Surface tension-driven sorting of human perilipins on lipid droplets

Perilipins (PLINs), the most abundant proteins on lipid droplets (LDs), display similar domain organization including amphipathic helices (AH). However, the five human PLINs bind different LDs, suggesting different modes of interaction. We established a minimal system whereby artificial LDs covered with defined polar lipids were transiently deformed to promote surface tension. Binding of purified PLIN3 and PLIN4 AH was strongly facilitated by tension but was poorly sensitive to phospholipid composition and to the presence of diacylglycerol. Accordingly, LD coverage by PLIN3 increased as phospholipid coverage decreased. In contrast, PLIN1 bound readily to LDs fully covered by phospholipids; PLIN2 showed an intermediate behavior between PLIN1 and PLIN3. In human adipocytes, PLIN3/4 were found in a soluble pool and relocated to LDs upon stimulation of fast triglyceride synthesis, whereas PLIN1 and PLIN2 localized to pre-existing LDs, consistent with the large difference in LD avidity observed in vitro. We conclude that the PLIN repertoire is adapted to handling LDs with different surface properties.

A bioconvergence study on platinum-free concurrent chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of HPV-negative head and neck carcinoma

Locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) is characterized by high rate of recurrence, resulting in a poor survival. Standard treatments are associated with significant toxicities that impact the patient's quality of life, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapies to improve patient outcomes. On this regard, noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) are emerging as promising agents as both drug carriers and radiosensitizers. On the other hand, co-treatments based on NPs are still at the preclinical stage because of the associated metal-persistence.In this bioconvergence study, we introduce a novel strategy to exploit tumour chorioallantoic membrane models (CAMs) in radio-investigations within clinical equipment and evaluate the performance of non-persistent nanoarchitectures (NAs) in combination with radiotherapy with respect to the standard concurrent chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of HPV-negative HNSCCs. A comparable effect has been observed between the tested approaches, suggesting NAs as a potential platinum-free agent in concurrent chemoradiotherapy for HNSCCs. On a broader basis, our bioconvergence approach provides an advance for the translation of Pt-free radiosensitizer to the clinical practice, positively shifting the therapeutic vs. side effects equilibrium for the management of HNSCCs.

Roadmap towards safe and sustainable advanced and innovative materials. (Outlook for 2024-2030)

The adoption of innovative advanced materials holds vast potential, contingent upon addressing safety and sustainability concerns. The European Commission advocates the integration of Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) principles early in the innovation process to streamline market introduction and mitigate costs. Within this framework, encompassing ecological, social, and economic factors is paramount. The NanoSafety Cluster (NSC) delineates key safety and sustainability areas, pinpointing unresolved issues and research gaps to steer the development of safe(r) materials. Leveraging FAIR data management and integration, alongside the alignment of regulatory aspects, fosters informed decision-making and innovation. Integrating circularity and sustainability mandates clear guidance, ensuring responsible innovation at every stage. Collaboration among stakeholders, anticipation of regulatory demands, and a commitment to sustainability are pivotal for translating SSbD into tangible advancements. Harmonizing standards and test guidelines, along with regulatory preparedness through an exchange platform, is imperative for governance and market readiness. By adhering to these principles, the effective and sustainable deployment of innovative materials can be realized, propelling positive transformation and societal acceptance.

CO-DELIVERY of glutamic acid-extended peptide antigen and imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist via ionizable lipid nanoparticles induces protective anti-tumor immunity

Cancer vaccines aim at generating cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that kill cancer cells and confer durable tumor regression. Hereto, CD8+ peptide epitopes should be presented by antigen presenting cells to CD8+ T cells in lymphoid tissue. Unfortunately, in unformulated soluble form, peptide antigens are poorly taken up by antigen presenting cells and do not efficiently reach lymph nodes. Hence, the lack of efficient delivery remains a major limitation for successful clinical translation of cancer vaccination using peptide antigens. Here we propose a generic peptide nanoformulation strategy by extending the amino acid sequence of the peptide antigen epitope with 10 glutamic acid residues. The resulting overall anionic charge of the peptide allows encapsulation into lipid nanoparticles (peptide-LNP) by electrostatic interaction with an ionizable cationic lipid. We demonstrate that intravenous injection of peptide-LNP efficiently delivers the peptide to immune cells in the spleen. Peptide-LNP that co-encapsulate an imidazoquinoline TLR7/8 agonist (IMDQ) induce robust innate immune activation in a broad range of immune cell subsets in the spleen. Peptide-LNP containing the minimal CD8+ T cell epitope of the HPV type 16 E7 oncoprotein and IMDQ induces high levels of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells in the blood, and can confer protective immunity against E7-expressing tumors in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings.

Self-assembled protein vesicles as vaccine delivery platform to enhance antigen-specific immune responses

Self-assembling protein nanoparticles are beneficial platforms for enhancing the often weak and short-lived immune responses elicited by subunit vaccines. Their benefits include multivalency, similar sizes as pathogens and control of antigen orientation. Previously, the design, preparation, and characterization of self-assembling protein vesicles presenting fluorescent proteins and enzymes on the outer vesicle surface have been reported. Here, a full-size model antigen protein, ovalbumin (OVA), was genetically fused to the recombinant vesicle building blocks and incorporated into protein vesicles via self-assembly. Characterization of OVA protein vesicles showed room temperature stability and tunable size. Immunization of mice with OVA protein vesicles induced strong antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. This work demonstrates the potential of protein vesicles as a modular platform for delivering full-size antigen proteins that can be extended to pathogen antigens to induce antigen specific immune responses.

Advanced applications of smart electrospun nanofibers in cancer therapy: With insight into material capabilities and electrospinning parameters

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, and despite available treatments, its prognosis remains poor. Recently, researchers have turned their attention to intelligent nanofibers for cancer drug delivery. These nanofibers exhibit remarkable capabilities in targeted and controlled drug release. Their inherent characteristics, such as a high surface area-to-volume ratio, make them attractive candidates for drug delivery applications. Smart nanofibers can release drugs in response to specific stimuli, including pH, temperature, magnetic fields, and light. This unique feature not only reduces side effects but also enhances the overall efficiency of drug delivery systems. Electrospinning, a widely used method, allows the precision fabrication of smart nanofibers. Its advantages include high efficiency, user-friendliness, and the ability to control various manufacturing parameters. In this review, we explore the latest developments in producing smart electrospun nanofibers for cancer treatment. Additionally, we discuss the materials used in manufacturing these nanofibers and the critical parameters involved in the electrospinning process.

Probing the interfacial behaviors of interfacially active and non-active asphaltenes and their impact on emulsion stability

HYPOTHESIS

Asphaltenes subfractions with distinct interfacial behaviors may play different roles in stabilizing oil-water emulsions.

EXPERIMENTS

In this work, whole asphaltenes were separated into interfacially active asphaltenes (IAA) and interfacially non-active asphaltenes (INAA). Employing advanced nanomechanical techniques, we have explored the compositions, morphologies, sizes, adsorption, and interfacial behaviors of IAA and INAA.

FINDINGS

IAA exhibits a high and unevenly distributed oxygen content, distinguishing it from INAA. In toluene, the diameters of IAA and INAA are about 60 nm and 6 nm, respectively. When adsorbed irreversibly on mica surfaces, the thickness of the IAA and INAA film was measured at ∼5.5 nm or 1 nm, respectively; while in a toluene solution, the film thickness reached ∼46 nm and 3.1 nm for IAA and INAA, respectively. IAA demonstrates superior interfacial activity, and elastic/viscous moduli compared to INAA at the water-toluene interface. Quantified surface force measurements reveal that IAA stabilizes water droplets in toluene at a concentration of only 10 mg/L, while INAA requires a higher concentration of 100 mg/L. This work provides the first comprehensive investigation into the adsorption and interfacial behaviors of asphaltene subfractions and provides useful insights into the asphaltenes-stabilization mechanism of emulsions.

