Molecularly manipulating pyrazinoquinoxaline derivatives to construct NIR-II AIEgens for multimodal phototheranostics of breast cancer bone metastases

Multimodal phototheranostics on the basis of single molecular species shows inexhaustible and vigorous vitality, particularly those emit fluorescence in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II), the construction of such exceptional molecules nonetheless retains formidably challenging. In view of the undiversified molecular skeletons and insufficient phototheranostic outputs of previously reported NIR-II fluorophores, herein, electron acceptor engineering based on heteroatom-inserted rigid-planar pyrazinoquinoxaline was manipulated to fabricate aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-featured NIR-II counterparts with donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) architecture. Systematical investigations substantiated that one of those synthesized AIE molecules, namely 4TPQ, incorporating a fused thiophene acceptor, synchronously exhibited high molar absorptivity (ε), NIR-II emission, typical AIE tendency, significant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and high photothermal conversion efficiency. These extraordinary behaviors endowed 4TPQ nanoparticles with unprecedented performance on NIR-II fluorescence/photothermal imaging-navigated synergistic photodynamic/photothermal inhibition of tumors, as confirmed by the mice model of breast cancer bone metastases. This study thus brings significant insights into developing phototheranostic systems for clinical trials.

Revisiting the characteristics of nanomaterials, composites, hybrid and functionalized materials in medical microbiology

Unlike traditional materials designed to form large structures, many modern materials are presented in the form of powders resulting from a molecular level control of their composition and structure, making possible the miniaturization and fine-tuning of their properties to act in cellular dimensions with customized tasks. Several new materials for biomedical and microbiology applications appear every year. Although many of them are called nanomaterials, there may be a more precise description or classification. In this work, we review and detail the structural classification of nanometric, functionalized, hybrid and composite materials, mainly based on descriptions given by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). Besides we included smart and multifunctional materials, cassification based on performance. The second section shows how these materials are used in the area of medical microbiology, grouping these applications into barriers for microorganisms on surfaces, disinfectants in clinical practice, targeting of pathogens, detectors of microorganisms or their metabolites, and also as substrates to stabilize, transport, or nourish beneficial microorganisms. Finally, we will discuss some evidence that indicates the environmental risk and bacterial resistance alerts that should be taken into account with the use of these advanced powder materials.

Zebrafish navigating the metabolic maze: insights into human disease - assets, challenges and future implications

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become indispensable models for advancing our understanding of multiple metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of zebrafish as a powerful tool for dissecting the genetic and molecular mechanisms of these diseases, focusing on key genes, like pparγ, lepr, ins, and srebp. Zebrafish offer distinct advantages, including genetic tractability, optical transparency in early development, and the conservation of key metabolic pathways with humans. Studies have successfully used zebrafish to uncover conserved metabolic mechanisms, identify novel disease pathways, and facilitate high-throughput screening of potential therapeutic compounds. The review also highlights the novelty of using zebrafish to model multifactorial metabolic disorders, addressing challenges such as interspecies differences in metabolism and the complexity of human metabolic disease etiology. Moving forward, future research will benefit from integrating advanced omics technologies to map disease-specific molecular signatures, applying personalized medicine approaches to optimize treatments, and utilizing computational models to predict therapeutic outcomes. By embracing these innovative strategies, zebrafish research has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of metabolic disorders, offering new avenues for translational applications. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration and investment in zebrafish-based studies will be crucial to fully harnessing their potential for advancing therapeutic development.

Advances of Hydroxyapatite Nanoparticles in Dental Implant Applications

Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HANPs) are becoming increasingly crucial in dental implant applications as they are highly compatible with biological systems, actively support biological processes, and closely resemble bone minerals. This review covers the latest progress in how HANPs are made, studied, and used in dentistry. It looks at critical methods for creating HANPs, such as sol-gel, microwave hydrothermal synthesis, and biomimetic approaches, and how they affect the particles' size, structure, and activity. The green synthesis method illustrated a new door to synthesize HAp for maintaining biocompatibilityand increasing antibacterial properties. The review also explores how HANPs improve the integration of implants with bone, support bone growth, and help treat sensitive teeth based on various laboratory and clinical studies. The usage of HAp in dentin and enamel shows higher potentiality through FTIR, XPS, XRD, EDS, etc., for mechanical stability and biological balance compared to natural teeth. Additionally, the use of HANPs in dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash is discussed, highlighting its potential to help rebuild tooth enamel and fight bacteria. There are some challenges for long-term usage against oral bacteria, but doping with inorganic materials, like Zn, has already solved this periodontal problem. Much more research is still essential to estimate the fabrication variation based on patient problems and characteristics. Still, it has favorable outcomes regarding its bioactive nature and antimicrobial properties. Due to their compatibility with biological tissues and ability to support bone growth, HANPs hold great promise for advancing dental materials and implant technology, potentially leading to better dental care and patient outcomes.

Uniform phosphazene containing porous organic polymer microspheres for highly efficient and selective silver recovery

The efficient extraction of silver ions (Ag+) from Ag+-contaminated wastewater is crucial for resource recovery and environmental protection. However, the synthesis of adsorbents with high adsorption capacity and superior selectivity for Ag+ is a significant challenge. Herein, a series of phosphazene-based porous organic polymers (POPs) microspheres with exceptional selectivity and adsorption capacity for Ag+ were rationally designed using phosphazene and aromatic amines. Notably, variations in the types of precursors induced the formation of a microsphere-like morphology with precisely controlled surface smoothness. Considering the advantages of abundant heteroatom active sites, surface charge properties and microsphere-like morphology, the synthesised networks exhibited an exceptional Ag+ adsorption capacity of 818.3 mg/g in aqueous solution at 45 °C, showcasing remarkable selectivity (selectivity coefficient (Kα) 3.39 × 105) and an ultrafast adsorption rate, adsorbing Ag+ in just 5 min. These superior adsorption characteristics surpassed those of most reported POPs. Theoretical simulations further revealed that key structural motifs, particularly phosphazene units, played a critical role in enhancing Ag+ adsorption. This study proposes a promising strategy for the efficient recovery of Ag from wastewater using high-performance porous adsorbents.

Facilitated uranium and organic removal and electricity production via a zinc oxide/carbon felt cathode equipped hybrid tandem photocatalytic fuel cell

The combined pollution by uranium and organic matter has posed a serious challenge in the treatment of radioactive wastewater, while traditional treatment methods suffered from the problems of poor treatment efficiency and difficult recycling. Therefore, this study developed a novel hybrid tandem photocatalytic fuel cell (HTPFC) system which decorated with a ZnO modified carbon felt (ZnO/CF) cathode. This HTPFC not only efficiently removed UO22+ and organic matter while generating electricity, but can also be quickly disassembled and reassembled. The ZnO loading greatly improved the electrochemical properties of CF and introduced abundant active sites, making the constructed HTPFC exhibited excellent applicability, reusability and practical application prospects. When UO22+ coexisted with various organics, such as p-nitrophenol, ciprofloxacin, atrazine, ibuprofen, sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH), the organic matter removal efficiencies were ≥94.36 %, and the UO22+ removal efficiencies were ≥94.56 %, accompanied with a maximum power output density of ≥1.31 mW·cm-2. After five cycles, the UO22+ and TCH removal efficiency still remained 92.34 % and 89.75 %, respectively. Notably, over 98.0 % of each of UO22+ and TCH can be removed under the actual sunlight illumination, indicating that the fabricated HTPFC had a great practical application potential. This study may present a new approach for disposing the complex wastewater containing heavy metals and organic compounds.

Bioinspired nanomedicines for the management of osteosarcoma: Recent progress and perspectives

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent malignant primary bone tumor, predominantly affecting children and young adults between the ages of 11 and 20. OS presents huge challenges in treatment because of its aggressive nature and high metastatic potential. Chemotherapeutic drugs have attracted considerable interest for the treatment of OS, but they suffer from poor targeting, low bioavailability, severe side effects, and the multi-drug resistance acquired by the tumor. Therefore, it is imperative to develop novel therapeutic tactics that can improve OS outcomes while minimizing toxicity. Bioinspired nanoparticles, designed through exploiting or simulating the biological structures and processes, provide promising strategies for the treatment of OS. In this review, we elaborate on the biological properties and biomedical applications of state-of-the-art bioinspired nanoparticles, including cell membrane-based nanoparticles, exosome-based nanoparticles, protein template-based nanoparticles, and peptide template-based nanoparticles for the management of OS.

