This thesis describes and evaluates the design of nanospacecraft based on advanced multifunctional microsystems building blocks. These systems bring substantial improvements of the performance of nanosatellites and enable new space exploration, e.g. interplanetary science missions using minute space probes. Microsystems, or microelectromechanical systems, allows for extreme miniaturization using heritage from IC industry. Reducing mass and volume of spacecraft gives large savings in terms of launch costs. Definition and categorization of system and module level features in multifunctional microsystems are used to derive a spacecraft optimization algorithm which is compatible with commonly used concurrent engineering methods. The miniaturization of modules enables modular spacecraft architectures comprising powerful multifunctional microsystems, which are applicable to satellites between 10 and 1000’s of kg. This kind of complete spacecraft architecture has been developed for the NanoSpace-1 technology demonstrator satellite. The spacecraft bus uses multifunctional design to enable distributed intelligence and autonomy, graceful degradation, functional surfaces, and distributed power systems. The increase in performance of the new spacecraft architecture as compared with conventional nanosatellites is orders of magnitudes in terms of power storage, scientific payload mass ratio, pointing stabilization, and long time space operation. This high-performance system-of-microsystems architecture has been successfully employed on two space robotic concepts: a miniaturized submersible vehicle for Jupiter’s Moon Europa and a miniaturized spherical robot. The submersible is enabled by miniaturization of electronics into 3-dimensional, vertically integrated multi-chip-modules together with new interconnection methods. These technologies enabled the submersible vehicle tube-shaped design within 20 cm length and 5 cm diameter. The spherical rover was developed for long range and networked science investigations of interplanetary bodies. The rover weighs 3.5 kg and is shown to endure direct reentry on Mars, which increases the ratio between the landed mobile payload mass and the initial mass in Mars orbit by a factor of 18.

Chemically and physically patterned surfaces can be used as templates to guide nano- and micro- scale particle assembly, but the design is often limited by an inability to sufficiently characterize how pattern features influence local particle-surface interactions on the order of thermal energy, kT. The research outlined in this dissertation describes comprehensive optical microscopy (i.e. evanescent wave, video) measurements and analyses of many-body and multi-dimensional interactions, dynamics and structure in inhomogeneous colloidal fluid systems. In particular, I demonstrate how non-intrusive observation of an ensemble of particles diffusing past each other and over a physically patterned surface topography can be used to obtain sensitive images of energy landscape features. I also link diffusing colloidal probe dynamics to energy landscape features, which is important for understanding the temporal imaging process and self-assembly kinetics. A complementary effort in this dissertation investigated the use of external AC electric fields to reversibly tune colloidal interactions to produce metastable ordered configurations. In addition, the electrical impedance spectra associated with colloidal assemblies formed between interfacial microelectrode gaps was measured and consistently modelled using representative equivalent circuits. Significant results from this dissertation include the synergistic use of the very same colloids as both imaging probes and building blocks in feedback controlled selfassembly on patterns. Cycling the AC field frequencies was found to be an effective way to anneal equilibrium colloidal configurations. Quantitative predictions of dominant transport mechanisms as a function of AC electric field amplitude and frequency were able to consistently explain the steady-state colloidal microstructures formed within electrode gaps observed using video microscopy. A functional electrical switch using gold nanoparticles was realized by reversibly forming and breaking colloidal wires between electrode gaps. Extension of the concepts developed in this dissertation suggest a general strategy to engineer the assembly of colloidal particles into ordered materials and controllable devices that provide the basis for numerous emerging technologies (e.g. photonic crystals, nanowires, reconfigurable antennas, biomimetic materials).

ABSTRACT WHITEWATER PARK DESIGN PRINCIPLES: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH FOR MULTIPLE USER GROUPS Byron Lester Advisor: University of Guelph, 2012 Professor Sean Kelly Existing whitewater courses have several design issues relating to their ability to balance expert, novice recreational, and commercial use. The goal of this study is to establish a better understanding of whitewater park design that incorporates the needs of multiple user groups in one integrated approach. Through elite interviewing whitewater park design was investigated and the data was analyzed identifying seven design principles and thirty seven detailed design recommendations. These design principles and recommendations were applied to create a preliminary conceptual design of a whitewater park. The design recommendations and conceptual design were evaluated by a professional whitewater course designer. The evaluation revealed that adaptability is an important principle in whitewater park design and that design recommendations must be flexible to allow for client input and site constraints. This research expands our knowledge of multifunctional design of whitewater parks that resolves user conflicts and important functional relationships.

