Nano- and micro-patterning biotemplated magnetic CoPt arrays.

Patterned thin-films of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can be used to make high‑density data storage devices. High coercivity MNPs (e.g. L10 CoPt) are nano-patterned to create this bit-patterned media (BPM). This increases storage capacity by reducing bit size, which is highly desirable in developing smaller recording media for consumer devices . Conventional manufacture of BPM is not environmentally friendly as it uses high temperatures (500˚C) and high vacuum, which requires specialised equipment. To tackle these issues, we have taken inspiration from nature to create patterns of CoPt using a biotemplating peptide under mild conditions. Nano-patterning via interference lithography (IL) and micro-patterning using micro-contact printing (μCP) were used to create a peptide resistant mask onto a gold surface under ambient conditions. We redesigned a biotemplating peptide to self-assemble onto gold surfaces (cgsgktheihspllhk), and mineralised the patterns at 18˚C in water. Ferromagnetic CoPt is biotemplated by the immobilised peptides, and the patterned MNPs maintain stable magnetic domains. This bioinspired study offers an ecological route towards developing biotemplated

A randomised trial of lung sealant versus medical therapy for advanced emphysema

Uncontrolled pilot studies demonstrated promising results of endoscopic lung volume reduction using emphysematous lung sealant (ELS) in patients with advanced, upper lobe predominant emphysema. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ELS in a randomised controlled setting. Patients were randomised to ELS plus medical treatment or medical treatment alone. Despite early termination for business reasons and inability to assess the primary 12-month end-point, 95 out of 300 patients were successfully randomised, providing sufficient data for 3- and 6-month analysis. 57 patients (34 treatment and 23 control) had efficacy results at 3 months; 34 (21 treatment and 13 control) at 6 months. In the treatment group, 3-month lung function, dyspnoea, and quality of life improved significantly from baseline when compared to control. Improvements persisted at 6 months with >50% of treated patients experiencing clinically important improvements, including some whose lung function improved by >100%. 44% of treated patients experienced adverse events requiring hospitalisation (2.5-fold more than control, p=0.01), with two deaths in the treated cohort. Treatment responders tended to be those experiencing respiratory adverse events. Despite early termination, results show that minimally invasive ELS may be efficacious, yet significant risks (probably inflammatory) limit its current utility. Copyright © ERS 2015