A comprehensive primer and review of PROTACs and their In Silico design

The cutting-edge technique of Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras, or PROTACs, has gained significant attention as a viable approach for specific protein degradation. This innovative technology has vast potential in fields such as cancer therapy and drug development. The development of effective and specific therapies for a range of diseases is within reach with PROTACs, which can target previously "undruggable" proteins while circumventing the off-target effects of conventional small molecule inhibitors. This manuscript aims to discuss the application of in silico techniques to the design of these groundbreaking molecules and develop PROTAC complexes, in order to identify potential PROTAC candidates with favorable drug-like properties. Additionally, this manuscript reviews the strengths and weaknesses of these methods to demonstrate their utility and highlights the challenges and future prospects of in silico PROTAC design. The present review provides a valuable and beginner-friendly resource for researchers and drug developers interested in using in silico methods for PROTAC design, specifically ternary structure prediction.

Electrochemical β-lactamase immunostrip sensor with 3D hydrogel-paper scaffold for rapid detection & post-antibiotic therapy monitoring in drug-resistant bloodstream infections

BACKGROUND

The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacterial bloodstream infections, particularly those caused by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), presents a critical global healthcare challenge. Current diagnostic methods often lack the speed and sensitivity necessary for timely antibiotic interventions, leading to poor patient outcomes and increased resistance due to misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Existing platforms rarely combine rapid detection, low detection limits, and real-time therapy monitoring, leaving a crucial gap in effective infection management.

RESULTS

This study introduces an electrochemical immunostrip sensor for the rapid detection of β-lactamase (BL), an enzyme associated with drug resistance. Using a novel 3D hydrogel-paper scaffold, the sensor achieves a detection limit of 0.146 mU/ml and accurately detects BL-producing pathogens, including MRSA, from clinical samples with bacterial loads as low as 102 CFU/ml. The platform provides post culture detection results within 1 h, post antibiotic therapy monitoring within 4 h and demonstrates high specificity (∼100 %) by differentiating BL-producing strains from non-producing isolates.

SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY

This study introduces a new electrochemical smart immunostrip sensor integrated with a 3D hydrogel-paper scaffold for β-lactamase detection, which offers high sensitivity and specificity. Unlike conventional diagnostics, it enables user-friendly, rapid, cost-effective detection within 1 h post-blood culture and real-time antibiotic therapy monitoring in just 4 h, transforming clinically actionable point-of-care (POC) management of drug-resistant bloodstream infections.

Injectable hydrogel microsphere orchestrates immune regulation and bone regeneration via sustained release of calcitriol

Repairing bone defects in inflammatory conditions remains a significant clinical challenge. An ideal scaffold material for such situations should enable minimally invasive implantation and integrate capabilities for immunomodulation, anti-infection therapy, and enhanced bone regeneration. In this study, we developed injectable calcitriol@polydopamine@gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel microspheres (CAL@PDA@GMs) using microfluidic technology. This system facilitates the sustained release of calcitriol, which features excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, promotes osteogenesis, scavenges excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), and induces the polarization of macrophages from the M1 to M2 phenotype, thereby mitigating lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation. These mechanisms work synergistically to create an optimal immune microenvironment for bone regeneration in inflammatory conditions. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analyses revealed that immunomodulation is achieved by regulating macrophage phenotypes, inhibiting the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and ROS signaling pathways, and reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study proposes a novel method to enhance tissue regeneration by remediating the damaged tissue microenvironment and presents a potential clinical therapeutic strategy for large-scale bone injuries.

An approach to predict and inhibit Amyloid Beta dimerization pattern in Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the leading neurodegenerative diseases that affect the human population. Several hypotheses are in the pipeline to establish the commencement of this disease; however, the amyloid hypothesis is one of the most widely accepted ones. Amyloid plaques are rich in Amyloid Beta (Aβ) proteins, which are found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. They are the spliced product of a transmembrane protein called Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP); when they enter into the amylogenic pathway, they get cleaved simultaneously by Beta and Gamma Secretase and produce Aβ protein. Appearances of Amyloid plaques are the significant clinical hallmarks of this disease. AD is mainly present in two genetically distinct forms; sporadic and familial AD. Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease (sAD) is marked by a later clinical onset of the disease, whereas, familial Alzheimer's Disease (fAD) is an early onset of the disease with mendelian inheritance. Several mutations have been clinically reported in the last decades that have shown a direct link with fAD. Many of those mutations are reported to be present in the APP. In this study, we selected a few significant mutations present in the Aβ stretch of the APP and tried to differentiate the wild-type Aβ dimers formed in sAD and the mutant dimers formed in fAD through molecular modelling as there are no structures available from wet-lab studies till date. We analysed the binding interactions leading to formations of the dimers. Our next aim was to come up with a solution to treat AD using the method of drug repurposing. For that we used virtual screening and molecular docking simulations of the already existing anti-inflammatory drugs and studied their potency in resisting the formation of Aβ dimers. This is the first such report of drug repurposing for the treatment of AD, which might pave new pathways in therapy.

Structural and functional properties of common natural organic cations

BACKGROUND

Natural products have emerged as a critical focus in modern scientific research due to their structural diversity and therapeutic potential. Among these are natural organic cations-a distinct class of nitrogen- and oxygen-containing compounds. Despite their pharmacological relevance, the literature lacks a systematic synthesis of structure-activity relationships for natural organic cations (NOC). This gap hinders the rational development of NOC-based therapies as sustainable alternatives to synthetic compounds.

METHODS

Literature was searched and collected using databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The search terms used included "natural organic cation", "alkaloid", "anthocyanin", "structure-activity relationship", "charge interaction", "π-cation interaction", "biological activity", "antimicrobial", "antioxidant", "anticancer", "neuroprotection", "anti-inflammatory", "berberine", "coptisine", "palmatine", "cyanidin", "delphinidin", "pelargonidin", "free radical scavenging", "gut microbiota metabolism", "NF-κB pathway", "G-quadruplex DNA", "isoquinoline alkaloid", "protoberberine", "benzophenanthridine", "planar conjugated system", "charge delocalization", "methylenedioxy group", and several combinations of these words.

RESULTS

The bioactivity of NOC is underestimated. This review uncovers the structure-activity relationships of NOC. Firstly, planar conjugated systems and substituents control target binding: N⁺ in alkaloids enhances DNA/protein affinity, while O⁺ in anthocyanins enables free radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition. Secondly, cationic species outperform neutral analogs in antimicrobial potency, antioxidant capacity, and target selectivity. NOC bind to biomolecules via π-cation/π-π stacking and electrostatic binding. Charge localization in conjugated systems enhances stability and bioactivity.

CONCLUSION

This review consolidates evidence that NOC represent promising candidates for replacing synthetic compounds in therapies for cancer, neurodegeneration, metabolic disorders, etc. Key findings highlight the superiority of cationic species in target engagement and bioactivity, driven by planar conjugated systems and substituent effects. However, clinical translation requires addressing gaps in bioavailability and long-term safety. Future research must prioritize structural optimization and mechanistic validation. By bridging these gaps, NOC could advance as sustainable, low-toxicity agents in precision medicine and functional nutrition.

Albumin-seeking NIR dyes for high-sensitive imaging of glomerular filtration barrier breakdown

The kidney, vital for metabolic balance, faces risks of severe diseases if dysfunctional. The glomerular filtration barrier (GFB), crucial for blood filtration, disrupts in conditions like diabetic nephropathy or nephritides, resulting in proteinuria or even renal failure. Monitoring GFB integrity is essential for early diagnosis or prognostic monitoring. However, current methods lack effective contrast agents for precise, non-invasive GFB imaging. As near-infrared-II (NIR-II) imaging offers promising imaging quality due to its deep tissue penetration and high resolution/contrast while albumin servers as an efficient biomarker for GFB disruption, developing NIR-II dyes with inherent albumin-targeting moiety, will provide real-time imaging of GFB disruption. Here, we adopt albumin-seeking cyanine dye to high-resolution image endogenous albumin in mouse models, facilitating detecting even mild disruptions with trace proteinuria. Notably, our strategy can determine albuminuria by real time imaging without the need to collect urine. Albumin-seeking dyes also enable fast and accurate quantitative measurement of microalbuminuria from patients. These dyes could revolutionize diagnostics, offering rapid, sensitive in vivo imaging of microalbuminuria and diverse clinical applications.

