Synthesis and applications of amino-functionalized carbon nanomaterials

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) have attracted considerable attention in the scientific community both from a scientific and an industrial point of view. Fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene and carbon dots (CDs) are the most popular forms and continue to be widely studied. However, the general poor solubility of many of these materials in most common solvents and their strong tendency to aggregate remains a major obstacle in practical applications. To solve these problems, organic chemistry offers formidable help, through the exploitation of tailored approaches, especially when aiming at the integration of nanostructures in biological systems. According to our experience with carbon-based nanostructures, the introduction of amino groups is one of the best trade-offs for the preparation of functionalized nanomaterials. Indeed, amino groups are well-known for enhancing the dispersion, solubilization, and processability of materials, in particular of CNMs. Amino groups are characterized by basicity, nucleophilicity, and formation of hydrogen or halogen bonding. All these features unlock new strategies for the interaction between nanomaterials and other molecules. This integration can occur either through covalent bonds (e.g., via amide coupling) or in a supramolecular fashion. In the present Feature Article, the attention will be focused through selected examples of our approach to the synthetic pathways necessary for the introduction of amino groups in CNMs and the subsequent preparation of highly engineered ad hoc nanostructures for practical applications. This journal i

Western blot analysis of anti-<i>P. falciparum</i> MSP-1 IgG responses in children.

<p>Sera from children living in Mbandji 2 were tested for IgG responses against a domain of the <i>P. falciparum</i> MSP-1 protein by Western Blot analysis. Specific bands were detected in the majority of individuals of all tested age groups above 1 year. The band corresponding to the specific signal of the MSP-1 protein domain is indicated with an arrow.</p

Age distribution of study participants.

<p><b>A</b> In Cameroon, serum samples were collected from 395 healthy individuals from the BU endemic village of Mbandji 2. <b>B</b> In the Obom sub-district of the Ga-South district in Ghana, blood sera were collected from 96 BU patients (black) and 384 control individuals (grey) of the different age groups shown.</p

Changes in anti-<i>M. ulcerans</i> 18 kDa shsp IgG titres in sequentially collected serum samples.

<p><b>A</b> IgG titres against the <i>M. ulcerans</i> 18 kDa shsp were determined in serial serum samples collected from 80 individuals. The majority of changes were small and most individuals showed a slightly decreased titre after one year. <b>B</b> Boxplot of differences in OD values between the two samples are shown by age group. Changes in antibody titres were most pronounced in young adults.</p

Age distribution of BU incidence and anti-18 kDa shsp IgG serum titres among healthy inhabitants of Mbandji 2.

<p><b>A</b> Incidence of reported BU by age in the Bankim Health District (March 2010 – May 2013). <b>B</b> Boxplot of OD values of 1∶100 diluted serum samples from inhabitants of Mbandji 2 tested in an anti-<i>M. ulcerans</i> 18 kDa shsp IgG specific ELISA by age group. No IgG titres above the background level were observed for children below the age of four. The background response (OD<0.35) is indicated as a dotted line.</p