A facile one-pot Mannich reaction for the construction of fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles with aggregation-induced emission feature and their biological imaging

Exploring nanodiamonds: leveraging their dual capacities for anticancer photothermal therapy and temperature sensing

Cancer has become a primary global health concern, which has prompted increased attention towards targeted therapeutic approaches like photothermal therapy (PTT). The unique optical and magnetic properties of nanodiamonds (NDs) have made them versatile nanomaterials with promising applications in biomedicine. This comprehensive review focuses on the potential of NDs as a multifaceted platform for anticancer therapy, mainly focusing on their dual functionality in PTT and temperature sensing. The review highlighted NDs' ability to enhance PTT through hybridization or modification, underscoring their adaptability in delivering small molecule reagents effectively. Furthermore, NDs, particularly fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) with negatively charged nitrogen-vacancy centers, enable precise temperature monitoring, enhancing PTT efficacy in anticancer treatment. Integrating FNDs into PTT holds promise for advancing therapeutic efficacy by providing valuable insights into localized temperature variations and cell death mechanisms. This review highlights new insights into cancer treatment strategies, showcasing the potential of NDs to revolutionize targeted therapeutics and improve patient outcomes.

Functional chromophores synthesized via multicomponent Reactions: A review on their use as cell-imaging probes

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent advancements and applications of fluorescence imaging probes synthesized via MCRs (multicomponent reactions). These probes, also known as functional chromophores, belong to a currently investigated class of fluorophores that are presently being successfully applied in bioimaging experiments, especially in various living cell lineages. We describe some of the MCRs that have been employed in the synthesis of these probes and explore their applications in biological imaging, with an emphasis on cellular imaging. The review also discusses the challenges and future perspectives in the field, particularly considering the potential impact of MCR-based fluorescence imaging probes on advancing this field of research in the coming years. Considering that this area of research is relatively new and nearly a decade has passed since the first publication, this review also provides a historical perspective on this class of fluorophores, highlighting the pioneering works published between 2011 and 2016.

Aggregation-induced emission-active micelles: synthesis, characterization, and applications

Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active micelles are a type of fluorescent functional materials that exhibit enhanced emissions in the aggregated surfactant state. They have received significant interest due to their excellent fluorescence efficiency in the aggregated state, remarkable processability, and solubility. AIE-active micelles can be designed through the self-assembly of amphipathic AIE luminogens (AIEgens) and the encapsulation of non-emissive amphipathic molecules in AIEgens. Currently, a wide range of AIE-active micelles have been constructed, with a significant increase in research interest in this area. A series of advanced techniques has been used to characterize AIE-active micelles, such as cryogenic-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). This review provides an overview of the synthesis, characterization, and applications of AIE-active micelles, especially their applications in cell and in vivo imaging, biological and organic compound sensors, anticancer drugs, gene delivery, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and photocatalytic reactions, with a focus on the most recent developments. Based on the synergistic effect of micelles and AIE, it is anticipated that this review will guide the development of innovative and fascinating AIE-active micelle materials with exciting architectures and functions in the future.

A novel fluorescent probe based on a triphenylamine derivative for the detection of HSO3- with high sensitivity and selectivity

A novel highly active fluorescence chemical sensor (TBQN) for HSO₃^- was synthesized by the Knoevenagel reaction based on triphenylamine-benzothiazole as a new fluorophore. The probe possessed good selectivity toward HSO₃^- and anti-interference ability with common ions. The fluorescence and UV-vis spectra of the TBQN probe were significantly changed after the addition of HSO₃^-. At the same time, the probe solution released obvious green fluorescence. Moreover, the limit of detection for HSO₃^- was calculated to be 3.19 × 10^-8 M. The TBQN probe displayed a rapid response to HSO₃^- and it took about 3 min to complete the recognition. The detection mechanism is the nucleophilic addition reaction between HSO₃^- and -C[double bond, length as m-dash]C- in the probe molecule. The π-conjugation and ICT (intramolecular charge transfer) transition in the TBQN molecule were destroyed by this addition, which resulted in the change of the fluorescence before and after the addition of HSO₃^-. Then, the mechanism was verified by theoretical calculations, ¹H NMR measurements and mass spectroscopy. In addition, the probe showed low cytotoxicity and could be used for biological imaging in RAW264.7 cells.