Porcine pericardium crosslinked with POSS-PEG-CHO possesses weakened immunogenicity and anti-calcification property

Valvular heart disease (VHD) poses a thorny problem in cardiovascular diseases. The most effective treatment for VHD is heart valve replacement. Biological heart valve (BHV) is more favored than mechanical heart valve due to the maturity of transcatheter heart valve replacement (THVR) and the absence of the need for lifelong anticoagulant use. However, traditional commercial BHV suffers degeneration within 10-15 years because of calcification caused by the cross-linking reagent, glutaraldehyde. Considering the remarkable properties of POSS, PEG, and the star-like eight-arm structure, we fabricated POSS-PEG-PP, which is a decellularized porcine pericardium (DPP) crosslinked by a star-like eight-arm cross-linker octafunctionalized POSS of benzaldehyde-terminated polyethylene glycol (POSS-PEG-CHO) based on the Schiff's base reaction. POSS-PEG-PP exhibits more intense fiber arrangement and better mechanical properties than GLUT-PP (glutaraldehyde crosslinked DPP). The results also show that the cytocompatibility, endothelialization, and hemocompatibility of POSS-PEG-PP are outstanding in vitro. Subsequently, in vivo assessments demonstrate that POSS-PEG-PP has anti-inflammatory and anti-calcification abilities. Furthermore, RNA sequencing analysis of subcutaneous implants suggests that the intervention of AMPK and IL-17 signaling pathways plays an important role in the inflammatory and immune responses regulation of POSS-PEG-PP. Therefore, POSS-PEG-PP is an excellent substitute material for BHVs and is expected to be clinically transformed.

Diverse effects of Bacillus sp. NYG5-emitted volatile organic compounds on plant growth, rhizosphere microbiome, and soil chemistry

Bacterial strains in the rhizosphere secrete volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that play critical roles in inter- and intra-kingdom signaling, influencing both microbe-microbe and microbe-plant interactions. In this study we evaluated the plant growth-promoting effects of VOCs emitted by Bacillus sp. NYG5 on Arabidopsis thaliana, Nicotiana tabacum, and Cucumis sativus, focusing on VOC-induced alterations in plant metabolic pathways, rhizosphere microbial communities, and soil chemical properties. NYG5 VOCs enhanced plant biomass across all tested species and induced significant shifts in rhizosphere microbial community composition, specifically increasing relative abundance of Gammaproteobacteria and reducing Deltaproteobacteria (Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size, p < 0.05). Soil analysis revealed a considerable reduction in humic substance concentrations following VOCs exposure, as detected by fluorescent spectral analysis. Using SPME-GC-MS, several novel VOCs were identified, some of which directly promoted plant growth. Transcriptomic analysis of N. tabacum exposed to NYG5 VOCs demonstrated activation of pathways related to phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, sugar metabolism, and hormone signal transduction. Within the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, a significant upregulation (p adj = 1.16e-14) of caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase was observed, a key enzyme leading to lignin and suberin monomer biosynthesis. These results highlight the complex mechanisms through which bacterial VOCs influence plant growth, including metabolic modulation, rhizosphere microbiome restructuring, and soil chemical changes. Collectively, this study highlights the pivotal role of bacterial VOCs in shaping plant-microbe-soil interactions.

SP110 Could be Used as a Potential Predictive and Therapeutic Biomarker for Oral Cancer

The morbidity of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been rising year after year, making it a major global health issue. But the molecular pathogenesis of OSCC is currently unclear. To study the potential pathogenesis of OSCC, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened, and multiple databases were used to perform the tumor stage, expression, prognosis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, modules, and the functional enrichment analysis. Moreover, we have identified SP110 as the key candidate gene and conducted various analyses on it using multiple databases. The research indicated that there were 211 common DEGs, and they were enriched in various GO terms and pathways. Meanwhile, one DEG is significantly related to short disease-free survival, four are associated with overall survival, and 12 DEGs have close ties with tumor staging. Additionally, the SP110 is significantly associated with methylation level, HPV status, tumor staging, gender, race, tumor grade, age, and overall/disease-free survival of oral cancer patients, as well as the immune process. The copy number variation of SP110 significantly affected the abundance of immune infiltration. Therefore, we speculate that SP110 could be used as the diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker for OSCC, and can help to further understand oral carcinogenesis.

Selective crystallization of pyrazinamide polymorphs in supramolecular gels: Synergistic selectivity by mimetic gelator and solvent

A mimetic gelator designed to incorporate the chemical structure of pyrazinamide (PZA), a highly polymorphic drug, has been synthesized. Metastable Forms β and δ of PZA were obtained from supramolecular gel phase crystallization in nitrobenzene and DMSO, respectively, using a bis(urea) gelator designed to mimic the structure of PZA. This is the only known way to access the pure Form β at room temperature. In contrast, concomitant crystallization of a mixture of metastable polymorphs and the most thermodynamically stable form were obtained from solution crystallization. By analyzing the intermolecular interactions of PZA in the mimetic gel phase crystallization, it is proposed that the mimetic gelator and solvent can influence the nucleation behavior by close interaction with the carbonyl group to select PZA Forms β and δ.

Directional regulation of one-dimensional channel length in metal-organic frameworks for efficient xylene isomer separation in gas chromatography

The separation of xylene isomers in capillary gas chromatography (GC) is essential and a significant challenge in analytical chemistry. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), as emerging porous materials, exhibit great potential for separation applications. However, the effective utilization of MOF-based stationary phases in GC is heavily constrained by their morphology and particle size. Larger particles lead to uneven coating on the inner wall of chromatographic columns, reducing the mass transfer efficiency and diffusion of analytes, which severely compromises chromatographic separation performance. Reducing the channel length of the MOFs are crucial methods for the development of GC stationary phases. In this study, by optimizing the amount of pyridine modulator, we successfully reduced the length of the MOF-74 nanorods, subsequently reduced the one-dimensional channel length in MOF-74. Compared to the longer hexagonal-shaped MOF-74-1, the nano-MOF-74-3 stationary phase showed a more uniform deposition on the inner wall of the capillary column. The MOF-74-3 column provided high separation performance for xylene isomers, achieving a separation factor of 6.11 for pX/oX, which outperformed both MOF-74-1 and commercial columns such as HP-5MS and VF-WAXMS. The MOF-74-3 column demonstrated excellent separation performance after five injections of xylene isomers, indicating good reproducibility in the separation process. The xylene molecules exhibited a smaller mass transfer coefficient and faster diffusion in nano-MOF-74-3 than in MOF-74-1 column, effectively reducing chromatographic peak tailing. Moreover, the MOF-74-3 column also provided baseline separation for various alkane isomers and substituted benzene isomers. This work successfully decreased the aspect ratio of MOF-74-1 and MOF-74-3 from 2.6 to 1.1 through the addition of pyridine. The high-efficiency MOF-74-3 separation column achieved high-resolution separation of xylene isomers, alkane isomers, and substituted benzene isomers. This method offerd a new direction for the design of high-resolution stationary phases, which were essential for advancing GC-based analytical methods.

MOF-based nanomaterials for advanced aqueous-ion batteries

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)-based nanomaterials have great potential in the field of electrochemical energy storage due to their abundant pore size, high specific surface area, controllable structure and porosity, and homogeneous metal center. MOFs complexes and derivatives not only inherit the original morphology characteristics of MOFs but also provide excellent electrochemical performance. Batteries operating in aqueous electrolytes are cheaper, safer, and have higher ionic conductivity than those operating in conventional organic electrolytes. Therefore, it is useful to summarize the MOFs that should be used for aqueous electrochemical energy storage devices. This manuscript firstly introduces the composition and energy storage mechanism of aqueous Li/Na/Zn ion batteries. In addition, a detailed review of the development of MOFs-based nanomaterials and their commonly used characterization under aqueous conditions is presented. The relationship between the structure and composites of MOFs-based nanomaterials and electrochemical performance is highlighted. The applications of MOFs composites in aqueous batteries in terms of electrode materials and electrolytes are presented and summarized. Finally, research directions and perspectives for MOFs-based nanomaterials in advanced aqueous batteries are presented.

