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September 18
- XY-Rotation Stage with Frictionless Bearings is Less That 40 mm Tall
➀ PI introduces the A-361 air-bearing XY-rotation stage, a compact 3-axis nanopositioning platform with a 39.5 mm profile, 200 mm motion diameter, 5 mm X/Y travel, and 2° rotational motion;
➁ Utilizes frictionless air bearings and voice-coil direct drives for high stability, maintenance-free operation, and a vacuum chuck for delicate substrates like wafers;
➂ Designed for semiconductor, photonics, and µLED manufacturing applications, supporting cleanroom environments and integration with multi-axis systems for precision alignment tasks.
September 10
- PI Introduces Nanopositioning & Micropositioning Essentials with Short Delivery and Volume Savings
➀ PI introduces a Nanopositioning & Micropositioning Essentials portfolio, offering fast delivery and volume discounts for OEMs in research, automation, and manufacturing;
➁ Key products include hexapods, precision actuators, and motorized stages for applications like microscopy, metrology, and laser processing;
➂ Highlights PI's expertise in high-precision motion control for industries such as semiconductors, photonics, and robotics, backed by technical support and scalable solutions.
September 5
- Orange Peel Nanoparticles: New Green Synthesis
➀ A sustainable method converts orange peel waste into magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) for clean energy applications;
➁ These nanoparticles demonstrate high efficiency in catalyzing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for hydrogen production, with a low overpotential of 0.3 V and stability over 2,000 cycles;
➂ The approach offers a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to rare metals and shows potential in environmental remediation and medical fields.
August 29
- Graphene’s Electronic Performance Soars With New Proximity Screening Technique
➀ Researchers achieved record-high electronic quality in graphene using "proximity screening" with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers, reducing charge fluctuations and achieving carrier mobility up to 5.7×10⁷ cm²/Vs;
➀ The ultrathin hBN-graphene heterostructure suppressed noise and enabled quantum phenomena like the quantum Hall effect, with potential applications in high-speed transistors and quantum technologies;
➂ The scalable fabrication method paves the way for disorder-free 2D material devices compatible with existing semiconductor processes.
August 11
- New Cooling Technique Could Make Bone Surgery Faster and Safer
➀ Researchers from Qingdao University of Technology developed ultrasonic vibration-assisted nanoparticle jet mist冷却 (U-NJMC), integrating nanofluid sprays and ultrasonic vibrations to reduce heat and resistance during bone grinding;
➁ The technique demonstrated superior performance in lowering grinding force, temperature, and energy compared to existing methods, enhancing surgical precision and safety;
➂ U-NJMC's innovative cooling approach provides a promising solution for improving efficiency and outcomes in orthopedic procedures.
August 8
- Silver Nanoparticles Get a Green Makeover: An Eco-Friendly Way to Target Diabetes
➀ Researchers developed a green method to synthesize silver nanoparticles from Martynia annua roots, avoiding toxic by-products of traditional production;
➁ The nanoparticles exhibited strong antioxidant activity and inhibited α-amylase, showing potential for managing diabetes by reducing blood glucose spikes;
➂ Characterization via UV/Vis, FTIR, and SEM confirmed stable, uniformly sized nanoparticles (64 nm), highlighting their biomedical promise and eco-friendly synthesis.
August 5
- The Material That Could Rival Graphene: How UC-MAC Sharpens Proton Beams
➀ Researchers at the National University of Singapore developed UC-MAC, a monolayer amorphous carbon material with superior proton beam control, surpassing graphene and commercial carbon films;
➁ UC-MAC's disordered atomic structure enables precise particle filtration and reduced proton scattering, promising safer cancer therapies and enhanced energy devices and electronics;
➂ A novel "disorder-to-disorder" synthesis method addresses scalability challenges, enabling rapid, impurity-free production for applications in medical, energy, and semiconductor industries.
July 23
- Fast Lever-Hexapod Micro-Robot Concept for Optics & Photonics Applications
➀ PI introduced a high-bandwidth lever-hexapod with direct-driven actuators, offering faster speeds and reduced wear compared to traditional screw-driven systems;
➁ The hexapod achieves 50 nm resolution in all linear and rotational degrees of freedom, ideal for precision tasks in optics and photonics;
➂ Its compact design addresses industry needs for smaller footprints and higher throughput in industrial nanopositioning applications.
