Introduction
Anisotropy at the nanoscale is a critical factor in the mechanical,
optical, electronic, and magnetic properties of nanoparticles. Indeed,
many unusual properties of colloidal materials arise due to
heterogeneous spatial confinement of electrons, plasmons and electric
fields around the particles. As the field of nanoparticle synthesis and
application matures, there is an increasing need for the design of novel
and more complex nanosized objects. In particular, the incorporation of
multiple functionalities, the directionality of such functions, and the
incorporation of lower or higher dimensional order have great relevance
and interest for biomolecule detection, diagnosis and therapeutic
medical applications
Themes
- Anisotropic nanoparticles
Synthesis, formation mechanisms and novel characterization tools of
(mainly colloidal) anisotropic nanoparticles of different compositions
(metal, metal oxide, semiconductor, polymer). Emphasis will be on growth
mechanisms as well as surface and optical properties - Janus and patchy particles
Preparation and properties of particles with
two or multiple domains. Selective functionalization of specific
domains, modelling of ligand distribution and self-assembly - Particles at interfaces
Morphology dependent wetting processes, which influence interfacial
activity of Janus and patchy particles. Related self-assembly processes
at liquid-liquid and liquid-air interfaces will also be included, with
ample comparison between experimental and modelling observations - Biomedical applications
Ranging from targeting to bioimaging through drug delivery, multiple
applications in the biomedical field have been identified for
anisotropic and patchy particles. Contributions in this field will be
highly encouraged as the more practical part of the meeting
Aims
This Faraday Discussion aims to bring together some of the most active
and recognised chemists, physicists, theoreticians, engineers, and
biomedical researchers to discuss the use of anisotropy as a tool to
design, organize and provide special functions to nanoparticles of
various kinds