Systematic Enhancement of Thermoelectric Figure of Merit in Edge-Engineered Nanoribbons

Nanomaterials provide unique promise to thermoelectric energy conversion owing to their possible phonon confinement and reduced thermal conductivity. These effects can, in particular, occur in nanoribbons upon edge-engineering. Here, we study graphene, boron nitride, and silicene chevron nanoribbons (CNRs) because of their high edge-length to surface area ratio to assess phonon boundary scattering effects on improving the thermoelectric figure of merit (<i>ZT</i>). The ab initio based nonequilibrium Green’s function method is utilized to calculate quantum electronic and phononic thermal conductance, electrical conductance, and Seebeck coefficient. Our results show that, compared to straight nanoribbons, <i>ZT</i> in CNRs is systematically enhanced. Detailed contributions to CNRs’ <i>ZT</i> for different geometries and materials are analyzed, in particular, separation of electrical and electron-contributed thermal conductance versus chemical potential. Taking the corresponding recent fabrications into account, edge-engineering of nanoribbons is shown to provide a possible strategy for achieving competitive thermoelectric energy conversion

Advancing Tumor Therapy: Development and Utilization of Protein-Based Nanoparticles

Protein-based nanoparticles (PNPs) in tumor therapy hold immense potential, combining targeted delivery, minimal toxicity, and customizable properties, thus paving the way for innovative approaches to cancer treatment. Understanding the various methods available for their production is crucial for researchers and scientists aiming to harness these nanoparticles for diverse applications, including tumor therapy, drug delivery, imaging, and tissue engineering. This review delves into the existing techniques for producing PNPs and PNP/drug complexes, while also exploring alternative novel approaches. The methods outlined in this study were divided into three key categories based on their shared procedural steps: solubility change, solvent substitution, and thin flow methods. This classification simplifies the understanding of the underlying mechanisms by offering a clear framework, providing several advantages over other categorizations. The review discusses the principles underlying each method, highlighting the factors influencing the nanoparticle size, morphology, stability, and functionality. It also addresses the challenges and considerations associated with each method, including the scalability, reproducibility, and biocompatibility. Future perspectives and emerging trends in PNPs’ production are discussed, emphasizing the potential for innovative strategies to overcome current limitations, which will propel the field forward for biomedical and therapeutic applications