Publication details
Advanced nano- and biomaterials in biophysical chemistry
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| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Article in Periodical (without peer review) |
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| Description | This Special Issue of Chemical Monthly comprises selected peer-reviewed and revised papers, presented at the 16th Workshop of Physical Chemists and Electrochemists (WOPCE) held in Brno, Czech Republic in May 2016. The articles contribute to the current interest in nano- and bio-research and all associated with biophysical chemistry, combining aspects of chemistry, biology, physics, medicine, and ecotoxicology. It should be kept in mind that understanding the function and application of novel materials in biosciences would not be possible without advanced biophysical approaches. Nanoobjects are highly sensitive to changes in surface properties due to the high surface area and fast electron transfer supporting the bio–photoelectrocatalysis. For this field, situated at the boundary between bioelectrochemistry and photoelectrochemistry, it is crucial that the nanoobjects' electrical and optical properties are tunable by manipulating their size and charge. The sophisticated interconnection of biomaterials such as nucleic acids, proteins, and membranes with nanomaterials (quantum dots, carbon-based, metal, and metal-oxide nanoobjects) allows the development of a new generation of devices with immense application potential. Nanoparticles can be expected to contribute towards photoactive bioelectrocatalytic cascades in specially controlled biorecognition systems, resulting in special smart sensors. However, in diagnostics, therapeutics, and theranostics, one must assume the possible harmful effects of nanomaterials on human health and safety. In this context, relevant studies should consider the biophysical responses of biomolecules, because their structures can be changed by interactions with the given nanomaterial. |