July 22
- Novel Sonication Method Creates Realistic Nanoplastics for Pollution Research
➀ Scientists developed a solvent-free sonication method to create nanoplastics mimicking environmentally degraded particles, addressing gaps in pollution studies;
➁ The process uses cryogenic milling and controlled ultrasonic cavitation to fragment plastics like PET and polystyrene into 150-300 nm particles with natural morphologies;
➂ The scalable, lab-friendly technique enables more accurate ecological impact assessments of nanoplastics on ecosystems and human health.
July 18
- Composite Structures with Extremely Small Amounts of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Show Multifunctionality Independent of Additive Defectiveness
➀ A collaborative study by Skoltech, Ural Federal University, and the Russian Academy of Sciences demonstrates that adding minuscule amounts of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) (~0.005% weight) to carbon fiber composites enhances multifunctional properties like electrical/thermal conductivity and mechanical strength, regardless of nanotube defects;
➁ Surprisingly, the defectiveness of SWCNTs did not impair performance, and their effectiveness matched studies using 1-2 orders of magnitude more nanotubes, challenging conventional quality control norms;
➂ The findings highlight SWCNTs' potential to simplify industrial systems (e.g., aerospace) by enabling single materials to perform multiple roles, reducing complexity and costs while meeting advanced application demands.
July 17
- Dispersions Hold the Key for Carbon Nanotube Success, Finds IDTechEx
➀ Effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is crucial for their performance in energy storage and polymer composites, as agglomeration limits conductivity and mechanical benefits;
➁ Technical challenges include optimizing dispersion methods, balancing multifunctional properties, and integrating CNTs into industrial processes like battery slurries and composite materials;
➂ Commercial strategies focus on outsourcing dispersion to specialists (e.g., Toyocolor, NanoRial) or vertical integration by CNT suppliers (e.g., LG Chem, Cnano) to capture downstream value.
July 16
- How 2D Materials Are Defining Tomorrow’s Electronics and ICs
➀ 2D materials address silicon's limitations by offering high carrier mobility and ultra-low power consumption at sub-nanometer scales, overcoming bottlenecks in traditional semiconductors;
➁ They enable flexible electronics, in-memory computing, and neuromorphic systems, powering applications like AI chips and IoT devices;
➂ Future integration with silicon and scalable manufacturing are critical to realizing their potential in next-gen high-density ICs and wearable tech.
July 8
- Novel Polyphenol-Metal Nanocarrier for Antibody Delivery
➀ Japanese researchers developed a metal-polyphenol network (MPN) nanocarrier to deliver therapeutic antibodies directly into cancer cells, enhancing targeted cancer therapy;
➁ The nanocarrier escapes endosomal entrapment via pH-triggered buffering, releasing antibodies intracellularly and inhibiting tumor growth by 20% in mouse models;
➂ The biocompatible, injectable system shows potential for broader drug delivery applications beyond cancer treatment.
July 7
- Dotz Partners with Carbon Capture Inc. to Advance Kilogram-Scale Sorbent Trials
➀ Dotz Nano and CarbonCapture Inc. (CCI) signed an MOU to advance kilogram-scale evaluation of Dotz's high-performance DAC sorbent, following successful gram-scale tests;
➁ The collaboration aims to integrate Dotz's structured sorbent material (p-AMP) into CCI's DAC systems, leveraging its CO₂ capture efficiency and low-temperature regeneration;
➂ Solid sorbent DAC technologies are projected to surpass $1.5 billion by 2027, with p-AMP's innovation positioned to reduce capture costs and scale climate solutions.
July 2
- New Flexible Material Senses Temperature Without External Power
➀ Researchers developed a self-powered temperature sensor using a flexible ionic elastomer combining thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and ionic liquids, eliminating the need for external power;
➁ The sensor leverages triboelectric effects from temperature-induced microstructural changes, generating voltage signals that correlate with heat levels, achieving rapid and reversible responses;
➂ Potential applications include wearable electronics for real-time thermal monitoring, with future plans to optimize performance and integrate with AI systems for advanced signal analysis.
