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Lignanoids are an active ingredient exerting powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of many diseases. In order to improve the efficiency of the resource utilization of traditional Chinese medicine waste, Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H.Wilson residue (MOR) waste biomass was used as raw material in this study, and a series of deep eutectic solvents (ChUre, ChAce, ChPro, ChCit, ChOxa, ChMal, ChLac, ChLev, ChGly and ChEG) were selected to evaluate the extraction efficiency of lignanoids from MORs. The results showed that the best conditions for lignanoid extraction were a liquid–solid ratio of 40.50 mL/g, an HBD-HBA ratio of 2.06, a water percentage of 29.3%, an extract temperature of 337.65 K, and a time of 107 min. Under these conditions, the maximum lignanoid amount was 39.18 mg/g. In addition, the kinetics of the extraction process were investigated by mathematic modeling. In our antioxidant activity study, high antioxidant activity of the lignanoid extract was shown in scavenging four different types of free radicals (DPPH, ·OH, ABTS, and superoxide anions). At a concentration of 3 mg/mL, the total antioxidant capacity of the lignanoid extract was 1.795 U/mL, which was equal to 0.12 mg/mL of Vc solution. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity study found that the lignanoid extract exhibited good antibacterial effects against six tested pathogens. Among them, Staphylococcus aureus exerted the strongest antibacterial activity. Eventually, the correlation of the lignanoid extract with the biological activity and physicochemical properties of DESs is described using a heatmap, along with the evaluation of the in vitro hypoglycemic, in vitro hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activity of the lignanoid extract. These findings can provide a theoretical foundation for the extraction of high-value components from waste biomass by deep eutectic solvents, as well as highlighting its specific significance in natural product development and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic dyes are widely used in many important areas, but they also bring many issues for water pollution. To address the above issues, a reconstructed kaolinite hybrid compound (γ-AlOOH@A-Kaol) was obtained from raw kaolinite (Kaol) in this work. The product was then characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the absorption properties of γ-AlOOH@A-Kaol for congo red were further studied. The results demonstrated that flower-like γ-AlOOH with nanolamellae were uniformly loaded on the surface of acid-treated Kaol with a porous structure (A-Kaol). In addition, the surface area (36.5 m2/g), pore volume (0.146 cm3/g), and pore size (13.0 nm) of γ-AlOOH@A-Kaol were different from those of A-Kaol (127.4 m2/g, 0.127 cm3/g, and 4.28 nm, respectively) and γ-AlOOH (34.1 m2/g, 0.315 cm3/g, and 21.5 nm, respectively). The unique structure could significantly enhance the sorption capacity for congo red, which could exceed 1000 mg/g. The reasons may be ascribed to the abundant groups of -OH, large specific surface area, and porous structure of γ-AlOOH@A-Kaol. This work provides an efficient route for comprehensive utilization and production of Kaol-based compound materials that could be used in the field of environmental conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To increase the effectiveness of using typical biomass waste as a resource, iridoids, chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids from the waste biomass of Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EULs) were extracted by deep eutectic solvents (DESs) in conjunction with macroporous resin. To optimize the extract conditions, the experiment of response surface was employed with the single-factor of DES composition molar ratio, liquid–solid ratio, water percentage, extraction temperature, and extraction time. The findings demonstrated that the theoretical simulated extraction yield of chlorogenic acid (CGA), geniposidic acid (GPA), aucubin (AU), geniposide (GP), rutin (RU), and isoquercetin (IQU) were 42.8, 137.2, 156.7, 5.4, 13.5, and 12.8 mg/g, respectively, under optimal conditions (hydrogen bond donor–hydrogen bond acceptor molar ratio of 1.96, liquid–solid ratio of 28.89 mL/g, water percentage of 38.44%, temperature of 317.36 K, and time of 55.59 min). Then, 12 