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AbstractMicrobes are critical contributors in main areas of biotechnology, including green, red, and white biotechnology. This is why the importance of the preservation of microbial resources cannot be emphasized enough. Culture collections are repositories not only for the preservation and maintenance of a large variety of microbial resources and the associated data but also for their distribution in a quality-controlled manner. The mission of culture collections facilitates and supports utilization of microbial resources for research, education, and industrial purposes. Led by the World Federation for Culture Collections, an international organization committed to fostering the activities of culture collections of microorganisms and cell lines, more than 850 culture collections from 80 countries and regions work together to ensure the perpetuation of microbial resources. In addition, domestic networks, such as Japan Society for Culture Collections and United States Culture Collection Network along with regional networks for Europe, Latin America, and Asia thrive to ensure the long-term viability of microbial resources. The Republic of Korea recently took the first step in networking through the coordination of six ministries which house nine national microbial culture collections. With an explosion in microbiome research and a dramatic increase in the number of microbiome samples, the considerable challenge of culture collections will therefore be implementing the biobanking infrastructure of microbiome samples. Creating a domestic network of national culture collections is a key factor in efficiently and comprehensively managing nation-led microbiome research projects, particularly resulting microbiome samples. In this context, this review aims to provide an overview of microbial culture collection network and their future role to address the challenge in the microbiome era.

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for more effective and targeted therapies. In this study, we report the development of glutathione (GSH)-responsive, cysteamine-modified, nisin-functionalized gold nanoparticles (nisin-cyst-PE-GNPs) designed to enhance the cytotoxicity in lung cancer cells. Initially, PE-GNPs were synthesized using an extract from Penicillium melanoconidium(PE). These nanoparticles were subsequently functionalized with cysteamine-modified nisin (nisin-cyst) to target GSH-mediated anticancer activity. The resulting nisin-cyst-PE-GNPs were polydisperse, with an average particle size of 34.5 ± 3.32 nm. Characterization by XRD and FTIR confirmed the successful functionalization of nisin-cyst on the PE-GNPs. The nisin-cyst-PE-GNPs demonstrated both hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility at concentration below 10 μg/mL. The inhibitory concentration (IC50) values were 0.88 μg/mL for nisin-cyst-PE-GNPs, compared to 62.5 μg/mL for nisin and 75.01 μg/mL for PE-GNPs against the human lung cancer cell line (A549). AO/EB and DCFH-DA assays indicated that nisin-cyst-PE-GNPs significantly induced cell death in A549 cells. These findings suggest that nisin-cyst-PE-GNPs offer a promising nanotherapeutic approach for targeted lung cancer treatment.

Objective The rich botanical biodiversity resulting from diverse climates and geographical distinctiveness offers a plethora of biological resources that can be pivotal in developing innovative biomaterials. This investigation sought to evaluate the functional properties of indigenous Korean plant species.Methods Forty-six indigenous plants during a year-long expedition across inhabited and uninhabited Korean islands were collected. The plant specimens were divided into 5 parts (flower, fruit, stem, leaf, and whole body) and subjected to extraction using water, 30% ethanol, and 70% ethanol, followed by characterizations of anti-inflammatory, immune response, and anti-bacterial activity.Results Thirty-eight percent of the extracts (59 extracts from 31 species) exhibited statistically significant anti-inflammatory effects. Concurrently, 22% of the extracts (35 extracts from 24 species) demonstrated notable immune boosting effects. Additionally, 17 extracts exhibited significant inhibitory effects against the growth of pathogenic bacteria.Conclusion This study highlights the potential utility of extracts of plants from Korean islands as natural agents for next-generation pharmaceutical and medical applications by emphasizing their effectiveness in combating inflammation, enhancing immune responses, and conferring anti-bacterial benefits.

