Narrow Results

The water-soluble fluorescent carbon nanomaterials with low toxicity and high biocompatibility are considered as promising materials for biomedical and sensor applications. Here, we report that a nanosensor system has been developed to simultaneously detect two valence states of iron (Fe²⁺ and/or Fe³⁺) in aqueous solution based on fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (FCNs). The nanosensor has high selectivity and sensitivity with a limit of detection (LOD) of 5 μM, which is equivalent to 0.3 mg/L (5.36 μM) of iron in drinking water by United States Environment Protection Agency (US-EPA). Furthermore, a distinguishable color change of solution, from pale yellow to red-brown, can be observed as iron concentration reaching 40 μM, which provides way for fast, visible detection of irons.

Joint arthroplasty, specifically total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA), are two of the highest value surgical procedures. Over the last several decades, the materials utilized in these surgeries have improved and increased device longevity. However, with an increased incidence of TKA and THA surgeries in younger patients, it is crucial to make these materials more durable. The addition of nanoparticles is one technology that is being explored for this purpose. This review focuses on the addition of nanoparticles to the various parts of arthroplasty surgery comprising of the metallic, ceramic, or polyethylene components along with the bone cement used for fixation. Carbon additives proved to be the most widely studied, and could potentially reduce stress shielding, improve wear, and enhance the biocompatibility of arthroplasty implants.