Yolk shell structured YS-Si@N-doped carbon derived from covalent organic frameworks for enhanced lithium storage

Silicon (Si) has ultra-high theoretical capacity (4200 mAh g-1) and accordingly is widely studied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, its huge volume expansion during charging/discharging is a fatal challenge. The preparation of Si-based composite materials with yolk shell structure is the key to solving the Si volume expansion. Here, N-doped carbon-coated Si nanoparticles (SiNPs) nanocomposites (YS-Si@NC-60) with yolk shell structure derived from covalent organic frameworks (COFs) was prepared. N-doped carbon shells derived from COFs not only maintain the well-ordered nanosized pores of COFs, which facilitates the transport of Li+ to contact with internal SiNPs, but also provide more extra active sites for Li+ storage. Most importantly, the internal void can effectively alleviate the damage effect of SiNPs volume expansion. The obtained YS-Si@NC-60 as a LIBs anode show high cyclic stability and Li+ storage performances. At 0.1 A g-1, the capacity is 1446 mAh g-1 after 110 cycles, and initial coulomb efficiency is as high as 82.2 %. The excellent performance can be attributed to the unique yolk shell structure. This simple and template-free strategy provides a new idea for preparing Si-C nanocomposites with yolk shell structure.

In situ characterization of silver nanoparticles sulfidation processes in aquatic solution by hollow fiber flow-field flow fractionation coupled with ICP-QQQ

The sulfidation is considered as one of the most important environmental transformation processes of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which affects their transport, uptake and toxicity. Herein, based on the hollow fiber flow-field flow fractionation coupled with triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HF5-ICP-QQQ), we developed an efficient approach to accurately characterize the sulfidation process of AgNPs in aquatic solutions. HF5 could efficiently remove interferential ions and separate nanoparticles with different sizes online, and ICP-QQQ could accurately detect S element through monitoring 32S16O+ in mass shift mode. By the proposed method, two kinds of AgNPs, citrate-coated AgNPs and PVP-coated AgNPs, were selected as models to trace their transfer behaviors during the sulfidation. The results showed once AgNPs were exposed to Na2S solution, the overlapping fractograms of 32S16O+ and 107Ag+ were rapidly detected by HF5-ICP-QQQ to indicate the co-presence of Ag and S, and thus confirming the production of Ag2S and AgNPs underwent a rapid sulfidation process. There were substantial differences in the influence of the two coated agents on the stability of the particles under the conditions examined. In the presence of sulfide, PVP-coated AgNPs could maintain initial size distribution with higher stability, while the size distribution of citrate-coated AgNPs changed considerably. The developed HF5-ICP-QQQ method provides a reliable tool to identify and characterize the transformation process of AgNPs in aquatic solution, which contributed to a deeper understanding of the environmental fate and behavior of AgNPs with different coating.

A target-triggered ultra-sensitive aptasensor for simultaneous detection of Cd2+ and Hg2+ using MWCNTs-Au NPs modified electrode

A sensitive electrochemical assay for simultaneously detecting cadmium ion (Cd2+) and mercury ion (Hg2+) with the aptamer as recognition unit was established, in which methylene blue (MB) and target-triggered in-situ generated Ag nanoclusters (Ag NCs) were identified as signal reporters. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles composites were prepared with polyethyleneimine to amplify electrical signals of screen-printed electrodes. Due to the particular base sequences, MB labeled Cd2+ aptamer paired with ssDNA through T-Hg-T structure with Hg2+. Notably, the C-rich structure in ssDNA acted as a template for the generation of Ag NCs, which could induce differential pulse voltammetry signals corresponding to Hg2+ concentrations. This electrochemical aptasensor exhibited detection limits of 94.01 pg/mL and 15.74 pg/mL for Cd2+ and Hg2+, respectively. The developed aptasensor allowed for practical application to tea and vegetable samples with satisfactory accuracy. This work possesses potential in developing biosensing technologies for simultaneous determination of multiple heavy metals.

Self-healing, environmentally stable and adhesive hydrogel sensor with conductive cellulose nanocrystals for motion monitoring and character recognition

Conductive hydrogel-based sensors offer diverse applications in artificial intelligence, wearable electronic devices and character recognition management. However, it remains a significant challenge to maintain their satisfactory performances under extreme climatic conditions. Herein, a stretchable, self-adhesive, self-healing and environmentally stable conductive hydrogel was developed through free radical polymerization of hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEG) as the skeleton, followed by the incorporation of polyaniline-coated cellulose nanocrystal (CNC@PANI) as the conductive and reinforced nanofiller. Encouragingly, the as-prepared hydrogel (CHP) exhibited decent mechanical strength, satisfactory self-adhesion, prominent self-healing property (95.04 % after 60 s), excellent anti-freezing performance (below -60 °C) and outstanding moisture retention. The assembled sensor derived from CHP hydrogel possessed a low detection limit (0.5 % strain), high strain sensitivity (GF = 1.68) and fast response time (96 ms). Remarkably, even in harsh environmental temperatures from -60 °C to 80 °C, it reliably detected subtle and large-scale human motion for a long-term process (>10,000 cycles), manifesting its exceptional environmental tolerance. More interestingly, this hydrogel-based sensor could be assembled into a "writing board" for accurate handwritten numeral recognition. Therefore, the as-obtained multifunctional hydrogel could be a promising material applied in human motion detection and character recognition platforms even in harsh surroundings.

Capacitive immunosensing at gold nanoparticle-decorated reduced graphene oxide electrodes fabricated by one-step laser nanostructuration

Nanostructured electrochemical biosensors have ushered in a new era of diagnostic precision, offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity for clinical biomarker detection. Among them, capacitive biosensing enables ultrasensitive label-free detection of multiple molecular targets. However, the complexity and cost associated with conventional fabrication methods of nanostructured platforms hinder the widespread adoption of these devices. This study introduces a capacitive biosensor that leverages laser-engraved reduced graphene oxide (rGO) electrodes decorated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The fabrication involves laser-scribed GO-Au3+ films, yielding rGO-AuNP electrodes, seamlessly transferred onto a PET substrate via a press-stamping methodology. These electrodes have a remarkable affinity for biomolecular recognition after being functionalized with specific bioreceptors. For example, initial studies with human IgG antibodies confirm the detection capabilities of the biosensor using electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy. Furthermore, the biosensor can quantify CA-19-9 glycoprotein, a clinical cancer biomarker. The biosensor exhibits a dynamic range from 0 to 300 U mL-1, with a limit of detection of 8.9 U mL-1. Rigorous testing with known concentrations of a pretreated CA-19-9 antigen from human fluids confirmed their accuracy and reliability in detecting the glycoprotein. This study signifies notable progress in capacitive biosensing for clinical biomarkers, potentially leading to more accessible and cost-effective point-of-care solutions.

Synergetic surface enhancement of quantum dots-based electrochemiluminescence with photonic crystal light scattering and metal surface plasmon resonance for sensitive bioanalysis

Noble metal nanostructures and photonic crystals (PhCs) have been widely investigated as substrates for constructing surface enhanced electrochemiluminescence (SE-ECL) biosensors. However, their applications are hindered by the limited enhancement intensity of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and an incomplete mechanism for the photonic enhancement effect. Hence, developing a novel SE-ECL strategy with better signal enhanced capability and enriching our understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms for efficient bioanalysis is extremely urgent. Here, a synergistic SE-ECL strategy was developed for the sensitive determination of prostate specific antigen (PSA) protein. The randomly arranged polystyrene (r-PS) spheres and PS PhC arrays were applied to enhance the ECL emission of cadmium sulfide quantum dots (CdS QDs) and the results suggested that the PhC arrays displayed superior intensity (0.22) than the r-PS interface (0.10). Au nanoparticles (NPs) were introduced onto the two kinds of surfaces and further boosted the ECL intensity. According to the ECL measurements, Au NPs modified at the r-PS surface exhibited only a slight increase (0.13), while the PhC arrays showed approximately 5-fold enhancement (0.92), benefiting from the synergistic enhancement. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation indicated that the ECL enhancement was ascribed to the coupled electromagnetic (EM) field at the surfaces of PS PhCs and Au NPs. The SE-ECL could achieve a detection range from 1 pg/mL to 1 μg/mL with a detection limit of 0.41 pg/mL (S/N = 3). This study provides the first combination of PhC arrays and metal surface plasmon nanostructure for the synergetic enhancement of SE-ECL systems. It opens a new avenue for the rational design of advanced ECL biosensors and shows great perspective for clinical diagnosis.

