long-term stability, toxicity, and environmental impacts remain unresolved. In this chapter, we assess recent advances in graphene research and applications and also attempt to predict where the field might go in the future.

Nanotechnology deals with materials that are 1–100 nm in size. Nanomaterials are prepared in different ways such as physical, chemical, and biological methods. They exhibit fascinating features that allow them to perform numerous physiological tasks. They have higher surface area to volume ratios and show typical nanoscale quantum confinement characteristics. They play a critical role in biomedical research. They're quite versatile and used in a variety of medical applications. The demand for nanomedicine drugs with improved performance and reduced toxicity has been steadily increasing in recent years. Nanomedicine is the new area of nanoscience and nanotechnology. Pharmaceutical nanosystems are classified, synthesized, and characterized using procedures based on their size, shape, and functionality. This book chapter focuses on recent trends of nanomedicine technology in pharmacology, particularly on the application of nanomaterials in medicine. Antibacterial characteristics, multicolor medical imaging, disease diagnostics, medication administration, vaccines and biomolecules (peptides, proteins, and genes), therapies, cancer treatment, tissue engineering, and clinical aspects are discussed. Advancements in nanomedicine technology will not only aid in the early diagnosis of infectious and viral disorders, but also in the treatment of infections such as Alzheimer's disease, tuberculosis, and Parkinson's disease. The benefits and constraints of commercializing nanomedicine technology products for pharmacology applications, as well as the hazards and obstacles in developing nanomaterials for medical research are highlighted in this chapter.

Bio-inspired designs have been used by humankind in understanding and modelling novel materials which have applications in diverse fields like disease diagnostics, drug delivery, agriculture, energy storage, industry, etc. Superhydrophobicity, directional adhesion, structural colour, self-cleaning, antireflection, etc. are some of the useful attributes for which we have relied a lot on nano level biomimetics. Bioinspired nanolevel designs have been explored in the field of agriculture too. Such nanomaterials and nanodesigns have been used to increase crop yields. They also find uses in fertilizer application and replacement of many harmful chemical pesticides, which are generally overused. Increasing population, increased longevity of people and the urgent need for sustainable environment have led to a dire need for exploration and adaptation of such novel technologies which can help in feeding the growing population. Nanoscale products and technologies can also help in reducing the accumulation of excess fertilizers, pesticides, etc. in soil, which can go a long way in cleaning up the environment. The current attempt is intended to portray the latest developments and future possibilities of bioinspired NT in diverse fields of agriculture like synthesis and delivery of novel pesticides and fertilizers, nanocarriers for gene delivery, sensors to monitor and assess soil conditions, plant pathogen detection and plant nanobionics to detect pollutants.

In recent decades, graphene nanotechnology has emerged as an escalating field of research owing to the excellent physicochemical properties of graphene. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb-like structure, has shown potential utility in multifarious sectors of science and technology such as energy, biomedical engineering, wastewater treatment, environmental pollution, etc. Graphene and its composites have been extensively used as electrode materials in energy storage devices such as Lithium-ion, sodium-ion, and metal-air batteries. In addition, graphene-based materials have emerged as potential electrodes material for fuel cells, thereby contributing to a low-carbon economy. Graphene gave a new dimension to electronic industries by replacing the conventionally used material i.e., Silicon (Si) in electronic devices. Moreover, the tunable surface area, functionalization, hydrophilicity, and strong π- π interaction properties of graphene prove its potential applications in medical and environmental science and technology. Recently, graphene-based adsorbents, membranes, and catalysts provide a simple, low-cost, and efficient water and wastewater treatment method. The materials not only detect but also remove various pollutants from wastewater even at very low concentrations. However, due to its extremely small size in devices and components, it is difficult to handle graphene in real applications. Graphene nanotechnology enables the researcher to unfold new properties and functions of graphene in the nanoscale realm providing solutions to unresolved issues related to the health care systems, energy demand, and environmental pollution. These materials not only enhance efficiency but also cause a paradigm shift in many applications. This book chapter sheds light on the earlier investigations, current progress, and future perspective of graphene-based nanotechnology.