Mammalian cells are promising agents for cell therapy, diagnostics, and drug delivery. For full utilization of the cells, development of an exoskeleton may be beneficial to protecting the cells against the environmental stresses and cytotoxins to which they are susceptible. We report here a rapid single-step method for growing metal–organic framework (MOF) exoskeletons on a mammalian cell surface under cytocompatible conditions. The MOF exoskeleton coating on the mammalian cells was developed via a one-pot biomimetic mineralization process. With the exoskeleton on, the individual cells were successfully protected against cell protease (i.e., Proteinase K), whereas smaller-sized nutrient transport across the exoskeleton was maintained. Moreover, vital cellular activities mediated by transmembrane GLUT transporter proteins were also unaffected by the MOF exoskeleton formation on the cell surfaces. Altogether, this ability to control the access of specific molecules to a single cell through the porous exoskeleton, along with the cytoprotection provided, should be valuable for biomedical applications of mammalian cells.

Adsorptive separation using narrow-micropore adsorbents has demonstrated the potential to separate hydrogen isotopes. In this work, we employed an isotope-responsive separation using cobalt formate. A D2-responsive third sorption step was revealed, and consequently, a noticeable difference was observed in the uptakes of D2and H2. This may have resulted from the additional space created for D2due to its dense packing, as DFT calculations revealed that cobalt formate possesses 2.26 kJ/mol higher binding strength for D2than for H2. The exploitation of this D2-responsive third sorption step renders a promising separation performance, with a D2/H2selectivity of up to 44 at 25 K/1 bar. Lastly, cobalt formate was synthesized on a gram scale here, which makes it a prospect for commercialization.

Two major issues in cell-mediated drug delivery systems (c-DDS) are the availability of free cell surfaces for the binding of the cells to the target or to their microenvironment and internalization of the cytotoxic drug. In this study, the Janus structure, MOF nanoparticles, and tannic acid (TA) are utilized to address these issues. Janus carrier cells coated with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are produced by asymmetrically immobilizing the nanoparticles of a MOF based on zinc with cytotoxic enzymes that are internally encapsulated on the surface of carrier cells. By maintaining the biological and structural features of regular living cells, the MOF-coated Janus cells developed in the present study preserve the intrinsic binding capacity of the cells to their microenvironment. Interconnected MOFs loaded onto the other face of the Janus cells cannot penetrate the cell. Therefore, the carrier cells are protected from the cytotoxic drug contained in MOFs. These MOF-Janus carrier cells are demonstrated to successfully eliminate three-dimensional (3D) tumor spheroids when a chemotherapeutic protein of proteinase K is released from the MOF nanoparticles in an acid environment. The ease with which the MOF-Janus carrier cells are prepared (in 15 min), and the ability to carry a variety of enzymes and even multiple ones should make the developed system attractive as a general platform for drug delivery in various applications, including combination therapy.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have introduced heterogeneity in their homogeneous matrix to create new functions that cannot be realized by each MOF individually. In this study, we chemically combined two different MOFs (UiO‐66 and HKUST‐1) in granola‐type granules (termed as HKUST‐1∧UiO‐66) to create a heterojunction of pores in nanocrystalline particles. The structure, morphology, elemental composition, and pore environment were characterized to confirm that two types of pores are in conjunction all over the HKUST‐1∧UiO‐66 granules. We found that the HKUST‐1∧UiO‐66 granules showed an enhanced CO2sorption capacity than its constituents due to the complexity and the heterojunction of pores inside. Moreover, the HKUST‐1∧UiO‐66 granules present four and two times higher formaldehyde removal capacity than those of the HKUST‐1 and UiO‐66 samples, respectively. The nanocrystalline HKUST‐1 was granulized with UiO‐66 to obtain a heterojunction of pores in granola‐type granules, which enhances capacities for carbon dioxide uptake at low temperature and formaldehyde removal in ambient temperature and pressure.

Microwave is thought of as a useful electromagnetic radiation tool because it is often used in real life as well as in a variety of chemical processes. Meanwhile, activation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which must be essentially done to remove coordinating and pore-filling solvents before the use of MOFs for various applications, has been performed commonly with the methods of heat supply or solvent exchange. Here, we show a new methodological microwave activation (MA), realizing it with various MOFs such as HKUST-1, UiO-66, and MOF-74s. For instance, microwave irradiation to the MOF samples for 4–35 min leads to the complete activation of the MOFs without structural damage. As described below, we further demonstrate that the solvent-assisted MA, which is the MA process performed after the solvent exchange, can substantially reduce the time for the activation by 4 min.