Ultrafine CoRu alloy nanoclusters densely anchored on Nitrogen-Doped graphene nanotubes for a highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Designing highly efficient and stable electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reactions (HER) is essential to the production of green and renewable hydrogen. Metal-organic framework (MOF) precursor strategies are promising for the design of excellent electrocatalysts because of their porous architectures and adjustable compositions. In this study, a hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) nanowire was developed as a precursor and template for the controllable and scalable synthesis of CoRu-MOF nanotubes. After calcination in Ar, the CoRu-MOF nanotubes were converted into N-doped graphene (NG) nanotubes with ultrafine CoRu nanoclusters (hereon called Co-xRu@NG-T; x  = 0, 5, 10, 15, 25 representing the Ru content of 0-0.25 mmol; T = 400 °C to 700 °C) that were densely encapsulated and isolated on the shell. Taking advantage of the synergistic effects of the porous, one-dimensional hollow structure and ultrafine CoRu nanoclusters, the optimized Co-15Ru@NG-500 catalyst demonstrated superior catalytic performance for HERs in alkaline electrolytes with an overpotential of only 30 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and robust durability for 2000 cycles, which outperforms many typical catalytic materials, such as commercial Pt/C. This work introduces a novel high-efficiency and cost-effective HER catalyst for application in commercial water-splitting electrolysis.

Fluorophore and nanozyme-functionalized DNA walking: A dual-mode DNA logic biocomputing platform for microRNA sensing in clinical samples

Inspired by the programmability and modifiability of nucleic acids, point-of-care (POC) diagnostics for nucleic acid target detection is evolving to become more diversified and intelligent. In this study, we introduce a fluorescent and photothermal dual-mode logic biosensing platform that integrates catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA), toehold-mediated stand displacement reaction (SDR) and a DNA walking machine. Dual identification and signal reporting modules are incorporated into DNA circuits, orchestrated by an AND Boolean logic gate operator and magnetic beads (MBs). In the presence of bispecific microRNAs (miRNAs), the AND logic gate activates, driving the DNA walking machine, and facilitating the collection of hairpin DNA stands modified with FAM fluorescent group and CeO2@Au nanoparticles. The CeO2@Au nanoparticles, served as a nanozyme, can oxidize TMB into oxidation TMB (TMBox), enabling a near-infrared (NIR) laser-driven photothermal effect following the magnetic separation of MBs. This versatile platform was employed to differentiate between plasma samples from breast cancer patients, lung cancer patients, and healthy donors. The thermometer-readout transducers, derived from the CeO2@Au@DNA complexes, provided reliable results, further corroborated by fluorescence assays, enhancing the confidence in the diagnostics compared to singular detection method. The dual-mode logic biosensor can be easily customized to various nucleic acid biomarkers and other POC signal readout modalities by adjusting recognition sequences and modification strategies, heralding a promising future in the development of intelligent, flexible diagnostics for POC testing.

A metal-organic framework (MOF) built on surface-modified Cu nanoparticles eliminates tumors via multiple cascading synergistic therapeutic effects

Tumors produce a hypoxic environment that greatly influences cancer treatment, and conventional chemotherapeutic drugs cannot selectively accumulate in the tumor region because of the lack of a tumor targeting mechanism, causing increased systemic toxicities and side effects. Hence, designing and developing new nanoplatforms that combine multimodal therapeutic regimens is essential to improve tumor therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report the synthesis of ultrafine Cu nanoparticles loaded with a drug combination of cisplatin (Pt) and 1-methyl-d-tryptophan (1-MT) and externally coated with 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) photosensitizer, polydopamine (PDA) and CaO2 of MIL-101(Fe) as a new nanoplatform (Cu@MIL-101@PMTPC). The nanoplatform synergistically combined chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and immunochemotherapy. The Fe3+ in MIL-101(Fe) and the surface Cu nanoparticles exhibited strong ability to consume intracellular glutathione (GSH), thereby generating a Fenton-like response in the tumor microenvironment (TME) with substantial peroxidase (POD)-like and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activities. In this design, we used the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor 1-MT to overcome chemotherapy-induced immune escape phenomena including enhanced CD8+ and CD4+ T cell expression, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production, and accelerated immunogenic cell death. The targeted release of cisplatin loaded into Cu@MIL-101@PMTPC also reduced toxic side effects of chemotherapy. TCPP generated a large amount of singlet oxygen (1O2) upon specific laser irradiation to effectively kill tumor cells. CaO2 on the outer layer generated oxygen (O2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to ameliorate hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, enhance the PDT effect, and provide a continuous supply of H2O2 for the Fenton-like reaction. Thus, this nanocarrier platform exhibited a powerful chemodynamic, photodynamic, and immunochemotherapeutic cascade, providing a new strategy for cancer treatment.

Bendable quasi-solid-state aqueous sodium-ion batteries operated at -30 °C

Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs) have garnered considerable attention for large-scale energy storage because of inherent safety and the Na abundance. Nonetheless, the solidification of aqueous electrolytes under sub-zero conditions results in diminished ionic conductivity and increased viscosity, hindering the electrochemical performance and versatility of ASIBs. Herein, we introduce a novel freeze-tolerant ASIB using antifreezing ethylene glycol-polyacrylamide-sodium perchlorate hydrogel electrolyte, paired with new couple of Na3MnTi(PO4)3 cathode and Fe-based anode. The addition of ethylene glycol in the electrolyte enhances ionic conductivity at cold temperatures and optimizes electrode capacity by reduced hydrogen bonding within the water molecules and a decline in free water activity. The pronounced interaction between ethylene glycol and water, combined with the cooperative effect of the crosslinked polyacrylamide network, enables the hydrogel electrolyte to effectively suppress water solidification and maintain better water-retaining capability, achieving remarkable mechanical extensibility and good ionic conductivity (2.5 mS cm-1) at - 40 °C. Consequently, the ASIB equipped with hydrogel electrolyte delivers high energy density of 43.6 Wh kg-1 and retains 64 % at - 30 °C. Furthermore, the flexible ASIB demonstrates robust mechanical durability when bent or compressed, efficiently powering electronic devices even at - 30 °C. Our findings will pave the way for advancing low-temperature ASIBs with hydrogel-based electrolytes.

High selective electrocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene enabled by regulating the microenvironment over Cu-Ag nanowires

Copper-based tandem catalysts are effective candidates for yielding multi-carbon (C2+) products in electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2RR). However, these catalysts still face a significant challenge regarding in the low selectivity for the production of a specific product. In this study, we report a high selectivity of 77.8 %±2 % at -1.0 V (vs RHE) for the production of C2H4 by using a Cu88Ag12NW catalyst which is primarily prepared through a combined Cu-Ag co-deposition and wet chemical method, employing an attractive strategy focused on regulating the microenvironment over Cu-Ag nanowires. The experimental and computational studies show that the higher *CO coverage and lower intermediate adsorption energy are important reasons for achieving the high C2H4 selectivity of Cu88Ag12NW catalyst. Comsol simulation results indicate that dense nanowires exhibit a nano-limiting effect on OH- ions, thereby leading to an increase in local pH and promoting coupling reactions. The catalyst demonstrates no noticeable decrease in current density or selectivity even after 12 h of continuous operation. The Cu-Ag nanowire composite exhibits remarkable catalytic activity, superior faradaic efficiency, excellent stability, and easy synthesis, which highlights its significant potential for electro-reducing carbon dioxide into valuable products.

MoO3/MIL-125-NH2 with boosted peroxidase-like activity for electrochemical staphylococcus aureus sensing via specific recognition of bacteriophages

Herein, novel nanozyme mimics MoO3/MIL-125-NH2 were reported and conjugated with bacteriophages as a new electrochemical probe for high sensitivity and specific electrochemical detection of staphylococcus aureus. The excellent peroxidase-like activity of MoO3/MIL-125-NH2 composites was attributed to the integration of MIL-125-NH2 with MoO3, which can boost the generation of superoxide radicals (O• 2-) and thus promote the oxidation of TMB in the presence of H2O2. In this work, two bacteriophages named SapYZU04 and SapYZU10 were isolated from sewage samples by using staphylococcus aureus YZUsa12 as the host. In comparison, MoO3/MIL-125-NH2@SapYZU04 was selected as a recognition agent. The DPV current declined linearly with staphylococcus aureus YZUsa12 concentration in the range of 101-108 CFU mL-1, with a low detection limit of 16 CFU mL-1 (S/N = 3). 20 strains including 13 host strains and 7 non-host strains were used to evaluate the selectivity of the proposed sensor. Regardless of the differences in the degrees of lytic performance for phage SapYZU04, all selected host strains can be screened with merely the same DPV current. Host spectrum-oriented bacteriophage sensing is of great importance for the practical application of bacteriophage-based biosensors in the future.

