If you have read-only permissions, see Viewing a Composition Summary. If you are a curator with appropriate security permissions, you can perform all the tasks described in this chapter. |
This chapter describes how to manage the samples' information accessible from the Navigation Tree. This section includes the following topics:
Sample composition records information associated with the way a sample is made, especially in terms of its different parts, its constituents. Composition for a sample in caNanoLab consists of information categorized by nanomaterial entity, functionalizing entity, and chemical association(s). You can also add files relevant to the sample composition or derivation of its data.
With the appropriate security permissions, you can add or delete composition details. If the buttons do not display, you have read-only access to the item. |
With read-only access, you can review the sample composition summary.
To access characterization functions in the Navigation Tree
Click Composition.
The All tab displays compositions already added to the sample by category. Additional tabs show items added to the sample for each subcategory.
Once you access the Composition, All tab, click Nanomaterial Entity tab to enter data or add files pertaining to the nanomaterial component of the sample.
Follow these steps to fill in the composition. Links are provided for additional details.
Section | What to Do | |
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Nanomaterial Entity Type* | Fill in the entity type (required) and add a Description for the entity.
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[Nanomaterial] Properties | Fill in the customized information according to what you selected for Nanomaterial Entity Type. | |
Composing Elements | Add information regarding the elements that compose the nanomaterial entity of the sample. | |
File | Click Add to expand the page to add one or more files whose data is relevant to the nanomaterial entity or the derivation of its data. | |
Copy to other Characterizations | Select one or more samples in the list to which you want this composition data transferred. This option copies files and data to one or more selected samples "owned" by the same point of contact. | |
Copy to other Samples... | Select samples in the list to which you want this physico-chemical data transferred. This option copies files and data to one or more selected samples "owned" by the same point of contact |
The following nanomaterial entity types can be selected in the Nanomaterial Entity Summary. Once selected, a Property section appears on the page. You can describe properties for each type by following these links.
After defining the particle properties, continue to define Biopolymer information.
A biopolymer nanoparticle is a type of polymer that is produced by living organisms. In the context of nanotechnology, a biopolymer can also be a nanomaterial entity or a functionalizing entity.
Define biopolymer properties.
Field | Description |
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Name | Enter the name of the biopolymer. |
Bipolymer type | |
Sequence | Using the appropriate format, enter the complete sequence of the biopolymer. |
After defining the particle properties, continue to define Carbon Nanotube information.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are fullerene-like nanostructures that consist of graphene cylinders. The ends of the construct are closed with pentagonal-shaped rings.
Fill in the carbon nanotube properties as needed.
Field | Description |
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Average Length | Enter the average length of the nanotube. |
Length Unit | Select or enter the measurement unit type for the average length measurement of the nanotube. |
Chirality | The spatial position or orientation of functional groups located within a molecule. Enter information about the chirality in the nanotube and its effect on the orientation of functional groups located on the particle. |
Diameter | Enter the measurement of the nanotube diameter, as measured from one side of the tube wall through the center of the nanotube to the opposite point on the circumference. |
Diameter Unit | Enter the measurement unit type of the nanotube diameter. |
Wall Type |
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After defining the particle properties, continue to define Dendrimer information.
A dendrimer is a polymeric molecule which has a highly-branched, three-dimensional architecture. Dendrimers are synthesized from monomers and new branches are added in discrete steps to form a tree-like architecture. A high level of synthetic control is achieved through iterative reactions and purification at each step to regulate the size, architecture, functionality and monodispersity of the molecules. These polymers have desirable pharmacokinetic properties and a polyvalent array of surface groups that make them potential drug delivery vesicles.
Fill in the dendrimer properties.
Field | Description |
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Branch | Branches are molecules that branch off of the core (like tree branches). Enter a description that represents the number of branches in the dendrimer. |
Generation | Generations are shells layered on the core of a dendrimer. Dendrimers consist of layers of chemical shells built on a core module. Each shell consists of two chemicals in the same order (A-B) and each shell is called a generation. The generations are labeled in decimal to illustrate the shell layering/consistency. For example, Generation 2.5 (G2.5) = 1 shell of A-B (1), surrounded by a second shell of A-B (2), topped off with only one chemical A within the shell (.5). As such, the layering structure would be (A-B, A-B, A) = 2.5. List the generations reflected in this dendrimer.
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After defining the particle properties, continue to define Emulsion information.
An emulsion is a suspension of liquid within another liquid or a dispersion consisting of two or more liquid phases. In the context of caNanoLab, an emulsion nanoparticle consists of nanoparticles suspended in an emulsifying liquid.
Fill in the emulsion properties as needed.
Field | Description |
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Is Polymerized* | Specify whether the composition is polymerized. Polymerization consists of enzymatic reactions that link a series of monomers, forming a polymerized compound (polymer), usually of high molecular weight, by combination of simpler molecules (monomers). |
Polymer Name* |
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After defining the particle properties, continue to define Fullerene information.
A fullerene is one of three known pure forms of carbon that exhibits a spherical shape with a hollow interior; named after Buckminster Fuller. The number of carbon atoms comprising fullerenes is variable; several stable spherical carbon structures containing 70 or more atoms have been documented.
