Alendronate-Modified Nanoceria with Multiantioxidant Enzyme-Mimetic Activity for Reactive Oxygen Species/Reactive Nitrogen Species Scavenging from Cigarette Smoke

Isolation of highly polar galloyl glucoside tautomers from Saxifraga tangutica through preparative chromatography and assessment of their in vitro antioxidant activity

In this work, the rapid and efficient preparation of isolated galloyl glucoside tautomer free radical inhibitors was investigated using Saxifraga tangutica as a raw material. Four highly polar galloyl glucoside tautomers, 3-O-galloyl-α-D-glucose ⇌ 3-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (Fr2-1-1), 2-O-galloyl-α-D-glucose ⇌ 2-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (Fr2-1-2/2-1-3), 1-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (Fr2-2-1), and 6-O-galloyl-α-D-glucose ⇌ 6-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (Fr2-3-1/Fr2-3-2), were obtained via two-step medium-pressure liquid chromatography (with solid loading instead of conventional liquid injection) and one-step high-performance chromatography coupled with on-line RPLC-DPPH techniques for targeted isolation. This separation integration technique not only increases sample intake and reduces time cost but also visualizes each step of targeted separation. All four compounds were isolated from the plant for the first time. In vitro antioxidant activity assays by DPPH (1,1‑diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) revealed that Fr2-1-2/Fr2-1-3 (IC50: 5.52 ± 0.32 μM), Fr2-2-1 (IC50: 7.22 ± 0.57 μM), and Fr2-3-1/Fr2-3-2 (IC50: 7.36 ± 0.25 μM) had superior free radical scavenging abilities and that both were superior to that of quercetin (IC50: 18.61 ± 3.55 μM). Oxidative stress assays revealed that Fr2-1-2/Fr2-1-3 significantly inhibited oxidative stress damage in H2O2-induced HepG2 cells, decreased the level of ROS (P < 0.01) and protected hepatocytes. Combined with the current results, gallic acid showed greater antioxidant activity when H atoms were replaced at D-glucose -OH (C-2) than at the other three sites [-OH (C-1), -OH (C-6) and -OH (C-3)].

Biocompatible Metal-Organic Framework-Based Fabric Composite as an Efficient Personal Protective Equipment for Particulate Matter-Induced Pulmonary Injury

Efficient personal protection has emerged as a crucial approach for reducing pulmonary injury induced by particulate matter (PM). However, current personal protective equipments usually lack essential biosafety concerns and fail to own adsorbing/antioxidant/antibacterial function together, making it a challenge to develop an integrated platform with the above characteristics. Herein, a facile oxygen-free hydrothermal strategy is proposed to synthesize new copper-based metal-organic frameworks, Cu-HHTPs, (HHTP: 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene), with great adsorbing/antioxidant/antibacterial activity and high biosafety. The Cu-HHTPs can serve as an efficient additive incorporated with various fabrics including cellulose acetate (CA) membrane to achieve novel fabric composites, such as CA@Cu-HHTPs, with ideal scavenging outcome for the main components of PM. Evidenced by the animal experiments, CA@Cu-HHTPs can highly mitigate PM-induced adverse effects via adsorbing PM, scavenging ROS, and killing bacteria, leading to a significant reduction in lung permeability, inflammation and oxidative stress, and pulmonary infection. Last but not least, a two-week exposure of CA@Cu-HHTPs exhibits no obvious damage toward the animals by examining their long-term toxicity. Collectively, this study not only highlights the potential of Cu-HHTPs as attractive additives for the preparation of fabric composites, but also lays out a new concept toward the development of new-generation multifunctional personal protective equipment against PM.

Constructing Nano-Heterostructure with Dual-Site to Boost H2O2 Activation and Regulate the Transformation of Free Radicals

A major issue with Fenton-like reaction is the excessive consumption of H2O2 caused by the sluggish regeneration rate of low-valent metal, and how to improve the activation efficiency of H2O2 has become a key in current research. Herein, a nano-heterostructure catalyst (1.0-MnCu/C) based on nano-interface engineering is constructed by supporting Cu and MnO on carbon skeleton, and its kinetic rate for the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride is 0.0436 min-1, which is 2.9 times higher than that of Cu/C system (0.0151 min-1). The enhancement of removal rate results from the introduced Mn species can aggregate and transfer electrons to Cu sites through the electron bridge Mn-N/O-Cu, thus preventing Cu2+ from oxidizing H2O2 to form O2 •-, and facilitating the reduction of Cu2+ and generating more reactive oxygen species (1O2 and ·OH) with stronger oxidation ability, resulting in H2O2 utilization efficiency is 1.9 times as much as that of Cu/C. Additionally, the good and stable practical application capacity in different bodies demonstrates that it has great potential for practical environmental remediation.