Magistro baigiamojo darbo tikslas – konvertuoti „Kauno grūdų“ elevatorių į daugiafunkcį jaunimo gyvenamąjį kompleksą, susidedantį iš jaunimo kūrybos ir verslo centro, bendrabučių buvusiuose grūdų silosuose, daugiafunkcio elevatoriaus bei laisvalaikio ir sporto centro. Darbą sudaro trys dalys: analitinė ir tiriamoji (tekstinės) ir projektinė. Analitinėje dalyje pateikta surinkta medžiaga, susijusi su jaunimo bendrabučių ir daugiafunkcių centrų projektavimu bei renovacija, silosų konversija į gyvenamuosius pastatus. Tiriamojoje dalyje pateikta pasirinktos situacijos analizė, problemiškumas, poreikiai ir galimybės, urbanistinės plėtros vizijos. Projektinę dalį sudaro: urbanistinis situacijos maketas (M 1:1000) ir pastato su artimiausia aplinka maketas (M 1:200); projektuojamojo komplekso generalinis planas, planai, pjūviai, fasadai, kambarių silose detalizacija, eksterjero ir interjero perspektyviniai vaizdai. / Master thesis aim is to convert „Kauno grūdai“ elevator to the multifunctional youth living complex, which consists of youth design and business centre, student housing in the former grain silos, multifunctional elevator and leisure and sports centre. The paper consists of analytical, research and project parts. In the analytical part it is presented collected material about design and renovation of student housing and multifunctional youth centres, silos conversions to housing. In the research part it is presented analysis of chosen situation, its problems, requirements and potentials, urban visions. Project part consists of urban situation model (sc 1:1000) and building model with nearest surroundings (sc 1:200); master plan of the designed complex, facades, sections, plans, detailed view of the apartments in silo, exterior and interior perspective views.

De nombreuses applications modernes nécessitent l’utilisation de matériaux transparents dans le visible et le proche infrarouge. C’est le cas des vitrages pour le bâtiment, des vitres de voitures ou encore d’écrans de téléphone portable. La stratégie mise en place dans ces travaux de thèse est d’obtenir en surface d’un verre sodo-calcique, un matériau barrière aux propriétés similaires à la silice. Deux approches de traitements de surface visent à d’une part, modifier la chimie de surface par un traitement sous champ électrique assisté par voie thermique et d’obtenir une couche riche en SiO2 en surface. D’autre part, un revêtement est déposé sur le verre sodo-calcique, utilisé ici comme substrat. Ce dépôt se fait par pulvérisation cathodique magnétron et permettra de mettre en forme un matériau composite SiO2-TiO2 aux propriétés optiques de transparence et mécaniques de dureté optimisées et d’y associer des propriétés photocatalytiques performantes. / Many applications of the modern wolrd need transparent material especially in the visible range and near-IR. That is the case for windows for building or car, laptop screen. The purpose is to obtain a silica rich layer on the top of a soda-lime glass with similar properties to silica. Two ways have been defined. The first one is thermal poling treatment which consist in a thermal treatment electric field assisted to modify the surface chemistry and monitoring a silica rich layer on the top. The second way is to get a thin film by magnetron sputtering on the top of the soda-lime glass used here as substrate. A SiO2-TiO2 material is got with efficient optical properties of transparencey and mechanical properties (hardness). Photocatalytic activity have been demonstrated and provide self-cleaning properties.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-12T20:32:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Jose Vicente Martins.pdf: 276381 bytes, checksum: 9e0d2ec1f15d0a7ab920acdfeda7d95e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-05-31 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This work presents results from a study and quantitative research over how the multifunctional printer systems maintenance technicians qualification process may contribute for the increment of the user satisfaction in its respective sector. A questionnaire containing 24 questions was applied to 16 company representatives. Users, who were previously selected, were also interviewed. The results are compared to the theoretical recital concerning the technical team attendance into the sales process and after that, as well as the way as it may influence better equipment functioning; and the potential this attendance has to become a marketing instrument. As it may be noticed, the good quality technical service may assume an essential part, in the present context, considering technologies, which represents a more and more constant challenge. / Este trabalho apresenta resultados de um estudo e pesquisa quantitativa sobre como o processo de capacitação dos técnicos de manutenção de equipamentos multifuncionais de reprografia pode contribuir para o incremento da satisfação do usuário do setor. Um questionário contendo 24 perguntas foi aplicado a 16 representantes de empresas bem como, entrevistas com usuários previamente selecionados. Os resultados são comparados à fundamentação teórica referente ao atendimento do corpo técnico durante e pós-venda, a influência que tem para o bom funcionamento dos equipamentos, a capacidade de se transformar em um potencial de marketing de vendas. Percebe-se que o atendimento técnico de boa qualidade pode ser de importância fundamental para o presente momento, considerando-se o rápido desenvolvimento e o surgimento de novas e avançadas tecnologias, o que se torna um desafio cada vez mais constante.