Emerging heterostructures derived from metal-organic frameworks for electrochemical energy storage: Progresses and perspectives

Heterostructures are a novel class of advanced materials have attracted considerable attention because they combine components with different structures and properties, exhibiting unique activity and function due to synergistic interactions at the interface. Over the last decade, there has been increasing research interest in constructing advanced heterostructures nanomaterials possessing efficient charge/ion transportation, optimize ion absorption behavior and rich accessible active sites for electrochemical energy storage (EES). Nonetheless, the conventional methodology for constructing heterostructures typically involves the self-assembly of active materials and conductive components, which poses significant challenges in achieving large-scale, uniformly atomically matched interfaces. Moreover, the development of heterostructures via transformation of the printine material into distinct phases can effectively address this limitation. Based on this, Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a class of porous materials with an inherently large surface area, uniform and adjustable cavities, and customizable chemical properties, have been widely used as precursors or templates for the preparation of heterostructure materials. Although there are some previous reviews on MOF-derived heterostructures for EES, they rarely focus on the structural engineering of MOF-derived heterostructures materials and their advanced characterization for EES. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent progress in the design and structural engineering (including morphology engineering, heteroatom doping, and defect engineering) of MOF-derived heterostructures and their applications in EES (e.g., supercapacitors, lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, aluminum-ion batteries, aqueous Zn-ion batteries, etc.). The review concludes with a perspective on the remaining challenges and potential opportunities for future research.

Self-supplying of hydrogen peroxide nanozyme-based colorimetric sensing array as electronic tongue for biothiol detection and disease discrimination

Developing a highly reliably and sensitive nanozyme-based colorimetric sensor array for biothiols analysis is critical owing to they play an essential role in diagnosing disease. The required procedure of introducing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) directly into the colorimetric reaction systems in traditional biothiols array analysis limits its applicability due to its poor stability and inhibition in biomolecular activity by using the high-concentration H2O2. Herein, we carried out a "green" and convenient approach to propose for the biothiol detection and disease discrimination through nanozymes-based colorimetric sensor technique without adding the high-concentration H2O2 for the first time. The copper peroxide nanodots (CPNs) and graphene oxide (GO) modified CPNs (GO@CPNs) are as sensing units to release H2O2 and Cu2+ under acidic conditions, which triggered a Fenton-like reaction, generating hydroxyl radical (•OH) to oxidize 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) accompanied by a change in TMB color from colorless to blue. Due to the synergistic effect of Cu2+ and GO, GO@CPNs showed increased the activity of peroxidase-like compared to CPNs. Therefore, the catalytic abilities of nanozymes-based colorimetric sensing array were inhibited to different degrees by different biothiols (i.e., glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy)) with a detection limit of 50 nM, which could be precisely distinguished by using pattern recognition method. Besides, the detection of a single biothiol at different concentrations and mixtures of biothiols has also been achieved. Moreover, the real biological samples (cells and human serum) can be accurately discriminated through array method, which demonstrated its potential application of medical diagnosis.

Development of the alginate-gelatin-based biosensor for quick B. subtilis detection in foods

This study introduces a biosensor system designed for the rapid and specific detection of Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) in various food matrices, addressing the critical need for enhanced food safety measures. Recognizing the global prevalence of foodborne illnesses and the role of B. subtilis as a contributor, this research focused on developing a sensor capable of operating effectively in complex food environments such as rice and milk. The biosensor, utilizing an alginate-gelatin layer, demonstrated a high degree of specificity and sensitivity, distinguishing B. subtilis from other common foodborne pathogens like Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis), Bacillus cereus (B. cereus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Through rigorous testing, the biosensor showed a distinct and rapid response to B. subtilis, even at lower bacterial concentrations, highlighting its potential for early detection of contamination. The study also explored the sensor's response across different food types, revealing the influence of food composition on pathogen detection efficacy. The results confirmed the biosensor's capability to adapt to varying food matrices, maintaining accuracy and reliability. This research contributes to the field of food safety, offering a practical solution for timely pathogen detection. The development of this biosensor represents a step forward in ensuring food quality and public health, providing a tool for the food industry to identify and mitigate potential contamination risks rapidly. These findings provide a foundation for the development of advanced on-site testing technologies, potentially enhancing food safety protocols and practices.

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system based on protein hydrogel anti-biofouling coating for long-term accurate and point-of-care glucose monitoring

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) device was a kind of based on flexible electrode interstitial fluid (ISF) implantation that used electrochemical methods to track blood glucose fluctuations, which made continuous real-time glucose monitoring and personalized blood glucose management increasingly possible. However, when the electrode of CGM in the body fluid environment for a long time, the occurrence of bio-fouling will lead to CGM signal deviation, service life reduction, accuracy decline and other problems. Therefore, in this paper, we constructed a new strategy that provided a well-defined, anti-biofilm coating based and integrated smartphone-controlled wearable microneedle system CGM (acCGM) that can significantly improve accuracy during use and potentially extend service life. In vivo ISF blood glucose monitoring experiment, compared with the commercial blood glucose meter, the acCGM system can accurately monitor the blood glucose level of healthy rats for 21 days. Comparing the two kinds of CGM, it can be found that the MARD of coated CGM within 21 days was 9.69%, and that of uncoated CGM was 16.75%, indicating that the coating had a more obvious anti-biofouling effect. Notably, at 14-21 days after implantation, the MARD of the CGM with the anti-biofouling coating remained at 11.67%, indicating that the acCGM also had the potential to work longer. In addition, the acCGM system with anti-biofouling coating also offered low cost, biosafety, high accuracy and no need for manual calibration.

Thermodynamically driven reconstruction of a block metal-organic framework into a sea-urchin-like metal-organic framework superstructure and derivation of CoNC nanofiber catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction

Fabrication of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) or carbon-based materials with unique morphologies, such as one-dimensional (1D) nanofibers, is critical for energy storage and conversion applications because of their high surface area and efficient electron transport. This study presents a thermodynamically driven reconstruction strategy for the synthesis of sea-urchin-like MOF superstructures. Through this method, MOF block crystals are transformed into a pure-phase, sea-urchin-like superstructure comprising long, ultrathin, uniform MOF nanofibers. This evolution process involves reorganization of the coordination mode between ligands and metal centers, leading to reconstruction of the crystal structure. Detailed investigation into the evolution process demonstrate that the addition of urea can substantially expedite the reconstruction process. The free energy difference serves as the driving force of evolution from the initial kinetic intermediate state to the final thermodynamically stable state. Owing to the special nanofiber morphology, the derived Co- and N-codoped carbon nanofibers (Co-N-CNFs) offer exceptional advantages in boosting the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance and are considerably superior to block-like CoNC electrocatalysts in terms of half-wave potential, stability, and durability. Zn-air battery test results confirm the remarkable ORR performance in practical applications, demonstrating the application potential of this new electrocatalyst for ORR. The proposed MOF reconstruction strategy offers a new pathway for synthesizing functional MOFs or their derivatives with 1D or other types of morphologies.

Enhanced anticancer effect of carfilzomib by codelivery of calcium peroxide nanoparticles targeting endoplasmic reticulum stress

Encouraged by the clinical success of proteasome inhibitors treating hematological malignancy, continuous efforts are being made to improve their efficacy and expand their applications to solid tumor therapy. In this study, liposomes were used to encapsulate the proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib (CFZ) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) nanoparticles for effective combination therapy targeting the interplay between calcium overload and oxidative stress. Low-dose CaO2 synergistically enhances the anticancer effect of CFZ in the human glioblastoma U-87 MG cells. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and glutathione depletion by low-dose CaO2 complement CFZ-induced ubiquitinated protein accumulation further triggering endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress leading to calcium overload and mitochondrial dysfunction. The liposome-based codelivery system is capable of transporting CFZ and CaO2 simultaneously to the tumor, and results in a superior antitumor effect in U-87 MG tumor-bearing mice compared with monotherapy. Taken together, CaO2 holds great potential to sensitize proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of solid tumors, and this work also presents a new combination therapy strategy targeting the crosstalk between proteasome inhibitors and oxidative stress for future cancer therapy.