Operation room nursing based on humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide on rehabilitation effect after lung surgery

BACKGROUND

With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, lung segment surgery has become increasingly common. Postoperative rehabilitation is critical for patient recovery, yet challenges such as complications and adverse outcomes persist. Incorporating humanized nursing modes and novel treatments like nitric oxide inhalation may enhance recovery and reduce postoperative complications.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of a humanized nursing mode combined with nitric oxide inhalation on the rehabilitation outcomes of patients undergoing lung surgery, focusing on pulmonary function, recovery speed, and overall treatment costs.

METHODS

A total of 79 patients who underwent lung surgery at a tertiary hospital from March 2021 to December 2021 were divided into a control group (n = 39) receiving a routine nursing program and an experimental group (n = 40) receiving additional humanized nursing interventions and atomized inhalation of nitric oxide. Key indicators were compared between the two groups alongside an analysis of treatment costs.

RESULTS

The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements in pulmonary function, reduced average recovery time, and lower total treatment costs compared to the control group. Moreover, the quality of life in the experimental group was significantly better in the 3 months post-surgery, indicating a more effective rehabilitation process.

CONCLUSION

The combination of humanized nursing mode and nitric oxide inhalation in postoperative care for lung surgery patients significantly enhances pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes, accelerates recovery, and reduces economic burden. This approach offers a promising reference for improving patient care and rehabilitation efficiency following lung surgery.

Classification and application of metal-based nanoantioxidants in medicine and healthcare

Antioxidants play an important role in the prevention of oxidative stress and have been widely used in medicine and healthcare. However, natural antioxidants have several limitations such as low stability, difficult long-term storage, and high cost of large-scale production. Along with significant advances in nanotechnology, nanomaterials have emerged as a promising solution to improve the limitations of natural antioxidants because of their high stability, easy storage, time effectiveness, and low cost. Among various types of nanomaterials exhibiting antioxidant activity, metal-based nanoantioxidants show excellent reactivity because of the presence of an unpaired electron in their atomic structure. In this review, we summarize some novel metal-based nanoantioxidants and classify them into two main categories, namely chain-breaking and preventive antioxidant nanomaterials. In addition, the applications of antioxidant nanomaterials in medicine and healthcare are also discussed. This review provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of metal-based nanoantioxidants and a guideline for using these nanomaterials in medicine and healthcare.

Facilitation of Fenton-Like Reaction of Copper-Nitrogen-Doped Carbon-Based Nanocatalysts by Enhancing Hydroxyl Adsorption on Single-Atom Cu-NxC4- x Sites

Copper-nitrogen-doped carbon-based nanocatalysts (Cu-NCs), containing atomically dispersed Cu-NxC4- x sites, are efficient in boosting the Fenton-like reaction. However, the mechanisms of the Fenton-like reaction, including the pH effect on the products and the effect of the coordination environment on catalytic activity, remain controversial, restricting the development of Cu-NCs. Cu-NCs are experimentally synthesized with Cu-N4 sites and prove that the Fenton-like reaction generates mainly hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in the acidic but ·OH and superoxide radicals (·O2 -) in the neutral. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the catalytic activity of Cu-NCs in the Fenton-like reaction is associated with the adsorption strength of ·OH at the Cu site. Further investigation of the effect of the coordination environment of Cu-NCs indicates that the Cu-N2C2 site, which can enhance the ·OH adsorption strength, is an ideal catalyst site for the Fenton-like reaction. These results open the way to facilitating the catalytic activity of Cu-NCs in the Fenton-like reaction.

