Polyethylenimine-modified graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets: a label-free Raman traceable siRNA delivery system

Elucidating the effects of nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon on complex spinel NiFe2O4 towards oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline media

The study presents for the first time complex spinel NiFe2O4 nanoparticles supported on nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon nanosheets (NPCNS) prepared using sol gel and the carbonization of graphitic carbon nitride with lecithin as a highly active and durable electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction. The physicochemical properties of complex spinel NiFe2O4 on NPCNS and subsequent nanomaterials were investigated using techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical activity of the electrocatalysts was evaluated using hydrodynamic linear sweep voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and chronoamperometry. The electrocatalytic performance of the NiFe2O4/NPCNS nanohybrid electrocatalyst is dominated by the 4e- transfer mechanism, with an onset potential of 0.92 V vs. RHE, which is closer to that of the Pt/C, and a current density of 7.81 mA/cm2 that far exceeds that of the Pt/C. The nanohybrid demonstrated the best stability after 14 400 s, outstanding durability after 521 cycles, and the best ability to oxidize methanol and remove CO from its active sites during CO tolerance studies. This improved catalytic activity can be attributed to small nanoparticle sizes of the unique complex spinel nickel ferrite structure, N-Fe/Ni coordination of nanocomposite, high dispersion, substantial ECSA of 47.03 mF/cm2, and synergy caused by strong metal-support and electronic coupling interactions.

Emerging Roles of Graphitic Carbon Nitride-based Materials in Biomedical Applications

Graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a two-dimensional conjugated polymer with a unique energy band structure similar to graphene. Due to its outstanding analytical advantages, such as relatively small band gap (2.7 eV), low-cost synthesis, high thermal stability, excellent photocatalytic ability, and good biocompatibility, g-C3N4 has attracted the interest of researchers and industry, especially in the medical field. This paper summarizes the latest research on g-C3N4-based composites in various biomedical applications, including therapy, diagnostic imaging, biosensors, antibacterial, and wearable devices. In addition, the application prospects and possible challenges of g-C3N4 in nanomedicine are also discussed in detail. This review is expected to inspire emerging biomedical applications based on g-C3N4.

Two-dimensional nanomaterials induced nano-bio interfacial effects and biomedical applications in cancer treatment

Two-dimensional nanomaterials (2D NMs), characterized by a large number of atoms or molecules arranged in one dimension (typically thickness) while having tiny dimensions in the other two dimensions, have emerged as a pivotal class of materials with unique properties. Their flat and sheet-like structure imparts distinctive physical, chemical, and electronic attributes, which offers several advantages in biomedical applications, including enhanced surface area for efficient drug loading, surface-exposed atoms allowing precise chemical modifications, and the ability to form hierarchical multilayer structures for synergistic functionality. Exploring their nano-bio interfacial interactions with biological components holds significant importance in comprehensively and systematically guiding safe applications. However, the current lack of in-depth analysis and comprehensive understanding of interfacial effects on cancer treatment motivates our ongoing efforts in this field. This study provides a comprehensive survey of recent advances in utilizing 2D NMs for cancer treatment. It offers insights into the structural characteristics, synthesis methods, and surface modifications of diverse 2D NMs. The investigation further delves into the formation of nano-bio interfaces during their in vivo utilization. Notably, the study discusses a wide array of biomedical applications in cancer treatment. With their potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies and outcomes, 2D NMs are poised at the forefront of cancer treatment, holding the promise of transformative advancements.

Recent advances in 2D material-based phototherapy

Phototherapy, which generally refers to photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), has received significant attention over the past few years since it is non-invasive, has effective selectivity, and has few side effects. As a result, it has become a promising alternative to traditional clinical treatments. At present, two-dimensional materials (2D materials) have proven to be at the forefront of the development of advanced nanomaterials due to their ultrathin structures and fascinating optical properties. As a result, much work has been put into developing phototherapy platforms based on 2D materials. This review summarizes the current developments in 2D materials beyond graphene for phototherapy, focusing on the novel approaches of PTT and PDT. New methods are being developed to go above and beyond conventional treatment to fully use the potential of 2D materials. Additionally, the efficacy of cutting-edge phototherapy is assessed, and the existing difficulties and future prospects of 2D materials for phototherapy are covered.

Polymeric carbon nitride-based materials: Rising stars in bioimaging

Polymeric carbon nitrides (CN), due to their unique physicochemical properties, versatile surface functionalization, ultra-high surface area, and good biocompatibility, have attracted considerable interest in diverse biomedical applications, such as biosensors, drug delivery, bioimaging, and theranostics. In this review, the recent advances in bioimaging of CN-based nanomaterials are summarized according to the imaging modalities, including optical (fluorescence and Raman) imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), computed tomography (CT), and multimodal imaging. The pros and cons of CN bioimaging are comprehensively analyzed and compared with those in previous reports. In the end, the prospects and challenges of their future bioimaging applications are outlooked.