Enhancing clinical precision in lung cancer tissue biopsy through elevated response-threshold of an endoplasmic reticulum-targeted fluorogenic probe

Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of mortality globally, posing a significant public health concern. Fluorescent-mediated tumor imaging is emerging as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic approach in clinical practice. Nevertheless, traditional probes lack accuracy in diagnosing tumors due to the overlap in baseline values of certain tumor biomarkers between normal and tumor cells as both exhibit turn-on fluorescence, rendering it impossible to distinguish tumor tissue from normal tissue with high resolution. We introduce a sensing strategy that constructs a probe with an elevated biomarker response-threshold and targeting ability for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), enabling precise distinction between tumor and normal cells, and successfully develop such a probe. Elevating the response-threshold is advantageous in minimizing interference from baseline values of biomarkers in normal cells. Additionally, targeting the ER ensures that the probe's response range is consistent with the biomarker content in the ER, collectively enhancing differentiation between normal and cancer cells. Using this novel probe, a distinct bright fluorescence signal from tumors could be observed in confocal imaging of tumor tissues from tumor-bearing mice after intravenous injection, in stark contrast to the limited fluorescence emanating from normal tissues. Furthermore, this probe demonstrated exceptional precision in distinguishing clinical lung cancer tissue from para-cancer tissue. This work presents a more reliable tumor detection strategy, capable of accurate diagnosis even when the biomarker is highly expressed in both normal and tumor tissues. It promises to be a valuable tool for future clinical applications, particularly in intraoperative assisted resection.

UV-induced plasma welding and interface customization strategy of cellulose nanofiber/silver nanowire composite electrode for advanced flexible photoelectric applications

Significant advancements in flexible photoelectric devices have been achieved through extensive research on flexible transparent conductive electrodes (FTCEs) based on silver nanowires (AgNWs). However, two key challenges that need to be addressed are the high contact resistance of AgNWs and poor interface adhesion between AgNWs and the flexible substrate. In this study, we present a composite electrode comprising polydopamine-grafted cellulose nanofibers (PDA-TCNF) and AgNWs, fabricated through an interface customization strategy combined with UV-induced plasma welding. To enhance interfacial crosslinking, N, N-bis(acryloyl)cysteamine (BACA) was introduced as a surface adsorbate for AgNWs. The composite electrode exhibited rapid plasma welding of AgNWs under low-intensity UV irradiation. The optimized PDA-TCNF/AgNW-S/3 electrode demonstrated a sheet resistance of 7.26 Ω sq.-1 with a remarkable light transmittance of 85.7 %. The interface customization strategy facilitated enhanced diffusion of silver atoms at AgNW junctions during UV-induced heating, thereby strengthening their welding capability. These electrodes serve as high-performance FTCEs for electroluminescent devices and transparent electric heaters. Our work proposes a simple method to fabricate superior FTCEs by integrating nanocellulose with AgNWs, offering a promising environmentally friendly material for flexible optoelectronic applications.

Pioneer in Molecular Biology: Conformational Ensembles in Molecular Recognition, Allostery, and Cell Function

In 1978, for my PhD, I developed the efficient O(n3) dynamic programming algorithm for the-then open problem of RNA secondary structure prediction. This algorithm, now dubbed the "Nussinov algorithm", "Nussinov plots", and "Nussinov diagrams", is still taught across Europe and the U.S. As sequences started coming out in the 1980s, I started seeking genome-encoded functional signals, later becoming a bioinformatics trend. In the early 1990s I transited to proteins, co-developing a powerful computer vision-based docking algorithm. In the late 1990s, I proposed the foundational role of conformational ensembles in molecular recognition and allostery. At the time, conformational ensembles and free energy landscapes were viewed as physical properties of proteins but were not associated with function. The classical view of molecular recognition and binding was based on only two conformations captured by crystallography: open and closed. I proposed that all conformational states preexist. Proteins always have not one folded form-nor two-but many folded forms. Thus, rather than inducing fit, binding can work by shifting the ensembles between states, and this shifting, or redistributing the ensembles to maintain equilibrium, is the origin of the allosteric effect and protein, thus cell, function. This transformative paradigm impacted community views in allosteric drug design, catalysis, and regulation. Dynamic conformational ensemble shifts are now acknowledged as the origin of recognition, allostery, and signaling, underscoring that conformational ensembles-not proteins-are the workhorses of the cell, pioneering the fundamental idea that dynamic ensembles are the driving force behind cellular processes. Nussinov was recognized as pioneer in molecular biology by JMB.

Noncovalent interactions: An emerging focal point in stereoselective catalytic carbohydrate synthesis

The incorporation of frontier synthetic concepts into stereoselective carbohydrate synthesis is gaining significant traction. In the last five years, there are increasing reports documenting that the consideration of weak non-covalent interactions (NCIs) constitutes a vital factor in steering the anomeric and site-selectivity, as well as in activating difficult glycosylations. In light of blossoming developments on this front, we present a brief overview of recent case studies that involve the harnessing of hydrogen bonding (HB), halogen bonding (XB), chalcogen bonding (ChB) and π-interactions. These NCIs represent a considerable palette of classical/non-classical weak interactions that is of current interest to the broad synthesis community. Significantly, a close mechanistic analysis often revealed that NCIs were instrumental in dictating the final stereoselectivity outcome of many glycosylation pathways. We are optimistic that by expanding the focal point from purely glycosyl substrate modifications towards tweaking catalytic NCIs at the supramolecular level of chemical glycosylations, this emerging concept offers new levers of stereoselectivity control beyond classical stereoelectronic and steric considerations.

Synthesis of 2-amino-imidazolium glycosides as precursors for novel chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes

Synthesis of novel 2-amino-imidazolium glycosides in two steps from readily available tri-O-benzyl-d-glucal has been reported. Tri-O-benzyl-d-glucal was initially converted into 1,2-dideoxy-2-iodo-1-N-(p-toluenesulfonamido)-d-glucose following the procedure developed in our lab earlier, which on refluxing with various N-substituted imidazoles in acetonitrile resulted in a facile formation of 2-amino-imidazolium glycosides in excellent yields. The synthesis involves an initial formation of an unstable C1-C2 aziridine ring which was followed by stereoselective attack of substituted imidazoles at the C1 position to afford 2-amino- imidazolium glycosides that also results in the transposition of amino group from C1 to C2 position. The reaction proceeds without the need of any activator; works with equal ease in presence of a variety of N-substituted imidazoles and the products could be obtained in pure form through multiple crystallization without the need for column chromatography. N-Heterocyclic carbenes derived from these 2-amino-imidazolium glycosides may find applications as new catalysts for enantioselective organic transformations.

An electrochemiluminescence biosensor based on metal porphyrin luminophore and covalent organic framework for the sensitive detection of ctDNA in non-small cell lung cancer

The development of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors for the sensitive detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) offers a promising approach for early diagnosis; however, the lack of robust and efficient luminophore remains a key limitation to the analytical performance of ECL sensors. Herein, a ECL biosensor is developed using a novel His@ZIF-8/Fe-TCPP (HZTCP) luminophore for the sensitive detection of NSCLC-related ctDNA. The HZTCP luminophore, synthesized using a histidine imidazole framework (His@ZIF-8) as the precursor and tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin ferric chloride (Fe-TCPP) as the luminescent ligand, integrates the photoelectrochemical activity of porphyrin with the porous structure of the MOF, achieving excellent ECL performance. In addition, polyethyleneimine and gold nanoparticle-functionalized covalent organic frameworks (P-COF-AuNPs) serve as interfacial materials to significantly enhance the effective area and conductivity of the sensing interface, increase the solid-state loading of the capture probe, and improve the biosensor's sensitivity. The ECL biosensor achieves a wide detection range of 1 fM to 100 nM with a limit of detection of 0.35 fM, enabling the differentiation of NSCLC patients from healthy individuals through ctDNA detection. This work provides a straightforward approach for designing efficient ECL luminophores and presents a promising method for the rapid detection of non-small cell lung cancer-related ctDNA.