Understanding electron structure of covalent triazine framework embraced with gold nanoparticles for nitrogen reduction to ammonia

Regulating the electron structure and precise loading sites of metal-active sites within the highly conjugated and porous covalent-triazine frameworks (CTFs) is essential to promoting the nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) performance for electrocatalytic ammonia (NH3) synthesis under ambient conditions. Herein, experimental method and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to deeply probe the effect on NRR of the modulation of modulating the electron structure and the loading site of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in a two-dimensional (2D) CTF. 2D CTF synthesized using melem and hexaketocyclohexane octahydrate as building blocks (denoted as M-HCO-CTF) served as a robust scaffold for loading Au NPs to form an M-HCO-CTF@AuNP hybrid. DFT results uncovered that well-defined Au sites with tunable local structure were the active site for driving the NRR, which can significantly suppress the conversion of H+ into *H adsorption and enhance the nitrogen (N2) adsorption/activation. The overlapped Au (3d) and *N2 (2p) orbitals lowered the free energy of the rate-determining step to form *NNH, thereby accelerating the NRR. The M-HCO-CTF@AuNPs electrocatalyst exhibited a large NH3 yield rate of 66.3 μg h-1 mg-1cat. and a high Faraday efficiency of 31.4 % at - 0.2 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode in 0.1 M HCl, superior to most reported CTF-based ones. This work can provide deep insights into the modulation of the electron structure of metal atoms within a porous organic framework for artificial NH3 synthesis through NRR.

Emerging trends and recent advances in MXene/MXene-based nanocomposites toward electrochemiluminescence sensing and biosensing

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensing systems have surged in popularity in recent years, making significant strides in sensing and biosensing applications. The realization of high-throughput ECL sensors hinges on the implementation of novel signal amplification strategies, propelling the field toward a new era of ultrasensitive analysis. A key strategy for developing advanced ECL sensors and biosensors involves utilizing novel structures with remarkable properties. The past few years have witnessed the emergence of MXenes as a captivating class of 2D materials, with their unique properties leading to exploitation in diverse applications. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest advancements in MXene-modified materials specifically engineered for ECL sensing and biosensing applications. We thoroughly analyze the structure, surface functionalization, and intrinsic properties of MXenes that render them exceptionally suitable candidates for the development of highly sensitive ECL sensors and biosensors. Furthermore, this study explores the broad spectrum of applications of MXenes in ECL sensing, detailing their multifaceted roles in enhancing the performance and sensitivity of ECL (bio)sensors. By providing a comprehensive overview, this review is expected to promote progress in related areas.

In-situ amino-functionalized and reduced graphene oxide/polyimide composite films for high-performance triboelectric nanogenerator

As a promising sustainable power source in intelligent electronics, Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) have garnered widespread interest, with various strategies explored to enhance their output performance. However, most optimization methods for triboelectric materials have focused solely on tuning chemical compositions or fabricating surface microstructures. Here, we have prepared amino-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (FRGO)/polyimide (PI) composite films (PI-FRGO) via in-situ polymerization, aimed at enhancing PI materials' nanotribological power generation performance. By varying the doping levels of amino groups and controlling the FRGO proportion during synthesis, we can explore the optimal FRGO/PI composite film ratio. At a p-Phenylenediamine: reduced Graphene Oxide (PPDA: RGO) ratio of 1:1 and an FRGO addition of 0.1 %, the output electrical performance peaks with a voltage of 58 V, a charge of 33 nC and a current of 12 μA, nearly 2 times that of a pure PI film. We have fabricated a TENG with an optimally formulated PI-FRGO composite to explore its application potential. Under a 10 MΩ external load resistance, the TENG can deliver a power density of 3.5 mW/m2 and can be powering small devices. This work presents new effective strategies to significantly enhance TENG output performance and promote their widespread application.

Insights into the formation and growth of high entropy PdPtSnPbNi nanowires to obtain catalysts with high alcohol electrocatalytic oxidation activity

High-entropy alloys have raised great interest in recent years because of their potential applications for multi-electron reactions owing to their diverse active sites and multielement tunability. However, the difficulty of synthesis is an obstacle to their development due to phase separation often exists. In addition, it's a challenge to precisely control morphology in harsh conditions, thus leading to nanoparticles in many cases. We report a facile method to obtain PdPtPbSnNi HEA NWs by solvothermal synthesis method that no existing phase separation. PdPb nucleation plays a role in the formation of the high-entropy structure that serves as a PdPb nucleus for Sn, Ni, and Pt reduction subsequently, thus forming a single phase and an orderly-arranged nanowire structure. Significantly, the optimized PdPtPbSnNi NWs exhibit excellent catalytic activity and stability for both EOR and MOR which is 4.36 A mgPd+Pt-1 and 4.34 A mgPd+Pt-1, respectively. This study highlights a novel strategy for morphology tuning, providing a prospect for designing superior high-entropy nano-catalysts for multi-step reactions.

Comparative impact of surface and bulk fluoride anion doping on the electrochemical performance of co-free Li-rich Mn-based layered cathodes

Li-rich Mn-based (LMR) layered oxides are considered promising cathode materials for high energy-density Li-ion batteries. Nevertheless, challenges such as irreversible oxygen loss at the surface during the initial charge, alteration of the bulk structure, and poor rate performance impede their path to commercialisation. Most modification methods focus on specific layers, making the overall impact of modifications at various depths on the properties of materials unclear. This research presents an approach by using doping to adjust both surface and bulk properties; the materials with surface and bulk fluoride anion doping are synthesised to explore the connection between doping depth, structural and electrochemical stability. The surface-doped material significantly improves the initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) from 77.85% to 85.12% and limits phase transitions, yet it does not enhance rate performance. Conversely, doping in bulk stands out by improving both rate performance and cyclic stability: it increases the specific discharge capacity by around 60 mAh g-1 and enhances capacity retention from 57.69% to 82.26% after 300 cycles at 5C. These results highlight a notable dependence of material properties on depth, providing essential insights into the mechanisms of surface and bulk modifications.

Nanoencapsulation enhances the antimicrobial and antioxidant stability of cyclic lipopeptides for controlling Fusarium graminearum

Fusarium graminearum not only causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat but also produces fungal toxins that pose a serious threat to food safety. Biological control is one of the safe and most effective alternative methods. In this study, cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) produced from Bacillus mojavensis B1302 were extracted and identified by LC-MS/MS. After preparing mesoporous silica nanoparticles-NH2 (MSNsN) and encapsulating CLPs, the characterization analysis showed that the interaction between CLPs and MSNsN enhanced the crystal structure of CLPs-MSNsN. The antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity of CLPs-MSNsN stored at 20 °C and 45 °C were decreased more slowly than those of free CLPs with increasing storage time, indicating the enhancement of the antimicrobial and antioxidant stability of CLPs. Moreover, the field control efficacy of long-term stored CLPs-MSNsN only decreased from 78.66% to 63.2%, but the efficacy of free CLPs decreased significantly from 84.34% to 26.01%. The deoxynivalenol (DON) content of wheat grains in the CLPs-MSNsN treatment group was lower than that in the free CLPs treatment group, which showed that long-term stored CLPs-MSNsN reduced the DON content in wheat grains. Further analysis of the action mechanism of CLPs-MSNsN on F. graminearum showed that CLPs-MSNsN could disrupt mycelial morphology, cause cell apoptosis, lead to the leakage of proteins and nucleic acids, and destroy the cell permeability of mycelia. This work puts a novel insight into the antimicrobial and antioxidant stability enhancement of CLPs-MSNsN through encapsulation and provides a potential fungicide to control F. graminearum, reduce toxins and ensure food safety.