Skin Bioimpedance Analysis to Determine Cellular Integrity by Phase Angle in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Oxidative stress has been proposed as a significant part of the pathogenesis of fibromyalgia, and the phase angle in bioelectrical impedance analysis has been explored as a potential technique to screen oxidative abnormalities. This study recruited 35 women with fibromyalgia and 35 healthy women, who underwent bioelectrical impedance analysis and maximum isometric handgrip strength tests. Women with fibromyalgia showed lower bilateral handgrip strength (right hand: 16.39 ± 5.87 vs. 27.53 ± 4.09, p < 0.001; left hand: 16.31 ± 5.51 vs. 27.61 ± 4.14, p < 0.001), as well as higher body fat mass (27.14 ± 10.21 vs. 19.94 ± 7.25, p = 0.002), body fat percentage (37.80 ± 8.32 vs. 30.63 ± 7.77, p < 0.001), and visceral fat area (136.76 ± 55.31 vs. 91.65 ± 42.04, p < 0.01) compared with healthy women. There was no statistically significant difference in muscle mass between groups, but women with fibromyalgia showed lower phase angles in all body regions when compared with healthy control women (right arm: 4.42 ± 0.51 vs. 4.97 ± 0.48, p < 0.01; left arm: 4.23 ± 0.48 vs. 4.78 ± 0.50, p < 0.001; trunk: 5.62 ± 0.77 vs. 6.78 ± 0.84, p < 0.001; right leg: 5.28 ± 0.56 vs. 5.81 ± 0.60, p < 0.001; left leg: 5.07 ± 0.51 vs. 5.69 ± 0.58, p < 0.001; whole body: 4.81 ± 0.47 vs. 5.39 ± 0.49, p < 0.001). Moreover, whole-body phase-angle reduction was only predicted by the presence of fibromyalgia (R2 = 0.264; β = 0.639; F(1,68) = 24.411; p < 0.001). Our study revealed significantly lower phase angle values, lower handgrip strength, and higher fat levels in women with fibromyalgia compared to healthy controls, which are data of clinical relevance when dealing with such patients.

CeO2-Based Porous Carbonaceous Frameworks as Antioxidant Nanozymes for Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species and Adsorbing Benzo[a]pyrene

Barbecue smoke, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, and other waste gases contain toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Herein, CeO2-based porous carbonaceous frameworks (CeO2 PCFs) were explored as antioxidant nanozymes to scavenge ROS and absorb benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Using cerium-based frameworks as the precursors, CeO2 PCFs were constructed by high-temperature calcination. Due to excellent superoxide dismutase-like and catalase-like activity, CeO2 PCFs could effectively eliminate superoxide radical, hydroxyl radical, and hydrogen peroxide. The 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) free radical scavenging assay had substantiated free radical scavenging ability of CeO2 PCFs. In addition, with a large surface area and porous structure, CeO2 PCFs could adsorb B[a]P efficiently. The designed CeO2 PCFs may provide a new opportunity as scavengers of ROS and absorbents of PAHs in some harmful gases.

Multienzyme-Mimicking Au@Cu2O with Complete Antioxidant Capacity for Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging

Most enzyme catalysts are unable to achieve effective oxidation resistance because of the monotonous mimicking function or production of secondary reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, the Au@Cu₂O heterostructure with multienzyme-like activities is deigned, which has significantly improved antioxidant capacity compared with pure Cu₂O for the scavenging of highly cell-damaging secondary ROS, i.e.,·OH. Experiments and theoretical calculations show that the heterostructure exhibits a built-in electric field and lattice mismatch at the metal-semiconductor interface, which facilitate to generate abundant oxygen vacancies, redox couples, and surface electron deficiency. On the one hand, the presence of rich oxygen vacancies and redox couple can enhance the adsorption and activation of oxygen-containing ROS (including O₂^·- and H₂O₂). On the other hand, the electron transfer between the electron-deficient Au@Cu₂O surface and electron donor would promote peroxide-like activity and avoid producing ·OH. Importantly, endogenous ·OH could be eliminated in both acidic and neutral conditions, which is no longer limited by the volatile physiological environment. Therefore, Au@Cu₂O can simulate superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) to form a complete antioxidant system. The deigned nanoenzyme is explored in the real sample world such as A549 cells and zebrafish. This work provides theoretical and practical strategies for the construction of a complete antioxidant enzyme system.