Tannic acid coating modification of polypropylene providing pH-responsive antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties applicable to ostomy patches

We report highly efficient, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pH-responsive antibacterial coatings developed via direct assembly of a nature compound tannic acid (TA) with the cationic antibiotic quaternized polyethyleneimine (QPEI). The surface of polypropylene was modified with these coatings. Under acidic conditions, the coatings significantly enhanced the antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the antibacterial rate reached more than 90 %. The free radical scavenging rate could exceed 91 %. Thus, the excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) could be cleared, and the oxidative stress production could be significantly reduced. In vitro anti-inflammatory experiments revealed that the coatings significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 and promoted the release of IL-10. These results indicated the excellent anti-inflammatory effects of the coatings. In vivo experiments revealed that the coatings could rapidly achieve bactericidal effects and subsequently prevent inflammatory reactions, thereby inhibiting the generation of fibrosis. Through molecular docking simulation experiments, the mechanism of LBL self-assembly between QPEI and TA components has been clarified for the first time. By designing the surface coating of a material and combining it with bioactive components, multiple functions could be achieved to meet the clinical needs of stoma patches and promote the development of medical materials.

Advances in innovative extraction techniques for polysaccharides, peptides, and polyphenols from distillery by-products: Common extraction techniques, emerging technologies, and AI-driven optimization

Distillery by-products, such as distillers' grains, stillage, and vinasse, are rich in organic compounds and offer immense potential for the recovery of bioactive substances, including polysaccharides, peptides, and polyphenols. The effective utilization of these by-products is critical for achieving long-term sustainability in the distillery sector. This review highlights advancements in extraction techniques, focusing on enzymatic, ultrasound-assisted, and microwave-assisted methods while also exploring emerging approaches such as supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, pulse electric field, and synthetic biology. These innovative techniques address the limitations of traditional methods by improving extraction yields, reducing processing times, and enhancing sustainability. Additionally, the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence is discussed as a promising avenue for optimizing extraction parameters and scaling up processes. By evaluating recent achievements and identifying new opportunities, this study aims to promote sustainable practices in the distillery industry, emphasizing economic feasibility, environmental impacts, and resource optimization for value-added product development.

Voltammetric analysis of glycoproteins containing sialylated and neutral glycans at pyrolytic graphite electrode

Recently, it was described that neutral glycans can be distinguished from those containing sialic acid at the mercury electrode after modification with osmium(VI) N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (Os(VI)tem). Our work shows the possibility of studying glycans and glycoproteins at pyrolytic graphite electrodes depending on thepresence of sialic acid. Short glycans, glycans released from glycoproteins, and glycoproteins themselves yielded similar voltammetric responses after their modification by Os(VI)tem. Os(VI)tem modified glycans and glycoproteins produced acouple of cathodic and anodic peaks. Changing peak heights and potentials of glycans and glycoproteins pointed out the presence of sialic acid. These findings could be utilized to improve glycoprotein sensing by chemical modification.

Bioactive microspheres to enhance sonodynamic-embolization-metalloimmune therapy for orthotopic liver cancer

The development of novel microspheres for the combination of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with transarterial embolization (TAE) therapy to amplify their efficacy has received increasing attention. Herein, a novel strategy for encapsulating sonosensitizers (e.g., oxygen-deficient manganese tungstate (MnWOX) nanodots) with gelatin microspheres was proposed. The obtained MnWOX-encapsulated microspheres (abbr. Mn-GMSs) facilitated efficient sonodynamic-embolization-metalloimmune therapy via the immune effects of metal ions on orthotopic liver cancer tumor after transarterial embolization (TAE). Due to the strong cavitation effect caused by the porous structure, Mn-GMSs exhibited a greater reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation rate than the free MnWOX nanodots under US irradiation. Efficient SDT revealed robust cell-killing effects and triggered strong immunogenic cell death (ICD). Moreover, the Mn ions released from the bioactive Mn-GMSs further stimulated the dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and triggered the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway to enhance the immunological effect. Thus, Mn-GMSs achieved significant SDT therapeutic outcomes in H22 tumors in mice, and the combination of the Mn-GMSs triggered SDT with programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies could further enhance therapeutic outcomes. The Mn-GMSs exhibited high ROS generation efficacy under US irradiation, significant immune activation, good efficacy in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitor, and great potential for artery embolization-assisted drug delivery, thus enabling effective destruction of liver tumors in rats and rabbits. Therefore, this work provides a strategy for applying SDT in deep tumors and highlights a promising sonodynamic-embolization therapy for combating liver cancers.

An all-in-one PEGylated NIR-II conjugated polymer for high-resolution blood circulation imaging and photothermal immunotherapy

Fluorescence imaging in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II) has shown tremendous potential for in vivo monitoring of biological processes, offering high spatial resolution and real-time imaging capabilities. Conjugated polymers, commonly used as photothermal agents (PTAs) in photothermal therapy, have emerged as promising candidates for NIR-II imaging. However, their imaging efficiency is compromised by aggregation, which arises from strong π-π stacking interactions between their extended π-conjugated backbones. In this work, we designed a novel conjugated polymer (CP) and developed an integrated nanoplatform (CPN-PEGnk, n = 2 or 5) through PEGylation. Notably, CPN-PEG5k exhibited a red-shift in NIR absorption along with a marked increase in NIR-II fluorescence intensity (2.97 folds greater) compared to physically encapsulated nanoparticles (F127@CPN). Furthermore, CPN-PEG5k retained a remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 58.6%. The exceptional NIR-II imaging performance of CPN-PEG5k was validated in detailed blood circulation imaging in mice, with a signal-to-background ratio of 8.9. In addition, in a breast cancer mouse model, CPN-PEG5k successfully eradicated tumors and stimulated immune responses, effectively suppressing tumor progression and metastasis. These findings underscore the potential of CPN-PEG5k in advancing conjugated polymer applications for NIR-II imaging.

Multifunctional dopamine-modified conjugated polymer nanoparticles for ultrasensitive immunoassays

The development of simple and ultrasensitive immunoassays is critical for the early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The efficient integration of amplification strategies with highly sensitive detection probes plays a key role in boosting the ultrasensitive immunoassays. In this paper, we report a multifunctional and integrated dopamine-modified conjugated polymer nanoparticle (DA-CPN) probe prepared by a one-step nanoprecipitation method for ultrasensitive immunoassay. The multifunctional DA-CPNs fully integrate the unique properties of dopamine and fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles, while possessing three key capabilities. 1, DA-CPNs can be rapidly deposited onto adjacent proteins catalysed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) labelled in the detection antibody in a sandwich immunoassay. 2, DA-CPNs undergo self-polymerization simultaneously, resulting in the assembly of large numbers of CPNs and thereby amplifying the detection signal. 3, CPNs possess excellent fluorescence brightness and strong photobleaching resistance, further enhancing the sensitivity of fluorescence immunoassays while simplifying the experimental procedure. Using carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA) as a model, the proposed method demonstrated a wide linear range spanning five orders of magnitude and an exceptional sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.39 fg/mL. Therefore, this study based on DA-CPNs provides a versatile and highly promising platform for the ultrasensitive immunoassays and in vitro diagnosis of diseases.

Biomimetic mineralization effect of a self-etch adhesive loaded with amorphous fluorinated calcium phosphate nanoparticles

OBJECTIVES

The study investigated the biomimetic mineralization effect of a self-etch adhesive loaded with amorphous fluorinated calcium phosphate (AFCP) nanoparticles.

METHODS

In this study, fluoride was applied to synthesize AFCP nanoparticles, which were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscope, selected area electron diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the self-etch adhesive (Clearfil S3 Bond) was mixed throughly with 20 wt% of AFCP. The single-layer reconstituted collagen fibrils and demineralized dentin were used to investigate the mineralization effects of AFCP nanoparticles as well as Clearfil S3 Bond loaded with AFCP. Moreover, the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was conducted to evaluate the cytotoxicity of AFCP-loaded adhesive.

