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Nanoscale Advances Jun 2024The synthesis of CsAgInBiCl nanocrystals was achieved at room temperature under ambient conditions using the ligand-assisted reprecipitation (LARP) method. The...
Room temperature synthesis of nanocomposite thin films with embedded CsAgInBiCl lead-free double perovskite nanocrystals with long-term water stability, wide range pH tolerance, and high quantum yield.
The synthesis of CsAgInBiCl nanocrystals was achieved at room temperature under ambient conditions using the ligand-assisted reprecipitation (LARP) method. The synthesized NCs exhibit bright orange emission when excited at 375 nm and have broad photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra with a maximum of 630 nm. A photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 36% was observed in these NCs without any polymer coatings. Polystyrene (PS), and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were used to enhance the water stability and PLQY values up to 64%. Nanocomposite thin films with these polymer encapsulations exhibit good thermal stability up to at least 353 K and high quantum yields. PMMA-coated NCs showed long-term water stability for at least 4 months. The composites remain photostable when in contact with water for at least 120 min under continuous 365 nm UV illumination at 1 mW cm. Due to their excellent optical properties, aqueous stability, and wide range pH tolerance, these nanocomposite thin films could be employed for a variety of biological applications.
PubMed: 38933862
DOI: 10.1039/d4na00233d -
Frontiers in Oncology 2024Tumor-specific fluorescent probes must fulfill the dual requirements of targeted accumulation within tumors and high-resolution imaging capabilities. To achieve both...
Tumor-specific fluorescent probes must fulfill the dual requirements of targeted accumulation within tumors and high-resolution imaging capabilities. To achieve both tumor-targeted accumulation and high-resolution imaging performance, we developed a composite comprising an acid-responsive bodipy conjugated to amphiphilic PEG-b-PLA polymer, along with folic acid (FA)-modified PEG-b-PLA as a targeting moiety for active tumor-specific accumulation. Finally, a novel assembly of hybrid fluorescent nanoparticles was successfully synthesized by integrating these two components, demonstrating exceptional responsiveness to acidic conditions for fluorescence excitation and remarkable tumor-targeted accumulation capabilities. We conducted comprehensive and investigations employing techniques such as analysis of physicochemical properties, fluorescence-based probes detection at varying pH levels, assessment of cytotoxicity, evaluation of cellular uptake capacity, analysis of lysosomal co-localization imaging, examination of tumor fluorescence images , and investigation of biological distribution patterns. The results demonstrated that the acid-responsive nanofluorescence probe we designed and synthesized possesses desirable physical and chemical characteristics, including a small particle size and low cytotoxicity. Moreover, it exhibits rapid real-time response to acidic environments and displays enhanced fluorescence intensity, enabling the real-time tracking of probe entry into tumor cells as well as intracellular lysozyme accumulation. We achieved highly specific tumor visualization by combining nanoprobes targeting folate receptor. Through imaging cervical tumor mice, we demonstrated the precise imaging performance and high targeted accumulation of FA-targeted nanofluorescence probes in tumor tissue. Furthermore, we confirmed the safety of the FA-targeted nanofluorescence probe through biological distribution analysis. These findings highlight the potential widespread application of FA-targeted acid-responsive nanofluorescence probes for selective imaging of tumor cells and tissues.
PubMed: 38933449
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1404148 -
RSC Advances Jun 2024In this work, a special multilayer structure consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) and a co-continuous PLA/polycaprolactone (PCL)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (ALM)...
Excellent mechanical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of polylactic acid/polycaprolactone/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites enabled by a multilayer structure design.
In this work, a special multilayer structure consisting of polylactic acid (PLA) and a co-continuous PLA/polycaprolactone (PCL)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (ALM) composite with a double-percolated conductive network was fabricated layer-assembly coextrusion. It was revealed that PLA domains located at the layer interface could serve as rivets properly linking adjacent layers. Such a nacre-like structure with alternately stacked rigid PLA and flexible ALM increased the fracture strain to 354.4%, nearly quadruple that of the PLA/PCL/MWCNT conventional blending composite with the same composition, while maintaining an excellent strength above 46.0 MPa. In addition, the multilayer composites showed a special frequency-selective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, with tunable shielding peak positions controlled by the layer number. Their maximum EMI shielding effectiveness almost contributed by absorption loss could reach 49.8 dB, which originated from two aspects: one was the high electrical conductivity offered by the double-percolated distribution of MWCNTs, and the other was the multiple wave attenuation effect that occurred at the interfaces between PLA and ALM layers and the blend interfaces in ALM layers. This effort paves a new way for developing composites with outstanding mechanical and EMI shielding properties that can be extended to other polymeric composite systems.