Methyl contributes to the directed phosphorus doping of g-C3N4: pH-dependent selective reactive oxygen species enable customized degradation of organic pollutants

In the photocatalytic degradation process, constructing a controllable composite oxidation system with radicals and nonradicals to meet the requirement for efficient and selective degradation of diverse pollutants is significant. Herein, a methylated and phosphorus-doped g-C3N4 (NPEA) can exhibit selective radical and nonradical species formation depending on the pH values. The NPEA can spontaneously switch the production of active species according to the pH value of the reaction system, exhibiting steady-state concentrations of ·O2- for 11.83 × 10-2 µmol L-1 s-1 (with 92.7 % selectivity) under alkaline conditions (pH = 11), and steady-state concentrations of 1O2 for 5.18 × 10-2 µmol L-1 s-1 (with 88.7 % selectivity) under acidic conditions (pH = 3). The NPEA exhibits stability and universality in the degradation of pollutants with rate constant for sulfamethazine (k = 0.261 min-1) and atrazine (k = 0.222 min-1). Moreover, the LC-MS and Fukui function demonstrated that the NPEA can tailor degradation pathways for pollutants, achieving selective degradation. This study offers a comprehensive insight into the mechanism of the photocatalytic oxidation system, elucidating the intricate interplay between pollutants and reactive oxygen species.

Non-negligible impact of microplastics on wetland ecosystems

There has been much concern about microplastic (MP) pollution in marine and soil environments, but attention is gradually shifting towards wetland ecosystems, which are a transitional zone between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This paper comprehensively reviews the sources of MPs in wetland ecosystems, as well as their occurrence characteristics, factors influencing their migration, and their effects on animals, plants, microorganisms, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It was found that MPs in wetland ecosystems originate mainly from anthropogenic sources (sewage discharge, and agricultural and industrial production) and natural sources (rainfall-runoff, atmospheric deposition, and tidal effects). The most common types and forms of MPs identified in the literature were polyethylene and polypropylene, fibers, and fragments. The migration of MPs in wetlands is influenced by both non-biological factors (the physicochemical properties of MPs, sediment characteristics, and hydrodynamic conditions) and biological factors (the adsorption and growth interception by plant roots, ingestion, and animal excretion). Furthermore, once MPs enter wetland ecosystems, they can impact the resident microorganisms, animals, and plants. They also have a role in global warming because MPs act as unique exogenous carbon sources, and can also influence GHG emissions in wetland ecosystems by affecting the microbial community structure in wetland sediments and abundance of genes associated with GHG emissions. However, further investigation is needed into the influence of MP type, size, and concentration on the GHG emissions in wetlands and the underlying mechanisms. Overall, the accumulation of MPs in wetland ecosystems can have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, human health, and global climate regulation. Understanding the effects of MPs on wetland ecosystems is essential for developing effective management and mitigation strategies to safeguard these valuable and vulnerable environments.

Neurotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on memory and microglial activation: Insights from in vivo and in vitro studies

Nanoplastics, arising from the fragmentation of plastics into environmental pollutants and specialized commercial applications, such as cosmetics, have elicited concerns due to their potential toxicity. Evidence suggests that the oral ingestion of nanoplastics smaller than 100 nm may penetrate the brain and induce neurotoxicity. However, comprehensive research in this area has been hampered by technical challenges associated with the detection and synthesis of nanoplastics. This study aimed to bridge this research gap by successfully synthesizing fluorescent polystyrene nanoplastics (PSNPs, 30-50 nm) through the incorporation of IR-813 and validating them using various analytical techniques. We administered PSNPs orally (10 and 20 mg/kg/day) to mice and observed that they reached brain tissues and induced cognitive dysfunction, as measured by spatial and fear memory tests, while locomotor and social behaviors remained unaffected. In vitro studies (200 μg/mL) demonstrated a predominant uptake of PSNPs by microglia over astrocytes or neurons, leading to microglial activation, as evidenced by immunostaining of cellular markers and morphological analysis. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that PSNPs altered gene expression in microglia, highlighting neuroinflammatory responses that may contribute to cognitive deficits. To further explore the neurotoxic effects of PSNPs mediated by microglial activation, we measured endogenous neuronal activity using a multi-electrode array in cultured hippocampal neurons. The application of conditioned media from microglia exposed to PSNPs suppressed neuronal activity, which was reversed by inhibitors of microglial activation. Our findings offer detailed insights into the mechanisms by which nanoplastics damage the brain, particularly emphasizing the potential environmental risk factors that contribute to cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative diseases.

Effect of cadmium on polystyrene transport in parsley roots planted in a split-root system and assessment of the combined toxic effects

Micro and nanoplastics (MPs/NPs) coupled with heavy metals are prevalent in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their ecological toxicity and combined adverse effects have obtained significant concern. Past studies primarily focused on how MPs/NPs influence the behavior of heavy metals. Yet, the possible effects of heavy metals on MP/NP transport and toxicity within co-contaminated systems are still not well-understood. In this study, we conducted split-root experiments to explore the transport and toxicity of polystyrene (PS) particles of varying sizes in parsley seedlings, both with and without the addition of cadmium (Cd). Both the PS-NPs (100 nm) and PS-MPs (300 nm) traveled from the PS-spiked roots (Roots-1) to the non-PS-spiked roots (Roots-2), with or without Cd, possibly because of phloem transport. Furthermore, the presence of Cd reduced the accumulation and movement of PS-NP/MP in the roots, likely due to the increased positive charge (Cd2+) on the PS surface. PS-NPs/MPs in both Roots-1 and Roots-2 were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). When Cd was added to either Roots-1 (PS + Cd|H) or Roots-2 (PS|Cd), there was a minor reduction in the chlorophyll a and carotenoids content in leaves with PS|H. The adverse impacts of MPs|H on both indicators were influenced by the MP concentration. However, chlorophyll b significantly increased in the PS|H, PS + Cd|H, and PS|Cd treatments. Consequently, the chlorophyll a/b ratio declined, indicating inhibition of photosynthesis. The dehydrogenase content showed a minor change in Roots-1 and Roots-2 without Cd stress, whereas it significantly decreased on the Cd-spiked side and subsequently inhibited root growth. In contrast, the marked rise in glutathione (GSH) levels within Cd-spiked roots suggested, based on Gaussian analysis, that GSH and Cd chelation were instrumental in mitigating Cd toxicity. When Cd was introduced to both Roots-1 and Roots-2 simultaneously (PS + Cd|Cd), the aforementioned index showed a notable decline.

Baking releases microplastics from polyethylene terephthalate bakeware as detected by optical photothermal infrared and quantum cascade laser infrared

The use of plastic bakeware is a potential source of human exposure to microplastics (MPs). However, characterizing MPs remains a challenge. This study aims to employ optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) and quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) technology to characterise polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs shed from PET bakeware during the baking process. The bakeware, filled with ultrapure water, underwent baking cycles at 220 °C for 20 min, 60 min, and three consecutive cycles of 60 min each. Subsequently, particles present in the ultrapure water were collected using an Al2O3 filter. O-PTIR and QCL-IR were used to characterise PET MPs collected from the filtration. Analysis revealed that QCL-IR spectra exhibited broader absorption peaks, compared to O-PTIR. Notably, MP spectra obtained from both techniques displayed common absorption peaks around 1119, 1623, 1341 and 1725 cm-1. The dominant size of PET MPs detected by O-PTIR and QCL-IR was 1-3 μm and 5-20 μm, respectively. The quantity of identified PET MPs using O-PTIR was 18 times greater than that with QCL-IR, which was attributed to variations in spatial resolution, sampling methods for spectra collection, and data analysis employed by the two methods. Importantly, findings from both techniques highlighted a notably large quantity of MPs released from PET bakeware, particularly evident after 3 cycles of 60 min of baking, suggesting a substantial increase in the potential ingestion of MPs, especially in scenarios involving extended baking durations. The research outcomes will guide consumers on minimizing the intake of microplastics by using PET bakeware for shorter baking time. Additionally, the study will yield valuable insights into the application of O-PTIR and QCL-IR for MPs detection, potentially inspiring advancements in MPs detection methodologies through cutting-edge technologies.

