Nanomanufacturing, Volume 6, Issue 2 (June 2026) – 4 articles

The distinct electronic and optical properties of gold nanoparticles (NPs) have made them innovative assets for biomolecular sensing. This review outlines the various gold nanoparticle-based biosensing techniques centred on biomolecule detection and signal relay. We discussed the physical, chemical (Turkevich, Brust, seed-mediated growth, and digestive ripening) and biological syntheses involving bacteria, fungi, and plant extracts. Also discussed were the various ways these techniques affect the shape and functionality of the nanoparticles. Detection techniques are typically classified as the following: colourimetric, fluorescence-based, electrochemical, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Colourimetric assays enable visual detection of proteins and oligonucleotides by monitoring gold NP aggregation, while molecular beacons enable precise fluorescent-based detection. Quantitative detection of small molecules and gold NPs can be performed using electrochemical sensing, and biomolecular interactions can be analysed in real time using SPR. With the review focusing on the integration of gold NPs with microfluidics and wearable sensors, this synthesis aims to support the design of more practical, real-world applications of the described techniques. Full article

Aerogels represent an extraordinary class of materials characterized by remarkable properties, including an exceptionally high porosity (approximately 99.8%), minimal weight, extraordinarily low density, low thermal conductivity, a diminished dielectric constant, and a reduced refractive index. These attributes arise from their extensive micro-meter-sized pores. In recent years, there has been a notable surge of interest in carbon or carbon nanotube (CNT) based aerogels due to their compelling potential across various applications, encompassing sensors, energy systems, and catalysis, among others. In the context of our ongoing investigation, we have successfully synthesized lightweight aerogels by incorporating copper and carbon nanotubes (Cu-CNT) through electrospinning. Intriguingly, these aerogels exhibit an electrical conductivity of approximately 0.5 × 103 S/cm, positioning them within the realm of semiconductors. Concurrently, their density measures approximately 1.669 g/c.c (similar to CNTs), underscoring their notably low mass. These semi-conductive aerogels, uniquely characterized by their lightweight nature and expansive surface area (approximately 442 m²/g), manifest considerable potential across a spectrum of applications. This includes catalytic processes, energy storage mechanisms, bio-sensing technologies, thermoelectric systems, and the burgeoning domains of micro and wearable electronics. The distinctive combination of properties within these aerogels augments their suitability for these diverse applications, offering the prospect of innovative and impactful advancements in various scientific and technological arenas. Full article

Hyperspectral sensing allows for the capture of spatially resolved spectral data, a capability critical for applications spanning from remote sensing to biomedical diagnostics. Nevertheless, the widespread adoption of this technology is hindered by the bulk and complexity of traditional systems based on diffractive optics. To overcome these hurdles, substantial research efforts have been dedicated to system miniaturization via component scaling and computational imaging. This review outlines the technological progression of compact hyperspectral imaging, ranging from miniaturized dispersive elements and tunable filters to computational snapshot designs using optical multiplexing. Although these approaches decrease system volume, they generally treat the sensor as a passive intensity recorder requiring external encoding. Therefore, we focus here on the rising paradigm of sensor-level integration made possible by nanomanufacturing. We examine optics-free architectures where spectral discrimination is embedded directly into the pixel, distinguishing between pixel-level nanophotonic filtering and intrinsic material-based selectivity. We specifically highlight emerging platforms such as compositionally engineered and cavity-enhanced perovskites, as well as electrically tunable organic or two-dimensional (2D) material heterostructures. To conclude, this review discusses persistent challenges regarding fabrication uniformity and stability, providing an outlook on the future of scalable and fully integrated hyperspectral vision systems. Full article

Simultaneous hydrogen fuel and value-added chemical production from renewable resources is a key strategy in sustainable catalysis. This work presents a novel strategy employing metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as precursors for synthesizing advanced titanium dioxide (TiO₂) photocatalysts with enhanced structural and optical properties. Two photocatalysts, M-BDC and M-2,5PDC, were synthesized via controlled calcination of MIL-125(Ti) using terephthalic and 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acids, respectively. Characterization confirmed the formation of mixed anatase/rutile TiO₂ phases with mesoporous structures. Notably, nitrogen incorporation in M-2,5PDC reduced the optical band gap to 2.94 eV compared with 3.08 eV for M-BDC, enhancing visible-light absorption. Photocatalytic experiments conducted at near-neutral pH (6.0) demonstrated effective simultaneous glycerol oxidation and hydrogen evolution without the use of alkaline additives. M-BDC achieved 30% glycerol conversion with 78.85% selectivity toward dihydroxyacetone and 21.15% toward glyceraldehyde, while M-2,5PDC exhibited selectivities of 71.55% and 28.45%, respectively. Glycerol underwent partial oxidation without complete mineralization, generating high-value products in parallel with hydrogen production. Both catalysts displayed excellent reuse stability across three consecutive cycles, with M-BDC showing enhanced dihydroxyacetone selectivity (78.85% to 84.42% between cycles). This MOF-derived TiO₂ platform integrates controlled synthesis, near-neutral pH operation, high selectivity, and catalytic stability, thereby establishing a viable strategy for the simultaneous production of clean fuel and value-added chemicals from renewable resources. Full article