PubMed: 38932984
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02440k -
RSC Advances Jun 2024Delivering macromolecules across the skin poses challenges due to the barrier properties of stratum corneum. Different strategies have been reported to cross this...
Delivering macromolecules across the skin poses challenges due to the barrier properties of stratum corneum. Different strategies have been reported to cross this barrier, such as chemical penetration enhancers and physical methods like microneedles, sonophoresis, electroporation, laser ablation, Herein, we explored a cationic lipo-polymeric nanocarrier to deliver a model protein across the skin. A cationic amphiphilic lipo-polymer was used to prepare blank nanoplexes, which were subsequently complexed with anionic fluorescein-tagged bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA). Blank nanoplexes and FITC-BSA complexed nanoplexes showed sizes of 93.72 ± 5.8 (PDI-0.250) and 145.9 ± 3.2 nm (PDI-0.258), respectively, and zeta potentials of 25.6 ± 7.0 mV and 9.17 ± 1.20 mV. cell culture, and toxicity studies showed optimal use of these nanocarriers, with hemocompatibility data indicating non-toxicity. skin permeation analysis showed a skin permeation rate of 33% after 24 h. The optimized formulation was loaded in a carbopol-based gel that exhibits non-Newtonian flow characteristics with shear-thinning behavior and variable thixotropy. The nanoplexes delivered gel demonstrated skin permeation of 57% after 24 h in mice skin . skin toxicity testing confirmed the low toxicity profile of these nanocarriers. These results are promising for the transdermal/dermal delivery of macromolecules, such as protein therapeutics, using nanoplexes.
PubMed: 38932980
DOI: 10.1039/d4ra02337d -
Zhongguo Ying Yong Sheng Li Xue Za Zhi... Jun 2024A major worldwide health problem, Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with a number of gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric cancer and peptic... (Review)
Review
A major worldwide health problem, Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with a number of gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastric cancer and peptic ulcers. The shortcomings of traditional treatment plans often include adverse effects, low patient compliance, and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Investigating different delivery methods is thus necessary to improve the effectiveness of treatment. Mucoadhesive microspheres show promise as a method for delivering anti H. pylori drugs in a targeted and sustained manner. With their ability to stick to the stomach mucosa, these microspheres increase the local concentration of the medication and guarantee a more thorough removal of the pathogen. The potential of Mucoadhesive microspheres in the management of H. pylori infection is examined in this review. We explore the properties and benefits of Mucoadhesive polymers, the production techniques for microspheres, and the variables affecting their functionality. To provide a thorough grasp of this delivery system, a variety of drug-loading strategies, release mechanisms, and in vitro and in vivo assessment methodologies are covered. The potential of Mucoadhesive microspheres to overcome the drawbacks of traditional therapy is shown by highlighting recent developments in their formulation and their therapeutic consequences. Mucoadhesive microspheres constitute an important advancement in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori because they guarantee a regulated release of antibiotics and improve medication absorption at the site of infection. In order to fully appreciate the advantages of this novel delivery method, further study is necessary. Future research paths and the difficulties in the clinical translation of this technology are also discussed.
Topics: Helicobacter pylori; Microspheres; Helicobacter Infections; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Gastric Mucosa; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 38932601
DOI: 10.62958/j.cjap.2024.006 -
Vaccines May 2024Recent advancements in vaccine delivery systems have seen the utilization of various materials, including lipids, polymers, peptides, metals, and inorganic substances,... (Review)
Review
Recent advancements in vaccine delivery systems have seen the utilization of various materials, including lipids, polymers, peptides, metals, and inorganic substances, for constructing non-viral vectors. Among these, lipid-based nanoparticles, composed of natural, synthetic, or physiological lipid/phospholipid materials, offer significant advantages such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and safety, making them ideal for vaccine delivery. These lipid-based vectors can protect encapsulated antigens and/or mRNA from degradation, precisely tune chemical and physical properties to mimic viruses, facilitate targeted delivery to specific immune cells, and enable efficient endosomal escape for robust immune activation. Notably, lipid-based vaccines, exemplified by those developed by BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna against COVID-19, have gained approval for human use. This review highlights rational design strategies for vaccine delivery, emphasizing lymphoid organ targeting and effective endosomal escape. It also discusses the importance of rational formulation design and structure-activity relationships, along with reviewing components and potential applications of lipid-based vectors. Additionally, it addresses current challenges and future prospects in translating lipid-based vaccine therapies for cancer and infectious diseases into clinical practice.
