Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Synthesis and Catalytic Performance of Gold Intercalated in the Walls of Mesoporous Silica
Published on: July 9, 2015
Biomimetic hierarchical walnut kernel-like and erythrocyte-like mesoporous silica nanomaterials: controllable
Nanjing Hao1, Yuan Nie1, John X J Zhang1
1Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, 14 Engineering Drive, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, United States.
Abstract:
We developed a facile and controllable strategy to fabricate biomimic walnut kernel-like mesoporous silica nanomaterial (WMSN) and erythrocyte-like mesoporous silica nanomaterial (EMSN). The former possesses unique multi-shell hollow structure and surface wrinkles while the latter has special multi-stack structure and bowl-shaped depression. These hierarchical materials with distinct structures can be finely tuned by changing the molar ratios of two surfactants, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid. The mechanism of structural formation through intermolecular interactions was revealed and validated experimentally. The promising potential applications of WMSN and EMSN in adsorption, cellular imaging, drug delivery, and cancer theranostics were further identified.
Related Concept Videos
Control Systems: Applications
In modern vehicles, control systems manage various functions to enhance performance and safety. The steering wheel and accelerator are primary inputs in a car's control system. The...
Lifecycle of Erythrocytes
The resident phagocytic macrophages deal with these damaged cells by engulfing them and separating their globin and heme groups....
Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...
Structure and Function of Erythrocytes
The erythrocyte plasma membrane is associated with proteins such as spectrin, which forms a flexible cytoplasmic meshwork. This meshwork allows erythrocytes to twist, turn, become cup-shaped, and regain their biconcave shape as they pass through narrow capillaries. Additionally, erythrocytes can form...
Dehydration Synthesis
Dehydration synthesis (also called a condensation reaction) is the chemical process in which two molecules covalently link together to form a new molecule, along with the release of a water molecule. Many physiologically important compounds form by dehydration synthesis reactions, such as complex carbohydrates, proteins, DNA, and RNA.
Synthesis of carbohydrates
Sugar molecules are covalently linked together by dehydration synthesis. During the reaction, the hydroxyl (-OH) group from...
Synthesis and Decomposition Reactions