resins were evaluated for their adsorption and desorption capabilities for the target components, and the HPD950 resin was found to operate at its optimum. Additionally, the HPD950 resin demonstrated significant sustainability and considerable potential in the recyclability test. Finally, the hypoglycemic in vitro, hypolipidemic in vitro, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of EUL extract were evaluated, and the correlation analysis of six active components with biological activity and physicochemical characteristics of DESs by heatmap were discussed. The findings of this study can offer a theoretical foundation for the extraction of valuable components by DESs from waste biomass, as well as specific utility benefits for the creation and development of natural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agomelatine (AGM), is efficacious in both the acute phase and the continuation phase of depression. However, its poor water-solubility, low bioavailability and polymorphism limit its pharmacological effects. To address these problems, agomelatine-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex (AGM/HPβ-CD) was prepared successfully by freeze-drying. The products was evaluated by structural characterization, solubilization test, in-situ absorption of rat intestinal tract and pharmacokinetic study. In addition, thermodynamic studies were performed, the results indicated that the inclusion process was enthalpy-determined and exothermic nature of complexation, signifying the role of steric interactions in complex formation. Molecular docking of AGM with HPβ-CD has been conducted as well to verify the experimental findings and predict the stable molecular structure of the inclusion complex. The in vivo data showed that, AGM was mainly absorbed in duodenum and jejunum by passive diffusion. AGM/HPβ-CD inclusion complex displayed earlier T max and higher C max, and the AUC 0-12h was approximately twice larger than its physical mixture. These results suggested that AGM/HPβ-CD inclusion complex was established with 1:1 stoichiometry through the naphthalene group of AGM and it was deeply inserted into the cavity of HPβ-CD, and the inclusion complex could significantly enhance the oral bioavailability of AGM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphatic metastasis plays an important role in tumour recurrence. The applications of nanoparticles in the treatment of lymphatic metastatic tumours have been limited by targeting inefficiency and nonselective toxicity. Hence, in this report, we have developed lipid-coated ZnO nanoparticles (LZnO NPs) in an attempt to solve these issues. Using the microreactor method, we have fabricated ultrasmall (∼30 nm) core–shell-structured nanoparticles loaded with 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). In vivo results show that the lipid shell induces a remarkable improvement in lymphotropism and biocompatibility compared to ZnO nanoparticles. Furthermore, the ZnO core exhibits not only pH-responsive behaviour to guarantee effective drug delivery, but also a strong preferential ability to kill cancerous cells, as a consequence of the generation of higher inducible levels of reactive oxygen species in rapidly dividing cells. Furthermore, LZnO NPs enhance the cytotoxicity of 6-MP, resulting from the improved internalization of nanoparticles through endocytosis. These findings indicate that LZnO NPs are a promising candidate for use as lymphatic-targeted drug carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel integrated intumescent flame retardant was synthesized by Tris, CNC and APP. • At total filler amount of 10%, the EP passed UL-94 V-0 level, with a LOI of 36.1. • In CONE test, the total heat and smoke release was ≥50% reduced by the 10% filler. • After UV aging test, the decrease of tensile and impact strength was ≤20%. A novel integrated charring agent was designed by reaction of 2,4-N-Tris (hydroxymethyl) methyl aminomethane (Tris), cyanuric chloride (CNC), and ammonium polyphosphate (APP). The obtained product Tris-CNC-APP were used with a synergistic agent of MoS 2 @Acid-Kaol (molybdenum disulfide grafted on the acidified kaolinite) together in epoxy resin (EP) to reduce the fire hazard and inhibit the release smoke. After adding 7%Tris-CNC-APP/3% MoS 2 @Acid-Kaol, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) of the EP sample was 36.1%, and the sample passed