PubMed: 38932332
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12060603 -
Polymers Jun 2024In the original publication, the authors claimed that Figure 6 reporting Western blot data was erroneous as published [...].
In the original publication, the authors claimed that Figure 6 reporting Western blot data was erroneous as published [...].
PubMed: 38932106
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121737 -
Polymers Jun 2024The adsorption mechanism of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can provide theoretical guidance for their practical applications in different environments. However, there has...
The adsorption mechanism of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can provide theoretical guidance for their practical applications in different environments. However, there has been limited research on the mechanism of attapulgite-sodium polyacrylate. This research aimed to compare the Cd(II) adsorption characteristics and water retention properties of organic-inorganic composite SAP (attapulgite-sodium polyacrylate, OSAP) and organic SAP (polyacrylamide, JSAP). Batch experiments were used to investigate the kinetics of Cd(II) adsorption, as well as the thermodynamic properties and factors influencing these properties. The results show that the Cd(II) adsorption capacity was directly proportional to the pH value. The maximum adsorption capacities of OSAP and JSAP were of 770 and 345 mg·g. The Cd(II) adsorption for OSAP and JSAP conformed to the Langmuir and the quasi-second-order kinetic model. This indicates that chemical adsorption is the primary mechanism. The adsorption process was endothermic (ΔH > 0) and spontaneous (ΔG < 0). The water adsorption ratios of OSAP and SAP were 474.8 and 152.6 in pure water. The ratio decreases with the increase in Cd(II) concentration. OSAP and JSAP retained 67.23% and 38.37% of the initial water adsorption after six iterations of water adsorption. Hence, OSAP is more suitable than JSAP for agricultural and environmental ecological restoration in arid and semi-arid regions.
PubMed: 38932105
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121756 -
Polymers Jun 2024We outline a molecular simulation protocol for elucidating the formation of silicone oil from trimethlyl- and dimethlysilanediole precursor mixtures. While the...
We outline a molecular simulation protocol for elucidating the formation of silicone oil from trimethlyl- and dimethlysilanediole precursor mixtures. While the fundamental condensation reactions are effectively described by quantum mechanical calculations, this is combined with molecular mechanics models in order to assess the extended relaxation processes. Within a small series of different precursor mixtures used as starting points, we demonstrate the evolution of the curing degree and heat formation in the course of polymer chain growth. Despite the increasing complexity of the amorphous agglomerate of polymer chains, our approach shows an appealing performance for tackling both elastic and viscous relaxation. Indeed, the finally obtained polymer systems feature 99% curing and thus offer realistic insights into the growth mechanisms of coexisting/competing polymer strands.
PubMed: 38932104
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121755 -
Polymers Jun 2024In the present research work is demonstrated a cross-scale manufacturing approach for the production of multifunctional glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite...
In the present research work is demonstrated a cross-scale manufacturing approach for the production of multifunctional glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite tubes with a purposely redesigned filament winding process. Up until now, limited studies have been reported towards the multiscale reinforcement direction of continuous fibers for the manufacturing of hierarchical composites at the industrial level. This study involved the development of two different multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) aqueous-based inks, which were employed for the modification of commercial glass fiber (GF) reinforcing tows via a bath coating unit in a pilot production line. The obtained multifunctional GFRP tubes presented a variety of characteristics in relation to their final mechanical, hydrothermal aging, electrical, thermal and thermoelectric properties. Results revealed that the two individual systems exhibited pronounced differences both in crushing behavior and durability performance. Interestingly, for lateral compression the MWCNT coatings comprising a polymeric dispersant minorly affected the mechanical response of the produced tubes. The crashworthiness indicators of the multifunctional tubes displayed a slight 5% variation to the respective reference values, combined with a more ductile behavior. Moreover, regarding the bulk electrical and thermal conductivity values, as well as the Seebeck coefficient factor, the corresponding tubes displayed a variance of 233% and 19% and an opposite semi-conducting sign denoting a p- and n-type character, respectively.
PubMed: 38932103
DOI: 10.3390/polym16121754