June 18
- Novel Nanoplatform Overcomes Treatment Resistance in Bladder Cancer
➀ Researchers developed **PPBC LNPs**, multifunctional nanoparticles integrating photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), and real-time imaging to combat treatment-resistant bladder cancer;
➁ The nanoparticles demonstrated strong anti-cancer effects by inducing cell death and suppressing autophagy (a resistance mechanism) while enabling high-resolution imaging via photoacoustic and fluorescence modalities;
➂ In vivo trials showed tumor reduction with no toxicity, and scalable microfluidic synthesis supports potential clinical translation for precision medicine.
- New Pathway for mRNA Drug Delivery Shows Shape of Things to Come
➀ Researchers discovered that the internal shape of lipid nanoparticles (e.g., cubosomes vs. liposomes) significantly impacts cellular uptake efficiency, with cubosomes showing 8x higher cell entry than commonly used liposomes;
➁ Cubosomes bypass traditional active cellular pathways (like endocytosis), fusing directly with cell membranes to evade degradation, enhancing mRNA drug delivery potential;
➂ The findings pave the way for designing tailored nanoparticles to improve precision in targeting tissues and diseases, with future research focusing on in vivo behavior and therapeutic applications.
- PI Showcases Industrial-Grade Alignment Systems and Precision Motion Solutions at LASER World of PHOTONICS 2025
➀ PI unveiled advanced industrial-grade solutions at LASER World of PHOTONICS 2025, including the AI-driven F-141 PINovAlign 6-axis alignment system for high-volume photonics and semiconductor manufacturing.
➁ The H-815 hexapod and B-421 BIX nanopositioning stages were highlighted for their robustness, compact design, and precision, targeting 24/7 industrial automation in photonics and semiconductor sectors.
➂ Future technologies like magnetic levitation (MagLev) stages and novel hexapod concepts showcased PI’s innovation in picometer-level precision and high-speed applications.
June 12
- More Displacement from Space-Tested Piezo Actuator Technology
➀ PI introduces PICMA® Plus piezo actuators offering increased displacement up to 43 microns while retaining high stiffness and reliability;
➁ Utilizes space-tested ceramic encapsulation for extreme durability, validated by NASA/JPL’s 100 billion cycle test in Mars rover missions;
➂ Operates in temperatures from -40°C to 200°C, targeting industries like semiconductor testing, photonics, and biotechnology.
- Non-Destructive X-Ray Imaging Unlocks Secrets of Ultra-Thin Layered Nanosheets
➀ Scientists used a 12-nanometer X-ray beam to non-destructively analyze ultra-thin nanosheets in electronics, revealing deformation mechanisms;
➁ The study identified two competing deformation mechanisms: long-range lattice mismatch and short-range layering effects near edges;
➂ These insights aid in optimizing nanostructures for next-gen microelectronics like GAAFETs, enhancing device performance prediction.
June 11
- Non-Destructive Imaging Uncovers Structural Secrets of Nanoelectronic Devices
➀ A non-destructive X-ray imaging method with a 12-nm beam analyzed structural deformations in nanosheets used in Gate-All-Around Field Effect Transistors (GAAFETs);
➁ Two deformation mechanisms were identified: long-range (lattice mismatch and edge relaxation) and short-range (linked to nanosheet layering);
➂ IBM and Brookhaven's NSLS-II collaboration provides insights to enhance reliability and performance prediction for nanoscale electronics.
June 5
- New Artificial Nanozyme Fights Abnormal Blood Clots
➀ Researchers at IISc developed a vanadium-based nanozyme to combat abnormal blood clotting by mimicking antioxidant enzymes and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels;
➁ The V₂O₅ nanozymes effectively suppressed platelet overactivation in human blood and reduced thrombosis in a mouse model of pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) without harmful side effects;
➂ Unlike traditional antiplatelet drugs, the nanozymes modulate redox signaling without interfering with normal clotting, potentially reducing bleeding risks associated with current therapies.