A new fluorescent probe Lfusing the rhodamine B scaffold with 2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐3(4H)‐one moiety has been developed and applied as an acidic pH sensor. The ultraviolet (UV) and fluorescence spectra of the probe at different pH values were investigated in B–R buffer/MeOH (v: v = 3: 7). This probe showed increase of both the UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence emission from alkaline/neutral to acidic condition, reaching a strongest intensity at pH 2.13, but the intensities decreased when the pH decreased to 1.83. The color variation along the pH changes proved that the probe Lcan be used as a low‐cost optical sensor for the naked eye detection of proton in the present buffer. A new pH sensor containing rhodamine Bscaffold and 2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐3(4H)‐one moiety provides an efficient and sensitive method for low pH value detection.

Wound Healing The article 2301679by Sun‐Young Nam, Chan Yeong Heo, Kyung Min Choi, and co‐workers is the first case to change the way of wound healing process from the direct engagement of bioactive compounds to the specific adsorption mechanism using intrinsic properties of porous metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs). Moreover, these findings can be applied as a drug‐free solution for extended skin problems, such as allergy, psoriasis, erythema, and eczema, related to proinflammatory mediators.

The regulation of proinflammatory mediators has been explored to promote natural healing without abnormal inflammation or autoimmune response induced by their overproduction. However, most efforts to control these mediators have relied on pharmacological substances that are directly engaged in biological cycles. It is believed that functional porous materials removing target mediators provide a new way to promote the healing process using their adsorption mechanisms. In this study, the Zr‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOF)‐808 (Zr6O4(OH)4(BTC)2(HCOO)6) crystals are found to be effective at removing proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vitro and in vivo, because of their porous structure and surface affinity. The MOF‐808 crystals are applied to an in vivo skin wound model as a hydrogel dispersion. Hydrogel containing 0.2 wt% MOF‐808 crystals shows significant improvement in terms of wound healing efficacy and quality over the corresponding control. It is also proven that the mode of action is to remove the proinflammatory mediators in vivo. Moreover, the application of MOF‐808‐containing hydrogels promotes cell activation, proliferation and inhibits chronic inflammation, leading to increased wound healing quality. These findings suggest that Zr‐based MOFs may be a promising drug‐free solution for skin problems related to proinflammatory mediators. Zr‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOF)‐808 promote wound healing by removing proinflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), using their porous structure and surface affinity. Application of the MOF‐808‐containing hydrogel improves the wound healing efficacy and quality, as proven in vivo. It is also shown that MOF‐808 promote cell activation and proliferation while inhibiting chronic inflammation.

Challenges exist in taking advantage of dye molecules for reliable and reproducible molecular probes in biomedical applications. In this study, we show how to utilize the dye molecules for bioimaging within protective carriers of nanocrystalline metal–organic frameworks (nMOFs) particles. Specifically, Resorufin and Rhodamine-6G having different molecular sizes were encapsulated within close-fitting pores of nMOF-801 and nUiO-67 particles, respectively. The resulting nanocrystalline particles have high crystallinity, uniform size, and morphology and preserve enhanced photoluminescence properties with exceptional stabilities in biomedical environment. The samples are further functionalized with a targeting agent and successfully work for fluorescence imaging of FL83B (human hepatocyte cell) and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) without cytotoxicity.

Synthesis of a variety of novel Z/E N‐(1‐chlorovinyl)formamides through Vilsmeier–Haack reaction starting from 2‐phenoxyethanamides with POCl3/DMF has been accomplished. The reactions introduced chlorine atom to the Cα‐position and phenoxy substitutions to the Cβ‐position of N‐vinylformamides, and the Z/Eisomers of N‐(1‐chlorovinyl)formamide were isolated and characterized. In most cases, Z/E N‐(1‐chlorovinyl)formamides were both obtained; however, for the steric hindrance reason, the reaction starting from cyclohexylamine afforded sole Z isomer of N‐(1‐chloro‐2‐(2,4‐dichlorophenoxy)vinyl)‐N‐cyclohexylformamide as the highly regioselective product.