Today, backpacks and duffel bags are often designed with a focus on a specific area of use, which makes it difficult to use them on other occasions. A clear example where the differences are noticeable is between functional mountaineer bags and urban bags. It is not uncommon for people staying in these environments to have far beyond two bags in their possession. Overconsumption is harmful to the environment, especially when it is from an industry that is pursued with poor working conditions and dangerous emissions in nature. Therefore, multifunctionality and sustainable design have been of high priority when the products in this project were developed. In this thesis, two models of bags have been developed through a human-centered design process. A large number of user interviews and expert interviews, as well as a focus group, laid the foundation for the requirements and needs of the bags. Spektrum’s company values, as well as the identity of their current products, were interpreted to create brand recognition in the new products. Idea generation was performed through various creative sessions, prototyping, and through a workshop. Evaluation and concept selection was performed by representatives from the target group in the form of personas, as well as by Spektrum. Finally, detailed technical drawings of the concepts were created in Adobe Illustrator. The first model is a backpack designed to work just as well on the mountain as in the city. The other model is a duffel bag that can be carried both on the back and in the hand. It is also designed to perform well in both mountain and urban environments. Both bags are made of polyester from recycled PET bottles and the material is controlled and approved by the highly rated environmental certification bluesign®. The metal parts of the bags are made of recycled aluminum. Both models are adjustable to fit all users within the 5th to 95th percentile. The thesis resulted in the ordering of two alpha prototypes of each model, factory-made by my technical drawings. According to Spektrum, the designs have created great interest among retailers and company shareholders. Both models will, therefore, be put into production and released to the market within two years.

The competitive capacity within a certain sector, is the determining factor in determining whether a company has the potential to continue in the market or not. In this sense, the agricultural machinery sector, seeking to remain competitive, seeks best practices for the organization and management of its product development processes. These well-defined and managed processes can help sustain a company's competitiveness. The Product Development Process is approached in this work taking into account its multidisciplinarity, considering the importance of the participation of several functional areas for the management and the efficient performance of the process. Thus, the objective of this dissertation is to identify and evaluate the cooperation of the functional areas in agricultural machinery development processes. To obtain the objective, a detailed study was carried out on the industrial segment of agricultural machinery, especially in the methodologies used for the development of its products, in order to know the intervening factors of these processes in a broad and detailed manner. We selected the Reference Model for the Agricultural Machinery Development Process as a starting point, where the functional areas described in this model were used to analyze two other models of the product development process large multinational companies, agricultural machinery manufacturers. In order to identify the cooperation of the functional areas throughout the phases and activities of the studied models, structures were developed in the form of electronic spreadsheets that sought to intersect the activities and areas of each model, making it possible to identify the level of participation of the functional areas in each phase the process. With the study of the phases and activities of the models, it was observed that it is necessary the cooperation of specific knowledge from certain functional areas for the development of agricultural machinery, making these activities be performed by several functional areas, giving agility to the process and thus collaborating to meet deadlines, so that the costs of manufacturing comply with the estimate in the project and so that the quality of the final product is as expected. / A capacidade competitiva, dentro de um determinado setor, é o fator determinante para definir se uma empresa tem potencial para continuar no mercado ou não. Neste sentido, o setor de máquinas agrícolas, buscando se manter competitivo, procura por melhores práticas para a organização e o gerenciamento de seus processos de desenvolvimento de produtos. Estes processos quando bem definidos e gerenciados, podem