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A comprehensive overview of nanomaterials that are inspired by or targeted at biology, including some of the latest breakthrough research.Throughout, valuable contributions from top-level scientists illustrate how bionanomaterials could lead to novel devices or structures with unique properties.

Green light photoactive Ru-based coordination polymer nanoparticles (CPNs), with chemical formula [[Ru(biqbpy)]1.5(bis)](PF6)3 (biqbpy = 6,6′-bis[N-(isoquinolyl)-1-amino]-2,2′-bipyridine; bis = bis(imidazol-1-yl)-hexane), were obtained through polymerization of the trans-[Ru(biqbpy)(dmso)Cl]Cl complex (Complex 1) and bis bridging ligands. The as-synthesized CPNs (50 ± 12 nm diameter) showed high colloidal and chemical stability in physiological solutions. The axial bis(imidazole) ligands coordinated to the ruthenium center were photosubstituted by water upon light irradiation in aqueous medium to generate the aqueous substituted and active ruthenium complexes. The UV-Vis spectral variations observed for the suspension upon irradiation corroborated the photoactivation of the CPNs, while High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) of irradiated particles in physiological media allowed for the first time precisely quantifying the amount of photoreleased complex from the polymeric material. In vitro studies with A431 and A549 cancer cell lines revealed an 11-fold increased uptake for the nanoparticles compared to the monomeric complex [Ru(biqbpy)(N-methylimidazole)2](PF6)2 (Complex 2). After irradiation (520 nm, 39.3 J/cm2), the CPNs yielded up to a two-fold increase in cytotoxicity compared to the same CPNs kept in the dark, indicating a selective effect by light irradiation. Meanwhile, the absence of 1O2 production from both nanostructured and monomeric prodrugs concluded that light-induced cell death is not caused by a photodynamic effect but rather by photoactivated chemotherapy.

In addition to these temperature-sensitive properties, the team also embedded their polymeric film with photothermal nanoparticles which convert light into heat. Material benefits A further key set of advantages emerge from the film's material composition. Since it is made from low-cost polymers and waxes, the team's design is far more affordable than existing smart window technologies. Improving life indoors Finally, alongside their ability to control heating and cooling in buildings, the film's adjustable transparency could have many practical advantages for the people inside 'The films improve comfort and provide a private space, making them ideal not only for use as windows in buildings, but also in awnings and greenhouses, or as space separators', Roscini says. Despite very promising results, there are some improvements that need to be accomplished before the technology can become commercial: * Previous stability tests were very positive, though longer-term studies need to be carried out to guarantee the 10-20 years stability required for windows under sunlight and humidity exposure, and daily temperature variations. * Scalability of the wax-based particles and films preparation need to be demonstrated at an industrial scale. * The films must be suitable as an after-market product, which could be easily adhered by the user to windows already installed.