1. Synthesis of a magnetically heatable ceria–supported ruthenium catalyst via deposition of nanocrystalline ceria on silica-coated magnetic iron–oxide nanoparticlesNina Kosi Križaj, Jakov-Stjepan Pavelić, Miha Grilc, Sašo Gyergyek, Darko Makovec, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: We report the synthesis of a ceria-based catalyst support containing embedded magnetic iron–oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) that enable heating under a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. The ≈11 nm IONPs, synthesized by co-precipitation of Fe2+/Fe3+ ions at room temperature, were coarsened to ≈18 nm through subsequent hydrothermal treatment at 120 ◦C and then coated with a ≈2 nm silica layer. The catalyst support was prepared by depositing nanocrystalline ceria (CeO2) onto the IONPs via controlled precipitation of Ce3+ ions in the presence of hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) in aqueous suspension. When deposited directly on the iron oxide, ceria formed small agglomerates of ≈10 nm octahedral nanocrystallites, whereas deposition on silicacoated IONPs produced a homogeneous 3–6 nm-thick shell composed of ≈3 nm globular crystallites. Special attention was given to elucidating the mechanism of shell formation. The magnetic catalyst was obtained by precipitating Ru nanoparticles (1–2 nm) onto the ceria support. Morpho-structural characterization was performed by XRD, TEM, and aberration-corrected STEM. Static and dynamic magnetization measurements at room temperature were used to assess the magnetic and heating performance. At low field amplitudes (<15 mT), catalysts prepared with IONPs of both sizes exhibited similar specific absorption rates, whereas at higher amplitudes the larger IONPs demonstrated superior heating efficiency. The catalytic performance was demonstrated in the magnetically heated hydrogenation of the bio-based compound 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural to 2,5-bis (hydroxymethyl)furan, showing high activity, 100 % selectivity, and excellent stability upon recycling. Ključne besede: nanotechnology, catalyst synthesis, ceria, magnetic nanoparticles, catalysis by magnetic heating, biomass valorisation, transmission electron microscopy Objavljeno v DiRROS: 14.01.2026; Ogledov: 44; Prenosov: 24
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2. Magnetic field-driven strategies for biofilm disruption : from iron oxide nanoparticles to adaptive swarms of magnetic microrobotsMaja Caf, Parvaneh Esmaeilnejad-Ahranjani, Jelena Kološnjaj Tabi, Jerica Sabotič, Aleš Berlec, Nika Zaveršek, Stane Pajk, Abida Zahirović, Muriel Golzio, Irena Milošević, Slavko Kralj, 2026, pregledni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Biofilms, structured communities of microbial cells embedded in extracellular polymeric substances, are notorious for their resilience against conventional antimicrobial treatments. They contribute significantly to chronic infections and industrial biofouling, necessitating innovative strategies for their eradication. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have emerged as a promising tool in combating biofilms due to their biocompatibility and unique physicochemical properties, which enable magnetic delivery of antibacterial agents, magnetic hyperthermia, magneto-mechanical actuation including mechanical biofilm disruption, and reversible dynamic magnetic assembly into hierarchical structures. This review describes developing stages of magnetic nanoscale weapons against biofilms ranging from individual iron oxide nanoparticles to complex hierarchical nanoparticle assemblies in the form of magnetic robots and their swarms. A vast array of possible antibiofilm and antibacterial functionalities originating from iron ions, individual iron oxide nanoparticles, spherical nanoparticle assemblies, magnetic robots, and swarms of robots are presented. Magnetic nanotools offer significant improvements and advantages over conventional methods for biofilm eradication, yet their successful future applications depend on addressing and overcoming critical material, biological, and engineering challenges. Ključne besede: biofilm, magnetic nanoparticles, magneto-mechanical actuation, microrobots, nanorobots Objavljeno v DiRROS: 13.01.2026; Ogledov: 47; Prenosov: 22
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3. Silane-modified lanthanide complexes for integration into hybrid coatings and nanoparticles : thermal sensing applications and live cell labelingIvan Sedmak, Aljoša Bolje, Jakob Kljun, Rok Podlipec, Hana Kokot, Sebastjan Nemec, Slavko Kralj, Peter Rodič, Iztok Golobič, Stane Pajk, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Temperature sensing at the micro- and nanoscale remains a significant challenge due to the limitations of conventional techniques in spatial resolution and invasiveness. Here, we report the development of luminescent, temperature-sensitive coatings and nanoparticles based on a newly synthesized europium (Eu) complex integrated into a composite poly(methyl methacrylate)-siloxane-silica (PMMA-siloxane silica) matrix. The Eu complex, identified as the most promising candidate among three lanthanide complexes, was functionalized with silyl ethers via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition