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Time-domain solutions to Maxwell’s equations can be computed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method. This Primer explores how FDTD can be used to study electromagnetic fields in complex media, including a summary of FDTD models, extensions, outputs and applications across the electromagnetic spectrum.
The unique electronic, mechanical and chemical properties of functionalized carbon nanotubes make them promising candidates for chemical sensors. In this Primer, Luo and Swager outline the material selection, device architecture and fabrication of carbon nanotube-based chemiresistive sensors and best practices for sensor testing.
The surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) effect holds an important position in advancing biological and chemical sensing technologies with chemical resolution. In this Primer, Kozuch et al. overview fabrication methods of SEIRA-active substrates and describe experimental considerations and interpretation of SEIRA spectra.
To improve early-stage research in the field of RNA lipid nanoparticles, there are several best practices to be considered for the collection, interpretation and reporting of characterization data.
Functional material design can be enhanced by taking inspiration from nature. This Primer describes how micropatterns inspired by the natural world can be designed, fabricated and used to solve technical challenges.
Negative control variables (NCs) are variables that do not cause the outcome of interest and are not caused by the exposure of interest. This Primer describes how to use NCs to adjust for unmeasured confounding bias, for example in environmental or public health studies.
This PrimeView highlights the production of nanotechnology-based mRNA vaccines, with a focus on their use to prevent infectious disease and in targeting tumours.
mRNA vaccines produce rapid and precise immune responses against infectious diseases and cancers. Chen et al. discuss the development of biomaterials and nanotechnology for mRNA vaccines, how these are designed and evaluated and the underlying mechanisms of cellular uptake and immune stimulation.
Light can be used to power CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels. In this Primer, Fang et al. provide a guide for the experimentation of photocatalytic CO2 reduction, including catalyst synthesis and characterization, reactor construction, photocatalytic testing and exploration of mechanism.
To ensure a sustainable future and combat food scarcity, we must boost agricultural productivity, improve climate resilience and optimize resource usage. There is untapped potential for dense wireless sensor networks in agriculture that can increase yields and support resilient production when linked to smart decision and control systems.
Sulfur fluoride exchange (SuFEx) is a click reaction used to rapidly synthesize and discover functional molecules. In this Primer, Homer et al. discuss the essential elements of SuFEx operation, catalysis and SuFExable connective hubs and explore applications of SuFEx in drug development, polymer science and biochemistry.
This PrimeView highlights the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of extracellular vesicle analysis, which are fueled by fundamental biological insights into their biogenesis, composition, release and uptake.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have vital functions and promise diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In this Primer, Hendrix and colleagues discuss tools for isolating and characterizing EVs obtained from various sources, including the body and the environment.
This PrimeView highlights the main steps of a typical systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) experiment and key considerations when designing SELEX experiments.