CDs-g-C3N4-oleaginous yeast hybrid system: Microbial lipid synthesis and fermentation residual reutilization

The utilization of solar energy and fast-growing heterotrophic microbes for biofuel production has been recognized as a promising approach to achieve carbon neutrality and address energy crisis. In this work, we synthesized different kinds of photocatalysts based on graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). We found that carbon dots modified-graphitic carbon nitride (CDs-g-C3N4) showed the highest photocatalytic activity. Subsequently, we developed a photocatalyst-microbe hybrid (PMH) system by combining CDs-g-C3N4 with an oleaginous yeast strain, Cutaneotrichosporon dermatis ZZ-46. Under visible light irradiation, the lipid yield of this PMH system reached 1.70 g/L at 120 h, representing a 36 % increase compared to the control. The photocatalytic reaction-induced ROS and the reductive photogenerated electrons facilitated ZZ-46 cells to synthesize more lipids. Furthermore, the fermentation residual of this PMH system was reutilized to prepare biochar via pyrolysis. The biochar generated at 550 °C (BC-550) demonstrated exceptional adsorption capabilities, particularly with a 57 % adsorption rate for methylene blue (MB), and maintained its perfect adsorption efficacy even after five regeneration cycles. These results offer promising avenues for addressing energy shortages and environmental contamination.

RAS G-domains allosterically contribute to the recognition of lipid headgroups and acyl chains

Mutant RAS are major contributors to cancer and signal primarily from nanoclusters on the plasma membrane (PM). Their C-terminal membrane anchors are main features of membrane association. However, the same RAS isoform bound to different guanine nucleotides spatially segregate. Different RAS nanoclusters all enrich a phospholipid, phosphatidylserine (PS). These findings suggest more complex membrane interactions. Our electron microscopy-spatial analysis shows that wild-types, G12V mutants, and membrane anchors of isoforms HRAS, KRAS4A, and KRAS4B prefer distinct PS species. Mechanistically, reorientation of KRAS4B G-domain exposes distinct residues, such as Arg 135 in orientation state 1 (OS1) and Arg 73/Arg 102 in OS2, to the PM and differentially facilitates the recognition of PS acyl chains. Allele-specific oncogenic mutations of KRAS4B also shift G-domain reorientation equilibrium. Indeed, KRAS4BG12V, KRAS4BG12D, KRAS4BG12C, KRAS4BG13D, and KRAS4BQ61H associate with PM lipids with headgroup and acyl chain specificities. Distribution of these KRAS4B oncogenic mutants favors different nanoscale membrane topography. Thus, RAS G-domains allosterically facilitate membrane lateral distribution.

Schottky infrared detectors with optically tunable barriers beyond the internal photoemission limit

Internal photoemission is a prominent branch of the photoelectric effect and has emerged as a viable method for detecting photons with energies below the semiconductor bandgap. This breakthrough has played a significant role in accelerating the development of infrared imaging in one chip with state-of-the-art silicon techniques. However, the performance of these Schottky infrared detectors is currently hindered by the limit of internal photoemission; specifically, a low Schottky barrier height is inevitable for the detection of low-energy infrared photons. Herein, a distinct paradigm of Schottky infrared detectors is proposed to overcome the internal photoemission limit by introducing an optically tunable barrier. This device uses an infrared absorbing material-sensitized Schottky diode, assisted by the highly adjustable Fermi level of graphene, which subtly decouples the photon energy from the Schottky barrier height. Correspondingly, a broadband photoresponse spanning from ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared is achieved, with a high specific detectivity of 9.83 × 1010 cm Hz1/2 W-1 at 2,700 nm and an excellent specific detectivity of 7.2 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W-1 at room temperature under blackbody radiation. These results address a key challenge in internal photoemission and hold great promise for the development of the Schottky infrared detector with high sensitivity and room temperature operation.

Modulation of protein-ligand interactions in the presence of ZIF-8: Spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation

In this paper, we investigated the protein-ligand interactions in the presence of ZIF-8 using multi-spectroscopic approaches and molecular dynamics simulation. Fluorescence experiments and molecular docking results showed that ZIF-8 did not change the type of quenching and interaction force between ciprofloxacin (CIP) and human serum albumin (HSA), but made the binding constant of HSA-CIP to be smaller, suggesting that ZIF-8 maybe accelerate the dissociation of CIP from HSA-CIP complex. Moreover, the effect of ZIF-8 on the physiological function of HSA was explored. Multi-spectroscopic methods revealed that ZIF-8 did not significantly alter the microenvironment of amino acid groups, but cause a slight decrease in the content of α-helical conformation, and a sparse and flexible structure of the protein backbone. These peculiarities might lead to the diminution of HSA's ability to control drugs. In short, ZIF-8 might enhance drug effect due to affecting the binding of drugs to proteins. However, the present study is only a preliminary investigation of the suitability of ZIF-8 as a drug carrier in vitro, and subsequent in vivo experimental studies will be required to further confirm the idea.

Deciphering silver nanoparticles perturbation effects and risks for soil enzymes worldwide: Insights from machine learning and soil property integration

Globally extensive research into how silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) affect enzyme activity in soils with differing properties has been limited by cost-prohibitive sampling. In this study, customized machine learning (ML) was used to extract data patterns from complex research, with a hit rate of Random Forest > Multiple Imputation by Chained Equations > Decision Tree > K-Nearest Neighbors. Results showed that soil properties played a pivotal role in determining AgNPs' effect on soil enzymes, with the order being pH > organic matter (OM) > soil texture ≈ cation exchange capacity (CEC). Notably, soil enzyme activity was more sensitive to AgNPs in acidic soil (pH < 5.5), while elevated OM content (>1.9 %) attenuated AgNPs toxicity. Compared to soil acidification, reducing soil OM content is more detrimental in exacerbating AgNPs' toxicity and it emerged that clay particles were deemed effective in curbing their toxicity. Meanwhile sand particles played a very different role, and a sandy soil sample at > 40 % of the water holding capacity (WHC), amplified the toxicity of AgNPs. Perturbation mapping of how soil texture alters enzyme activity under AgNPs exposure was generated, where soils with sand (45-65 %), silt (< 22 %), and clay (35-55 %) exhibited even higher probability of positive effects of AgNPs. The average calculation results indicate the sandy clay loam (75.6 %), clay (74.8 %), silt clay (65.8 %), and sandy clay (55.9 %) texture soil demonstrate less AgNPs inhibition effect. The results herein advance the prediction of the effect of AgNPs on soil enzymes globally and determine the soil types that are more sensitive to AgNPs worldwide.

In vitro cell-transforming potential of secondary polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid nanoplastics

Continuous exposure to plastic pollutants may have serious consequences on human health. However, most toxicity assessments focus on non-environmentally relevant particles and rarely investigate long-term effects such as cancer induction. The present study assessed the carcinogenic potential of two secondary nanoplastics: polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles generated from plastic bottles, and a biodegradable polylactic acid material, as respective examples of environmentally existing particles and new bioplastics. Pristine polystyrene nanoplastics were also included for comparison. A broad concentration range (6.25-200 μg/mL) of each nanoplastic was tested in both the initiation and promotion conditions of the regulatory assessment-accepted in vitro Bhas 42 cell transformation assay. Parallel cultures allowed confirmation of the efficient cellular internalisation of the three nanoplastics. Cell growth was enhanced by polystyrene in the initiation assay, and by PET in both conditions. Moreover, the number of transformed foci was significantly increased only by the highest PET concentration in the promotion assay, which also showed dose-dependency, indicating that nano PET can act as a non-genotoxic tumour promotor. Together, these findings support the carcinogenic risk assessment of nanoplastics and raise concerns regarding whether real-life co-exposure of PET nanoplastics and other environmental pollutants may result in synergistic transformation capacities.

Silver nanoparticles facilitate phage-borne resistance gene transfer in planktonic and microplastic-attached bacteria

The spread of bacteriophage-borne antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) poses a realistic threat to human health. Nanomaterials, as important emerging pollutants, have potential impacts on ARGs dissemination in aquatic environments. However, little is known about its role in transductive transfer of ARGs mediated by bacteriophage in the presence of microplastics. Therefore, this study comprehensively investigated the influence of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the transfer of bacteriophage-encoded ARGs in planktonic Escherichia coli and microplastic-attached biofilm. AgNPs exposure facilitated the phage transduction in planktonic and microplastic-attached bacteria at ambient concentration of 0.1 mg/L. Biological binding mediated by phage-specific recognition, rather than physical aggregation conducted by hydrophilicity and ζ-potential, dominated the bacterial adhesion of AgNPs. The aggregated AgNPs in turn resulted in elevated oxidative stress and membrane destabilization, which promoted the bacteriophage infection to planktonic bacteria. AgNPs exposure could disrupt colanic acid biosynthesis and then reduce the thickness of biofilm on microplastics, contributing to the transfer of phage-encoded ARGs. Moreover, the roughness of microplastics also affected the performance of AgNPs on the transductive transfer of ARGs in biofilms. This study reveals the compound risks of nanomaterials and microplastics in phage-borne ARGs dissemination and highlights the complexity in various environmental scenarios.