ajudar a sustentar a competitividade de uma empresa. O Processo de Desenvolvimento de Produto é abordado neste trabalho levando em consideração sua multidisciplinaridade, visto a importância da participação de várias áreas funcionais para o gerenciamento e o desempenho eficiente do processo. Assim, o objetivo desta dissertação é identificar e avaliar a cooperação das áreas funcionais em processos de desenvolvimento de máquinas agrícolas. Para auferir o objetivo realizou-se o estudo aprofundado sobre o segmento industrial de máquinas agrícolas, sobretudo nas metodologias utilizadas para o desenvolvimento de seus produtos, com a finalidade de conhecer os fatores intervenientes destes processos de forma ampla e detalhada. Foi selecionado para este trabalho o Modelo de Referência para o Processo de Desenvolvimento de Máquinas Agrícolas como ponto de partida, onde foram utilizadas as áreas funcionais descritas neste modelo para analisar outros dois modelos de processo de desenvolvimento de produto de empresas multinacionais de grande porte, fabricantes de máquinas agrícolas. Para identificar a cooperação das áreas funcionais, ao longo das fases e atividades dos modelos estudados, foram elaboradas estruturas em forma de planilhas eletrônicas visando interseccionar as atividades e as áreas de cada modelo, possibilitando identificar o nível de participação das áreas funcionais em cada fase do processo. Com o estudo das fases e atividades dos modelos, observou-se que é necessária a cooperação de conhecimentos específicos oriundos de determinadas áreas funcionais para o desenvolvimento de máquinas agrícolas, fazendo com que estas atividades sejam desempenhadas por várias áreas funcionais, dando agilidade para o processo e colaborando assim para o cumprimento de prazos, para que os custos de fabricação obedeçam ao estimado no projeto e para que a qualidade do produto final seja a esperada.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is estimated that less than 1% of the individuals infected with M. leprae develop the disease. Several authors suggest that the genetic pattern and variations in the mechanisms of the patient's immune response influence the susceptibility or resistance to disease. The most recent studies have established the role of Th1, Th2 and Treg cell responses in immunopathogenesis of leprosy. However, several mechanisms of the immune response that act in clinical evolution still lack clarification, such as the role of Th17 cells, and the innate immune response. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the immune response in the clinical presentation of leprosy and the use of M. leprae recombinant antigens as a perspective for the development of prognostic and immunoprophylaxis tools. To investigate the involvement of immune response in the pathogenesis of leprosy, we analyzed the cytokine profile in lesions, in serum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with M. leprae antigens in leprosy patients and household contactants (HHC). CD4+IL-17+ T cells expressing IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-10 were evaluated by confocal microscopy in lesions from patients with tuberculoid (TT, n = 09) and lepromatous leprosy (LL, n = 08). Inflammatory cytokines were measured in serum samples from 23 paucibacillary (PB) patients, 28 multibacillary (MB) and 23 HHC, using the Luminex technique. The phenotype of lymphocytes producing IL-17A and IFN-γ was determined by flow cytometry. In addition, PBMC from leprosy patients and HHC were stimulated with crude M. leprae (MLCS) and M. tuberculosis (PPD) and a recombinant antigen of M. leprae (ML2028), and the cytokine profile and the CD4+ and CD8+ multifunctional T cells (producing IFN-γ, IL-2 or TNF-α) of effector and central memory were analyzed. We observed that TT lesions expressed more CD4+IL-17A+ cells than LL. Higher levels of IFN-γ were detected in PB patients, but also in MB patients who presented leprosy reactions (LR) at the time of evaluation (MB LR+). Significantly, higher concentrations of IL-17A and IL-1β were observed in serum from PB than in from MB patients. Ex vivo cell analysis by flow cytometry revealed higher frequency of Th17 cells in TT than LL patients, and it is not high in LL patients with LR. These results indicate that the Th17 cells are associated with an effective inflammatory response that occurs in PB presentation of leprosy but were not associated with the inflammatory response in LR. Th1 response was also associated with PB presentation. However, high levels of IFN-γ were also associated with LR. Multiparameter analyzes by flow cytometry revealed a higher frequency of multifunctional T cells specific for M. leprae antigens in HHC than in leprosy patients, and it might explain the absence of disease in these individuals. These data indicate that these antigens are capable of inducing a