State-of-art review on preparation, surface functionalization and biomedical applications of cellulose nanocrystals-based materials

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are a class of sustainable nanomaterials that are obtained from plants and microorganisms. These naturally derived nanomaterials are of abundant hydroxyl groups, well biocompatibility, low cost and biodegradable potential, making them suitable and promising candidates for various applications, especially in biomedical fields. In this review, the recent advances and development on the preparation, surface functionalization and biomedical applications of CNCs-based materials have been summarized and outlined. The main context of this paper could be divided into the following three parts. In the first part, the preparation strategies based on physical, chemical, enzymatic and combination techniques for preparation of CNCs have been summarized. The surface functionalization methods for synthesis CNCs-based materials with designed properties and functions were outlined in the following section. Finally, the current state about applications of CNCs-based materials for tissue engineering, medical hydrogels, biosensors, fluorescent imaging and intracellular delivery of biological agents have been highlighted. Moreover, current issues and future directions about the above aspects have also pointed out and discussed. We believe this review will attract great research attention of scientists from materials, chemistry, biomedicine and other disciplines. It will also provide some important insights on the future development of CNCs-based materials especially in biomedical fields.

Recent Advances on Fabrication of Polymeric Composites Based on Multicomponent Reactions for Bioimaging and Environmental Pollutant Removal

As the core of polymer chemistry, manufacture of functional polymers is one of research hotspots over the past several decades. Various polymers are developed for diverse applications due to their tunable structures and unique properties. However, traditional step-by-step preparation strategies inevitably involve some problems, such as separation, purification, and time-consuming. The multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are emerging as environmentally benign synthetic strategies to construct multifunctional polymers or composites with pendant groups and designed structures because of their features, such as efficient, fast, green, and atom economy. This mini review summarizes the latest advances about fabrication of multifunctional fluorescent polymers or adsorptive polymeric composites through different MCRs, including Kabachnik-Fields reaction, Biginelli reaction, mercaptoacetic acid locking imine reaction, Debus-Radziszewski reaction, and Mannich reaction. The potential applications of these polymeric composites in biomedical and environmental remediation are also highlighted. It is expected that this mini-review will promote the development preparation and applications of functional polymers through MCRs.

The solvent-free one-pot multicomponent tandem polymerization of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones (DHPMs) catalyzed by ionic-liquid@Fe3O4 NPs: the development of polyamide gels

Solvent-free MCTP via Biginelli DHPMs catalyzed by a non-toxic magnetic catalyst (IL1–2@ Fe₃O₄) in a one-pot reaction was illustrated for the development of fluorescent non-conjugated polyamide gels.

Fabrication of claviform fluorescent polymeric nanomaterials containing disulfide bond through an efficient and facile four-component Ugi reaction

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) have attracted broad interest for preparation of functional nanomaterials especially for the synthesis of functional polymers. Herein, we utilized an "old" MCR, the four-component Ugi reaction, to synthesize disulfide bond containing poly(PEG-TPE-DTDPA) amphiphilic copolymers with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) feature. This four-component Ugi reaction was carried out under rather mild reaction conditions, such as room temperature, no gas protection and absent of catalysts. The amphiphilic poly(PEG-TPE-DTDPA) copolymers with high number-average molecular weight (up to 86,440 Da) can self-assemble into claviform fluorescent polymeric nanoparticles (FPNs) in aqueous solution, and these water-dispersed nanoparticles exhibited strong emission, large Stokes shift (142 nm), low toxicity and remarkable ability in cellular imaging. Moreover, owing to the introduction of 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid with disulfide bond, the resultant AIE-active poly(PEG-TPE-DTDPA) could display reduction-responsiveness and be utilized for synthesis of photothermal agents in-situ. Therefore, the AIE-active poly(PEG-TPE-DTDPA) could be promising for controlled intracellular delivery of biological activity molecules and fabrication of multifunctional AIE-active materials. Therefore, these novel AIE-active polymeric nanoparticles could be of great potential for various biomedical applications, such as biological imaging, stimuli-responsive drug delivery and theranostic applications.

