A new method of forming nanoparticles has been developed. The size, shape, and chemical composition of a given type of nanoparticles can be controlled by altering a parent-glass with the desired amount of a chosen compound e.g. sulfate, nitrate, etc. with the desired charge and melting said glass under controlled conditions and then cooling the glass in an equally controlled manner.
The novelty of this method is in using a glass or glass-ceramic material to make nanoparticles. For example, by giving the glass a prescribed heat treatment so the desired nanoparticles are formed within, a chosen amount of nanoparticles can be delivered, in a controlled amount, to a desired site within a mammal in several ways. But a particularly desirable method is to place the biodegradable glass at the desired site in the mammal such that the nanoparticles are released into the body fluids at the site, as the glass degrades in the body fluids. The nanoparticles can also be made in-vitro (in laboratory environment). The advantage of making nanoparticles in-vitro using this method is that by changing various parameters such as temperature or solution compositions, it is possible to form a variety of nano materials with special/different properties that would not be possible to form inside a of mammal. It is also possible to use these materials for other applications such as catalytic convertors or solid oxide fuel cells.
APPLICATIONS:
a.) Tissue repair and regeneration
b.) Biomedical imaging
c.) Electronic devices
d.) Chemical sensing
e.) Coatings of metals and ceramics