A multi-responsive smart molecular system was constructed on a newly synthesized Salen molecule, 1,3-bis((E)-2,3,4-trimethoxy benzylideneamino) propan-2-ol (TMBP) to selectively validate the presence as well as the absence of Cu2+ dictated by another selective metal ion, Zn2+. The emission efficiency of the non-emissive probe was significantly enhanced by Zn2+ selectively, while specific binding of the probe-Zn2+ complex with Cu2+ completely quenched the enhanced emission. Thus, the probe acted as a reporter molecule for the selective detection of Cu2+ in the co-presence of Zn2+. Comprehensive spectroscopic studies indicated that Zn2+ ion-coordination significantly reduced the flexibility of the Schiff base unit and decreased the extent of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) enabling an enhancement of fluorescence intensity. While, Cu2+, a d9 system, induced paramagnetic quenching through formation of a stable ground-state complex as established from the UV-Vis analysis and time resolved fluorescence measurements. The spectroscopic results were implemented into the designing of a multifunctional molecular logic system that could function as YES, NOT, INHIBIT, PASS 0, TRANSFER and NOT TRANSFER logic gates. Finally, a blueprint of a smart molecular device was proposed to present the relay sensing of Zn2+ and Cu2+ through logical outputs that would work in-sync with the spectroscopic results.

Herein, dual carbon layer composites of graphene–encapsulated Si@C particles are prepared as silicon–based anode materials by anchoring Si@C particles in the rGO network through a simple electrostatic self-assembly method. The optimal Si@C@rGO-2 composite delivers 1038.5 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.2 A g⁻¹ after 200 cycles and 743.9 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ after 300 cycles, respectively.

Abstract

Silicon–based materials are among the highly promising anode candidates for Li–ion batteries owing to their excellent theoretical energy density. However, the huge volume variation makes the application of silicon anode in lithium–ion batteries be full of challenge. Herein, high–performance Si@C@rGO composites anode for lithium–ion batteries are successfully prepared by graphene oxide (GO) uniformly encapsulating resorcinol–formaldehyde resin (RF) coated silicon nanoparticles. The RF-derived carbon layer can prevent the silicon from direct contact with the electrolyte. Furthermore, the continuous conductive graphene network not only improves the overall electrical conductivity of the composite material, but also can be reversibly deformed with the volume change of silicon during the charging and discharging process, thus greatly improving the structural stability of the anode. The optimal Si@C@rGO-2 composite provides a high specific capacity of 743.9 mAh g⁻⁻¹ after 300 cycles at a current density of 1 A g⁻¹. Meanwhile, the material also exhibits good rate performance, showing a good reversible capacity of 719.5 mAh g⁻¹ even at a high current density of 2 A g⁻¹. In addition, this simple and low-cost strategy of Si@C@rGO anode can provide a design reference for the further development of anode materials in lithium–ion batteries.

Developing efficient and low-cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for sustainable hydrogen production through water splitting. In this study, CoFe2O4 and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles as electrocatalysts were prepared via an inexpensive method involving the use of bicontinuous microemulsions as nanoreactors. The crystalline structure, morphology, and elemental composition of the electrocatalysts were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, and EDS. The electronic structure and textural properties were examined by using XPS and the nitrogen adsorption-desorption method. The OER measurements were carried out in a standard three-electrode system. CoFe2O4 demonstrated relatively higher OER catalytic activity than NiFe2O4 in 1M KOH solution, with a smaller overpotential of 410 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm-2 and a smaller Tafe slope of 80 mV dec-1. In contrast, NiFe2O4 offered a higher overpotential of 450 mV to reach the same current density. The superior performance of CoFe2O4 is ascribed to higher ECSA, better conductivity, and lower charge transfer resistance. However, both electrocatalysts showed stability up to more than three hours of continuous performance.

We have synthesized a hyaluronic acid (HA) modified CaO₂/CuO₂/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite by a simple and flexible strategy. The H₂O₂ self-supplying and ⋅OH self-catalyzed nanocomposite exhibited favorable pH-controlled ⋅OH generation and excellent tumor growth inhibition ability, providing a potential nanotheranostics platform with active targeting and favorable therapeutic efficacy in tumor therapy.