Multicomponent Reactions in Polymer Chemistry Utilizing Heavier Main Group Elements

Herein, a concise overview of the use of heavier main group elements in multicomponent reactions and their use in polymer chemistry is provided. Incorporating heavier elements into macromolecular structures via multicomponent reactions allows for the rapid development of materials with unique properties that are not readily achieved using carbon, nitrogen, and/or oxygen. Elements in Group 13, Group 14, Group 15, and Group 16 are specifically covered examining both the familiar and unfamiliar properties of these elements and how they are used in multicomponent chemistry. Furthermore, elements that both take part in the reaction mechanism and remain in the macromolecular structure upon completion are only briefly explored. Some of the state-of-the-art work going into developing these heavier element multicomponent reactions are highlighted and it is hoped to inspire other polymer chemists to explore other parts of the periodic table.

A novel bioassay for the monitoring of carcinoembryonic antigen in human biofluid using polymeric interface and immunosensing method

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a member of a family of cell surface glycoproteins. Recognition of CEA is needed to monitor the physiological status of the patient for treatment and also it is important to assess the severity of the disease. In this work, we reported a novel sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on gold nanoparticles functionalized cysteamine-glutaraldehyde (AuNPs-CysA-GA) and it successfully designed to detection of the CEA biomarker in a human plasma sample. The AuNPs-CysA-GA provides a large surface area for the effective immobilization of CEA antibody, as well as it ascertains the bioactivity and stability of immobilized CEA antigens. Biotinylated-anti-CEA antibody (Ab1) was immobilized on the surface of glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified AuNPs-CysA-GA. Also, secondary antibody (HRP-Ab2) was costed immobilized to complete the sandwich part of immunosensor. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM and EDS), was employed to monitor the sensor fabrication procedure. The immunosensor was used for the detection of CEA using differential pulse voltammetry (DPVs) technique. The proposed interface led to enhancement of accessible surface area for immobilizing high amount of anti-CEA antibody, increasing electrical conductivity, boosting stability, and biocompatibility. Finally, the low limit of quantitation (LLOQ) of the proposed immunosensor was obtained as 7 ng/mL with the linear range of 0.001-5 μg/L. The proposed immunoassay was successfully applied for the monitoring of the CEA in unprocessed human plasma samples. Obtained results paved that the proposed bioassay can be used as a novel bioassay for the clinical diagnosis of cancer based on CEA monitoring.

Surface grafting of fluorescent polymers on halloysite nanotubes through metal-free light-induced controlled polymerization: Preparation, characterization and biological imaging

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a kind of aluminosilicate clay with a unique hollow tubular structure that has been intensively explored for various applications especially in biomedical fields owing to their excellent biocompatibility, biodegrading potential and low cost. Surface modification of HNTs with functional polymers will greatly improve their properties and endow new functions for biomedical applications. In this work, a light-induced reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was introduced to successfully prepare HNTs based fluorescent HNTs/poly(PEGMA-Fl) composites in the presence of oxygen using diacrylate-fluorescein and poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) as the monomers. Without other catalysts, heating, and deoxygenation procedure, the polymerization process can take place under mild conditions. Besides, owing to the introduction of fluorescein and PEGMA on the surface of HNTs, the resultant HNTs/poly(PEGMA-Fl) composites display high water dispersibility and stable fluorescence. The results from cell viability examination and confocal laser scanning microscopy also demonstrated that HNTs/poly(PEGMA-Fl) composites could be internalized by L929 cells with bright fluorescence and low cytotoxicity. Taken together, we developed a novel photo-initiated RAFT polymerization method for the fabrication of HNTs based fluorescent polymeric composites with great potential for biomedical applications. More importantly, many other multifunctional HNTs based polymer composites could also be fabricated through a similar strategy owing to good designability of RAFT polymerization.