RESULTS

The AFCP nanoparticles were successfully synthesized and characterized as an amorphous phase, which demonstrated better effectiveness in collagen fibril mineralization compared to amorphous calcium phosphate nanoparticles. Both AFCP nanoparticles and adhesive loaded with AFCP induced intrafibrillar mineralization of single-layer collagen fibrils. The incorporation of AFCP nanoparticles into adhesive led to the formation of remineralized crystals within the demineralized dentin. Moreover, cytotoxicity tests confirmed the biocompatibility of the AFCP-loaded adhesive.

CONCLUSIONS

The incorporation of AFCP nanoparticles into the self-etch adhesive facilitated collagen fibril mineralization and remineralization of demineralized dentin.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Incorporating fluoride, a commonly used anti-caries element, into the self-etch adhesive in the form of AFCP nanoparticles enables its biomimetic mineralization in restorative treatments, presenting a potential approach for developing a novel adhesive system to prevent dental caries clinically.

Paving the way for bacteria-based drug delivery: biohybrid microrobots emerging from microrobotics and synthetic biology

Advances in microrobotics and synthetic biology are paving the way for innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in drug delivery. Both fields have independently worked on engineering bacteria as a therapeutic system, focusing on enhancing propulsion, cargo delivery, detection, and biocompatibility. Bacteria, with their inherent adaptability and functional versatility, serve as an ideal foundation for these efforts, enabling them to navigate complex biological environments such as the human body. This review explores the convergence of microrobotics and synthetic biology, which has catalysed the development of biohybrid bacterial microrobots that integrate the strengths of both disciplines. By incorporating external control modalities - such as light, ultrasound, and magnetic fields - these hybrid systems address the limitations of purely microrobotic or biological approaches, offering new opportunities to enhance precision and efficacy in targeted therapies. However, realising the full potential of biohybrid bacterial microrobots requires overcoming critical challenges, such as ensuring compatibility between biological and synthetic components, scaling manufacturing processes, and defining regulatory pathways tailored to living therapeutics. Addressing these hurdles through joint, interdisciplinary research efforts, can unlock the transformative possibilities of these systems in modern medicine.

Design and synthesis of pyridopyrimidines targeting NEK6 kinase

We designed a series of pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives based on the structure of the NEK6 kinase inhibitor, compound 21 (2-amino-5-phenyl-5,11-dihydro-3H-indeno[2',1':5,6]pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4,6-dione), which share the same heterocyclic core. Chemical modifications, aimed at altering the molecular planarity of 21 to enhance water solubility, were guided by receptor-based ligand design and further supported by molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and free energy perturbation calculations. Our results indicate that disrupting the planarity of 21 increases aqueous solubility - nearly doubling it in two cases- while reducing lipophilicity. Among the compounds tested, three showed both improved solubility and NEK6 inhibitory activity exceeding 50 % in single-dose assay.

The challenges faced by multifunctional ingredients: A critical review from sourcing to cosmetic applications

In response to the growing consumer demand for natural ingredients and simplified formulations, the cosmetic industry has seen a surge in the development and application of multifunctional ingredients. These versatile components, capable of serving multiple roles, effectively streamline the ingredient list of final cosmetic products, aligning with the current market trends. This review provides an overview of the advancements made and limits encountered in the field of multifunctional cosmetic ingredients over recent years (from 1998 to present time). The pursuit of sourcing these multipurpose ingredients has become a significant focus, with a clear shift towards natural and bio-based products, while answering the requests of consumers for eco-friendly options. By prioritizing sustainable and ethics, researchers not only adhere to regulatory standards but also pioneers innovations that set new benchmarks for quality and responsibility. The review also delves into formulation strategies for multifunctional ingredients, a critical aspect of their development process. It discusses the various approaches adopted by researchers to effectively incorporate these ingredients into cosmetic products, ensuring their safety and stability. Lastly, the review addresses the regulatory landscape surrounding cosmetic ingredients. It underscores the importance of adhering to the regulations set forth by governing bodies, ensuring the safety and efficacy, and highlights the lack of dispositions for these innovative multifunctional ingredients. In conclusion, this review offers a comprehensive insight into the multifunctional cosmetic ingredients, from their sourcing and formulation to their application and regulation, providing a valuable resource for researchers and industry professionals alike.

Fucosyl glycosides for DC-SIGN targeting: Fucosylation strategies, synthesis and binding studies of model compounds

DC-SIGN, a C-type lectin receptor expressed on immune cells, is considered a promising target for immunomodulatory and antiviral therapies. While mannose-based glycomimetics have been extensively studied as DC-SIGN ligands, fucose-based strategies remain underexplored. This study explores the fucosylation of linear alcohols and sugars using eight different fucosyl donors, aiming at designing strategies for the development of fucose-based glycomimetics targeting DC-SIGN. Four types of leaving groups and two different acyl-based protecting groups on the donors were tested. The glycosylation of 3-azidopropan-1-ol exclusively yielded the β-anomer, demonstrating high stereoselectivity. The azido group in the product is versatile, allowing for direct click chemistry reactions or reduction to an amine for further functionalization. Both types of reactions were demonstrated in a model reaction. In the glycosylation of a sugar, a disaccharide moiety of Lewis X antigen was selected as a target molecule. Only one of the eight tested fucosyl donors worked well in this reaction and provided the product in a reasonable yield. The disaccharide was also equipped with the 3-azidopropyl linker, facilitating future modifications. Finally, NMR studies confirmed compatibility of the linker with canonical Ca2+-dependent carbohydrate binding to DC-SIGN, suggesting potential for further development of fucose-based glycomimetics targeting this C-type lectin receptor.

Synthesis of aryl thioglycosides by metal-free arylation of glycosyl thiols with diaryliodonium salts under basic conditions

Herein, we demonstrate the application of unsymmetrical iodonium salts towards S-arylation of glycosyl thiols under metal-free conditions, affording a various stereoretentive thioarylglycosides in moderate to good yields. The application of an inorganic base Cs2CO3 enables the C-S bond formation under mild and experimentally simple conditions at room temperature. The proper choice of auxiliary of the unsymmetrical iodonium salt enables the access to diverse functionalized aryl moieties including biphenyl groups and its incorporation into thioarylglycosides.

Bundling gold nanorods with RCA-produced DNA tape into an intelligently reconfigurable nanocluster bomb for multimodal precision cancer therapy

Via proposing an innovative assembly technique, we bundle cell-targeting aptamer-modified gold nanorods (AuNRs) with RCA product (RCA-p) tape into a reconfigurable nanocluster (ARGN) bomb for multimodal precision cancer therapy. Because each ARGN has 10 individual AuNRs, the short time of laser irradiation can make the temperature increase to 75 °C much higher than the lethal temperature of tumor cells, enabling the efficient photothermal therapy (PTT). Moreover, both siRNA-Plk1 (2820 per ARGN) and chemotherapeutic agents (15860 per ARGN) can be loaded into two specifically-designed containers in the internal cavity. Because the glomeroplasmatic structure enhances the resistance to enzymatic degradation, ARGN bomb can protect siRNAs from the digestion and avoid Dox leakage during in vivo circulation. Moreover, the spontaneous structural reorganization allows aptamers in the interior cavity move outward to the exterior surface, which magically offers the compensation of degraded aptamers and impair persistent in vivo cell targeting ability. The external stimuli (laser irradiation) promotes the release of chemotherapeutic agents and initiates the PTT/chemotherapy outcome, while endogenous stimuli (intracellular biomarkers) causes almost 100 % release of siRNA-Plk1 species and induces RNA interference therapy, completely inhibiting tumor growth without detectable off-target toxicity.