and successfully incorporated into thin PMMA-siloxane silica films on glass surfaces and within silica nanoparticles. These materials exhibited strong thermal responsiveness, chemical stability, and suitability for high-resolution temperature sensing. Furthermore, Eu-loaded silica nanoparticles showed a distinct fluorescent signal and multiplexing capability in live-cell confocal microscopy and were internalized by lung epithelial cells (LA-4 cell line), highlighting their potential as bioimaging probes for localized intracellular temperature sensing. Although some photobleaching was observed under prolonged excitation, the materials demonstrated sufficient chemical and mechanical stability, making them promising for luminescent temperature sensing and live-cell imaging. These results establish the developed Eu-based hybrid materials as robust, non-invasive luminescent probes for high-resolution thermal sensing and cellular imaging. Ključne besede: temperature sensing, silica nanoparticles, europium complex, photostability Objavljeno v DiRROS: 26.09.2025; Ogledov: 300; Prenosov: 128
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4. Magnetomechanical detachment of bacterial biofilms using anisotropic magnetic iron oxide nanochainsMatija Šavli, Manca Černila, Maja Caf, Abida Zahirović, Nika Zaveršek, Sebastjan Nemec, Spase Stojanov, Anja Klančnik, Jerica Sabotič, Slavko Kralj, Aleš Berlec, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Bacterial biofilms attach to various surfaces and represent an important clinical and public health problem, as they are highly recalcitrant and are often associated with chronic, nonhealing diseases and healthcare-associated infections. Antibacterial agents are often not sufficient for their elimination and have to be combined with mechanical removal. Mechanical forces can be generated by actuating nonspherical (anisotropic) magnetically responsive nanoparticles in a rotating magnetic field. We have thus prepared anisotropic superparamagnetic nanochains in the size range of 0.5−1 μm by magnetically assembling several iron oxide nanoparticle clusters and coating them with a layer of silica with different shell morphologies: smooth, moderately rough, and highly rough. The silica surface was additionally functionalized with carboxylic groups to increase colloidal stability. The efficacy of the nanochains in biofilm removal was studied systematically with three different model nonpathogenic bacterial species Escherichia coli, Lactococcus lactis, and Pseudomonas fragi; two different magnetic field strengths; two stirring speeds; and two treatment durations. All bacterial species were engineered to express fluorescent proteins to enable quantification of biofilm removal by colony-forming unit count and fluorescence measurements. Nanochains removed >90% of Gram-negative E. coli and P. fragi with a stronger magnetic field, and <90% of Gram-positive L. lactis with a weaker magnetic field. Surface roughness of nanochains, duration, and stirring speed also affected removal, but the effect could not be generalized. In contrast to their effects on biofilms, the functionalized nanochains showed no toxicity to Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cells, regardless of whether magnetomechanical force was employed or not. In summary, we demonstrated that remotely controlled spatial movement of nanoparticles can generate sufficient mechanical forces to disperse attached biofilms while retaining safety in an epithelial cell model. Ključne besede: bacterial biofilm, magnetomechanical detachment, magnetic nanoparticles, nanochains Objavljeno v DiRROS: 09.09.2025; Ogledov: 362; Prenosov: 161
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5. Enhanced glass-jute epoxy hybrid composites reinforced with eggshell nanoparticles for sustainable high-performance engineering applicationsA. Ganesh Kumar, S. K. Pazhanivel, M. Arul, S. Dinesh, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: hybrid composites, glass-jute fiber, eggshell nanoparticles, sustainable reinforcement, bio-inspired nanocomposites, waste valorization Objavljeno v DiRROS: 23.06.2025; Ogledov: 585; Prenosov: 275
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6. Experimental analysis of silver nanoparticles in heat pipes: a comparative study of nanosphere and nanocube morphologiesRatchagaraja Dhairiyasamy, Kavinila Rajendran, Deekshant Varshney, Subhav Singh, Deepika Gabiriel, Elangovan Murugesan, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: nanofluids, silver nanoparticles, heat transfer, nanosphere/nanocube comparison, heat pipe optimization Objavljeno v DiRROS: 19.06.2025; Ogledov: 608; Prenosov: 277