Fluorescence biosensor based on silicon quantum dots and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) for thiols in living cells

An efficient and stable fluorescent sensor is described for the detection and imaging of thiols. It is making use of silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) which can be rapidly prepared. They were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray power diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectrometry. The SiQDs have an absorption maximum at 300 nm and displayed blue-green fluorescence with excitation/emission maxima at 410/480 nm. A mixture of SiQDs and 5,5'-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) exhibits strong fluorescence emission which however is quenched within 30 s of incubation with thiols. This is assumed to be due to an inner filter effect caused by the reaction of DTNB and thiols. The following thiols were tested: cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione. The sensor has a linear response in the 3-100 μM thiol concentration range, and the LODs are between 0.80 and 0.96 μM. The sensor displays low cytotoxicity and was applied to fluorescence imaging of MCF-7 cells and Hela cells where it demonstrated excellent biocompatibility.

Recent progress and advances in the environmental applications of MXene related materials

MXenes are a new type of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide or carbonitride material with a 2D structure similar to graphene. The general formula of MXenes is M_n+1X_nT_x, in which M is an early transition metal element, X represents carbon, nitrogen and boron, and T is a surface oxygen-containing or fluorine-containing group. These novel 2D materials possess a unique 2D layered structure, large specific surface area, good conductivity, stability, and mechanical properties. Benefitting from these properties, MXenes have received increasing attention and emerged as new substrate materials for exploration of various applications including, energy storage and conversion, photothermal treatment, drug delivery, environmental adsorption and catalytic degradation. The progress on various applications of MXene-based materials has been reviewed; while only a few of them covered environmental remediation, surface modification of MXenes has never been highlighted. In this review, we highlight recent advances and achievements in surface modification and environmental applications (such as environmental adsorption and catalytic degradation) of MXene-based materials. The current studies on the biocompatibility and toxicity of MXenes and related materials are summarized in the following sections. The challenges and future directions of the environmental applications of MXene-based materials are also discussed and highlighted.

Efficient polymer dimerization method based on self-accelerating click reaction

An efficient polymer dimerization method is developed on a self-accelerating double strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (DSPAAC) click reaction. In this approach, varied polymer dimers can be efficiently prepared by coupling azide terminated polymer building blocks by sym-dibenzo-1,5-cyclooctadiene-3,7-diyne (DIBOD) small linkers. The distinct advantages of this method can be summarized as follows. First, the azide terminated polymer building blocks can be easily prepared with varied molecular topologies such as linear, star, and dendritic shapes. Second, the self-accelerating property of DSPAAC coupling reaction allows the method to efficiently prepare pure polymer dimers in the presence of excess molar amounts of DIBOD small linkers to azide-terminated polymer building blocks. Third, the click property of DSPAAC coupling reaction facilitates the dimerization reaction with a very mild ambient reaction condition. As a result, this method provides a powerful tool to fabricate topological polymers with a symmetrical molecular structure such as block, star, and dendritic polymers.

A convenient and efficient method was developed to prepare topological polymers with a symmetric molecular structure by dimerizing azide terminated polymers based on the self-accelerating double strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition reaction.

A fluorescent lateral flow biosensor for the quantitative detection of Vaspin using upconverting nanoparticles

Vaspin is a protein present in human serum that can cause type-2 diabetes, obesity, and other cardiovascular diseases. We report fluorescent upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs)-based lateral flow biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of Vaspin. A pair (primary and secondary) of cognate aptamers was used that has duo binding with Vaspin. UCNPs with a diameter of around 100 nm were used as a tag to label a detection probe (secondary aptamer). A primary aptamer (capture probe) was immobilized on the test zone. Sandwich type hybridization reactions among the conjugate probe, target Vaspin, and primary aptamer were performed on the lateral flow biosensor. In the presence of target Vaspin, UCNPs were captured on the test zone of the biosensor and the fluorescent intensity of the captured UCNPs was measured through a colorimetric app under NIR. Fluorescence intensity indicates the quantity of Vaspin present in the sample. A range of Vaspin concentration across 0.1-55 ng ml^-1 with a Limit of detection (LOD) 39 pg ml^-1 was tested through this UCNPs based LFSA with high sensitivity, reproducibility and repeatability, whereas it's actual range in human blood is from 0.1 to 7 ng ml^-1. Therefore, this research provides a well-suited lateral flow strip with an ultrasensitive and low-cost approach for the early diagnosis of type-2 diabetes and this could be applied to any targets with a duo of aptamers generated.