Protacs in cancer therapy: mechanisms, design, clinical trials, and future directions

Cancer develops as a result of changes in both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, which lead to the activation of oncogenes and the suppression of tumor suppressor genes. Despite advancements in cancer treatments, the primary approach still involves a combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, typically providing a median survival of approximately five years for patients. Unfortunately, these therapeutic interventions often bring about substantial side effects and toxicities, significantly impacting the overall quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment. Therefore, urgent need of research required which comes up with effective treatment of cancer. This review explores the transformative role of Proteolysis-Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) in cancer therapy. PROTACs, an innovative drug development strategy, utilize the cell's protein degradation machinery to selectively eliminate disease-causing proteins. The review covers the historical background, mechanism of action, design, and structure of PROTACs, emphasizing their precision in targeting oncogenic proteins. The discussion extends to the challenges, nanotechnology applications, and ongoing clinical trials, showcasing promising results and clinical progress. The review concludes with insights into patents, future directions, and the potential impact of PROTACs in addressing dysregulated protein expression across various diseases. Overall, it provides a concise yet comprehensive overview for researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals involved in developing targeted therapies.

Synthesis of mPEG-functionalized betulin-based maleic derivatives and unraveling the effect of PEGylation on dental restorative resins

As a derivative of bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol A glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA) is questioned regarding its endocrine-disrupting properties. We previously reported a plant-derived monomer, betulin-based maleic diester derivative (MABet), as a substitute for Bis-GMA, but its yellow powdery appearance greatly affected the viscosity and aesthetics of dental resins. Herein, we synthesized three novel types of mPEG-functionalized MABet (PnMABet) by leveraging the active carboxylic acid groups of MABet to undergo a DCC coupling reaction with mPEG variants with diverse repeating ethylene glycol units (n = 7, 12, and 16). Their chemical structures were validated using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and HR-MS. Afterwards, the PnMABet were incorporated into Bis-GMA-based resins at 10, 30, and 50 wt%. The mechanical performance was firstly evaluated to determine the optimal monomer content. The results showed that all PnMABet monomers were light-yellow liquids. Increasing their concentration from 10, 30, to 50 wt% and the number of repeating units of mPEG from 7, 12, to 16 significantly reduced the mechanical property of resins. Of all groups, 10 wt% addition of P7MABet endowed the resulting 1P7M4B5T resin with the highest flexural and compressive strength (123.2 ± 10.3 MPa; 296.6 ± 27.5 MPa) than the 5B5T control (70.0 ± 6.4 MPa; 230.5 ± 22.5 MPa). This resin also exhibited comparable viscosity, polymerization conversion, cytotoxicity to 5B5T without antibacterial activity. The developed PnMABet have the potential to modulate resin viscosity. Exploring the structure-property relationship is beneficial to realize monomer design and regulate resin properties.

Xenon gas as a potential treatment for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and related disorders

Xenon gas is considered to be a safe anesthetic and imaging agent. Research on its other potentially beneficial effects suggests that xenon may have broad efficacy for treating health disorders. A number of reviews on xenon applications have been published, but none have focused on substance use disorders. Accordingly, we review xenon effects and targets relevant to the treatment of substance use disorders, with a focus on opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. We report that xenon inhaled at subsedative concentrations inhibits conditioned memory reconsolidation and opioid withdrawal symptoms. We review work by others reporting on the antidepressant, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties of xenon, which could diminish negative affective states and pain. We discuss research supporting the possibility that xenon could prevent analgesic- or stress-induced opioid tolerance and, by so doing could reduce the risk of developing opioid use disorder. The rapid kinetics, favorable safety and side effect profiles, and multitargeting capability of xenon suggest that it could be used as an ambulatory on-demand treatment to rapidly attenuate maladaptive memory, physical and affective withdrawal symptoms, and pain drivers of substance use disorders when they occur. Xenon may also have human immunodeficiency virus and oncology applications because its effects relevant to substance use disorders could be exploited to target human immunodeficiency virus reservoirs, human immunodeficiency virus protein-induced abnormalities, and cancers. Although xenon is expensive, low concentrations exert beneficial effects, and gas separation, recovery, and recycling advancements will lower xenon costs, increasing the economic feasibility of its therapeutic use. More research is needed to better understand the remarkable repertoire of effects of xenon and its potential therapeutic applications.

New insights into phytochemicals via protein glycosylation focused on aging and diabetes

BACKGROUND

Protein glycosylation as a common post-translational modification that has significant impacts on protein folding, enzymatic activity, and interfering with receptor functioning. In recent years, with the rapid development of glycopeptide enrichment and analysis technology and the deepening of glycosylation research, glycosylation has gradually become a sign of disease occurrence and development. Multiple investigations suggest that protein glycosylation affect the advances of diabetes and aging.

PURPOSE AND METHODS

This review was focused on the action mechanisms of glycosylated proteins production, permanent abnormalities in extracellular matrix component function, inflammatory and reactive oxygen species production, as well as the glycosylated characterizations of diabetes and aging. Further, advances in glycosylation analysis and detection methods are presented for the first time, highlighting for needed future developments. All literatures were gathered from PubMed and Google Scholar.

RESULTS

Herein, we review how protein glycosylation impacts the progression of diabetes and aging. Specifically, we focus on various types of glycosylation, including N-linked glycosylation, O-linked glycosylation, C-glycosylation, S-glycosylation, and glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors. N-linked glycosylation and O-linked glycosylation are commonly observed glycosylation forms, wherein O-GlcNAcylation plays a significant role in diabetes, while N-glycan could serve as biomarkers for identifying inflammation and aging.

CONCLUSIONS

Protein glycosylation produces a vastly larger number of core glycan structures through utilizing at least 173 glycosyltransferases and repeated common scaffolds. Single protein may contain multiple glycosylation sites, and the structure and occupancy of glycan at each site may be different, resulting in the macro heterogeneity of protein glycosylation. This review will contribute to how protein glycosylation impacts the life progress of cells and its association with diseases.

Artificially tagging tumors with nano-aluminum adjuvant-tethered antigen mRNA recruits and activates antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells for enhanced cancer immunotherapy

T cell therapy for solid tumors faces significant challenges due to the immune off-target attack caused by the loss of tumor surface antigens and inactivation in acidic tumor microenvironment (TME). Herein, we developed a bifunctional immunomodulator (MO@NAL) by loading ovalbumin (OVA; model antigen) mRNA (mOVA) onto lysozyme-coated layered double hydroxide nano-aluminum adjuvant (NA). The NA's inherent alkalinity effectively neutralizes the excess acid within the TME and suppresses regulatory T cells, creating a favorable microenvironment to enhance cytotoxic T cell infiltration and activation in tumors. Particularly, once internalization by tumor cells, MO@NAL efficiently tags the tumor cell surface with OVA through the carried mOVA, providing targets for recruiting and directing the antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells to destroy tumor cells. In mice pre-vaccinated with the OVA vaccine, intratumoral administration of MO@NAL rapidly awakens OVA-specific immune memory, rapidly and effectively inhibiting the progression of colon tumors and melanoma at both early and advanced stages. In non-pre-vaccinated mice, combining MO@NAL with the OVA therapeutic vaccine or OVA-specific adoptive T cell transfusion similarly achieves robust solid tumor suppression. These findings thus underscore the potential of MO@NAL as an effective and safe immunomodulator for enhancing cytotoxic T cell responses and providing timely intervention in solid tumor progression.

A bioinspired microbial taste chip with artificial intelligence-enabled high selectivity and ultra-short response time

Real-time water pollution monitoring is crucial as global water pollution has become an urgent issue endangering the health of humanity. Microbial taste chips are promising for water pollution monitoring due to the advantages of short response time and real-time monitoring capability. However, although more than 200 journal research articles on microbial taste chips have been reported to date, sensor selectivity, which is the foremost critical parameter, remains an unsolved challenge even after utilizing gene-editing techniques. In addition, the response time is long and takes at least 3 min. Herein, we report a breakthrough to solve the selectivity challenge by a bioinspired wireless microfluidic microbial taste chip with artificial-intelligence(AI)-enabled high selectivity. Utilizing gated recurrent unit(GRU)-based deep learning algorithms, we demonstrate a classification accuracy of 98.9% for Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cr6+ by harnessing the different temporal output current patterns of the chips to different pollutants. A shortest 48-s response time is achieved, 3.75 times shorter than the fastest previously reported counterpart. The chip enables real-time sensing of Cu2+, Pb2+, and Cr6+ with high accuracy and linearity. Combined with a small footprint and wireless connectivity, the chip may find applications in real-time quantitative heavy metal ions in water monitoring and contribute to global efforts in fighting water pollution.