UL-94 V-0 rating. In the cone calorimeter test, the total heat release (THR) and total smoke release (TSP) were about half reduced compared with the control EP sample. The tensile strength of the control EP sample reached 56.5 MPa; and the impact strength was 3.1 KJ/m2. After 340 nm UV irradiation at 60 °C for 72 h, the tensile strength and impact strength decreased to 25.7 MPa and 0.6 KJ/m2, respectively, so that the aging EP sample became very brittle. However, for the sample containing 7%Tris-CNC-APP/3%MoS 2 @Acid-Kaol, the tensile strength was 43.3 MPa and the impact strength was 2.2 KJ/m2 after same UV aging. The reason was ascribed to the MoS 2 @A-Kaol and Tris-CNC-APP adsorbed some ultraviolet radiation, the EP was protected from UV aging. This work provided a feasible solution to reach high flame retardant grade and durable mechanical performance of EP products used outdoors with low filler loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes represents an ultrasensitive and high-precision technique for in vivo imaging. Clinical translation of SERS nanoprobes has been hampered by biosafety concerns about the metal substrates used to enhance Raman signals. We report a set of small molecules with bis-thienyl-substituted benzobisthiadiazole structures that enhance Raman signal through self-stacking rather than external substrates. In our technique, called stacking-induced charge transfer-enhanced Raman scattering (SICTERS), the self-stacked small molecules form an ordered spatial arrangement that enables three-dimensional charge transfer between neighboring molecules. The Raman scattering cross-section of SICTERS nanoprobes is 1350 times higher than that of conventional SERS gold nanoprobes of similar particle size. SICTERS outperforms SERS in terms of in vivo imaging sensitivity, resolution and depth. SICTERS is capable of noninvasive Raman imaging of blood and lymphatic vasculatures, which has not been achieved by SERS. SICTERS represents an alternative technique to enhance Raman scattering for guiding the design of ultrasensitive substrate-free Raman imaging probes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Hyperproliferative keratinocytes and subcutaneous inflammation contribute to the characteristic symptoms of psoriasis, including erythema, scales, or scaly plaques on the skin. These symptoms significantly affect patients' quality of life and cause severe physical and psychological distress. However, current treatment strategies have limited therapeutic effect and may lead to adverse side effects. In this study, we present the novel organic photosensitizer TBTDC [5-(((5-(7-(4-(diphenylamino)phenyl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl)thiophen-2-yl)methylene)amino)-3-methylthiophene-2,4-dicarbonitrile] nanoparticles (NPs) with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics to mediate photodynamic therapy (TBTDC NP-PDT) for psoriasis treatment. We demonstrate that TBTDC NPs effectively generate reactive oxygen species upon light irradiation and lead to significant apoptosis of psoriatic keratinocytes. Furthermore, TBTDC NPs exhibit high cellular uptake in diseased keratinocytes and induce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-mediated autophagy, which can also enhance apoptosis. Importantly, TBTDC NPs show no cytotoxicity toward keratinocytes. These unique properties of TBTDC NPs enable remarkable therapeutic effects against psoriasis-like skin lesions and related inflammation in vivo. Overall, our AIE-active TBTDC NP-PDT represents a promising strategy for treating psoriasis in clinical settings., Competing Interests: Author contributions: P.Z.: Conceptualization, methodology, data curation, visualization, investigation, and writing—original draft. Z.W.: Synthesis, methodology, characterization, investigation, and validation. Z.Y.: Methodology, investigation, and formal analysis. T.T.: Methodology, investigation, and formal analysis. Y.L.: Methodology and formal analysis. W.Z.: Methodology. Y.H.: Investigation. T.C.: Methodology. J.L.: Investigation. C.N.: Investigation. Z.W.: Investigation. G.H.: Conceptualization, funding acquisition, and writing—review and editing. Y.L.: Conceptualization, resources, and writing—review and editing. Y.C.: Conceptualization, funding acquisition, supervision, and writing—review and editing. Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Ping Zhu et al.)