All-aqueous synthesis of alginate complexed with fibrillated protein microcapsules for membrane-bounded culture of tumor spheroids

Water-in-water (W/W) emulsions provide bio-compatible all-aqueous compartments for artificial patterning and assembly of living cells. Successful entrapment of cells within a W/W emulsion via the formation of semipermeable capsules is a prerequisite for regulating on the size, shape, and architecture of cell aggregates. However, the high permeability and instability of the W/W interface, restricting the assembly of stable capsules, pose a fundamental challenge for cell entrapment. The current study addresses this problem by synthesizing multi-armed protein fibrils and controlling their assembly at the W/W interface. The multi-armed protein fibrils, also known as 'fibril clusters', were prepared by cross-linking lysozyme fibrils with multi-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) via click chemistry. Compared to linear-structured fibrils, fibril clusters are strongly adsorbed at the W/W interface, forming an interconnected meshwork that better stabilizes the W/W emulsion. Moreover, when fibril clusters are complexed with alginate, the hybrid microcapsules demonstrate excellent mechanical robustness, semi-permeability, cytocompatibility and biodegradability. These advantages enable the encapsulation, entrapment and long-term culture of tumor spheroids, with great promise for applications for anti-cancer drug screening, tumor disease modeling, and tissue repair engineering.

A dual-signal mode electrochemical aptasensor based on tetrahedral DNA nanostructures for sensitive detection of citrinin in food using PtPdCo mesoporous nanozymes

Citrinin (CIT) is a mycotoxin with nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, presenting a significant threat to human health that is often overlooked. Therefore, a dual-signal mode (DPV and SWV) aptasensor for citrinin (CIT) detection was constructed based on tetrahedral DNA nanostructures (TDN) in this study. Furthermore, PtPdCo mesoporous nanozymes exhibit catalase-like catalytic functions, generating significant electrochemical signals through a Fenton-like reaction. Meanwhile their excellent Methylene Blue (MB) loading capability ensures independent dual signal outputs. The RecJf exonuclease-assisted (RecJf Exo-assisted) process can expand the linear detection range, enabling further amplification of the signal. Under optimized conditions, the constructed aptaensor exhibited excellent detection performance with limits of detection (LODs) of 7.67 × 10-3 ng·mL-1 (DPV mode) and 1.57 × 10-3 ng·mL-1 (SWV mode). Due to its multiple signal amplification and highly accurate dual-signal mode detection capability, this aptasensor shows promising potential for the in situ detection.

Toothpick DNA extraction combined with handheld LAMP microfluidic platform for simple and rapid meat authentication

Adulteration of meat is a global issue, necessitating rapid, inexpensive, and simple on-site testing methods. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop a one-minute toothpick-based DNA extraction method, a handheld microfluidic chip, and a smartphone-controlled portable analyzer for detecting multiple meat adulterations. A toothpick was inserted into the meat to promote DNA release and adsorption. Furthermore, a handheld microfluidic chip was designed for DNA elution on toothpicks and fluid distribution. Finally, a smartphone-actuated portable analyzer was developed to function as a heater, signal detector, and result reader. The portable device comprises a microcontroller, a fluorescence detection module, a step scanning unit, and a heating module. The proposed device is portable, and the app is user-friendly. This simple design, easy operation, and fast-response system could rapidly detect as little as 1% of simulated adulterated samples (following UK standards) within 40 min at a cost of less than USD 1 per test.

Mitochondria-targeting nanozyme for catalytical therapy and radiotherapy with activation of cGAS-STING

BACKGROUND

Overcoming radio-resistance and enhance radio-sensitivity to obtain desired therapeutic outcome plays an important role in treating cancer.

METHODS

Here we constructed a versatile enzyme-like nano-radiosensitizer MDP. MDP is composed of MnCO decorated and Ru-based nanozyme with triphenylphosphine (TPP) group coordinated on the surface.

RESULTS

Due to the mitochondria-targeting ability of TPP and enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR) effect of MDP, MDP accumulated in the mitochondria of tumor cells. Therefore, quantities of reactive oxygen species were produced via multiple enzyme-like properties including peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) in a tumor microenvironment mimicking status. In additional, more energy of radiation ionizing was deposed in tumor site via Compton effect and secondary electron scattering by Ru element. Impressively, it was disclosed that the nanozyme can act as a cGAS-STING agonist to provoke immune response of the system, which hereby further elevated this combined therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, we fabricated a novel nanozyme with POD and CAT mimicking properties for the combination therapy of catalytical therapy, radiotherapy as well as immune therapy to eliminate cancer.

Combined release of LL37 peptide and zinc ion from a mussel-inspired coating on porous titanium for infected bone defect repairing

Implant-associated infections impose great burden on patient health and public healthcare. Antimicrobial peptides and metal ions are generally incorporated onto implant surface to deter bacteria colonization. However, it is still challenging to efficiently prevent postoperative infections at non-cytotoxic dosages. Herein, a scaffold based on porous titanium coated with a mussel-inspired dual-diameter TiO2 nanotubes is developed for loading dual drugs of LL37 peptide and Zn2+ with different sizes and characteristics. Benefiting from in-situ formed polydopamine layer and dual-diameter nanotubular structure, the scaffold provides an efficient platform for controllable drugs elution: accelerated release under acidic condition and sustained release for up to 28 days under neutral/alkalescent circumstances. Such combination of dual drugs simultaneously enhanced antibacterial efficacy and osteogenesis. In antibacterial test, LL37 peptide serving as bacteria membrane puncture agent, and Zn2+ acting as ROS generator, cooperatively destroyed bacterial membrane integrity and subsequently damaged bacterial DNA, endowing dual-drug loaded scaffold with remarkable bactericidal efficiency of > 92 % in vitro and > 99 % in vivo. Noteworthily, dual-drug loaded scaffold promoted bone-implant osteointegration under infectious microenvironment, overmatching single-drug load ones. It provides a promising strategy on surface modification of implant for infected bone defect repairing.

Oriented surface imprinting of epitopes anchored on silica nanoparticles containing quantum dots by thiol-disulfide exchange reactions for the enhanced fluorescence detection of proteins

As artificial receptors for protein recognition, epitope-imprinted polymers combined with fluorescence sensing based on quantum dots (QDs) can be potentially used for biological analysis and disease diagnosis. However, the usual way for fabrication of QD sensors through unoriented epitope imprinting is confronted with the problems of disordered imprinting sites and low template utilization. In this context, a facile and efficient oriented epitope surface imprinting was put forward based on immobilization of the epitope templates via thiol-disulfide exchange reactions. With N-succinimidyl 3-(2-pyridyldithio)-propionate (SPDP) as a heterobifunctional reagent, cysteine-modified epitopes of cytochrome c were anchored on the surface of pyridyl disulfide functionalized silica nanoparticles sandwiching CdTe QDs. After surface imprinting via a sol-gel process, the epitope templates were removed from the surface-imprinted layers simply by reduction of the thiol-disulfide, affording oriented epitope-imprinted sites. By this method, the amount of epitope templates was only 1/20 of traditionally unoriented epitopes. The resulting sensors demonstrated significantly enhanced imprinting performance and high sensitivity, with the imprinting factor increasing from 2.6 to 3.9, and the limit of detection being 91 nM. Such epitope-oriented surface-imprinted method may offer a new design strategy for the construction of high-affinity protein recognition nanomaterials with fluorescence sensing.

