Nanostructured and chemically functionalized
materials which mimic architectural and mechanical features of natural cell microenvironments hold promise for a better understanding and control of cell physiological processes
through molecular and nanoscale interactions.
Important achievements have been done in the preparation and characterization of: i) Gold nanoparticles stabilised
through thiol derivatised organic - and bio-molecules; ii) nanocomposite coatings for low friction and high wear resistance applications and iii) new
nanostructured materials for hydrogen storage.