June 4
- Loughborough University Physicists Create ‘The World’s Smallest Violin’ Using Nanotechnology
➀ Loughborough University physicists created a platinum violin measuring 35 microns long using nanotechnology to demonstrate their new nanolithography system's capabilities;
➁ The process involved thermal scanning probe lithography with a NanoFrazor machine, depositing platinum on a resist-coated chip to form the microscopic structure;
➂ The system supports research into advanced materials for next-gen computing, including energy-efficient data storage and processing methods.
June 3
- Rapid Biomimetic Nanovaccine for Personalized Cancer Therapy
➀ The study introduces a biomimetic nanovaccine (AECM@PC7A) that combines IFN-γ-treated tumor cell membranes with a synthetic adjuvant (PC7A) to enhance neoantigen presentation and activate the STING pathway, addressing limitations of conventional cancer vaccines;
➁ In preclinical models, the vaccine triggered robust T-cell responses, reduced tumor growth and metastasis, and demonstrated synergy with immune checkpoint inhibitors, leading to prolonged survival and immune memory;
➂ The platform offers a scalable approach for personalized immunotherapy by leveraging tumor-specific neoantigens and simplified manufacturing processes, showing promise for clinical translation.
May 29
- Novel Semiconductor Born from Graphene and Glass
➀ An international team led by Rice University synthesized glaphene, a hybrid 2D material combining graphene and silica glass, exhibiting unique semiconductor properties.
➁ The synthesis involved a custom high-temperature process, leading to stronger interlayer interactions and novel electronic behaviors.
➂ The breakthrough highlights the potential for creating tailored hybrid materials for advanced electronics and quantum devices through cross-disciplinary collaboration.
May 27
- 2D Materials Powering the Future of Neuromorphic and Sensory Devices
➀ 2D materials like graphene and TMDs exhibit properties mimicking biological neural functions, enabling energy-efficient neuromorphic devices for AI and robotics;
➁ Recent studies showcase 2D materials' versatility in optical signal processing, multi-sensory simulations (e.g., taste, smell), and integrated neural networks with ultra-low power consumption;
➂ Challenges in scalable manufacturing, defect-free synthesis, and system integration must be addressed to transition lab innovations into commercial AI hardware and sensory technologies.
May 23
- Micropositioning Stages Ensure High Accuracy, Stability, and Resolution Down to 0.005 Microns
➀ The L-511 precision linear stage by PI delivers ultra-fine resolution down to 0.005 microns with linear encoders, supports multi-axis configurations, and handles loads up to 110 lbs (500 N) for high stability;
➀ Customizable 2-axis/3-axis assemblies and motor controllers, paired with PI's software suite, enable seamless integration into automated systems;
➂ Widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, biotech, metrology, and laser processing for precision alignment and automation efficiency.
May 13
- Enhancing PVDF-Based TENGs with Perovskite Nanofillers via 3D Printing
➀ A study demonstrates that incorporating polymorphic FAPbI₃ perovskite nanofillers into PVDF films via 3D printing enhances triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) performance;
➁ Annealing triggers a phase transition from δ to α-phase FAPbI₃, increasing PVDF’s β-phase content (up to 83%) and creating mesoporous structures for higher charge density;
➂ Resulting TENGs achieve 392 V peak-to-peak voltage and 2587 μW/cm² power density, offering scalable, sustainable energy solutions for microelectronics.
April 25
- Enhanced Antibacterial Polylactic Acid-Curcumin Nanofibers for Wound Dressings
➀ This study presents a composite wound dressing made from polylactic acid (PLA), curcumin, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) designed to enhance mechanical strength and antibacterial activity.
➁ Electrospinning was used to fabricate the dressing, with CNTs incorporated to enhance curcumin release and antibacterial effectiveness.
➂ The results showed that the addition of CNTs significantly improved mechanical strength and thermal stability, and the dressing exhibited good antibacterial activity.
April 24
- Nanodiscs Target Cholesterol to Fight Aggressive Brain Tumor
➀ Researchers at the University of Michigan developed nanodiscs to target cholesterol levels in GBM tumors, showing promise in increasing survival rates in treated mice;
➁ Current treatment limitations for GBM include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with no cure available;
➂ The nanodiscs deliver LXR agonists to increase cellular pumps for cholesterol removal, leading to cancer cell destruction, and stimulate the immune system to target tumors.