Nanochemistry: Advancing Molecular Engineering Through DNA Origami Structures

Chapter 1: Nanochemistry

Chemistry and nanoscience come together in nanochemistry, which is its own field. Nanochemistry is the science that deals with the synthesis of building blocks, the characteristics of which are determined by factors such as size, surface, form, and defect. Nanochemistry is now being used in a variety of fields, including chemistry, materials science, and physical science, as well as engineering, biology, and medicine. Although the fundamental ideas behind nanochemistry and other branches of nanoscience are same, their applications are distinct in each case.

When scientists saw the strange changes that occurred on materials when they were on the nanoscale scale, they gave the field of study known as nanochemistry its prefix. Several different chemical modifications on structures on the nanoscale scale have the consequences of being size dependant.

Because size, shape, self-assembly, flaws, and bio-nano may be used to describe nanochemistry, the synthesis of every new nano-construct is related with all of these ideas. The synthesis of nano-structures is contingent on how the surface, size, and shape will lead to the self-assembly of the building blocks into the functional structures; these structures probably have functional defects but could be useful for solving electronic, photonic, medical, or bioanalytical problems.

The ability of nanochemistry to alter materials may be shown in silica, gold, polydimethylsiloxane, cadmium selenide, iron oxide, and carbon. Iron oxide, more commonly known as rust, may be converted via the process of nanochemistry into the most powerful contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This agent has the potential to identify cancerous cells and even eliminate them in their earliest stages. Silica, which is the main component of glass, has the ability to deflect or obstruct light. Additionally, in order to achieve the same level of pathogen detection capabilities as the industrialized world, developing nations employ silicone to manufacture the circuits for the fluids. Carbon has been molded and shaped into a variety of forms, and it is anticipated that it will become the material of choice for electronic components.

In general, atomic structure is not relevant to nanochemistry since it is not concerned with the composition of molecules. Rather, the focus is on the many processes that may be used to turn raw resources into solutions for existing issues. The primary focus of chemistry is on the degrees of freedom shown by atoms in the periodic table; nevertheless, nanochemistry has introduced new degrees of freedom that govern the behaviors of materials.

In recent years, carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene, and fullerenes, have attracted a lot of interest because to the exceptional mechanical and electrical qualities they possess. Nanochemical processes may be used to generate carbon nanomaterials such as these.

The term nanotopography is used to describe the distinct surface characteristics that are visible on the nanoscale. Applications of nanotopography often include electrics and artificially manufactured surface characteristics when they are used in the manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, natural surface characteristics are also included in this concept. For example, molecular-level cell interactions and the textured organs of animals and plants are both examples of natural surface features. Due to the fact that nanotopographical characteristics are particularly sensitive in cells, the natural world's nanotopographical features perform a variety of functions that are essential to the regulation and operation of biotic organisms.

The method of nanolithography involves the creation of nanotopographical etchings on a surface in a controlled laboratory environment. Nanolithography is used in a wide variety of practical applications, including the fabrication of semiconductor chips for use in computers. There are many different kinds of nanolithography, some of which include::

Photolithography

Lithography with electron beams

lithography with x-rays

Extreme ultraviolet lithography

Nanolithography using light coupling

Scanning probe microscope

lithography using nanoimprints

Nanolithography using a dip-pen

The use of soft lithography

The resolution, amount of time it takes, and amount of money required by each nanolithography technology are all different. Nanolithography relies on three primary approaches to get the job done. The first method includes the application of a resist substance, sometimes known as a mask, to the parts of the surface that are supposed to have a smooth finish. This helps to cover and protect those regions. Etching away the exposed parts is now possible thanks to the protective material serving as a stencil throughout the process. The second approach includes making the required design by hand using a carving tool. When etching, it is possible to use a beam of quantum particles, such as electrons or light, or chemical processes, such as oxidation or self-assembled monolayers. Both of these approaches have their advantages and disadvantages. The third approach involves creating the required pattern directly on the surface of the material, which results in an end product that is eventually a few nanometers thicker than the material's initial surface. A nano-resolution microscope, which includes scanning probe microscopy and the atomic force microscope, is required to be used in order to observe the surface that will be created. Only then will it be possible to visualize the surface. In addition, any or both microscopes may be used in the processing of the final result.