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted considerable attention due to their excellent performance, low-cost, and great potential as an energy supplier for soft electronic devices. In particular, the design of charge transporting layers (CTLs) is crucial to the development of highly efficient and flexible PSCs. Herein, nanocrystalline Ti-based metal–organic framework (nTi-MOF) particles are synthesized to have ca. 6 nm in diameter. These are then well-dispersed in alcohol solvents in order to generate electron transporting layers (ETLs) in PSCs under ambient temperatures using a spin-coating process. The electronic structure of nTi-MOF ETL is found to be suitable for charge injection and transfer from the perovskite to the electrodes. The combination of a [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid (PCBM) into the nTi-MOF ETL provides for efficient electron transfer and also suppresses direct contact between the perovskite and the electrode. This results in impressive power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 18.94% and 17.43% for rigid and flexible devices, respectively. Moreover, outstanding mechanical stability is retained after 700 bending cycles at a bending radius (r) of 10 mm.

Mouse is a commonly used animal in life science studies and is classified as outbred if genetically diverse and inbred if genetically homogeneous. Outbred mouse stocks, are used in toxicology, oncology, infection and pharmacology research. The National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS; former the Korea National Institute of Health) have bred ICR mice for more than 50 years. We investigated to provide users with information and promote accountability to the Korl:ICR. To secure the indigenous data, biological characteristics of Korl:ICR were identified by comparing with other ICR stocks. This domestic ICR stock was denominated as ‘Korl:ICR’. Phylogenetic analysis using SNPs indicated that the population stratification of the Korl:ICR was allocated different area with other ICR. In addition, we measured litter size, body weight, body length, various organ weight, hematology and clinical blood chemistry of the Korl:ICR compared to other ICR. Otherwise, there are no significant differences among the biological phenotypes of Korl:ICR and other ICR. These results suggest that as a genetically indigenous source colony, the Korl:ICR is seperated (or independent) stock with other ICR. Also, we confirmed that there is no difference among the Korl:ICR and other ICR on biological phenotypes. Therefore, the Korl:ICR source colony might be a new stock in distinction from other ICR, it is a good milestone in securing ownership of the national laboratory animal resource. The NIFDS expects that the Korl:ICR mice will be useful animal resource for our domestic researchers.

The uniqueness of multivariate metal–organic frameworks (MTV-MOFs) has been widely explored to discover their unknown opportunities. While mesoscopic apportionments have been studied, macroscopic heterogeneity and its spatial effects remain unexplored in MTV-MOFs. In this study, we investigated the effect of macroscopic heterogeneity on MTV-MOFs on their uptake behaviors by comparing three types of MTV-MOFs having the functional groups in inner, outer, or entire parts of crystals. Their adsorption behavior for carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) brought out that functional groups located in the outer part of the crystals dominantly influence the sorption behavior of MTV-MOFs. These results are also visualized by observing iodine adsorption in the three types of MTV-MOFs using scanning transmission electron microscopy–electron energy loss spectroscopy. We believe that this finding provides new ways to decipher and design MTV-MOFs for their unusual properties.

Animal models for gastric ulcers produced by physical, pharmacological and surgical methods have been widely employed to evaluate therapeutic drugs and investigate the mechanism of action of this disease. ICR mice were selected to produce this model, even though several mice and rats have been widely used in studies of gastric ulcers. To compare the responses of ICR mice obtained from three different sources to gastric ulcer inducers, alterations in gastric injury, histopathological structure, and inflammation were measured in Korl:ICR (Korea NIFDS source), A:ICR (USA source) and B:ICR (Japan source) treated with three concentrations of ethanol (EtOH) (50, 70, and 90%) in 150 mM hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Firstly, the stomach lesion index gradually increased as the EtOH concentration increased in three ICR groups. Moreover, a significant increase in the level of mucosal injury, edema and the number of inflammatory cells was similarly detected in the EtOH/HCl treated group compared with the vehicle treated group in three ICR groups. Furthermore, the number of infiltrated mast cells and IL-1β expression were very similar in the ICR group derived from three different sources, although some differences in IL- 1β expression were detected. Especially, the level of IL-1β mRNA in 50 and 90EtOH/HCl treated group was higher in Korl:ICR and A:ICR than B:ICR. Overall, the results of this study suggest that Korl:ICR, A:ICR and B:ICR derived from different sources have an overall similar response to gastric ulcer induced by EtOH/HCl administration, although there were some differences in the magnitude of their responses.