Fill in the fullerene properties as needed.
Field | Description |
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Average Diameter | Enter the measurement of the fullerene diameter, as measured from one side of the nanoparticle through its center to the opposite point on the circumference. |
Average Diameter Unit | Enter the measurement unit type of the fullerene diameter. |
Number of Carbons | Enter the number of carbon molecules comprising the fullerene. |
After defining the particle properties, continue to define Liposome information.
Liposomes are substances composed of layers of lipid that form hollow microscopic spheres within which drugs or agents could be contained for enhanced safety and efficacy. Based upon its size measured in nanometer range, a liposome can be categorized as a nanoparticle.
Fill in the liposome properties as needed. After defining the particle properties, continue to define Metal Particle information.
Field | Description |
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Polymer Name | Enter the name of the liposome polymer. |
Is Polymerized | Polymerization consists of enzymatic reactions that link a series of monomers, forming a polymerized compound (polymer), usually of high molecular weight, by combination of simpler molecules (monomers). Select Yes or No, reflecting whether or not the liposome is polymerized. |
After defining the particle properties, continue to define Metal Particle information.
A metal particle is a nanoparticle composed of electropositive chemical elements characterized by ductility, malleability, luster, and conductance of heat and electricity. They can replace the hydrogen of an acid and form bases with hydroxyl radicals.
There are no unique metal particle properties to be defined. Continue to define Polymer information.
A key feature that distinguishes polymers from other molecules is the repetition of a linked series of many identical, similar, or complementary monomers. A polymer nanoparticle is just that--a polymer measured in nanometer range.
Define the polymer properties.
Field | Description |
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Initiator | Enter the agent that initiated the polymerization. Examples are free radicals or peroxide. |
Is crosslinked | Crosslinking is a covalent bond between two polymers or two different regions of the same polymer. Select Yes or No, indicating whether the polymer is crosslinked. |
Crosslink Degree | Enter the percentage level of covalent linkage in the polymer. |
After defining the particle properties, continue to define Quantum Dot information.
A Quantum Dot is a nanometer-sized semiconductor particle, made of cadmium selenide (CdSe), cadmium sulfide (CdS) or cadmium telluride (CdTe) with an inert polymer coating. The semiconductor material used for the core is chosen based upon the emission wavelength range being targeted: CdS for UV-blue, CdSe for the bulk of the visible spectrum, and CdTe for far red and near-infrared. The size of the particle determines the exact color of a given quantum dot. The polymer coating protects cells from cadmium toxicity but also facilitates the attachment of a variety of targeting molecules, including monoclonal antibodies directed to tumor-specific biomarkers. Because of their small size, quantum dots can function as cell- and even molecule-specific markers that will not interfere with the normal cellular functions.
There are no unique quantum dot properties to be defined. Continue to define Nanomaterial Composing Elementsinformation.
To define composing elements for the nanomaterial entity
After defining composing elements, continue to define Add supporting documentation files.
To add results in the form of supporting documentation to the nanomaterial entity
After adding one or more files, return to the steps described in Adding Nanomaterial Entity Composition Annotations.
After you click the Composition button on the Navigation Tree, on the All tab click the Add button associated with Functionalizing Entity or select the Functionalizing Entity tab where you can also click the Add button to add composition data. Using the Functionalizing Entity composition feature, you can enter data or add files describing the substance, physical or biological factor, etc. of the sample that produces a specific effect or function.
The page that opens is organized into four sections. This page is the same for all functionalizing entity composition data, except for slight variations based what you select in the Functionalizing Entity Type* field. Instructions for using the page are outlined in the steps below.
To continue defining Functionalizing Entity fields
After defining the Functionalizing Entity, continue the process described in Adding Functionalizing Entity Composition Annotations.
The [Funtionalizing Entity Type] Properties section opens for some Functionalizing Entity types as you make that selection. To define properties for each unique functionalizing entity, enter information for the following fields.
Antibody – Select from the following fields:
Biopolymer – Select from the following fields:
Small Molecule: Add an Alternate Name for the Small Molecule.
After defining the Functionalizing Entity properties, continue the process described in Adding Functionalizing Entity Composition Annotations.
To define function information for the functionalizing entity
In the Navigation Tree, a hyperlink for the new Composition characterization is added under Functionalizing Entity.
After defining the function Information, continue the process described in Adding Functionalizing Entity Composition Annotations.
To add results in the form of supporting documents to the functionalizing entity, follow these steps:
As appropriate, continue the process described in Adding Functionalizing Entity Composition Annotations or Adding Chemical Association Composition Annotations.
Using the [Sample] Composition Chemical Association subcategory, you can enter basic annotation information describing the chemical association(s) of the sample and/or functionalizing entities of the sample.
To enter chemical association information, you must have entered at least two composing elements and/or at least one functionalizing entity for the sample entity. |
To enter chemical association information
This section of the [Sample] Composition category allows you to add files relevant to the sample independently of the entity or chemical associations that you defined. You can add as many files as you wish.
To add a file
After adding one or more files, continue the process described in Adding Chemical Association Composition Annotations.
You can add as many files as you wish. |
For more information about working with publications, see Managing Publications.
Nanomaterial Entity Type