Aucubin (AU) is an active ingredient that exerts strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the treatment of several diseases. In order to improve the efficiency of resource utilization of traditional biomass waste, Eucommia ulmoides seed-draff (EUSD) waste biomass was used as the raw material, and a series of deep eutectic solvents were selected to evaluate the extraction efficiency of aucubin from EUSD. A response surface experiment was designed based on a single-factor experiment to optimize the extract conditions. The results showed that the best conditions for aucubin extraction were an HBD-HBA ratio of 2.18, a liquid-solid ratio of 46.92 mL/g, a water percentage of 37.95%, a temperature of 321.03 K, and an extraction time of 59.55 min. The maximum amount of aucubin was 156.4 mg/g, which was consistent with the theoretical value (156.8 mg/g). Then, the performance of 12 resins for adsorption and desorption was contrasted. The results revealed that HPD950 resin exhibited the best performance, with an adsorption capacity of 95.2% and a desorption capacity of 94.3%. Additionally, the pseudo-second-order model provided the best match to the kinetics data, the Langmuir model provided the best fit to the isotherm data, and adsorption was a beneficial, spontaneous, exothermic, and physical process. In the recyclability test, the HPD950 resin had great potential and excellent sustainability in aucubin recovery. In the antioxidant activity study, the aucubin extract exerted a strong antioxidant ability with scavenging capabilities for four free radicals. Furthermore, the antifungal activity study found that the aucubin extract exhibited a good antifungal effect against 5 tested pathogens. The research results can provide a theoretical basis for the extraction of high-value components from waste biomass by deep eutectic solvent and a certain application value for the development and utilization of natural aucubin products., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

The mechanofluorochromic properties of three C6-unsubstituted tetrahydropyrimidines (THPs), namely, diethyl 1,2,3-triphenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4,5-dicarboxylate (1), dimethyl 1,2,3-tri(4-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4,5-dicarboxylate (2), and dimethyl 1,2,3-tri(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-4,5-dicarboxylate (3), with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics were investigated. The blue-green/cyan emissions of the three THPs can be switched reversibly by a grinding-fuming/heating process, with the change in maximum emission wavelength ( λ em ) up to 57 nm and the decrease of fluorescence quantum yields ( Φ F ). Interestingly, the green or cyan fluorescence of the ground powder ( λ em is located at 481, 470 and 477 nm for 1b, 2 and 3, respectively) can spontaneously recover to the original blue ( λ em is located at 434, 442 and 436 nm for 1b, 2 and 3, respectively) in 1-2 d at room temperature without any external stimulation. X-ray single-crystal diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies demonstrate that the conversion between the molecular packing modes is the main reason for the mechanofluorochromism and the spontaneously recoverable mechanofluorochromism relates to intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The sensitively and/or spontaneously recoverable mechanofluorochromism of these THPs is expected to have great potential in sensing, optical recording and self-healing fluorescent materials., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

The Ca-Al and Ca-Al-X (X = F - , Cl - and Br - ) catalysts were prepared via thermal decomposition of Ca-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), and tested for methanolysis of propylene carbonate (PC) to produce dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The catalytic performance of these catalysts increased in the order of Ca-Al-Br - < Ca-Al < Ca-Al-Cl - < Ca-Al-F - , which was consistent with the strong basicity of these materials. The recyclability test results showed that the addition of Al and halogens (F - , Cl - and Br - ) not only stabilized the CaO but also improved the recyclability of the catalysts. Particularly, the Ca-Al-F - catalyst exerted the highest stability after 10 recycles. These catalysts have an important value for the exploitation of DMC synthesis by transesterification of PC with methanol., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) has attracted considerable attention as a drug carrier. However, because of its poor in vivo behavior, polyethylene glycolylated (PEGylated) phospholipid must be used as a coformer to produce self-assembled core-shell nanoparticles. In the present study, we prepared a PEGylated phospholipid-coated LDH (PLDH) (PEG-PLDH) delivery system. The PEG-PLDH nanoparticles had an average size of 133.2 nm. Their core-shell structure was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In vitro liposome-cell-association and cytotoxicity experiments demonstrated its ability to be internalized by cells. In vivo studies showed that PEGylated phospholipid membranes greatly reduced the blood clearance rate of LDH nanoparticles. PEG-PLDH nanoparticles demonstrated a good control of tumor growth and increased the survival rate of mice. These results suggest that PEG-PLDH nanoparticles can be a useful drug delivery system for cancer therapy.