Nanostructured mesoporous silica carriers for platinum-based conjugates with anti-inflammatory agents

This review discusses the relationship between inflammation and cancer initiation and progression, which has prompted research into anti-inflammatory approaches for cancer prevention and treatment. Specifically, it focuses on the use of inflammation-reducing agents to enhance the effectiveness of tumor treatment methods. These agents are combined with platinum(II)-based antitumor drugs to create multifunctional platinum(IV) prodrugs, allowing for simultaneous delivery to tumor cells in a specific ratio. Once inside the cells and subjected to intracellular reduction, both components can act in parallel through distinct pathways. Motivated by the objective of reducing the systemic toxicity associated with contemporary chemotherapy, and with the aim of leveraging the passive enhanced permeability and retention effect exhibited by nanostructured materials to improve their accumulation within tumor tissues, the platinum(IV) complexes have been efficiently loaded into mesoporous silica SBA-15 material. The resulting nanostructured materials are capable of providing controlled release of the conjugates when subjected to simulated plasma conditions. This feature suggests the potential for extended circulation within the body in vivo, with minimal premature release of the drug before reaching the intended target site. The primary emphasis of this review is on research that integrates these two approaches to develop chemotherapeutic treatments that are both more efficient and less harmful.

Therapeutic types and advantages of functionalized nanoparticles in inducing ferroptosis in cancer therapy

BACKGROUND

The clinical efficacy of cancer treatment protocols remains unsatisfactory; however, the emergence of ferroptosis-driven therapy strategies has renewed hope for tumor treatment, owing to their remarkable tumor suppression effects. Biologically based small-molecule inducers are used in conventional method to induce ferroptosis. Nevertheless, some molecular drugs have limited solubility, poor ability to target cells, and fast metabolism, which hinder their ability to induce ferroptosis over a prolonged period. Fortunately, further investigations of ferroptosis and the development of nanotechnology have demonstrated that nanoparticles (NPs) are more efficient in inducing ferroptosis than drugs alone, which opens up new perspectives for cancer therapy.

OBJECTIVE

In order to organize a profile of recent advance in NPs for inducing ferroptosis in cancer therapy, and NPs were comprehensively classified in a new light.Materials and methods: We comprehensively searched the databases such as PubMed and Embase. The time limit for searching was from the establishment of the database to 2023.11. All literatures were related to "ferroptosis", "nanoparticles", "nanodelivery systems", "tumors", "cancer".

RESULTS

We summarized and classified the available NPs from a new perspective. The NPs were classified into six categories based on their properties: (1) iron oxide NPs (2) iron - based conversion NPs (3) core-shell structure (4) organic framework (5) silica NPs (6) lipoprotein NPs. According to the therapeutic types of NPs, they can be divided into categories: (1) NPs induced ferroptosis-related immunotherapy (2) NPs loaded with drugs (3) targeted therapy of NPs (4) multidrug resistance therapy (5) gene therapy with NPs (6) energy conversion therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

The insights gained from this review can provide ideas for the development of original NPs and nanodelivery systems, pave the way for related nanomaterials application in clinical cancer therapy, and advance the application and development of nanotechnology in the medical field.

Bismuth drug-inspired ultra-small dextran coated bismuth oxide nanoparticles for targeted computed tomography imaging of inflammatory bowel disease

Bismuth (Bi)-based computed tomography (CT) imaging contrast agents (CAs) hold significant promise for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases due to their cost-effectiveness, heightened sensitivity, and commendable biocompatibility. Nevertheless, substantial challenges persist in achieving an easy synthesis process, remarkable water solubility, and effective targeting ability for the potential clinical transformation of Bi-based CAs. Herein, we show Bi drug-inspired ultra-small dextran coated bismuth oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3-Dex NPs) for targeted CT imaging of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Bi2O3-Dex NPs are synthesized through a simple alkaline precipitation reaction using bismuth salts and dextran as the template. The Bi2O3-Dex NPs exhibit ultra-small size (3.4 nm), exceptional water solubility (over 200 mg mL-1), high Bi content (19.75 %), excellent biocompatibility and demonstrate higher X-ray attenuation capacity compared to clinical iohexol. Bi2O3-Dex NPs not only enable clear visualization of the GI tract outline and intestinal loop structures in CT imaging but also specifically target and accumulate at the inflammatory site in colitis mice after oral administration, facilitating a precise diagnosis and enabling targeted CT imaging of IBD. Our study introduces a novel and clinically promising strategy for synthesizing high-performance Bi2O3-Dex NPs for diagnosing gastrointestinal diseases.

Real-time detection of gastrointestinal leaks via bismuth chelate-enhanced X-ray gastroenterography

Anastomotic leaks are among the most dreaded complications following gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, and contrast-enhanced X-ray gastroenterography is considered the preferred initial diagnostic method for GI leaks. However, from fundamental research to clinical practice, the only oral iodinated contrast agents currently available for GI leaks detection are facing several challenges, including low sensitivity, iodine allergy, and contraindications in patients with thyroid diseases. Herein, we propose a cinematic contrast-enhanced X-ray gastroenterography for the real-time detection of GI leaks with an iodine-free bismuth chelate (Bi-DTPA) for the first time. The Bi-DTPA, synthesized through a straightforward one-pot method, offers distinct advantages such as no need for purification, a nearly 100 % yield, large-scale production capability, and good biocompatibility. The remarkable X-ray attenuation properties of Bi-DTPA enable real-time dynamic visualization of whole GI tract under both X-ray gastroenterography and computed tomography (CT) imaging. More importantly, the leaky site and severity can be both clearly displayed during Bi-DTPA-enhanced gastroenterography in a rat model with esophageal leakage. The proposed movie-like Bi-DTPA-enhanced X-ray imaging approach presents a promising alternative to traditional GI radiography based on iodinated molecules. It demonstrates significant potential in addressing concerns related to iodine-associated adverse effects and offers an alternative method for visually detecting gastrointestinal leaks.

Camouflaging nanoreactor traverse the blood-brain barrier to catalyze redox cascade for synergistic therapy of glioblastoma

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a complex and highly restrictive barrier that prevents most biomolecules and drugs from entering the brain. However, effective strategies for delivering drugs to the brain are urgently needed for the treatment of glioblastoma. Based on the efficient BBB penetration properties of exosomes derived from brain metastatic breast cancer cells (EB), this work prepared a nanoreactor (denoted as MAG@EB), which was constructed by self-assembly of Mn2+, arsenate and glucose oxidase (GOx) into nanoparticles wrapped with EB. MAG@EB can enhance the efficiency of traversing the BBB, target and accumulate at in situ glioblastoma sites. The GOx-driven glycolysis effectively cuts off the glucose supply while also providing an abundance of H2O2 and lowering pH. Meanwhile, the released Mn2+ mediated Fenton-like reaction converts elevated H2O2 into highly toxic ·OH. Besides, AsV was reduced to AsIII by glutathione, and the tumor suppressor gene P53 was activated by AsIII to kill glioblastoma cells. Glioblastoma succumbed to the redox cascade triggered by MAG@EB, as the results demonstrated in vivo and in vitro, yielding a remarkable therapeutic effect. This work provides a promising therapeutic option mediated by cascaded nanoreactors for the future treatment of glioblastoma.