Red aggregation-induced emission luminogen and Gd3+ codoped mesoporous silica nanoparticles as dual-mode probes for fluorescent and magnetic resonance imaging

Fluorescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging have been research hotspots for adjuvant therapy and diagnosis. However, traditional fluorescent probes or contrast agents possess insurmountable weaknesses. In this work, we reported the preparation of dual-mode probes based on mesoporous silica nanomaterials (MSNs), which were doped with an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) dye and Gd³⁺ through a direct sol-gel method. In this system, the obtained materials emitted strong red fluorescence, in which the maximum emission wavelength was located at 669 nm, and could be applied as effective fluorescence probes for fluorescence microscopy imaging. Furthermore, the introduction of Gd³⁺ made the nanoparticles effective contrast agents when applied in contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging because they could improve the contrast of MR imaging. The excellent biocompatibility of these nanoparticles, as demonstrated via a typical CCK-8 assay, and their performance in fluorescence cell imaging and MR imaging shows their potential for applications in biomedical imaging.

An acrylate AIE-active dye with a two-photon fluorescent switch for fluorescent nanoparticles by RAFT polymerization: synthesis, molecular structure and application in cell imaging

Recently, AIE-active fluorescent materials have attracted extensive investigation due to their significant applications in the fields of memory devices, photomodulation, information displays, sensors, and biological imaging. In this contribution, a novel acrylate AIE-active dye of TPMA was successfully synthesized by Suzuki coupling and acylation reaction, and belongs to the monoclinic crystal system and P21/c space group from the crystal structure analysis, and its fluorescence intensity was stronger with an obvious red shift of emission wavelength as compared with the reported TPB dye. Moreover, the obtained TPMA dye exhibits multi-stimuli-responsivity and a two-photon fluorescent switch with excellent reversibility in the solid state. Subsequently, the corresponding fluorescent polymers of PEG-TM were successfully fabricated via RAFT polymerization of TPMA and PEGMA with a molecular weight of about 25 000 (M n) and narrow polydispersity index (PDI). From 1H NMR analysis, when the feeding ratio of TPMA increased to 32.2% from 19.2%, the molar fraction of TPMA in PEG-TM polymers accordingly increased to 32.8% from 19.5%. In water solution, the as-prepared PEG-TM1 polymers would self-assemble into fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) with diameters ranging from 150 to 250 nm, and their maximum emission wavelength presented at 518 nm with obvious AIE phenomena. Moreover, the as-synthesized PEG-TM polymers have prospective application in biological imaging due to their good fluorescence, high water solubility and excellent biocompatibility.

Recent development and prospects of surface modification and biomedical applications of MXenes

MXenes, as a novel kind of two-dimensional (2D) materials, were first discovered by Gogotsi et al. in 2011. Owing to their multifarious chemical compositions and outstanding physicochemical properties, the novel types of 2D materials have attracted intensive research interest for potential applications in various fields such as energy storage and conversion, environmental remediation, catalysis, and biomedicine. Although many achievements have been made in recent years, there still remains a lack of reviews to summarize these recent advances of MXenes, especially in biomedical fields. Understanding the current status of surface modification, biomedical applications and toxicity of MXenes and related materials will give some inspiration to the development of novel methods for the preparation of multifunctional MXene-based materials and promote the practical biomedical applications of MXenes and related materials. In this review, we present the recent developments in the surface modification of MXenes and the biomedical applications of MXene-based materials. In the first section, some typical surface modification strategies were introduced and the related issues were also discussed. Then, the potential biomedical applications (such as biosensor, biological imaging, photothermal therapy, drug delivery, theranostic nanoplatforms, and antibacterial agents) of MXenes and related materials were summarized and highlighted in the following sections. In the last section, the toxicity and biocompatibility of MXenes in vitro were mentioned. Finally, the development, future directions and challenges about the surface modification of MXene-based materials for biomedical applications were discussed. We believe that this review article will attract great interest from the scientists in materials, chemistry, biomedicine and related fields and promote the development of MXenes and related materials for biomedical applications.

