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Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is currently the fifth most lethal malignancy affecting women health owing to the lack of early diagnosis and treatment choices available before the disease has progressed to a later stage. Paclitaxel (PTX) has shown substantial antineoplastic action against a variety of human cancers, including OvCa, for multiple decades. Despite this, the therapeutic use of this drug is not yet adequate owing to surfactant-related toxicities and off-target effects. In response to these constraints, nanoparticle carriers have evolved as delivery tools for the biocompatible and target delivery of PTX. In this work, a novel polymeric PTX formulation was developed for targeted therapy of OvCa cells, which was achieved by prodrug engineering and HA decoration strategies. Further studies indicated that HA-coated nanodrugs (HA-PLA-PTX NPs) could preferentially accumulate in the CD44-expressing SKOV3 cells, which induced elevated cytotoxicity, reduced cell proliferation, and increased cell apoptosis. In vivo study also demonstrated that equivalent doses of HA-PLA-PTX NPs surpassed the clinical PTX formulation Taxol in a SKOV3 xenograft tumor model. In conclusion, HA-PLA-PTX NPs might be a potentially feasible delivery system for effective OvCa treatment. [Display omitted] • The paclitaxel prodrug in a polymeric nanoformulation shares an improved release. • HA-coated polymeric nanoparticles specifically target CD44-positive ovarian cancer. • The targeted nanoparticles show boosted therapeutic efficacy in a xenograft model. • CD44 targeting polymeric nanodrugs are promising therapeutics for ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel silicone-acrylate copolymer is prepared by bulk polymerization. • A cross-linked anti-fouling SAP/HDPE/SiO 2 composite is fabricated. • The composite has good thermal stability and anti-fouling properties. To mitigate clogging during industrial wastewater piping, a low surface energy composite was prepared by incorporating Silicon-containing acrylate polymer (SAP) and hydrophobically modified SiO 2 nanoparticles into High-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix. The morphological structure, thermal behavior, and anti-fouling performance of the composite were studied. The results showed that the prepared composite has both good thermal stability and compatibility. The acrylate polymer and nanoparticles in the composite not only enhance its hydrophobicity but also decrease the associated surface energy, which may reduce pipe clogging potentials. Besides, the anti-fouling performance of the prepared composite is superior to that of the typical commercial pipe materials, e.g., Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polypropylene random (PPR), and Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), indicated by a dispensing industrial wastewater immersion experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the influence of TiB 2 nanoparticles on microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological properties in the as-cast Mg 96 Zn 2 Y 2 matrix composites containing 18R-LPSO (long-periodic stacking ordered) structure was investigated. Nano-TiB 2 /Mg 96 Zn 2 Y 2 composites were fabricated by the combined process of powder mixtures compact extrusion and semi-solid stir casting. The results show that the appropriate TiB 2 nanoparticles can significantly refine the microstructure, facilitate the precipitation of 18R-LPSO phase and optimize the growth pattern of 18R-LPSO and W phase. Meanwhile, the as-cast 1.5 wt%TiB 2 /Mg 96 Zn 2 Y 2 composite with ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elongation of 309 MPa and 16.2% exhibited better mechanical properties than that of matrix alloy with UTS and elongation of 175 MPa and 4.9%. In addition to traditional composites strengthening mechanisms, the synergistic strengthening effect (between TiB 2 nanoparticles and 18R-LPSO phase) and the optimized growth pattern were also responsible for the excellent mechanical properties. Besides, the wear resistance of as-cast TiB 2 /Mg 96 Zn 2 Y 2 composite is significantly improved under 5 N loading for 30 min, which was related to the enhanced hardness, work hardening ability and strength. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract SnS-based materials show great potential as high-capacity anode candidates of Li-ion batteries owing to their dual-mechanisms of conversion and alloying reactions. However, the practical application is substantially hampered by its poor electrochemical utilization and stability. Herein, we demonstrate three-dimensional SnS/C microflowers prepared by a controllable self-polymerization and carbonization of polydopamine-coated SnS 2 precursors. The building nanosheet consists of uniform encapsulation of ultrafine SnS nanoparticles into the conductive carbon framework. Benefiting from the nanoscaled building blocks and the porous three-dimensional architecture, the carbon-encapsulated nano-SnS microflowers show a significant enhancement in the electrochemical reaction kinetics and durability. As a result, the hybrid exhibits a high specific capacity of ∼1000 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.2%, good rate capability, and stable cyclability. The present work provides a reliable strategy for the rational fabrication of carbon-encapsulated SnS composites for high-performance Li-ion batteries. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Three-dimensional microflowers assembled by SnS/C nanosheets are prepared. • SnS nanoparticles are uniformly encapsulated by carbon framework. • The SnS/S hybrid delivers a high specific capacity of ∼1000 mAh g−1. • The SnS/S hybrid exhibits excellent rate/cycling performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional water-based PV/T systems have low heat storage density, high PV backsheet temperatures, and low energy utilization in practical applications. In this work, nanoparticles were applied to improve thermal conductivity and simultaneously emulsions were added to enhance energy storage density of the conventional heat transfer media. Furthermore, the synergistic effect of nanocomposite Phase Change Material Emulsions (PCME) as the heat transfer medium on the thermoelectric efficiency of PV/T was studied in a real system. Specifically, the water-based 30 % paraffin emulsions with graphene oxide (GO) concentration of 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 wt% were prepared by ultrasonic stirring and their thermophysical properties were characterized. The results show that the 30 wt% paraffin emulsion with addition of 0.02 wt% GO has the phase change temperature of 35 °C, latent heat of 42.93 J/g, thermal conductivity of 0.505 W/(m·K) and viscosity coefficient of 0.91. It shows the thermal efficiency of the paraffin/GO emulsion increased by 92.28 %, the electrical efficiency increased by 8.87 %, the comprehensive efficiency increased by 45.75 %, and 15.8 % increase in heat collection for the heat exchange tank in comparison with the water. It is concluded application of PCME would improves the thermoelectric performance of the system than traditional water-based PV/T systems. • Applying paraffin emulsions with GO nanoparticles to a practical PV/T system. • Optimal nanocomposite paraffin emulsion is selected by performance testing. • Comparing the performance and pumping consumption with water-based PV/T systems. • Greater improvement in thermoelectric efficiency of PV/T systems compared to water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a nickel nitrate-assisted polymer (gelatin), in situ substrate-free chemical blowing pyrolysis and subsequent low-temperature phosphorization method are used to prepare nickel phosphide nanoparticle self-inlaid carbon nanosheet frameworks (Ni 2 P-CNFs). The presence of CNFs in the Ni 2 P-CNFs structure can not only provide fast electrically conductive channels but also prevents the aggregation of the Ni 2 P nanoparticles, which results in maximum utilization of the reactive sites. Therefore, the as-fabricated Ni 2 P-CNFs used as a positive electrode for the supercapacitor shows a high specific capacity of 145 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, an excellent rate capability with 70% capacity retention as the current density increases in 20 times. To highlight, a novel aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor based on a positive Ni 2 P-CNFs electrode and a negative CNFs electrode is assembled, achieving a large operating voltage of 1.65 V, high energy density of 42 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 413 W kg−1, and outstanding cycling stability with 88% capacity retention after 6000 cycles. This study provides a top-down strategy for designing integrated and robust metallic self-decorated porous carbon nanomaterials, which may inspire further development for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications. Image 1 • Asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled based on novel Ni 2 P-CNFs and CNFs electrodes. • Ni 2 P nanoparticles uniformly and tightly inlaid on carbon nanosheet frameworks. • Ni 2 P-CNFs//CNFs with an extended operating voltage of 1.65 V in aqueous electrolyte. • The ASC device exhibits a high energy density, high rate ability and excellent cycle stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superparamagnetic core-shell molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (MIPs) were prepared via surface initiated reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (si-RAFT) polymerization for the selective recognition of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in real samples. The construction of uniform core-shell structure with a 50 nm MIP layer was successfully accomplished, which favored mass transfer and resulted in fast recognition kinetics. The static equilibrium experiments revealed the satisfied adsorption capacity and imprinting efficiency of Fe 3 O 4 @MIP. Moreover, the Fe 3 O 4 @MIP exhibited high selectivity and affinity towards 2,4-D over structural analogues. The prepared Fe 3 O 4 @MIP nanoparticles were used for the selective enrichment of 2,4-D in tap water and Chinese cabbage samples. Combined with RP-HPLC, the recoveries of 2,4-D were calculated from 93.1% to 103.3% with RSD of 1.7–5.4% (n = 3) in Chinese cabbage samples. This work provides a versatile approach for fabricating well-constructed core-shell MIP nanoparticles for rapid enrichment and highly selective separation of target molecules in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensor based on carboxyl-functionalized core-shell structure of Ag@SiO 2 nanoparticles (NPs) active substrate. For selective molecular capturing, the active substrate was functionalized by carboxyl terminal groups to form a negatively charged surface. Experimental results indicate that the SERS sensitivity of the NPs was improved significantly for detecting the positively charged substances. The experimental results provide a potential method for preparing highly sensitive biochemical sensors, especially in the application of recognizing specific molecules accurately. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • One-step regulation of CNTs growth structure and B atoms doping. • B, N co-doping leads the structure defects and increases the dielectric loss. • Ni NPs encapsulated in CNTs effectively avoid the oxidation and corrosion. • The R L, min of 3D Ni@BNCNTs composite reached −63.7 dB. • EBA 10 achieved 4.56 GHz with d of 1.5 mm. Three-dimensional boron, nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulated with nickel nanoparticles (3D Ni@BNCNTs) composite have been prepared by a simple pyrolysis process using flower-like Ni 2 B alloy nanosheets (Ni 2 B NS) as catalyst. This technique enables one-step regulation of the growth diameter and structure of CNTs as well as in situ doping of B atoms. The doping of B and N atoms generates dipolar polarization and increases the dielectric loss. The prepared 3D Ni@BNCNTs samples exhibit excellent electromagnetic wave absorption capacity due to the abundant interface polarization, rich defective polarization, good conduction loss and good magnetic loss synergistically. 3D Ni@BNCNTs has a minimum reflection loss of −63.7 dB with a matching thickness of 1.7 mm and a broad effective absorption bandwidth which can reach 4.56 GHz at 1.5 mm with the merely filler loading ratio of 20 wt%. Therefore, this work developed a promising electromagnetic wave absorber for ultra-lightweight, ultra-thin and high-efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The SERS nanosubstrate of β -CD/AuNPs/ γ -Al 2 O 3 was used to detect nitrofurazone. • The enhancement mechanism was discussed in detail. • The SERS method for detecting nitrofurazone has superior performance. • The SERS methods can realize real-time and on-site detection for veterinary drugs. A novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method for the determination of nitrofurazone was developed using AuNPs/ γ -Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles protected by β -cyclodextrin (β -CD) as substrate prepared in our lab. The optimum experimental conditions were obtained from single factor procedure and response surface modeling. A linear relationship (I SERS = 508.96 c + 31987.87, c : nmol L−1, R 2 = 0.996) between SERS intensity and the concentration of nitrofurazone in the range of 3.3 – 667.0 nmol L−1 was established, the limit of detection (LOD) was found at nmol L−1 level (0.37 nmol L−1 by 3 S 0 / S). The selectivity for the method was studied by the influences of foreign substances on the determination. The recoveries and RSD (n = 5) for the six meat samples were 95.1 % – 104.5% and 2.4 % – 4.8% respectively, which suggesting that the new SERS method was successfully to detecting nitrofurazone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a kind of artificial recognition material, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) offer a promising perspective to be developed as synthetic chemical binders capable of selectively recognize biomacromolecules. However, owing to the large size and conformational flexibility of proteins and peptides, imprinting of these biomacromolecules remains a challenge. Novel imprinting strategies still need exploration for the improvement of recognition performance of MIPs. Herein, we developed a hydrazone bond-oriented surface imprinting strategy for an endogenous peptide hormone, human atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). Surface-oriented imprinting of peptide via reversible covalent bond anchoring approach increased the orientation homogeneity of imprinted cavities as well as the utility of templates. The prepared nanoparticles exhibited high selectivity and fast recognition kinetics for ANP epitope. The dissociation constant between ANP epitope and MIP was measured as 5.3 μM. The applicability of the material in real samples was verified by the selective magnetic extraction of ANP from human plasma samples. This hydrazone bond-oriented surface imprinting strategy provides an alternative approach for the separation of peptides or proteins in complex bio-samples. [Display omitted] • A hydrazone bond-oriented surface imprinting strategy was developed. • The orientation homogeneity of imprinted sites and utility of templates was increased. • Selective recognition of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in human plasma was realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the invention of optical tweezers, optical manipulation has advanced significantly in many applications, including atomic physics, biochemistry and soft matter physics. Here, we propose a method to trap metallic particles with adjustable trapping range in the transverse plane with the help of customized field. By tailoring the polarization state of the incident field, the focal field with elongation in the direction perpendicular to optical axis can be turned in the 4 π focusing system. As a result, optical trapping with tunable trapping range is possible when the metallic particle is interacted with such customized field. • We propose a strategy for formation of a stable 3D optical trap for a resonant metallic nanoparticle using the 4 π high numerical aperture (NA) focusing system by elongating a tightly focused field in the transverse direction. • Unlike cylindrically symmetrical optical traps, we have demonstrated that 50-nm-diameter gold nanoparticles are trapped in a linear potential well when illuminated using shaped optical fields at a wavelength of 532 nm. • We analyzed the trapping range and the trapping force of this linear trap along with the dependence of these effects on the incident light polarization. • In addition, the trapping range can be adjusted easily by varying one of the parameters as desired. • This technology provides a whole new optical tweezers configuration that will help to open up new avenues for optical trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]