Nanocrystalline Structures in Thin Films with Sensing and Biomedical Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Nanocrystalline structures in thin films are a fascinating area of research with significant implications for sensing and biomedical applications. We invite researchers and scientists to contribute their latest findings to this Special Issue of Nanomaterials, dedicated to the "Nanocrystalline Structures in Thin Films with Sensing and Biomedical Applications". This Special Issue aims to explore the dynamics of nanocrystalline structures within thin films and to showcase cutting-edge research at the intersection of materials science and biomedical engineering. This Special Issue encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, including the following:

1. Nanocrystalline structure formation and evolution: understanding nucleation and growth mechanisms within thin films, including the role of interfaces, strain, and defects; techniques to control grain size, morphology, and their distribution to optimize material properties; and the phase transitions and stability of nanocrystalline phases under different thermal, mechanical, or chemical conditions.
2. Functional properties for sensing applications: tuning electrical conductivity, resistivity, and optical properties for use in sensors, such as gas sensors, biosensors, or optical sensors; exploring nanocrystalline materials with piezoelectric or ferroelectric properties for pressure or force sensing; and utilizing surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in nanocrystalline films for the highly sensitive detection of biomolecules or chemicals.
3. Biomedical applications: ensuring that nanocrystalline films are biocompatible and can be functionalized with biomolecules for applications like drug delivery or tissue engineering; developing nanocrystalline films with antimicrobial properties for use in medical devices or implants as antimicrobial coatings; and optimizing mechanical properties, hardness, wear resistance, and fatigue strength for use in orthopedic or dental implants.
4. Advanced characterization techniques: using techniques like in situ TEM, XRD, or Raman spectroscopy to study the real-time evolution of nanocrystalline structures; employing advanced microscopy (e.g., AFM, SEM, TEM) to analyze nanostructures at atomic or near-atomic resolutions; and spectroscopic analysis, using XPS, FTIR, or other spectroscopic methods to study chemical composition and bonding.
5. Computational modeling and simulation: modeling the formation and evolution of nanocrystalline structures at the atomic level by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and finite element analysis (FEA); simulating mechanical and thermal behavior under various conditions; and leveraging AI to predict optimal material compositions and structures for specific applications.
6. Fabrication techniques: exploring advanced deposition techniques like sputtering, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), atomic layer deposition (ALD), or pulsed laser deposition (PLD); using self-assembly or templating methods to create ordered nanocrystalline structures; and/or post-deposition treatments investigating annealing, ion irradiation, or other post-processing techniques to refine nanocrystalline structures.
7. Environmental and stability considerations: oxidation and corrosion resistance; enhancing the stability of nanocrystalline films in harsh environments; ensuring that nanocrystalline structures remain stable at elevated temperatures; and studying the durability and degradation mechanisms of multilayer thin films in real-world applications.
8. Integration with devices and systems: integrating nanocrystalline films into microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for sensing or actuation; developing flexible nanocrystalline Lab-on-a-Chip systems for wearable electronics; incorporating nanocrystalline films into microfluidic devices for point-of-care diagnostics.
9. Emerging trends and future directions: Exploring the integration of 2D materials (e.g., graphene, MoS2) with nanocrystalline films for enhanced properties; incorporating quantum dots or other nanostructures into multilayer films for advanced sensing or biomedical applications; and developing eco-friendly methods for synthesizing and processing nanocrystalline films.

These topics highlight the interdisciplinary nature of research in nanocrystalline thin films, combining materials science, physics, chemistry, and engineering to address challenges and opportunities in sensing and biomedical applications.

We welcome original research articles that span the spectrum of nanomaterials, from synthesis and characterization to applications in cutting-edge sensing and in biomedical devices.

We aim to publish a series of papers able to broaden the collective knowledge that will hopefully drive innovation in nanocrystalline structures and their applications.

Dr. Jose Maria Calderon-Moreno
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• thin films
• sensing technologies
• biomedical applications
• nanoscale characterization
• structural evolution
• thin film engineering

• Evolution of Nanocrystalline Structures in Multilayer Thin Films with Sensing and Biomedical Applications in Nanomaterials