The high porosity of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been used to achieve exceptional gas adsorptive properties but as yet remains largely unexplored for electrochemical energy storage devices. This study shows that MOFs made as nanocrystals (nMOFs) can be doped with graphene and successfully incorporated into devices to function as supercapacitors. A series of 23 different nMOFs with multiple organic functionalities and metal ions, differing pore sizes and shapes, discrete and infinite metal oxide backbones, large and small nanocrystals, and a variety of structure types have been prepared and examined. Several members of this series give high capacitance; in particular, a zirconium MOF exhibits exceptionally high capacitance. It has the stack and areal capacitance of 0.64 and 5.09 mF cm–2, about 6 times that of the supercapacitors made from the benchmark commercial activated carbon materials and a performance that is preserved over at least 10000 charge/discharge cycles.

Herein, we report a facile method for synthesizing graphitic carbon domains of thin island shapes on the surfaces of titania nanotubes, which were prepared by using hydrothermal and pyrolytic treatments with glucose. The faster decay time of the solar-driven electrons and the lower charge transport resistance on carbon domains as compared to those in the case of bare titania nanotubes serve to increase the solar-to-hydrogen conversion rate.

Abstract: To support and enhance thein vitro growth and activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the cell culture medium may be supplemented with various proteins and factors to mimic the physiological environment in which the cells optimally proliferate and differentiate. In this study, the effects of mechanical factors on cellular metabolic responses were investigated experimentally using a bioreactor. The effects of various chemical factors, such as growth factors, cytokines, and hormones, were also investigated. Based on previous reports demonstrating the important roles of mechanical factors in the growth and activity of MSCs, we sought to evaluate the effects of mechanical stimuli on the proliferation of bone marrow-derived MSCs using a cell training bioreactor that imposed cyclic mechanical stretch, with parameters of 240 min/day, 0.03 Hz, and 5–15% strain. The application of cyclic stretch (5–15% strain) to the MSCs enhanced their proliferation during the early stage (3 days), but not the late stage (14 days), of batch culture. Mechanical stretch did not increase the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from the MSCs during culture. Appropriate levels of mechanical stretch (5–10% strain) increased collagen synthesis, but did not alter MSC surface antigen expression. It is thought that the appropriate level of mechanical stretch was able to serve as a potent positive modulator of MSC proliferation during the initial stages of culture.

Due to the tunable magnetic exchange interactions between nearest neighbor moment carriers by exchange linker length or metal ions, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) in general, and MOF‐74 in particular, have promising magnetic properties for novel industrial applications such as magnetic switchers, sensors, and multifunction devices in molecular spintronics. Hence, MOF‐74‐M [M2(C8H2O6)] (M = Fe, Co, Ni) possessing a 1D channel is prepared and experimentally examined to describe its diverse magnetic properties, depending on the metal cluster used. By exchanging the metal ion (Fe, Co, and Ni) in the metal cluster, the magnetic state of MOF‐74 is changed from ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic to superparamagnetic. This phenomenon can be also confirmed by alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility and field‐dependent magnetization. Therefore, the intrinsic magnetic properties of MOF‐74‐M such as blocking temperature, Néel temperature, and interaction energy between metals in magnetic susceptibility tests can be elucidated. Moreover, the superparamagnetic behavior in this system is also observed in M–Hcurves and magnetic dynamics as single‐chain magnets. It is believed that MOF‐74‐M can be utilized for applications in which superconducting materials are required (e.g., memory‐storage devices). The magnetic properties of selected metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are assessed using alternating current (AC)/direct current (DC) magnetic susceptibility and field‐dependent magnetization. The magnetic state of the MOF‐74‐M (M = Fe, Co, Ni) studied can be changed from ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic to superparamagnetic. These materials can be used for novel industrial applications in the field of molecular spintronics.