Maternal prednisone exposure during pregnancy elevates susceptibility to osteoporosis in female offspring: The role of mitophagy/FNDC5 alteration in skeletal muscle

Maternal exposure to glucocorticoids has been associated with adverse outcomes in offspring. However, the consequences and mechanisms of gestational exposure to prednisone on susceptibility to osteoporosis in the offspring remain unclear. Here, we found that gestational prednisone exposure enhanced susceptibility to osteoporosis in adult mouse offspring. In a further exploration of myogenic mechanisms, results showed that gestational prednisone exposure down-regulated FNDC5/irisin protein expression and activation of OPTN-dependent mitophagy in skeletal muscle of adult offspring. Additional experiments elucidated that activated mitophagy significantly inhibited the expression of FNDC5/irisin in skeletal muscle cells. Likewise, we observed delayed fetal bone development, downregulated FNDC5/irisin expression, and activated mitophagy in fetal skeletal muscle upon gestational prednisone exposure. In addition, an elevated total m6A level was observed in fetal skeletal muscle after gestational prednisone exposure. Finally, gestational supplementation with S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), an inhibitor of m6A activity, attenuated mitophagy and restored FNDC5/irisin expression in fetal skeletal muscle, which in turn reversed fetal bone development. Overall, these data indicate that gestational prednisone exposure increases m6A modification, activates mitophagy, and decreases FNDC5/irisin expression in skeletal muscle, thus elevating osteoporosis susceptibility in adult offspring. Our results provide a new perspective on the earlier prevention and treatment of fetal-derived osteoporosis.

Less is more: A new strategy combining nanomaterials and PGPB to promote plant growth and phytoremediation in contaminated soil

Novel combination strategies of nanomaterials (NMs) and plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) may facilitate soil remediation and plant growth. However, the efficiency of the NM-PGPB combination and interactions among NMs, PGPB, and plants are still largely unknown. We used multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and zero-valent iron (nZVI) combined with Bacillus sp. PGP5 to enhance the phytoremediation efficiency of Solanum nigrum on heavy metal (HM)-contaminated soil. The NM-PGPB combination showed the best promoting effect on plant growth, which also had synergistic effects on the bioaccumulation of HMs in S. nigrum. The MWCNT-PGP5 combination increased the Cd, Pb, and Zn removal efficiency of S. nigrum by 62.03%, 69.44%, and 61.31%, respectively. The underlining causes of improved plant growth and phytoremediation by NMs-PGPB combination were further elucidated. NM application promoted PGPB survival in soil. Compared with each single application, the combined application minimized disturbance to plant transcription levels and rhizosphere microbial community, resulting in the best performance on soil remediation and plant growth. The NM-PGPB-induced changes in the microbial community and root gene expression were necessary for plant growth promotion. This work reveals the "less is more" advantage of the NM-PGPB combination in soil remediation, providing a new strategy for soil management.

Superhydrophobic Co-MOF-based sponge for efficient oil-water separation utilizing photothermal effect

Effectively addressing crude oil spills remains a global challenge due to its high viscosity and limited flow characteristics. In this study, we successfully prepared a modified sponge (PCP@MS) by embedding the photothermal material of Co-HHTP and coating the melamine sponge (MS) with low-surface-energy polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PCP@MS exhibited outstanding hydrophobicity with WCA of 160.2° and high oil absorption capacity of 59-107 g/g. The PCP@MS showed high separation efficiency of 99.2% for various oil-water mixtures, along with notable self-cleaning properties and mechanical stability. The internal micro-nano hierarchical structure on the sponge surface significantly enhanced light absorption, synergizing with the photo-thermal conversion properties of Co-HHTP, enabled PCP@MS to achieve a surface temperature of 109.2 °C under 1.0 solar light within 300 s. With the aid of solar radiation, PCP@MS is able to heat up quickly and successfully lowering the viscosity of the surrounding crude oil, resulting in an oil recovery rate of 8.76 g/min. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation results revealed that Co-HHTP featured a zero-gap band structure, rendering advantageous electronic properties for full-wavelength light absorption. This in situ solar-heated absorbent design is poised to advance the practical application of viscous oil spill cleanup and recovery.

Atomically dispersed cobalt activator with nitrogen and sulfur co-coordination for high-efficiency Fenton-like catalysis: Insights into density-dependent activity and mechanisms

Atomically dispersed metal activators (ADMAs) have demonstrated unique advantages in environmental remediation, but how to controllably regulate the active site density and electronic structure of ADMAs to further enhance activation efficiency remains challenging. Here, we introduce a sulfur-atom-doping approach that allows the fine-tuning of atomic Co site content and electronic structure, enabling exploration of density-dependent activation performance of ADMAs for peroxymonosulfate (PMS)-based Fenton-like catalysis. Our investigation reveals a direct correlation between activation capacity and single-Co-site density. The optimal SNC@CoSA-0.05 activator with densely populated Co-N3S1 sites (10.1 wt%) displays exceptional efficacy in eliminating Rhodamine B, with specific activity of 31.0 min-1 g-1 L, outperforming most previously published activators. Moreover, SNC@CoSA-0.05 showed a remarkedly reduced metal leaching (47.4 μg L-1) than its nanocluster counterpart (194 μg L-1) at pH 3.2. Experimental and theoretical analyses unveiled that coordinated sulfur actively modulates the electronic structure of the central Co atom, enhancing the adsorption and activation of PMS, thereby improving decontamination efficiency. Mechanistic studies further elucidate the predominant electron-transfer regime involved in oxidizing micropollutants by SNC@CoSA-0.05/PMS, with Co(IV)=O, •OH, and SO4•- being the auxiliary oxidizing species. This study not only offers a method for concurrent adjustment of active site density and electronic structure in ADMAs but also sheds light on the activation mechanisms of atomic metal sites.

Mechanistic insight into the intensification of arsenic toxicity to rice (Oryza sativa L.) by nanoplastic: Phytohormone and glutathione metabolism modulation

In this study, nanoplastic (NPs) at environmentally relevant concentration (0.001% w/w) had no effect on the growth of rice, while significantly elevated the phytotoxicity of As (III) by 9.4-22.8% based on the endpoints of biomass and photosynthesis. Mechanistically, NPs at 0.001% w/w enhanced As accumulation in the rice shoots and roots by 70.9% and 24.5%, respectively. Reasons of this finding can was that (1) the co-exposure with As and NPs significantly decreased abscisic acid content by 16.0% in rice, with subsequent increasing the expression of aquaporin related genes by 2.1- to 2.7-folds as compared with As alone treatment; (2) the presence of NPs significantly inhibited iron plaque formation on rice root surface by 22.5%. We firstly demonstrated that "Trojan horse effect" had no contribution to the enhancement of As accumulation by NPs exposure. Additionally, NPs disrupted the salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and glutathione metabolism, which subsequently enhancing the oxidation (7.0%) and translocation (37.0%) of in planta As, and reducing arsenic detoxification pathways (e.g., antioxidative system (28.6-37.1%), As vacuolar sequestration (36.1%), and As efflux (18.7%)). Our findings reveal that the combined toxicity of NPs and traditional contaminations should be considered for realistic evaluations of NPs.

Cell-excreted proteins mediate the interactions of differently sized silica nanoparticles during cellular uptake

Exposure to different types of nanoparticles (NPs) results in their deposition in human bodies. While most studies have examined the cellular uptake of only one type of NP at a time, how the dynamics of NP uptake may change in the presence of other types of NPs remains unclear. We therefore investigated the interplay of two differently sized SiO2 NPs during their uptake by A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Both NPs contained a CdSeTe core, which was labeled with different Cd isotopes to differentiate between them. Our study showed that the uptake of one size of SiO2 NPs either increased or decreased with the concentration of the other size of SiO2 NPs. This variation in uptake was attributable to the concentration-dependent aggregation of SiO2 NPs, as determined by the amount of cell-excreted proteins adsorbed on the NP surface. Further, the effects of the protein corona on the attachment of SiO2 NPs to the cell surface and uptake competition between differently sized SiO2 NPs also played important roles. Cell-excreted proteins were then analyzed by proteomics. Overall, the complex interactions between coexisting NPs of different physicochemical properties and cell-excreted proteins should be considered during bio-applications and bio-safety evaluations of NPs.