A roadmap towards safe and sustainable by design nanotechnology: Implementation for nano-silver-based antimicrobial textile coatings production by ASINA project

This report demonstrates a case study within the ASINA project, aimed at instantiating a roadmap with quantitative metrics for Safe(r) and (more) Sustainable by Design (SSbD) options. We begin with a description of ASINA's methodology across the product lifecycle, outlining the quantitative elements within: Physical-Chemical Features (PCFs), Key Decision Factors (KDFs), and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Subsequently, we delve in a proposed decision support tool for implementing the SSbD objectives across various dimensions-functionality, cost, environment, and human health safety-within a broader European context. We then provide an overview of the technical processes involved, including design rationales, experimental procedures, and tools/models developed within ASINA in delivering nano-silver-based antimicrobial textile coatings. The result is pragmatic, actionable metrics intended to be estimated and assessed in future SSbD applications and to be adopted in a common SSbD roadmap aligned with the EU's Green Deal objectives. The methodological approach is transparently and thoroughly described to inform similar projects through the integration of KPIs into SSbD and foster data-driven decision-making. Specific results and project data are beyond this work's scope, which is to demonstrate the ASINA roadmap and thus foster SSbD-oriented innovation in nanotechnology.

Surface saturation of drug-loaded hollow manganese dioxide nanoparticles with human serum albumin for treating rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease accompanied by energy depletion and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) offer great promise for the treatment of RA because they mostly have functions beyond being drug carriers. However, conventional nanomaterials become coated with a protein corona (PC) or lose their cargo prematurely in vivo, reducing their therapeutic efficacy. To avoid these problems, we loaded methotrexate (MTX) into hollow structured manganese dioxide nanoparticles (H-MnO2 NPs), then coated them with a 'pseudo-corona' of human serum albumin (HSA) at physiological concentrations to obtain HSA-MnO2@MTX NPs. Efficacy of MTX, MnO2@MTX, and HSA-MnO2@MTX NPs was compared in vitro and in vivo. Compared to MnO2@MTX, HSA-coated NPs were taken up better by lipopolysaccharide-activated RAW264.7 and were more effective at lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and preventing ROS accumulation. HSA-MnO2@MTX NPs were also more efficient at blocking the proliferation and migration of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from rats with collagen-induced arthritis. In this rat model, HSA-MnO2@MTX NPs showed better biodistribution than other treatments, specifically targeting the ankle joint. Furthermore, HSA-MnO2@MTX NPs reduced swelling in the paw, regulated pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and limited cartilage degradation and signs of inflammation. These results establish the therapeutic potential of HSA-MnO2@MTX NPs against RA.

Mechanisms of heating-electrokinetic co-driven perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) adsorption on zeolite

Slow release of emerging contaminants limits their accessibility from soil to pore water, constraining the treatment efficiency of physio-chemical treatment sites. DC fields mobilize organic contaminants and influence their interactions with geo-matrices such as zeolites. Poor knowledge, however, exists on the joint application of heating and electrokinetic approaches on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) transport in porous media. Here, we investigated electrokinetic PFOA transport in zeolite-filled percolation columns at varying temperatures. Variations of pseudo-second-order kinetic constants (kPSO) were correlated to the liquid viscosity variations (η) and elctroosmotic flow velocities (vEOF). Applying DC fields and elevated temperature significantly (>37%) decreased PFOA sorption to zeolite. A good correlation between η, vEOF, and kPSO was found and used to develop an approach interlinking the three parameters to predict the joint effects of DC fields and temperature on PFOA sorption kinetics. These findings may give rise to future applications for better tailoring PFOA transport in environmental biotechnology.

Lateral flow assay for simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins using nanozyme to amplify signals

Co-contamination of multiple mycotoxins produces synergistic toxic effects, leading to more serious hazards. Therefore, the simple, rapid and accurate simultaneous detection of multiple mycotoxins is crucial. Herein, a three-channel aptamer-based lateral flow assay (Apt-LFA) was established for the detection of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). The multi-channel Apt-LFA utilized gold‑iridium nanozyme to catalyze the chromogenic substrate, which effectively achieved signal amplification. Moreover, the positions and lengths of the complementary sequences were screened by changes in fluorescence intensity. After grayscale analysis, the semi-quantitative results showed that the detection limits of AFM1, AFB1 and OTA were 0.39 ng/mL, 0.36 ng/mL and 0.82 ng/mL. The recoveries of the multiplexed competitive sensors in complex matrices of real samples were 93.33%-97.01%, 95.72%-102.67%, and 106.88%-109.33%, respectively. In conclusion, the assembly principle of the three-channel Apt-LFA is simple, which can provide a new idea for the simultaneous detection of small molecule targets.

Natural shellac-based microcapsules as lipase carriers for recyclable efficient Pickering interfacial biocatalysis

Enzyme is an important class of catalyst. However, the efficiency of enzyme-catalyzed reactions is constrained by the limited contact between the enzyme and its substrate. In this study, to overcome this challenge, lipase-loaded microcapsules were prepared from natural shellac and nanoparticles using the emulsion template method. These microcapsules can perform dual roles as stabilizers and enzyme carriers to construct a water-in-oil Pickering interfacial biocatalytic system. The results showed that the hydrolytic conversion of the microcapsules could reach 90% within 20 min, which was significantly higher than that of the traditional biphasic system. The catalytic activity was influenced by the oil-to-water volume ratio and the microcapsule content. The microcapsules remained highly catalytic efficiency even after storage for three months or seven cycles of reuse. These microcapsules were prepared without the use of any cross-linkers or harsh solvents. This green and efficient catalytic system has great application prospects in the food industry.

Competitive coordination assisted scalable fabrication of FITC‑nickel frameworks anchored nanofiber paper for colorimetric/fluorescent monitoring of shrimp freshness

A novel type of colorimetric/fluorescent nanopaper indicator has been developed from the melt-extruded poly (vinyl alcohol-co-ethylene) nanofibers with surface anchored metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) by an interfacial coordination strategy. Specifically, the fluorescein isothiocyanate molecules could be anchored to the nanofiber surface by nickel ions and co-assembled into a hydrophilic nanocoating via a dynamic water/alcohol solvent evaporation method. Interestingly, this hydrophilic surface enables fast adsorption of moistures and interaction with biological amine vapors, resulting a saffron cake-layer of MOF nanocrystals with ultra-sensitive colorimetric/fluorescent responses based on an alkaline pH/ammonia induced competitive coordination mechanism. Finally, these porous nanofibrous matrix and active nanocoating make the nano-paper an ultra-sensitive optical platform for in-situ monitoring of the shrimp freshness from mins to weeks. Therefore, this composite film shows great potential into advanced paper-based indicators for food quality control and safety in processing industry.

Long-lasting, UV shielding, and cellulose-based avermectin nano/micro spheres with dual smart stimuli-microenvironment responsiveness for Plutella xylostella control

The requirement to improve the efficiency of pesticide utilization has led to the development of sustainable and smart stimuli-responsive pesticide delivery systems. Herein, a novel avermectin nano/micro spheres (AVM@HPMC-Oxalate) with sensitive stimuli-response function target to the Lepidoptera pests midgut microenvironment (pH 8.0-9.5) was constructed using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as the cost-effective and biodegradable material. The avermectin (AVM) loaded nano/micro sphere was achieved with high AVM loading capacity (up to 66.8 %). The simulated release experiment proved the rapid stimuli-responsive and pesticides release function in weak alkaline (pH 9) or cellulase environment, and the release kinetics were explained through release models and SEM characterization. Besides, the nano/micro sphere size made AVM@HPMC-Oxalate has higher foliar retention rate (1.6-2.1-fold higher than commercial formulation) which is beneficial for improving the utilization of pesticides. The in vivo bioassay proved that AVM@HPMC-Oxalate could achieve the long-term control of Plutella xylostella by extending UV shielding performance (9 fold higher than commercial formulation). After 3 h of irradiation, the mortality rate of P. xylostella treated by AVM@HPMC-Oxalate still up to 56.7 % ± 5.8 %. Moreover, AVM@HPMC-Oxalate was less toxic to non-target organisms, and the acute toxicity to zebrafish was reduced by 2-fold compared with AVM technical.