Abstract

Due to the properties of hypoxia, lower pH, and higher hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), a wide variety of metal peroxide nanomaterials have got great attention for efficient TME-responsive and -regulated tumor therapy. However, a single species of metal peroxide is inadequate to realize high effective anticancer therapy. Herein, we have synthesized a hyaluronic acid (HA) modified CaO₂/CuO₂/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite by a simple and flexible strategy. CaO₂ can generate H₂O₂ by reacting with water in slightly acidic TME, and the self-supplying H₂O₂ can be catalyzed to generate ⋅OH by both Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ via Fenton-type reaction. Strongly oxidizing ⋅OH can induce tumor cells death for enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT). The H₂O₂ self-supplying and ⋅OH self-catalyzed nanocomposite exhibited favorable pH-controlled ⋅OH generation and excellent cancer cells growth inhibition ability, providing a potential nanotheranostics platform with active targeting and favorable therapeutic efficacy in tumor therapy.

Co-loading of sulfur/silicon oxides in self-supporting binder/collector free CNT sheets delivers enhanced electrochemical storage capacity of 830 mAh g⁻¹ and 368 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ current density after 250 cycles in LIB and SIB mode, respectively.

Abstract

Sulfur and silicon oxides loaded self-supporting binder and collector free CNT sheets have been synthesized using floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition technique and investigated for their application as anodes in lithium/sodium ion battery. The CNT sheets have been characterized thoroughly using various microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. The addition of sulfur improves the interplanar spacing in the lattice and also generated abundant defects. The silicon oxides help in enhancing the specific capacity of the CNT sheet via conversion reactions. These features lead to enhanced electrochemical properties and the best performance has been demonstrated by the co-loaded CNT/S/silicon oxide electrode. As anode in LIB, it delivers 830 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ current density after 250 cycles. More importantly, the kinetic analysis confirms that sulfur/silicon oxide co-loading can improve the Li⁺ diffusion coefficient in CNT anode and enhance the metal ion storage. The structural modifications also enhance Na⁺ ion storage and the CNT/S/Silicon oxide anode delivers 368 mAh g⁻¹ after 250 cycles at a current rate of 1 A g⁻¹ with a superior initial coulombic efficiency of 77.5 %.

Liposomes incorporated with lactate oxidase-loaded MnO₂ nanoparticles (Lip-LM) was prepared. Lip-LM achieved an effective cascade catalytic oxidation of lactate through the closed-loop of self-sufficient O₂ supplying. Lactate oxidation further amplified the oxidative-stress in cancer cells by producing ⋅OH and consuming GSH at the same time, synergistically increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to apoptosis and ferroptosis.

Abstract

Lactate accumulated in Tumor is a key oncometabolite and associated with various oncogenic processes, including proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, immunosuppression and therapeutic resistance. Particularly, lactate contributes to the apoptosis and ferroptosis resistance in cancer cells. Consequently, blockade of lactate provides a promising opportunity for cancer therapy. However, due to abnormal tumor microenvironment (TME) and intracellular glutathione (GSH) mediated ferroptosis resistance, the current approaches for regulating lactate to sensitize cells to apoptosis and ferroptosis are still challenging. Herein, we developed a catalytic lactate oxidizing liposomes (Lip-LM) incorporated with lactate oxidase (LOX)-loaded MnO₂ nanoparticles. O₂ regenerated from H₂O₂ constitute closed-loop of lactate oxidation catalyzed by LOX, enhancing the lactate-consuming efficacy in TME. Besides, glutathione is consumed by MnO₂ to amplify the ferroptosis susceptibility of cancer cells. The results showed that Lip-LM achieved synergistical apoptosis and ferroptosis to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of amplified oxidative stress in cancer cells through the strategy of self-sufficient O₂ supplying and GSH consumption. The results of transcriptomics and proteomics analyses also support the synergistical anti-tumor mechanisms of Lip-LM. Hence, it is a promising catalytic nanoplatform combined lactate regulation and oxidative stress amplification and have great potential to further enhance therapeutic outcomes based on synergistical apoptosis and ferroptosis.

Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) can be sustainably produced with green solvents and their properties can be fine-tuned by setting up important parameters, including the order solvent/antisolvent addition, lignin solvent, flow rate, lignin solution loading and washing step. As the best result, homogenous LNPs with average hydrodynamic diameter of 144.4 nm and Zeta potential of −33.2 mV can be obtained with γ-valerolactone.

Abstract

This work aimed at studying the self-assembly of lignin macromolecules towards lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) with green solvents and shedding light on a tailor-made production of LNPs through a meticulous study of different variables. The methodology (antisolvent to lignin solution – method A; or lignin solution to antisolvent – method B), the lignin solvent, the flow rate of solvent/antisolvent addition, the lignin solution loading and the washing step (centrifugation vs dialysis) were examined. Remarkably, method B enabled achieving desired LNPs (127.4–264.9 nm), while method A induced the formation of lignin microparticles (582.8–7820 nm). Among lignin solvents, ethanol allowed the preparation of LNPs with the lowest hydrodynamic diameter (method B=127.4 nm), while the largest particles (method A=7820 nm) were obtained with ethylene glycol. These latest particles were characterized as heterogeneous, irregular, and highly aggregated when compared for instance with γ-valerolactone counterparts, which showed the most homogeneous (PDI=0.057–0.077) and spherical particles. Moreover, decreasing lignin solution loading enabled the reduction on LNP size and Zeta potential. Dialysed samples allowed the formation of LNPs with lower hydrodynamic size, reduced aggregation, and higher homogeneity. Furthermore, dialysis provided high stability to LNPs, avoiding particle coalescent phenomenon.

The Covid-19 crisis has led to a massive surge in the use of surgical masks worldwide, causing risks of shortages and high pollution. Reusing the masks may be promising to reduce such risks, especially since various decontamination techniques are being investigated. In this study, the thermal degradation of surgical masks was investigated using X-ray-based techniques such as XRD and XPS. Additional characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. XRD experiments reveal an increase in both crystal size and crystallinity of the mask with temperature until it is destroyed at 160°C. However, XPS results show that there was no significant change in the surface chemistry of the mask, as no other chemical element has been detected in the mask heated up. Breathability has been proven compliant with standards until 150°C.

In this study, Ag−Au alloy NPs were synthesized successfully in an organic solvent. The quantity of HAuCl₄.3H₂O influenced the morphology and properties of the alloy materials. The Ag−Au solutions after phase transfer using poly (maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) reached high durability, stability and non-toxic to the Vero healthy cell line. In-vitro CT images indicated a good X-ray absorption coefficient. Our findings expanded the potential uses of Ag−Au alloy NPs in biomedicine, particularly for imaging diagnosis employing CT imaging technology.

Abstract

Numerous non-invasive assays have been developed to support CT imaging, consequently increasing the precision of diagnosis. Although these efforts made a significant contribution to clinical research, there is still more to be done. The goal is to replace conventional contrast agents with more potent ones. In this study, Ag−Au alloy nanoparticles were fabricated by substitution method between the precursor Au³⁺ and the previously prepared Ag nanoparticles. Effects of Au³⁺ quantity on the formation and characteristics of Ag−Au alloy nanoparticles were investigated. It showed that Ag−Au nanoalloy with a size of 14.2±1.0 nm, SPR absorption peak at 520 nm, and Ag: Au atomic ratio of approximately 3 : 1 were appropriate for biomedical applications. After phase transfer using poly (maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMAO), the nano Ag−Au solution owned remarkable durability, stability and non-toxicity Vero healthy cell line at high test concentration. In-vitro CT imaging demonstrated a good X-ray adsorption coefficient, and the hounsfield units (HU) was noticeably increased. As a promising CT contrast agent, the X-ray attenuation of nano Ag−Au solutions correlated linearly with concentrations. These findings led to a potential application in the biomedical field, particularly in computed tomography (CT) imaging diagnosis.