FeMo2Ox(OH)y-based mineral hydrogels as a novel POD nanozyme for sensitive and selective detection of aromatic amines contaminants via a colorimetric sensor array

Developing convenient pathways to discriminate and identify multiple aromatic amines (AAs) remains fascinating and critical. Here, a novel three-channel colorimetric sensor array based on FeMo2Ox(OH)y-based mineral (FM) hydrogels is successfully constructed to monitor AAs in tap water. Benefiting from the substantial oxygen vacancies (VO), FM nanozymes exhibit extraordinary peroxidase (POD)-like activities with Km of 0.133 mM and Vmax of 2.518 × 10-2 mM·s-1 toward 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), which are much better than horseradish peroxidase and most of POD mimics. This reveals that doping Cu and Co into FM (FM-Cu and FM-Co) can change POD activity. Based on various POD activities, TMB and H2O2 are used to generate fingerprint colorimetry signals from the colorimetry sensor array. The analytes can accurately discriminate through linear discriminant analysis, with a detection limit as low as 2.12 × 10-2-0.14 μM. The sensor array can effectively identify and discriminate AA contaminants and their mixtures and has performed well in real sample tests.

Nanozyme-integrated alcogel colorimetric sensor for rapid and on-site detection of tert-butyl hydroquinone

Tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) stand as one of the most widely used antioxidants in food and daily chemical products. Rapid and sensitive monitoring of TBHQ holds considerable importance in safeguarding human health due to its potential risks. In this study, we devised an alcogel-based colorimetric sensor enabling the portable and visual detection of TBHQ. The Ce-UiO-66 nanozyme exhibiting remarkable oxidase-like activity, was synthesized and characterized, facilitating the catalysis of TBHQ oxidation to 2-tert-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone (TBBQ). The ensuing chromogenic reaction between TBBQ and ethylenediamine produced a stable and colored product, serving as a reliable indicator for the rapid and specific detection of TBHQ. Building upon this discovery, a portable and low-cost colorimetric sensor was fashioned by integrating the nanozyme into κ-carrageenan alcogel, thereby enabling on-site TBHQ detection via a smartphone-based sensing platform. The colorimetric sensor exhibited a detection limit of 0.8 μg mL-1, demonstrating robust performance across various matrices such as edible oils, cosmetics, and surface water. Recoveries ranged from 84.9 to 95.5%, with the sensor's accuracy further validated through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Our study presents an effective approach to rapid and convenient monitoring of TBHQ, exhibiting good extensibility and practicability.

Establishment of a system to analyze effects of airborne ultra-fine particulate matter from brake wear on plants under realistic exposure conditions

Research on airborne ultrafine particles (UFP) is driven by an increasing awareness of their potential effects on human health and on ecosystems. Brake wear is an important UFP source releasing largely metallic and potentially hazardous emissions. UFP uptake into plant tissues could mediate entry into food webs. Still, the effects of these particles on plants have barely been studied, especially in a realistic setting with aerial exposure. In this study, we established a system designed to mimic airborne exposure to ultrafine brake dust particles and performed experiments with the model species Arabidopsis thaliana. Using advanced analytical methods, we characterized the conditions in our exposure experiments. A comparison with data we obtained on UFP release at different outdoor stations showed that our controlled exposures are within the same order of magnitude regarding UFP deposition on plants at a traffic-heavy site. In order to assess the physiological implications of exposure to brake derived-particles we generated transcriptomic data with RNA sequencing. The UFP treatment led to diverse changes in gene expression, including the deregulation of genes involved in Fe and Cu homeostasis. This suggests a major contribution of metallic UFPs to the elicitation of physiological responses by brake wear derived emissions.

Mechanistic insight into the impact of polystyrene microparticle on submerged plant during asexual propagules germination to seedling: Internalization in functional organs and alterations of physiological phenotypes

Asexual reproduction is one of the most important propagations in aquatic plants. However, there is a lack of information about the growth-limiting mechanisms induced by microplastics on the submerged plant during asexual propagule germination to seedling. Hence, we investigated the effects of two sizes (2 µm, 0.2 µm) and three concentrations (0.5 mg/L, 5 mg/L, and 50 mg/L) of polystyrene microplastics (PSMPs) on Potamogeton crispus turion germination and seedling growth. Both PSMPs sizes were found in P. crispus seedling tissues. Metabolic profile alterations were observed in leaves, particularly affecting secondary metabolic pathways and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Metal elements are indispensable cofactors for photosynthesis; however, alterations in the metabolic profile led to varying degrees of reduced concentrations in magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc within P. crispus. Therefore, the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II significantly decreased in all concentrations with 0.2 µm-PSMPs, and at 50 mg/L with 2 µm-PSMPs. These findings reveal that internalization of microplastics, nutrient absorption inhibition, and metabolic changes contribute to the negative impact on P. crispus seedlings.

Physiological and biochemical effects of polystyrene micro/nano plastics on Arabidopsis thaliana

Microplastics have garnered global attention due to their potential ecological risks. Research shows micro/nano-plastics pollution has adverse effects on plant growth, development, and physiological characteristics. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The study examined the effects of polystyrene micro/nano-plastics with varying sizes and concentrations on different physiological and biochemical markers of A. thaliana. The indicators assessed include seed viability, growth, chlorophyll content, accumulation of root reactive oxygen species, and root exudates. Using fluorescence labeling, we investigated the absorption and translocation processes of micro/nano-plastics in A. thaliana. We also performed transcriptomic analysis to better understand the particular mechanisms of micro/nano-plastics. It indicated that micro/nano-plastics had an adverse effect on seed germination, especially under high concentration and small particle size treatments. This effect diminished with prolonged exposure. High concentrations at 50 nm and 100 nm treatment groups significantly inhibited the growth. Conversely, low concentrations of 1000 nm had a promoting effect. Exposure to micro/nano-plastics potentially resulted in decreased chlorophyll content, the accumulation of H2O2 in roots, and stimulated root secretion of oxalic acid. Through transcriptomic analysis, the gene expression linked to micro/nano-plastic treatments of varying sizes enriched multiple metabolic pathways, impacting plant growth, development, environmental adaptation, metabolism, pigment synthesis, and stress response.

MoP quantum dots based multifunctional efficient electrocatalyst for stable and long-life flexible lithium-sulfur batteries

The commercialization of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries is challenging, owing to factors like the poor conductivity of S, the 'shuttle effect', and the slow reaction kinetics. To address these challenges, MoP quantum dots were decorated on hollow carbon spheres (MoPQDs/C) in this study and used as an efficient lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) adsorbents and catalysts. In this approach polysulfides are effectively trapped through strong chemisorption and physical adsorption while simultaneously facilitating LiPSs conversion by enhancing the reaction kinetics. MXene serves as a flexible physical barrier (MoPQDs/C@MXene), further enhancing the confinement of LiPSs. Moreover, both materials are conductive, significantly facilitating electron and charge transfer. Additionally, the flexible MoPQDs/C@MXene-S electrode offers a large specific surface area for sulfur loading and withstand volume expansion during electrochemical processes. As a result, the MoPQDs/C@MXene-S electrode exhibits excellent long-term cyclability and maintains a robust specific capacity of 992 mA h g-1 even after 800cycles at a rate of 1.0C (1C = 1675 mA g-1), with a minimal capacity decay rate of 0.034 % per cycle. This work proposes an efficient strategy to fabricate highly efficient electrocatalysts for advanced Li-S batteries.

Preferential growth and electron trap synergistically promoting photoreduction CO2 of Tm ion doping bismuth titanate nanosheets

In this study, we prepared two-dimensional Bi4Ti3O12 nanosheets doped with rare earth ions. The experimental results show that Bi4-xTmxTi3O12 exhibits the highest reduction performance among various rare earth doped Bi4Ti3O12 materials, with a CO yield of 7.25 μmol g-1h-1. Furthermore, a delayed reaction in Bi3.97Tm0.03Ti3O12 is observed upon a cessation of light irradiation. Theoretical calculations reveal that the introduction of Tm ion not only reduces the surface energy of (001) plane and make it preferential growth in Bi4Ti3O12, but also brings the intervening energy level of Tm ion (4f and 4d mixed orbital), which is closer to the conduction band of Bi4Ti3O12 and facilitates charge carrier accumulation in trap states. The electrons retained in the shallow traps promote the hysteresis reaction following a cessation of illumination. This work provides further insights into elucidating precise reduction reaction mechanisms underlying rare earth dopant on photocatalysts. This research provides enhanced insights into unraveling the precise reduction reaction mechanisms influenced by rare earth dopants in photocatalysts.

Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) induce behavioral disorders via the disturbance of kynurenine pathway in zebrafish larvae

The emergence of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) expands the use of graphene derivatives in nanomedicine for its direct therapeutic applications in treating neurodegeneration, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and among others. Nevertheless, the biosafety assessment of GQDs remains deficient mostly because of the diverse surface characteristics of the nanoparticles. Our prior work demonstrated that GQDs can induce strong thigmotactic effects in zebrafish larvae over a wide range of concentrations, yet the underlying metabolic mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a further exploration about graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) for its potential neurotoxic effect on the behaviors of zebrafish larvae by combining neurotransmitter-targeted metabolomics with locomotion analysis. After continuous exposure to a concentration gradient of GOQDs (12.5 - 25 - 50 - 100 - 200 μg/mL) for 7 days, the thigmotactic activities of zebrafish larvae were observed across all exposure concentrations relative to the control group, while the basal locomotor activities, including distance moved and average velocity, were significantly changed by low concentrations of GOQDs. Targeted metabolomics was performed using zebrafish larvae at 7 days post-fertilization (dpf) that were exposed to 12.5 and 200 μg/mL, both of which were found to perturb the kynurenine pathway by regulating the levels of kynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA), and quinolinic acid (QA). Furthermore, the thigmotaxis of larval fish induced by GOQDs during exposure could be counteracted by supplementing Ro-61-8048, an agonist acting on kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO). In conclusion, our study establishes the involvement of the kynurenine pathway in GOQDs-induced thigmotaxis, which is independent of the transcriptional modulation of glutamate receptor families.

Optoelectronic tuning of plasmon resonances via optically modulated hot electrons

Fast optical modulation of nanoplasmonics is fundamental for on-chip integration of all-optical devices. Although various strategies have been proposed for dynamic modulation of surface plasmons, critical issues of device compatibility and extremely low efficiency in the visible spectrum hamper the application of optoplasmonic nanochips. Here we establish an optoplasmonic system based on Au@Cu2-xS hybrid core-shell nanoparticles. The optical excitation of hot electrons and their charge transfer to the semiconductor coating (Cu2-xS) lead to lowered electron density of Au, which results in the red shift of the localized surface plasmon resonance. The hot electrons can also transport through the Cu2-xS layer to the metal substrate, which increases the conductance of the nanogap. As such, the coupled gap plasmon blue-shifts with a magnitude of up to ∼15 nm, depending on the excitation power and the thickness of the coatings, which agrees with numerical simulations. All of this optoelectronic tuning process is highly reversible, controllable and fast with a modulated laser beam, which is highly compatible and sufficiently useful for on-chip integration of nanophotonic devices.

Fenton-like membrane reactor assembled by electron polarization and defect engineering modifying Co3O4 spinel for flow-through removal of organic contaminants

The application of Fenton-like membrane reactors for water purification offers a promising solution to overcome technical challenges associated with catalyst recovery, reaction efficiency, and mass transfer typically encountered in heterogeneous batch reaction modes. This study presents a dual-modification strategy encompassing electron polarization and defect engineering to synthesize Al-doped and oxygen vacancies (OV)-enriched Co3O4 spinel catalysts (ACO-OV). This modification empowered ACO-OV with exceptional performance in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of organic contaminants. Moreover, the ACO-OV@polyethersulfone (PES) membrane/PMS system achieved organic contaminant removal through filtration (with a reaction kinetic constant of 0.085 ms-1), demonstrating outstanding resistance to environmental interference and high operational stability. Mechanistic investigations revealed that the exceptional catalytic performance of this Fenton-like membrane reactor stemmed from the enrichment of reactants, exposure of reactive sites, and enhanced mass transfer within the confined space, leading to a higher availability of reactive species. Theoretical calculations were conducted to validate the beneficial intrinsic effects of electron polarization, defect engineering, and the confined space within the membrane reactor on PMS activation and organic contaminant removal. Notably, the ACO-OV@PES membrane/PMS system not only mineralized the targeted organic contaminants but also effectively mitigated their potential environmental risks. Overall, this work underscores the significant potential of the dual-modification strategy in designing spinel catalysts and Fenton-like membrane reactors for efficient organic contaminant removal.

Aging effects of titanium dioxide on Cu toxicity to Daphnia magna: Exploring molecular docking and significance of surface properties

Cosmetics and personal care products containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) may enter aquatic environments, where the surface coatings of TiO2 NPs may change with aging due to environmental factors such as light, and potentially affect their bioaccumulation and toxicity. This study examined how aging impacted the physicochemical properties of three commercially available TiO2 NPs and subsequent influence on the bioaccumulation and toxicity of copper (Cu) in Daphnia magna (D. magna). We demonstrated that aging significantly affected the hydrophobicity of TiO2 NPs, which affected their binding to water molecules and adsorption of Cu. Changes of bioaccumulation of TiO2 NPs and Cu in D. magna ultimately affected the activities of intracellular antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and the transmembrane protein Na+/K+-ATPase. Molecular docking calculations demonstrated that changes of activities of these biological enzymes were due to the interaction between TiO2 NPs, Cu, and amino acid residues near the sites with the lowest binding energy and active center of the enzyme. Such effect was closely related to the hydrophobicity of TiO2 NPs. Our study demonstrated the close relationship between surface properties of TiO2 NPs and their biological effects, providing important evidence for understanding the behavior of nanomaterials in aquatic environments.

Enhancement of Tumor Perfusion and Antiangiogenic Therapy in Murine Models of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Using Ultrasound-Stimulated Microbubbles

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of ultrasound-stimulated microbubble cavitation (USMC) on enhancing antiangiogenic therapy in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We explored the effects of USMC with different mechanical indices (MIs) on tumor perfusion, 36 786-O tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly assigned into four groups: (i) control group, (ii) USMC0.25 group (MI = 0.25), (iii) USMC1.4 group (MI = 1.4) (iv) US1.4 group (MI = 1.4). Tumor perfusion was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) before the USMC treatment and 30 min, 4h and 6h after the USMC treatment, respectively. Then we evaluated vascular normalization(VN) induced by low-MI (0.25) USMC treatment, 12 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into two groups: (i) control group (ii) USMC0.25 group. USMC treatment was performed, and tumor microvascular imaging and blood perfusion were analyzed by MicroFlow imaging (MFI) and CEUS 30 min after each treatment. In combination therapy, a total of 144 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly assigned to six groups (n = 24): (i) control group, (ii) USMC1.4 group, (iii) USMC0.25 group, (iv) bevacizumab(BEV) group, (v) USMC1.4 +BEV group, (vi) USMC0.25 +BEV group. BEV was injected on the 6th, 10th, 14th, and 18th d after the tumors were inoculated, while USMC treatment was performed 24 h before and after every BEV administration. We examined the effects of the combination therapy through a series of experiments.

RESULTS

Tumor blood perfusion enhanced by USMC with low MI (0.25)could last for more than 6h, inducing tumor VN and promoting drug delivery. Compared with other groups, USMC0.25+BEV combination therapy had the strongest inhibition on tumor growth, led to the longest survival time of the mice.

CONCLUSION

The optimized USMC is a promising therapeutic approach that can be combined with antiangiogenic therapy to combat tumor progression.

Nano revolution in cardiovascular health: Nanoparticles (NPs) as tiny titans for diagnosis and therapeutics

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are known as life-threatening illnessescaused by severe abnormalities in the cardiovascular system. They are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide.Nanotechnology integrated substantialinnovations in cardiovascular diagnostic and therapeutic at the nanoscale. This in-depth analysis explores cutting-edge methods for diagnosing CVDs, including nanotechnological interventions and crucial components for identifying risk factors, developing treatment plans, and monitoring patients' progress with chronic CVDs.Intensive research has gone into making nano-carriers that can image and treat patients. To improve the efficiency of treating CVDs, the presentreview sheds light on a decision-tree-based solution by investigating recent and innovative approaches in CVD diagnosis by utilizing nanoparticles (NPs). Treatment choices for chronic diseases like CVD, whose etiology might take decades to manifest, are very condition-specific and disease-stage-based. Moreover, thisreview alsobenchmarks the changing landscape of employing NPs for targeted and better drug administration while examining the limitations of various NPs in CVD diagnosis, including cost, space, time, and complexity. To better understand and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, the conversation moves on to the nano-cardiovascular possibilities for medical research.We also focus on recent developments in nanoparticle applications, the ways they might be helpful, and the medical fields where they may find future use. Finally, this reviewadds to the continuing conversation on improved diagnosis and treatment approaches for cardiovascular disorders by discussing the obstacles and highlighting the revolutionary effects of nanotechnology.