Hierarchical electrodes with superior cycling performance using porous material based on cellulose nanofiber as flexible substrate

The development and application of flexible electrodes with extended cycle life have long been a focal point in the field of energy research. In this study, positively charged polyethylene imine (PEI) and conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with negative charge were alternately deposited onto a cellulose nanofiber (CNF) porous material utilizing pressure gradient-assisted layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technology. The flexible substrate, characterized by a three-dimensional porous structure reinforced with stiff CNF, not only facilitated high charge storage but also enhanced the electrode's cycling life by reducing the volume changes of PEDOT:PSS. Furthermore, the exceptional wettability of PEI by the electrolyte could promote efficient charge transport within the electrode. The electrode with 10 PEI/PEDOT:PSS bilayer exhibits a capacitance of 63.71 F g-1 at the scan rate of 5 mV s-1 and a remarkable capacitance retention of 128 % after 3000 charge-discharge cycles. The investigation into the nanoscale layers of the LbL multilayer structure indicated that the exceptional cyclic performance was primarily attributed to the spatial constraints imposed by the rigid porous substrate layered structure on the deformation of PEDOT:PSS. This work is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of electrodes with high charge storage capacity and ultra-long cycling life.

Antibacterial cellulose solution-blown nonwovens modified with salicylic acid microcapsules using NMMO as solvent

Solution blowing process was used to prepare cellulose nonwovens, by using N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) as solvent, and salicylic acid (SA) microcapsules as antibacterial additives. The structure and properties of cellulose nonwovens modified with different SA microcapsules contents were compared and evaluated. The results showed that more uniform and denser web structure was formed with the increase of SA microcapsules content, the average fiber diameter of cellulose nonwoven increased from 1.99 μm to 2.65 μm. The air flow resistance and filtration efficiency of cellulose nonwovens increased with addition of SA microcapsules, whereas the mechanical properties, and wearing comfort including air permeability, moisture vapor transfer rate, and softness of cellulose nonwovens decreased slightly, under the same basis weight. SA microcapsules modified cellulose nonwovens exhibited good sustained-release behavior and antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. The higher SA microcapsules content in cellulose nonwovens, the faster release rate and the higher antimicrobial activity. The cellulose solution-blown nonwovens modified with SA microcapsules are expected to find applications in medical and healthcare fields due to its antibacterial activity and biodegradability.

Modulating the isotopic hydrogen-deuterium exchange in functionalized nanocellulose to optimize SANS contrast

Contrast matching by isotopic exchange in cellulose allows visualizing functional groups, biomolecules, polymers and nanoparticles embedded in cellulosic composites. This isotopic exchange varies the scattering length density of cellulose to match its contrast with the background network. Here, contrast matching of microcrystalline-cellulose (MCC) and the functionalized nanocellulose-fiber (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) are elucidated by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). Results show no isotopic exchange occurs for the CNF surface functionalized with carboxyl nor for the CNC-High with a high sulfate groups concentration. Both CNC-Low, with low sulfate groups, and MCC exchange 1H with 1D in D2O. This is due to the high exchange probability of the labile C6 position primary -OH group. The structure of thermo-responsive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) chains grafted onto CNF (PNIPAM-grafted-CNF) was extracted by CNF contrast matching near the lower critical solution temperature. Contrast matching eradicates the CNF scattering to retain only the scattering from the grafted-PNIPAM chains. The coil to globule thermo-transition of PNIPAM was revealed by the power law variation from q-1.3 to q-4 in SANS. Isotopic exchange in functionalized cellulosic materials reveals the nano- and micro-scale structure of its individual components. This improved visualization by contrast matching can be extended to carbohydrate polymers to engineer biopharmaceutical and food applications.

Targeting ferroptosis as a prospective therapeutic approach for diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe complication of diabetes mellitus, causing a substantive threat to the public, which receives global concern. However, there are limited drugs targeting the treatment of DN. Owing to this, it is highly crucial to investigate the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of DN. The process of ferroptosis is a type of regulated cell death (RCD) involving the presence of iron, distinct from autophagy, apoptosis, and pyroptosis. A primary mechanism of ferroptosis is associated with iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and the accumulation of ROS. Recently, many studies testified to the significance of ferroptosis in kidney tissue under diabetic conditions and explored the drugs targeting ferroptosis in DN therapy. Our review summarized the most current studies between ferroptosis and DN, along with investigating the significant processes of ferroptosis in different kidney cells, providing a novel target treatment option for DN.

Investigation of pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of magnetosomes

Magnetosomes are iron oxide or iron sulphide nano-sized particles surrounded by a lipid bilayer synthesised by a group of bacteria known as magnetotactic bacteria (MTB). Magnetosomes have become a promising candidate for biomedical applications and could be potentially used as a drug-carrier. However, pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of the magnetosomes have not been understood yet which preclude its clinical applications. Herein, we investigated the pharmacokinetics of magnetosomes including Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination (ADME) along with its immunogenicity in vitro and in vivo. The magnetosomes were conjugated with fluorescein isothiocyanate (Mag-FITC) and their conjugation was confirmed through fluorescence microscopy and its absorption in HeLa cell lines was evaluated using flow cytometry analysis. The results revealed a maximum cell uptake of 97% at 200 µg/mL concentration. Further, the biodistribution of Mag-FITC was investigated in vivo by a bioimaging system using BALB/c mice as a subject at different time intervals. The Mag-FITC neither induced death nor physical distress and the same was eliminated post 36 h of injection with meagre intensities left behind. The metabolism and elimination analysis were assessed to detect the iron overload which revealed that magnetosomes were entirely metabolised within 48-h interval. Furthermore, the histopathology and serum analysis reveal no histological damage with the absence of any abnormal biochemical parameters. The results support our study that magnetosomes were completely removed from the blood circulation within 48-h time interval. Moreover, the immunogenicity analysis has shown that magnetosomes do not induce any inflammation as indicated by reduced peaks of immune markers such as IL 1β, IL 2, IL 6, IL8, IFN γ, and TNF α estimated through Indirect ELISA. The normal behaviour of animals with the absence of acute or chronic toxicities in any organs declares that magnetosomes are safe to be injected. This shows that magnetosomes are benign for biological systems enrouting towards beneficial biomedical applications. Therefore, this study will advance the understanding and application of magnetosomes for clinical purposes.

Three musketeers of PDA-based MRI contrasting and therapy

Polydopamine (PDA) stands as a versatile material explored in cancer nanomedicine for its unique properties, offering opportunities for multifunctional drug delivery platforms. This study explores the potential of utilizing a one-pot synthesis to concurrently integrate Fe, Gd and Mn ions into porous PDA-based theranostic drug delivery platforms called Ferritis, Gadolinis and Manganis, respectively. Our investigation spans the morphology, magnetic properties, photothermal characteristics and cytotoxicity profiles of those potent nanoformulations. The obtained structures showcase a spherical morphology, robust magnetic response and promising photothermal behaviour. All of the presented nanoparticles (NPs) display pronounced paramagnetism, revealing contrasting potential for MRI imaging. Relaxivity values, a key determinant of contrast efficacy, demonstrated competitive or superior performance compared to established, used contrasting agents. These nanoformulations also exhibited robust photothermal properties under near infra-red irradiation, showcasing their possible application for photothermal therapy of cancer. Our findings provide insights into the potential of metal-doped PDA NPs for cancer theranostics.