Utilizing self-assembled monolayers is one of the approaches to nanolithography, which contributes to the development of soft technique. Long chain alkanethiolates are the building blocks of self-assembled monolayers. These building blocks self-assemble on gold surfaces to form well-ordered monolayer films. The benefit of using this technology is that it enables the creation of a structure of a high quality with lateral dimensions ranging from 5 nm to 500 nm. As a mask in this procedure, a patterned elastomer composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is often utilized. PDMS stands for polydimethylsiloxane. The first thing that has to be done in order to create a PDMS stamp is to apply a very thin layer of photoresist onto a silicon wafer. The next process involves exposing the layer to UV light, and after this is complete, the exposed photoresist is removed using developer. Perfluoroalkyltrichlorosilane is applied to the patterned master after it has been prepared, and this step is done in order to lessen the thickness of the prepolymer. For a variety of applications, these PDMS elastomers are put to use for printing micron and submicron design chemical inks on both flat and curved surfaces.

The field of medicine is one use of nanochemistry that has seen much investigation. Sunscreen is an example of a straightforward skin care product that makes use of the science of nanochemistry. Nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are found in most brands of sunscreen. These compounds shield the skin from the potentially damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation by soaking up or reflecting the rays, and they also stop the skin from suffering the full extent of damage caused by the photoexcitation of electrons in nanoparticles. Excitation of the particle, in practice, protects skin cells and their DNA from being damaged.

New techniques of medication administration that make use of nanotechnology have the potential to be beneficial for a number of reasons, including the improvement of improved body response, selective targeting, and efficient, non-toxic metabolism. The distribution of drugs may be functionalized in a wide variety of nanotechnological processes and materials. The ideal materials would make use of a nanomaterial with a controlled activation mechanism in order to transport drug payload into the body. Due to its large surface area and flexibility for various individual modifications while demonstrating high resolution performance under imaging techniques, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) have been gaining popularity in research recently. This popularity can be attributed to the fact that MSN have been demonstrating high resolution performance. Nanodiamonds have recently shown promise in the field of medication administration owing to their non-toxic nature, their ability to undergo spontaneous absorption via the skin, and their capacity to cross the blood-brain barrier.

The optimization of surfaces in tissue engineering has moved the frontiers closer to implantation. This is due to the fact that cells are very sensitive to nanotopographical characteristics. When the circumstances are right, an expertly created three-dimensional scaffold may be utilized to guide the development of cell seeds into the desired location for an artificial organ to form. The three-dimensional scaffold integrates a number of nanoscale elements that serve to govern the environment in order to ensure proper and effective performance. The scaffold is an in vitro counterpart of the extracellular matrix seen in vivo. It enables the effective creation of artificial organs by supplying the essential complicated biological components. In addition to these benefits, there is also the option of manipulating the expression of the cells, adhesion, and medication administration.

Nanochemistry has showed uses that may speed up the healing process for wounds and abrasions. Electrospinning is a type of polymerization that is employed in the biological process of tissue engineering. This approach may also be functionalized for wound dressing and medication administration. Nanofibers are produced as a result, which promote cell proliferation and have antimicrobial capabilities in addition to providing a regulated environment. These characteristics have been developed at a macroscale level; however, versions constructed at a nanoscale level may demonstrate increased efficiency owing to nanotopographical traits. Higher surface area contacts may be found at targeted interfaces between nanofibers and wounds, which are also beneficial in vivo.

There is evidence that specific nanoparticles of silver are beneficial in inhibiting the growth of certain viruses and bacteria.

Recent advances in nanochemistry have made it possible to create a wide range of nanostructured materials, each of which has important features that can be precisely controlled. These nanostructure materials have a wide variety of applications, some of which include self-assembled monolayers and lithography, the use of nanowires in sensors, and the creation of