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7. Development of a gold nanoparticle dispersion for plasma jet printing on solid substratesLan Kresnik, Peter Majerič, Darja Feizpour, Rebeka Rudolf, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were synthesised using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) with the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a stabilising agent and subsequently dried via lyophilisation. The resulting dried AuNPs were redispersed in ethanol and homogenised to ensure uniform dispersion. This AuNP dispersion was then deposited onto a ceramic substrate - aluminum oxide (Al2O3) - using plasma jet printing. Comprehensive characterisation of the dispersion, AuNPs, and the resulting printed lines was performed using the following methods: inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), dynamic light scattering (DLS), measurements of dispersion viscosity and printed line roughness. ICP-OES confirmed consistent gold content in the AuNP dispersion, while the SEM and EDS analyses revealed predominantly spherical AuNPs with minimal aggregation and similar size distributions. TEM, SAED, and STEM/EDS confirmed that the crystalline structure and elemental composition of the AuNPs had diverse morphologies and strong gold signals. The UV–VIS, DLS, and zeta potential measurements indicated moderate colloidal stability, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) verified the AuNPs dispersion’s composition. The AuNP dispersion exhibited thixotropic behaviour favourable for printing applications, while confocal microscopy confirmed smooth, uniform printed traces, with an average surface line roughness of 1.65 μm. The successful use of plasma printing with the AuNP dispersion highlights its potential for functional material applications in electronics. Ključne besede: gold nanoparticles, ultrasonic spray pyrolysis, dispersion, plasma jet printing Objavljeno v DiRROS: 19.06.2025; Ogledov: 574; Prenosov: 327
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8. Efficient decoration of graphene oxide with a narrow size distribution of noble metal nanoparticles : green reduction and integration into a thermoelastic compositeDaniele Vella, Damjan Vengust, Polona Umek, Ali Rezaei, Matija Jezeršek, Aleš Mrzel, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: We have developed a significantly enhanced method for the effective and homogeneous decoration of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (r-GO) flakes with gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. This method involves the direct nucleation of nanoparticles on the surface of dispersed GO through a single-step reaction. By carefully controlling the stepwise introduction of gold and platinum complexes at elevated temperatures, without additional reducing agents, we successfully achieved a homogeneous distribution of Au and Pt nanoparticles, ∼ 20 nm and ∼ 3 nm in size, densely covering the GO sheets. The decoration yield in a mass ratio between Au and GO was up to 20 %. Reduced GO with attached gold and platinum nanoparticles was obtained using ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. Finally, we embedded Au-decorated r-GO in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to form a composite. We show how this stable hybrid material composite can be spin-coated to form a thin thermoelastic film on a flexible substrate, enabling promising photoacoustic properties that could be exploited further in biomedical applications. Ključne besede: graphene oxide, decoration, nanoparticles, nanocomposites Objavljeno v DiRROS: 04.06.2025; Ogledov: 533; Prenosov: 252
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9. Superhydrophobic coatings based on PMMA-siloxane-silica and modified silica nanoparticles deposited on AA2024-T3Nina Kovač, Barbara Kapun, Matic Može, Iztok Golobič, Slavko Kralj, Ingrid Milošev, Peter Rodič, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Povzetek: The study aimed to develop a superhydrophobic coating on the aluminium alloy 2024-T3 surface. The desired surface roughness and low surface energy were achieved with SiO2 nanoparticles, synthesised via the Stöber method and modified with alkyl silane (AS) or perfluoroalkyl silane (FAS). To enhance particle adhesion to the alloy substrate, nanoparticles were incorporated into a hybrid sol–gel coating composed of tetraethyl orthosilicate, methyl methacrylate, and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. The coated substrates were characterised using field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy for surface topography, nanoparticle size distribution, composition, and coating thickness. The corrosion resistance of the coatings on AA2024-T3 was evaluated in a 0.1 M NaCl solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The synthesised SiO2 nanoparticles had an average size between 25 and 35 nm. The water contact angles on coated aluminium surfaces reached 135° for SiO2 + AS and 151° for SiO2 + FAS. SiO2 + FAS, indicating superhydrophobic properties, showed the most uniform surface with the most consistent size distribution of the SiO2 nanoparticles. Incorporation of nanoparticles into the hybrid sol–gel coating further improved particle adhesion. The ~2 µm-thick coating also demonstrated efficient barrier properties, significantly enhancing corrosion resistance for over two months under the test conditions. Ključne besede: nanoparticles, hybrid sol–gel, adhesion Objavljeno v DiRROS: 15.04.2025; Ogledov: 851; Prenosov: 346
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10. Effects of copper compounds on phenolic composition of the common and tartary buckwheat seedlingsEva Kovačec, Marjana Regvar, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: buckwheat, seed coating agents, germination, phenols, flavonoids, tannins, copper, nanoparticles Objavljeno v DiRROS: 24.10.2024; Ogledov: 1636; Prenosov: 0 |