Engineering robust and transparent dual-crosslinked hydrogels for multimodal sensing without conductive additives

Conductive hydrogels are pivotal for the advancement of flexible sensors, electronic skin, and healthcare monitoring systems, facilitating transformative innovations. However, issues such as inadequate intrinsic compatibility, mismatched mechanical properties, and limited stability curtail their potential, resulting in compromised device efficacy and performance degradation. In this research, we engineered functional hydrogels featuring a dual-crosslinked network composed of (PA/PVA)-P(AM-AA) to address these challenges. This design eliminates the need for conductive additives, thereby enhancing intrinsic compatibility. Notably, the hydrogels exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, with high tensile strength (∼700 %), Young's modulus (∼5.33 MPa), increased strength (∼2.46 MPa) and toughness (∼6.59 MJ m-3). They also achieve a compressive strength of ∼7.33 MPa at 80 % maximal compressive strain and maintain about 89 % transparency. Moreover, flexible sensors derived from these hydrogels demonstrate enhanced multimodal sensing capabilities, including temperature, strain, and pressure detection, enabling precise monitoring of human movements. The integration of multiple hydrogels into a three-dimensional sensor array facilitates detailed spatial pressure distribution mapping. By strategically applying dual-crosslinked network engineering and eliminating conductive additives, we have streamlined the design and manufacturing of hydrogels to meet the rising demand for high-performance wearable sensors.

Simple-by-design approach for production of stabilizer-free cubosomes from phosphatidylglycerol and docosahexaenoic acid monoacylglycerol

Docosahexaenoic acid monoacylglycerol represents a promising lipid constituent in the development of drug nanocarriers owing to its amphiphilicity and the beneficial health effects of this docosahexaenoic acid precursor in various disorders including cancer and inflammatory diseases. Here, we describe the formation and characterization of simple-by-design and stabilizer-free lamellar and non-lamellar crystalline nanoparticles (vesicles and cubosomes, respectively) from binary mixtures of docosahexaenoic acid monoacylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol, which is a ubiquitous amphiphilic component present in biological systems. At the physiological temperature of 37 °C, these single amphiphilic components tend to exhibit inverse hexagonal and lamellar liquid crystalline phases, respectively, on exposure to excess water. They can also be combined and dispersed in excess water by employing a high-energy emulsification method (by means of ultrasonication) to produce through an electrostatic stabilization mechanism colloidally stable nanodispersions. A colloidal transformation from vesicles to cubosomes was detected with increasing MAG-DHA content. Through use of synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering, cryo-transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis, we report on the structural and morphological features, and size characteristics of these nanodispersions. Depending on the lipid composition, their internal liquid crystalline architectures were spanning from a lamellar (Lα) phase to biphasic features of coexisting inverse bicontinuous (Q2) cubic Pn3m and Im3m phases. Thus, a direct colloidal vesicle-cubosome transformation was detected by augmenting the concentration of docosahexaenoic acid monoacylglycerol. The produced cubosomes were thermally stable within the investigated temperature range of 5-60 °C. Collectively, our findings contribute to understanding of the imperative steps for production of stabilizer-free cubosomes from biocompatible lipids through a simple-by-design approach. We also discuss the potential therapeutic use and future implications for development of next-generation of multifunctional vesicles and cubosomes for co-delivery of docosahexaenoic acid and drugs in treatment of diseases.

Photocatalytically self-cleaning graphene oxide nanofiltration membranes reinforced with bismuth oxybromide for high-performance water purification

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have emerged as promising candidates for water purification applications, owing to their unique physicochemical attributes. Nevertheless, the trade-off between permeability and selectivity, coupled with their vulnerability to membrane fouling, poses significant challenges to their widespread industrial deployment. In this study, we introduce an innovative in-situ growth and layer-by-layer assembly technique for fabricating multilayer GO membranes reinforced with bismuth oxybromide (BiOBr) on commonly employed Nylon substrates. This method allows for the creation of two-dimensional lamellar membranes capable of photocatalytic self-cleaning and tunable nanochannel dimensions. The synthesized GO/BiOBr composite membranes exhibit remarkable water permeance rates (approximately 493.9 LMH/bar) and high molecular rejection efficiency (>99 % for Victoria Blue B and Congo Red dyes). Notably, these membranes showcase an enhanced photocatalytic self-cleaning performance upon exposure to visible light. Our work provides a viable route for the fabrication of functionalized GO-based nanofiltration membranes with BiOBr inclusions, offering a synergistic combination of high water permeability, modifiable nanochannels, and effective self-cleaning capabilities through photocatalysis.

Construction of direct Z-scheme Co9S8/CdS with tubular heterostructure through the simultaneous immobilization and in-situ reduction strategy for enhanced photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction under visible light

Tubular Co9S8/CdS heterostructures have been successfully synthesized by in-situ growing CdS onto Co9S8 nanotubes through a simultaneous immobilization and in-situ reduction strategy. It turned out that the so-obtained heterostructure with Co9S8/CdS molar ratio of 1/10 can display a broad light absorption edge and especially much enhanced capacity for photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) under visible light. The characterization analysis and experimental results suggested that an interfacial electrostatic field between Co9S8 and CdS elements in the heterostructure could be constructed due to their different Fermi levels, allowing for more quantities of highly reductive electrons to participate in the photocatalytic reaction. Therefore, the so-obtained Co9S8/CdS (1/10) heterostructures could achieve the photocatalytic reduction efficiency of 100% within 20 min, which was more than two and four times larger than that of pristine CdS and Co9S8, respectively. Moreover, the possible photocatalytic reaction mechanism for reducing Cr(VI) was investigated and found to follow the direct Z-scheme charge transfer pathway. This novel fabrication route for composite photocatalysts with tubular heterostructures could lead to the widespread implementations for the elimination of various harmful pollutants in the process of environmental governance.

Platelet Membrane-Encapsulated Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanoparticles Loaded with Sildenafil for Targeted Therapy of Vein Graft Intimal Hyperplasia

Autologous vein grafts have attracted widespread attention for their high transplantation success rate and low risk of immune rejection. However, this technique is limited by the postoperative neointimal hyperplasia, recurrent stenosis and vein graft occlusion. Hence, we propose the platelet membrane-coated Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) containing sildenafil (PPS). Platelet membrane (PM) is characterised by actively targeting damaged blood vessels. The PPS can effectively target the vein grafts and then slowly release sildenafil to treat intimal hyperplasia in the vein grafts, thereby preventing the progression of vein graft restenosis. PPS effectively inhibits the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMCs) and promotes the migration and vascularisation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In a New Zealand rabbit model of intimal hyperplasia in vein grafts, the PPS significantly suppressed vascular stenosis and intimal hyperplasia at 14 and 28 days after surgery. Thus, PPS represents a nanomedicine with therapeutic potential for treating intimal hyperplasia of vein grafts.

Blood-brain barrier permeable carbon nano-assemblies for amyloid-β clearance and neurotoxic attenuation

Abnormal amyloid β-protein (Aβ42) fibrillation is a key event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) possesses great potential in modulating Aβ42 self-assembly. However, the poor blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, low biocompatibility, and limited tissue penetration depth of existing photosensitizers limit the progress of photo-oxidation strategies. In this paper, novel indocyanine green-modified graphene quantum dot nano-assemblies (NBGQDs-ICGs) were synthesized based on a molecular assembly strategy of electrostatic interactions for PDT inhibition of Aβ42 self-assembly process and decomposition of preformed fibrils under near-infrared light. Combining the small-size structure of graphene quantum dots and the near-infrared light-responsive properties of ICGs, the NBGQDs-ICGs could achieve BBB penetration under 808 nm irradiation. More importantly, the neuroprotective mechanism of NBGQDs-ICG was studied for the first time by AFM, which effectively weakened the adhesion of Aβ42 aggregates to the cell surface by blocking the interaction between Aβ42 and the cell membrane, and restored the mechanical stability and adhesion of the neuron membrane. Meanwhile, NBGQDs-ICG promoted phagocytosis of Aβ42 by microglia. In addition, the good biocompatibility and stability ensured the biosafety of NBGQDs-ICG in future clinical applications. We anticipate that such multifunctional nanocomponents may provide promising avenues for the development of novel AD inhibitors.

