Accessing 1,2,3-triazole compounds through the copper-catalysed azide–alkyne “click” cycloaddition reaction is now a routine synthetic tool which has resulted in a huge amount of novel molecules of varied complexity bearing such heterocycles. 3-N-Alkyl-1,2,3-triazolium salts constitute an example of “post-click” chemistry arising from the “click” pool. This Focus review outlines emerging fields of application for triazolium cations, including their use as functional ionic liquids, as precursors of mesoionic carbenes, or as components of supramolecular assemblies and molecular machines.

High aspect ratio magnetic nanomaterials possess anisotropic properties that make them attractive for biological applications. Their elongated shape enables multivalent interactions with receptors through the introduction of multiple targeting units on their surface, thus enhancing cell internalization. Moreover, due to their magnetic anisotropy, high aspect ratio nanomaterials can outperform their spherical analogues as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications. In this review, we first describe the two main synthetic routes for the preparation of anisotropic magnetic nanomaterials: (i) direct synthesis (in which the anisotropic growth is directed by tuning the reaction conditions or by using templates) and (ii) assembly methods (in which the high aspect ratio is achieved by assembly from individual building blocks). We then provide an overview of the biomedical applications of anisotropic magnetic nanomaterials: magnetic separation and detection, targeted delivery and magnetic resonance imaging.

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is one of the most information-rich analytical techniques available. However, it is also inherently insensitive, and this drawback precludes the application of NMR spectroscopy to mass- and volume-limited samples. We review a particular approach to increase the sensitivity of NMR experiments, namely the use of miniaturized coils. When the size of the coil is reduced, the sample volume can be brought down to the nanoliter range. We compare the main coil geometries (solenoidal, planar, and microslot/stripline) and discuss their applications to the analysis of mass-limited samples. We also provide an overview of the hyphenation of microcoil NMR spectroscopy to separation techniques and of the integration with lab-on-a-chip devices and microreactors.

During the last decade, the possibility to remotely control intracellular pathways using physical tools has opened the way to novel and exciting applications, both in basic research and clinical applications. Indeed, the use of physical and non-invasive stimuli such as light, electricity or magnetic fields offers the possibility of manipulating biological processes with spatial and temporal resolution in a remote fashion. The use of magnetic fields is especially appealing for in vivo applications because they can penetrate deep into tissues, as opposed to light. In combination with magnetic actuators they are emerging as a new instrument to precisely manipulate biological functions. This approach, coined as magnetogenetics, provides an exclusive tool to study how cells transform mechanical stimuli into biochemical signalling and offers the possibility of activating intracellular pathways connected to temperature-sensitive proteins. In this review we provide a critical overview of the recent developments in the field of magnetogenetics. We discuss general topics regarding the three main components for magnetic field-based actuation: the magnetic fields, the magnetic actuators and the cellular targets. We first introduce the main approaches in which the magnetic field can be used to manipulate the magnetic actuators, together with the most commonly used magnetic field configurations and the physicochemical parameters that can critically influence the magnetic properties of the actuators. Thereafter, we discuss relevant examples of magneto-mechanical and magneto-thermal stimulation, used to control stem cell fate, to activate neuronal functions, or to stimulate apoptotic pathways, among others. Finally, although magnetogenetics has raised high expectations from the research community, to date there are still many obstacles to be overcome in order for it to become a real alternative to optogenetics for instance. We discuss some controversial aspects related to the insufficient elucidation of the mechanisms of action of some magnetogenetics constructs and approaches, providing our opinion on important challenges in the field and possible directions for the upcoming years.