Advances of Nano-Structured Extended-Release Local Anesthetics

Extended-release local anesthetics (LAs) have drawn increasing attention with their promising role in improving analgesia and reducing adverse events of LAs. Nano-structured carriers such as liposomes and polymersomes optimally meet the demands of/for extended-release, and have been utilized in drug delivery over decades and showed satisfactory results with extended-release. Based on mature technology of liposomes, EXPAREL, the first approved liposomal LA loaded with bupivacaine, has seen its success in an extended-release form. At the same time, polymersomes has advances over liposomes with complementary profiles, which inspires the emergence of hybrid carriers. This article summarized the recent research successes on nano-structured extended-release LAs, of which liposomal and polymeric are mainstream systems. Furthermore, with continual optimization, drug delivery systems carry properties beyond simple transportation, such as specificity and responsiveness. In the near future, we may achieve targeted delivery and controlled-release properties to satisfy various analgesic requirements.

Preparation and biological imaging of fluorescent hydroxyapatite nanoparticles with poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) through surface-initiated cationic ring-opening polymerization

Fluorescent hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles have received significant attention in biomedical fields due to their outstanding advantages, such as low immunogenicity, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, fluorescent HAp nanoparticles with well controlled size and morphology are coated with hydrophobic molecules and their biomedical applications are largely restricted by their poor dispersibility in physiological solutions. Therefore, surface modification of these hydrophobic fluorescent HAp nanoparticles to render them water dispersibility is of utmost importance for biomedical applications. In this work, we reported for the first time for preparation of water-dispersible hydrophilic fluorescent Eu³⁺-doped HAp nanoparticles (named as HAp-PEOTx) through the cationic ring-opening polymerization using hydrophilic and biocompatible 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EOTx) as the monomer. The characterization techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been used to characterize these samples. Results confirmed that we could successfully obtain the hydrophilic fluorescent HAp-PEOTx composites through the strategy described above. These fluorescent HAp-PEOTx composites display great water dispersibility, unique fluorescent properties and excellent biocompatibility, making them promising for in vitro bioimaging applications.

Ultrasound-assisted catalyst-free thiol-yne click reaction in chitosan chemistry: Antibacterial and transfection activity of novel cationic chitosan derivatives and their based nanoparticles

In this work, we demonstrate that the thiol-yne click reaction could be efficiently mediated by ultrasonic irradiation and implement the ultrasound-assisted thiol-yne click reaction to chitosan chemistry as a polymer-analogous transformation. We optimize power and frequency of ultrasound to preserve selectivity of the click reaction and avoid ultrasonic degradation of the chitosan polymer chain. Thus, we obtain a new water-soluble betaine. Using ionic gelation of the obtained betaine derivatives of chitosan, we prepare nanoparticles with a unimodal size distribution. Furthermore, we present results of antibacterial and transfection activity tests for the chitosan derivatives and their based nanoparticles. The derivative with a medium molecular weight and a high degree of substitution demonstrated the best antibacterial effect. It derived nanoparticles with a size of ca. 100 nm and ζ-potential of ca. +69 mV revealed even higher antibacterial activity, slightly superior to commercial antibiotics ampicillin and gentamicin. On the contrary, the obtained polymers possess a much more pronounced transfection activity as compared with their based nanoparticles and species with a low degree of substitution acts as the most efficient transfecting agent. Moreover, the obtained betaine chitosan derivatives as well as their derived nanoparticles are non-toxic.