Advancements in biosensor technologies for fibrinogen detection in cardiovascular disorders

Rapid and accurate identification of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are crucial for timely medical interventions and improved patient outcomes. Fibrinogen (Fib) has emerged as a valuable biomarker for CVDs, playing a significant role in their early detection. Elevated levels of Fib are associated with an increased risk of developing CVD, highlighting its importance for more precise diagnosis and effective treatment strategies. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in developing biosensor-based approaches for detecting Fib, offering high sensitivity and specificity. This review aims to explore the impact of Fib on cardiovascular conditions, assess the current advancements, and discuss the future potential of biosensors in Fib research for diagnosing cardiovascular disorders. Furthermore, we evaluate various biosensor techniques, including optical, electrochemical, electronic, and gravimetric methods, in terms of their utility for measuring Fib in clinical samples such as serum, plasma, whole blood, and other body fluids. A comparative analysis of these techniques is conducted based on their performance characteristics. By providing a comprehensive overview of the relationship between Fib and cardiovascular ailments, this review aims to clarify the advancements in biosensor technology for Fib detection. The comparison of different biosensor techniques will aid researchers and clinicians in selecting the most suitable approach for their specific diagnostic needs. Ultimately, integrating biosensors into clinical practice has the potential to revolutionize the detection and management of CVDs, leading to improved patient care and outcomes.

Long-term tracking of lysosomal dynamics with highly stable fluorescent probe

Monitoring lysosomal dynamics in real-time, especially in vivo, poses significant challenges due to the complex and dynamic nature of cellular environments. It is extremely important to construct fluorescent probes with high stability for imaging lysosomes to minimize interference from other cellular components, in order to ensure prolonged imaging. A fluorescent probe (PDB) has been proposed for targeting lysosomes, which was less affected to changes in the cellular microenvironment (such as pH, viscosity and polarity). PDB can be easily prepared by 4'-piperazinoacetophenone and 2-(4-diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl) benzoicacid, containing a piperazine group for labeling and imaging lysosomes and the high pKa value (∼9.35) allowed PDB to efficiently track lysosomes. The emission wavelength of PDB in aqueous solution was 634 nm (λex = 572 nm, Фf = 0.11). The dynamic process of lysosome induced by starvation and rapamycin was successfully explored by fluorescence imaging. Compared with the commercially available Lyso-Tracker green, the high photostability fluorescent probe can ensure 3D high-fidelity tracking and resist photobleaching. Therefore, PDB, unaffected by the cell microenvironment, successfully achieved long-term tracking of lysosomal movement, even enabling imaging in tumor-bearing mice over 11 days. The strong fluorescence signal, high stability, and long-term tracking capability indicate that PDB has tremendous potential in monitoring biological processes.

Development of a dual-component biosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of influenza H7 and H5 subtypes

The outbreak of highly pathogenic influenza virus subtypes, such as H7 and H5, presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of rapid and sensitive diagnostic methods. In this study, we have developed a novel dual-component biosensor assembly, each component of which incorporates an antibody fused with a nano-luciferase subunit. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of this biosensor in enabling the rapid and sensitive detection of influenza H7 and other subtypes. Additionally, we successfully applied the biosensor in paper-based assay and lateral flow assay formats, expanding its versatility and potential for field-deployable applications. Notably, we achieved effective detection of the H7N9 virus using this biosensor. Furthermore, we designed and optimized a dedicated biosensor to the sensitive detection of the influenza H5 subtype. Collectively, our findings underscore the significant potential of this dual-component biosensor assembly as a valuable and versatile tool for accurate and timely diagnosis of influenza virus infections, promising to advance the field of influenza diagnostics and contribute to outbreak management and surveillance efforts.

Hierarchical magneto-colorimetric labels for immediate lateral flow immunoassay of chlorothalonil residues

Quantitative detection of pesticide residues in food and environmental samples using an improved lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is of considerable importance for real-time analysis. This paper proposes a highly sensitive LFIA platform based on a hierarchical magneto-colorimetric compact. This compact serves as both the target magnetic enrichment substrate and a photosensitive label. Initially, a large porous dendritic silica template is prepared and doped with superparamagnetic ferric oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) and colloidal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at high densities within its vertical channels. The sequential assembly of central-radial channels allow for the three-dimensional integration of these two components, enabling independent control of their discrete functions without mutual interference. Following alkyl organosilicon encapsulation and silica sealing, the composite spheres are then applied in LFIA to detect chlorothalonil residues. Fe3O4 NPs enhance the binding efficiency to target analytes, while AuNPs amplify the signal, leveraging their high loading densities and robust optical properties. The developed LFIA platform exhibited a detection limit of 0.34 ng/mL for chlorothalonil and a linear range of 0.0085-824 ng/mL. The recoveries varied between 85.1 % and 103.1 %, and the relative standard deviations were 1.25%-8.84 %. This LFIA approach demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility and flexible detection modes, making it highly suitable for the on-site monitoring of pesticide residues.

Supramolecular assemblies with aggregation-induced emission for in situ active imaging-guided photodynamic therapy of cancer cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted widespread attention as a novel non-invasive anticancer approach. However, the diminished photosensitivity and limited oxygen exposure caused by the aggregation of traditional photosensitizers greatly impair its overall therapeutic efficacy. Herein, a series of water-soluble aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) with triphenylamine as skeleton were synthesized and exhibited bright Near-infrared (NIR) emission and strong reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Through host-guest complexation between the multicharged triphenylamine units on AIEgens and cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) host molecule, supramolecular nanoassemblies were constructed and exhibited negligible phototoxicity to normal cells due to their limited oxygen contact. In contrast, the efficient release of AIEgens from nanoassemblies through competitive binding of overexpressed peptides in cancer cells with CB[10], enabled the full exploitation of the photosensitivity of AIEgens to produce highly efficient ROS, achieving selective ablation of cancer cells. Moreover, due to the restriction of intramolecular motion (RIM) upon anchored on organelle membranes through electrostatic interactions, the cationic AIEgens with weak fluorescence in physiological environment exhibited intense fluorescence emission, thus realizing imaging-guided PDT. This work may open up an avenue for the development of simple and feasible smart responsive nanomaterials for cancer treatment using supramolecular host-guest complexation strategy.

IRTIDP: A simple integrated real-time isolation and detection platform for small extracellular vesicles Glypican-1 in pancreatic cancer patients

Glypican-1 (GPC-1) protein-positive small extracellular vesicles (GPC-1+-sEV) have been proposed as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we present an integrated real-time isolation and detection platform (IRTIDP) to capture and analyze GPC-1+-sEV directly from sera of pancreatic cancer patients. First, CD63 antibody-modified metal-organic framework (MOF) materials were utilized to enrich sEVs with a capture efficiency of 93.93 %. Second, a SERS probe was constructed by Raman reporter 4-MBA and GPC-1 antibody modified SERS active silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which formed a sandwich complex structure of "MOFs@GPC-1+-sEV@AgNPs-4-MBA" with MOFs-enriched sEVs. The IRTSDP can complete the capture and detection process within 35 min, with a detection limit for 1 GPC-1+-sEV/μL, and linear range between 105∼109 GPC-1+-sEV/mL. Furthermore, this approach has been applied to quantify serum sEV GPC-1 in clinical pancreatic cancer patients. Based on the SERS intensity analysis, pancreatic cancer patients can be distinguished from pancreatic cystadenoma patients and healthy individuals effectively using this innovative platform that provides highly specific and sensitive means for early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer as well as other tumor types.