A high-efficient and stable artificial superoxide dismutase based on functionalized melanin nanoparticles from cuttlefish ink for food preservation

Natural superoxide dismutase (SOD), consisting of proteins and metal cofactors, is widely used in food preservation because of its good antioxidant activity. However, due to the poor stability of SOD enzyme, its activity was reduced in the process of moving into the film, resulting in limited application. Based on the structure of the active site of the natural enzyme, Cu²⁺ was used to functionalize the melanin nanoparticles (NMPs) in ink of cuttlefish, and an SOD-like nanozyme (Cu-NMPs) with high stability, high activity and strong free radical scavenging capacity was constructed. In order to apply the constructed simulated enzyme to food preservation, the simulated enzyme was embedded into carrageenan (Carr) films to prepare the composite film for food packaging. The results showed that when the concentration of Cu-NMPs was 10 μg/mL, the ·O₂^- rate could reach more than 80 %, the activity exceeded that of 60 U/mL natural SOD. In addition, the fresh-keeping test of cherry tomatoes showed that Carr/Cu-NMPs composite film extended the storage time of cherry tomatoes by more 3 days. Therefore, the present work showed that nanozymes with advanced catalytic capabilities can be constructed by metal ions and NMPs, thus successfully combined with food packaging for food preservation.

Preparation, Characterization and Multiple Biological Properties of Peptide-Modified Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles

Although cerium oxide nanoparticles are attracting much attention in the biomedical field due to their unique physicochemical and biological functions, the cerium oxide nanoparticles greatly suffer from several unmet physicochemical challenges, including loss of enzymatic activity during the storage, non-specific cellular uptake, off-target toxicities, etc. Herein, in order to improve the targeting property of cerium oxide nanoparticles, we first modified cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂) with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and then conjugated with an endothelium-targeting peptide glycine-arginine-aspartic acid (cRGD) to construct CeO₂@PAA@RGD. The physiochemical characterization results showed that the surface modifications did not impact the intrinsic enzymatic properties of CeO₂, including catalase-like (CAT) and superoxide dismutase-like (SOD) activities. Moreover, the cellular assay data showed that CeO₂@PAA@RGD exhibited a good biocompatibility and a higher cellular uptake due to the presence of RGD targeting peptide on its surface. CeO₂@PAA@RGD effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS) to protect cells from oxidative-stress-induced damage. Additionally, it was found that the CeO₂@PAA@RGD converted the phenotype of macrophages from proinflammatory (M1) to anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype, inhibiting the occurrence of inflammation. Furthermore, the CeO₂@PAA@RGD also promoted endothelial cell-mediated migration and angiogenesis. Collectively, our results successfully demonstrate the promising application of CeO₂@PAA@RGD in the future biomedical field.

A multi-target theranostic nano-composite against Alzheimer's disease fabricated by conjugating carbon dots and triple-functionalized human serum albumin

The complex pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves the aggregation and accumulation of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) as well as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which requires the development of comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this work, a multifunctional theranostic nano-composite (HSA-BFP@CDs) is constructed by conjugating triple-functionalized human serum albumin (HSA-BFP) as a theranostic agent targeting Aβ and carbon dots (CDs) as an ROS scavenger. HSA-BFP@CDs exhibits a fluorescence "off-on" effect at 700 nm upon interaction with Aβ aggregates, showing the capability for detection of Aβ plaques and potential for early diagnosis of AD. Besides, HSA-BFP@CDs effectively inhibits the aggregation of Aβ, increasing the viability of Aβ-treated cells from 74% to over 95% at 100 µg/mL. Moreover, multiple ROS, including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and Aβ-Cu²⁺-induced-ROS, can be scavenged by HSA-BFP@CDs, thus resulting in the mitigation of cellular oxidative damages. Experiments with the AD model of Caenorhabditis elegans further demonstrate the multifunctionality of HSA-BFP@CDs in imaging amyloid plaques, reducing Aβ deposition, and relieving oxidative stress in vivo, showing the prospect for Aβ- and ROS-targeted AD diagnosis and treatment. This work provided new insight into the design of protein-carbon dots conjugate and the development of multi-target therapy of AD. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, which currently affects over 55 million people worldwide. Due to the complex pathogenesis of AD involving amyloid β-protein (Aβ) aggregation as well as elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is highly desired to develop comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. In this paper, we fabricated a multifunctional theranostic nano-composite (HSA-BFP@CDs) via the conjugation of triple-functionalized human serum albumin (HSA-BFP) and carbon dots (CDs). The multifunctionality of HSA-BFP@CDs for efficient detection of Aβ aggregates and inhibition of Aβ aggregation as well as scavenging of ROS was demonstrated, demonstrating the potential of the protein-carbon dots conjugate for the multi-target therapy of AD.