more effective immune response and multifunctional T cell memory against M. leprae infection, and open perspectives for the future development of immunoprophylaxis with M. leprae antigens. Additionally, this study suport the attempt to induce a Th1 and Th17 response in individuals at risk of acquiring the disease, even considering this could induce only a partial protection, because it would protect against the most severe MB forms of leprosy, and reduce the disease transmission. This Thesis includes one paper accepted for publication, about the role of Th1 and Th17 cells in subjects with different clinical forms of leprosy, and another paper submitted about the immune response to M. leprae crude and recombinant antigens. / A Hanseníase é uma doença infecciosa crônica e de evolução lenta causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae. A literatura sugere que menos de 1% dos indivíduos infectados pelo bacilo evolui com a doença. O padrão genético dos indivíduos e diferenças nos mecanismos da resposta imune do paciente influenciam na susceptibilidade ou resistência à infecção e apresentação clínica da doença. Os estudos mais recentes estabeleceram o papel das respostas de células Th1, Th2 e Treg na imunopatogênese da hanseníase. No entanto, diversos mecanismos das células Th17 e o papel da resposta imune inata na doença ainda não estão bem estabelecidos. Diante disso, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o papel da resposta imune na apresentação clínica da hanseníase e o uso de antígenos brutos e recombinante de M. leprae como perspectiva para o desenvolvimento de ferramentas de prognóstico e imunoprofilaxia. Para investigar o envolvimento das células da resposta imune na patogênese da hanseníase, analisamos o perfil de citocinas em lesões, nos soros, e em células mononucleares do sangue periférico (PBMC) estimuladas com antígenos de M. leprae em pacientes com hanseníase e controles contactantes sadios (CCS). As células T CD4+IL-17+ e que expressam IL-17A, IFN- e IL-10 foram avaliadas por microscopia confocal em biópsias de lesões de pacientes com hanseníase tuberculóide (HT, n = 9) e virchowiana (HV, n = 8). As citocinas inflamatórias foram dosadas em amostras de soro de 23 paucibacilares (PB), 28 multibacilares (MB) e em 23 CCS, pela técnica de Luminex. O fenótipo de linfócitos produtores de IL-17A e IFN-γ foi determinado por citometria de fluxo. Além disso, PBMC de pacientes com hanseníase e de CCS foram estimuladas com os antígenos brutos de M. leprae (MLCS), M. tuberculosis (PPD) e recombinante de M. leprae, (ML2028), e o perfil de citocinas e o fenótipo das células T CD4+ e CD8+ multifuncionais (produtoras de IFN-γ, IL-2 ou TNF-α) de memória efetora e central foram analisados. Observamos que as lesões de HT expressaram mais células CD4+IL-17A+ do que as de HV. Níveis mais elevados de IFN-γ sérico foram detectados em pacientes com as formas HT e em MB que apresentavam reações hansênicas (MB RH+). Concentrações mais elevadas de IL-17A e IL-1β foram observadas nos soros de pacientes PB do que em MB. As análises das células ex vivo por citometria de fluxo revelaram maior frequência de células Th17 nos pacientes com hanseníase tuberculóide (HT) em comparação com aqueles com hanseníase virchowiana (HV). Estes resultados indicam que a resposta Th17 está associada a uma resposta inflamatória efetiva que se apresenta nas formas PB, mas não estão associadas à resposta inflamatória durante as reações hansênicas. A resposta Th1 também está associada às formas PB, entretanto altos níveis de IFN-γ foram associados também aos episódios de reação hansênica. As análises multiparamétricas por citometria de fluxo revelaram maior frequência de células T multifuncionais antígeno-específicas em CCS, do que em pacientes com hanseníase. Nossos dados indicam que controles contactantes, quando estimulados com antígenos brutos e com o ML2028 recombinante, produziram mais células T multifuncionais e isto sugere que estas células proporcionam uma resposta imunológica mais eficaz contra a infecção por M. leprae, podendo explicar a ausência de doença nesses indivíduos. Estes dados sugerem que esses antígenos são capazes de induzir uma resposta protetora e indutora de células T multifuncionais de memória e abrem perspectivas para o desenvolvimento futuro de imunoprofilaxia com estes antígenos de M. leprae. Além disso, o estudo dá suporte à busca de induzir uma resposta Th1 e Th17 em indivíduos em risco de adquirir a doença, mesmo que haja uma proteção parcial, pois neste caso haveria uma proteção contra formas mais graves MB, e reduziria também a transmissão da doença. Esta tese é composta por um artigo aceito para publicação sobre a resposta de células Th17 e Th1 nas formas clínicas da hanseníase e outro submetido sobre a resposta a antígenos recombinantes de M. leprae na indução de células T multifuncionais.