Exploring nanocarriers as innovative materials for advanced drug delivery strategies in onco-immunotherapies

In recent years, Onco-immunotherapies (OIMTs) have been shown to be a potential therapy option for cancer. Several immunotherapies have received regulatory approval, while many others are now undergoing clinical testing or are in the early stages of development. Despite this progress, a large number of challenges to the broad use of immunotherapies to treat cancer persists. To make immunotherapy more useful as a treatment while reducing its potentially harmful side effects, we need to know more about how to improve response rates to different types of immunotherapies. Nanocarriers (NCs) have the potential to harness immunotherapies efficiently, enhance the efficiency of these treatments, and reduce the severe adverse reactions that are associated with them. This article discusses the necessity to incorporate nanomedicines in OIMTs and the challenges we confront with current anti-OIMT approaches. In addition, it examines the most important considerations for building nanomedicines for OIMT, which may improve upon current immunotherapy methods. Finally, it highlights the applications and future scenarios of using nanotechnology.

Advances in microbial exoenzymes bioengineering for improvement of bioplastics degradation

Plastic pollution has become a major global concern, posing numerous challenges for the environment and wildlife. Most conventional ways of plastics degradation are inefficient and cause great damage to ecosystems. The development of biodegradable plastics offers a promising solution for waste management. These plastics are designed to break down under various conditions, opening up new possibilities to mitigate the negative impact of traditional plastics. Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, play a crucial role in the degradation of bioplastics by producing and secreting extracellular enzymes, such as cutinase, lipases, and proteases. However, these microbial enzymes are sensitive to extreme environmental conditions, such as temperature and acidity, affecting their functions and stability. To address these challenges, scientists have employed protein engineering and immobilization techniques to enhance enzyme stability and predict protein structures. Strategies such as improving enzyme and substrate interaction, increasing enzyme thermostability, reinforcing the bonding between the active site of the enzyme and substrate, and refining enzyme activity are being utilized to boost enzyme immobilization and functionality. Recently, bioengineering through gene cloning and expression in potential microorganisms, has revolutionized the biodegradation of bioplastics. This review aimed to discuss the most recent protein engineering strategies for modifying bioplastic-degrading enzymes in terms of stability and functionality, including enzyme thermostability enhancement, reinforcing the substrate binding to the enzyme active site, refining with other enzymes, and improvement of enzyme surface and substrate action. Additionally, discovered bioplastic-degrading exoenzymes by metagenomics techniques were emphasized.

Preparation of etoposide liposomes for enhancing antitumor efficacy on small cell lung cancer and reducing hematotoxicity of drugs

Etoposide (VP16) is commonly used in the treatment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in clinical practice. However, severe adverse reactions such as bone marrow suppression toxicity limit its clinical application. Although several studies on VP16 liposomes were reported, no significant improvement in bone marrow suppression toxicity has been found, and there was a lack of validation of animal models for in vivo antitumor effects. Therefore, we attempted to develop a PEGylated liposomal formulation that effectively encapsulated VP16 (VP16-LPs) and evaluated its therapeutic effect and toxicity at the cellular level and in animal models. First, we optimized the preparation process of VP16-LPs using an orthogonal experimental design and further prepared them into freeze-dried powder to improve storage stability of the product. Results showed that VP16-LPs freeze-dried powder exhibited good dispersibility and stability after redispersion. In addition, compared to marketed VP16 injection, VP16-LPs exhibited sustained drug release characteristics. At the cellular level, VP16-LPs enhanced the cellular uptake of drugs and exhibited strong cytotoxic activity. In animal models, VP16-LPs could target and aggregate in tumors and exhibit a higher anti-tumor effect than VP16-injection after intravenous injection. Most importantly, hematological analysis results showed that VP16-LPs significantly alleviated the bone marrow suppression toxicity of drug. In summary, our study confirmed that PEGylated liposomes could enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce toxicity of VP16, which demonstrated that VP16-LPs had enormous clinical application potential.

Recent advances in phyto-combined remediation of heavy metal pollution in soil

The global industrialization and modernization have witnessed a rapid progress made in agricultural production, along with the issue of soil heavy metal (HM) pollution, which has posed severe threats to soil quality, crop yield, and human health. Phytoremediation, as an alternative to physical and chemical methods, offers a more cost-effective, eco-friendly, and aesthetically appealing means for in-situ remediation. Despite its advantages, traditional phytoremediation faces challenges, including variable soil physicochemical properties, the bioavailability of HMs, and the slow growth and limited biomass of plants used for remediation. This study presents a critical overview of the predominant plant-based HM remediation strategies. It expounds upon the mechanisms of plant absorption, translocation, accumulation, and detoxification of HMs. Moreover, the advancements and practical applications of phyto-combined remediation strategies, such as the addition of exogenous substances, genetic modification of plants, enhancement by rhizosphere microorganisms, and intensification of agricultural technologies, are synthesized. In addition, this paper also emphasizes the economic and practical feasibility of some strategies, proposing solutions to extant challenges in traditional phytoremediation. It advocates for the development of cost-effective, minimally polluting, and biocompatible exogenous substances, along with the careful selection and application of hyperaccumulating plants. We further delineate specific future research avenues, such as refining genetic engineering techniques to avoid adverse impacts on plant growth and the ecosystem, and tailoring phyto-combined strategies to diverse soil types and HM pollutants. These proposed directions aim to enhance the practical application of phytoremediation and its integration into a broader remediation framework, thereby addressing the urgent need for sustainable soil decontamination and protection of ecological and human health.

OH2 oncolytic virus: A novel approach to glioblastoma intervention through direct targeting of tumor cells and augmentation of anti-tumor immune responses

Glioblastoma (GBM), the deadliest central nervous system cancer, presents a poor prognosis and scant therapeutic options. Our research spotlights OH2, an oncolytic viral therapy derived from herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), which demonstrates substantial antitumor activity and favorable tolerance in GBM. The extraordinary efficacy of OH2 emanates from its unique mechanisms: it selectively targets tumor cells replication, powerfully induces cytotoxic DNA damage stress, and kindles anti-tumor immune responses. Through single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we discovered that OH2 not only curtails the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAM)-M2 but also bolsters the infiltration of macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Further investigation into molecular characteristics affecting OH2 sensitivity revealed potential influencers such as TTN, HMCN2 or IRS4 mutations, CDKN2A/B deletion and IDO1 amplification. This study marks the first demonstration of an HSV-2 derived OV's effectiveness against GBM. Significantly, these discoveries have driven the initiation of a phase I/II clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05235074). This trial is designed to explore the potential of OH2 as a therapeutic option for patients with recurrent central nervous system tumors following surgical intervention.

Colorimetric and photothermal dual-mode aptasensor with redox cycling amplification for the detection of ochratoxin A in corn samples

Ochratoxin A (OTA) detection is critical for public health safety. This study proposes a G-quadruplex-Hemin/iodide (G4-Hemin/I-)-mediated non-enzyme redox cycling amplification (RCA) system for dual-modal (colorimetric and photothermal thermometer) OTA analysis. The proposed aptasensor platform for point-of-care testing employs a common thermometer for quantitative signal readouts. The OTA aptamer folds into a G4 structure, which significantly enhances the catalytic activity in the presence of I- after RCA reaction. Moreover, a notable temperature enhancement causes color changes, providing an ultrasensitive and label-free platform for OTA detection. Further, the designed sensor was applied to OTA content determination in corn samples and achieved satisfactory results compared to a commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. The proposed dual-mode aptasensor is simple, highly sensitive (1 pg/mL for colorimetric method, 0.8 pg/mL for photothermal method), selective, and suitable for low-cost instrument-free bioanalysis in low-resource settings.

Second near-infrared fluorescent Metal-Organic framework sensors for in vivo extracellular adenosine triphosphate monitoring

Plant nanobionic sensors enable real-time monitoring of signaling molecules in plants by interfacing them with specifically designed nanoprobes, which have been acknowledged as species-independent analytical tools. In this study, we developed a plant nanobionic sensor for in vivo detection of extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) in living plants by designing a novel second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescent metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoprobe. The NIR-II fluorescent nanoprobe (IR-1061 micelle@ZIF-90) with a sandwich structure was synthesized by successive encapsulation of the hydrophobic NIR-II dye IR-1061 with the amphipathic polymer DSPE-mPEG 2000 and MOF ZIF-90. Interestingly, coating ZIF-90 around IR-1061 micelles increased the NIR-II fluorescence 16.6-fold. Utilizing the ultrahigh NIR-II fluorescent emission of the designed nanoprobes and specific recognition of ZIF-90 to ATP, the nanoprobes were applied to spatial and temporal monitoring eATP in model and non-model plants under environmental stress.