A multifunctional nanoplatform for improving microwave hyperthermia by a combination therapy of vessel disruptive agent and immune modulator

Microwave (MW) hyperthermia is one of the safest and most efficient minimally invasive tumor treatment methods, it is restricted by the bottlenecks of the heat sink effect and ineffective immune activation. Herein, a multifunctional nano platform with the load of nano immune modulator bimetallic metal-organic framework (BM), tumor vessel destructive agent and prodrug for gas production is developed for improving MW hyperthermia. Specifically, the combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) was a vessel destructive agent to reduce MW heat loss by destructing the tumor blood vessel. Moreover, the as designed BM can scavenge the endogenic reactive oxygen species, which is conducive to hydrogen sulfide gas (H₂S) that produced by bismuth sulfide (Bi₂S₃) to activate immune cells. Our in vivo experimental results demonstrate the destruction of tumor blood vessels coupled with the activated immune system results in the remarkable antitumor effect. This study provides an efficient strategy to improve MW hyperthermia by a combination of vasculature-targeting therapy with systemic immunity.

ROS-Targeted Depression Therapy via BSA-Incubated Ceria Nanoclusters

Depression is one of the most fatal mental diseases, and there is currently a lack of efficient drugs for the treatment of depression. Emerging evidence has indicated oxidative stress as a key pathological feature of depression. We targeted reactive oxygen species (ROS) and synthesized CeO₂@BSA nanoclusters as a novel antidepression nanodrug via a convenient, green, and highly effective bovine serum albumin (BSA) incubation strategy. CeO₂@BSA has ultrasmall size (2 nm) with outstanding ROS scavenging and blood-brain barrier crossing capacity, rapid metabolism, and negligible adverse effects in vitro and in vivo. CeO₂@BSA administration alleviates depressive behaviors and depression-related pathological changes of the chronic restraint stress-induced depressive model, suggesting promising therapeutic effects of CeO₂@BSA for the treatment of depression. Our study proved the validity by directly using nanodrugs as antidepression drugs instead of using them as a nanocarrier, which greatly expands the application of nanomaterials in depression treatment.

Biochar Nanozyme from Silkworm Excrement for Scavenging Vapor-Phase Free Radicals in Cigarette Smoke

Serious lung diseases and other health problems caused by tobacco consumption are becoming more and more prominent all over the world. Scavenging the excessive harmful free radicals in cigarette smoke is proven to be an effective method in reducing the above problems. Carbon-based nanozymes have been widely studied due to their ability of scavenging free radicals. Accordingly, the biochar derived from silkworm excrement was reported as a nanozyme with free radical scavenging ability. The biochar nanozyme calcination at 900 °C with better free radical scavenging abilities was loaded into commercial cigarette filters for the following free radical scavenging verification in tobacco smoke. Mouse model results reveal the lung tissue could be improved by the addition of biochar nanozyme. This work not only provides an effective approach to reduce the harm caused by tobacco but also provides potential applications to rationally realize low-cost, ease of production, and a wide variety of biochar sources.

Thermosensitive Hydrogel Incorporating Prussian Blue Nanoparticles Promotes Diabetic Wound Healing via ROS Scavenging and Mitochondrial Function Restoration

Diabetic foot ulcer is a serious complication in diabetes patients, imposing a serious physical and economic burden to patients and to the healthcare system as a whole. Oxidative stress is thought to be a key driver of the pathogenesis of such ulcers. However, no antioxidant drugs have received clinical approval to date, underscoring the need for the further development of such medications. Hydrogels can be applied directly to the wound site, wherein they function to prevent infection and maintain local moisture concentrations, in addition to serving as a reservoir for the delivery of a range of therapeutic compounds with the potential to expedite wound healing in a synergistic manner. Herein, we synthesized Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) capable of efficiently scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) owing to their ability to mimic the activity of catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). In the context of in vitro oxidative stress, these PBNPs were able to protect against cytotoxicity, protect mitochondria from oxidative stress-related damage, and restore nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway activity. To expand on these results in an in vivo context, we prepared a thermosensitive poly (d,l-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactide) (PDLLA-PEG-PDLLA) hydrogel (PLEL)-based wound dressing in which PBNPs had been homogenously incorporated, and we then used this dressing as a platform for controlled PBNP release. The resultant PBNPs@PLEL wound dressing was able to improve diabetic wound healing, decrease ROS production, promote angiogenesis, and reduce pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels within diabetic wounds. Overall, our results suggest that this PBNPs@PLEL platform holds great promise as a treatment for diabetic foot ulcers.