Les recherches en nanotechnologies ne cessent de s’intensifier depuis plusieurs dizaines d’années du fait de leur haut potentiel dans le développement d’un large champ d’applications allant de la médecine à l’énergie de demain. Les recherches ont conduit à l’émergence de nombreuses nanoparticules aux propriétés adaptables en modifiant la composition, la taille, la forme ou encore l’état de surface. Cette modularité a permis l’apparition de nanoparticules multifonctionnelles qui ont démontré des intérêts cliniques en imagerie médicale ou pour la thérapie de certains cancers. Plus récemment, les recherches s’intéressent à l’assemblage de nanoparticules en nanostructures afin de combiner leurs propriétés au sein d’un seul assemblage. Ce manuscrit de thèse présente un nouveau procédé d’assemblage de nanoparticules inorganiques sous la forme de nanocapsules, stabilisées par un polymère et appelées Hybridosomes®. Dans une première partie, nous présentons les caractéristiques de cette nouvelle classe de nanocapsules à travers l’étude du procédé d’auto-assemblage et d’un ensemble complet de techniques de caractérisation. Nous présentons également leur évaluation en tant qu’agent de contraste pour l’Imagerie par Résonnance Magnétique (IRM). De plus, nous proposons des perspectives de recherche utilisant les Hybridosomes® comme potentielle plateforme multifonctionnelle pour l’imagerie médicale et la thérapie. Dans une seconde partie, nous présentons l’application des Hybridosomes® dans l’auto-construction des premiers films nanostructurés par un procédé de chimie électro-click. A travers plusieurs méthodes d’analyses, nous montrons la modularité des films construits ainsi que la possibilité de relargage d’un fluorochrome initié par différents stimuli. Dans une troisième partie, nous élargissons le procédé d’auto-assemblage à une autre famille de nanoparticules: les clusters octaédriques de molybdène. Pour la première fois des nanocapsules et nanosphères ont été assemblées uniquement à partir des clusters de type A2[Mo6Li8La6]. Ces nouveaux nanomatériaux ont été caractérisés et évalués pour leurs propriétés catalytiques. / Nanotechnology research activities have been intensifying for several decades as a result of its high potential in the development of a wide range of applications ranging from medicine to future’s energy. Research has led to the emergence of many nanoparticles with tunable properties by modifiying the composition, size, shape or surface properties. This versatility has led to the emergence of multifunctional nanoparticles that have demonstrated clinical interest in medical imaging or cancer therapy. More recently, research has focused on the assembly of nanoparticles into nanostructures in order to combine their properties within the same particle. This PhD manuscript present a novel process of self-assembling of inorganic nanoparticles into nanocapsules, stabilized by a polymer and called Hybridosomes®. In a first part, we present the characteristics of this new class of nanocapsules through the study of the process of self-assembly and with a full set of characterization techniques. We also present their evaluation as contrast agent for Magnetic Resonnance Imaging (MRI). Moreover, we propose future research outlooks for Hybridosomes® as a potential multifunctional platform for medical imaging and therapy. In a second part, we present the application of Hybridosomes® in the self-construction of the first nanostructured films by an electro-click process. Through several analysis techniques we demonstrate the versatility of such constructed films and their cargo release properties triggered by different stimuli. In a third part, we enlarged the process of self-assembly to another type of nanoparticles: octahedral molybdenum clusters. For the first time, nanocapsules and nanospheres exclusively based on A2[Mo6Li8La6] clusters have been self-assembled. These new types of nanomaterials have been characterized and evaluated regarding their catalytic properties.